Arthur Soriano’s Post

🌟 Meet Jarvis R Brunson: A Beacon of Change 🌍 "I am a product of my environment and have navigated challenges that many in our communities face today. Raised below the poverty line and in an impoverished community, I grappled with academic struggles and behavioral health issues. My neighborhood was filled with adversity, but what rescued me were passionate individuals working to uplift young lives." 🔥 In 2020, I launched the Change Me Foundation, driven by the goal to empower communities. As the Founder & CEO, my journey has been one of transformation and resilience. Growing up, I faced academic difficulties and battled my own demons. At a young age, I was arrested for violence and bullying, reflecting the struggles around me. 💪 Determined to break free from these challenges, I pledged to change my life after losing my mother in 2003. Overcoming deep depression and social isolation, I found strength in a supportive peer group that taught us to express our feelings. This marked the first step in my year of resilience. 🌱 After seeking therapy, I became part of a passionate movement addressing our community's needs. I learned to advocate for change, starting locally and scaling to a national level. Alongside fellow young adults, I formed an advisory board that raised a powerful voice for neglected youth. This led to the birth of a national nonprofit dedicated to fighting for system change and youth empowerment. ✨ Over the last seventeen years, I've actively volunteered, serving on committees, advisory boards, and advocating for meaningful change. In 2020, I founded Change Me Foundation with a vision of putting community lives first. We stand as a voice for individuals, families, and seniors, striving to enhance everyone's quality of life by connecting them with vital services. 🤝 As the CEO of Change Me Foundation, I extend a heartfelt welcome to you. Join us on this journey of transformation, empowerment, and lasting impact. To learn more and support our mission, visit our website: www.changemefoundation.com #ChangeMeFoundation #Empowerment #CommunityChange #Resilience #YouthEmpowerment #Leadership #MakingADifference #TransformingLives #TogetherWeCan

"The Group Hug" I shared this photo in my last post, but it deserves some background as to it's significance. This photo captured the first time that this phenomenam occured. After speaking to a group of teens and young adults, that I had spent time with, I told them that I wished that I could hug each of them and tell them how special they were and how much they mattered, and how much they were loved. They took me up on the offer and all came down for one tremendous group hug! This gesture has now become a hallmark of my engagements, a symbol of connection and understanding that resonates deeply with youth and young adults. The origin of this is from pastoring youth and young adults. You see at the end of every service, I grew up in a church that would do an altar call. At the end of every service, we held an altar call, which was an open invitation for anyone seeking prayer, a listening ear, redemption, restoration, or renewal. I often felt the pain of young people when I spent time with them and this particular day was heavier than most. Many of these young people were aging out of the foster care system. I neeeded them to know that they were seen. I needed them to know that they were loved. I felt an altar call of a different kind was needed. One that provided physical reassurance of their worth and belonging. So, can an altar call be performed in a university setting? It turns out, when it’s an offer of genuine support and unity, it’s welcomed with open arms! 😁 This is the Belong Believe Begin Model™ in action. Belonging is the embrace, Belief is the affirmation of their value, and Beginning is the next steps for these young people. So, am I saying that you can change lives with encouragement, embracement, and empowerment? YES! If you're an event planner, work in education, or are part of an organization that's passionate about empowering the next generation, I invite you to reach out. Let's discuss how we can bring a message of hope, inclusion, and action to your next event, fundraiser, conference, or graduation. Because everyone deserves to know they are seen, they matter, and they are loved. Ready to make an impact? Let's connect. #InclusiveSpaces #YouthEmpowerment #KeynoteSpeaker #JodySpeaksLife

I recently read Robert Putnam’s book Bowling Alone. It’s a complex book full of statistics, but can be summed up with “our social capital was bad 20 years ago, and it’s now even worse.” Over 20 years ago, Putnam warned about American society’s trend toward social isolation - becoming much less connected to and interacting less with friends, neighbors, coworkers, religious groups, schools, activity groups, civic and political groups, and service clubs. Social capital is the benefit of one's social interactions and relationships - it’s the trust, goodwill, understanding, tolerance of differences, and the reciprocity that comes from connections and associations with others in our community. When we help a friend move, get the neighbor’s mail when they are away, volunteer at the school down the street, volunteer for a nonprofit or civic group, canvas for a local candidate, join a hiking club, take a music class, pray with others, or even go to a coworker’s barbecue, we are not just improving our own social wellbeing, we are rebuilding our community’s social capital. Every connection we make helps us grow in our support and understanding of others, and has the potential to spread civility and goodwill throughout society. #socialcapital #networking #volunteer #connections #communitywellbeing #civility #robertputnam

