MARCH 2023
Greetings!

In 2008, Curtis D. Bethany, III, was a student participant in the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities' Project Inclusion retreat, and he returned as a VCIC volunteer facilitator in 2015. Today, he serves as Vice Mayor of the City of Newport News.
We recently invited Curtis to reflect on his experience with VCIC, and how it helped to inform his community leadership. Here is what he had to say:
 
"The program literally taught me the true definition of “inclusion” and what it means to be an inclusive community built on respect for all walks of life. I truly believe that the VCIC helped lay the foundation for my future role in public service. As you can imagine, representing citizens from various walks of life requires being inclusive, being transparent, and having integrity. All of which are values of this great organization.
 
My name and my word mean everything to me. I wouldn’t endorse VCIC if I couldn’t stand behind the great work that they do. It is my hope that you will support or continue to support their mission going forward. It’s because of organizations like VCIC that help make our world a better place one community at a time."

Your partnership makes this impact possible! As always, please let us know how VCIC can support your community. You can see day-to-day updates about our work by following VCIC on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  We look forward to working with you!
VCIC Updates & Announcements
2022-2023 Student Forums
VCIC is excited to return to in-person student forums in the 2022-2023 school year. The following programs are coming up:

  • March 8 - Tidewater Diversity Dialogue Day (free for Tidewater-area high schools thanks to Dominion Energy)

  • March 14 - Lynchburg Diversity Dialogue Day (free for Lynchburg-area high schools thanks to Dominion Energy)
 
Registration Open for 2023 Connections Institute
The 30th annual Harold M. Marsh, Sr. Connections Institute will take place from August 7-11, 2023 for high school students from across Virginia! Click here to learn about how high schools can register teams of students to attend. Additionally, click here to learn about serving as a volunteer facilitator at the 2023 Connections Institute.
Guide to Constructive and Inclusive Dialogue
At a time of great separation due to the pandemic and political polarization, VCIC is proud to release a new Guide to Constructive and Inclusive Dialogue. This Guide provides frameworks, tools, and resources to support dialogues that can (re-)build community. Thanks to an anonymous donor, VCIC can facilitate a limited number of Constructive and Inclusive Dialogue workshops at no cost for educational and community groups.
Featured Articles and Curriculum
Upcoming Contests, Funding, and Programs
FUNDING
(Grant opportunities to recognize leadership or support projects and clubs)

PROGRAMS
(Initiatives and observances to advance character education and inclusion)

VCIC State Office
5511 Staples Mill Road
Suite 202
Richmond, VA 23228
Phone: (804) 515-7950  
VCIC Hampton Roads Office
at Virginia Wesleyan University
Allen Village, Graybeal 5
5817 Wesleyan Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757) 390-0720