By The Rev. Gay Romack
Join us in embracing The Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community vision, a path for addressing racial injustice and nurturing a community of reconcilers, justice-makers, and healers driven by the dream of God.
Thanks to the support of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Litchfield Park, Bridges Reentry, Inc. has been awarded one of the impactful Becoming Beloved Community Grants. Bridges Reentry, Inc. is committed to empowering women transitioning from the justice system through the expansion of the Raising My Voice (RMV) Program. RMV empowers justice-involved women to share their stories of trauma, abuse, and resilience with parishioners and other community groups. Our aim is to collaborate with diverse women of color organizations and communities to amplify marginalized voices.
Raising My Voice (RMV) is a transformative leadership program designed to equip formerly incarcerated individuals with essential public speaking skills. By preparing participants to advocate for more compassionate reentry policies and engage civically, RMV enables them to make a positive impact on society. Join us in breaking down societal barriers faced by formerly incarcerated women and fostering a more inclusive, compassionate world.
By supporting Raising My Voice (RMV), stronger communities and lasting positive change occur. Help Bridges Reentry, Inc. engage in Becoming Beloved Community sharing with RMV:
- Invite women to practice sharing and hearing stories about faith, race, and difference.
- Build RMV story-sharing practices into all parts of congregational life.
- Open church meetings with brief RMV story sharing.
- Craft sermons that include stories of faith, race, and difference by creating space during sermons for one-to-two-minute story-sharing in pairs.
- Express gratitude by providing appreciation honorariums for RMV speakers.
The Raising My Voice (RMV) Program embodies the Episcopal Church’s commitment to Becoming a Beloved Community. By actively addressing racial injustice and fostering reconciliation, justice-making, and healing, we can work towards God’s dream together. Consider hosting an RMV speaker to raise awareness about the challenges faced by incarcerated women and how they can reintegrate into society successfully.
Contact Dr. Khadijia White-Thomas at decreeconsult24@hotmail.com or 623-748-7633 to coordinate a speaker. Let’s build a future of empathy, understanding, and positive change!
One comment on “Raising My Voice & Becoming a Beloved Community”
Congratulations for receiving one of the Beloved Community grants. FYI there is an organization, Sisters of the Valley, made up of almost 300 Black women. You might be interested in approaching them as supporters and assistance. many of the women are involved in the many areas of the medical field. Contact me if you think they might be helpful.