Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

On November 25, 1935 (89 years ago today), a Rabbi, a Priest, and a Minister spoke to nearly 1,000 people in Lynchburg, Virginia to share a message of understanding, inclusion, and hope. That event catalyzed the founding of the Virginia Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and subsequently the Virginia Center of Inclusive Communities. Today, VCIC carries forward this legacy by training over 15,000 people annually to work together in the face of bias, prejudice, and discrimination. We proudly remain a go-to resource for schools, businesses, and communities to create a more inclusive Commonwealth.

Yesterday, VCIC facilitated the final session for the 2024 Workplace Inclusion Network (WIN) focused on Building Inclusive Teams. Many thanks to the 2024 WIN Champions: Allianz Partners USA, Dominion Energy, and Riverside Health. WIN is a yearlong program that convenes professionals who support or lead diversity and inclusion efforts within their organizations. Registration is now open for WIN in 2025! Learn more at www.inclusiveVA.org/WIN

VCIC's Day After Election Guides were accessed over 8,500 times this fall. One organization’s leader shared on November 6 that "I'm so grateful for VCIC's Day After Election Guide because we've been prepping for months, and now I'm able to give myself grace this morning while holding space for staff!" Let us know how you put the Guides to use in your school, workplace, or place of worship.

In our Guide to Constructive and Inclusive Dialogue, VCIC offers tools that can be used in any conversation that may be difficult or confrontational. Check it out: https://loom.ly/zsin2ME

The past few years have been a period of great change in Virginia and across the country when navigating diversity, equity, and inclusion. There have been major advances – and also significant challenges. The 2025 Workplace Inclusion Network will explore “DEI Headwinds and Tailwinds,” giving participants the opportunity to reflect on recent trends, connect with colleagues across industries, and explore best practices for how to advance inclusion within their organizations. Sign up for the 2025 sessions at www.inclusiveVA.org/WIN today!

Over the course of 3 Thursdays in October, VCIC facilitated “Leading Conversations: Best Practices in Facilitation” in partnership with Leadership Metro Richmond. Participants in this 3-part series built knowledge and skills to facilitate critical conversations in their organizations and throughout the community.

This election season amplified deep divisions in our society and made clear the urgent need for greater understanding, respect, empathy, and inclusion. The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is concerned about reports of increased name calling and harassment in local schools and public spaces in the last 24 hours. We call on all Virginians to condemn acts of bigotry and do all they can to work toward a more inclusive future. VCIC remains steadfast in our commitment to be a partner and resource to help Virginia’s schools, businesses, and communities achieve success through inclusion. It is what we have done for nearly 90 years, and it will continue to guide our work for the next 4 years and beyond. Our team is facilitating 10 programs this week, and we already have 25 programs scheduled for next week. Please call on us if we can support your institution or community. We are heartened by the outreach we have received throughout the election season from many Virginians willing to volunteer, donate, access our free resources, or engage VCIC’s services. It is clear that our mission and work remain critical. Help us continue to build a more inclusive and united Virginia by getting involved. We look forward to partnering with you: https://loom.ly/x2QWwTE

VCIC's Guide to Constructive and Inclusive Dialogue is designed to provide frameworks, tools, and resources to support dialogues that can (re-)build community. It is intended to be used by individuals and institutions interested in planning or organizing dialogues as they consider whether or not a dialogue is the best option, how to structure a dialogue session or series, who to invite, and more. Check it out: www.inclusiveVA.org/cidi

Congratulations to the 2024 VCIC Richmond Humanitarian Award recipients! It was wonderful to celebrate with them on October 29. More photos from the Humanitarian Awards Dinner are on our Facebook page: https://lnkd.in/eagsvHXW

Tonight, VCIC proudly presents the 61st annual Richmond Humanitarian Awards Dinner. Congratulations to 2024 honorees Ed Baine, BK Fulton, Sheryl Garland, Karen Legato, George Martin, and Richard November! Thank you to Humanitarian Sponsor Bon Secours, and all of the generous supporters of this year's event. https://lnkd.in/gGadrFNQ