YSS’ Post

Dear ERNOP members and friends, please complete the survey below to share which philanthropy topics you want to learn more about. Links are provided below.

Arts Producers, Administrators, Advocates: How do you use 200 - 300 words to ascknowledge sponsors, ask for philanthropy and highlight the excellent work your group is doing to build community and culture and advance the art form as a living tradition…..How did I do?

This is an essential, fascinating, and frightening read abt shifts in religious identity, away from one based on church attendance & relation to civic institutions toward one defined by political and partisan grievance. It represents a massive transformation in the nature of contemporary social capital. Besides the insights it offers into the upcoming election, it has relevance to nearly all trends in civil society & charitable giving. https://lnkd.in/e9cB8_4g

**The Legacy and Evolution of Masonic Lodges** The origins of Freemasonry, represented by Masonic lodges around the world, trace back to the late 16th to early 17th centuries. Initially, these fraternities were formed by stonemasons and builders who shared trade secrets and skills essential to their craft. Over time, the lodges evolved, opening their doors to members outside the masonry trade, transforming into symbolic institutions that emphasized moral and ethical lessons, rather than literal stonemasonry. The first Grand Lodge, an overarching body to unify and govern individual lodges, was established in England in 1717, marking the beginning of Freemasonry's organized presence. This pivotal moment laid the groundwork for Freemasonry's expansion globally, spreading its influence across Europe, the Americas, and beyond. The Masonic lodges became centers for social, intellectual, and charitable activities, attracting members from various social strata, including influential figures in politics, arts, and science. Masonic lodges are renowned for their rituals and symbols, such as the square and compasses, which represent moral and ethical guidelines for personal development. Despite the mystery surrounding their ceremonies, the core values of Freemasonry—brotherly love, relief, and truth—underscore a commitment to self-improvement, philanthropy, and community service. In contemporary times, Masonic lodges continue to play a significant role in society, although with varying degrees of visibility and influence. They remain dedicated to charitable work, funding education, healthcare, and public services. The network and bonds formed within the lodges provide a unique platform for personal and professional support among members, fostering a sense of community and mutual aid. Critics of Freemasonry have often cited its secretive nature and exclusive membership criteria as points of contention, leading to conspiracy theories and skepticism. However, Masonic lodges have increasingly sought to demystify their image, engaging more openly with the public and emphasizing their contributions to society. Today, the legacy of Masonic lodges is evident not just in their historical monuments and charitable endeavors but in their enduring commitment to the principles of fraternity, charity, and moral uprightness. As Freemasonry adapts to the modern world, its lodges strive to maintain relevance through their foundational values, leveraging their ties and understanding to navigate contemporary challenges while preserving a rich heritage that spans centuries.

This month marks a pivotal moment in history — the 56th anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing Act. As we commemorate this landmark legislation, we also reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose unwavering commitment to equality and justice paved the way for its passage. In the wake of Dr. King's tragic assassination, the Fair Housing Act emerged as a beacon of hope, a tangible step toward dismantling the barriers of discrimination in housing. Yet, over five decades later, our work is far from finished. The vision Dr. King articulated, of a nation where all are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character, remains elusive for far too many. Just last year, NFHA reported that there were over 33,000 fair housing complaints throughout the country-the highest number of reported complaints since we've been tracking this data. Moreover, millions of incidents of discrimination go unreported, particularly as we now tackle the new frontier of technology and algorithmic bias. As Dr. King reminded us, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." It is up to us to bend that arc, to continue the fight for fair and inclusive housing for all. Please support the important work we do at NFHA to advance housing justice by donating at least $56 during Fair Housing Month. Together, we can build a future where every person has access to safe, affordable, and equitable housing — a future that fulfills the promise of Dr. King's dream. Thank you for standing with us in this vital mission. https://lnkd.in/eM248xXu   In Solidarity, National Fair Housing Alliance

