Associate Conference Minister for Communications
Donors in southeastern New England kicked off the charitable giving season last week by pledging $4,450 in donations to Racial Justice Ministries on #GivingTuesday.
This is the second year that the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences held a joint #GivingTuesday drive to support racial justice, raising about the same amount as last year's effort.
"Our commitment to work together has once again been demonstrated in this #GivingTuesday fundraising initiative," said Connecticut Conference Minister the Rev. Kent Siladi. "We remain committed to addressing and working to end the evil of racism in our time. Our three Conferences stand united in engaging in ways to address the personal and systemic causes of racism and to join together with one voice towards a common purpose and mission. We are together as one in our witness."
A list of those donors who agreed to be listed publicly can be found at: TogetherAs1.org and donations can still be made at that address. Others made their donations anonymously. The drive took place primarily through social media using pictures, memes and videos. A total of $4,105 was collected online, and another $345 was pledged.
The drive to unmask, dismantle, and eradicate racism has been a focus in the three Conferences, which are moving toward joining together to form a unified conference. Racial justice is lifted up as a priority in the new Vision statement for a unified Conference.
#GivingTuesday is a global effort of small businesses, corporations, non-profits, and individuals to harness the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to celebrate generosity. Scheduled to follow Thanksgiving and the popular shopping dates of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the giving season and encourages people to support local causes and make an impact on their communities.