🌟 Calling all compassionate individuals! 🌟 🏠 Homelessness is a pressing issue in our community, and we are determined to make a positive impact. 🙏 That's why Metropolitan Ministries is excited to announce our upcoming Mentoring Program, where we pair professional, cause-driven women with our clients to empower and support each other. 💪 As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to uplift and guide women on their journey towards self-sufficiency. 🌱 Together, we can make a lasting difference in their lives. 📅 The program begins on August 31, and we will be matching mentors and mentees the week of September 4. Weekly virtual calls will take place from September 11 through October 16, 2023. 🤝 If you're passionate about our mission and vision of caring for the homeless and at-risk individuals, we invite you to be one of our mentors! Your expertise and dedication can transform lives. 🌟 📝 Responsibilities as a mentor: 1️⃣ Commit to one weekly virtual meeting with your mentee. 2️⃣ Download the Google Duo app for communication and sessions. 3️⃣ Review Trauma-Informed best practices and materials we provide. 4️⃣ Respect boundaries and adhere to the session length. 5️⃣ Refer to suggested topics for discussions each week. 6️⃣ Provide feedback during the wrap-up meeting. 7️⃣ Maintain confidentiality and protect your mentee's privacy. 🙌 Let's join hands and create a ripple of positive change in our community. Sign up today to be a mentor and support our mission! 🌎 Together, we can be America's most effective caregiver to the poor and homeless. For more information or to sign up, DM us or leave a comment below. 💌 #MentoringProgram #MakeADifference #Empowerment #Support #CommunityLove #MetropolitanMinistries #Homelessness #SelfSufficiency #ImpactfulVolunteering #GiveBack

HOW AMERICA GOT MEAN (part 1 of 2) — A timely read from The Atlantic, particularly during this election year in the US, with the rise in incivility and anxiety over the last few years, if not longer. Here is a summary and my take: In a world where moral teachings are rare, people are growing up in a self-focused culture without clear moral guidance. For the past several years, many have wondered: Why are Americans feeling so down? - Depression rates are rising, with more deaths from drugs, alcohol, and suicide. - Fewer people report close friendships or stable relationships, especially young adults. The second question is related: Why are Americans acting so mean? - Business owners report ejecting rude customers weekly. - Nurses are leaving their jobs due to abusive patients. - Hate crimes are on the rise, reaching their highest level in 12 years. - Murder rates have surged, and social trust is declining. - Charitable donations are decreasing. We're facing a crisis of emotions, relationships, and spirituality, which fuels our political dysfunction and threatens our democracy. What's happening? Different social observers have offered various explanations for the rise of hate, anxiety, and despair in recent years. To overcome this: 1. Prioritize Moral Education: Invest in curriculum development that emphasizes moral values, empathy, and kindness. Implement programs teaching ethical decision-making and promoting understanding and respect for others. 2. Promote Empathy and Kindness: Encourage acts of kindness and compassion through community service initiatives and volunteer opportunities. Create spaces for open dialogue and active listening to foster empathy and understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds. 3. Promote Positive Values: Schools, families, and communities should collaborate to reinforce positive values like honesty, integrity, and respect for others. Organize events and activities celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity. 4. Strengthen Meaningful Connections: Facilitate opportunities for meaningful interactions and relationship-building within schools and communities. Establish mentorship programs, peer support groups, and community engagement initiatives to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness. 5. Address Systemic Issues: Advocate for policy changes and allocate resources to address systemic issues contributing to social inequality, lack of access to mental health resources, and social isolation. Support initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, improving access to healthcare and education, and promoting social inclusion. As MLK noted, "We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now." And remember folks, in this turbulent sea of democracy, let’s not forget to share the milk for our morning coffee! ☕️🚢 Data sources in comments below. For part 2 of 2 please see: https://lnkd.in/g7W4hsgg. Article in The Atlantic: https://lnkd.in/gXGXt94W #America #Civility #Democracy

In the heart of Detroit, a powerful movement is underway, fostering racial healing and cultivating an ecosystem of equity. Detroit's journey towards equity involves intentional steps, from community engagement initiatives to policy advocacy. The city is not merely addressing the symptoms; it's diving deep into the roots of systemic issues, ensuring a sustainable transformation. The commitment to racial healing is not just a vision, but a tangible force driving action. Detroit's ecosystem of equity recognizes that true change requires collaboration, and witnessing the city come together for this shared purpose is inspiring. As advocates for a better future, let's amplify these stories of progress and continue supporting initiatives that contribute to a more equitable society. https://wkkf.co/lsbh

