April 23, 2026 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
- meckmin
- 5 days ago
- 20 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Welcome to MeckMIN's Thursday Zoom Check-In Meetings
These meetings are open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response, especially in partnership with the most vulnerable among us.
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.
You can find the recording HERE
50 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
"Joy doesn’t betray but sustains activism. And when you face a politics that aspires to make you fearful, alienated and isolated, joy is a fine act of insurrection."
~ Rebecca Solnit
MECKMIN UPDATES
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
THURSDAY MEETINGS
We are meeting in 2026:
Apr 23
May 7
May 21
No meetings in June
July 16
July 30
August 13
August 27
Sept 10
Sept 24
October 8
October 22
November 5
November 19
December 3
December 17
No meeting December 31
Sacred Systems: Cultivating Trauma-Informed Care Across Faith Traditions - THIS SATURDAY
Led by Rev. Kyndra Frazier, LMSW, M. Div, DODC Candidate kyndconsulting@gmail.com Saturday, April 25 | 9am-1PM | Caldwell Presbyterian Church | 1609 5th Street
You spend your days holding space for others—guiding, comforting, bridging divides, and showing up in moments that matter most.
We’d like to offer something in return.
On Saturday, April 25, MeckMIN is hosting Sacred Systems: Cultivating Trauma-Informed Care Across Faith Traditions, a half-day training designed specifically for those who serve communities like you do. Led by Rev. Kyndra Frazier, this experience creates space to step back, reflect, and strengthen the inner and communal capacities that sustain your work.
In a time when difference can feel threatening and conversations can quickly become polarized, this training asks a simple but powerful question: How do we remain grounded, courageous, and connected?
Together, we will explore:
How trauma shapes individuals and communities—and how it shows up in our spaces
Ways to build communities rooted in safety, dignity, and belonging
Practices to help you stay centered while leading others through complexity
This is not another obligation. It’s an investment in you.
We have intentionally kept this gathering small—just 40 spots—to allow for meaningful engagement. At the moment, only a few have registered, which means there is space for you if this speaks to your current season of leadership.
The training is offered on a sliding scale ($10, $25, $50) because we believe access to this kind of support should reflect our shared commitment to community.
Register today and help cultivate sacred systems in a divided world.
If your leadership has felt heavier lately…If you’re navigating more complexity, more tension, more need…If you simply need a space to breathe, reflect, and be strengthened—
We hope you’ll join us.
You serve our community every day.Let us serve you, just for a few hours.
With appreciation for all that you carry and contribute,
LeDayne
P.S. Feel free to share this invitation with other leaders in your network who might benefit. Sometimes the quietest invitations are the most needed.
On May 7 at 7:30 AM, community leaders, faith partners, nonprofits, and civic stakeholders will gather for MeckMIN’s annual Community Leader Awards Breakfast at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
This is more than an event. It’s a visible demonstration that collaboration across faiths and communities makes our community stronger.Each year, over 400 attendees join us to:
Honor individuals advancing unity and justice
Celebrate meaningful partnerships
Strengthen relationships across lines that too often divide us
Invest in a more connected community Charlotte
Enjoy each other's company
Why Sponsor?
Your sponsorship does three powerful things:
Amplifies your leadership: Your organization is recognized as a visible supporter of interfaith collaboration and community cohesion.
Strengthens trusted networks: This breakfast brings together decision-makers, faith leaders, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates in one room.
Advances real impact: Proceeds directly support MeckMIN’s year-round work building bridges across faith communities and serving our most vulnerable neighbors.
Click HERE to see Sponsorship Opportunities
MECKMIN TALKS & TRAININGS:
MeckMIN is a rich resource for organizations, houses of faith and schools to bring in knowledgable and approachable people from different faiths and backgrounds. We also offer a number of training programs.
