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 subscribe to our newsletter.
Want to learn more about we do on our calls? Watch this short video clip!
Click Here to Access Zoom Recording:
In this Issue:
Important Dates:
3/22, 7 pm: The Honorable Sami Abu Shehadeh, member of Israel’s Knesset speaking at JCSU New Science Center Auditorium
3/26, 1pm: MeckMIN Youth Service Project with Promising Pages
3/28, 5pm: Moral Monday rally in Bicentennial Plaza
4/1: International House legal clinic reopens for new clients
4/4: International House Sunday afternoon citizen prep classes resume
4/20, 8-noon: Education Symposium at Johnson C. Smith University
4/21, 7pm: Annual Whitney M. Young Gala (Urban League)
4/22: International House Spring Resource event
4/22, 1-2:30: Community Read Writer’s workshop with Anna Jean Mayhew
4/23 1-2pm: Community Read Author’s Panel with Anna Jean Mayhew
4/30, 6pm: Karen Gonzalez Event at St. John’s Baptist Church
5/12, 7:30 am: MeckMIN Awards Breakfast
6/18: Poor People’s Campaign national rally in Washington, DC
6/23-26: In Our Own Backyard Camp
7/18: Applications due for National Fund for Sacred Places grant
8/27: Another Chance House of Refuge 5K run, “Racing Through ReEntry”.
9/11, 1-6pm: Sacred Threads Conference
Opening Reflection
Compassionate One, all our lacks and needs are revealed and known before You. Behold, the time is right for You to redeem us, to grace us, to have compassion on us, in the fullness of Your mercy and the infiniteness of Your love. Truly You are gracious and compassionate, and Your way is to bestow Your love freely. You therefore act charitably towards all flesh and spirit. O Good One, don’t ever let Your mercies fail us. O Compassionate One, never stop showering us with Your love. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable before You, G-d, my Rock [in this world] and my Redeemer [throughout all eternity] (Psalm 19:15) [translated by Avraham Sutton.]
1. MeckMIN Updates
AWARDS BREAKFAST
The Date: Thursday May 12th at 7:30 am in person at Covenant Presbyterian (fingers crossed).
This is the biggest MeckMIN fundraiser of the year. If the work that MeckMIN is doing matters to you, please sponsor a table or buy individual tickets.
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
This year's breakfast will be held on Thursday, May 12 at 7:30 AM at Covenant Presbyterian Church. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and your paid ticket supports our work all year to develop understanding, compassionate relationships between people of all faiths, relationships which make possible a robust, coordinated, and effective response to the needs of our community. That said, your attendance means more to us than your gift, and we do understand that many of us are struggling with our finances, so we offer tickets on a sliding scale. We hope you'll buy a ticket today and plan to join us.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We invite you to join us as an event sponsor. For as little as $250, you as an individual, congregation, business, or fellow nonprofit can be recognized for supporting our work to foster interfaith cooperation, promote racial and ethnic understanding and address social needs in Mecklenburg County. For a full list of sponsorship levels and benefits, please visit our sponsorship page.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
We invite you to join us on Thursday, April 21 from 12:15 to 1:15 PM for the second part of our two-part series about the realities of immigration and to hear from some of our neighbors who've been immigrants and refugees. In April we will hear the personal story of one asylum seeker living in our community and from the faith community supporting her.
YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROJECT
Calling all middle and high schoolers to join us on Saturday, March 26 at
1 PM for a fun service project with Promising Pages. We'll be sorting donated books and getting them ready for distribution to students and organizations that need them the most. For any youth in middle or high.
THURSDAY'S FAITH, COMMUNITY & NON-PROFIT CHECK-IN MEETING - NOW BLOGGED
Our Thursday Faith, Community & Non-Profit Check-In Meetings are a GREAT source of information about needs and resources in our community. We are once again "blogging" each set of minutes and posting all the resources that were mentioned. Whether or not you're able to attend, this is a great way to keep up with what's happening. You can easily find everything under the News & Resources tab on the left-hand corner of the website, scroll down to Community Resources and click on Faith, Community, & Nonprofit Meeting.
IN OUR OWN BACKYARD (IOOBY) | June 23-26 | Applications Open
SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 23-26, 2022 we will once again host our acclaimed interfaith youth camp.
Every year we hold our interfaith summer camp experience for high-school aged youth in Mecklenburg County. The purpose of the camp is to bring youth together from different faiths, races and socioeconomic backgrounds to learn more about each other’s faith traditions and to serve area residents in need. Participants visit various social agencies, travel by city bus, visit different houses of faith for worship services and develop their own interfaith service on the last evening of the program. Attendees are eligible to join the MeckMIN youth council.
PLEASE SHARE WITH ANY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT YOU THINK MIGHT BE INTERESTED.
