Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson calls for consciousness awakening.

New York, NY – The Reverend Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, pastor of the 4,000 member Grace Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, NY, called for a consciousness awakening to focus attention on the need to apply Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy to current context.  In a keynote message on January 16, 2011 at New York City’s Riverside Church,  Rev. Dr. Richardson said,  “…If all we have come here to do today is to reflect and sing and pray and rehearse speeches, this occasion will fall short of relevance. The only way that this gathering, this celebration can be relevant is if we take time to apply the message and life and values of Martin Luther King, Jr. to our present context; to our present dilemma in America, to our present challenges that we face as a nation…”  Change, like the change Dr. King’s life represents, will not come he warned, “If we come simply to bow at the altar of Martin Luther King’s life without picking up an interpretation of how to apply his life to the circumstances and conditions that we face in the present moment.”

Forty-four years earlier on April 4, 1967,  recounted Riverside Church in its written Festival Service program,  Dr. King “gave one of his bravest and most important speeches,” at the church.  A speech, the church wrote, that “broadened his scope from civil rights to economic rights, from domestic policy to voicing his conscience on foreign affairs. It is sobering to think what he might have accomplished.”

Grace Baptist Church children share what they have learned in Children Church with Pastor Richardson

What is even more sobering, Dr. Richardson pointed out, is the 2011 Children’s Defense Fund Report on The State of American Children. “In that report it says 40% of black children will be born in poverty, 85% of 4^th graders cannot read or count and half of them will drop out of school before they graduate.  Forty-three percent of black men are unemployed and boys born in 2001 are one to three times more likely to spend time in prison, black boys. So there is much that must be done. We cannot pause to celebrate our accomplishments, for two reasons, because there are those who are busy and bent on retarding progress and turning the clock back and taking away the gains.  So we cannot pause long to celebrate.”

Reverend Richardson has been pastor of Grace Baptist Church for almost 36 years. He is chairman of the boards of National Action Network, The Conference of National Black Churches, Virginia Union University and President Emeritus of United Black Clergy of Westchester, Inc.

Click link to view full message.  NonProfitpal – Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson 2011 MLK Message at Riverside Church

]]> http://nonprofitpal.com/2011/01/20/a-call-to-consciousness-to-continue-the-work-of-martin-luther-king-jr/feed/ 0 http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/12/07/2010-alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater%e2%80%99s-season-of-tribute-to-50-years-of-revelation/ http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/12/07/2010-alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater%e2%80%99s-season-of-tribute-to-50-years-of-revelation/#comments Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:11:00 +0000 Velma McKenzie-Orr http://nonprofitpal.com/?p=2821

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Paul Kolnik

New York, NY – The 2010 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s New York season, December 1 – January 2, 2011, celebrates 50 years of Revelations. Its most performed modern dance was created by its founder Alvin Ailey in 1960. This classic work is the cornerstone of the Dance Theater’s repertory and has been performed for over 23 million people in 71 countries across six continents.

Emmy Award winner Judy Kinberg’s documentary short film premieres during this 50th anniversary celebration, intertwined between each performance, setting the stage for this season of tribute.

2010 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Tribute to 50 Years of Revelations. Photo by Nan Melville

Onstage performances in Revelations by Sweet Honey In The Rock and Judith Jamison conducting live musicians and a full choir, featuring soloist Ella Mitchell are part of the exciting performances this season at New York City Center with tickets starting at $25.  Plus, for one extraordinary week, December 15-19, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will join the Company onstage for “Ailey/Jazz”.

In addition to attending performances, fans can participate in this season of tribute by just registering online and voting, once a week, through February 20  for the Dance Theater to receive $200,000 from the American Express Member Project.  If they get the most votes in the arts & culture category, the funds received will help Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater reach a wider global audience, expand their education programs for at-risk youth, and support scholarships for talented young dancers.

Alvin Ailey formed his dance company in 1958. Before his death in 1989, he created more than 79 ballets and appointed Judith Jamison artistic director. This season also celebrates Ms. Jamison 20^th anniversary of remaining committed to furthering Alvin Ailey’s legacy and is a prelude to her stepping down as artistic director.  She has selected Robert Battle to succeed her in July 2011 in that role.  She is recognized as having “brought the Company to unprecedented success.” In her autobiography, Dancing Spirit, she wrote,  “I hope I’m a continuation of Alvin’s vision.  He has left me a road map.  It’s very clear.  It works.”

