Our every other week check-in meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response to our most vulnerable neighbors. Meetings are held online every other Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.
Want to learn more about we do on our calls? Watch this short video clip!
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording:
OPENING REFLECTION
The late global health giant Paul Farmer once said: “With rare exceptions, all of your most important achievements on this planet will come from working with others—or, in a word, partnership.” (Thanks to Joe Hamby for this quote)
1. MeckMIN Updates
A NOTE ABOUT THESE MEETINGS
These meetings are open to anyone or any group interested in promoting the common good in our shared Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations.
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT WE DO
NEW NEWSLETTER
In May, we’ll be debuting a new “Thursday meeting” newsletter, and we will be eager for your feedback!
2024 COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS BREAKFAST
Awards Breakfast coming up: Nominations are IN, time to SPONSOR!!
May 2nd from 7:30 – 9 AM at Friendship Missionary Baptist
Presenting sponsor: $5000
Bridge Builder award sponsor: $3000
Community Leader Award sponsor: $3000
Beth Wells Interfaith Service Award sponsor: $3000
Sustaining Sponsorship: $1200
Table Sponsor: $600
Half Table Sponsor: $300
2024 Youth Events
INTERFAITH YOUTH PANEL THIS SUNDAY!!
-Our 3rd year doing it
-High schoolers from a variety of faiths sharing everything from their favorite faith holiday to where they regularly experience discrimination
-Great event – wonderful opportunity to get youth started on thinking about religious diversity
Let us know who your youth leader is so we can loop them in and include your youth in these events. Ledayne@meckmin.org
MeckMIN + JustServe SERVICE PROJECT Latin American Coalition/La Coalition Newcomers Resource Fair | April 13
All the volunteer slots are full (THANK YOU) -- donations of clothes or backpacks are welcome – please drop donations off at LAC during business hours.
NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION TRAINING
Sunday April 14 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Baha'í Center of Charlotte
Anyone interested in better communication, especially in the midst of disagreement and conflict, is invited to join us for this two-hour training. Save the date and watch for registration details soon.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a form of compassionate communication that can help de-escalate and transform interpersonal, inter-group, workplace, and organizational conflicts. It is used worldwide by individuals, activists, educators, conflict specialists, diplomats, social workers, managers and others. Practicing NVC can enable us to understand ourselves, our feelings, and our needs more deeply—and open our hearts to better connect and collaborate with others. It creates a path for healing and reconciliation in many settings, including but not limited to intimate relationships, work settings, and academic settings. Participants explore empathy as a tool for transforming conflicts.
Register HERE
Sal Corbin will lead the workshop. He has worked for 15 years in academia as a Psychology Professor before transitioning to nonprofit work. He has done workforce development training and program management and is now a Training Coordinator for the Maryland Harm Reduction Institute with the Behavioral Health System of Baltimore, and Board Chair for the DC Peace Team. His vision is to help others build and maintain healthy relationships with conflict transformation as the primary focus. His extensive background in leadership facilitation supports his efforts to keep showing up and sharing. He holds degrees in Clinical (M.S.) and Educational (PhD) Psychology.
NEXT MECKMIN FAITH LEADER NETWORKING LUNCH
APRIL 18 | 11:30 AM | Union Presbyterian Seminary
REGISTER NOW for the next event which will be Thursday, April 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Union Seminary (5141 Sharon Rd Charlotte, NC 28210). We have a GREAT SPEAKER lined up who will be a perfect follow-up to Dr. Thumma's presentation. We all enjoyed SO MUCH the opportunity to come together - so this will be another great opportunity to gather together and to learn. More details soon -- we hope you'll put this on your calendar now.
MOVING MOUNTAINS IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
Lesson in Demolition and Construction for Faith Leaders
In this season of change and uncertainty, communities of faith are facing unprecedented challenges. The call to question, reimagine and shift things long-believed to be foundational can be difficult. Bishop Rawls' work over the past 25 years has centered culture shifts in communities of faith and the broader community. She will be sharing some case studies and tools that can be considered when taking your work to the next level.