Please help us spread the word by sharing the webpage on your social media accounts and within your personal networks
SACRED THREADS
September 11 from 1-6, Queens University and Myers Park Baptist Church
Join people from all faiths to explore the history of dialogue between Jews, Muslims, and Christians during the past 60 years. This conference was inspired by several major documents issued by these Abrahamic religions regarding the need to reach out to one another and begin to build bridges of understanding. We will hear from scholars in the field, discuss with one another in small groups, and enjoy music, poetry, and art. As our society grapples with the effects of division along so many lines, the vision for this day is to create beauty from the many threads of our sacred traditions. More info to come.
2. Non-Profit Updates
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - CLT REGION
Contributing Land For Housing
Zach Surber, Faith Relations Manager, 980.859.5578 (office), zsurber@habitatcltregion.org
Jennifer Morell, Director of Land Acquisition and Development, 510.825.8029, Jmorell@habitatcltregion.org,
If you were intrigued by the idea of selling or donating land to Habitat to support affordable housing, please review the attached flyer reviewing the questions that will be used to evaluate your donation and reach out to Jennifer Morell. The land that was donated by Greater Bethel AME, with funds provided by Covenant Presbyterian, will enable the building of 40 new homes. Some of the considerations that will be discussed during the donation process include:
What is the highest and best use of the property (single homes, townhomes, etc.)?
What are the barriers to development?
What city services are available?
What social capital will be available to new residents (schools, businesses, etc.)
See the document below for more details
If you are considering gifting or selling your property assets to Habitat Charlotte Region, please contact Jennifer or Zach:
ROOF ABOVE - RITI UPDATE
Ashley Brown, innkeeper@roofabove.org
We are in the last two weeks of RITI. We are averaging about 50 guests per night. Still looking for additional beds as follows:
3/26 (30 beds) - needing 2 additional sites
3/29 (38 beds) - needing 1 additional site
Please email innkeeper@roofabove.org if you're a current season host with availability on one of those nights.
Danyae M. Thomas, Partnerships and Engagement Director, 704.373.2256 ex 208, Danyae.thomas@urbanleaguecc.org
April Turner, Outreach & Engagement Specialist, april.turner@urbanleaguecc.org
Urban League has several events coming up that all are invited to attend and to share:
Univerzez Education Symposium at Johnson C. Smith University April 20th at 8:00am - 12pm. The Gala will be extended with an education symposium at Johnson C Smith University the day before. The symposium will celebrate ULCC's long history of impact in the Charlotte community while celebrating our youth who we recognize as resilient, innovative, scholars and empowered. We welcome your scholars to attend and join two of the following workshops:
"Versus vs. Verzuz
"Up vs. Down
"Food vs. Technology
"Verzuz and Refrains
"Woman vs. The world
"Man vs. The Universe
"HBCU vs. Colleges
"Elements of the Univerze
To make your commitment, you may contact Makeda Johnson at 704.373.2256, ext. 206 or email Makeda.johnson@UrbanLeaguecc.org
2. ULCC Annual Whitney M. Young Gala
the ULCC's premier event will be held at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Conference and Event Center April 21st at 7pm. This year’s gala, “Renaissance to Resurgence: Educating a Movement,” will feature Hill Harper as featured speaker as well as the 2022 honorees who are:
Malcomb Coley, Charlotte Managing Partner, E.Y., Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award
Sonja P. Nichols, President and CEO of Nicholant Enterprises, Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award
J’Tanya Adams, Founder of Historic West End Partners, Vernon Jordan Visionary Award
The Mount Charlotte, Community Empowerment Award
This is ULCC’s largest fundraising event and supports the organization’s programs in education, employment, advocacy, and social justice. Sponsorships are available and early-bird tickets are on sale. To purchase tickets, donate to the silent auction and/or sponsor the event, visit ULCC.givesmart.com.
Martha Yesowitch, MLIS | Community Partnerships Manager, 704-416-0625, C, 980-402-7489, myesowitch@cmlibrary.org
Community Read:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library announces the return of Community Read in March 2022 with a focus on creating community dialogue around themes of gentrification and urban renewal. The signature title is Tomorrow’s Bread by Anna Jean Mayhew which takes place in Charlotte’s Brooklyn neighborhood – a vital “city within a city” that was bulldozed to make way for development in the 60s.
On March 22 and 23, 2022, the author, Anna Jean Mayhew, will offer two virtual visits: on the 22nd she will host a writer’s workshop exploring how to turn facts into fiction and on the 23rd she will do an author’s talk. Both events are free and available through link: www.cmlibrary.org/community-read
The Library is also partnering with the Levine Museum to offer a KnowCLT tour of Brooklyn. Find a date that works for you on the Library calendar and then meet at the Library's Founder's Hall Temporary Location (100 N. Tryon St., Ste 290) and take a guided tour of where Brooklyn was and, using the app, you can point to a space and see what used to be there. Grab your headphones, take a stroll around Charlotte, and explore the history of the City’s people, places, and promises. The experience recounts Brooklyn’s history through narration, photos, poetry, and the voices of former residents. When touring on foot, you can choose your own path, exploring seven historic sites that come alive through augmented reality. Did you know that Brooklyn had the city’s first public library for Black Charlotteans? Hold your phone up to the site where the library once stood and see Brevard Street Library appear on your screen, as it once was.
