OCTOBER 2021
Greetings!

What do Alexandria, Ashland, Bedford, Charlottesville, Farmville, Goochland, Hampton, Henrico, Lynchburg, Middleburg, Midlothian, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, Staunton, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Wytheville, and Zion Crossroads have in common?
 
They are just some of the many Virginia communities the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities reached last month through our programs!
 
Through a wide array of in-person and virtual program offerings, the VCIC team continues to reach record numbers of Virginians each month in schools, colleges and universities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, houses of worship and more. Increasingly, these engagements are long-term, meaning that VCIC is able to raise individual awareness and support the development of ongoing institutional practices that advance equity and inclusion. You can see day-to-day updates of our work by following VCIC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  

Please let us know how VCIC can continue to support your community. We look forward to working with you!
VCIC Updates & Announcements
Welcome Chris
Please join VCIC in welcoming Chris Burton as our new Vice President of Programs! Chris most recently served as Director of Equity and Inclusion at The Stony Brook School. In the community, Chris serves as an ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America and co-hosts a podcast about race, culture, and soul care called CrossStreets. He earned a B.A. from Davidson College, M.Div. from Union Presbyterian Seminary, and M.S. in Education from St. John’s University, and he is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry from Union Presbyterian Seminary.  Send an email to welcome Chris!
Culturally Inclusive School Meals and Calendars
VCIC President & CEO Jonathan Zur was appointed by Governor Ralph Northam and Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni to serve on a Task Force on Culturally Inclusive School Meals and Calendars. The Task Force recently presented a final report to the Governor. Click here to read the recommendations.
Fall Student Forums
VCIC is actively planning for four fall student forums:

  • October 13 - Richmond Prejudice Awareness Summit (free for Richmond-area middle schools thanks to sponsorship from Atlantic Union Bank)

  • October 26 - Peninsula Prejudice Awareness Summit (free for Peninsula-area middle schools thanks to sponsorship from Atlantic Union Bank)

  • November 11 - Peninsula Diversity Dialogue Day (free for Peninsula-area high schools thanks to Dominion Energy)

  • December 7 - Richmond Diversity Dialogue Day (free for Richmond-area high schools thanks to Dominion Energy)

Information is being sent directly to school contacts at Peninsula and Richmond schools. Middle School and High School forums in Lynchburg and Tidewater will take place in spring 2022 (dates TBD). Contact Emma for more information about VCIC's student forums.
Register Today for the Virginia Inclusion Summit
The 3rd annual Virginia Inclusion Summit will bring together workplace professionals, government employees, and higher education students and administrators for a day of learning, sharing, and connecting. VCIC will convene the day virtually on November 16, 2021.  Click here to learn more and register for the Summit!
Featured Articles and Curriculum
Upcoming Contests, Funding, and Programs
CONTESTS
(Contests linked to diversity, inclusion, and leadership)
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