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
Sacred Paths
Written by Lindasusan Ulrich
Rivers and streams follow their own courses, but the water molecules are indistinguishable.
No one would confuse a candle flame for lava, yet in each the fire dances.
An invisible force both knocks down trees and holds birds aloft; the air remains indifferent to its uses.
Diamond, desert, Denali, and dirt each tell their different stories, all with the earth as protagonist.
Whatever our sacred paths Whatever our beliefs and practices However we gather in community We all honor
the Spirit of Life
the Spirit of Compassion
the Spirit of Justice
the Spirit of Love How many stars are in the sky? All of them.
Blessed be.
Source: https://www.uua.org/worship
1. MeckMIN Updates
A NOTE ABOUT THESE MEETINGS
These meetings are open to anyone or any group interested in promoting the common good in our shared Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations.
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT WE DO
NEW THURSDAY CHECK-IN MEETING MINUTES FOR FAITH, COMMUNITY AND NONPROFIT LEADERS ARE GETTING A MAKEOVER STARTING IN MAY!
If you want to get minutes from our Thursday meetings, please email us at meckmin@meckmin.org. We're eager to get your feedback on the new look and enhanced information!
UPCOMING MEETINGS
May 23
June 6 and 20 NO meetings in July
Since March 2020, MeckMIN has been convening regular Zoom meetings for faith, community and nonprofit leaders. These meetings allow diverse leaders to share information and resources to foster a robust, coordinated, and effective response to the needs of our community, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. We meet every other Thursday at 11 a.m. We usually get about 50-60 people. If you would like the Zoom link, please email meckmin@meckmin.org.
COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS BREAKFAST
WE INVITE YOU TO WATCH THIS VIDEO
It was a great success - lots of people, awardees who offered thoughtful reflections. We also exceeded our fundraising goals which was great and helps to compensate for events earlier in the fiscal year which fell short. THANK YOU to everyone who helped to make it happen!
2024 Youth Events
THIS YEAR'S INTERFAITH YOUTH PANEL
MeckMIN + JustServe SERVICE PROJECT - FAMILY FRIENDLY Saturday, May 18 | 9 - 11 AM
Looking for 11 volunteers to help us restock, inspect, and prepare donations on Saturday, May 18th from 9 to 11 AM at Crisis Assistance Ministry (500 Spratt St Charlotte, NC 28206).
Sign up HERE
MECKMIN TRAINING
MeckMIN offers a number of training programs on topics that are especially relevant in our society today. Training programs include skills and mindsets for effective conversations when we disagree, trauma awareness and resilience, racism, movement for social change, activism, and conflict transformation. We also offer interfaith panels for workplaces and schools. Prices and further information are available HERE
These trainings can be brought to you -- perhaps your congregation, school, neighborhood association, or nonprofit would like to host your own event. We're also offering a number of stand-alone trainings throughout 2024 including the one below. Note that this training and all of our stand-alone trainings are offered on a sliding scale -- we never want cost to keep you from attending so please pay what you can or choose to attend for free.
TRAUMA AWARENESS and RESILIENCE: BREAKING CYCLES OF HARM
Saturday, June 15 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Sardis Baptist Church
You’ve probably heard that “hurt people hurt people.” It’s true. Unhealed trauma leads to recurring violence against self and others. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Individuals and communities can learn skills for addressing trauma, healing relationships, and building resilience which improves the well-being of all. Healing people heal people!
In this workshop we’ll explore the types of trauma and its impact on individuals and groups, the victim/survivor cycle of unhealed trauma, the aggressor/offender cycle of unhealed trauma, and tools and techniques for breaking the cycle. We’ll also share transformative initiatives and stories.
This is an introductory workshop which will be most helpful to attendees with little to no previous training on trauma.
OPEN TABLES June 18 | Trinity Presbyterian Church
Potluck and dialogue. There will be guided resources from LIving Room Conversations. ALL are welcome – it is a GREAT way to meet people you’ll never encounter otherwise.