Church school students share the significance of Thanksgiving. Photo by Gwynne Youngs

New York – Training up children was in progress again at Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY during its Church School Thanksgiving Presentation. The children reenacted the Pilgrim’s celebration of their first bountiful harvest and feast with native Indians. They related later treatment of the Indians to the struggle of African Americans to emphasize that the spirit of the religious day of  giving thanks,  that we now celebrate as Thanksgiving,  is more important than the feast.

Wanda Michael Peters commends participants. Photo by Gwynne Youngs

Church school superintendent Wanda Michael Peters commended teachers, students and parents for the children’s presentation and continued participation in church school.  Children church school, like many other ministries at Grace, provides age appropriate religious training, a consistent developmental environment for congregant instruction in praise and worship, stewardship, leadership and community outreach.

The church’s Freedom School, founded by senior pastor Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, provide summer programs for church and community children at three locations in Mt. Vernon.

]]> http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/11/24/grace-church-school-children-share-the-history-and-spirit-of-thanksgiving/feed/ 0 http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/11/18/w-franklyn-richardson-triumph-awards-leadership-recipient/ http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/11/18/w-franklyn-richardson-triumph-awards-leadership-recipient/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:50:00 +0000 Velma McKenzie-Orr http://nonprofitpal.com/?p=2308

Presenters, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson(L), Mayor Dwight Jones(R), listen as Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson accepts 2010 National Action Network Triumph Award for Leadership. Photo by Gwynne Youngs

New York, NY – National Action Network (NAN), one of the nation’s leading Civil Rights organizations, launched its first annual Triumph Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center Rose Hall, Allen Center, on Monday, November 15, 2010.  An intimate audience of about 500 guest watched honorees receive their awards from a stage with one of New York City’s most dramatic backdrops, Manhattan’s skyline over looking E. 57^th Street and Central Park at Columbus Circle.

MSNBC TV Ed Schultz and Mara Schiavocampo hosted the event.  NAN founder Rev. Al Sharpton said “the artists, entertainers and athletes being honored have made a mark in their professions and have recognized the need to remain connected to something bigger and greater than any individual achievement. They have remained connected to the people, have supported their growth and development and realized that together we are a better world.”

The ceremony opened with a riveting dance performance by the cast of Triumph Award recipient “Fela” who showed why their Broadway play won three 2010 Tony Awards for Best Choreography, Costume Design and Sound Design for a Musical.

Honoree Phylicia Rashad, currently starring in the movie “For Colored Girls”, accepted her award on behalf of her mother from NAN executive director Tamika Mallory who expressed her admiration for Ms. Rashad’s body of work. Six-time Grammy Award winner and education activist John Legend received the Triumph Education Award. Other honorees included TV One founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes, the family of the late George Steinbrenner and television commentator and activist Julie Menin.  Rev.  Sharpton surprised Governor David Paterson, who thought he was there to make remarks, with an award for his life as a community servant. Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Richmond, Virginia and New York State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson presented Grace Baptist Church senior pastor and NAN chairman, Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, with the Triumph Award for leadership. Rev. Dr. Richardson accepted his award on behalf of his wife Inez Richardson and Grace Baptist Church.

Music Minister Derrick James directs Grace Baptist Church choir performance during 2010 National Action Network Triumph Awards. Photo by Gwynne Youngs

The awards ceremony closed with musical performances by Grace Baptist Church Choir and the National Action Network Choir.

Volunteers Help You Stay Grounded Until You Are Ready To Jump To The Next Step!

Money is not the currency of volunteerism. Volunteers are compensated when you notice their contributions and sacrifices with a sincere thank you.  Most nonprofit organizations are fortunate enough to have volunteers that help provide some of the manpower they need to carry out their missions.

Here are 5 ways to compensate volunteers without money.

1. Personally thank volunteers with a written note. A hand written note from someone whom they will recognize tells volunteers that you personally noticed their contribution.

2. Publicly recognize volunteers for their contributions. Announce the importance of their contributions to the success of your endeavor whenever you have an opportunity.  Volunteer recognition encourage people to continue volunteering and show potential volunteers that you will value their contributions and recognize and appreciate their sacrifices.

3. Offer to spend time with your volunteers through an annual event or with an invitation to lunch or to have a cup of coffee or tea.  Invite volunteers to sit with you during church or job annual outings.   

4. Talk to volunteers to learn who they are and what their interests are outside of the area they are assisting you in.

5.  Help connect volunteers to resources that you have access to that can benefit them.

Rosita Cortez, Founder, Social Media 4 Nonprofits

I did not understand what Poke Me on Facebook was used for until Rosita Cortez wrote so succinctly about Poke Me on her blog.  The one thing nonprofits find most difficult about social media is they don’t understand it.  Not understanding it is an obstacle many people find difficult about social media and information technology and my reason for using Rosita’s blog to help me unravel social media.