MECKMIN TRAINING
MeckMIN offers a number of training programs on topics that are especially relevant in our society today. Training programs include skills and mindsets for effective conversations when we disagree, trauma awareness and resilience, racism, movement for social change, activism, and conflict transformation. We also offer interfaith panels for workplaces and schools. Prices and further information are available HERE
NEWSLETTER
If you are not yet receiving our regular email newsletter be sure and sign up here: https://www.meckmin.org/contact-us
THURSDAY MEETING MINUTES
If you are not getting the link to meeting minutes and want to sign up, just email meckmin@meckmin.org.
COMMUNITY HEALTH UPDATES
HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATE
David Sweat | David.Sweat@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Covid-19 Response Unit Director
David Sweat of the County Health Department reported that things are looking better – still encourage people to keep up to date with their vaccinations. People 65 and older who have not had a vaccination within six months are eligible for a new one.
KEEP REMINDING PEOPLE:
-If somebody is sick – stay home
-If someone isn’t vaccinated – do so now
2. Non-Profit Updates
The views and opinions expressed below are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations.
SPECIAL REQUEST FROM A PARTNER ORGANIZATION
A formerly unhoused man employed has found an apartment and needs assistance with furnishing his home. Please see the list of items: kitchen utensils, pots pans dishes, a bed, sheets, and a living room set. If there is an organization that will assist him, please let me know (ledayne@meckmin.org) and I will pass it along.
FAITH BASED HOUSING INITIATIVE
Warren Wooten | warren.wooten@charlottenc.gov | charlottenc.gov | (704) 336 2489
Assistant Director – Affordable Housing
Housing & Neighborhood Services |600 E Trade Street | Charlotte, NC 28202
-Affordable housing is at a crisis point in the US, including Charlotte
-Many faith communities have stepped up – using their assets to help build housing
The city wants to support congregations doing this work
-Summit TENTATIVE May 30th – pre save the date: bringing faith leaders and developers to address the housing crisis. The topic of how can the city support congregations that have land or assets or unutilized spaces (that may be used for affordable day care, counseling e.g.) will be addressed. How can they engage your community and lay and members to get educated on housing matters?
BRIAN MCLAREN @ FIRST PRES
Lucy Crain | lcrain@firstpres-charlotte.org
THE WILLARD LECTURE
First Presbyterian Church
200 West Trade Street, Charlotte
Brian McLaren
“Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart"
Sunday, April 28th from 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Brian McLaren, author, speaker, activist, and public theologian notes that the challenge of living well and maintaining resilience in turbulent times requires new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging. Facing nations, ecosystems, economies, religions, and other institutions in disarray, we are called to a spiritual transformation in our own lives that will express itself in transformation in our world. Childcare for ages 2-12 will be provided by reservation through April 15.
You can see all the details about The Willard Lecture and Brian McLaren's visit on this page: https://firstpres-charlotte.org/the-willard/
-$15 for Sunday evening talk
CAROLINA IMMIGRATION LAW
Wayne B. Snyder | wayne@carolinaimmigrationlaw.org | (O) 704-582-5749 | (C) 704-965-7766
Carolina Immigration Law | Co-Founder and COO
Sharon Dove | sharon@carolinaimmigrationlaw.org
Kiara Vasquez | kiara@carolinaimmigrationlaw.org
Carolina Immigration Law is a non-profit with a singular focus to bring affordable immigration legal services to our community. Staffed with experienced immigration attorneys and top-notch paralegals, our team delivers high-quality service while keeping our prices low through donors who subsidize our firm. Our entire legal team is fluent in English and Spanish. Anyone can schedule a virtual legal consultation through our website at www.carolinaimmigrationlaw.org. We also do onsite immigration legal clinics where a community partner schedules up to 10 consultations for us on a single day at their location. To assist with referrals, we can provide up to 1,000 referral cards at no charge. As in the attached example, one side is English and the other is Spanish. Our community partners use this to do a quick referral and include them as “stuffers” into other materials. Wayne Snyder is our COO and can answer any questions in working with our team. All legal questions for a specific situation would be done through a consultation.
