Battle Creek Unlimited’s Post

🎓 Excited to share my journey to higher education! 🚀 In the fall of 2011, my path to higher education began, but it was far from typical. As an undocumented student, I faced numerous hurdles that added layers of complexity to my college experience. It was a journey marked by challenges, hope, and resilience. Back in 2012, financial aid for undocumented students was practically non-existent. However, in 2013, Assembly Bill 131 came into effect, opening doors for undocumented AB 540 students like me to access private financial aid totaling approximately $88 million in scholarships and grants. Additionally, AB 130 empowered colleges and universities to award institutional scholarships to qualified undocumented students under AB 540. Simultaneously, DACA, initiated in 2012, offered temporary lawful status to young unauthorized immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. This policy shift infused hope into the hearts of many Dreamers, myself included, reigniting the possibility of immigration reform or amnesty. Yet, despite these glimmers of hope, navigating the higher education system remained a daunting task. The system wasn't designed for individuals like me—those juggling full-time work, family responsibilities, and the challenges of being a first-generation college student with limited resources. Fast forward to 2018, and Rivet School emerged as a beacon of hope. Their commitment to student success, personalized support, and flexibility in earning a Bachelor's degree renewed my confidence. Rivet not only helped me achieve my Bachelor's degree after a decade of perseverance but also opened doors to further opportunities. Through Rivet School, I discovered Presidio Graduate School, where I secured another scholarship, unlocking the possibility of pursuing not one but two master's degrees. This opportunity is beyond what I ever imagined, and it's a testament to the transformative impact of organizations Rivet and Presidio. Soon, I'll proudly become the first member of my family with two master's degrees, a milestone made possible by the unwavering support and opportunities provided by these incredible institutions. #HigherEducation #UndocumentedStudents #Dreamers #RivetSchool #PresidioGraduateSchool #TransformativeEducation

A transformative vision is taking shape in Saginaw County, one that is set to transform the very fabric of our community. Led by a coalition of passionate community leaders from education, business, healthcare, and community non-profit, the Community Engagement and Inclusion Council (CEIC) is poised to create a brighter, more inclusive, and equitable future for all in our county. From grassroots conversations to impactful action, 2021 marked the genesis of a movement in Saginaw County. Community leaders, driven by a collective ambition for progress, spearheaded the creation of a robust diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (DEIBJ) vision and strategic plan. This strategic plan provides a roadmap that promises to propel Saginaw County toward a future where diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice are cornerstones, not aspirations. For questions or to receive additional information, email the CEIC at [email protected]. Read more about the CEIC strategic plan introduction: https://lnkd.in/gB65qwFK

Are you interested in becoming a member of a Board of Directors? 👀 Are you searching for new Board Members? 👍 Thanks to our partners at The Foraker Group there's an incredible resource called Alaska Board Match! 🤝 This remarkable online tool was created to aid nonprofits in finding board members and to support individuals interested in serving on boards. #chooseanchorage #nonprofits https://loom.ly/AFZFS_E

It's official! The Trust for Civic Life has launched! An exciting day for folks building civic infrastructure, particularly in rural communities. From Hollie Russon Gilman, Ph.D.: The Trust is a new philanthropic collaborative and learning network with a simple mission: support local efforts that bring residents together to solve challenges they decide are most critical for their community to thrive. In times of polarization, we believe this is one critical step in the process of rebuilding trust in each other and forging a deeper democracy. https://lnkd.in/gQwUbPPH #democracy

🌟 Empowering Communities: Bridging the Gap Between Corporations and Non-Profits 🌟 As professionals, we often find ourselves deeply committed to fostering positive change in our communities. Today, I want to share a vision that holds immense potential for impact: the powerful collaboration between corporations and non-profit organizations. Regardless of our roles within our respective companies, we possess the ability to forge meaningful partnerships that can uplift and empower those in need. If there's a non-profit you deeply resonate with, take a moment to envision the transformative impact that could be achieved by joining forces. For me, that organization is Cradles To Crayons Inc, specifically their Philadelphia Chapter. Their dedication to providing essential resources and educational support to children in need resonates deeply, particularly in a city like Philadelphia, where over 300,000 children grapple with poverty. It's crucial to recognize that these children are not just statistics; they are the future of our community. By empowering them with the tools they need to thrive, we're investing in a brighter tomorrow for everyone. So, I urge you: if there's a cause close to your heart, don't hesitate to reach out. Forge connections between your company and the non-profit sector. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that reverberates far beyond our individual efforts. Let's work hand in hand to build a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Together, we can make a difference. 💫 #CommunityEmpowerment #CorporateSocialResponsibility #PartnershipsThatMatter https://lnkd.in/dw4VTbUs