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.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES WITH MECKMIN PARTNERS
Charlotte Brahma Kumaris Ongoing Tranquil Tuesday Meditation Series (Every Tuesday from 8:30 to 9 PM, Eastern)
We offer free online meditation every Tuesday Evening as part of our Tranquil Tuesday Meditation Series. Please feel free to share these details as well. Attaching a flyer for that as well and the registration link is below:
Registration Link:
Charlotte screening of "Jesus Was a Migrant," Sunday, May 17
Ken Gordon <kgordonjr66@gmail.com> Mobile - (704) 467-9608
The House of Light Church, 6100 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270
Sunday, May 17 @ 3pm
Charlotte screening of "Jesus Was a Migrant" is scheduled for Sunday, May 17 at 3 pm. The director, Dr. Jemar Tisby, will be here that weekend for a Q&A, which offers a great opportunity for meaningful engagement and a deeper understanding of the film and potential next steps afterward.
We’re excited to inform you that Amity Presbyterian Church has agreed to serve as our Host Partner. We’re also excited to share that we have made the necessary arrangements for the film’s Director to attend the screening and Q&A. The Director is excited to come to Charlotte and bring the message and story of this film to our community.
In addition, we’re grateful to have the following organizations aligned:
The Antiracism Cohort of the Presbytery of Charlotte – Supporting Partner
The Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation – Supporting Partner
Siembra NC – Collaborating partner (finalizing level of engagement)
MeckMIN – Helping to publicize and expand community awareness
We’ve also partnered with AC Creative Collective, who has begun work on marketing and promotion to ensure strong visibility and engagement.
On the program side, we’ve identified three immigrant speakers and have confirmed one, with continued outreach underway.
As we continue to build, we are still seeking:
A Presenting Partner
Additional Community Partners
We are actively engaging organizations, churches, and businesses to ensure this event reflects a broad, inclusive, and community-centered effort.
Thank you again for your partnership, your advocacy, and your willingness to help bring this vision to life. More to come soon.
GUNS TO GARDENS DRIVE-THROUGH FIREARMS SAFE SURRENDER
Blair Tucker blairsmithtucker@gmail.com cell: 704-533-0897
Myers Park Presbyterian Church, in partnership with RAWtools South, is bringing back our Guns to Gardens drive through firearm safe surrender event for its second year. RAWtools South is dedicated to transforming unwanted firearms into garden tools and art, symbolizing renewal, restoration, and nonviolence. Their work adds a powerful, tangible dimension to this event’s mission.
This year’s drive-through safe surrender event will take place at the MPPC Outreach Center on Saturday, May 30, followed by a family-friendly blacksmith demonstration on Sunday, May 31 after church services. It’s a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together around healing, safety, and transformation.
This movement is not political, and it is not anti-gun or about shaming gun ownership. Rather, it offers a responsible alternative for those who have an unwanted firearm and do not want to put it back into circulation. On a broader level, this effort is about building community, connecting with our neighbors, and creating a safe, nonjudgmental space to find common ground and share ideas for reducing violence in Charlotte.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out via this email or phone 704-533-0897.
In the meantime, there are a few simple ways you can support the effort right now:
Follow and engage with our new social media pages. These pages are just getting started, but we’re actively growing visibility and your engagement helps broaden their reach.
Share these pages with your networks
Start spreading the word in your conversations
2nd Annual L.I.T (Leaders Igniting Tomorrow) Youth Conference on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church from 10:00am-2:00pm
Kasia Kijanczuk Katarzyna.Kijanczuk@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Equity and Inclusion Consultant Criminal Justice Services
Research and Planning Unit | Mecklenburg County Government
980-280-7055 | chandra.tyler@mecknc.gov
The Criminal Justice Youth Leadership Board and Community Engagement Task Group warmly invite you to participate in our 2nd Annual L.I.T (Leaders Igniting Tomorrow) Youth Conference on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church from 10:00am-2:00pm. The L.I.T. Conference is a youth-celebrated space to support, educate, and empower Mecklenburg County middle and high school youth and their families. The theme for this event is “Uplift. Lead. Connect.”
This conference will include a resource fair featuring more than 50 Mecklenburg County youth-centered resources and service. Additionally, attendees can look forward to interactive workshops designed for youth and their adult supporters, a youth DJ, photobooth, breakfast & lunch, giveaways, and much more!
Please sign-up for the event here: L.I.T. Registration or use the QR code on the attached flyer. We ask if you may please share this event with middle and high school youth and families in your network.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact chandra.tyler@mecknc.gov
NC – Faith-Based Organization Housing Listening Session – Greensboro, April 30
The North Carolina HUD Greensboro Field Office will host a Faith-Based Organization Housing Listening Session on April 30, 2026. This session is designed to bring together faith leaders and community partners for an open dialogue on housing challenges, innovative solutions, and the role faith-based organizations are already playing in addressing homelessness and transitional housing needs.
