June 20, 2024 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting MeckMIN (2024)

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

Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. When people really listen to each other in a quiet, fascinated attention, the creative fountain inside each of us begins to spring and cast up new thoughts and unexpected wisdom.

--Brenda Ueland

1. MeckMIN Updates

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.

2024 YOUTH EVENTS

BONUS YOUTH EVENT SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

10 am to 12 Noon

Join with Sikh youth in stuffing backpacks with school supplies

Save the date – more info and registration details to come

YOUTH SUMMIT

Aug 10, 2024, 10:00 AM – Aug 11, 2024, 4:50 PM

Myers Park United Methodist Church, 501 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207

The Youth Summit is a great opportunity for middle and high school students in Mecklenburg County to get to know their peers from a variety of religious traditions and cultures. This year we'll visit Baha'i, Unitarian Universalist and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints communities, meet young people who are part of those traditions, and learn a little about how their beliefs and practices impact how they live. We'll also do some community service, visit an escape room, share some great meals, and just have fun together.

Upon completion, attendees will be awarded with a certificate in religious-diversity. Registration fees are on a sliding scale / Pay what you can.

THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE IS OPEN TO THE FIRST 20 APPLICANTS. Register NOW!! The interfaith youth summit is an eye-opening and wonderful experience. WATCH a short rundown of last year’s activities.

I loved learning about different religions and experiencing new cultures with people my age. By participating, you can learn a lot about the community around you and also have a bunch of fun!! See you this summer!

-- 2023 Youth Summit participant Maya Ayoubzadeh

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - English Learner Family Academic Symposium Event July 27 9 AM - 12 PM

MeckMIN and JustServe are looking for volunteers ages 21+ who are registered with CMS to support an ELFAS event (English Language Family Academic Symposium). This CMS event is being held on Saturday, July 27 from 9 AM to 12 PM. There will be community resources, cultural celebrations, free concessions and giveaways available to the families. Volunteer opportunities include welcoming and escorting families to different classes, volunteering at the Kids Zone and much more.

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 learnmore.

June 26 - Listening is an Act of Love Story Core video

July17 - (the 3rd Wed) The Race Card Game

Aug. 28 - Welcoming the Strangerby Sorens and Yang

Sept. 25 - Repentance and Repair: Making AmendsbyDayna Rutterberg

Oct. 20 - (Sunday) Sukkah event; Discuss In Sweet Company: Conversations with ExtraordinaryWomen about Living a Spiritual Life Margaret Wolff

THURSDAY CHECK-IN MEETING MINUTES FOR FAITH, COMMUNITY AND NONPROFIT LEADERS

If you want to get minutes from our Thursday meetings, please reach out to meckmin@meckmin.org. We're eager to get your feedback on the new look and enhanced information!

UPCOMING MEETINGS

NO Meetings in JULY

Resumes: August 1, 15, and 29

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

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.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY UPDATES

County Hot Topics:

To stay current on County initiatives, please join our email list. You can select which topics you are interested in! https://home.mecknc.gov/Subscribe

HEALTHY MECK: New Food Resources for the Summer

Julie Alexander, RN, MSN (she/her) | Phone: 704-355-0628

Project & Program Coordinator, Healthy Meck, Division of Community & Social Impact, Department of Community Health

Now that Mecklenburg County school kids are out for summer break, many households have extra food needs.

CITY OF CHARLOTTE UPDATES:

Neighborhood BOOST Grant Opportunity

The BOOST grant offers neighborhood organizations located within the City of Charlotte up to $250 reimbursem*nt for expenses associated with neighborhood community building, marketing communications and/or community events. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to yard signs & banners, diversity & inclusion efforts, and support for National Night Out and other community events.

