Quenia Abreu

Definitely worth the read. I love the final paragraph "For all the reasons described, when clients want help with a traditional public meeting, we often steer them away from the idea. What they really want is shared understanding of a concept; buy-in for a project; and a community that’s cohesive, empowered, inclusive and thriving in every way possible. So torch the town hall and try something a little more civilized for all parties. Getting there is simple but not easy. It takes fresh thinking, an open mind, and a lot of courage. It takes #vulnerability and #humility and a #willingnesstochange. With some forethought and planning though, the results include more satisfied stakeholders with #renewedtrust in your agency and a more #informeddecision that most can support." #authenticpublicengagement #localgovleadership #policybeginswithpeople

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Juneteenth is a day worth noting and celebrating for three reasons: First, because it’s important we recognize the distinction between national decree and practical application. The Emancipation Proclamation was a national decree. It was important and necessary. To be who we long to be, we should acknowledge the ideal towards which we’re striving. Getting to that Proclamation was a national struggle, with a lot of significant fallout. We fought a war over how we would move forward together nationally (with all of its implications). That said, justice is just by application. Juneteenth reminds us that sometimes it takes physically meeting others where they are in order to personalize the freedom available to them.   Second, because we should see color. I’m currently reading a book about Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. Color barriers were real and often surprisingly pervasive. Louis Armstrong, for example, was (early in his career) deemed “too dark-skinned” for the Cotton Club where the Duke played. Color is a part of our experience as a person. That said, how we value color (and the uniqueness of the individual) is something to which we should pay attention. Color is not the only marker of uniqueness, nor should it equate to an assessment (or assumption) of character. Kind is kind regardless of skin tone. Mean is mean regardless of skin tone. Juneteenth reminds us we should value an individual’s unique worth, even as we value shared character. Heaven is filled with people from all tribes, tongues, and skin tones. Unity is not uniformity. Third, it reminds us that change is often a process requiring a change of perception. One of the sobering questions we should ask ourselves is why the Civil Rights Movement was even necessary if Juneteenth exists (and only two and a half years post-Emancipation Proclamation)? Why Jim Crow if we fought a national civil war over (among other issues) race, value, dignity, and worth of all Americans? How can we have World War II veterans of all colors give their lives in combat and come home to different water faucets and bathrooms? The speed of progress resides in our capacity at the kitchen table to know what to value and how to apply that value with intentionality. People often conflate tradition with value. “That’s how it’s always been” was a trope often trotted out to justify wrongs. Just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t make it right. Just because everyone has done it for decades doesn’t mean it’s valuable. Humans have the capacity to perpetuate wrong as much as what is right through the justification of tradition and comfort. That is true of historically racist contexts, and it is true regarding other topics today. Popularity is not a good barometer for righteousness. There’s a difference between having neighbors and being neighborly. Likewise, there’s a difference between being a citizen and being united. In these United States, it’s good to have a reminder of that distinction.

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St. Mary's Center Seniors respond to the removal of RM4 from the ballot Senior Advocates for Hope and Justice debriefed the removal of the regional housing bond, RM4, from the November 2024 ballot on August 20. The group was shocked and surprised about the last-minute change and reflected on more than 18 months of policy analysis and advocacy, including this January 2024 Equity Forum with Oakland and Alameda County. St. Mary's Center Seniors won one of the only concessions from the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority, a required evaluation of the production of extremely low-income homes (under 30% Area Median Income) through the Bond. However, we remain committed to advocacy for acutely low-income homes (under 15% Area Media Income.) We will participate in planning in Oakland and Alameda County to ensure more housing serving people in greatest need. Our Seniors recommend endorsing and fighting for Yes on Prop 5 this fall to create future opportunity for housing. Comments I'm very disappointed. We should let the people decide. I will never forget it.  I heard it on the news. I realized there was a 50-50 chance it would pass. We did everything that we could. I feel bad for the Seniors who won't get housing now. It's not about the work we put in but about the people who need a place to live. It just wasn't the right time this November. I remember hearing early on about the 2/3 requirement and knowing that the highest polling was about 55%. I do want a T-shirt for Yes on Prop 5. Prop 5 passing will breathe new life into a regional housing bond. It's a tough hill to climb and this hill will be easier. It's indicative of what's going on in politics. Everything is moving in a specific direction and things that are good for people are attacked. They're rolling back things like federal money for public housing. But there's things like surplus land act that we can work on. We need to be strategic, intentional and collaborative and build people power.