-Non-profit Immigration Legal Services ONLY
-Focused on bringing capacity and scale to immigration services
-To get an opening for a consultation takes about 3 days
-Bilingual staff (Spanish/English)
-$65 for 40 min consultation session
CHARLOTTE TOOLBANK
Maureen Krueger | maureen.krueger@toolbank.org | (O) 704.469.5800
Executive Director Charlotte ToolBank
2513 S. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28203
ToolBank rents out tools, tablecloths and more to non-profits (including neighborhood associations!) for VERY reasonable prices.
-lending library of tools for non-profits
-have 13,000 items that fall onto 700 categories
-come take a tour of our south end warehouse
-HOA & Neighborhood groups are welcome
Charitable organizations have year-round access to the ToolBank’s inventory of 13,000+ tools and equipment for a nominal fee of 5% of the retail cost of the item. ToolBank tools are only available to organizations, such as:
Nonprofit/Charitable/Tax exempt organizations
Schools and PTAs/PTOs
Neighborhood associations
Faith-based groups
Civic organizations
Government agencies
Borrowing ToolBank tools is inexpensive, convenient and fully functional – maximizing our member agencies ability to improve community engagement and to achieve greater impact for those they serve.
STATE OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM SUMMIT & WORKSHOP
Sara Miller | Sara@cfknc.org
CFK - State of the System Summit, hosted with ForCLT
· Thursday, April 25th
· 9 am - 12noon
· Lunch provided
· Mercy Church - 7200 Providence Road
· RSVP HERE
This event is designed for pastors and key staff and volunteers engaged in local missions and outreach.
During the event participants will hear updates directly from YFS on the state of the child welfare system and will be given tools to help engage their congregations. Time will be provided for collaboration and idea sharing with other faith leaders.
This event is free and open to all congregations in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
To learn more about CFK, visit www.cfknc.org.
CONGREGATIONS FOR KIDS (CFK) Mentor Match Program
Hillary Merwin | hillary@cfknc.org
· Mentor Match is a program of Congregations for Kids (CFK) that aims to increase the resiliency of older youth in foster care through healthy connections with caring adults.
· We work with youth who are at risk of aging out of the foster care system without finding a permanent home. Research shows that one positive connection with a trusted adult can help prevent negative outcomes for youth aging out of foster care.
· Our mentors are individuals or couples in the greater Charlotte area who go through a series of background checks, screenings, and trauma-informed trainings in order to attend matching events, where they will meet youth in the hopes of forming organic connections.
· This is a voice & choice program in which youth get to choose their mentors.
Next Steps:
· Visit cfknc.org/mentor to learn more
· Please contact mentor@cfknc.org if your community would be interested in having us share about the Mentor Match program!
-Looking for people to walk with these young adults that are about to exit the system
-Hillary can come to your community and share about the Mentor Match program
EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES
Heddy Patrick Garcia | patrick@embracealllatinovoices.org | (980) 319-9908
CEO, Executive Director EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES
website: embracealllatinovoices.org
All Social Medias: https://linktr.ee/embracenc
-Serve Latino communities in both Carolinas, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and Haitian French creole.
-May 7th Seminar: food & nutrition for Latinos
-In 2022 the main leading cause of death in Mecklenburg was hypertension, diabetes, obesity and the #1 group dying of these were Latinos – Culturally sensitive education is key!
HARVEST CENTER RESOURCE FAIR
Terence Barber | (O) 704-335-1616 ext. 106 | (C) 704-968-2392
Partnership Director The Harvest Center of Charlotte
Upcoming Community Resource Fair – space available for groups wanting to have a table
Saturday, May 4th from 9 am - 12 pm
Location: 5415 Airport Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
There will also be health screenings and giveaways.
Register HERE
YOUTH SAFETY SURVEY – Please share
Sterling Patterson | sterling.oliver@charlottenc.gov | charlottenc.gov | (704) 386-7417
Youth Programs Coordinator
Housing and Neighborhood Services (Engagement and Customer Service)
600 E. Trade Street |First Floor |Charlotte, NC 28202
The purpose of this survey is to ask youth ages 13 - 17 to share their thoughts regarding a variety of safety topics, including school and community safety.
We hope to have as many youth as possible complete the survey. All voices matter with this! The time frame for completion is from March 14, 2024 - May 6, 2024. If you have any youth events or activities that we can come out to (to observe and/or bring pizza) then please let me know. Please share with your network. If you have any questions and/or need anything additional then feel free to reach out.
