Brittnie Bassant

Step by step we continue to build the support and momentum for big change to happen…

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A deep dive into the Florida Economic Consortium's findings on service utilization In educational services, it is essential to understand the fluctuations in demand. FEC analyzed these patterns, showing how social, economic, and behavioral factors affect youth service use. Here's a closer look at their findings: 1. Academic Calendar Influence: At the end of the school year, students and families shift focus to final exams and graduation, reducing the use of external services. As textbooks are closed, tutoring centers' doors are also closed. Summer Recess: In the summer, the freedom of vacation often outweighs structured learning. Families focus on fun activities, pausing tutoring and education programs for the eight-week break. 2. Holiday Priorities and Traditions: Christmas and New Year's: During festive seasons, family traditions are a priority. Homes are filled with joy, and tutoring takes a backseat as families gather around the tree. Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude and family reunions, follows a similar trend. The focus is on the feast, not fractions. External services take a back seat to the celebrations. 3. Socio-Economic Factors: Travel Expenses: The cost of holiday travel can strain budgets, leaving less room for educational expenditures. When it's a choice between plane tickets and tutoring, the former often takes precedence. Gift Spending: During the holidays, the financial demands of gift-giving can lead to budget constraints in other areas. Educational services may be seen as less essential compared to the joy of giving and receiving gifts. 4. Behavioral Aspects: Routine Disruption: Vacations and holidays disrupt the daily routines that encourage service participation. Without the school's structure, students are more likely to prioritize leisure over learning. Alternative Programs: Holiday-specific events and programs provide appealing alternatives to regular services. Summer camps and holiday fairs offer new experiences that often attract youth away from their usual educational routines. 5. Service Provider Adjustments: Anticipating these seasonal trends, some service providers scale back their offerings. Reduced hours or program pauses are common as they adapt to the lower demand. Introducing CPAS: Amidst these predictable cycles, CSG Tech Solutions presents the Contract Performance Analysis System (CPAS), which is integrated by FEC. This sophisticated software portal is a powerhouse of functionality. It's not just about tracking numbers; it's about understanding stories. CPAS empowers providers to make data-driven decisions, ensuring services are utilized efficiently and effectively. It's a tool that doesn't just measure performance; it enhances it. Embrace the power of CPAS and chart a course for success in the ever-changing tides of educational services. DM me for more details! Rod Love, CEO, CSG Tech Solutions President, Florida Economic Consortium

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Empowering Change through Volunteerism: Join Us in Making a Difference Capital Gaines LLC www.capgainesllc.com At Capital Gaines LLC, we believe in the power of words and the transformative impact of storytelling. Our mission is to empower authors and artists by providing them with the tools and support they need to publish their works and share their voices with the world. From novels and poetry to biographies and more, we are dedicated to fostering creativity and amplifying diverse perspectives. R-Bay-Merch LLC www.rcabay.com R-Bay-Merch LLC is not just a clothing brand; it's a movement. We collaborate with the Returning Citizens Association (RCA) to create merchandise that symbolizes hope, resilience, and second chances. Our clothing line, designed by system-impacted individuals, embraces the journey from prison blocks to city streets, embodying the strength and determination of those seeking a fresh start. Returning Citizens Association (RCA) https://lnkd.in/gH8t2DSN RCA is at the forefront of empowering individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Through programs like mentorship, mental health support, and community initiatives, we provide a lifeline for those navigating reentry and rehabilitation. Our goal is to break down barriers, foster resilience, and create pathways to success for every returning citizen. Why Volunteers Are Essential Volunteers play a crucial role in our mission-driven organizations. By joining us, you become a catalyst for positive change and social impact. Here's what volunteering with us offers you: Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in areas like publishing, marketing, community outreach, and more. Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, industry professionals, and community leaders. Personal Growth: Contribute to meaningful projects that align with your values and passions. Impactful Contribution: Make a tangible difference in the lives of authors, returning citizens, and our community. Recognition and Appreciation: Receive acknowledgment for your contributions and dedication. Flexible Commitment: Volunteer for 6 months to 1 year, with the possibility of continued involvement. Impact Beyond Measure As a volunteer, you will not only make a difference within our companies but also in the lives of those we serve. Your contributions will: Help us reach more individuals with our services and products. Elevate voices that are often marginalized or unheard. Foster a sense of belonging, hope, and empowerment in our communities. Drive meaningful change and contribute to a more just and compassionate society. If you're ready to be part of something bigger, to use your skills and passion for a purpose, then we invite you to join our team of volunteers. Together, we can create lasting impact, inspire change, and build a brighter future for all. Email “I am Ready to Volunteer” To: rickygaines2019@gmail.com Ricky T. Gaines Returning Citizens Association Capital Gaines LLC.

