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
BAHA’I PRAYER FOR MEETINGS
O
Divine Providence! This assemblage is composed of Thy friends who are attracted to Thy beauty and are set ablaze by the fire of Thy love. Turn these souls into heavenly angels, resuscitate them through the breath of Thy Holy Spirit, grant them eloquent tongues and resolute hearts, bestow upon them heavenly power and merciful susceptibilities, cause them to become the promulgators of the oneness of mankind and the cause of love and concord in the world of humanity, so that the perilous darkness of ignorant prejudice may vanish through the light of the Sun of Truth, this dreary world may become illumined, this material realm may absorb the rays of the world of spirit, these different colors may merge into one color and the melody of praise may rise to the kingdom of Thy sanctity.
Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent and the Almighty!
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
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
OUR 2024 CALENDAR
Feb 29 CHECK-IN MEETING FOCUSED ON WORK TO PREVENT YOUTH VIOLENCE
Feb 29th Thursday meeting will focus on those working to prevent youth violence and youth crime. That crime is escalating locally while other crime is decreasing. If you focus on that issue and want to present February 29 or if you have a group to suggest, reach out to LeDayne. Our goal with this meeting is to become more aware of the groups doing good work in this area, how our congregations and organization and our members/clients might benefit from that work, and we might step up to support it.
OPEN TABLES at GALILEE MINISTRIES March 21
Join Us for the First Open Tables of 2024, March 21 | 6:30 PM | Galilee Ministries
At an Open Tables gathering, individuals from diverse congregations come together for fellowship and dining; with the goal of building relationships based on our shared humanity that go beyond the divides of tribalism.
Everyone is invited to bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share. (Vegetarian meals make it easier to accommodate a variety of preferences and religious dietary restrictions.) We sit at tables of 6-8 people making sure that each table has a variety of faith backgrounds and traditions.
Using some wonderful resources from Living Room Conversations, we have substantive conversations on topics that matter. Register HERE
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
FAITH LEADER LUNCH NETWORKING EVENT Thursday, February 22 11:30 to 1:00 p.m | Park Rd Baptist Church
This is the first of new quarterly gatherings funded by a grant from the Foundation for the Carolinas. Each time we gather, we'll build in some wellness practices for ourselves, some exploration of what's working well in congregations, and LOTS of networking.
The February 22 featured speaker will be Dr. Scott Thumma, Professor of Sociology of Religion and Director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. Dr. Thumma is the principal investigator of Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations: Innovation Amidst and Beyond COVID-19 and the Co-organizer of the Faith Communities Today Project. He will be joining us via Zoom to talk about his current research on the very real challenges of post-pandemic congregational life AND the factors that impact clergy job satisfaction and well-being. Calling himself an "optimistic realist," Dr. Thumma will highlight both the circumstances that create clergy discontent and the things that faith leaders and congregations can do to address them.
The wonderful Sherry Waters, Community Chaplain, Stewardship Practitioner, Life Coach, and owner-operator of The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary will lead the wellness practice.
Ammalu Saleh, Executive Chef and Owner of Serengeti Kitchen, will provide an amazing Tanzanian meal for us. She has catered for us several times, and her food is INCREDIBLE. Learn more here: https://serengetichef.com
REGISTER HERE
FAITH LEADER-MAYOR MEETING
Tuesday, March 19 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Union Seminary
We are also working this year with CCCJ and other local clergy groups and the Charlotte mayor's office to provide regular opportunities for faith leaders to meet with Mayor Lyles and other city officials to discuss issues of concern. The first meeting of 2024 will be Tuesday, March 19. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. We are working to secure funding for lunch. Sign up HERE
We're also working to update the registration form -- if you get a Zoom link when you register, ignore it -- this is an in-person event hosted by Union seminary.
2024 Youth Events
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
Join us on Saturday, April 13 at the Latin American Coalition for a Newcomers Resource Fair. Looking for volunteers to help with food, medicine and clothes distribution and craft making with children. English and Spanish speaking volunteers are welcome. Families welcome with children old enough to help. Register HERE
3 DIFFERENT SHIFT times are available:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 - 2:00 PM
2:00 - 4:00 PM
SPECIAL NEED FROM Mind Body Baby
Baby CJ and his Mama came to MBB in a difficult state having already dropped through several cracks in our city/county/state's housing and maternity care system. We are grateful to everyone who stepped immediately stepped up with our first ask for help.
Since the 17th of Jan we have worked to keep Mama afloat and equipped to the best of our abilities while she waits for housing support. We thought we had her able to get into Coordinated Entry and the women's shelter, but her spot was given away to someone else when she got there.
Shortly after she had to leave the shelter, she had a stroke prompted by her severe high blood pressure and eventually lost her sweet girl. She was released from the hospital less than 48 hours later.
When she got back to her motel room, they had taken her stuff and thrown it away and taken her deposit to cover the late fee she incurred while she was hospitalized and losing her child. Yes, some people are that cruel and housing is that much of an issue these motels can just do that.
Mama is a victim of complex childhood trauma, her pregnancy with CJ and baby #2 were both forced upon her. And her only family remaining are the individuals who inflicted the early trauma. She has worked very hard so far to be what CJ needs, but she still needs and deserves help. She is 18 years old.
Please donate what you can so we can keep a safe roof over their heads while we help them get the services they need. There are in-kind needs as well you can kind in CJ's amazon wish list here - https://a.co/7ECR8Xg (we will be editing this list if we are able to secure gently used items locally).