Arrive at 6 PM if you'd like to take part in a service project. We will be assembling baby gift bags for expecting parents for baby Bumbles.
INTERFAITH WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB
Faith Club is a long-standing MeckMIN program for women of all faiths -- we gather monthly to discuss books, essays, videos and more. As you'll see below, we have a RICH variety of topics! We also create rich, deep and lasting friendships across lines of difference. We WELCOME new members. Email meckmin@meckmin.org to learn more.
May 22 Video: Knowing a Person by David Brooks
June 26 Listening is an Act of Love Story Core video
July 17 (the 3rd Wed) The Race Card Game
Aug. 28 Welcoming the Stranger by Sorens and Yang
Sept. 25 Repentance and Repair: Making Amends by Dayna Rutterberg
Oct. 20 (Sunday) Sukkah event; Discuss In Sweet Company: Conversations with Extraordinary Women about Living a Spiritual Life Margaret Wolff
YOUTH SUMMIT | August 10 - 11
Earlier April interfaith panel was a great success. This is a two day experience open to middle and high schoolers. We do fun stuff and visit houses of faith and do service projects. PLEASE share directly with youth you know and PLEASE share within your congregations and networks.
NEWSLETTER
New Thursday Meeting Newsletter
We have taken these minutes in the past and put them into digestible form. We will now try transforming into a newsletter format with additional content. Deanne Wingate and Jane Clark are working with us to make this happen. We would LOVE your feedback on the new format
If you are not yet receiving our regular email newsletter be sure and sign up here: https://www.meckmin.org/contact-us
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.
FAITH & HOUSING SUMMIT 2024 Thursday, May 30 | 8:15 AM - 3:45 PM
Faith communities across Charlotte are working together to find affordable housing solutions. Please join us for an interfaith convening on Thursday, May 30 to explore ways that faith leaders, city officials, community agencies and developers can partner to advance affordable housing options for Charlotte's residents. This is a city-led effort and they plan to put financial and staffing resources towards this work. Attendance at the Faith & Housing Summit is free. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
Join us May 30 at the Charlotte Convention Center to…
Connect through shared purpose. Bring the community together to explore pathways for communities of faith to participate in affordable housing for Charlotte’s residents.
Celebrate & Learn. Learn from examples of creative partnerships between communities of faith, public and private entities. Listen for barriers, future work and ways that connections and city/partner support can help.
Inspire & Advance. Build new connections and strengthen the work with educational tools and resources.
The Summit will begin with a coffee networking breakfast at 8:15 a.m. and will conclude at 3:45 p.m.
Learn more at the Faith and Housing Summit site.
Questions? Email us at hnsinfo@charlottenc.gov or call us at 704-336-5860.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Voices of Black Women
Rebecca Bross | 704.553.5352 | m: 704.654.1233 | rebecca.bross@cancer.org
Senior Development Manager
The American Cancer Society is launching the Voices of Black Women study in the Charlotte region. Collectively Black women are far more likely to die from cancer than white and asian counterparts even though they are diagnosed less frequently. They also participate in studies less frequently. The goal for this study is 120K women nationwide. 5000 in Charlotte. Eligibility: 25-55 women who have not been diagnosed with cancer other than skin cancer. We are also looking for ambassadors in the community.
The VOICES of Black Women is a study led by the American Cancer Society. The focus of this study is to better understand cancer and other health conditions among Black women. Participation in VOICES involves completing an online health and life history survey at enrollment and updating your health information twice a year for at least 30 years. Results from this study will help inform how to improve the health of Black women for generations to come.
Our goal is to enroll at least 100,000 Black women in the US between 25 and 55 years of age who have never had cancer. Registration is open across 20 states and Washington D.C. View eligibility requirements.
INTEGRITY HEALTH FOR WELLNESS
Amanda Ndingwan | andi.outreach@ih4well.com,
Our mission is to improve the lives of community members by engaging people with pro-active visits and education. Monthly lunch and learn at the Ys to that end. This month is hypertension. We can host at any location so if you are interested please reach out to Amanda. They also host no-appt doctor visits with a discounted out-of-insurance cost (mammograms) Recurring event on the 4th Saturday called walk with a doc at Clark’s creek park at 9 am (north charlotte). You can mingle and ask questions. People play pickleball, go to the dog park and walk around.