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GREAT free webinar from The Daily Record shared by Member Co Founder Sue Hilger, MBA with MoveJunk.com "NON COMPETE BAN" learn how this (may or may not) impact your business and more importantly business professionals as a collective! Details Below ⬇

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On June 27, the ¡HICA! Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama will host the inaugural Latino Opportunity Summit at Samford University. This summit will unite leaders in education, economics, health, and community development to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Latino community. The Latino community in Alabama has experienced significant growth, with the population increasing by 42% from 2010 to 2020, according to the latest U.S. Census data. Today, Latinos represent 5.3% of Alabama’s population, a testament to the vibrancy and potential of this community. Yet, despite this growth, the representation and inclusion of Latino voices in state-wide dialogues on education, health, workforce, housing, and economic development remain disproportionately low. The HICA Latino Opportunity Summit aims to change this narrative. It will bring together educational, economic, health, and community development leaders to discuss and strategize on the most pressing issues facing our community. Our goal is not only to highlight challenges but also to explore potential opportunities that can be harnessed to empower and uplift Latinos across the state. This format is designed to foster dialogue and encourage the sharing of ideas that can lead to actionable solutions. We are honored to have Daniel Alarcón as our keynote speaker. Alarcón, a celebrated writer and radio producer, explores the social, cultural, and linguistic ties that connect people across Latin America and Spanish-speaking communities in the Americas. His narrative storytelling—through novels, long-form journalism, and his Spanish-language podcast, Radio Ambulante—chronicles individual lives and underreported topics against the backdrop of broader geopolitical and historical forces. Alarcón’s work brilliantly encapsulates the challenges and triumphs of Latin American communities, both in the United States and abroad, and reflects the resilience and creativity of our community. Alarcón’s connection to Birmingham, where he grew up and attended Indian Springs School, is a testament to the talent that exists within our Latino community. His story is an inspiration, demonstrating the potential that lies within our community and the impact we can make when provided a pathway to opportunities. This summit represents a unique opportunity for anyone passionate about supporting and empowering the Latino community in Alabama. It is an event for all who believe in building a more inclusive and prosperous future. Join us as we embark on this journey, poised not only to discuss what needs to be done but to take bold steps toward making those needs a reality. Together, we can ensure that the Latino voice is not only heard but is also influential in the broader narrative of our state's future. Let's seize this opportunity to make a difference together. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eiY9ZR6v

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📊 Check out this great read from The Brookings Institution! Their research highlights an extraordinary rise in the creation and ownership of employer businesses since 2020, especially among certain demographic groups. This notable shift is reshaping the landscape of business ownership. In 2022, we saw an inspiring increase in diversity among business owners: • 13% of families who gained business equity were Black, a substantial rise from 8% in the three years prior to and including 2019. • 9% of families who gained business equity were Hispanic or Latino, compared to just 4% in the previous period. These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent real progress and the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels our communities. At the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to supporting this momentum and ensuring that all aspiring business owners have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Click here to learn more: https://loom.ly/G1S7Kco

