"Everybody Can Be Great, Because Everybody Can Serve"
This quote from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. beautifully states the ability we all have to make our communities vibrant places to live and work. This year, I encourage everyone to participate in the annual Day of Service on January 20 to
mark the 25th anniversary of the holiday celebrating MLK's life and legacy
.
Inclusive Communities is always looking for volunteers for a variety of tasks and programs (see the Volunteer Spotlight below, plus an opportunity to assist with IncluCity) and we deeply appreciate those who give their time, hearts, minds, and even their sweat to help us further our mission. If you're interesting in volunteering with us,
click here.
THANK YOU in advance to all who volunteer in our community, not only on Jan. 20, but all year long!
|
|
Maggie Wood, Executive Director
|
|
Join the conversation at these upcoming events:
|
Women & Wisdom: Social Justice in the Pages of the
St. John's Bible
January 14, 2020 | 5:00-7:30pm | Joslyn Art Museum
Includes Joslyn Art Museum exhibit access before the event!
Homeless Omaha: Policy, Prevention, and Community Support
February 4, 2020 | 11:30am - 1:00pm
UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, Room 201
Transportation Inequities: Marginalization & Access
February 18, 2020 | 6:00-7:30pm
UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, Room 201
(registration opens Jan. 18)
Omaha Table Talk is free and open to the public, with registration required by visiting
www.inclusive-communities.org
. Registration opens one month prior to each event. American Sign Language interpreters are available at all OTT events.
|
|
OPPD -
Partner of the Year
Congratulations to OPPD, who will be honored with the Partner of the Year Award at the annual Humanitarian Brunch on April 19!
OPPD is the premier sponsor for LeadDIVERSITY, Inclusive Communities' new
year-long program designed to build a network of leaders dedicated to creating localized solutions to diversity and inclusion opportunities in Nebraska. During this program, leaders engage in topics that will leave them well versed and experienced in anticipating diversity and inclusion needs in the workplace, as well as the community. OPPD's support of LeadDIVERSITY places it as THE community leader in cultivating equality and propelling economic development for the future.economic development, workforce empowerment, and diversity and inclusion in Omaha.
“OPPD envisions a greater Omaha community that provides equity for all – equity in education, employment, wealth, etc.," says OPPD President and CEO Tim Burke. "The LeadDIVERSITY program provides an opportunity for leaders to examine and discuss the systemic issues surrounding racism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia that exist in our community and identify solutions that will minimize or eliminate them. Providing a safe environment to have meaningful dialogue through programs like LeadDIVERISTY is critical to making progress and being the community that is envisioned in Omaha 2040."
We are so grateful to OPPD for their investment in LeadDIVERSITY and Inclusive Communities!
(for more on the Humanitarian Brunch, keep reading below)
|
|
Precious Brady-Davis to be Featured Speaker at 2020 Humanitarian Brunch!
Lauded internationally as an award-winning diversity advocate, communications professional, and public speaker, Precious finds deep meaning in examining the roots of what proliferates bias, bigotry, and prejudice in our world. Through celebrating the beauty of coexistence, uplifting/centering the stories of those who are most marginalized, and seeing that all issues that affect the human condition are interconnected, she invites all who come in contact with her to see the resilience that lives within us all.
Originally from Omaha, Precious attended Inclusive Communities’ IncluCity program as a teen, and she will share how this formative experience shaped her life and future work as a diversity advocate.
“I am ecstatic to be able to return to Omaha to speak at the Humanitarian Brunch. Attending Unitown (Inclusive Communities’ four-day retreat now known as IncluCity) was one of the most powerful experiences of my life and still influences my work today. I am so excited to share the effect Inclusive Communities has had on my life!”
- Precious Brady-Davis
Tickets will go on sale in February, but for now:
Save the Date - April 19, 2020!
|
|
|
|
LeadDIVERSITY
Session 5:
Surviving Hate, Growing Empathy
Our fifth session was yesterday and LeadDIVERSITY Advocate Barry Thomas from OPS took over our Facebook page. This amazing day included a tour of Omaha's unique Tri-Faith Initiative, featuring a synagogue, church, and mosque co-located on the same campus at 132nd & Pacific.
Special, special thanks to Holocaust Survivor Kitty Williams for gracing the Advocates with her presence and much appreciation to the Institute of Holocaust Education for its continued service to our community.
For an inside look go to Facebook by
clicking here
- NOTE: you don't want to miss Barry's reflection of the day with his children answering the question "Dad, what'd you do at work today?"
|
|
Volunteer Spotlight: Katie Petry
(& Lucy!)
|
|
Todd County High School teacher Katie Petry knows a thing or two about road trips. Every year, she packs a mini-bus with eager students and makes the journey to IncluCity. “It’s a very long and boring drive. It generally takes us 7-7 ½ hours since we're coming from South Dakota. The bus ride itself is very fun. On the way down kids are signing, playing guitar, or playing games. The bonding definitely starts on the bus.”
While the trip may be long, the journey is worth it! “When kids come to IncluCity, they come out of their shells. They get to meet students who are different. Being on the reservation, there is not a lot of exposure to people with different identities. The kids love learning about others and sharing about who they are.”
Katie and her students are not the only ones who make the journey to IncluCity. Lucy is Katie’s service dog who has come the last three years. “Lucy is a rescue who was abused. She was afraid of people and is still very sensitive. Last camp we had a great conversation about Lucy and how our past does not define us and how it is possible to overcome adversity. Everyone loves Lucy and she brings comfort to everyone at camp.”
We want to thank Katie and Lucy for going the extra mile (326 miles to be exact) for her students!
|
|
January IncluCity Starts the Year Off Right
|
Preparations are underway for our January 2020 IncluCity camp, which will welcome 6
0 teens from five
schools for a four-day residential leadership and skill building experience. IncluCity will teach them skills to confront and challenge prejudice, bias and stereotypes - and discover new ways to become allies for one another.
|
|
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
... and Here's YOUR Chance to Volunteer!
We need 20 volunteers to assist our staff in preparing materials for the January IncluCity camp. Snacks and refreshments provided provided for all...
Monday, January 20 1:00-4:00pm
Barbara Weitz CEC (Suite 122.1)
Contact Colin McGrew at colin@inclusive-communities.org or 970-333-0049 to sign up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
