 New Faces at the Diversity Alliance Staff Originally from Independence, Missouri, Lisa has lived in several states and countries. In February, she joined the Diversity Alliance with a background of over fourteen years experience in development, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. She earned her Masters in Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Technology at EDHEC-Theseus Institute in France, and she holds a Bachelors degree in political science and philosophy from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri.Lisa Barron, Development Director Raechel Haller, Administrative Assistant Sarah Salguera, Program Director Ortencia Bos and Teresa Van Oosterhout are still with the Diversity Alliance, assigned to special projects. Interns Melanie Lewin, Calling All Colors MS Intern Long-time resident of the Holland area, Melanie has raised her family in Holland and is currently finishing her Bachelors in Social Work program at Grand Valley State University. She joined the Diversity Alliance as an intern working with the middle school Calling All Colors program. She is also a volunteer and employee of the Center for Women in Transition. Meghan Wahl, Calling All Colors HS Intern Volunteer Program Structure Although the Diversity Alliance has been created, heavily influenced, and grown by the continuous support of dedicated volunteers, there has never been an overarching structure to volunteer program. Until now. A formal Volunteer Program has been created. It is equipped with recruitment strategies, scheduled orientations, standardized forms, and recognition and retention activities. All to provide support to volunteers who in turn, support the organization. For more information, please visit the [Volunteering Page]. Programming Update Calling All Colors (High School) The Diversity Alliance is proud to announce that our second annual Calling All Colors high school fall conference will be held on October 14, 2008 at Hope College. The conference will be attended by groups from ten area high schools. This exciting event will provide the students with the opportunity to learn about diversity issues and celebrate the diverse cultures that are in our community. The day includes keynote speakers, diversity dialogues and interactions with international community members who will teach the students songs and dances from their countries. The students will also begin to work on Action Plans which they will bring back to their schools and implement over the course of the school year. These plans will seek to create a greater appreciation for diversity in their overall school communities. The Calling All Colors conference is support by a generous grant provided by the Holland/Zeeland Area Community Foundation. [read more about this program] Migrant Mentoring The Migrant Mentoring program will be coming to a close soon in November. As the cold weather approaches and the agricultural seasons end, many of the migrant families return to Mission, Texas. We look forward to continuing the program in January when we will recruit volunteers to be matched as a mentor for a migrant child. [read more about this program] Institute on Healing Racism The Diversity Alliance held the first of an eight session Institute on Healing Racism this month, in partnership with the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce. The group of twenty-one individuals, over the next two months, will be engaged in activities and dialogue around racism and race relations. Co-facilitating this Institute are Gail Harrison, Executive Director of the Diversity Alliance and Roberto Jara, Executive Director of Latin Americans United for Progress. Interested? Email admin@ethnicdiversity.org to be informed of future Institutes. [read more about this program] Giving to the Diversity Alliance Every donation, small or large, to support our programs and services is greatly appreciated. For more information, visit the visit the [Giving Page] or visit the [Donor Page] to view a complete list of our donors.  | In this Issue: ... New Faces at the Diversity Alliance ... Volunteer Program Structure ... Programming Update ... Gail's Corner ... Recap: Racial Intimidation Graffiti Incident ... Community Events Calendar Gail's Corner As the executive director of the Diversity Alliance, I am excited to see our new monthly e-newsletter going out today! Although you have received prior Diversity Alliance e-newsletters, they were previously sent sporadically as time constraints allowed. As many of you know, the work of our organization had been limited by understaffing; therefore, organizational capacity. Over the past three years, foundations, corporations, organizations, and individuals have contributed generous financial support to our Campaign for Progress and our ongoing programs. This support has enabled growth in our operations and staff. Now, in addition to the instrumental volunteers who have been the backbone of the Diversity Alliance, we have dedicated and talented full-time staff to help achieve our organizational goals. As you read through our monthly newsletters, please consider how you, personally, can increase cultural awareness and build bridges in our region. Join us in this critical effort to foster an inclusive environment, where people of all backgrounds are invited to fully participate in the life of our community. Thank you for being a part of this network and supporting our efforts in your community. Please visit our website to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved. Without you, we are just a good idea. With warmest regards, Gail Harrison, Executive Director Recap: Racial Intimidation Graffiti Incident  Hundreds of people gathered at Kollen Park on September 21 to celebrate the area's diversity and encourage the Robinson family during a Community Unity Potluck. The event was positive and uplifting. But most importantly, the potluck (and future events) arose out of a deeply negative and destructive event. When hate is countered and overpowered by love, true change begins. Below is summary time line.
Community Events Calendar [click here] to view our Community Events Calendar. |
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e-Newsletter 2008-10 |