Neighborhood groups do not have to be in the Neighborhood Matching Grant (NMG) eligible geography to apply, however they must meet (or be working towards) the organization definitions outlined in the NMG program guidelines. This grant opportunity will be open through June 24, 2024, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

Save the Date: NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD RETREAT APPLICATIONS OPEN June 24

The next Neighborhood Board Retreatis scheduled for Saturday, August 17th. The Neighborhood Board Retreat is a free, half-day event that brings neighborhood-based organizations together for collaborative discussions, interactive workshops, and strategic planning sessions. The retreat is designed to help communities evaluate their current state, identify priorities, and establish actionable goals to address community concerns.

REGISTER YOUR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS by July 21

Neighborhood & Community Partnerships Manager Housing & Neighborhood Services – Community Engagement

600 East Trade Street | Charlotte, NC 28202(980) 214-9750

National Night Out (NNO) is America’s Night Out Against Crime. This annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

National Night Out 2024 will be observed on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. CMPD strives to have officer participation at each registered event. If your neighborhood or organization is hosting an NNO event, please registeryour event by July 21 to share your plans with us.

2. Non-Profit Updates

704-275-5540 call/text

We provide free mobile shower access and hygiene services to individuals who are moving through homelessness. We believe the dignity that comes with being and feeling clean is a human right, and a need that every person desires and deserves to have met. Laura Gorecki will be leaving Project Outpour in July, and MaShonna Hughes has joined the organization as the new Executive Director.

We have our annual Christmas in July supply drive. Flier & info attached here. This is a hygiene supply event.

We have several locations around Charlotte and we are looking for a partner to host us at another site. We will use the partner’s water and electric resources. We are particularly interested in the South Blvd area.

CHARLOTTE CONGREGATIONAL PARTNERS HABITAT

For several years, congregations across Charlotte have come together in the Fall to do a Habitat build together.. Last year we lost two congregations (because they are now doing solo builds!) so we are looking for some additional partners. If you are interested, please reach out to Lucy. Some congregations give a lot and others give small amounts so this is a great way to get involved in a Habitat build if you’re a smaller congregation. There are five workdays in total. You work alongside the family and often stay connected with them afterwards. It will be five Saturdays beginning in October and ending before Thanksgiving.

For more information about the faith community build, please contact Lucy Crain at lcrain@firstpres-charlotte.org thank you for considering this wonderful opportunity for service, fellowship, and community building.

Faith and Wellness Program Facilitator

Living Waters Inc is a non-profit organization committed to the growth and development of our most important asset, “the people”. Living Waters Inc serves as an independent link to faith-based communities to collaborate and partner with public and private sectors

They focus on reducing racial disparity but also policy issues. July 25th 9-12 noon followed by brunch at the StoneBridge Church Community there will be an event calledLet’s Talk: Domestic Violence and Mental Health focusing on its impact on children. This particular event is about gathering stakeholders together to see if we can close the holes in the net. We will include round tables and panels and we hope to showcase social workers that deal with the situation, licensed counselors and others. It is designed for 50 people. There will be multiple experts there representing the many organizations and professionals who work in this area. If you are interested in being in the panel or at the event, please reach out.

In recognition of the health and socioeconomic issues facing area residents, Living Waters Inc assists communities to establish and implement new goals.

Specialty Areas Include:

Our mission is to empower caregivers with valuable knowledge and resources, enriching lives by providing information to foster caregivers’ mental and emotional well-being. Many caregivers don’t identify themselves as caregivers and are thus unlikely to seek the help and support they need – if you recognize someone doing the work of caregiving, consider pointing them to this resource – and also explore yourself to learn how best to be supportive.

What We Do….

There are free resources on the website including meditation, action plans and links to services.

We educate families, educate HR organizations, and consult and speak on the issues.

Local Coordinator - Charlotte

Non profit organization that is national with a local chapter. They host small group programs that advance peace, racial equity and a sustainable world. This summer and fall they will feature the following programs here:

We have programs being offered in the Summer and Fall:

We are an educational website, free, available 24/7. identiversity covers LGBTQ+ terms and topics you’ve heard about but don’t necessarily understand. We've assembled the latest information from leading experts. Now you can get your answers on gender and sexual identities in one place.The content is curated, evidence-based research and the source material is there so you can always come and investigate the credibility. There are 10 modules on a variety of topics and this is a resource that can be used by individuals and institutions. They are non-advocates and non-partisan. Education only. They also have fee-based programming for those who want more in-depth trainings and experiences. Also they have a 6 part module called the spectrum of identity which is fee based and takes about 90 minutes.