I can not say how many times I have been asked what Poke Me on Facebook is used for. So, imagine my surprise when I learned it has a very useful purpose.  Rather than blogging about Poke Me and other issues that you may need answers to; why don’t I direct you to Rosita Cortez’s site, Social Media 4 Nonprofits, to learn what Poke Me and many other social media issues are used for.

]]> http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/09/05/what-is-poke-me-used-for-on-facebook/feed/ 0 http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/07/31/40-yearsnyc-lincoln-center-out-of-doors/ http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/07/31/40-yearsnyc-lincoln-center-out-of-doors/#comments Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:05:30 +0000 Velma McKenzie-Orr http://nonprofitpal.com/?p=2006

L-R: Supporter, Mical Whitaker, Susan Scheftel, James Magnuson, Shirley J. Radcliff, Bill Bragin

New York – Lincoln Center and Everyman Communities are celebrating the 40^th Anniversary of Lincoln Center Out of Doors, July 28-August 15, 2010. The 40^th year of this free summer festival launched with a talk about its birth from Everyman-Community Street Theater to Lincoln Center Out of Doors.  A reception and  one-act performance of Jim Magnuson’s  play, No Snakes in This Grass, directed by Mical Whitaker followed along with the world premiere of Ethel Fair: The Songwriters. Lincoln Center Out of Doors has grown into one of the largest free performance festivals in the U.S.

Everyman-Community Street Theater was birth by actress Geraldine Fitzgerald, Brother Jonathan Ringkamp, Hazel Joan Bryant and Mical Whitaker 40 years ago “to perform and give voice to new theatrical concepts, political and societal ideas for and by the people.” Fitzgerald convinced Lincoln Center to showcase the work of Everyman companies, operating in each of New York city’s five boroughs,  during a weeklong free festival.

Whitaker, the only surviving founder of Everyman-Community Street Theater, shared his recollection of the 1960’s and 1970’s when his “Harlem based East River Players flourished as one of the city’s important African American theater voices” and  Everyman-Community’s Harlem troupe.  Susan Scheftel, Fitzgerald’s daughter, amused the audience with accounts of her mother’s unwillingness to accept anything but yes when she proposed the project to Lincoln Center.

Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art (RACCA), Shirley J. Radcliffe, Executive producer honored the birth of Lincoln Center Out of Doors as the Everyman-Community Street Theater Festival with one-act of Magnuson’s play from the Civil Rights era, set in the Garden of Eden.

Embrace My Facebook

New York –  How should New Yorkers, friends and users all over the planet celebrate being one of Facebook’s 500 million users–when this new milestone is announced? How do you mark being part of an unprecedented social network in human socialization and interaction?  How would you mark–being one of Facebook’s 500 million users?

Embrace Facebook

I’m celebrating by continuing to embrace Facebook for helping find my friends Liz and Annette; connecting me to family members I didn’t know I had; friends, co-workers and classmates whom I never expected to see or hear from again and making a place to say what’s on your mind during sleepless nights at 3:O’clock in the morning.  I’m embracing Facebook for helping build an audience for my blog, www.nonprofitpal.com and creating a platform to market my book Abraham Lincoln’s Savannah: Damage Control to 40 Acres and A Mule when it’s completed.

Participate In A Facebook Celebration Event

I’m celebrating Facebook for inviting me to its official NYC 500 million users’ celebration when the omission of my name  is recognized; for a new post about the world’s largest social network and for helping me continue to accomplish my goal of life long learning.

]]> http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/07/16/how-to-celebrate-being-one-of-facebooks-500-million-users/feed/ 1 http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/07/14/facebook-co-founder-developing-jumo/ http://nonprofitpal.com/2010/07/14/facebook-co-founder-developing-jumo/#comments Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:11:15 +0000 Velma McKenzie-Orr http://nonprofitpal.com/?p=1712

Chris Hughes, Facebook co-founder and Jumo developer

New York – New Yorker Chris Hughes is inviting public input for his new nonprofit startup website, Jumo.  Hughes, one of the co-founders of Facebook and President Obama’s “Internet man” for his 2008 social networking presidential campaign, describes Jumo as a global platform to  connect everyday individuals to  issues and organizations relevant to them; to foster lasting relationships and meaningful action to speed the pace of global change.

Hughes’ global startup is also hiring developers for its New York, NY location.  “Candidates with a longstanding interest in global development issues (i.e. global health, good governance, education, free-flowing capital markets, etc.) are strongly preferred.”