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Foundations offering a $15k grant be like, "Just send us the following." Org. Name Legal Status & EIN Founding Date Mission Statement Vision Statement Values & Principles Board of Directors Info Staff Information Organizational Chart Annual Report IRS Determination Letter State Incorporation Certificate Current Bylaws Strategic Plan List of Affiliations & Partnerships Organizational History & Milestones Detailed Budget for the Proposed Project Organizational Budget Most Recent Audited Financial Statements Profit & Loss Statements Balance Sheets Funding Sources & Revenue Streams Current Fiscal Year Operating Budget List of Major Funders & Donors Funding Sustainability Plan 501C3 Status Confirmation Copies of Past Grant Agreements Letters of Commitment from Funders Project Title Project Description Goals & Objectives Target Population Needs Assessment Expected Outcomes & Impact Evaluation Plan Implementation Timeline Project Budget Narrative Logic Model Theory of Change Work Plan Action Plan Risk Management Plan Sustainability Plan for the Project Scalability Plan Letters of Support or Collaboration Project Personnel Community Involvement Plan Plans for Reporting & Accountability Marketing & Outreach Plan Detailed Use of Funds Previous Project Reports Evaluation Reports Success Stories & Case Studies Testimonials from Beneficiaries Research & Data Supporting the Need for the Project Press Clippings & Media Coverage Photographs and Videos of Past Work Sample Materials Social Media & Online Presence Information Awards & Recognitions Conflict of Interest Policy Non-Discrimination Policy Whistleblower Policy Document Retention & Destruction Policy Most Recent IRS Form 990 Insurance Certificates Proof of Compliance with Local, State & Federal Laws Current & Pending Lawsuits Certificates of Good Standing Key Performance Indicators Staff & Volunteer Training Programs Internal Evaluation Processes Board Meeting Minutes Client or Beneficiary Demographics Detailed Description of Service Delivery Methods Technological Infrastructure Environmental Impact & Sustainability Efforts Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Policies & Initiatives Program Replication Plans Backup Plans & Contingencies Capacity Building Plans Details of Volunteer Programs Collaborations & Partnerships Plans Plans for Publicity & Media Relations Executive Summary Cover Letter Table of Contents Abstract or Summary of Proposal Appendices Resumes or CVs of Key Personnel Certificates of Completion for Required Training Performance Metrics & Benchmarks Site Visit Reports Demographic Data of Target Population Geographical Area Served Cultural Competency Initiatives Ethical Considerations & Approaches Feedback & Improvement Mechanisms Contact Information for Project Leader Preferred Communication Methods Timeline for Communication & Reporting Grant Agreement & Terms of Acceptance Templates for Regular Progress Updates Framework for Post-Grant Evaluation Plans for Long-Term Relationship Building

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The Hispanic Federation is an absolutely altruistic organization fighting exclusively - and indisputedly - for the wellbeing of Hispanics all over America. The Financial Oversight & Management Board for Puerto Rico (FOMB) should pay very careful attention to Hispanic Federation’s words, for they are 100% correct and 2000% important. The Hispanic Federation is an entity that has been around long before FOMB’s existence and will be around long after FOMB dissolves. No one has ever, ever questioned whether or not the Hispanic Federation’s actions are in-line with the wellbeing of Hispanics. But an extremely loud chorus of people and organizations are screaming in unison that FOMB’s actions are not just detrimental, they’re abusive of the world’s oldest colony (Puerto Rico) at an absurd level not experienced literally anywhere else in the developed world. The irony: The White House has 100% in its power to simply appoint a majority of humans who are altruistic and supportive of Puerto Rico’s economic growth while FOMB exists, and to focus on only two other things: 1) settling the PREPA debt (in a way that’s maximally beneficial for Puerto Ricans), and 2) dissolving themselves. Literally the White House can do this today. This is in-line with their own commitments to supporting Puerto Rico & combating climate change. What’s the hang up?