-We need to hear from the YOUTH
-Closes May 5th – please share out
BRAVE STEP UPDATES
Jamie Hart | jamie@bravestep.org | (704) 361-5230, ext. 703
Survivor Outreach Coordinator Brave Step
Website: www.bravestep.org
Brave Step's Color it Blue campaign is to raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April). Anyone anywhere can participate by wearing blue clothing, wearing a blue ribbon, dying their hair blue, coloring their nails blue- anything that has to do with the color blue! You can find more about our Color it Blue campaign HERE
If you participate, feel free to take pictures and tag Brave Step on your social media: @abravestep
The Community Shelter of Union County is having their annual fundraiser, the Chuck Norwood Memorial Golf Tournament, on April 24th. We are still looking for sponsors, golfers and raffle ticket winners! For more information, see the link HERE
LIVING ARCHIVES UPDATES
We had to reschedule the mural reveal, which was supposed to be DURING the meeting, to next week, April 18th. We hope folks will come and invite their constituents. Everyone who registers gets a ticket for free lunch at one of the food trucks – BahnMi brothers or Skyview22. The registration link
The Living Archives project is honored to have collected nearly 350 stories of Mecklenburg County residents for permanent inclusion in an archive at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. These stories – most captured in storytellers own voices through audio/video recordings – are free to access and reference for researchers and descendants in perpetuity. You are invited to meet some of your neighbors and learn their stories through a series of traveling exhibits throughout the county. Each exhibit will be accompanied by a community event. The full schedule is below. The next two are Friday April 12th at Independence Branch Library from 1-3 pm featuring Maria Cardarelli of Children of the World Preschool as well as James Lee from the Greenspon Center and two other residents, Jaiden Williams and Nina Tran. There will also be food so be sure and register so we have enough. And we have an incredible mural that will be shared on April 18th. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DATE HAS CHANGED DUE TO BAD WEATHER. From 11 – 1 on April 18 we will gather outside of Lions Services to celebrate the mural. Be sure and register so we can get you your ticket for a free lunch at one of the food trucks at the event.
The remaining events include University City Library on April 21, Marion Diehl Center on May 1, and South Blvd Library on May 4th (a bilingual event). Registration for all can be found HERE
Finally, save the date and register to join us May 16th at Discovery Place at 6pm for a county-wide event featuring Storyteller Hannah Hasan, the traveling exhibit, artists from many walks of life, amazing food and the entire first floor of Discovery Place. This is a free event and children are invited and encouraged. It will also be an accessible event. Registration HERE
We hope you will join us. Reach out to drubenstein@cmlibrary.org or sgherghel@cmlibrary.org for more information or follow our Instagram at www.instagram.com/livingarchivesclt or our facebook page at www.facebook.com/@livingarchivesclt
UPDATES FROM EASTSIDE FAITH, COMMUNITY & NONPROFIT MEETING
1. Alliance Health overview and outreach (contact John Giampaolo): Alliance Health is a managed care organization, or MCO, for public behavioral healthcare for the citizens of Mecklenburg County. Members of the Alliance Health Plan are insured by Medicaid or are uninsured. Please reach out to John for more information.
2. The Living Archives library project (contact Debbie Rubenstein; flyer is attached here): The Living Archives project is honored to have collected nearly 350 stories of Mecklenburg County residents for permanent inclusion in an archive at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. These stories – most captured in storytellers own voices through audio/video recordings – are free to access and reference for researchers and descendants in perpetuity. You are invited to meet some of your neighbors and learn their stories through a series of traveling exhibits throughout the county. This Friday, April 12th, at Independence Branch Library from 1-3 pm will feature Maria Cardarelli of Children of the World Preschool as well as James Lee from the Greenspon Center and two other residents, Jaiden Williams and Nina Tran. There will also be food so be sure and register so we have enough. A video about the project is linked here. Other project events, including a mural unveiling and final celebration at the Discovery Place, are linked.
