Demetria Kalodimos’ Post

Libraries aren't just buildings. Librarians do outreach and provide bookmobile service. If you live in rural or underserved areas, libraries will do their best to serve you. Let's make sure to provide them with the funding they need for the extra support! #libraries #publiclibraries #bookmobiles #libraryoutreach #governance #localgovernment #stategovernment #federalgovernment

The Western States Center provides some excellent resources and toolkits to assist nonprofits, schools, community leaders, organizations, and groups in protecting themselves against hate, bigotry, and threats. In an ever-changing environment, this is a helpful resource to have as you and your organizations continue your work. "Western States Center envisions inclusive democratic movements and societies rooted in justice and equity." https://lnkd.in/ddMyQwX

For my Friends in the DC Metro area: Imagine the anguish of a parent who wants nothing more than for their child to be understood, accepted, and given the same opportunities as others. For so many families, finding a place where their child’s unique needs are not just met, but embraced, feels impossible. The National Children's Center (NCC) has been a beacon of hope for these families for 65 years. It’s where children who were once isolated and misunderstood found a community that saw their potential and celebrated their progress. Yet, the journey to this place of acceptance is often filled with pain. The pain of watching a child struggle in environments not built for them. The pain of feeling like you’re always fighting an uphill battle to ensure they receive the support they need. And for some, the heartbreaking realization that their child may never have the opportunities that others take for granted. But NCC offers something rare: a place where these battles don’t have to be fought alone. It’s a sanctuary where families find the support, understanding, and resources they need to help their children flourish. This gala is more than just a celebration of 65 years; it’s a reminder of all the work that still needs to be done, of the countless children who still need that sanctuary. By supporting NCC, you’re not just attending an event—you’re giving hope to families who need it the most. You’re helping to build a future where every child, no matter their abilities, can thrive. Join us in making that future a reality. Learn more about the gala and how you can help. https://lnkd.in/ebEFRAwg

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As we observe Memorial Day, let's remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. 🇺🇸 It's a day of reflection and gratitude, reminding us of the values that drive us to serve our community with integrity and dedication. This Memorial Day, we are harnessing the power of personalized engagement and emotional connections; check out our latest blog post, https://lnkd.in/gSNDt4Up #MemorialDay #HonorAndServe #DigitalMarketingEthics #CommunityFirst #ReflectionAndGratitude

It often happens that I get so caught up in my daily life (and head) but I am so thankful for having joined Latinos for Education as a 2024 Latino Board Fellow. Connecting with people who have a shared vision of Latino representation, education, and advancement is invigorating and powerful! - 40% of Fortune 1000 companies are inclusive of Latinos on their corporate boards, reflecting a 5 percentage point increase from 2022 – the second most notable increase since 2019.  - With most of the progress occurring outside of the Fortune 100, minimal progress continues in the Fortune 100, shifting from 53% to 54% in Latino representation. - While slow, Latino board representation continues to rise. The numbers have increased to 5.4% of Fortune 500 seats held by a Latino and 4.9% among Fortune 1000, a 1% and .8% respectively, one of the most notable increases for both segments since 2020. Please take a look at Latinos for Education and their amazing programs that support communities across the United States

Veteran Housing Corp says that IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF A PERMANENT AND LASTING SOLUTION TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS AND HOMELESSNESS, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM! THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX IS BROKEN AND NOT WORKING FOR AMERICAN TAXPAYERS Veteran Housing Corp would ask every TAXPAYER to demand and get answers from their elected and appointed government officials the below questions as they relate to any affordable, workforce, or supportive housing project in your community! 1. How much local, state, and federal funding, tax credits, or other government benefits or incentives did the project receive? 2. What is the affordability period for each project? Is the affordability period permanent and in perpetuity? 3. What guarantees exist have your local, state, and federal government officials obtained in writing that rents will not go up or that tenants will not be displaced or evicted after the "affordability period expires? Every local, state, and federal housing authority and affordable or workforce housing stakeholder should adopt the State of Vermont's "permanent affordability" policy as a model for all future government funded or subsidized housing projects or developments, no exceptions! https://lnkd.in/eFEUC8c8 Additionally, local, state and federal housing agencies should look to the Helsinki, FINLAND MODEL of ending homelessness by providing affordable housing for all 'It’s a miracle': Helsinki's radical solution to homelessness https://lnkd.in/er9HZSQU Even the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development AGREES THAT adopting FINLAND'S MODEL OF ERADICATING HOMELESSNESS may be of great value to resolving the affordable housing and homelessness crises in America https://lnkd.in/gkSZWYRU

Back when I (Sam) was running the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), I never knew how to talk about Memorial Day. Should I be solemn and reflective to honor the dead, or celebratory to honor the fact we’re still alive? In reality, there was no right answer. Memorial Day Weekend can be a time of solemn remembrance for some, a time to celebrate the unofficial start of summer for others, or a time of solemn remembrance and summer celebration for others still. For this week’s newsletter, we fall squarely in that last camp. We start by sharing a moving reflection on Memorial Day, and then explore three features on the intersection of summer, community, and connection: - Memorial Day: What do we owe those who have perished in our generation’s mismanaged wars? - Summer Violence Interruption: How can communities create social outlets to prevent spikes in violence during the summer months?   - Neighborhood Heat Islands: Why are some neighborhoods up to 20 degrees hotter during the summer compared to others just blocks away? - American Exchange Project: Is a summertime domestic exchange program for high school students the key to facilitating connection across geographic difference? This was admittedly a broad theme, so we’re curious: when you think of summer and community, what comes to mind?  Feel free to respond with links in the comments or email us: theconnectivetissue@gmail.com. https://lnkd.in/gvFwd8ju

Public Administration Review (PAR) has published a new paper by National Academy of Public Administration Fellows Richard Callahan, Lauren Larson, and Steve Redburn, and staff member Brad Riley, Ed.M, MPPA. It presents communities’ collaborative efforts to address #homelessness. Recommended!

August is #MakeAWillMonth! 🌟 In our latest blog, Rosie, a member of our Epilogue Society (what we call our community of legacy givers), shares about how her father inspired her to add #SJPLF to her Family Trust. Read the full blog and learn more about legacy giving: https://lnkd.in/g_pJkWQh