Bancroft’s Post

Memorial Day is right around the corner! Many businesses post a special message to commemorate the day. Keep these tips in mind as you plan yours! #SocialMediaPlanning #MessagingTips

There are more than a few reasons why life here in Los Angeles is grand but one of them is the inspiration I get from the small but mighty non-profits that continue to make our city better. One is Public Matters, founded by Mike Blockstein and Reanne Estrada. If you want a break from the news cycle, have a look at this article titled "Conspiratorial Joy Lives Here."

We appreciate the shout out, Latarsha B.! And we are so happy to support and celebrate this very American holiday; at the same time recognizing that our democracy is still very much a work in progress. But, if we use the past to learn and self-reflect in the present, we can be better human beings in the present and future. #Juneteenth Princeton Hydro

Community change happens when we work together in service of opportunities for all! Read our February enews for a celebration of local Black leaders, our 2023 Impact Report, and upcoming ways to get involved. https://lnkd.in/g7gUfW5A

As we look for more ways to share our building with the community, I find these sorts of articles fascinating. I just ordered a 2002 book by Ram Cnaan about the role of churches in social services (I'll link it in the comments). In 2009, he did a study that added a monetary value to what urban churches offer in social services and estimated that it was the equivalent of around $475,000 per year. Every time we lose a church community, we lose these services and the community has to pick them up in some way or, more likely, go without. These services are about a place the church shares as well as the volunteer work and financial support of church's members and friends. It would be interesting to see if there is much of a connection between church closures and increases in community service needs. On the church building end, sorting out the difference between making sure these old buildings of ours help facilitate our organizational mission of service (as well as worship, education, and artistic/spiritual expression) versus our organizational mission becoming serving the building is a challenge for any organization with significant, physical infrastructure. Anyone who works for schools, government, medical organizations, etc. can relate. What makes it challenging is that we also have a system of belief that, for us, undergirds our mission. This can put up barriers to partnership with entities that have to be careful about supporting any one belief structure. The question for us becomes, how can we build partnerships around shared values without significantly impinging on our undergirding religious integrity while, at the same time, respecting a non-church organization's commitment to not participate in the promotion of any one set of religious beliefs? There is a gap between these two realities in which those who need services too frequently fall through. How can we best work together with values and work we share in common?

As we observe Memorial Day, let's remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. 🇺🇸 It's a day of reflection and gratitude, reminding us of the values that drive us to serve our community with integrity and dedication. This Memorial Day, we are harnessing the power of personalized engagement and emotional connections; check out our latest blog post, https://lnkd.in/gSNDt4Up #MemorialDay #HonorAndServe #DigitalMarketingEthics #CommunityFirst #ReflectionAndGratitude

One of my core principles is giving back, and one way I try to actualize this principle is through civic engagement and advocacy. I recently traveled to Washington, DC to meet with elected officials. As Americans, it’s easy for us to take democracy for granted, but I feel that this type of advocacy is both a great privilege and a solemn duty. I encourage you, as an entrepreneur who envisions a better future, to devote some time and energy to a cause that you believe in. Even if you can’t travel long distances, consider donating a few hours of services to a worthy nonprofit. This could make a world of difference to them, and, especially if you’re just starting out, it could also provide you with critical delivery practice and generate references that you can use in your sales process. So give something of yourself without expectations. You’ll see that the benefits are multifaceted. https://lnkd.in/geZ5it_c #CivicResponsibility #Volunteer #Advocacy #Business

For my Friends in the DC Metro area: Imagine the anguish of a parent who wants nothing more than for their child to be understood, accepted, and given the same opportunities as others. For so many families, finding a place where their child’s unique needs are not just met, but embraced, feels impossible. The National Children's Center (NCC) has been a beacon of hope for these families for 65 years. It’s where children who were once isolated and misunderstood found a community that saw their potential and celebrated their progress. Yet, the journey to this place of acceptance is often filled with pain. The pain of watching a child struggle in environments not built for them. The pain of feeling like you’re always fighting an uphill battle to ensure they receive the support they need. And for some, the heartbreaking realization that their child may never have the opportunities that others take for granted. But NCC offers something rare: a place where these battles don’t have to be fought alone. It’s a sanctuary where families find the support, understanding, and resources they need to help their children flourish. This gala is more than just a celebration of 65 years; it’s a reminder of all the work that still needs to be done, of the countless children who still need that sanctuary. By supporting NCC, you’re not just attending an event—you’re giving hope to families who need it the most. You’re helping to build a future where every child, no matter their abilities, can thrive. Join us in making that future a reality. Learn more about the gala and how you can help. https://lnkd.in/ebEFRAwg

GROW CHURCH ENGAGEMENT: Imagine turning a one-time visitor into a regular volunteer. We'll show you the steps 👉 https://ow.ly/Qtbu50Rwi4i #ChurchGrowth

NEW from Voices! 💬 💬 "Reclaiming MLK Day of Service: From Perpetuating Harm to Honoring the Legacy" "We do it because we are supposed to." "We get the most volunteers this day, but they never come back." "I get anxious about navigating this day." "It's clear the legacy doesn't matter anymore." These are real sentiments about MLK Day of Service and the feelings provoked by corporate group leaders, volunteer engagers and community members. Over time, the legacy is reduced to quick-fix volunteer offerings, t-shirts and awards, white savior practices, and high-fives of temporary accomplishments without sustainability and community voice. How can we shift this day of service to honor and not harm? In this Voices, Breauna Dorelus, MPA shares her thoughts on the day, what it means for the day's legacy to spark co-dreaming, and her partnership with United Way of King County as they reimagined their MLK Day approach. https://lnkd.in/gSvsp8Rk * this article is for Engage members, low cost monthly memberships are available.