Pure Heart Media is a faith based company that serves the community through Music, Literature, Apparel, Teaching and more. We are passionate about changing the world through worship. This initiative has community events to try to connect local arts org to churches.

One of their premiere programs is Kingdom Arts Fuzion. Kingdom Arts Fuzion vision is to advocate and create community arts events that bridge the gap between creatives and the church in the Body of Christ to express God's Heart through all artforms. Continue the conversation and connect people to local arts organizations to further learn and use their gifts.

The vision is based on James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Co-Founders

Our 2024 Gala Tickets are now on sale! Please click the link to attend or donate!! August 17th in the Cornelius area. It provides funds to families of children with a recent diagnosis of autism spectrum services. It helps families pay bills and meet needs that are attributed to autism like speech and OT. Many organizations provide services but not money to pay for it.

NourishUp is the merged organization of Friendship Trays and Loaves and Fishes. They work to lift neighbors up by providing choices in groceries and meals that are nourishing and delicious. To date, they have provided 190,000 people groceries in 2024 which reflects a 38% increase. The Meals on Wheels program will provide over 130,000 people help. The biggest growth for that program is those who are aging in place. If it weren’t for the faith community in Charlotte Mecklenburg, this organization wouldn’t exist.

To meet their growing needs, they have moved to a new facility with 8 freezers, 8 coolers and the capacity to manage more families. But they need your help with donations of food, time and money to meet the growing need.

Please consider inviting them to present to your community and encourage your congregants to give of their time and treasure.

And please join them on Friday June 21 at 2PM, 901 Carrier Drive for the Grand Opening celebration of their new facility!

Executive Director

You're Invited! Join Us for Charlotte's First Brazilian Country Festival, June 30th!

We are delighted to invite you to Charlotte's first-ever Brazilian Country Festival: Festa Junina, a vibrant Brazilian festival organized by EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES, to celebrate and uplift the Latino community in the Carolinas.

Event Details

What to Expect:

By attending this festival, you'll not only enjoy a day full of cultural festivities but also support a noble cause. Most of the proceeds will be directed back to EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES, funding community projects and charitable initiatives.

Bring your friends and family to this lively celebration of culture, community, and history. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

¡Únete a la Primera Festa Junina en Charlotte el 30 de Junio!

Estamos encantados de invitarles a la primera Festa Junina en Charlotte, un vibrante festival brasileño organizado por EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES para celebrar y elevar a la comunidad latina en las Carolinas.

Detalles del Evento:

Qué Esperar:

Al asistir a este festival, no solo disfrutarás de un día lleno de festividades culturales, sino que también ayudarás una noble causa. La mayoría de los ingresos se dirigirán a EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES, financiando proyectos comunitarios e iniciativas caritativas.Trae a tus amigos y familiares a esta animada celebración de cultura, comunidad e historia. ¡No podemos esperar para celebrar contigo!

Kids are home for the summer and families are struggling to provide three meals a day. You can purchase items above or click on the Stock the Pantry link for a full list.

THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO GIVE:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SEEKS SPACE TO RENT

DeAnne Wingate | 312.399.3211

Acton Academy South Charlotte is launching an elementary school in August 2024 and needs space for approximately 5 children and a teacher. Their mission is to inspire every child to discover a calling that will impact our world.

Please email DeAnne Wingate as soon as possible (deanne@findmeaningnow.com) if you have space for rent. Thank you!

Find Meaning Now, providing marketing and business solutions to changemakers. They provide the following services:

To learn more, reach out to DeAnne.

FIRST IN FAMILIES OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY

First in Familes is a project of InReach that provides financial support and referral services for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy or Traumatic Brain Injury and their family.