We encourage, either in person or virtually, to help shape future strategies, share best practices, and identify resources needed to expand this important work.
Catholic Charities Vineyard of Hope Event on May 29
DEBRA LEMMON
Regional Director of External Engagement
Office: (704) 370-3278 | Email: dalemmon@ccdoc.org
CLICK HERE to Meet & Collaborate
Plans are underway for the upcoming Vineyard of Hope event on May 29, an annual gathering that brings together community members and partners in support of a shared mission.
This year, organizers are extending a special invitation to community partners by offering a limited number of complimentary tickets, creating an opportunity for deeper connection, collaboration, and shared celebration. The event is designed not only to highlight ongoing work, but also to strengthen relationships with those who play a vital role in serving the community.
Community partners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to attend, engage, and be part of an evening focused on impact and partnership.
2nd Annual Matthews UMC Mental Health Fair
May 16th from Drop In from 9:00 to 12:00
Rebecca Yates byatescnm@gmail.com
Matthews United Methodist Church in the Large Parking Lot (801 South Trade St. Matthews, NC 28105).
Rain location inside the church in The Commons.
Come learn, connect and access free resources for yourself, your family and our community. We are proud to offer practical tools alongside education and connection, because caring for mental health means supporting the whole community’s wellbeing and safety.
You’re invited to three inspiring hours filled with:
✨ FREE Interactive Workshops✨ On-Site Mental Health Professionals✨ Mental Health Screenings for Children & Adults✨ Valuable Community Resources✨ Free Gun Locks & Narcan✨ Food Vendors & Great Connections
Workshops for Adults:
9:00-10:30am: Alicia McArthur, MA, LCMHC of Seeds Counseling & Collaboration will present “Cultivating Hope: Seed Starting for a Salsa Garden.”
Come connect with others around the benefits of growing your own food, learn about seed starting & plant care and work together on a common goal. Discuss the mental health benefits of gardening, including exploring topics like hope, resiliency and the benefits of sunlight. Choose a type of tomato seed and pepper, plant seeds in a tray to take home, discuss appropriate care and preparing them for transplanting. There will be an opportunity to engage in mindfulness practices as well as discussion with other participants throughout the workshop. Choose between options for plants suitable for container gardening or in-ground gardening. No fee, but participation is limited to 20 on a first-come basis.
11:00am: Soul Collage: SoulCollage ® is a creative and intuitive collage process that allows one to explore their life and inner knowing and wisdom. It is a creative and artistic process that anyone can do. No artistic talent required. Workshop led by Margaret Wyche, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Opportunities for Children & Families:
9:00am-12:00pm: Interactive drop-in space that focuses on simple emotional regulation skills for children & families.
Narcan & Gun Locks:
Narcan and gun locks will be available while supplies last. In the United States, over half of suicide deaths involve a firearm and tens of thousands of overdose deaths each year involve opioids. Narcan, a fast-acting, non-prescription nasal spray, can help reverse an opioid overdose, and gun locks add an important layer of protection during times of crisis, emotional distress, or when children are in the home.
Vendors:
We are currently welcoming vendors who are passionate about supporting mental wellness and serving our community. We would also like to know if you have any interest in providing food, donations, or workshops for this event. Let’s come together to break stigma, share resources, and strengthen mental wellness in our community.
To become a vendor, please fill out this form. We hope that you can share with your networks so we can ensure that we spread awareness on mental health!
Galilee Center
Emily Parker edgalileeeast@gmail.com
Know Your Rights Training for citizen allies and supporters
Wednesday 4/29 from 10 am - noon. Free.
All are invited. Led by Jamilah Espinosa
Register: bit.ly/GMECKnowYourRightsTraining
Active Survival Training
Friday 5/8 from 10 am - noon. Free. All are invited! Lead by CMPD Officer Jonathan Frisk. bit.ly/ActiveSurvivalTraining
Galilee Garden Workday
Saturday 5/9 from 9 am - 1 pm. Come when you can, leave when you must! Bring water, hat, gloves, sunscreen.
