Deb Taft’s Post

Are you engaged in your community? 🤔 In 2023, Serve Virginia and the Virginia Service Foundation introduced the Virginia Community Engagement Index (VCEI). This groundbreaking study aims to understand the current state of service, volunteerism, and civic action in Virginia, as well as to identify the community's top priorities. Take a look at some of the interesting highlights such as, "Why we serve," "Where we serve," "how we serve," and more! https://lnkd.in/eQszbxnE

From Church Mouse to Lion: Hear Your Signature Ministries Roar Join Drs. Kris and Bill in a lively conversation as they delve into the transformative power of a signature ministry. Discover how this focused approach can foster growth, strengthen community bonds, and carve out a church's unique identity. Learn the steps to amplify your church's impact and resonate deeply within the community.

How can data about national service and volunteerism help us understand the broader context of civic engagement in America? Join us tomorrow as Serve Virginia staff and others share insights in this free webinar hosted by AmeriCorps, featuring case studies of evidence-building efforts from across the nation that generate actionable insights for national service programs, nonprofits, policymakers, and the public: 1) an analysis of motivations to serve among AmeriCorps members, 2) an analysis of civic engagement among AmeriCorps members, and 3) an index that allows Virginians to benchmark their community engagement at the local, state, and national level (Serve Virginia's Virginia Community Engagement Index, or VCEI). Taken together, these cases highlight how bringing together data on the big picture with experiences on the ground can paint a more holistic picture of civic engagement in America. Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/3IYUUju #AmeriCorps30 #CivicEngagement #CommunityEngagement

Indigenous Veterans are benefitting from Veteran and Family Well-being Fund projects that prioritize community building, and increased access to social support. With help from the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund, local and national groups have improved services and communications for Indigenous Veterans, developed culturally relevant programming, and conducted research on what supports are required to meet their needs. For example, here is how the Assembly of First Nations (a 2021-22 VFWF recipient) is helping Veterans: https://bit.ly/3r8Pblq

25 Mar 2024: Busy at work? Sometimes what you need is just a simple activity to give back and your mind will feel "moderated" and better "balanced" ie one of stress management techniques. Doing good together surprisingly enables you to reflect subconsciously that our current "challenge" is not a big deal after all, there are more people out there who needs help and the energy from the Group is high! It will enable you to revisit your "challenge" with another angle. I've experienced it many times 💪 and it works on me. You like to try too? Sign up now before 31 March 2024. #leadership #giveback #challenge #dogood #stressmanagement ISACA Singapore Chapter

At Seymore du Toit & Basson, we believe in giving back. We accomplish this by supporting local initiatives like Komati Care Centre and the Greater Rape Intervention Project. Our goal is to make a positive difference in our communities. Learn about our community involvement here: https://lnkd.in/dGZrQWZ2 ?utm_source=social+media&utm_medium=LinkedIn&utm_campaign=august_2023&utm_term=Aug_2023

System change is daunting, but should not deter us in advocating at local, state, and federal levels for affordable housing. Read more about what is being done and how church communities are combating neighborhood displacement and increasing their advocacy efforts, partnerships, and capacity building here: https://lnkd.in/g9G7UGsA   “As some churches transition their properties from institutional uses to include housing, that can have an impact on the services a community receives. Advocating for land use systems change at the state and local level, Black churches are continuing their work to advance racial equity and community development by changing zoning regulations, becoming educated on affordable housing construction, and organizing support for faith-based property development to keep residents from being displaced.”

Like it or not, AI is already part of your everyday life, at business and home. I'm thrilled to be working again with Kevin McNulty to talk about using AI in the nonprofit workspace. #artificialintelligence #artificialintelligencefornonprofits #nonprofits #communitydevelopment #missionmatters #missiondriven

The episode is now live anywhere you get your podcasts. Please have a listen to me rant on (!) about the power of youth work and the need to build meaningful relationships, to create change.

At a time where connection feels more crucial than ever, I'm excited to share new work from the Ad Council's Belonging Begins With Us campaign in partnership with the American Immigration Council. Our 'shared table' PSA is designed to demonstrate how we can bridge across lines of difference to cultivate stronger, more connected communities Nearly three-quarters of Americans report feeling a lack of belonging in their local communities. This feeling of disconnection not only affects our personal well-being but also impacts workplace productivity and the strength of our democracy. It's clear that fostering a sense of belonging is not just important – it's essential. Our new creative partnership with the Team Up Project, led by founding partners Catholic Charities USA, Habitat for Humanity International, Interfaith America , and YMCA of the USA (National Resource Office), seeks to expand relationship-building activities and encourage connection in local communities through shared action. Belonging truly begins with us, and by coming together, we can create stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and connected. https://lnkd.in/dwyYFXim