OTHERS ON THE CALL (as time allows)

GENERAL INFORMATION

CARAVAN FOR DISABILITY FREEDOM & JUSTICEJune 27th-Charlotte

Join us in championing inclusion and rights for people with disabilities! Whether you are an individual with a disability, a family member, or an advocate working towards disability rights, we warmly invite you to be part of a momentous occasion.

The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice! are coming to Charlotte, North Carolina! This vibrant van, a beacon of hope and progress, has journeyed across the nation, making stops in cities and towns steeped in disability history. This event is not just a celebration; it’s a powerful statement of how crucial inclusion is and the respect for the rights of people with disabilities.

Let’s unite and make our voices heard for a more inclusive world. Be there, be seen, be part of the change! Join the Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice! Please feel free to share with your contacts.

¡Únase a nosotros para promover la inclusión y los derechos de las personas con discapacidad! Ya sea que usted sea una persona con discapacidad, un miembro de la familia o un defensor que trabaja hacia los derechos de las personas con discapacidad, le invitamos cordialmente a ser parte de una ocasión trascendental.

¡La Caravana por la Libertad y la Justicia de la Discapacidad llegará a Charlotte, Carolina del Norte! Esta furgoneta vibrante, un faro de esperanza y progreso, ha recorrido la nación, haciendo paradas en ciudades y pueblos con una rica historia en la discapacidad. Este evento no es solo una celebración; es una declaración poderosa de cuán crucial es la inclusión y el respeto por los derechos de las personas con discapacidad.

Unámonos y hagamos oír nuestras voces por un mundo más inclusivo. ¡Esté presente, sea visto, sea parte del cambio! Únase a la Caravana por la Libertad y la Justicia de la Discapacidad. ¡Únete a la Caravana por la Libertad y la Justicia para Personas con Discapacidad! Por favor comparte con tus contactos.

Mantente Informado y Participa:

Apoyo a Votantes: Rev Up NC :

LA CIUDAD DE CHARLOTTE LANZA CLT+ Español

CHARLOTTE, Carolina del Norte (11 de junio de 2024) – La ciudad de Charlotte lanzó CLT+ Español, una fuente única, compatible con dispositivos móviles, para presentar solicitudes de servicios e información. Esta es la versión en español de nuestra popular aplicación CLT+, y ofrece las mismas funciones que la versión original.

"La ciudad de Charlotte está comprometida con el fomento de una comunidad inclusiva, donde cada habitante tenga acceso a los recursos que necesita", dijo Saira Estrada, coordinadora de Acceso Lingüístico e Integración de Inmigrantes. "El lanzamiento de CLT+ Español es un gran paso para hacer que los servicios de nuestra ciudad sean más accesibles, garantizando que nuestros habitantes de habla hispana tengan las mismas oportunidades para conectarse y beneficiarse de los servicios que ofrece la ciudad".

El personal del gobierno de la ciudad trabajó con traductores profesionales durante cada fase del proceso de desarrollo para garantizar que la actualización de CLT+ Español abordara de manera efectiva las necesidades de la comunidad de habla hispana. Como resultado, CLT+ ha sido certificada oficialmente por Languex, una prestigiosa organización respaldada por la Asociación Americana de Traductores (American Translators Association).

Esta aplicación es una alternativa rápida y conveniente a llamar al 311. Las personas pueden enviar sus solicitudes de asistencia directamente al personal municipal correspondiente. Los siguientes son ejemplos de solicitudes:

• Pagar una factura de agua

• Programar la recogida de residuos de gran volumen

• Reportar un semáforo averiado

• Solicitar la construcción de una acera

• Reportar una mascota perdida

Los habitantes de habla hispana pueden comenzar a utilizar fácilmente la nueva aplicación. Si usted ya descargó la aplicación, se le notificará que hay una versión actualizada disponible. Si el idioma principal está configurado en español, usted comenzará a experimentar CLT+ Español automáticamente.