3. Galilee produce giveaway: The community is invited to take advantage of free harvesting from Galilee’s tower gardens. In full growth are romaine lettuce, Kale, gourmet lettuce, thyme, mint, parsley, basil. Address: 3601 Central Avenue between 10-12 Monday-Thursday (contact Bettie Jones)
4. Summer food assistance for families: The USDA has launched a new, permanent program to provide food assistance to children and families during the summer. SUN Bucks will provide grocery-buying benefits to qualifying families with school-aged children during the summer months when schools are on summer break. SUN Bucks benefits are issued to debit-like cards (EBT cards) that families can use to purchase nutritious food. Beginning in summer 2024, families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer period. Eligibility criteria and more info are linked here.
5. East Charlotte computer classes for seniors (Oak Street Health): Whether you’re a beginner or just want to brush up on your skills, this class will boost your confidence and help you with computer skills that you can use every day. Light refreshments will be served. Flyer is attached here.
6. East Charlotte Earth Day events: Join CharlotteEAST, AARP, and Sustain Charlotte for the Campbell Creek stream cleanup this Saturday (April 13th) from 10-12. The Charlotte Museum of History will hold an Earth Day celebration on April 20th from 12-4.
7. Affordable Housing Luncheon: On Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 1 PM, Holy Trinity will host a free "Lunch & Learn" panel discussion on the topics of inclusivity, affordable housing, and serving the unhoused and food insecure. The panel will include the leader of Holy Trinity's Outreach Team (Linda Davis), two Roof Above directors (Danielle Thibodeau and Joe Hamby), and City of Charlotte staff person Miles Vaughn of Housing and Neighborhood Services. To ensure we will have lunch for everyone attending, please use this Google form!
8. Música con amigos: The Latin American Coalition in collaboration with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra invites you to be a part of this celebration of community and culture. "Musica Con Amigos" is not just an event; it's an opportunity to come together, enjoy beautiful music, and create lasting memories with friends and family. Join us for a special event on April 28th at 3:00 PM as we launch our new campaign, "Amigos". This event, "Musica Con Amigos", promises to be a magical afternoon with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by a special performance by Ultima Nota. Tickets for this event are free, but limited, so be sure to secure yours through the attached link.
9. Feria de negocios (this Saturday, April 13th): Este día tendremos a una estilista haciendo cortes de pelo para hombres gratis y a las mujeres les darán tarjetas para recibir corte, lavado y Secado en el propio salón de belleza, también habrán demostraciones de maquillaje, y mucho mucho más!
10. Save the date for East Charlotte multisite agriculture day (May 18th): More info to come within the next week.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CAROLINAS CLIMATE SUMMIT Thursday, April 18Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte
The Carolinas are among the most vulnerable regions in the United States to the effects of climate change.
The Carolinas Climate Summit will offer a place to discuss the impact of climate change on our landscape; residents and businesses; climate solutions; corporate responsibility and more.
WFAE's EQUALibrium Awards honor race and equity work
Nominate a business, organization, or individual
WFAE's EQUALibrium Awards recognize Charlotte-area residents and institutions that have made outstanding contributions inadvancing issues of race and equity within our community.During the awards ceremony outstanding emerging leaders (less than 5 years), established leaders and institutions will be honored in the following categories:
Arts & Culture
Business/Organization
Education
Government
Health Care
Social Justice/Community Advocacy
Sports
Nominate a person or business you know who is doing race and equity work in the Charlotte region. Self-nominations are welcome.
Nominations close Friday, April 12, 2024
Winners will be announced at WFAE's EQUALibrium Awards Gala on May 8, 2024. Register now!
CONCORD COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC April 27
Tagny Diaz Solis | (C) 704-490-6166
Project and Program Coordinator, Hispanic Health
Division of Community & Social Impact, Department of Community Health
The Concord Community Free Clinic, Health Department, and Atrium Health will hold a no-cost free clinic to adults and children on Saturday, April 27th from 10am-2pm (we highly recommend registration through the QR code on the flyer). Vaccines available include Flu, COVID-19, and tetanus for free. The health department will also provide schedules for back-to-school vaccines at a later date.
We will only be able to serve a limited number of patients so please share the word and recommend patient registration. Although the flyer states Latino Clinic, we will accept anyone in need.
Please reach out should any questions arise.