KnowCLT also allows you to collect achievements and redeem rewards at Black-owned businesses.
An Ebook version of Tomorrow's Bread can be found here: https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S106C2621714
NC POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN: Southern Piedmont Circle/Reimagining America Project
Samantha Turner samanthacltppc@gmail.com, Commissioner Reimagining America Project, SamanthaCLTPPC@gmail.com 631-943-2189 thank you!
Join the Reimagining America Project online for the "Racialization of Voting Rights: The Struggle Continues" series as we look at the history of voting rights in America, conduct a hearing, and learn about key strategies to ensure voting rights for all. There is a hearing being held on March 17th and there will be an online action event on March 24th at 7 pm.
The Poor People’s Campaign is continuing their “Wake the Sleeping Giant Campaign” which will focus on Charlotte. They canvas on the weekends – Saturdays from 10-2. Please contact Samantha to join this effort.
On March 28th, The Reverend William Barber will be in Raleigh for a Moral Monday rally beginning at 5 pm in Bicentennial Plaza. Charlotte will have 11 buses – free – available to bring people to and from the rally. This rally is a run-up to the larger national rally in Washington DC on June 18th
JCSU EVENT
Kendal Mobley, kmobley@jcsu.edu
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is pleased to welcome The Honorable Sami Abu Shehadeh, member of Israel’s Knesset, to address our campus and community on Tuesday, March 22, at 7:00 p.m., in the New Science Center Auditorium. Mr. Abu Shehadeh will speak about the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as recent developments in the conflict. If you have questions, reach out to Kendal or visit https://jcsu-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/kmobley_jcsu_edu/EdVIxHkjCABPn5XqXwF834gB7aqbGzMJPbVd283PNbbXDg?rtime=yUB5cVEI2kg
WEDGEWOOD CHURCH: JOB OPENING
Looking for reopening tips
Liz Schob, Wedgewood.church@yahoo.com
As Wedgewood looks to reopen to in-person services again, while also maintaining a virtual presence, they are asking others who have already tread this path to offer tips and thoughts. In addition, they are looking to hire someone to manage the livestream on Sundays. If you can help with either of these interests, please reach out to Liz.
GALILEE MINISTRIES OF EAST CHARLOTTE
Joanne Stevenson Jenkins
Ms. Bettie Jones, Galilee Greeters Coordinator. 215.370.0494.
We are open again and could use some help at the front reception desk. The need is Monday -Friday during office hours, from one or more hours/week greeting our guests. We are located at 3601 Central Avenue. If you are interested, contact Ms. Bettie Jones, Galilee Greeters Coordinator. 215.370.0494.
Lauren Rogers, Volunteer and Outreach Manager at International House. lrogers@ihclt.org
International House will be hosting a Spring Resource event on April 22nd from 4-6 pm. It will feature vaccinations, food trucks and more. Flyer attached.
VOTE RIDERS
Pam Pearson, pam@voteriders.org, 704-641-4845
Vote Riders continues to help people get the ids they need. While Voter ID is not yet in effect in NC, there is a constitutional amendment which will require it at some point. VoteRiders pays all administrative fees for necessary ID (this does not include fines, penalties, or reinstatement fees).
We need additional volunteers – virtual and in person – the help with ids, transportation and more.
BCDI - After school program at Windsor Park Elementary
Karita Pimentel karita@bcdi-charlotte.org
Dr. Devonya Govan-Hunt, dgovan.hunt@charlotte.org, Office number 980-237-0122 or 980-209-0415
BCDI is currently serving 125 students at Windsor Park Elementary through May 17th, Monday through Thursday from 3:30 -5:30 in an afterschool program. They would appreciate volunteer support in this work. Please reach out to Karita for more information.
In addition, BCDI is looking for local parents, early childhood educators and childcare providers to talk to about the state of childcare and preschool in NC. If this is you, then we need to talk to you, as part of our mission to improve families' experiences. Participants will be compensated. For more information and to register visit http://ow.ly/rlub50IiyNJ
3. General Information
MECKLENBURG COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
Update On Current Covid Recommendations
Kimberly D Scales, Kimberly.Scales@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Many are asking about current COVID protocols. We have a dedicated COVID page on our website. You can find recommendations for current conditions there as well. At the time of this call there is low community spread and we are focused on helping people make decisions that are right for them. Gatherings are not discouraged but you should try to keep a safe distance and wear a mask if you are comfortable. If you are sick, please don’t attend gatherings. (Leaders should continue to communicate this clearly.) We suggest congregations maintain virtual options for those who are currently sick or those who have complicating health problems. In Mecklenburg County, 53% of people are fully vaccinated and 67% have had at least one dose. It remains important to increase the number of vaccinated individuals. Please encourage your congregants to get a vaccine. Mecklenburg County is continuing to offer testing and locations can be found on the website.
The health department is monitoring the emerging variants but is not recommending any changes in Mecklenburg currently.
ADDITIONAL FLYERS AND DOCUMENTS OF INTEREST
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
May the blessing of each day be the blessing you need
– attributed to St. Patrick