2017 Make a Difference
 Dear ,Can you believe we’re already in June?!! Could it be the swift pace of changes, all competing for our responses, makes it feel as though time has sped-up? With the tensions that have come with political in expanded ways for the benefit of all. Here are some of the accomplishments so far this year: OUR FIRST in the NCBI 2017 CommUNITY Conversations series brought together a panel of folks from various ethnic, racial, and religious groups to discuss their perspectives on the present climate in the U.S. Judging from feedback and a rousing question and answer session, attendees learned a great deal from hearing the various experiences. Panelists recounted their recent experiences of mistreatment as immigrants fearful of deportation, and individuals facing increased racism, sexism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. One panelist of Indian heritage shared his observation that “Systems of white supremacy harm everyone, but not in the same ways. For example, African Americans (and other people of color) bear the brunt of white supremacy on their bodies (e.g., via police brutality and the ever expanding prison industrial complex), and so the consequences are material, whereas the harm experienced by white folks is usually more psychological in nature.” Another panelist brought items to show and told us of their significance to her African-American culture. Fifty people attended this experience. All panelists added to our collective understanding. Watch for the next CommUNITY Conversation in the near future. RECENTLY Gerry Low-Sabado and NCBI allies along with the City of Pacific Grove, held the 8th annual Walk of Remembrance in Pacific Grove honoring our Chinese sisters and brothers who long ago fished these waters and built their homes along the Pacific shore. Dignitaries from the City of Pacific Grove, including Robert Huitt, Mayor Pro Tem, and Ken Cuneo, City Council Member apologized to the Chinese community for the disturbing history the community suffered. Recognition of this community and its impact on Pacific Grove is growing at long last. NCBI Chapter Director Sue Parris conducted a workshop session for attendees who, in small groups, brainstormed about what could be done to make P.G. an even more welcoming community. IN SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY the our local NCBI chapter is working along with the NCBI National Law Enforcement Project to improve law enforcement and community relations in the region. The goals of recent trainings were to create a culture of trust and inclusion between law enforcement agents and community members, and increase law enforcement’s understanding of the cultural values of the communities they serve. Two, 7-hour training sessions were conducted with 41 law enforcement officers and civilian employees from Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City. Sessions were dialog-based and interactive, and focused on customer service, diversity principles and communication strategies. Like other NCBI programs, the approach for law enforcement is positive and uplifting. In the next few months we will work with a Oaxacan cultural expert and other stakeholders to conduct outreach to community members, and provide a follow-up training that brings law enforcement and the community together to increase mutual understanding and respect. OUR YOUNG PEOPLE have been busy this year as well. At Carmel High School, in response to anti-LGBTQ+ comments, student leaders organized several activities for the first Rainbow Week. Successful actions included a Same Gender Handholding Day and culminated in a march with staff and students around campus and a rally that included chants and music. Students plan to make this an annual event. We wouldn’t be able to do this work if we did not have your support. We could not operate without all of you. Your generosity makes it possible to bring these skills to help make Monterey County a community where people can feel safe and respected no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, age, disability or other social identity. Thank you for your past contributions which have supported our school teams and community workshops and partnering with other community events, such as the upcoming Peninsula Pride March. We are asking for your continued financial help so that NCBI can “keep on keeping on” as the need for our work increases during these especially divisive times. Your generous gifts will be gratefully received and carefully used. In the Spirit of Community, Elena Loomis, Board President. Sue Parris, Chapter Director Make a Difference with NCBI Donate Now The Carmel HS Diversity/NCBI Club launches its first Diversity Week |
| How to Contribute to NCBI 1. Donate by check To make a tax-deductible contribution, send your check, (payable to NCBI Monterey County) to PO Box 388, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. Please put “Scholarship Drive” in the memo line. 2. Donate using PayPalClick here to make a tax-deductible contribution by PayPal or Credit Card. |
| THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! |