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Crafting a clear and compelling value proposition is key to your ministry's growth. Are you addressing the fundamental question your potential partners ask: "Why should I give to you, and why now?" Click on the link for insights on how to build a strong value proposition that drives connection and support! https://lnkd.in/gKJBNX32

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Why open government matters more than ever, participation in municipal governance, access to information for climate change, transparency in medical supplies, political philanthropy and mission driven bureaucrats.... Learn about these and so much more in the latest Trust, Accountability and Inclusion Collaborative Weekly. Make sure to get signed up to receive all things accountability related in your inbox every Tuesday. #transparency #accountability #participation #democracy #philanthropy #greenaccountability #climateintegrity #opengovernment #funding #trust #grantmaking #governance TAI Weekly|Wake Up Call (taicollaborative.org)

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Urban Institute #30April2024 #ResearchReport : #Labor #Market #Policies #for #Racial #Equity "What Does the Evidence Tell Us about How to Ensure the Future of Work Does Not Replicate the Disparities of Today?"

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We talk a lot about equity, but progress is slow. One reason I believe this is, is because we often do not have the right institutions to create the change we seek. Institutions hold convening power, redistribution power, and repository power...The types of powers that are not held within marginalized communities. Join me on Thursday in a conversation on a new approach to economic development. Tag or share with someone who should be apart of this conversation. https://lnkd.in/egEkZFWx

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Nonprofit leaders, here's your roadmap to fundraising success: 1. Assess Your Situation: Dive into past efforts. Analyze your data. Get to know your donors. 2. Set Clear Goals: Define measurable objectives aligned with your mission. 3. Craft Your Strategy: Choose tactics, create a timeline and assign tasks. Follow these steps to make an impact! - - - #mgale #nonprofit #fundraising #philanthropy #nonprofitmanagement

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“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” These powerful words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remind us that while progress towards inclusion, equity, and justice may take time, it is possible—if we take action. I'm truly honored to stand alongside modern-day civil rights champions like Janet Murguía of UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS), MARC MORIAL of the National Urban League, and Thomas A. Saenz of MALDEF - Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, as we discussed what’s at stake in the upcoming presidential election. Our conversation highlighted the crucial role of coalitions and the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in shaping a fairer future for all. But progress doesn’t happen by itself—we must act now to shape the future we want to see. Here's where we start: 1️⃣ Educate yourself and your community about key issues 2️⃣ Engage with leaders and organizations working on the front lines of change—collaboration is key to building lasting impact 3️⃣ Vote—because every election matters in bending that arc toward justice What steps are you taking to push for progress? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the momentum going! #DEI #CivilRights #Election2024 #StandForJustice #InclusionMatters #JuntosAvanzamos

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💡 Calling all budget holders in nonprofit organizations! Want to assess your Digital Nonprofit Finance™ (DNF) Maturity? Join us in this quick 10-minute survey to benchmark your ICT and digital investment decision making. Your your input will contribute to actionable sector insights! The NetHope's Digital Nonprofit Finance project is here to empower nonprofits with tools to link digital investment with impact, influencing funding decisions effectively. 🚀 Let's accelerate your organization's digital transformation and optimize your funding! Take the survey now: https://lnkd.in/eds6e-dA   #NetHope #DigitalNonprofit #Finance #Impact #Survey #ICTInvestment #TechForGood

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