If you give through this portal, every dollar will go to the sustaining needs of mama and CJ while we work within the system and with other local nonprofits to help them get on more solid ground, including mental health support. The need here is big, please give!
PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES
David Sweat | David.Sweat@mecklenburgcountync.gov Covid-19 Response Unit Director
Across the US COVID is on the decline. BUT … that is not true in the South. We still have the highest level of COVID transmission of anywhere in the country. The hospital burden is not overwhelming but COVID is circulating at high levels and does not seem like it will decline so be careful. Those who are older should make sure they are up to date with the newest vaccine. Faith and community leaders are encouraged to continue to educate about and promote vaccines. Mecklenburg County has information on the newest booster and how to get it. https://covid-19.mecknc.gov/Vaccination
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.
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.
LEMON TREE
Claire Bleiler | claire@lemontreefoods.org, Alma Medina | alma@lemontreefoods.org
We run a text message helpline has connected over 100,000 people to the free food in their backyard. Our comprehensive dataset of food pantries, soup kitchens, and SNAP resources incorporates real user feedback, so every client improves the experience for the next one. Most importantly, our customer service team meets everyone with warmth & empathy–we call it hospitality–which lets us build a deeper relationship with clients. The team is bilingual – Spanish and English. We are currently helping 5000 households/day.
Last year we launched in the Charlotte community, and also partnered with SHARE Charlotte (https://sharecharlotte.org/nonprofit/lemontree). You can learn more about our organization, and the impact we have on the communities we serve, at https://www.foodhelpline.org. Or text “FOOD” to 90847
ALABAMA CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL IN MONTGOMERY, BIRMINGHAM, & SELMA
Deborah J Walker | dwalkercharlotte@bellsouth.net
Join VISIONS for a unique workshop and tour experience along the Alabama Civil Rights Trail in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma, Alabama.
Visions is a group of 50+ consultants that focus on racial equity and social justice. The organization will be 40 years old in November.
Participants in this tour will be introduced to VISIONS' foundational model, frameworks, and tools while visiting key Alabama civil rights sites including the Equal Justice Initiative’s (EJI's) National Memorial for Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in Montgomery; the Civil Rights District including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI), Kelly Ingram Park, 16th Street Baptist Church, and other historic sites in Birmingham; and the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Brown Chapel AME Church, the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, and other historic sites in Selma.
During the workshop portions of the five-day experience, participants will enhance their personal skills for relating and working across difference, engage in reflective work about their group identities, and learn to understand and mitigate the ways that modern forms of oppression might show up in their lives. Each evening, additional time will be available for affinity groups. These groups will be designed to support any emotional/feeling responses that might arise from the tour portions of the day.
Information session: February 27th at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Information session Registration link:
Tour Date: May 1 to May 6, 2024
INVITATION TO THE LAUNCH OF THE FAITH & DEMOCRACY NC INITIATIVE
Jennifer Watson Roberts | Jennifer.Roberts@cartercenter.org | (m) (704) 836-6268,
North Carolina Co-Lead, The Carter Center
We find ourselves in an important election year in a very polarized country. In our nonpartisan democracy work with the Carter Center that is striving for a peaceful election season, we find that faith leaders can be very helpful as trusted messengers, role models, and spiritual guides for our communities. This is one reason that our democracy work in NC is launching a Faith and Democracy initiative. The Carter Center has successfully organized this in GA and FL, where it is called Faith Forward Democracy. (We can come up with our own name here in NC.)
We are fortunate to have a terrific resource for this work, a minister who lived through the violence in Northern Ireland that lasted three decades, a period that was called The Troubles: Rev. Dr. Gary Mason. Reverend Dr. Mason was involved in a number of negotiations in N. Ireland over the years and today works extensively within the Middle East, still in his homeland of Ireland and also in facilitating dialogue between Evangelicals and Liberals in the United States.
What is the role of religious leaders and religious adherents in facilitating difficult and uncomfortable conversations in a contested political climate? The northern Irish conflict of the 20th century lasted 30 years and eventually came to an end with the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. The journey to peace was a long and arduous one, but today it is seen as one of the most successful peace processes of the last 50 years, and a peace process in which both Republicans and Democrats from the US played a very significant part.
We would like to launch our NC Faith and Democracy initiative by exploring with you the role and motivation of religious actors in securing peace by allowing those from different theological camps to come together to disagree well for the greater good of society. In our inaugural meeting, we will do this by engaging with a number of different protagonists in that conflict, led in conversation with Rev. Dr. Mason. We are partnering with several organizations in this event, including the Reimagining America Project, the NC Council of Churches, and the United Methodist Church, among others.
We are inviting you to join this conversation from 3:00 - 4:30 pm EST on Wednesday, February 28.
We will have a Zoom link available shortly and a shareable flyer as well. We hope you will reach out to your networks to grow the reach of this powerful initial conversation on peace building. Although faith leaders will find this particularly relevant, you are welcome to invite those who are not faith leaders too.
Please save the date and email Jennifer if you plan to attend: Jennifer.Roberts@cartercenter.org. We will likely record the meeting but do want to have a good live audience to be able to incorporate questions and discussion in real time as well.
