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Participant Resources Welcome! We’re here because we know that our community has tough choices and decisions to make - Get Real 2011 gives people a way to help guide those choices. Our leaders have pledged to listen – the more of us that get real, the more impact we’ll have on these important decisions! Go to www.getreal2011.org to see a list of Get Real 2011 partners, final results and download these materials.
Inside this packet you’ll find information that you’ll use during the Get Real 2011 workshop, including: • • • • •
4 Stories About Our Future Where We Are Now How Things Work Things to Know What Can I Do?
Don’t feel as if you need to absorb all of this information right now – take it home with you, read it, study it and use it!
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What Is Crossroads Charlotte and why is it offering Get Real 2011? Crossroads Charlotte is a non-profit, non-partisan effort that asks everyone in the community to Imagine Our Tomorrow, Act Today. Because the choices we face in these tough times are so critical, Crossroads Charlotte is offering Get Real 2011 as a way for people to ACT TODAY to help guide decisions that will shape our tomorrow.
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A Look Into the Future - The Crossroads Charlotte Stories (full text and movies at www.crossroadscharlotte.org) Fortress Charlotte
Class Act
Charlotte's quality of life has changed — for the worse. We have become a community divided. The gap is widening between the "haves" and the "haveless" and tension is building between racial and ethnic groups. Everyone fears or blames everyone else, and folks have lost faith in leaders to find solutions. When you examine the situation, our community failed to recognize the significant demographic and economic changes, deepening hostilities and widening gaps that were happening — right under our noses.
Charlotte is on top, and all signs tell us we will stay there. Our economy is thriving. Jobs are abundant. Our housing market soars, and tourist attractions are booming. Much of the positive change in Charlotte is because diverse people – outside the traditional white corporate powerbase – are becoming involved and being taken more seriously. Charlotte's success and fine reputation have been built with considerable commitment from our leaders and influential institutions, which have been strong, visionary, cooperative and inclusive.
The Beat Goes On
Eye to Eye
Charlotte is still seeking "world class" status. Professional sports, theatres, museums, banking and the airport keep it in the running. The financial industry anchors our economy, but technology-based companies bypass the Queen City for more creative, progressive places. Many people, particularly people of color and residents with modest and low incomes, see the same stubborn problems and fear things are getting worse. So, as Charlotte merrily continues on its path to greatness, below the surface is resentment and distrust between racial and ethnic groups and between those who "have" and those who "have less."
Charlotte is booming. Our economy is robust and talented people from diverse backgrounds are locating here. Charlotte has a reputation as an open, tolerant and trusting community, where diversity is welcomed and everyone has clear access to opportunity. The banding together of people of color to assume more power and to work collectively has peeled away layers of racism. We have now built trust where it did not exist before. More work needs to be done, but the citizens of Charlotte have the will and tools to ensure everyone can have a say and experience fair play in how decisions are made.
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Where We Are Now Our Social and Economic Challenges…and Opportunities Federal and State budget gaps • Financial crisis exists at every level of government. Federal stimulus allocations to states have ended. • For the third consecutive year, the State of North Carolina is experiencing a budget gap. The General Assembly closed gaps in FY2009-10 ($4.6 billion) and in FY2010-11 ($5.8 billion). • Now in 2011, North Carolina is facing a potential $3.7 billion budget shortfall. In response, state agencies are planning for budget reductions, ranging from 5 to 15 percent. City and County grapple with funding shortfalls • The City of Charlotte projects a budget shortfall of $5.4 million for the upcoming fiscal year, which is a relatively small percentage of the general fund (about one percent). • After making deep, mid-year budget cuts totaling $20 million in spring 2010, Mecklenburg County officials report that they do not expect mid-year budget cuts in 2011. • This is because revenues are presently projected to come in above what was estimated last summer — perhaps about $5.4 million ahead of what was budgeted in the 2010-11 spending plan. CMS prepares for looming budget challenges • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is examining how to reduce its annual budget by $91.2 million. • The CMS 2011-2012 outlook shows a potential $15 million drop in Federal funding, a State funding reduction between $32 million and $95 million, and a $15 million to $45 million fall in County funding. • At the same time, CMS reports that a $15 million increase is actually needed to sustain operations and enrollment. Neighborhoods sorting out the impact of multiple rounds of cuts and closures • In recent years, the City, County and CMS have cut funding to parks, libraries, schools, clinics, agencies and a host of programs. • Closures and reductions in services have resulted and local residents have lost access to resources for basic needs and for sustaining their quality of life. • Some neighborhoods have been hit harder than others due to the impact of multiple losses in public services and resources. Local residents are now sorting out the combined effect of decisions made by the City, County and CMS, respectively. City-County consolidation discussions resurface • Local leaders have revived discussions about consolidating governmental departments and services. • The City and County have already merged several functions. Options for further “partial consolidation” exist as well as the option of pursuing a fully combined government.