Also discounted health screenings for cancer heart disease stroke and more
Biggest event is a full day wellness conference held in September.
Eventbrite link to Walk with a Doc, Lunch & Learn, & Mammogram Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-with-a-doc-x-ih4well-tickets-865610774127?aff=oddtdtcreator
MECKLENBURG COUNTY FOSTER CARE
Rekita L McDuffie | RekitaL.McDuffie@mecklenburgcountync.gov | 980-314-6928 Senior Social Services Manager | Department of Social Services | Child, Family and Adult Services
-Contact Rekita McDuffie or visit mcync.gov/kids if interested in becoming a foster parent or learning more about the foster care system
There is a pressing need, during this national foster care awareness month, for foster parents. Foster care is a temporary arrangement that provides nurturing and safety to children who have been neglected, abused. There is a national shortage of foster parents and Mecklenburg needs more as well. Right now locally there are 407 kids in care with 67 foster parents.
Some important requirements:
Citizen
Resident of Mecklenburg for past 6 months
High school diploma or GED
Home inspection
Driver’s license
30 hour pre-service training
Financial assessment
Physical exam
They partner with organizations to provide supportive services for youth and foster parents.
If you or someone you know is interested, please share information and contact the Dept. of social services. And you may provide respite rather than full time foster parenting.
If you can help spread the word or host an informational event, please reach out!
CMS SUMMER SCHOOL and BACK To SCHOOL
Gilmara Johnson | gilmaram.johnson@cms.k12.nc.us | Ph: 980-343-9425 | Fax: 980-343-1003 | Cell Phone: 704-778-7546
Director, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
-Looking for volunteers for Saturday, July 27 Back to School Event (immunizations, academic sessions for parents, etc. at Nations Ford Rd High School
Two great events: Summer school for newcomers and multi-lingual students who have been in the US for fewer than 2 years or have poor English language proficiency.
CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM & THE THREAT TO FAITH DEMOCRACY
Dennis Foust | DFoust@sjcharlotte.org
McLeod-Brown/St. John's presentation on Sunday evening, May 19, at 5:00 pm, by Amanda Tyler on ‘Christian Nationalism and the Threat to Faith and Democracy.’
This will give you language and a background on what makes Christian Nationalism a threat. She is the president of Christians against Christian Nationalism.
We hope you will join us.
EAST CHARLOTTE FARM and COMMUNITY DAY
Carol Sawyer | carolsawyer1@gmail.com
On Saturday, May 18th, CharlotteEAST is celebrating the school-based agricultural programs at Merry Oaks International Academy, Eastway Middle School, and Garinger High School with a three-site, family-centered community day. A petting zoo, agriculture programming, free plants, and more!
-3 schools have agriculture programs:
MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY: aquaponic setups / petting zoo/ master gardeners
EASTWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL: community resource fair / aquaponic setups
GARINGER HIGH SCHOOL: opening greenhouse / produce 200 heads of lettuce per week
-First families to arrive will receive a free plant-Volunteer or get involved with the Charlotte
-Register HERE
THE COALITION FOR CULTURAL COMPASSION
Becky Schisler | culturalcompassion@gmail.com
Executive Director, The Coalition for Cultural Compassion
-Donate to or volunteer with the Coalition for Cultural Compassion's fundraising campaign
The Coalition for Cultural Compassion's COMPASSION CLOSET program is growing! To date this year, the percentage of families we are supporting is up nearly 20% percent from 2023. We have just launched a Compassion Closet Fundraising Campaign with a goal of $5,000, which will provide clothing, shoes, diapers, hygiene items, and requested household goods to 250 families. Donations of any size are deeply appreciated!
