Enlarge 2011-2012 Front Porch Grant Recipients Gather at The Light Factory

Posted: November 29th, 2011 Liz Barrett

This month the Front Porch Grants program kicked off the new season with a breakfast at The Light Factory to honor the 23 organizations that have received funding for the 2011-2012 cycle. The Front Porch Grants program, named to represent the simple gathering place of our neighborhood front porches, funds programs that increase trust, build bridges across differences and expand social connections and informal networks by building relationships. Grants of up to $2,500 are used to support the creation of small-scale gatherings that build social capital by exchanging ideas, experiences or actions.  Crossroads Charlotte provides the framework for Front Porch Grants.

Over the next seven months, these 23 organizations will use limited funding to create impactful events that result in meaningful relationships and strengthen our diverse Charlotte community. 

Keep Reading

Posted: October 27th, 2011 Amanda Pagliarini

When it comes to communicating your message or about your cause, take the time to understand your audience if you want them to take the time to understand you.  

This was the recurring theme Oct. 25 at "Make Your Voice Heard: Tried and Used Communication Strategies," a civic summer school session that was part of Crossroads’ Know It 2 Work It initiative. 

Panelist Brandi Williams, a public relations consultant, noted that the first thing she asks a client is not what message they want to communicate, but who they want to hear it. She looks at communication strategies as a bag of tricks—the strategy is in using the right trick for the right audience.   

Keep Reading

Posted: October 21st, 2011 Amanda Pagliarini

It was standing room only in the CPCC auditorium for the MeckEd / WFAE Interactive Debate with CMS School Board Candidates on Wednesday night.  Regardless of whether you had a seat, each attendee—both live and virtual—was given a voice through the use of live audience polling to determine debate topics via texting or social media. 

The room was filled with not just parents, teachers and community members, but with current and former CMS students. The youngest noted in the room was a sixth grader from Community House Middle School who confidently stepped up to the microphone during open Q&A and asked why his school no longer has fitness or journalism electives—making a point to express his confusion given the number of overweight students in his school.

Assessing student learning and the achievement gap were the two topics of priority to attendees. When discussing the emphasis placed on standardized tests, candidate McCray stated that we needed to prepare our children not for a test, but for the world; noting that the world would require creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to work in groups.

Keep Reading

Posted: September 15th, 2011 Amanda Pagliarini

When Shawn Smith’s painting was purchased at the ArtWorks 945 Annual Art Show and Auction Sept. 10, he appeared both elated and humbled.  “I’ve never done anything that someone else has wanted,” he said. 

It was a living testament to the mission of ArtWorks 945, a program offered by the Urban Ministry Center. Created to connect the community with local individuals who struggle with homelessness and urban poverty, the program exists because of the organization's recognition of the profound healing and validation possible through the act of creating.  

Through ArtWorks 945, many who are struggling with homelessness are able to find self-worth, unexplored talent or a creative outlet. “This program offers them a means to escape from the troubles they are facing in a positive, healthy way,” said Pat Elder, a volunteer art instructor. 

As part of the program, the annual art show and auction serves both the Center and the artists. The artists receive half of the proceeds from their sales, while the other half goes to support the Urban Ministry Center and its programs. This year's event, “Home is Where the Art Is,” featured the work of more than 30 artists. The Center’s Voices of Love choir also showcased their talents, bringing many attendees to tears. 

Keep Reading