FEBRUARY 2022
Greetings!

The first month of 2022 was filled with many examples of the importance of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities' mission and work. Together, the VCIC team:

  • Facilitated nearly 80 programs for schools, workplaces, and communities across the Commonwealth.

  • Spoke out against an elected official's Islamophobic social media post

  • Met and partnered with several school leaders and community stakeholders to emphasize the importance of inclusive classrooms and schools

  • Participated in a community conversation on religious freedom

  • Co-sponsored a film screening and dialogue as part of the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day



These efforts (and more!) are made possible thanks to you. Please review the updates below. My colleagues and I hope to connect with you soon!

Sincerely,




Jonathan C. Zur
President & CEO
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February Programs & Events
This month, VCIC programs include workshops for schools, businesses, nonprofit employees, and more! As always, board and chapter members are invited to visit selected programs. View the full February calendar and contact Jonathan if you would like to attend any of the programs or events. 
Nominate a New Member
It is now time to submit suggestions for membership on VCIC's State Board or one of our chapters in Lynchburg, Peninsula, Richmond, or Tidewater! The appropriate committees will identify and invite new members this spring for membership in FY2023 (which begins on July 1, 2022). Additionally, current Board and Chapter members who are concluding their terms can be nominated for Emeritus status by clicking here.
Table Talk 757
VCIC joins with PEOPLE to PEOPLE to explore “The Dimensions of Social Justice” for the 2021-2022 Table Talk series. On February 7 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, join the free conversation to explore today’s challenges in food insecurity. The featured speaker will be Karen Joyner, CEO of the Virginia Peninsula FoodBank. Participants will join with other community members to engage in challenging and respectful conversations led by trained facilitators. Click here to register!
Workplace Inclusion Network
Through the Workplace Inclusion Network, VCIC convenes professionals who support or lead diversity and inclusion efforts within their organizations for expert-led professional development sessions. The 2022 series has just been announced and will focus on the theme, "Beyond the Buzzwords." Learn more about WIN and register your organization!
Board & Chapter Acknowledgments
We continue to be grateful to VCIC board and chapter members for your dedicated support of our work. This month, we extend our thanks to:

  • KARLA ALMENDAREZ-RAMOS (State), GEORGE BRAXTON (Richmond), DOUG JONES (State), and IDA PIERCE (Richmond) for serving as the Workplace Inclusion Network Outreach Team.

  • KARLA ALMENDAREZ-RAMOS (State) for participating in a VCIC workshop for the City of Richmond.

  • VIDAL DICKERSON (Peninsula) for supporting VCIC's program for Christopher Newport University.

  • IDA PIERCE (Richmond) and THOMAS RAYNER (Richmond) for serving as facilitators for the MLK Weekend Film & Discussion, and DANA BECKTON (State) and STEVEN MCCARTHER (Richmond) for registering to attend that program.

  • THOMAS RAYNER (Richmond) for observing VCIC's program for the Virginia Department of Health.

  • RICHARD THALHIMER (Richmond) for supporting VCIC's office space exploration and State Board members LISA HICKS-THOMAS, DOUG JONES, MEL SMITH, and JOYCELYN SPIGHT ROACHE for serving as an ad-hoc committee regarding office space.

  • The following State Board members for attending sample VCIC workshops in January: KARLA ALMENDAREZ-RAMOS, DANA BECKTON, LISA HICKS-THOMAS, DOUG JONES, ASHBY KILGORE, JILL MCCORMICK, VIVIAN ODEN, PAULA PANDO, CAMERON PATTERSON, MEL SMITH, and NHU YEARGIN.

  • The following State Board and Peninsula Chapter members for serving on the Peninsula Dinner Committee: VALERIE BUTLER, GEORGE CHIOROS, GENE JORDAN, ASHBY KILGORE, WAYNE LETT, DONNA WOODS, NHU YEARGIN, and CHRIS ZAMBAS.

  • The following State Board and Tidewater Chapter members for serving on the Tidewater Dinner Committee: DANA BECKTON, MELVIN BLACKWELL, AL BUTZER, BARRY EINHORN, KELLY JACKSON, ROBIN MANCOLL, STACY NIXON, SARA JO RUBIN, and CEE CEE TUCKER.
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