Art Against Violence mosaics at Elizabeth Park, featuring five Black women who were pillars of the community — Curlie E. McGruder, Willie Mae “Momma” Boddie, Nora Evelyn Ransom, Mary Louise Watson and Juno Frankie Pierce.
About The Village
The Village Preamble
Welcome to The Village, an intentionally curated incubation space, providing a supportive environment for black and nonprofit leaders and organizations primarily servicing marginalized communities to upskill and increase capacity, access, and resources.
This space was conceived and brought to life by Ron Johnson & Dawn Stone. We affirm the identities and lived experience of all who enter The Village, and we will do our best to protect this space from oppression, including anti blackness, religious discrimination, misogyny, homophobia, classism, and all other forms of disrespect and bias.
We don’t have to always agree, but we must respect the humanity in us all. We hold this community to high standards so that we can build a better society than the one that has oppressed us. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a village to change the world
Now let’s get started!
Theory of Change
If we invest subjective and differentiated financial and human resources while positioning and granting access to social and political capital via capacity building, mentorship, networking, advocacy, and representation, then we anticipate increased operational proficiency, enhanced leadership skills, expanded networks and improved coordinated advocacy efforts for our CBOs and their Black leader
In order to actualize our theory of change, The Village deploys the following engagement strategies in service of greater leadership and organizations capacity and influential policy and systemic change:
| Weekly Village Meetings (virtual and in-person) Audit Support CNM Membership Curated Group Workshops |
Consulting Services
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Affinity Spaces
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Looking ahead: What’s our North Star?
- Long-term Sustainability: Creation of a more equitable ecosystem where Black leaders and organizations thrive, leading to lasting positive change in the community.
- Uplifting of Underrepresented Groups: Strengthened representation and participation of marginalized communities in decision-making processes, fostering a more inclusive and just society.
- Community Collaboration/Resilience: Leaders and organizations from marginalized communities equipped with the resources, networks, and agency to drive positive change and address systemic barriers.
Stay up to date on The Village.
Join The Village for our Weekly meetings with members from 11 am to 12 pm Wednesdays