Jennifer Roberts and Bob Orr Co-leads, NC Network for Fair Safe and Secure Elections
Ted Northrup | ted.northrup@gmail.com
Bill Murphy | bmurphy0930@gmail.com
We are clthomeless.com; a website designed to aid the homeless seeking shelter. We have designed our site to reduce the trauma of navigating and understanding the large variety of resources in the Charlotte area. We are unlike findhelp.org because
We visit every resource and we are focused solely on Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
We “tell it like it is” in terms of guidance for matching a resource to a person’s needs
We give detailed instructions to optimize in-take
Our website also contains a questionnaire for resource providers to start the process of getting on our site or contact us at 704-617-1441
Please reach out to Ted or Bill if you want to add your organization or your resources to the website.
THE PARK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Danyae Thomas | danyae@theparkcdc.org | (704) 209-5057 EXT. #1
Director of Programs
The Park CDC is dedicated to providing accessible information, resources, and tools to promote equity in affordable housing, healthy living, and economic mobility in West Charlotte. We focus on three pillars: Healthy Living, Affordable Housing, and Economic Mobility. Co-developers already in a senior living building and they have many partners throughout Charlotte. They have a healthy living space with a Cooking Matters program which discusses where resources are, what healthy eating means and more. They also manage an urban garden space which they use to teach gardening and provide produce to the food insecure. They also provide financial management and home ownership information for many. Reach out to Danyae to learn more.
You can join us in 4 ways:
Donate: Your support increases our ability to provide affordable housing, support healthy living, and advance economic mobility within the communities which we serve.
Sponsor: You can sponsor a program or event directly just reach out to Director of Development & Communications Lauren Grant at 704-209-5057 x2 or at lauren@theparkcdc.org. The following sponsorships are available:
Program Sponsorship (2024 fiscal year)
Volunteer Appreciation Event (April 2024)
Annual Gala (Spring 2024)
“Hallelujah & Harvest Fest” (October 2024)
Partner: Through collaborative partnerships, we deliver high-quality programs to support the needs of our community members. We work alongside of our community partners to educate and empower local residents to improve their health, financial, and housing outcomes To learn more about our partnership opportunities, please e-mail programs@theparkcdc.org.
Volunteer: Click here to learn more about our volunteer opportunities. For questions, please e-mail volunteer@theparkcdc.org To register as a volunteer, please go here: https://www.theparkcdc.org/our-impact/volunteer
TAI CHI AT GALILEE
Emily Parker | edgalileeeast@gmail.com
Galilee will host a second round of Tai Chi 4 Health Introduction Level classes with
instructor Maeya Carr and her team starting on Friday, March 1, 2024. Please consider
joining us.
What: Tai Chi 4 Health | Introduction Level Classes
When (all Fridays): March 1, 8, 15, and 22
Note: If you want to participate, it is important that you attend the first session on March 1.
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Where: Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte (3601 Central Avenue, Charlotte 28205)
What to know:
Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
You can practice with your shoes on or get socks with rubber grips on the
bottom.
Bring your own water.
Bring a yoga mat if you have one.
These sessions are for people 18+.
Each session will be $5 per person. Please consider if you can give more. Your generosity could help someone else participate.
Please let Emily Parker (EDGalileeEast@gmail.com) know if you plan to attend the first
session on March 1 and RSVP at bit.ly/3ZaBNKz to secure your spot.
CHARLOTTE BIPOC MEDITATION COMMUNITY
Danny Tindall | composer3001@gmail.com | 740-602-1110
Renaurd West | jrenaurdsr@gmail.com | 864-238-3279
CBMC is an emerging Charitable Program of the Social Good Fund. CBMC is dedicated to practices of Mindful Meditation, Insight Meditation, honoring our ancestors and creating ritual and safe places for black indigenous and people of color to gather to foster freedom of heart and mind.
We are hosting a very special event with Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad at Johnson C Smith University, on February 16 & 17. All people are invited. ALL ARE WELCOME. Dr. Vesely-Flad is Associate Professor of Religion, Philosophy, & Social Justice & Visiting Professor of Buddhism & Black Studies at Union Theological Seminary
Talk & meditation
WHEN: Friday, February 16 , 2024, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WHERE: JCSU, TC 103 (aka Yancey Hall 103)
Half-day retreat / Talk & meditation
When: Saturday, February 17, 2024, 9 am - 12:30 pm /
WHERE: JCSU Student Union, 2nd Floor - Grimes Lounge
Admission is Free. TO REGISTER: Contact Renaurd West, jrenaurdsr@gmail.com or call (864) 238-3279
THE JUNIOR CULTURED CHEFS
Chef Gillian Howard | yourculturedchef@gmail.com
Cultured Concepts, LLC, executive chef/owner, The Junior Cultured Chefs, INC, Co-Founder
IG: YourCulturedChef
IG: TheJuniorCulturedChefs
Below, I have attached a brief synopsis of the work I (and my culinary team!) do in regard to food sovereignty and combatting food insecure areas through education and advocacy. Please consider sharing this in the Feb. 29th edition, as the work is focused on youth and other vulnerable communities. ( veterans, seniors, displaced persons, youth)
Cultured Concepts LLC/ The Junior Cultured Chefs, INC
Culinary Arts Teaching Component that focuses on the holistic practices and benefits of food consumption. Within these targeted food insecure areas, Cultured Concepts will implement various programs that guide its inhabitants forward towards a more intentional and sustainable way of purchasing, preparing, and preserving sustenance.