On July 17th we will be hosting our Game Night for Good event, our largest annual fundraiser. Ticket sales are not yet open, but we are looking for event sponsors. Sponsorship Levels:
Silver: $150
Gold : $300
Platinum Sponsor: $500
Diamond Sponsor: $1,000
As a token of our appreciation, sponsors will receive:
Recognition in our event materials, on our website, and on our social media pages, showcasing your dedication to making a positive impact in our community.
Free Tickets to our Game Night For Good (2 tickets for Silver, 4 for Gold, 6 for Platinum, and 10 for Diamond)
An announcement during our event to promote your organization or business as well a display on our resource table during the event.
3. And finally, we are looking for a possible new operation site where we can store our inventory and fill orders. We are currently working out of storage units which total about 450 square feet. We are interested in a donated or low cost space of at least 900 square feet.
Please contact Becky Schisler if you have questions, ideas or suggestions.
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE CHARLOTTE
Nicole Fortoso | nfortoso@cwsglobal.org, Office: 980-390-5556 | Cell Phone: 980-401-0120
Community Engagement Associate
Church World Service Charlotte provides case management to unaccompanied immigrant children-upon entry to the USA they are placed in shelters until reunited with a family member
Contact Nicole Fortoso about ESL classes for newcomers ages 12-17 this summer – must have been in the US for 2 years and have access to a computer and internet
BREAK EVERY CHAIN RESOURCE CENTER
Evelyn Poe, Executive Director | poeevelyn8@gmail.com
-Trying to open up a Safe Haven Place for women and women with children facing homelessness, domestic violence substance abuse and mental health issues
-Looking for donors to donate on the website breakeverychainresourcecenter.org Or funds will be going to Self-Help Federal Credit Union.
-Our goal is to reach 10K for this facility for safe haven for women and children at this facility.
OTHERS ON THE CALL (as time allows)
NC NETWORK FOR FAIR, SAFE and SECURE ELECTIONS
Jennifer Roberts and Bob Orr | NC Co-Leads, The Carter Center
As part of our efforts to support peaceful democracy in NC, we often draw upon the expertise of the Carter Center and the peacekeeping work they have done around the world. Many democracies face challenges and pressures, and we in the United States are no different. However, all the data and surveys of American opinion point out that we are now more polarized as a country than we have been since our Civil War.
To counter this polarization, it helps to know something about how we got here.
We have the opportunity to learn more in two one-hour sessions with the Carter Center's Nathan Stock. He has 15 years of experience working to reduce violence and strengthen democracy abroad, including nearly a decade working on Middle East conflicts with The Carter Center.
On April 25 and May 21 the Carter Center’s Nathan Stock explores the research on political polarization and violence in the U.S.
On April 25, he will discuss how changes in U.S. society, coupled with basic aspects of our psychology, have created conditions leading to a rise in polarization and political violence. (Let us know if you want a link to the recording.)
In the second session in May, Stock will return to discuss what you can do to bridge these divides in your personal lives and your communities. Feel free to invite any colleagues you think would be interested as well.
Register here for the May 21, Noon meeting: https://emory.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArf-yrqzkrGNaclxPry2mkw2oFr1ey-fWS
As always, please reach out to us with any questions.
AMITY MEDICAL GROUP
Kayla Weatherington | https://www.amitymed.org/
Community Outreach and Event coordinator for Amity Medical Group.
Amity Medical Group is a nonprofit doctors office with six locations serving the community in the greater Charlotte area of North Carolina in Gaston & Mecklenburg Counties. We are an independent Adult & Pediatric Primary Care practice with an on-site pharmacy specializing in HIV & Infectious Disease Care, LGBTQIA+ Care, Diabetes Care, and Addiction Medicine & Counseling including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid, alcohol, and tobacco addiction.
The new program that we are launching is to support individuals struggling with substance abuse and provide mental health services in addition to a primary care provider all in house. We have grant funding so for individuals who qualify we are able to support them from start to finish and cover most if not all of the expense around the treatment, from transportation to visit cost.