Food is Love Community Lunch
Monthly on 3rd Tuesdays. Next: May 19 from 11:30 am - 1 pm. Free. All are invited and bring a friend!
Spring/Summer Clothing Drive
New or very gently used clothing items for all ages for women, men, and children. Drive ends 5/15. Drop off items Mon-Thurs 10 am – 4 pm. 3601 Central Avenue.
Lydia’s Pantry: Galilee’s emergency stop gap pantry 2 day supply of shelf stable food. Mon-Thurs 10 am – 4 pm. Friday call ahead. 704-900-5210. We need shelf stable milk! (Dollar Tree/Dollar General is a great place to find shelf stable milk!)
OPPORTUNITY TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS WELL: Lydia's Pantry is an emergency food pantry located at the Galilee Center (3601 Central Avenue, Charlotte, 28205). They are currently low on: - Cold cereal- Hot cereals (oatmeal, etc)- Grits and grains- Fruits- canned, cups, dried, pouches, etc.- Crackers - saltines, etc..- Energy, snack bars.If you have items to donate, you can do so Monday through Thursday between 10 am and 3 pm.
STATEMENT OF CONCERN ON ICE DETENTION CENTER AND OFFICE EXPANSION
For those who are interested, our interfaith friends in Durham have invited faith leaders here to sign on to this letter – faith leaders can sign as individuals OR as representatives of their communities
Form to sign onto the statement: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ncu0rZOWImw9B5Vi7olSyMsQ5LhBYKLOhFUeYiZXdy4/edit#responses
As people of faith, we are compelled to voice our concern over the expansion of detention centers and offices by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in North Carolina and elsewhere. We support the rights and dignity of our immigrant and refugee neighbors and recognize that all deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. We make this public witness out of our sacred duty to work to protect all people, our community, and our neighbors.
We are taught:
• “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34
• “Conquer anger through gentleness, unkindness through kindness, greed through generosity, and falsehood by truth. Be truthful; do not yield to anger. Give freely, even if you have but little.” – The Dhammapada
• “Serve God, and join not partners with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion by your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess.” The Quran (Surat An-Nisa 4:36)
• “Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth… It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” – Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Maqsúd
There is extensive evidence the conditions and operation of existing DHS detention centers are inhumane, violating standards of human decency. People are held without due process or access to legal support. People are subject to unsanitary conditions, inadequate/inedible food, violence, mistreatment and withholding of medical care. A vast expansion of this system can only magnify such conditions.
We call on our religious leaders, our political leaders, and all people to raise their voices in opposition to the inhumane and immoral treatment of our immigrant neighbors.
NONPROFIT UPDATES
Need For Good- Social Media volunteering app
My name is Shaleen, and I am a Computer Science student at UNC Charlotte. My friend and I are developing Need for Good, a volunteer-focused app designed to help individuals discover local opportunities while giving organizations a simple way to post openings and connect with volunteers. As we build the platform, we want to ensure it genuinely supports the needs of volunteer coordinators.
Would you be willing to complete a brief 5–10 minute survey to share your perspective? Your feedback would directly shape how we design the app to better serve nonprofits in the Charlotte community.Thank you for your time and consideration.
Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_qv4v4yKhBDxGqu5dSzRqwmE1O9Nw2OpcvaU_ezy3w_Y4fg/viewform
McLeod Center for Wellbeing Family Program
DaKeita Staton, LCMHC <DaKeita.Leak@mcleodcenters.org>
Family and Alumni Program Coordinator
Duke Energy Rate Hike Hearings
Rachael with Climate Action NC
Climate Action NC fights for clean air, clean water, and clean energy. Right now we are focusing our efforts around freezing the Duke Energy rate hikes.
Helpful links: https://cleanairenc.org/blog/2026/03/18/a-blank-check-for-duke-energy-what-the-proposed-rate-hikes-mean-for-you/
Duke Energy is proposing an 18% base rate increase for residential customers.
Duke Energy Progress (DEP) Customers
Serving areas like Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Asheville
2027 Increase:Typical bills would jump by $23.11 per month.
2028 Increase:An additional $6.59 per month.
Total Impact:An average monthly bill of $163.84 would climb to $193.54.
Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) Customers
Serving areas like Charlotte, Durham, and Winston-Salem
2027 Increase:Typical bills would jump by $17.22 per month.
2028 Increase:An additional $6.34 per month.
Total Impact:An average monthly bill of $144.98 would climb to $168.54.
This does not include fuel costs which will also be passed on to customers due to the war in Iran.
In its latest request, Duke Energy has asked to recover fuel costs from January’s winter storms, “The new rates would take effect June 1. They would increase average rates for Duke Energy Carolinas customers by an additional $6.90 per month and $7.88 per month for Duke Energy Progress.”
Shareholders First: Duke is asking for a 10.95% guaranteed profit for its shareholders. The company touted $4.96 billion in shareholder profits in their most recent earnings report at the same time that they’re preparing to squeeze their customers for even more money.
They are also canceling the customer assistance program set to expire at the end of this year. We are worried about the most vulnerable among us.
What can we do about this:
April 29 @ rally at 5:30pm
Hearing at 7:00pm Mecklenburg County Courthouse, Rate Hike Hearing
Or comment online at: https://www.ncuc.gov/contactus.html
DEP customers: Docket # E-2 SUB1380
DEC customers: Docket # E-7 SUB1329
In order to comment.
I would like to share information regarding the Duke Energy Rate Hike Hearings taking place in Charlotte on April 29th at 7:00 PM at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. These proposed hikes—a 15% increase over two years—will significantly impact our community, especially families already struggling with their bills. My goal is to empower residents to speak before the NC Utilities Commission and advocate for themselves. (Imagine this rate hike on top of the increasing cost of fossil fuels caused by the war!)) This is getting out of hand!
Rachael Rader (She/Her)
Field Organizer - Charlotte
Pineville Neighbors Place
Nancy Healey |215.534.4927
Pineville Neighbors Place continues to serve as a vital, hyper-local resource for individuals and families in need, offering rental assistance, utility support, a food pantry, and partnerships with local schools. However, like many community-based organizations, it is currently navigating challenges brought on by the loss of federal grant funding.
In response, the organization is entering a period of transition, exploring a shift toward a program and office manager model to better sustain and grow its services. As part of this evolution, there is an immediate opportunity to strengthen its capacity—particularly through the addition of a case manager to support rental assistance efforts. This role is expected to require at least 60 hours per month on an hourly basis.
Even amid these changes, Pineville Neighbors Place remains committed to its mission and is actively seeking ways to deepen community engagement. Leaders are inviting partners and supporters to get involved through events, outreach, and collaborative efforts that will help ensure the organization continues to meet the needs of its neighbors.
Job Descriptions:
Nurses Serving Our Neighbors
Kristen Stein kristen.stein@nsoncharlotte.org | (864) 863-0871 Nurses Serving Our Neighbors, a faith-based organization seeking volunteer nurses to serve underserved communities. We are looking for nurse volunteers who would be interested serving those in need in our community.
Hues of You Camp 2026!
Hues of You Summer Camp is back in Davidson this summer. Two camps, two age groups, both through Davidson Parks & Rec. Led by Dr. Lucretia Carter Berry and Dr. Tehia Starker Glass, with artist Tiffany Trudewind.
Kids spend the week exploring identity and community through art, storytelling, read-alouds, games, culture-sharing, and line-dancing. They leave knowing who they are and curious about the people around them.
CAMP 1: Grades 2–4 June 22–26 | 9am–4pm Community School of Davidson, 565 Griffith St Register by June 15
CAMP 2 : Grades 5–8 June 29–July 3 | 9am–4pm Davidson Housing Coalition, 220 Sloan St A Register by June 22
Tuition assistance is available. No family should have to say no because of cost. Contact Amy Ray at connect@brownicity.com
The First In Families Summer Camp Scholarship Project also supports children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Encourage qualifying families to reach out directly. Email Keiba Young at fif@inreachnc.org
CLIMB
Free legal consultation with a business lawyer
Next Small Business Clinic
May 6th, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Casey Burke
CLIMB is essentially a legal aid organization for entrepreneurs and small business owners who would not otherwise be able to afford access to an attorney. We do this by leveraging pro bono volunteers from local law firms.