● Junior Cultured Chefs (Non-profit)- In this 6-week, STEM forward culinary course, The Junior Cultured Chefs are introduced to their local food systems and the sustainable practices in which to foster, support and maintain access to them.They are introduced to kitchen etiquette and basic cooking skills including chopping, slicing, sauteeing, marinating, and baking. Field trips to various community gardens create space for exploration of vegetation and cultivation. Youth learn to complete the food chain cycle by composting fruits and vegetables in preparation for returning nourishment to the earth at their local garden plot(s).
•Each session, 20 school-aged children (7-17yrs) are invited to Dr. Ophelia-Garmon Brown Center to learn and create farm fresh snacks, salads, kid-friendly entrees and healthy desserts. Students come together to enjoy a family meal with their peers and debrief with leadership as their parents are invited to share in the harvest.
•In the Off-Season (Jan-June), 20 community children, new AND subscribed are invited to Charlotte Regional Farmers Market from 11-1a for a farm-to-table experience. Youth meet the growers and farmers on a scavenger hunt, collecting the ingredients for that day’s meal. The menus are culturally expansive, and each day Camp tours a country/region as it pertains to food and language.
UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL VOTE
Joe Hamby | jhamby@roofabove.org | 704-574-6154
Director of Community Education
During the vote to consider the recriminalization of 6 ordinances folks showed up. 6 out of 8 were passed 7-3 (Councilpersons Johnson, Brown and Mayfield voted against). Thank you for those who reached out. There are now 2 port-o-johns located outside of Hall Marshall and two permanent loos are coming. They also voted to upfit the portable showers and bathrooms. Biggest steps were funding a 3 person care team and expanded the CMPD care team. It also built momentum for non-congregate shelter for those with mental house needs, and doubling the housing trust fund.
To stay apprised, sign up for Roof Above’s 2 X 4 newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/roofabove/advocacy-newsletter
Rahm Emanuel's rule: “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. And what I mean by that [is] it's an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before."
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A SUMMIT ON GUN VIOLENCE
Equipping Church Leaders to Promote Awareness, Safety, and Healing
When: March 6th, 9 – Noon.
Where: Davidson College Presbyterian Church, The Congregation House, 218 Concord Road in Davidson, NC.
Gather for inspiration, networking, and resourcing as we hear from representatives of RAWtools South, Be SMART, Davidson Lifeline and the Office of Violence Prevention. Return to your community better equipped and better informed to address the impact of gun violence and to reduce its frequency.
A free lunch will be provided for all who register by Sunday, March 3rd.
RIDING UP TOGETHER TO THE LEANDRO DAY OF ACTION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENT
Linda Traum | ltraum1189@gmail.com
Co-chair LWVCM Education Team The League of Women Voters
Charlotte Mecklenburg, Education Action Team is dedicated to advocating for public education. We are excited to join other advocates across the state on February 22nd from 10-2 at the Leandro Day of Action For Public Education Event in Raleigh.
The League of Women Voters in Charlotte is sponsoring a bus, and we are looking for more people to participate. We would like you and other members of CMAE to join us. There will be no cost for you to ride on the bus.
Schedule: The bus will leave at 6:15 am and return between 5 and 5:30 pm.
We are asking people to gather at 6 am in the back parking lot of Myers Park Baptist Church on Roswell Avenue. The church address is 1900 Queens Road, Charlotte NC 28207, Please try to carpool so that there are enough parking spaces. Please bring your own snacks for the bus ride.
We will stay for the program which goes from 10 am - 2 pm.
You will need to RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/actionforeverychild
Please share this information with others in public education. Please reply to Linda Traum at ltraum1189@gmail.com for a reservation for the bus no later than 2/20/2024. Seats are reserved on a first-come first-serve basis.
Melanie L. Edwards, MSW, MIA, LCSWA, 704-910-5810,
Hope Clinic works with refugee and migrant community. They provide integrated physical and mental health care and case management. They will be sponsoring training through opiate prevention funding. The training will be Feb 28-March 1 at the clinic from 9-5. it is open to any member of the public. Focus is on how do we create trauma informed spaces for all community members. Limited to 25 participants.
REV. BARBER @ MAYFIELD MEMORIAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Cate De Mallie | 704-870-1431
Saturday, Feb. 17 @ 12:30 pm Bishop William Barber II will be at Mayfied Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, 700 W. Sugar Creek Rd., Charlotte.
CARE RING: HEALTHY START CONSORTIUM
We will develop cross-sector partnerships to ensure access to coordinated, comprehensive maternal, child, and family medical care; health and parenting education; and community-based resources that address social determinants of health within the project area.
We’d like to welcome thus far to the Consortium:
Charlotte Community Health Clinic
Charlotte Chapter of CHARMS Inc.
Charlotte Works
The Duke Endowment
Unite US (NCCARE360)
Urban Institute for Strengthening Families
Wellcare
Zetas of Charlotte Benevolent Foundation
For those who have yet to complete the survey and officially confirm your commitment, please identify your desire to participate by the Consortium Meeting.
LEARNING BY GIVING PHILANTHROPY GRANTS SPRING 2024
Since 2003, Davidson College students enrolled in POL 381, "Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector," have allocated grants to local non-profits as a central part of the course. A total of $150,000 in grants has been disbursed over the past 21 years. The endowed funding for this course was made available through the generosity of the Learning by Giving Foundation, established by Doris Buffet, in order to promote student learning about effective and responsible philanthropy.
This spring, the class will have $20,000 in grant money to award, thanks to funds from both the Learning by Giving Foundation and the Davidson College Center for Civic Engagement. The grant money will be awarded to registered 501(c)(3) organizations submitting what the students determine to be the most promising proposals.