Para descargar la aplicación, visite las tiendas Apple Appy Google Play, y busque “CLT+”.

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VOTER SUPPORT

Project 70 Forward

THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE LAUNCHED CLT+ Espanol

A mobile-friendly single source for service requests and information. This is the Spanish version of the popular CLT+ App, offering the same features as the original version.

"The City of Charlotte is committed to fostering an inclusive community where every resident has access to the resources they need," said Saira Estrada, language access and immigrant integration coordinator. "The launch of CLT+ Espanol is a great step in making our city services more accessible by ensuring that our Spanish-speaking residents have the same opportunities to connect with and benefit from city services.”

City staff worked with professional translators during each phase of the development process to ensure the CLT+ Espanol update effectively addressed the needs of the Spanish-speaking community. As a result, CLT+ has been officially certified by Languex, a prestigious organization backed by the American Translators Association.

The app is a quick and convenient alternative to calling 311. Residents can submit requests for assistance directly to the appropriate city staff. Below is a list of request examples:

Spanish-speaking residents can easily begin using the new app. If a resident has already downloaded the app, they will be notified that an updated version is available. If their primary language is set to Spanish, they will begin experiencing CLT+ Espanol automatically.

10th ANNUAL BACK to SCHOOL COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR August 10:

C.W. Williams is hosting their Back to School Community Health Fair on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. More information can be found here.

CHARLOTTE REGIONALS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA (CROWN)

College Workshop (in Spanish) hosted by Brenda Valdez | August 12th | 5pm-7pm EST at the CML Pineville Library

Benjamin Blue | Direct: 828-262-7090| Main: 828-262-2120

Associate Director of Admissions, Black/African-American Student Recruitment

Division of Enrollment Management

Appalachian State University

We are a consortium of regional admissions representatives in the Charlotte metro area. Our organization is calledCharlotte Regionals of Western North Carolina (CROWN)and we offer a variety of services to high school students, school counselors and community based organizations serving high school students in the area throughout the year. We are planning a number of free college application process information sessions for high school students in Mecklenburg/Union Counties who are heading into their Senior year and have questions about how to apply for college!

Reach out to us with any questions you may have or ifCROWNcan assist you or your students in the upcoming academic year!

GOODWILL UPDATES

Carola Cárdenas (she/her) | P: (704) 332-0296 | C: (704) 726-2201 | goodwillsp.org

Director of Workforce Partnerships and Outreach

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont

All of these courses are FREE! Please get the word out!

Data Analytics Training – application period ends June 21st. Must have one year of IT or related work experience, critical thinking /analytical reasoning skills. If interested in attending classes M/Th 6:30 – 8:30 p at the GOC or Virtual on T/W 6:30 – 9p for sessions August 12 – November 21, sign in Goodwill Application for Workforce Services (tfaforms.net)

Construction & Trade Skills Training Basics – Classes are from July 2 – September 12 on T/Th from 6 – 9:30p. Sign up here for more information: Goodwill Application for Workforce Services (tfaforms.net). This course is needed to be able to take any of the other courses like: Carpentry, Blueprint, HVAC, Electrical.

PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS

I have been taking a course in creativity which emphasizes that creative energy is a force of love. Our teacher gave us a beautiful practice to start the day, which I then promptly forgot, until I realized how it supported both remembering and noticing to open myself to giving and receiving love. Now, I do this practice every morning.It is a standing, full body practice. On these beautiful spring mornings, I love doing it outside. I imagine my feet growing roots till I feel grounded and unmoveable. Then I ask the voice of love what it has to say to me today? How is God inviting me to express or give, receive or hold love today? Then I ask for the willingness to do so. In the evening, I have included versions of these questions in my practice of the Examen. I am finding that noticing and reflecting on the moments of both giving and receiving love fill me with immense gratitude.

— Nancy Spencer | Second Breath Conscious Facilitator

Next meeting – AUGUST 1, 2024 at 11 am.

NO MEETINGS IN JULY