LESS THAN ONE-THIRD of secondary school students are taking ANY arts subject past the age of 14. . . . How can we fill this shameful 'art gap'? Answer: technology and amazing art, delivered by our charity Art In Schools. This week: The Art of Landscapes. Learn more at www.artinschools.org.uk #artinschools #schools #education #arteducation #art #digitalart

World Braille Day 2024. 💙 4th January each year marks the anniversary of the birth of the inventor of Braille, Louis Braille, a French man became blind aged four. In 1824, aged 15, he developed Braille which ha form of written language for blind people, in which characters are represented by patterns of raised dots that are felt with the fingertips. 🖐🏻 Being able to read Braille can give someone with a vision impairment access to information that many of us take for granted. It’s also an important way of being able to communicate your needs and wishes. At InFocus, our students love to play games to help learn the basics of Braille. Braille Bingo, pairs and other matching games are really popular for remembering the different numbers, letters and contractions in the Braille code. Some of our students use a device Braille note takers like a BrailleNote Touch. These are modern tablet computer devices which have both a standard 6-key Braille input keyboard, together with a special Braille display that allows the user to quickly find out what’s on the screen.💙 Find out more about how we use Braille at InFocus here: https://lnkd.in/eDCh4y2g #YoungPeople #Adults #NotJustABlindSchool #SpecialistEducation #SpecialistProvision #SEND #Exeter #Devon #Inclusion #Volunteer #Fundraising #Donations #CharityShop #InFocusCharity #InFocus #SEND #InFocus #VisionImpairment #BSL #SupportedLiving

The Christian Comic Arts Society is thrilled to be part of WonderCon 2024 with two compelling panels that delve into the interplay between spirituality and the entertainment industry. Friday's Highlight: Spiritual Themes in Comics 📅 Friday | ⏰ 2:00-3:00 PM | 📍 Room 211 Join industry experts Travis Hanson, Ralph Miley, B David Walters, Scott Mercano, Ameen Beydoun, Alesha Escobar, and moderator Kyle Keene, as they explore the enduring presence of spiritual themes in comics and their profound impact on culture and entertainment. Sunday's Must-Attend: Pop Culture and the Christian Church 📅 Sunday | ⏰ 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | 📍 Room 211 For the third year running, this panel examines the Christian Church's dialogue with the comic book and gaming community. Featuring Alexander James, Karyn Keene, Christina Todd, Christopher Steward, Joe Queen, and moderated by Kyle Keene, it’s a deep dive into the church’s successes and learnings in resonating with pop culture enthusiasts. Don't miss these insightful discussions at Room 211 and make sure to visit us at Booth SP-70! #SpiritualThemes #PopCulture #ChristianChurch #Comics #Gaming #EntertainmentIndustry #FaithInPopCulture #christianpublishing #christianauthors #christianauthor #christianwriters #causemarketing #socialimpact #digitalmarketing #socialmediamarketing #onlinefundraising #charitysupport #nonprofitleader #nonprofitmarketing #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization #nonprofitlife #marketingagencies #socialmarketing #socialmediamarketing #marketing #digitalmarketing #pr #publicrelationsagency #publicrelations #moviemarketing #filmmarketing #filmpromotion #adagency #advertising #advertisingagency

📊 Key Priorities for Philanthropy Research 2024-2025 📊 🌟 Top 3 Topics 🌟 1. Practices and Strategies of Philanthropic Organisations 2. Giving and Philanthropic Behavior 3. National and Comparative Studies of Philanthropy and the Third Sector 📣 We are looking forward to launching our new webinar series on a variety of these topics in autumn 2024. Stay tuned for more updates and follow us on LinkedIn so you don't miss any webinar invites! A huge thank you to everyone who voted in our survey! Your input is crucial in shaping the ERNOP Science and Society Webinar Series. #Philanthropy #Research #Webinars #ERNOP #ScienceAndSociety #SurveyResults