The grant has two equally important purposes:
Pedagogical: to promote student learning about grant writing, project proposals, and effective philanthropy.
Stewardship and service: to ensure that these funds are allocated to the most impactful project proposals generated in the broader community.
The students are responsible for almost all aspects of the grant, including determination of eligibility requirements, application procedures, and selection of grantees. Neither the Learning by Giving Foundation nor Davidson College plays any role in selection of grantees.
The Grants
A total of six grants ($3,500 or $3,000) will be awarded. The grants will be split into three separate geographic areas, each of which will receive two grants:
Projects targeting needs in the Greater Charlotte area (urban/suburban).
Projects targeting needs in the Lake Norman corridor (the four towns in the immediate vicinity of Davidson College: Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, and Mooresville).
Projects targeting needs in rural North Carolina.
Both secular and faith-based organizations are welcome to apply, although proposals for projects with proselytizing goals or requirements to attend religious services cannot be considered. Proposals may request funds to launch a new project or support an ongoing one.
The students will use the following criteria in assessing the applications: project design, project impact, organizational capacity, finance and budget, and application quality.
Priority Needs
This year, the class is especially interested in supporting projects and non-profits focusing on urgent, unmet social needs, including but not limited to projects addressing three of the region’s most pressing problems: low social mobility (all three geographic target areas), lack of affordable housing (especially in the Greater Charlotte area and Lake Norman corridor), and lack of access to basic health care services (all three target areas, but especially rural NC).
Application Form
Download the application form:
Deadline
Applications may be submitted by email. Email attachments must be received by Monday, March 11, 2024. Applicants will receive acknowledgement of receipt of application. Applicants will be notified of grant allocation decisions in the first week of May.
Contact Information
Applications should be emailed to Prof. Ken Menkhaus at pol381@davidson.edu
For clarification or more information, please contact Prof. Ken Menkhaus at his email address kemenkhaus@davidson.edu. Do not contact the Learning by Giving Foundation or Davidson College administration; they have no direct role in the grant.
Previous Grantees
JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL (JCPC) GRANTS
The Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is now accepting applications for funding of programs that serve at risk and delinquent youth in Mecklenburg County. The approximately $2,051,713 million anticipated allocation will be provided for fiscal year 2024-2025 (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025). For the full list of requirements and to apply for funding please click on the following link
County’s Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Seeking to Support Organizations that Work with At-Risk Youth | Mecklenburg County News Releases (mecknc.gov)
A Pre-Bid Information session is also mandatory to apply for funds. Potential applicants are required to attend at least one of the events below: Each program submitting a proposal must send a representative to at least one of these mandatory session trainings in order to be considered for funding.
JCPC Pre-Bid Sessions Information
Morning Session
When: February 21st, 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Valerie C. Woodard Conference Cntr Rm# 4011-4012, 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte NC 28208
Afternoon Session
When: February 21st, 2024, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Valerie C. Woodard Conference Cntr R# 4011-4012 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte NC 28208
Please pass on this information to any interested parties
If you have questions related to Technical Assistance:
P. Scott Stoker, JCPC Area Consultant
(704) 956-3984
Questions related to Administrative Issues of this RFP:
Elizabeth Swann, JCPC Admin Assistant
(980) 314-1705
SAFE CHARLOTTE GRANT - APPLICATIONS OPEN
Overview
This grant provides funds for both program implementation and collaboration between organizations to layer services to provide more holistic support to residents. These funds will be distributed through an equitable process that reflects community priorities and will help organizations to build and strengthen relationships with partner organizations and Charlotte residents. Given the recent attention on youth crimes and violence, we are placing priority on proposals that include evidence-based or informed programs that prevent youth crime.
Application opens: February 5, 2024
Application closes: March 15, 2024
Organization criteria (see website for more detailed information):
Just as last round, we will be seeking collaboratives comprised of one lead agency and one or two partner agencies
All organizations must be 501c3 and provide service in Charlotte
Programmatic areas include:
Youth and Family Based Programs
Child Care Services
Employment Training (Workforce Development/Job Training)
Mental Health and Trauma Informed Care
Please visit this this website to learn more and review detailed criteria and FAQ.
EARTH WITNESS WEDNESDAYS
Rev. Amy Brooks Paradise (she/her), Organizer, North America, 704-458-4438
All events take place at 12 Noon.
March 13 - Think Green
April 10 - Earth Justice
May 8 - Faiths For Climate Justice
(More details on the flyer below)
I know each one of you is hard at work, struggling for justice. I know this from your emails, announcements and programs. I want to say how deeply I appreciate all that you are doing and how much I wish I could come to all of these events!
Here at GreenFaith we are taking our struggle to the institutions that are funding climate chaos -- banks and asset managers. How can we work for justice if we do not have clean air, water, food or a place to live? Everyday we read about another catastrophe that has people scrambling for food and shelter whether it is a war, a famine or a flood.
Unfortunately financial institutions continue raking in money by funding fossil fuels -- the very thing that is making us and our planet sick and destroying our future. Here's the latest: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/03/climate/bank-of-america-esg.html
Please, share this flyer with your community.