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Heading back from Panama where I spent most of the past five weeks, the election was yesterday. I have some observations on the results, the voting patterns, and how campaigns are run. This first post is about the background of the national race, the next tomorrow will be about the major mayoral races and results, and the day after will be about the mechanics of the campaigns. Panama has elections every five years where they elect everything on the same day, President, Diputados (MPs), Mayors, and local Councilors. Most candidates run as members of parties, but you can also get on the ballot as an independent by collecting enough signatures, there are coalitions of independents (including one increasingly formal quasi-party), candidates can run for more than one party or for a party and also as an independent, in the latter scenarios the same candidate appears on the ballot more than once. The incumbent PRD (left) government was very unpopular, the theme of mining was important but also governments in Panama tend to wear out their welcome, no government has been reelected in the modern period. They candidate was incumbent vicepresident Gaby Carrizo. The two traditional centre-right parties, CD and PAN, were running in a coalition with CD leader and 2019 runner up Romulo Roux as the presidential candidate. Outside of the three traditional parties there were three more personalist campaigns. New party RM founded by former CD President Ricardo Martinelli, former PRD President Martin Torrijos took over the defunct Popular Party, and Ricardo Lombana, the 3rd place candidate from 2019 formalized his movement into a new party MOCA. Also on the ballot were Zulay Rodriguez, an eccentric and populist PRD Diputada (my favourite quote from the campaign, when she totally failed to respect the rules of a debate, her response to the media the next day was "They knew what I'm like, why did they invite me?" and then she showed up outside the office of the opponent who antagonized her with a megaphone to talk trash about him) and two other minor candidates, one left and one right. Martinelli was the early frontrunner, with huge polling leads, he attempted to take over his old party, CD, and force them into a coalition with his new party, RM, with the support of about 75% of the CD Diputados, but he failed to do so and Romulo Roux won the CD primary against the Martinelli candidate. Later, Martinelli was disqualified for corruption and was replaced by his running mate Jose Mulino, after being sentenced to jail, he went to hide in the Nicaragua embassy. Outside of parties and presidential campaigns, there was a quasi-party movement called VAMOS running candidates for Diputado, Mayors, and Councilors, in partial affiliation with MOCA, led by young Diputado Juan Diego Vasquez. Most polls showed Mulino in the lead, but the size of the lead and the main contender was not always consistent, but the top four were consistently Mulino, Roux, Torrijos, Lombana.

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Global Neighbors, Here is another Herculean effort to afford future generations to learn, and be educated, from within the community! First hand accounts, not filtered through someone else’s interpretation, or even banned, as to not seek truth-telling about peoples of African descent in the USA, during the period of chattel slavery. Thanks to all for sharing this production! Deeply appreciate the vision and energies put forth in order to manifest such a production. 🙌🏽 This production will be noted and digitally catalogued for UBUNTU USA, as the digital documentation of ‘narrative truth-telling’, from within the Africana diaspora, born of the USA, is absolutely warranted.🌹🇺🇸🙏🏾 #ubuntuusa #ubuntu #juneteenth #africana #alkebulan #freedomrevolution

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A Perfect Pitch: I want to extend gratitude to eMerge Americas for accepting my pitch (Plugging In the 305, It’s All Connected) moderated by Tamara Beliard Rodriguez and presented by Chairman Gilbert. It is so important to have conversations from the main stage that are diverse and include topics that begin to bring awareness as well as solutions for true tech inclusion. #emergewithbettertechsolutions

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I saw this compelling post a few days ago and haven't stopped thinking about it! Mira mentions that the tactics below and others can support canvassers. Here are a few additional tactics from my perspective. What would you add? ⭐Have legal counsel on speed dial: Ensuring staff feel secure and supported is crucial. Notify your counsel of your canvassing programs. Share with your staff that employees who are arrested for legally performing their job responsibilities may be eligible for representation by your organization’s legal counsel. ⭐Community Resources: Prepare a list of local emergency personnel and non-law enforcement support in crisis situations. Keep a contact list of community resources such as diversion programs, mental health responders, alternatives for wellness checks, and other relevant hotlines if available in your location. ⭐Reporting: Have a reporting system for police and suspicious encounters and share high-level details of these reports with partners. As a collective, you may be able to identify and neutralize concerning trends. ⭐Infiltration: Train all staff on opposition leadership and social engineering tactics. Ensure staff know they can say they don’t know an answer and can get back to whomever is asking. ⭐Notifying the cops: It's crucial to respect and value the preferences of the communities we engage with. Ask your canvass leadership if notifying the cops ahead of the canvass launch aligns with the community's vibe. Sometimes, communities prefer not to engage with the police proactively, and we should listen to them. If your staff wants you to reach out to the police ahead of the canvass, don’t just call - send a written email acknowledging canvassing and the distribution of educational literature, which are fundamental rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. If a canvasser has to interact with the police, I agree with following up with the local precinct to reiterate this protected right. Share a senior-level leader’s contact information for any questions (as the Executive Director at Scale for Change, I’m the point of contact). ⭐Call turf ahead of time: Calling is cost-efficient and can help innoculate the community that your organization’s canvassers will be in their neighborhood. Bonus points: Your callers can eliminate doors they identify that don’t want to hear from your folks, making your knocks more efficient. ⭐Ask staff what they need: After an incident, such as when a canvasser is harassed in the community or by the police, it can ripple through the office. Make sure management makes space for the team to debrief and determine their needs. Ask how they want to approach an incident before pushing a solution. And - critically - implement what the office asks for. #CommunityOrganizing #Canvassing #Elections #Election2024 #CampaignManagement #CrisisManagement #CommunitySafety #GrassrootsCampaigns #Advocacy #PublicEngagement #StaffSupport #CommunityResources #EmergencyPreparedness

