DINNER AND DIALOGUE (Anytown for Adults)
I love talking about real issues in a way where people are open to honest conversation. It's about getting to know people, not winning an argument. - Participant
The name says it all. Every six weeks or so, NCCJ and people throughout the community, get together over dinner, and then dialogue over a current human relations topic. It's a wonderful opportunity to join a growing and diverse group who care about our community and enjoy the chance to voice their own thoughts as well as hear from other perspectives. We meet at 6:00 p.m. and the cost is usually $15 to cover dinner. Topics vary each time. For more information call 205-322-4100 or e-mail lwashing@nccj.org
Your voice is important in community conversation.
How did Dinner and Dialogue get started? About six years ago, some parents (whose teenagers attended NCCJ Anytown Alabama) came to NCCJ and told us that they wanted what their kids had - an Anytown experience! NCCJ responded with Dinner and Dialogue. The program is for ALL adults and you do not have to have had a child go through an NCCJ program. This is for you and we hope that you will join us.
INTERFAITH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Fueled by faith, we need to use our distinctiveness to serve the community instead of allowing it to be a stumbling block. - Delegate
Since its founding in 1927, NCCJ has always worked with faith leaders. NCCJ believes that people of faith can make an incredible impact in the work of building bridges of respect and understanding across communities. Regardless of one's theology or religion, one can find common ground with others.
If you are interested in any aspect of interfaith work, contact NCCJ. Also, the Institute may be of particular interest to you.
In 2003, NCCJ launched the Interfaith Leadership Institute which brings together diverse faith leaders for a 10-month program. These leaders make connections with the broader faith community and choose a social justice issue to address with their new faith friends. Below are details as well as current projects of the faith delegates. Contact lwashing@nccj.org for more information.
WHO - Faith leaders of any religion or denomination
WHEN - Opening Retreat-August, Monthly Meetings, Closing Retreat-June
COST - $375 (Covers cost of retreat lodging, food and participant materials)
WHY - To connect with other members of the faith community who care passionately about social justice issues. To strengthen congregations and the broader community with these interfaith connections.
KEY FUNDORS - The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, The Birmingham Jewish Foundation and a local philanthropist
CURRENT PROJECTS
The 2003-2004 Class of Delegates created an educational booklet which gives perspectives from many of the diverse faiths in Birmingham. Entitled Letters from Birmingham - A Journey in Hope, Freedom and Community, the delegates plan to distribute it to their own congregations. They also want to make it available to current residents and to visitors who are looking to make Birmingham their home. Contact NCCJ to receive a copy and see how richly diverse and connected the faith community is.
The 2004-2005 Class of Delegates are busy with the program's activities and their social justice project that addresses children and interfaith understanding. Check back with us when we introduce and launch their exciting project.
CUSTOMIZED DIVERSITY TRAINING AND CONSULTING
These are things that can be used in every day in all kinds of situations. - Participant
Successful companies and organizations realize the importance of diversity understanding in the workplace. NCCJ partners with groups to assist their initiatives. Whether handling an immediate crisis or strengthening employee relations through education, NCCJ can customize a workshop or an ongoing program to address an organization's training needs. Contact lwashing@nccj.org or call 205-322-4100 and let NCCJ work confidentially with you.
EMPOWERED VOLUNTEERS
Our group had a lot of fun; we laughed at lot and at the end of the day, I walked away feeling like I had learned something new. - Participant
This program equips community volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to serve our diverse community. Wherever you volunteer, understanding differences will help you when you help others. For adults 19 and older, the program is designed for groups of 20-35 individuals who will participate in workshops, dialogue groups and activities over the course of the program. The time frame of the program usually takes place either over several weekends during the day, or some weeknight evenings. If interested in signing up for a future Empowered Volunteers session, e-mail lwashing@nccj.org
