LeadingAge Virginia’s Post

Next, we’re joined by Anthony Benedict, CEO of @TrustAmbition & Executive Head of Tameside PRU. Learn about his journey from mainstream schools to alternative provision in his mission towards inclusion: bit.ly/4eGryVE

If you want a glimpse at the extraordinary heart, soul, and intellect of New York’s Chief Judge, watch this short video of his remarks at our recent event.

The first 8️⃣ years of a child’s life set the foundation for their health, safety, and overall well-being. Our Eight Essential Outcomes provide a framework for Black child development from birth through age 8. From digital safety to nutrition and important milestones in between, these outcomes guide our advocacy work. Learn more about these important pillars on our website: https://bit.ly/3FlyK9e

If you're a white supervisor interested in deepening your anti-racist approach in a supportive peer space, register for our next offering of Liberatory Principles & Practices for White Supervisors on Tuesday, July 30th! https://lnkd.in/gu6z9wps We often think of our healing and liberation as a garden that blossoms and thrives because we tend to it. Now, what happens when the pesky invasive species of white supremacy culture are set on destroying it? In our Liberatory Principles & Practices for White Supervisors training, we invite white social justice and nonprofit leaders to engage in this metaphor as a way to unpack and uproot how the characteristics of saviorism and defensiveness might be showing up in their supervision practices.

To my LinkedIn friends and colleagues,   Some of you are aware of my passion for documentaries covering topics such as industry, government, public figures, and transportation. It's my privilege to share with you a documentary (see YouTube link below) about my hometown of Jefferson City, MO, which captures the oral history of residents from a black neighborhood known as "The Foot". This area was a vibrant mixed-use community, boasting everything from hotels to grocery stores. When it came to entertainment, The Foot was a hotspot where talented musical acts like Ike and Tina Turner often performed. I'm sharing this video not just because it's about my hometown, where many of my family members still reside, but because it provides a broader insight into the issue of Urban Renewal. We all know that Urban Renewal initiatives were largely destructive practices that disproportionately affected low-income and minority neighborhoods. However, too often, I think people associate Urban Renewal as an issue that only impacted large urban areas like Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, NYC, and St. Louis.    Small cities, like the one I grew up in, also suffered from this same negative approach to planning, and the impacts it had on small communities were just as devastating for those who lived there as they were for residents of big cities.   Many of you are involved in industries that support and lead projects with the potential to profoundly influence both infrastructure and the social fabric of the communities they serve. This documentary, along with other examples, serves as a reminder that what we do truly matters and can have a lasting and deep impact. We must never lose sight of this as we advise and lead such developments.     Happy Black History Month! https://lnkd.in/gtXy9tfC

This week is an important beginning of idealistic views of who we are as a people. Wednesday is the celebration of the same date in 1865 when the last slaves were freed in Galveston, Texas. The potential idealism that fueled some during that moment as they headed into a new territory of freedom is overwhelming to imagine. Their dreams of freedom went from feeling like a fantasy to a possibility. And in just over two weeks, we will be celebrating the freedom and independence of our country from another power of dominance and oppression. Back then, there were sets of ideals and principles of a free nation that the founding Americans were willing to die for. But there are similarities in both instances. The days we mark as June 19th and July 4th are worth celebrating, but upon reflection, they also generate a reflection of all the action that was required then and is required now. At a team meeting this morning, there was an interesting ice breaker. Would you rather meet your great, great grandparents or your great, great grandchildren. Put into the context of these next two dates of celebration, I am not sure what would be more enlightening; bringing my great, great grandparents to now or my great, great grandchildren. What would they think of where we are, and the progress we have (and haven't made)? While there will be reminders of the divisiveness over the next two weeks, I plan to reflect with my family and three kids on all that has been accomplished. I plan to re-teach the ideals of what can be for all of us when we care about our fellow citizens and believe in the better world ahead of us. Happy Juneteenth Week, everyone.

#CommunityEngagement is a term widely used yet has vastly different interpretations. In my very biased opinion, to be effective agents of social change, it is important for us to recognize that we ALL ARE COMMUNITY MEMBERS and we each have beautifully diverse talents, skills, resources, power and influence that must be woven together to achieve our shared goals. When we engage with one another, for GHI, it means far more than transactional interactions or checking a box. It means earning trust, being in fellowship, developing an understanding of nuance, not shying away from tough conversations and centering those who are most effected by the inequities we aspire to eliminate. I offer a glimpse into who I am, where I have been and how I aspire to lead as an arbiter of GHI's community engagement efforts with hopes that you each will allow me to learn from your wisdom. #healthequity #maternalhealth #ruralhealth #advocacy #organizing #ittakesavillage #foundation

Let US Make Men (Again): Steps to Mentoring Black Boys into Manhood Mentoring Black boys into manhood is a vital endeavor that shapes the lives of young men and helps them navigate the challenges they face while growing up. This journey involves guidance, support, and fostering a sense of self-worth and responsibility within the young men who will become future leaders and role models in their communities. Some key aspects of mentoring Black boys into manhood include... Read more https://lnkd.in/gpz9Ny-K

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Great to be back again serving as emcee at the 17th Annual Hearts of Texas Luncheon, honoring Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Randy Bowman, Community Partners of Dallas and the Lewisville ISD. Volunteerism transforms lives! Thanks to Volunteer Now CEO, Rachel Currie Triska, for inspiring her incredible team. Americans gave 4.1 billion hours of service to humanity as volunteers last year. There's nothing more impactful than making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. As I share in my keynote address: "Live your life as a go-getter, yet, forever share your life as a go-giver."