CORI Reform Events
 
Date:   Event: Location:
April 2, 2006   Compassion Sunday

Local Faith Centers

April 4, 2006   The Beantown Benefit: A Gathering in support of the PSA 2006 Coalition.

100 Tremont St.
Boston, MA

April 20, 2006   CORI Education Day at the State House

The Massachusetts
State House

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    Institute for Neighborhoods Leaderships: Near You!
March 1 - 31, 2006     Fundraising for Activists and Organizations Jackson Square
April 5-May 3, 2006     The Non-Profit Academy Jackson Square
April 8, 2006     The Grant writing clinic for Activists Jamaica Plain
May 20, 2006     Lobbying for Activists of Color Roxbury
2nd  Thursday     The Activists Study Circle Jamaica Plain
4th   Friday     The Organizers of Color Sip and Chew  
         
      Download the Class & Registration Information  
      Cost  
      Register  

 

THE INSTITUTE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP

 

"Committed to the development and training of Activists of Color"

 

What is the Institute for Neighborhood Leadership?

 

The Institute for Neighborhood Leadership is a program of the Union of Minority Neighborhoods.   The Institute provides training, support, and assistance to current or evolving community leadership of color.  From late September through June, the Institute:

 

       Hosts weekly workshops in building skills in communications, leadership, organizational and program development, community organizing, fundraising, planning, outreach, strategy and tactics, public speaking, media relations, collaboration, advocacy, and governmental affairs.

 

       Provides technical assistance and support upon request to help communities and community leaders address issues that affect them.

 

       Hosts monthly "study circles" to help leaders expand their knowledge and thinking on pertinent issues.

 

The Institute for Neighborhood Leadership is designed and administered by professional advocates of color.   As people of color, we enjoy a unique perspective.  Our workshops allow people the safety to talk freely about issues, concerns, and experiences.

 

We also expose participants to the best professionals and trainers in the region in the skills of citizen empowerment, organizational development and non-profit management.

 

Our understanding of community and our commitment to citizen participation and civic engagement make the Institute for Neighborhood Leadership a unique and effective learning experience

 

 

This Spring the Institute will offer the following classes and programs:

 

 

Fundraising for Activists and Organizations: (5 weeks) every Wednesday Starting March 1st through March 29th (from 6pm-7:30pm) at Family Services of Greater Boston located at 31 Heath Street near Jackson Square on the Orange Line

 

The Institute will host a 5-week course in non-grant fundraising for activists and organizations.  This course introduces participants to the concept of diversifying their organizational fundraising by acquiring skills that include fundraising planning, special event fundraising, direct mail, canvassing, phone-a-thons, fundraising from religious institutions, and the role and importance of the board in fundraising.  Lead presenter for the course is Sue Karant, a long time fundraising expert and consultant.

 

The Non-Profit Academy at the Institute for Neighborhood Leadership:

(5 weeks) every Wednesday Evening starting April 5th through May 3rd from 6pm-7:30pm at Family Services of Greater Boston located at 31Heath Street

 

The Non-Profit Academy was created to help activists of color develop the skills of forming and managing non-profit organizations. Governmental and foundation cuts as have strongly affected community based non-profits, especially organizations of color.  Foundations and donors place priority on supporting organizations that are managed well, with strong, active boards that work with the Executive Director in crafting a cogent vision and mission for the organization and seeing this mission carried out.  Course offerings include:

 

        Strategic Planning for Organizations

        Forming a non-profit organization

        Developing strong boards of directors

        Becoming an effective Executive Director

        Organizational and Program development

        Volunteer utilization and recruitment

 

 

 

The Grant writing clinic for Activists and Non-Profits:  Saturday Morning April 8th 10am-1pm at the offices of the Haymarket Peoples Fund 42 Seaverns Street in Jamaica Plain

 

Join us on April 8th and meet with our team of professional fundraising consultants who will advise and help you with your funding proposals.  In Boston, consultation with a fundraising professional averages more than $70 an hour.  On April 8th their advice is free.  Register now, as it is quite popular and time slots fill up quickly!

 

 

Lobbying for Activists of Color:  Saturday May 20th from 10am-2pm at the offices of the Union of Minority Neighborhoods 83 Highland Street, Roxbury

 

To make systemic change or to be an effective advocate for your community requires an understanding of how politics works and the need to possess strong advocacy skills.  Join UMN Executive Director Horace Small, political operative extraordinaire Mukiya Baker-Gomez and other professional lobbyists for this fun and effective session.

 

 

 

The Activists Study Circle is held the 2nd Thursday of the Month through June beginning Thursday March 9th and will be held at the offices of the Haymarket Peoples Fund 42 Seaverns St. in Jamaica Plain from 6:30pm-9pm

 

The Activist Study Circle helps activists expand their thinking on issues by engaging local as well as national experts in discussions on issues of importance to communities of color. 

 

 

The Organizers of Color Sip and Chew:  The fourth Friday of the Month from 6pm-9pm beginning Friday March 24th!

 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!!  The Sip and Chew is a monthly get together of organizers and activists of color to network, dialogue, support one another�s work, and have a relaxing time over good food and drink. A small donation to help offset costs is appreciated!

 

What does it cost to attend an Institute Class?

 

The Institute keeps its costs low.  Participants pay a minimal charge for the printing of materials only!  No one is turned away if unable to pay, however during these tight economic times for non-profits, and as the Union very much wants to be of service to the community for years to come, donations are always welcomed and appreciated!

 

 

How do I register for a Class?

 

It is strongly recommended that you register in advance to attend an Institute for Neighborhood Leadership class or program, as some classes fill up quickly!

 

 

To register for an Institute Class, contact:

 

Horace Small or Cynthia Sigmond

Union of Minority Neighborhoods

83 Highland Street

Roxbury, MA. 02119

617-541-4111

Or email us at:  [email protected]

 

 
 
 
 

Join the faith community throughout Massachusetts on Compassion Sunday,

April 2, 2006.

 

What is Compassion Sunday?

 

Compassion Sunday is a day of reflection, prayer, understanding and support for the more than 2.8 million individuals and families affected by the states CORI laws.  These laws keep individuals from securing jobs, health care, education, insurance, and housing.  While the overwhelming numbers of individuals involved in the criminal justice system seek to live fruitful and productive lives, the CORI laws marginalize these individuals, literally making them �untouchables� to their families, their communities, and to potential employers, no matter what their skills or economic status may be.

 

How we treat individuals with CORI is counter to what we have been taught in our faith traditions.  Our faith tell us that each and every individual must be loved, honored, included in our communities, and more than any thing, shown forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance.

 

Therefore it is fitting that during Lent, we serve as our Savior served and follow God�s commandment��To Love one another as he has loved us.�

 

How do you participate on Compassion Sunday?

 

April 2nd will be declared Compassion Sunday in Churches throughout Massachusetts. 

 

We ask that on this Sunday, you speak on the issue of compassion, redemption, forgiveness and understanding.  We ask that you and your congregations pray for the families and individuals who carry this burden.  We ask that you acknowledge individuals with CORI and give them a special blessing and welcome.  We ask that you encourage the congregation to, in the name of Christ, to take positive actions that will encourage changes in the CORI laws.  We ask that you celebrate these individuals and families with scripture, in your sermon, prayers, music, special readings, after service fellowship, and/or providing community connection.

 

If you would like someone to speak during your service, provide the sermon for Compassion Sunday, or other ideas to celebrate Compassion Sunday, please let us know.

 

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