Our November eNews Guest Editor, Jan Brown, a member of LT Class 9, says the following about her LT experience: "LT has introduced me to people that I probably would never have met in everyday life. From that day forward, my life has been enriched. I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the workings of Tallahassee government, nonprofits, healthcare, arts, and so much more. I have become a true citizen of my community." Take a look at Jans' full article in this month's eNews! #communityleaders #wordstoleadby

Public Allies’ work, and the work of our #NationalService peers who want to ensure that all Americans can and should have the opportunity to serve, is more critical now than ever before. If we put AmeriCorps funding on the chopping block as Congress has proposed, it will prevent Americans who are too often overlooked from realizing their fullest potential, while further deepening the inequities that divide our country. Read our full statement → https://lnkd.in/gUrYn8az

#USA 🇺🇸: Delighted to join my fellow Evaluation Panel Reviewers for the Yield Giving Open Call & members of the Lever for Change network in sharing and amplifying the following exciting news: Today, MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving announced that 361 organizations are receiving $640 million for their work with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States. This cohort of 361 outstanding teams from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico will enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources. These community-led, community-focused organizations work in urban and rural settings, with individuals of all ages, focusing on a wide range of issues. Yet, they share a common sense of purpose: the Open Call awardees are all making positive change in their communities by reducing disparities in economic outcomes, education, health, and other critical issues. The Open Call received 6,353 applications and initially planned for 250 awards of $1 million each. In the Fall of 2023, organizations top-rated by their peers advanced to a second round of review by an external Evaluation Panel recruited for experience relevant to this cause, and underwent a final round of due diligence. In light of the incredible work of these organizations, as judged by their peers and external panelists, the donor team decided to expand the awardee pool and the award amount. The 279 organizations in the top tier of scores will receive $2 million each, and the 82 organizations in the next tier will receive $1 million each. Congratulations to all of the awardees! For more information, read more about the awardees here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eHPYCK5v #YieldGiving #YieldGivingOpenCall #SocialImpact #philanthropy

DO YOU EVER WONDER WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE “DOING YOU?” Have you ever stopped and thought, “This is me in my small life, living my life as just a spec among billions of other humans concurrently?” Reflecting on our smallness can be a moving experience when recognizing what all is going on in the world while we work, sleep, vacation, etc. Unless you work in an industry geared towards helping those less fortunate, you may not realize how many of our community members are struggling to survive – let alone thriving. Black River has remained committed to supporting organizations that provide various services to assist those less fortunate, including but not limited to childcare, mental health support, housing and food assistance, and skills development. These nonprofits are the unspoken heroes and backbone of our communities, helping to improve individual and community conditions so that community members (individually and collectively) can live more promising lives. Of the dozens of nonprofits the Black River team has worked with, we want to take a moment to recognize a group or consortium of groups - Community Action Agencies (CAA) and Community Action Partnerships (CAP). What are Community Action Agencies? In 1964, the Economic Opportunity Act created the Community Action Network of national and locally focused organizations that connect millions of community members in need to greater opportunity. The concept of Community Action is often cited in the work of many, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon Johnson. Community Action Agencies promote self-sufficiency through services based on community needs and leadership direction. From our experience working with numerous CAAs, we know they all have the same ambitions but execute their missions differently. CAAs may assist with any number of the following: home energy, housing, emergencies, employment, healthcare, youth development, early learning, and others. If you are unfamiliar with CAAs or CAPs, you likely have one working hard to strengthen your community. We encourage you to take a minute to learn more about your local CAA or CAP. #nonprofit #support #compassion #leadership #communityactionpartnership #communityactionagency Angie Kevin Rob

Learn how nonprofits can drive impact through civic engagement in our latest blog post. #Nonprofit #CivicEngagement #BoardEffect