Please feel free to share the below with any entrepreneurs you think would benefit from a free legal consultation with a business lawyer at our next small business clinic on May 6th, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. We hold these the first Wednesday of each month, always on Zoom. Each small business is paired with 1-2 attorney volunteers.
Caregiver Support Group
Carolyn Dowdy | (770) 653-2389 cdowdy@caregivermentalwellness.com
Youth Art Contest - "Art of Peace"
“Art of Peace” contest Rotary is sponsoring for all middle school and high school students in our 14-county area including Meck, Union, Cabarrus and Gaston.
We have three categories, including poetry, visual arts, and videography/photographic. We are simply looking for original ideas from our youngsters on what peace looks like to them through their art. Deadline for submissions is the end of April
Site for info: https://forms.gle/WnM6YuKnLZp5XXXv7
Rotary Youth Summer Leadership Experience program for high school students FREE via scholarships from Rotary organizations.
3-day leadership program at a local college. Designed for high school juniors and seniors.
My Brother's Keeper Charlotte-Mecklenburg CITY OF HOBBIES YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Ricky Singh rsingh@mbkcltmecklenburg.org | (704) 626-1370
We’re officially looking for the 2026-2027 cohort of 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀. This isn’t a typical internship—it’s a $𝟰,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻: $𝟰,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱: ($20/hr equivalent)
Time Commitment: 25 hours/week from mid-June to early-August. 5-10 hrs/month through March 2027.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲: The City of Hobbies Project is a movement to help everyone in Charlotte, especially children and teens, find a hobby that brings joy and purpose. Youth Fellows will lead the work of understanding what Charlotte's youth need and want from their hobbies.
You’ll be trained to use professional tools to lead real research and present your findings to the city’s decision-makers. You aren’t just following a program, you’re designing the research and interviewing peers to dictate how Charlotte-Mecklenburg invests in your generation.
𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
Current 10th & 11th graders in Mecklenburg County who are ready to build their resume and shape the city.
APPLY HERE >>> bit.ly/cityofhobbies
𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁—𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟯 @ 11:59pm.
Questions? Attend one of the virtual info sessions to learn more + ask questions.
1. Tuesday, April 21, 6-7pm
2. Thursday, April 23, 6-7pm
ourBRIDGE Prom Dress Drive
We’re currently collecting donations for our annual Dress Extravaganza! In partnership with Despierta and Atrium Community Health Workers, we host high school girls who can choose dresses, heels, makeup, and accessories for free. We also offer workshops on topics like hygiene and skincare, prom safety, and peer pressure.
Most needed: new makeup & skincare, plus purses and accessories (new or gently used)
Bridge Fellowship
Bridge Fellowship Application Link - https://forms.gle/4UnoB3xaEhFqJkU17
Bridge is a program offered by Democracy North Carolina for 18- to 29-year-old young adults in the Charlotte/Western Piedmont Region who:
are 18-29 years old (at the start of the program)
are not enrolled in a community college or 4-year college/university
have not received an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from accredited community college or 4-year college/university
are residents of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, or Gaston county
Now in its second cycle, the fellowship program will be a 6-month experience from September 2026 to February 2027. This opportunity provides participants with the skills needed to do grassroots organizing in their communities. The goal of this fellowship program is to help empower young people to build people power that can be translated to increased voter turnout and accountability among local and state lawmakers. In other words, they will become Bridge Builders that help to close the gap between their communities and full participation in the electoral process and our democracy as a whole. The program has three main components:
Interactive Civic Education
Practical Experience
Community Project Development (inclusive of fundraising for the project)
Other Key Details:
10-15 hours per week
Stipend: $10,000 over 6 months, paid twice a month (16th and last day of the month)
Orientation: Friday, August 28, 2026
Program Start Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Program End Date: Friday, February 26, 2027
This application is open from Monday, March 30, 2026 to Friday, May 15, 2026.
No applications will be accepted after May 15th.
Please share this opportunity for young people throughout your networks.
--
Rev. Dr. Stefan Weathers, Sr. (he/him/his)
Program Manager - Young Adult Engagement
stefan@democracync.org | 704-756-0732
A movement built of, by, and for the people!