MAYOR'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM FAITH-BASED DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
City Council has already successfully invested more than $18 million of Housing Trust Fund dollars into the development of over 600 affordable housing units in partnership with local FBOs. To expand these accomplishments, a Faith-Based Development Initiative (FBDI) is being established. Council Member Mayfield, in collaboration with our Housing and Neighborhood Services Department, will lead this initiative, facilitating collaboration across a broad range of partners, including FBOs, affordable housing developers, philanthropic organizations, and housing services providers. Our collective effort will equip FBOs with the support, resources, partnerships, and expertise to successfully navigate the complexities of affordable housing development.
I am excited about this initiative as it aligns strongly with our strategic objective to expand affordable housing and reflects our commitment to innovative, community-led solutions.
Application deadline: March 25, 2024 for letters of intentGrant amount: Seven grants of $100,000 will be provided.
Description: The WES Mariam Assefa Fund, the philanthropic arm of World Education Services, is committed to building an inclusive economy that works for immigrants and refugees. The Fund’s Elevating Migrant Leadership: Building Inclusive Futures Funding Opportunity seeks proposals from organizations in the United States that are elevating the voices and leadership of immigrants and refugees. Support will be provided to organizations that work with immigrants and refugees who are seeking to develop civic leadership and advocacy skills so they can more effectively influence the development of programs and policies that affect them and their communities. Supported programs must focus on two out of three of the following areas: narrative building, experiential learning, and mentorship. Selected awardees will receive $100,000 grants and have access to peer-learning, capacity building, and other programming. Nonprofit organizations in the U.S., or organizations with a fiscal sponsor, that have a mission and vision explicitly focused on serving immigrants and refugees and have an operating budget equal to or less than $3 million are eligible to apply.
3. General Information
LIVING WELL IN THE COMMUNITY - ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILIITES FROM DISABILITY RIGHTS & RESOURCES
Jordan Hayes | Peer Mentor | jordanhayes@disability-rights.org | 704-537-0550
Subscribe to our Newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/vMUTbrT
The first Living Well in the Community Workshop Session will be on Tuesday, March 5 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Our first session is an orientation, so anyone with a disability in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Cabarrus, or Union Counties with access to a phone, tablet, or computer for a virtual session and a goal that they want to work on with support from peers is welcome to join! If they decide the workshop is a good fit for them after orientation, we will meet every Tuesday for 11 weeks after that date and we would need to complete a consumer service record of some basic demographic information and the goal they are working towards to get them established as a Disability Rights & Resources consumer.
WEBINAR: SPRING SAFETY & SSECUTIRY RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY BRIEFING
Date: February 21, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 pm EST
Register here:
Please join FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Coordination Section and the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships for the February VOISE call. The topic of the call is a spring safety and security religious holiday briefing that will provide attendees information, points of contact and considerations to prepare their facilities for upcoming religious observances and other public gatherings. Click here to register.
CITY OF CHARLOTTE COMMUNITY CHANGES ARE HAPPENING IN HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
Some new changes are happening in Housing & Neighborhood Services that are all about making things better for you! We are re-organizing our engagement staff and services to better serve residents and neighborhoods. You’ll still have access to the same great resources, with some new faces along the way.
New Name, Same Great Resources
The Neighborhood Engagement Specialists, Neighborhood Resources, Youth Programs and 311 teams all work together to provide information, resources, and programming to help you. We strive to meet residents where they are, with the information they want, when and how they need it.
Dr. Raquishela Stewart now leads this team as the Assistant Director for Community Engagement and Customer Service. She's all about building strong connections with you, the residents.
Neighborhood Engagement Services Team (NEST)
The Neighborhood Engagement Services Team (NEST) work directly with residents, neighborhood and business associations, civic groups, and other organizations on the projects and ideas that matter most to them. This group focuses on advocacy, coordination, information and resource sharing, and problem solving to help communities achieve their goals.
NEST is now organized by council district, so you may have a different representative than before. This team is led by Strategic Operations Manager Jacquelyn Horton.
Not sure what district you’re in? Check out this map.
District 1: Jamila Freelain, jamila.freelain@charlottenc.gov, (704) 591-9014
District 2: Randy Harris, randy.harris@charlottenc.gov , (704) 622-1658
District 3: Millicent Powell, millicent.powell@charlottenc.gov, (704) 622-2020
District 4: Kim Barnes, kim.barnes@charlottenc.gov, (980) 722-5671Kim is also the Lead for Districts 2, 4, 6, and 7.
District 5: Charlenea Duncan, charlenea.duncan@charlottenc.gov, (704) 622-1786Charlenea is also the Lead for Districts 1, 3 and 5.
Districts 6 and 7: Brittany Baldwin | brittany.baldwin@charlottenc.gov | (980) 417-1915
At-Large: This position is currently vacant. Please contact Jacquelyn Horton for assistance at jacquelyn.horton@charlottenc.gov or (980) 333-5962.
Corridors of Opportunity: Aisha Sabur, aisha.abdussabur@charlottenc.gov
Neighborhood Resources Team
The Neighborhood Resources Team continues to offer programs, training, and resources that help neighbors build their neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Matching Grants
The Neighborhood Matching Grants program awards up to $25,000 to eligible neighborhood-based organizations to make neighborhoods better places to live, work, and play. Contact Jackie Clare at jackie.clare@charlottenc.gov for more information.
MEDASSIST FREE OVER THE COUNTER MEDICINE EVENT
March 8, 2024
Anita Boswell Russell | aboswellrussell@medassist.org | 980.288.5456 l 704.536.1790 (Front Office)
Mobile Free Pharmacy Events Manager
I am excited to announce that NC MedAssist and Alliance Health are partnering to offer a free Over the Counter medicine event on March 8, 2024 located at the Strafford Richardson YMCA. Please take a moment to review this email as it contains important information about the event, including event flyers, homebound shopping guidelines, event set-up information and opportunities to volunteer.