FREE TRAINING IN PRACTICE SELF-REGULATION (PS-R)
Diana Moser-Burg, PhD | P: 704-910-5810 | F:980-207-0214
Contractor, Hope Community Clinic
As part of the Opioid Settlement Funding Grant, Hope Community Clinic, in partnership with Mecklenburg County, is able to offer free training in Practice Self-Regulation (PS-R) for local providers and community agencies that are dedicated to supporting teens and young adults. This neuroscience-based and trauma-informed program promotes the development of self-regulation skills to optimize resilience and development, while focusing on health and well-being through use of Motivational Interviewing and the individual’s own values, goals and preferences. Teen Health Connection has graciously agreed to host this training at their integrated care clinic training room. Registration is limited to 25 participants, so please be advised of the time sensitive nature of signing up early. In addition, free CEUs are offered for individuals that are licensed, but please note you must plan on attending the training in its entirety. You will receive a training bag with all necessary tools and resources for implementation of PS-R. We look forward to continuing to support our community in its prevention and early intervention efforts in addressing the opioid epidemic.
For further information please feel free to contact Diana Moser-Burg at dmoser-burg@project658.com or 980-333-5883, or visit the PS-R website at https://practiceselfregulation.com/.
You must utilize the below link for registration and use the Code provided.
Code: PSR52024 (case sensitive).
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Antoine Oakley
Director, Corporate Relations
Sallie Mae
To help support those with financial need, or students from historically underserved or underrepresented communities access college, The Sallie Mae Fund has again partnered with Thurgood Marshall College Fund and is now accepting applications for two college scholarship programs.
Scholarship Opportunities from Sallie Mae and Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Sallie Mae Fund is again offering its Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Students, increasing the number of scholarships awarded from 25 to 40. High school seniors who are planning to pursue a two or four-year degree program, professional certificate, or vocational training program and excel both inside and outside the classroom – and demonstrate financial need – will be selected to receive up to $10,000 to help pay for higher education.
Additionally, The Sallie Mae Fund is offering its Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students, awarding up to $10,000 to 10 graduate students committed to leveraging their graduate degree to advance social justice and support their local communities. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled at least half-time in an accredited graduate level program.
The Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program is part of a multimillion-dollar commitment made by The Sallie Mae Fund to open doors to higher education for students from all backgrounds and give families and students the help they need to feel confident about paying for college. In addition to The Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program, we connect students to millions of scholarships through our free resource, Scholly by Sallie and assist them in filing the FAFSA.
The application window for both The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors and The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students is open until May 17, 2024. Please consider sharing with your constituents today at SallieMae.com.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
DAVIDSON COLLEGE SUMMER PROMISE PROGRAM
The Davidson College Summer Promise Program is a free, week-long college readiness program for rising ninth graders. Through this residential program, selected students experience a snapshot of the holistic college experience to strengthen their confidence and enthusiasm for persisting in high school and pursuing higher education. Students experience courses co-taught by Davidson faculty and teachers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools. Outside of class hours, the students engage with the many co-curricular experiences and facilities at Davidson College. FIND OUT MORE HERE
FAITHS UNITED TO SAVE DEMOCRACY (FUSD)
America is facing one of the most consequential elections in its history, and our Democracy is threatened like never before. Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD) is addressing citizens' concerns about voting by hosting "What's At Stake?" Zoom Meetings with diverse faith leaders in our priority states, including North Carolina.
FUSD is a nonpartisan, multi-faith, multi-racial, and intergenerational voter protection campaign. We seek to build cohesion among diverse faith communities because we know we are stronger together in fighting escalating voter suppression targeting vulnerable voters in the 2024 election. For more information on FUSD, visit: www.turnoutsunday.com
Key elements of the "What's At Stake?" meetings include:
1. Moral framing of the campaign as rooted in faith and care for the vulnerable.
2. Testimonies from diverse faith leaders on "What's At Stake?" for their community.
3. "Hear This, Say This" positive messages to answer anti- voting messages.
4. Clergy Election Preparation Checklist (90 Day Action Plan)
5. Fact Sheet: Know the Power of Your Vote: What Your Vote Has Achieved!
We invite you to join us or confirm a representative for an April 16th, 1:00 - 2:00 pm/EST, FUSD/North Carolina "What's At Stake?" meeting.