Hope Haven
Next Level Hope: An Evening of Culinary Impact
Hope Haven fundraiser on Friday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m.
The Forum at Hope Haven |3815 North Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206
This event brings our community together to inspire, support, and create real pathways forward for those we serve. Rooted in our mission to empower individuals and families, your support helps provide the tools, resources, and encouragement needed to build stronger, more hopeful futures. Every ticket, every gift, and every moment shared helps fuel lasting change in our community.
Please visit our website for more details and to purchase tickets. Thanks!
International House
Rising Readers program
Thank you for giving me a moment to platform our summer Rising Readers program today. I’m attaching a flyer with more information about our supplies drive. I’d love to connect with any faith leaders interested in exploring volunteer or donation partnerships with their congregations.
Laura Belk
Community Engagement Associate
1611 East 7th Street | Charlotte, NC 28204
lbelk@ihclt.org | (704) 333-8099 Ext. 117
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
Rachel Carson
You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to remember that the planet is carrying you."
~ Vandana Shiva
Next meeting – Two weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m.
REMINDER – We will have NO MEETINGS IN JUNE.
GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Local
The $25,000 Neighborhood Challenge
We are looking for neighbors who have a vision for a space that feels currently overlooked or underused. If there is a spot in your daily life that needs a “human touch” to make it feel like home, we want to help you fund that transformation.
Here are the essential details you need to know to take the next step:
The Funding: Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 per project.
Who Should Apply: This is specifically for residents and neighborhood groups, not developers or professional contractors.
Project Types: We are looking for murals, safer crosswalks, outdoor seating, community gardens, and public art installations.
The Deadline: Applications must be submitted by May 1 at 5:00 PM.
The Goal: Focus on spaces that feel “not built for people” and turn them into vibrant community hubs.
Regional
Broad Funding for Education, Culture, and Social Services in the Carolinas
Application deadline: May 10, 2026 Grant amount: $10,000–$50,000 Geographic scope: North Carolina and South Carolina Target population: Community members Description: The Philip L. Van Every Foundation supports nonprofit organizations strengthening communities across North and South Carolina. Funding spans five areas: education, human and community services, healthcare and rehabilitation, arts and culture, and history. Historically, the majority of funding is awarded for projects in human and community services. The Foundation prefers to fund special projects and capital needs.
Cleveland-Cliffs Invests in Education, Environment, and Community
Application deadline: May 26, 2026
Grant amount: Varies Geographic scope: Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia Target population: Community members Description: The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation supports nonprofits in communities where the company operates across three areas: education, including STEM skills and workforce readiness; environmental protection and restoration; and healthy and vibrant communities, including programs for underserved populations, healthy lifestyles, and arts and civic institutions.
National
Funding to Drive Policy on Leadership, Climate, and International Affairs
Application deadline: June 1, 2026 Grant amount: Over $10,000 Target population: General population Description: The Henry M. Jackson Foundation supports nonprofits and think tanks working on values-based leadership, climate change mitigation, and human rights and international relations. Strategic Initiative Grants may be used to fund forums, convenings, conferences, and public programs that bring experts together around policy issues. Larger general operating grants are also available to organizations closely aligned with the Foundation's mission.
AI and Cloud Technology Grants for Nonprofits
Application deadline: June 5, 2026 Grant amount: Up to $200,000 Target population: General population Description: The Amazon Web Services Imagine Grant supports registered nonprofits using cloud technology to accelerate their missions through pilot projects, proofs of concept, or expanded programs. U.S. organizations may apply for one of three award categories: the Pathfinder Award for frontier AI projects, the Go Further, Faster Award for innovative cloud and machine learning initiatives, and the Momentum to Modernize Award for foundational technology and infrastructure improvements.
Unrestricted Grants for Black Leaders Advancing Racial Justice
Application deadline: None Grant amount: $20,000 or $50,000 Target population: Black communities Description: The Black Voices for Black Justice Fund provides flexible, unrestricted grants to Black social entrepreneurs advancing racial justice across fields, including criminal justice reform, democracy, education, environmental justice, health equity, housing, and the arts. The Fund addresses historic underinvestment in Black-led organizations by elevating influential voices and backing initiatives that build economic and political power in communities affected by systemic racism. Grants are awarded through a nomination-based process.
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