Please share with your distribution lists.
Host site: Stratford Richardson YMCA, 1946 West Blvd.
Date: Event Date: Friday, March 8, 2024 (9:00am – 2:30pm)
Event Setup: Friday, March 8, 2024 | 7AM – 8AM (for volunteers, NC MedAssist staff and Alliance Health staff)
Promotions/Media: You all know what methods of promotion work best in Mecklenburg County. We have three version of the flyers attached and ready for dispersal. Please use the JPG to post and share the event on social media (Please find English & Spanish version attached). If you would like printed copies of the flyers mailed to you, please let me know the quantity and preferred shipping address.
Facebook event is live and ready to be shared within your networks!
Online ordering: All participants are encouraged to preorder their medicine online. This allows them to customize their medicine based on their specific needs. If someone is unable to preregister for medicine in advance, they will be able to choose 6 – 7 medicines of their choice at the event. All medicine is based on availability, and on a first come, first served basis.
Online ordering links:
English: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/ba50b098/Dc-hYpfek0ChYm53tA4vnw?u=https://form.123formbuilder.com/6590219/mecklenburg-county-mfp-order-form-3-8-2024-alliance|
Online Preorder Form Goes live on February 8th at 12:00am!
Feel free to share the link with family, friends, coworkers, church, and on social media.
Homebound: We aim to serve as many homebound individuals as possible. Participants can fill out the online preorder form using the listed link above and have a designated person pickup on their behalf, or they can fill out the attached homebound form and scan and upload all forms using the link below. All forms must be submitted by Friday, March 1, 2024.
If you have any questions regarding homebound, please contact Anita Boswell-Russell at aboswellrussell@medassist.org
Volunteers: This event is fueled by volunteers and we could not do it without their help. Please direct all volunteers to this link: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/2d2c117b/eOhv36XTIUqtoolAEiTFYg?u=https://cerv.is/0332x356 or https://link.edgepilot.com/s/27e8a4e1/dHFcK0PuM0az8pD-T_dTqw?u=http://www.medassist.org/volunteer
*Children 12 and older can volunteer with parental supervision. Volunteers will be provided with snacks, water, and lunch.
We will have two more strategy calls prior to the event where we will go over updates and discuss any questions or concerns. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the information listed above.
2024 PLACEMAKING GRANTS
The 2024 Placemaking Grant and the 2024 Creative Pool Programs are officially open for applications now through March 15th! Apply for up to $25,000 in project funding to transform your favorite public spaces into vibrant community places with projects like murals, community gardens, bus stop improvements, and more.
“The City of Charlotte's Placemaking Grant is a one-of-a-kind resource, serving as a bridge to connect community members who want to enhance public spaces in their neighborhoods to the funding and design assistance necessary to make ideas happen,” said Monica Holmes, deputy director of the Planning, Design & Development Department. “Every year, we receive more creative proposals aimed at building safer, healthier, and more distinctive places. We can't wait to be inspired by a new round of applicants this year.”
Applicants are invited to attend an upcoming virtual Q&A session on Thursday, Feb. 15, or attend an in-person session at the Charlotte Urban Design Center’s South End Studio at 1507 Camden Road on Thursday, Feb. 29. Both sessions will be from 6-8 p.m. Visit the Placemaking Grant Program and Creative Pool Program web pages to apply for each of the programs and find out more information. Stay up to date with The Charlotte Urban Design Center by subscribing to their newsletter and following @clturbandesign on social media.
Learn more about this grant HERE
ELECTION INFORMATION
Important Dates for the March 5 Primary:
February 9: Last day to register to vote in the Primary Election*Feb 15 – Mar 2: Early Voting
February 27: Last day to request Absentee ballot
March 5: Absentee ballot return deadline 7:30pm, Primary Election Day
*Voters may opt for same-day registration at the polls during early voting, but may not register on Election Day.
I am linking below voting resources that were shared by our partners at NC Counts Coalition. Feel free to share this with your network.
WHAT’S ON MY BALLOT? In 2024, there may be more than 20 offices on your ballot!: https://www.youcanvote.org/wob
If you have an ID, bring it with you when you go to vote. If you don’t have an ID, ask for the Photo ID Exception Form when you go to the polls. Your ballot will count if you properly complete the Photo ID Exception Form. https://www.youcanvote.org/voter-id
VOTING FAQ: WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW? https://www.youcanvote.org/voter-guide
VOTER EDUCATION TOOLKITS: https://www.youcanvote.org/toolkits
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.youcanvote.org/events
NC KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!: https://www.youcanvote.org/
2024 Election Tip of the Week: Get Free (and Really Helpful) Resources from You Can Vote
Leading up to the 2024 primary election this spring and the general election this fall, the Center will offer a variety of tips for nonprofits about nonpartisan voter registration and voter education. We encourage you to share these tips with your staff, board, and the people you serve.
This week’s tip: You Can Vote offers many free, user-friendly, and nonpartisan resources on voter education, including:
Free handouts in English and Spanish with basics about the election, voting rights, and voter education information. Two of our favorites are Who’s on the Ballot?, which provides helpful explanations of 20 elected offices that you are likely to see on your ballot this year, and What’s on the Ballot?, which highlights the elected officials who are responsible for eight major policy issues that are important to the work of many nonprofits.
