Education Forward DC’s Post

Answer to recent questions What does Roots and Branches do is a question I've been asked a few times whilst I've been away We are Non Government Social Justice Consultancy that works with the Root and the Branch of the Social Enterprise and Social Justice Sector, this means walking with our grassroot community residents, our Social enterprise project leaders and with funders, social investors, Faith Bodies to assist in creating a more efficient infrastructure for funds and support to reach our communities and projects that are delivering on the ground. We have worked with over 2,000 projects across the UK and Africa each project having a social impact in their communities. Why? Now more than ever are trying to support project leaders who are in touch with their communities, we truly believe every child and adult has a God given potential or gift and with the right support no matter how academic people are we can support that individual to nurture their gift My biggest why is not to save one child from intergenerational trauma and abuse, not to save 5 or 300 but thousands because that's how fast we are losing them through systems that are failing them What we dont so is centralise our support to central buildings eg town centre library's, for the best social impact we walk with our projects on their ground, we walk with them 'in their shoes' Sometimes we reach a community and only plant seeds of hope other times we see fruits of our labour, each movement in person or community is a win. We have the pleasure of working with some like minded Social Justice Projects, together we have a greater social impact Roots & Branches #socialjustice #socialenterprise #community #grassroots #equality #breakcycles

Actions speak louder than words. Pay attention to which nonprofits are actually in the communities they claim to serve and how they treat them. How can Rondo Community Land Trust represent a community that doesn’t trust them? I just read this article and all I could do is SMH! It’s frustrating to see the Rondo name and history being used by nonprofits that aren’t doing anything for the actual community. Media outlets keep highlighting the I-94 project that destroyed Rondo, but they fail to realize this attention is raising property taxes for those of us who still live here. Since I moved into my house in 2021, my property taxes have gone up $3,000. This is causing a new wave of displacement, especially affecting Rondo elders. In the article, it states that the mayor Melvin W. Carter III created the Inheritance Fund initiative for Rondo descendants who were displaced, yet an alarming number of applicants have been denied. Many have been given false hope of buying back into the community or repairing their homes in Rondo. Nonprofit Quarterly, I’d appreciate if you did a follow-up article to see how many Rondo descendants have applied and how many were successfully awarded this great false opportunity. It’s important that we are honest when publishing news like this on a national platform. The information shared in this article is very deceiving as it doesn’t reflect what is actually happening in the Rondo community. While it’s important to remember Rondo's history, we need to be aware of how current actions are harming today's residents, many of whom are direct descendants of those affected in the 1950s. #Gentrification #TellTheTruth #DontUseOurHistory #RONDO

Check out this article our Deputy Director E. Coco authored for the Nonprofit Quarterly about the reparative economic development framework guiding our work! “Community economic development approaches have lost their way. Many solutions to social and economic challenges focus on how to expand access to a system from which communities have been intentionally and systematically excluded. These “solutions” may pay lip service to root causes but fail to acknowledge that for certain communities to amass wealth in a capitalist framework requires the harm and exploitation of others along class, race, and gender lines. As practitioners, to remedy this, it is our job to find our way back, or better yet, forge a new, more powerful path that centers “repair.” Unless we recognize that racialized capitalism’s primary concern is maximizing profits at all costs, we aren’t doing much to sustain equity with, by, and for our people and planet. A growing number of practitioners and organizations, backed by a robust field of study and ancestral practice, instead believe that economic systems can produce everything our communities need and desire without destroying the cultural, social, and economic wellbeing of others.” #landjustice #economicjustice #communitylandtrust

🌟 Challenging the Myth of Meritocracy: the belief in American meritocracy isn't just a narrative; it's a deeply ingrained cultural myth that perpetuates inequality. Nonprofit Quarterly delves into how dismantling this myth is crucial for fostering true social justice. Dive deep into their insightful piece to learn how we can collectively create a fairer world. https://lnkd.in/gPzhBAqd

The best strategies for improving #rural financial well-being and inclusion depend on unique community contexts and strengths. They should be tailored to community needs; build trust through partnerships and local hiring; and leverage traditional lines of business and philanthropic resources. New work out by my colleagues Yipeng Su and Anna Leary Morgan! https://lnkd.in/etDZaka3

In March, the Biden administration modified the church-state rules that apply to federal funding that is awarded to private organizations to provide social services (the "equal treatment" or "faith-based" regulations). Some of the changes are positive and some are troubling. For an assessment that explains the background of the changes, see my article, "Proceed with Caution," in the July/August issue of Liberty magazine. I conclude, "even now, the church-state rules that apply to the federal funding of social services are, if imperfect, in many ways supportive of faith-based social services. Serving in the public square, serving with the support of government funds, remains a viable way for faith-based organizations to love their neighbors." https://lnkd.in/eAx22iRD

