|
NEWSLETTER ISSUE #72 | Rural Opportunity Institute Monthly Update |
|
|
|
|
ROI and SVT Group Host Session at New York Federal Reserve | ROI’s co-founder Vichi Jagannathan recently joined forces with Sara Olsen, founder of SVT Group, for an event at the New York Federal Reserve focused on how we can create a national model for expanding prosperity across under-resourced communities. The session brought together innovators, government leaders, and investors to learn from ROI and other successful models and envision ways to replicate that success on a larger scale. Thanks to all of you who joined us in NYC, and we’ll share more on how to get involved in this effort soon! | | | Learn more |
|
|
Welcome New ROI Community Accountability Board Members! | We recently welcomed seven new members to our Community Accountability Board (CAB)! These members were selected through a community-led nomination process. Together they will join our existing CAB members to oversee all of ROI’s training and knowledge-building work, and advise ROI on strategic issues. Our CAB members bring expertise through their lived experiences in rural eastern North Carolina, and many have previously been engaged in trauma and resilience work locally. Please welcome our new members: Valerie Budd, Retired School Principal Victor Jones, Clinical Social Worker Jonathan Brunson, Therapist Kelly Andrews, Community Organizer Inez Ribustello, Private Employer Kimberly Hickerson, Community Organizer Crystal Wimes, Community Organizer
|
|
|
Quarterly Update: Refining Our Internal Work Structure at ROI | In the past quarter, we've been hard at work refining how we organize our efforts internally at ROI. We've divided our work into four distinct categories: Organizational Vision and Strategy: This serves as our guiding star, outlining our destination and the path we intend to take. Innovation: We're nurturing small, early-stage ideas to power our mission forward. Offerings: Our collection of proven best practices, primed for expansion based on robust data. Enabling Functions: Covering vital responsibilities such as financial management, recruitment, project promotion, and performance tracking.
We believe in transparency and are committed to sharing our evolving internal structure. By doing so, we aim to enhance our own operations while also offering value to others. If you have suggestions or thoughts on how we can further refine our approach to maximize our impact, we welcome your input. Feel free to reach out to Seth at seth@ruralopportunity.org. | | | View Org Chart |
|
|
|
|
PhotoVoice Impact Report |  | Over the last two school years, students at HOPE Alternative Learning Program in Edgecombe County, N.C. gained new social-emotional skills and shared their life experiences through photography as part of the PhotoVoice program. ROI is proud to have partnered with local artist Jenny Jacklin, HOPE teacher Crystal Lancaster, and school students to bring youth perspectives to the forefront.
Each week, HOPE ALP students completed photography assignments and participated in group discussions about their work. The program culminated in a gallery show. The program survey showed that PhotoVoice lead to positive measurable outcomes for students: 25% Increase in resilience skills 30% Increase in connection with classmates 20% Increase in self image rating
Discover all the ways PhotoVoice has created positive change in our program impact report below. | | | Read the report |
|
|
Vichi Featured on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership Podcast |  | Vichi was recently featured on the Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership podcast with Dr. Patton McDowell! In the episode, Vichi explains how design thinking ideas from across the country brought clarity to the challenges ROI often faces, and the tools we’ve used to transform our organization. She discusses the biggest challenges she has overcome in co-leading a small nonprofit, and the solutions she found when building staff, volunteers, and a board of directors. | | | Listen now |
|
|
|
|
BCBS NC is hiring for a Senior Regional Liaison, County Engagement for Currituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Chowan, Gates, Hertford, Northampton, Halifax and Bertie counties. Email Kristy at Kristy.Kent@bcbsnc.com to share leads or express interest |
|
|
|
|
Contractor Spotlight: Get to Know Bertha Flores | Bertha Flores is our Senior Operations Associate. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Bertha currently resides in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She has spent the last seven years in operations roles, and joined ROI because she loves making a difference in her community. She thrives in work that uses her skills in organization and design, making her a great colleague on our team. When Bertha isn’t working, she can be found trying new breakfast places, spending time with family, and listening to Adele or the Lumineers. We are so happy to have her on our team!
|
|
|
|
|
Try Our Resilience Cards at Your Organization | ROI’s Resilience Cards offer simple and effective ways to calm stress, refocus and build resilience in just minutes. When we face a trigger or threat, our bodies often respond in one of two ways. We either get amped up and feel anxious or angry, or we shut down and feel helpless, sad or numb. These thoughtfully-crafted cards can be used in therapy sessions, classrooms or workplaces to de-escalate trauma responses and get back in balance. These tools help us stay in the Resilience Zone, a state that is calm, clear, and connected with others. | | | Learn more |
|
|
|
|
 | Insights in Developing Partnerships for Change: Go With the Flow of the River | We all aspire to create positive change in our communities, but often, people are hesitant to put in the time, work or expense to create change. In this article, learn our strategies for disrupting the status quo through active listening, growing relationships and personal connections. | | | Read the article |
|
|
|
ROI supports people's healing process by educating, reshaping systemic practices, and fostering deep-rooted connections. We know people are not to blame for the trauma and stress that impacts them. Resilience is an inner strength in all humans, regardless of background, and we as people are wired for connection and healing. We strive to end generational cycles of trauma and poverty by preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress for the community in rural Eastern North Carolina. Often, social innovation processes leave out rural communities of color. We believe in and know the deep assets that exist in rural communities like ours, and seek to smash together disparate worlds to change the narrative commonly held about rural communities. |
|
|
This email was sent to %SENDER-INFO-SINGLELINE% You are receiving because you have signed up for our service. If you wish to no longer receive emails from us you can unsubscribe. | |
|
|