Communications toolkits to help your nonprofits share clear and accurate information about the 2024 election with your staff, volunteers, and the people you serve. You need to sign up to access these toolkits, but it’s worth the two minutes to get ready-made emails and social media posts, along with notes on what days to share which messages.
Free voting educators for nonprofits’ virtual or in-person events. Note that your organization will need to request a voting educator at least two weeks in advance.
Many more resources to help your nonprofit become a (nonpartisan) Voting Rights Champion in 2024.
Note: If you missed the first two 2024 Election Tips of the Week or want a refresher, (re)read them now: checking your voter registration and requesting an absentee ballot.
COUNTY CONVERSATIONS: MENTAL HEALTH ON EITHER THURSDAY, MARCH 7 OR THURSDAY, MARCH 14
Rebecca J. Herbert | (980) 219- 3885 | MeckNC.Gov
Community Relations Manager, Mecklenburg County Government
No question about it—we are living in stressful times. Whether it’s anxiety over the pandemic, national and global events, trouble at home, possibly alcohol or substance use, professionals agree that more people than ever across our community are struggling with their mental health.
That’s why Mecklenburg County, in partnership with Charlotte Is Creative, invites you to County Conversations: Mental Health on either Thursday, March 7 or Thursday, March 14. These County Conversations are community-based mental health awareness and outreach events. Each County Conversation will provide information to residents about the current state of mental health in our community and ask residents to share their stories and their suggestions to help make everyone’s lives better.
Anyone and everyone with an interest in mental health issues is invited to attend—parents, families, educators, students, clinicians, law-enforcement, faith leaders, advocates, and those with lived experiences. Please RSVP no later than March 1 via the registration link for March 7 or March 14.
Dinner will be provided to attendees. Each event will include insight from local leaders and mental health advocates.
Funding for these events is made possible by Mecklenburg County Participatory Budgeting, where residents voted in 2022 projects identified by their peers in each County Commission district. Residents of District Five asked for Community-Based Mental Health Awareness and Outreach.
BUILDING HOPE BUILDING COMMITMENT, INVITATION TO SHOWCASE: PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH & COPING STRATEGIES
Vickie Craighead-Davis | 704-713-2363 | http://bhbccarolinas.org
Executive Director
The 1stAnnual Mental Health scheduled to take place on May 18th, 2024, from 12-4 PM at North Side Church of Christ in Charlotte, NC. Our aim for this event is to bring together mental health providers like yourself who are dedicated to promoting healthy coping mechanisms, addressing mental health conditions, and offering positive outlets for our youth community.
Here are some key details about the showcase:
Date: May 18th, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: North Side Church of Christ, 4435 E. W.T Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213
As a vendor, you would have the opportunity to showcase your services, engage with attendees, and contribute to the conversation surrounding mental health and wellness. Additionally, this event offers a platform for networking and collaboration within the mental health community.
If you are interested in participating as a vendor or would like further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would be delighted to discuss
JOIN THE ACTIVE READING SESSION FOR FEBRUARY:
The book that will be shared is "Lillians Right to Vote"
Karita Pimentel | 980-237-0122 ext 103 | 980-920-2488 - Direct Line
Family Literacy Engagement Specialist Membership, BCDI-Charlotte Affiliate
416 McCullough Drive, Suite 225 Charlotte, NC 28262
Book Pick up times: from 9:30 am and 3:00 pm Monday through Friday (Office)
BCDI- Charlotte 2 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 885 4558 2269
Passcode: 802181
YOUR NONPROFIT COULD WIN $10,000 IN CASH - Grant Registration Now Open
Marketing to increase your corporate engagement goals
Registration for our 2024 Charlotte program is open now through March 3, and is limited to the first 20 nonprofits!
Do you have an idea for bolstering economic mobility in through nonprofit technology? Do you need professional support to help turn your idea into reality? Tap into innovative, pro bono technology and process improvement consulting with the Mission Possible Award Program.
One lucky organization will win and receive $10,000 in cash and up to $50,000 of consulting support.
All participants will richly benefit from:
· Up to 15 hours of pro bono strategy support from your personal Accenture consultant
· A polished proposal which you can submit to any other funding sources of your choosing
· The beginning of a partnership with Apparo … many participants go on to receive our pro bono support.
Need to know more? Register for our information session on March 1st.
MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM- Seeking Employers to Host Youth Summer Internships
It's not too late to become a host employer with the MYEP for this summer!
If you're excited to support young talent by offering invaluable work experience, becoming a host employer is the perfect opportunity for you.
Nearly 750 students have undergone job and career readiness training, along with completing the application and interview process, all geared towards bringing their skills and talents to your organization this summer!
Don’t miss out on the chance to shape Charlotte’s future workforce! The deadline to apply is February 23. Securing your spot is easy and only takes two steps:
Apply to become a host employer: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/8d885f7f/9oT8qtbuOk6mahpheCH2WQ?u=https://wkf.ms/484kn6v
Submit the job description for the role an intern would fill: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/773fa979/LFBDz56mY06uCbvGC2E26g?u=https://wkf.ms/3rIQzvF
OTHERS ON THE CALL (as time allows)
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
I hope the new year is shaping up well for you with abundant good luck - or with the greater blessings of following your best intentions, and finding equanimity despite whatever fortunes may come your way.
Ayya Sudhamma | charlottebuddhistvihara@gmail.com
Next meeting – Two weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m.