Allan Myers Inc.’s Post

Since our launch in 2019, Más Allá  has joined movements such as Community-Centric Fundraising and Just Transition and use the principles of Grassroots Organizing, Asset-Based Community Development, Power, Belonging, Justice, and others so we can be in solidarity with partners. Why have we joined this movement and begun modeling more liberatory, caring, and just ways of working? Because we too believe in being intentional about strengthening our democracy, creating inclusive and caring economies, upholding relationships based on care, advocating for more equity in our systems, and one in which our planet is healthy and regenerative. And we know that how we think about ourselves in relation to people, money, power, and governance is a big part of being in this movement. Want to know how we do this work? Our 2023 Impact Report is now available! Check it out now at: https://lnkd.in/g8-yiXsX

The power of collaboration of between American Leadership Forum senior fellows: In a heartening display of community spirit, Habitat for Humanity Merced/Stanislaus Counties (senior fellows Anita Hellam & Ashlee Williams) has partnered with PG&E Corporation Foundation (senior fellow Michael Gaffney), Calvary Assembly of God Church, and local organizations to address the housing crisis following the severe storms and flooding that ravaged Merced and Stanislaus counties earlier this year. Habitat for Humanity Merced/Stanislaus Counties CEO Anita Hellam emphasized the devastation in various regions, with many survivors still residing in damaged structures or transitional housing. To support the long-term volunteers working on reconstruction projects, a unique collaboration emerged between Habitat for Humanity and the Calvary Assembly of God Church, led by Pastor Juan Ochoa. A grant from PG&E Corporation Foundation has made it possible to renovate a church-owned property in Merced, transforming it into temporary housing for volunteers. Michael Gaffney, Division Operations Representative of PG&E's Central Valley Region, celebrated the partnership and its reflection of shared values in fostering compassionate, resilient communities. This remarkable joint effort also includes contributions from Habitat for Humanity California, Habitat for Humanity International, First 5 of Merced County, and donations of materials and supplies to the Habitat ReStore. The project aims to provide a comfortable living space for dedicated volunteers traveling from across the nation to assist in rebuilding efforts over the next three years. #ALFseniorfellow #americanleadershipforum #collaboration #community

Come join us and Polco for this special webinar on Connected Communities. Learn how to strengthen your social bonds, build social capital, and create a community welcoming to all.   Strong community bonds and social connectedness is about much more than volunteering, bake sales and town hall attendance. It is about the fundamental ways that the people of a town or city relate to each other, cooperate, and contribute to a better quality of life for everyone. Polco has teamed with the Telosa Community Foundation to create a new, free, easy-to-use tool to assess community connection that will help local governments, regional agencies, and residents make better decisions that empower cities to take concrete steps to make measurable improvements in strengthening their bonds, networks of reciprocity, and sense of inclusion and belonging. Empirical studies over the past 50 years have shown that stronger social bonds make communities healthier, happier, safer, and more prosperous. Learn more about how you can make your community stronger,  inclusive and more equitable! https://bit.ly/3ASQQAA

How extensive are your community's connections? Do you measure them and respond to build community? What is your community's level of trust - lack of trust? How much social capital do you "have in the bank"? Come check out this introductory, one-hour session on our free guidebook and tool to get at these questions and start making a difference... we are looking for pilot communities too.

Countdown to Juneteenth, part 9: The Storied Communities, Community Stories project from the Community Opportunity Alliance - Formerly NACEDA and ThirdSpace Action Lab is a research project that seeks to understand the role that resident voices have played historically, play today, and could play in the future of community development organizations. The shift from focusing on capital to focusing on people is transformative and we encourage you to take some time to understand the key roles that residents can play in community investment. https://lnkd.in/gvJepV3H

Discover the transformative power of high school alumni associations in our latest blog: "Building Bridges: The Role of High School Alumni Associations in Strengthening Community Connections." Dive into the article to explore how these associations are shaping the future, fostering mentorship, and contributing to community development. Let's celebrate the bonds that connect generations and build a stronger, more supportive educational community together! Read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/eQ452rUG

Nonprofits can better support marginalized communities by prioritizing inclusivity, actively seeking community input, and tailoring programs to address specific needs. Building strong partnerships with local organizations, providing accessible resources, and promoting education and skill development are crucial. Transparency, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to long-term impact contribute to building trust within marginalized communities. Additionally, fostering collaboration, advocating for policy changes, and addressing systemic issues can create lasting positive change. Nonprofits should continuously reassess their strategies, ensuring they align with the evolving needs and aspirations of the communities they serve.

this is a wonderful program for smaller municipalities to engage their communities in proactive planning. We are so focused on community and economic development, but who are we developing for? Without key input from the folks who call your community home, how can you plan for a future that includes everyone? That also means ensuring everyone as a voice at the table, which also means taking your engagement activities to meet people where they are. Don't underestimate the power of reaching out to someone at a neighborhood block party, weekly coffee at the local church, or during Friday Night Lights at the local high school. those are often the most powerful connections a community planner can make. #communitydevelopment #communityengagement #planning #communityplanner

Are you engaged in your community? 🤔 In 2023, Serve Virginia and the Virginia Service Foundation introduced the Virginia Community Engagement Index (VCEI). This groundbreaking study aims to understand the current state of service, volunteerism, and civic action in Virginia, as well as to identify the community's top priorities. Take a look at some of the interesting highlights such as, "Why we serve," "Where we serve," "how we serve," and more! https://lnkd.in/eQszbxnE

Let's learn about the acts you can engage with today: The ACE Act: H.151/S.113 would establish a fund to provide grants to organizations focused on the arts, culture, humanities, and interpretive sciences to remove barriers encountered by people with disabilities. By dedicating these resources to cultural organizations, we can build a creative economy where everyone can find enjoyment and belonging in the stories, performances, and exhibits present in our communities. How to support: https://lnkd.in/gHVnatzx The Downtown Vitality Act: This would establish the Downtown Vitality Fund and dedicate 5% of revenues from online sales in Massachusetts to support staffing and operations of cultural districts, business improvement districts, main street associations, and parking benefit districts in Gateway Cities and other low-income communities. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjy8bdyD Cultural Equity in Tourism: H.3244/S.2194 would establish a grant program within the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to support tourism marketing and promotional expenses for arts and cultural organizations and prioritize amplifying the stories of historically marginalized or underrepresented cultures. By increasing local and regional tourism to more culturally diverse spaces and events, Massachusetts can support economic vitality for everyone. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gUPAcdRY