The National Institute of Minority Economic Development (the Institute) announces a third nonprofit entity under our umbrella of work to support diverse populations: Institute Community Development Initiative (ICDI). Read full press release and learn more: https://lnkd.in/ecJGiMmS Originally founded in 1986, the Institute leverages nearly 40 years of experience serving diverse communities through our steadfast mission: to strengthen the asset base of diverse populations through policy, education, and economic opportunities. In 2020, the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development merged with the North Carolina Community Development Initiative and its respected affiliated CDFI, Initiative Capital, to form the National Institute of Minority Economic Development. Rebranded as Institute Capital (ICAP), the affiliate CDFI added a critical component to the Institute’s economic justice work. However, the Institute recognized that our suite of offerings was not complete without a dedicated entity to support and promote community economic development. With seed funding from the North Carolina General Assembly, ICDI was incorporated in 2023 and received its 501 (c) (3) status in 2024. With this third affiliate, the Institute leverages a combined sixty years of competency and trust for diverse businesses and neighborhoods – particularly filling a gap in the critical funding needed to provide affordable attainable housing throughout our footprint. #CommunityDevelopment #CDC #EconomicDevelopment #NIMED Kevin J. Price Lea Henry Roberta McCullough Institute Capital

The National Institute of Minority Economic Development (the Institute) announces a third nonprofit entity under our umbrella of work to support diverse populations: Institute Community Development Initiative (ICDI). Read full press release and learn more: https://lnkd.in/ecJGiMmS Originally founded in 1986, the Institute leverages nearly 40 years of experience serving diverse communities through our steadfast mission: to strengthen the asset base of diverse populations through policy, education, and economic opportunities. In 2020, the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development merged with the North Carolina Community Development Initiative and its respected affiliated CDFI, Initiative Capital, to form the National Institute of Minority Economic Development. Rebranded as Institute Capital (ICAP), the affiliate CDFI added a critical component to the Institute’s economic justice work. However, the Institute recognized that our suite of offerings was not complete without a dedicated entity to support and promote community economic development. With seed funding from the North Carolina General Assembly, ICDI was incorporated in 2023 and received its 501 (c) (3) status in 2024. With this third affiliate, the Institute leverages a combined sixty years of competency and trust for diverse businesses and neighborhoods – particularly filling a gap in the critical funding needed to provide affordable attainable housing throughout our footprint. #CommunityDevelopment #CDC #EconomicDevelopment #NIMED Kevin Pearson, M.A. Lea Henry Roberta McCullough National Institute of Minority Economic Development

The Community Economic Development (CED) program invests in businesses that support more inclusive, productive, and competitive economies, like high-quality childcare businesses. Check out this success story! https://lnkd.in/e6kvym52 #CEDMonth

ENGAGING THE MARKET COMMUNITY: INSIGHTS AND REFLECTIONS FROM OUR ROAD WALK TALK As a serving and active Corps Member, yesterday was my Community Development Service (CDS) day at the local government. While I could have stayed back to carry out my usual duties, I chose to volunteer for a road walk with my peers instead and it was an unforgettable experience! Together, we walked through the bustling market, interacting directly with traders, customers, and residents. It was not just about the walk but about meaningful conversations on key issues that impact our community: - Living harmoniously with individuals with HIV/AIDS: We emphasized the importance of empathy, education, and eliminating stigma. Supporting one another is essential to building a compassionate society. - The importance of paying taxes: We shared insights on how taxes contribute to public services, infrastructure, and overall development that benefit everyone. - Maintaining a clean environment: We encouraged people to prioritize cleanliness in the market and their surroundings, reminding them of the health and safety benefits of a clean environment. - Addressing harmful practices among youths: We spoke about the dangers of pursuing quick wealth through unethical means, such as rituals, and encouraged young people to focus on legitimate and sustainable paths to success. Walking side by side with my peers and engaging with the community felt empowering. Markets are vibrant hubs of culture and activity, and yesterday, they became spaces for learning, awareness, and connection. I am proud of the teamwork and dedication we showed during this road walk. It reminded me that even small efforts, when combined, can lead to meaningful change. Volunteering alongside passionate individuals reinforced my belief in the power of collective action to create a more informed, empowered, and compassionate society. Every step we take toward awareness and education is a step toward progress. Grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to more chances to give back! #CommunityEngagement #VolunteerWork #SocialImpact #Leadership #GrassrootsAwareness