Feel free to invite faith leaders from your network to the meeting.
Meeting Registration (required to join the meeting)
We are grateful for your partnership in preparing for an election that will literally decide the future of our nation. Together, we can strengthen and save our democracy!
Blessing,
Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, Coordinator, Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD)
Bishop Claude Alexander, Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu, FUSD/NC, State Co-Leads
FUNDS ADVANCE ECONOMIC EQUITY and JUSTICE FOR OPPRESSED GROUPS
Application deadline: None
Description: The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) aims to empower economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people who are seeking to change the structures that perpetuate poverty, oppression, and injustice. Support is available to groups in the United States that are oppressed by poverty and social systems, want to take charge of their own lives, have organized or are organizing to do something about their own conditions, and have decided that what they are going to do will produce long-term changes for their lives or communities. Projects must utilize some combination of the SDOP core strategies to promote justice, build solidarity, advance human dignity, and advocate for economic equity. In addition, projects must be presented, owned, and controlled by the group of economically poor people who will directly benefit. (Internationally, applications are accepted from Panama, and work is done in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Nigeria through intermediary partners.)
ANYTOWN 2024
Gloria Hoover | (336) 272-0359 x 160
Assistant Development Director | NCCJ
NCCJ invites all rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to apply now for Anytown 2024. Anytown is so much more than a summer camp. It’s a youth leadership and human relations camp that gathers diverse groups of teens for an unforgettable week of learning about themselves and each other, celebrating differences and finding common ground as they build an inclusive and compassionate community. They learn that what they do and say matters, and that it is both possible and important to stand up for what is right. Then they bring these new connections and skills home to make a positive impact in their schools and everywhere they go. Click here to learn more and apply for Anytown.
More info about Anytown:
· Anytown is a week-long program (Sunday through Friday) that takes place in the mountains of western North Carolina (transportation is covered by camp tuition)
· Dates for Anytown 2023:
o Session I: June 16-21
o Session II: July 14-19
· Anytown is open to all rising sophomores, juniors and seniors
· Thanks to a generous grant, tuition is completely covered for any Charlotte-Mecklenburg students!
· Anytown can also make a big difference in college and career prep. This unique and powerful experience builds knowledge and skills essential to strong leadership and fostering inclusive environments wherever they go in life. Many of our Anytown grads report success with college admissions and scholarships when discussing this experience in their application essays.
· You can also check out this short video about Anytown HERE
CHARLOTTE JUSTICE CONFERENCE on 4/27
Tim Nicodemus | timnicodemus3@gmail.com
Description: Tired of the normal Charlotte way? Want to get engaged in the community and get involved in the good work of justice? And want to connect with like-minded folks who care about improving the city. The Charlotte Justice Conference (CJC) may be the place for you! We are a pay-as-you-want space that brings doers, dreamers, misfits, and troublemakers. This year, come ready to participate in an Open Space Session; instead of the usual speaker-driven lectures, this year will be driven by YOU, the audience! Bring yourself, your experience, and an open mind! Our Speakers this year are: Brandon Wrencher, Anthony Smith, and BeLoved Asheville.
Eventbrite: Tickets
Website: cltjustice.com
Details: 4/27, 10am-3pm, Missiongathering Church (420 E 15th St)
We are interested in getting a good mix of faith leaders, nonprofit personnel, and interested citizens together so everyone can share their knowledge, questions, and interests. Please send around to anyone who you think may be interested!
Tim Nicodemus <timnicodemus3@gmail.com>
citizens together so everyone can share their knowledge, questions, and interests. Please send around to anyone who you think may be interested!
ReCAST ll
Multiple events sponsored by the ReCAST II program in April. All are free and open for anyone in Mecklenburg County, though they are only in English. Please share!
Want to learn more about ReCAST II? Visit ReCAST | Public Health (mecknc.gov).
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
“Honi the Circle Maker was journeying on the road and he saw a man planting a carob tree; he asked him, 'How long does it take [for this tree] to bear fruit?' The man replied: 'Seventy years.' He then further asked him: 'Are you certain that you will live another seventy years?' The man replied: 'I found carob trees in the world; as my forefathers planted these for me so I too plant these for my children.'"
-Talmund (Ta’anit 23a)