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Since our inception, partnership has been GCAPP's superpower. Our proudest example is the transformative impact of partnership on teen pregnancy prevention in Georgia. In 1995, Georgia had the highest teen birth rate in the country. However, the founding of GCAPP changed the game. In 2023, teen births in Georgia decreased by 76%. This progress is a testament to the power of partnership. While GCAPP has been the only organization spearheading teen pregnancy prevention in Georgia, every partnership strengthens our ability to guide youth away from risky behaviors and towards fulfilling their potential. In these challenging times, where the journey through adolescence can be even more daunting, partnership isn't just important—it's essential. #partnership #teens #gcappempowers

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During Small Business Month, it's an excellent moment to contemplate integrating the WOSB certification into your portfolio. The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification presents a chance to tap into government contracts, as annually, the government aims to allocate 5% of all contracts to Women-Owned Small Businesses, offering numerous opportunities to deserving small businesses like yours. This initiative aims to bolster female representation in the business sector and to furnish opportunities that may have been previously unavailable. If your business is majority-owned and operated by women (51%), you may qualify to access a portion of these funds. At Women's Business Council Southwest, we provide this certification. It can bring opportunities that you didn't know existed.

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Listen…I don’t blame the Executive Director of the Financial Oversight & Management Board for Puerto Rico (FOMB) for their recent & ongoing attack on Puerto Ricans’ ability to install solar & storage on their homes, businesses, churches, nonprofits and government buildings. Robert F. Mujica Jr. has been a strong supporter of solar power throughout his career. Rather, I attribute FOMB’s unexplainable assault on solar power to the fact that 5 of their 7 board members were appointed by former president Trump, someone with outwardly sworn disdain for solar power all across America. Luckily for Puerto Rico, all 5 of those board members’ terms are expired and one board seat is totally empty. What a great opportunity for Biden for President and the The White House to appoint a whole new swath of people to comprise the board of FOMB, people committed to fighting climate change, people committed to the wellbeing of Puerto Rico, people respectful of Puerto Rico’s right to pass laws that grow the economy by making life-saving solar & storage accessible to lower-income people on the island. Puerto Rico’s Net Metering law passed at the urging of the federal government, when the 2005 Energy Policy Act required all states and territories to learn of the benefits of implementing net metering, consider creating the policy, and report back to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It is a law that has been in place since 2007, far before FOMB existed, and hopefully it will be a law that’s around for long after FOMB dissolves. FOMB has only two remaining directives: 1) Fight for the wellbeing of Puerto Ricans (NOT the bondholders) in settling the utility company debt, and 2) dissolve itself. They do have a 3rd mandate too: while they exist, to support the economic growth of Puerto Rico. They have largely ignored that federal requirement to-date, inexplicably leaving vacant for many years the position of Economic Revitalization Coordinator. My hope is that, while they exist, FOMB also take tangible actions to support economic growth above and beyond what the society is able to accomplish without them. Most certainly, their recent actions are out of step with their mandate to support economic development, as FOMB has been trying to bully Puerto Rico government into striking down a policy that was created by Puerto Rico law 17 years ago and has resulted in over $3.5 billion of lifesaving solar+storage actually installed & online today across 117,000 homes and businesses. More details: https://lnkd.in/eskz7zX7

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What a way to go..

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