FIRST IN FAMILIES OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Keiba Young | fifadministration@inreachnc.org | 704-343-5205
-A project of InReach. We provide financial support or referral services to individuals with an
intellectual/developmental disability (Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy or Traumatic
Brain Injury) and their family. Our new office is located at 4104 Monroe Road, Bldg 4, Suite 170,Charlotte, NC 28205.
GENERAL INFORMATION
THE REIMAGINING AMERICA PROJECT
-Holding a Rally on June 1 and looking for nonprofits interested in tabling.
KNIGHT EMERGING CITY CHAMPIONS - FUNDING TO ELEVATE FRESH VOICES IN CITY BUILDING, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM UNDERREPRESENTED BACKGROUNDS
We have some exciting news – the Knight Emerging City Champions (KECC) program is accepting applications! Powered by 8 80 Cities and funded by Knight Foundation, KECC aims to elevate fresh voices in city building, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Targeting individuals aged 18-35, the program seeks innovative solutions to revitalize downtown areas, enhance public spaces and foster economic opportunities. Selected applicants will receive $5,000 seed funding along with a $500 tech grant to kickstart their community projects.
The program begins with a trip to Toronto, Canada that will offer Champions the training and tools they need to implement their community initiatives effectively. This hybrid program blends virtual and in-person learning, ensuring ongoing mentorship and peer support throughout the journey.
Applications close on May 27th at 11:59 pm EDT. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more, details can be found here.
Please apply or share this opportunity. We look forward to your proposals!
FREE FANS FOR SENIORS
From May 1 to October 31, people 60 and older and adults with disabilities are eligible to sign up for assistance at local aging agencies across the state. Mecklenburg County residents can apply through the Centrolina Council of Governments located at 9815 David Taylor Drive, Suite 100, in Charlotte.
The program is made possible by donations from Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Dominion and Valassis.
Last year, the program distributed 3,097 fans and 21 air conditioners to North Carolina residents, according to a statement from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. For more details, individuals may contact their area agency on aging or the Division of Aging at 919-855-3400.
ELLA B. SCARBOROUGH COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
“Saturdays on Stitt” are monthly events to learn about the services provided at the new Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center (CRC). The facility will be open, and there will be food, music, and more!
DISASTER RELIEF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Learn how to make a difference as a Red Cross Disaster Relief Volunteer. Join us during one of our upcoming Disaster Relief Volunteer Informational Sessions to learn more about how you can make a difference in your community during crises.
Virtual Info Session Dates (Sessions held on Microsoft Teams):
Wednesday, May 8th from 9-9:30 am
Monday, May 13th from 5:30-6:00 pm
Tuesday, May 14th from 8:30-9:00 am
Registration is required. To register for any of the upcoming dates, visit https://RedCrossNC.eventbrite.com. Questions? Contact amy.korb@redcross.org or 704.221.8862.
FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON Meck County Behavioral Health Strategic Plan
Mecklenburg County has published a draft of the Behavioral Health Strategic Plan. The plan is open for public comment. You can view the plan and learn more about the process of developing the plan by clicking the link below:
Please review the plan and offer feedback via the online form, email BHStrategicplan@MeckNC.gov or by calling 704-975-5042.
The feedback period is May 8 - June 8.
2ND ANNUAL EASTSIDE INTERGOVERNMENTAL SUMMIT: The Rise of the East | Saturday, May 18 | 10 AM - 12 PM | BOplex East CLT Room
Please share the attached flyer with your neighbors regarding the 2nd Annual Eastside Intergovernmental Summit
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention, reentry, and rehabilitation program in the world, offers this lovely take on what brings us joy in a “Thought for the Day” he shared with his staff several years ago:
From the place within you of unshakeable goodness, you recognize the unshakeable goodness in everybody else and you just love being loving. You go where love has not yet arrived and you love what you find there. That’s where the joy is. There are no exceptions to that. There are no shortcuts around that. That always works. That always produces joy.
Thanks once again to Joe Hamby for the great quote. Keep ‘em coming, Joe!
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