Empowering youth is part of our key pillar of Neighborhood Engagement at FCS - Focused Community Strategies. At its core, connecting with youth is all about building authentic community. 👇 Dive into the ways we do that - and why it advances equity. https://lnkd.in/eDvPeBpD

#Representation matters. It matters for #credibility, #innovation, and #retention. Many of us didn't plan to work in #advancement, but fell into it from other professions. That was my path, having come from a student services role at my alma mater. What I found when I shifted to advancement was a #profession that was doing amazing, transformational work to advance #nonprofit success. I also connected with many smart, compassionate role models and #mentors who supported and advanced my #career. Almost none of them looked like me, which piqued my curiosity. As I scanned C-suites at my institution and others, I didn't see #BIPOC individuals among the most senior advancement #leadership. For that matter, the executive ranks seemed more male-heavy than I observed on the "front lines" of the profession. I'd later discover that advancement comprised about 90% of practitioners at the time who self-identified as white. Just as surprising, only about half of chief advancement officers were women, despite three-quarters of the profession being female. The demographics are even more grim at the largest and most prestigious institutions. I found these data troubling, and have spent much of my career agitating for improved pipeline development and intentional leadership career paths to diversify our ranks. Along the way, I encountered like-minded leaders who shared this concern and were similarly engaged in seeking solutions, encouraging young professionals, and keeping #DEIB priorities front-of-mind. It's been humbling and inspiring to see a growing swell of support for creating space for authentic conversations about the isolation and uncertainty that can accompany being the "first" or "only." Big kudos to Jonah Nigh and Melissa Mainquist for launching a virtual monthly forum that explores these issues. It will be one more vehicle to create a future that looks more #diverse and #inclusive than our past.

📣Announcement for All Change-Makers and Advocates of Youth Empowerment!📣 Madi's Movement is gearing up for our upcoming Volunteer Meet & Greet on November 13th. We're offering both in-person and virtual participation options to accommodate all our supporters. To Our Existing Volunteers:💌 If you've been instrumental in our mission already, please check your communication channels - we've reached out with updates. Agenda Highlights for the Meet & Greet: 🤝 Get Acquainted: A deep dive into Madi's Movement and our objectives for supporting foster teens in their transition to independence. 💡Interactive Discussions: A deep dive into our initiatives and collaborative strategies for the future. 🌐 Networking: An opportunity to forge connections with professionals and advocates passionate about youth empowerment. 🔍Skill-Matching: Identifying areas within our mission where your professional skills can be most effectively utilized. 🌟 Meet Some of Our Teens: Interaction with some of the incredible teens benefiting from our programs. Interested in Collaboration?👍 If youth empowerment resonates with your professional or philanthropic objectives, and you're considering volunteering or collaborating with Madi's Movement, we welcome you! Please comment, direct message, or visit our website. www.madismovement.org Join us in this journey to catalyze meaningful change and pave the path to independence and brighter futures for foster teens. Your expertise and support can make a difference! 💜🦋🧡

📣Announcement for All Change-Makers and Advocates of Youth Empowerment!📣 Madi's Movement is gearing up for our upcoming Volunteer Meet & Greet on November 13th. We're offering both in-person and virtual participation options to accommodate all our supporters. To Our Existing Volunteers:💌 If you've been instrumental in our mission already, please check your communication channels - we've reached out with updates. Agenda Highlights for the Meet & Greet: 🤝 Get Acquainted: A deep dive into Madi's Movement and our objectives for supporting foster teens in their transition to independence. 💡Interactive Discussions: A deep dive into our initiatives and collaborative strategies for the future. 🌐 Networking: An opportunity to forge connections with professionals and advocates passionate about youth empowerment. 🔍Skill-Matching: Identifying areas within our mission where your professional skills can be most effectively utilized. 🌟 Meet Some of Our Teens: Interaction with some of the incredible teens benefiting from our programs. Interested in Collaboration?👍 If youth empowerment resonates with your professional or philanthropic objectives, and you're considering volunteering or collaborating with Madi's Movement, we welcome you! Please comment, direct message, or visit our website. www.madismovement.org Join us in this journey to catalyze meaningful change and pave the path to independence and brighter futures for foster teens. Your expertise and support can make a difference! 💜🦋🧡