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• •
A complete merger could mean creating a single Charlotte-Mecklenburg government with one mayor, one manager and one council or board of commissioners. While a fully combined government is projected to save dollars, the benefits and financial impact of those savings remain uncertain.
High unemployment remains a threat • The unemployment rate in Mecklenburg County hovers around 10 percent. • Our region continues to post job losses in many sectors, while sectors such as manufacturing, financial activities and trade, transportation and utilities have posted gains. • While a recovery is underway, local economists report it could take from five to ten years for conditions to return to pre-recession levels. Demographic shifts altering our community identity • Census estimates in 2009 show that Charlotte’s population grew 30 percent since 2000. • Triple-digit growth in both the Hispanic and multi-racial populations confirms that the changes have been substantial in the last decade. • The Asian population also has increased dramatically, up almost 70 percent, putting the latest estimate of the Asian population at 4.5 percent of the city’s total population. Together race and class remains a backdrop in public discourse and decisions • The financial crises and controversies over budgetary decisions have surfaced tensions along lines of race and class. • Lack of trust — between racial groups and socioeconomic classes — is an acknowledged community issue, with complex cultural, social and historical roots and implications. • Recent evidence of the tension was the highly publicized controversy around a CMS snow make-up day scheduled on the MLK holiday. • The Crossroads Charlotte perspective…getting real, getting things done and getting along in Charlotte hinges in part on being more mindful of the legacy and causes of mistrust as well as being more intentional about how to re-build bridges and restore trust. Sources for this information include: · “Mecklenburg County: No mid-year budget cuts are likely,” April Bethea, Charlotte Observer, Jan. 26, 2011 · “Charlotte's city budget gap may hit $5.4 million,” Steve Harrison, Charlotte Observer, Feb 11, 2011 · Understanding the 2011-12 CMS Budget PowerPoint presentation, MeckEd, Feb 7, 2011 · “Unemployment rates rise in Mecklenburg,” Kirsten Valle Pittman, Charlotte Observer, Jan 4, 2011 · “It's back: Talk of city-county merger,” Steve Harrison, Charlotte Observer, May 29, 2010 · Charlotte's Rapid Growth Brings Demographic Changes, John Chesser, UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, Feb 11, 2011 · “Unemployment drops to 10.7% in Charlotte metro area,” Charlotte Business Journal, Feb 1, 2011 · “General Fund Revenue and Budget Outlook FY 2011-12” report, Barry Boardman, Ph.D. and Richard Bostic, Fiscal Research Division: A Staff Agency of the NC General Assembly, Dec 15, 2010
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How Things Work
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Local Government Basics: Who Does What Governmental Body City of Charlotte Key decision makers: City Council (12 elected) City Manager
Services Community Health and Safety Police*, Fire/Emergency Services, Animal Control*, Water/Sewer*, Garbage, Yard Waste, Recycling Transportation Bus, Train (Rapid Transit), Airport Infrastructure Build and maintain city streets, streetlights, sidewalks Planning and Development Land use, Zoning, Neighborhood Development, Economic Development / Jobs
Mecklenburg County
Community Health and Safety Health, Social Services, Courts, Jails
Key decision makers: Board of County Commissioners (9 elected) County Manager
Education and Economic Development Job training, Libraries, and Funding for CharlotteMecklenburg Schools and Central Piedmont Community College Growth and Environment Parks, greenways, Historic preservation County Government Operations Property, county taxes, Budgeting, Elections, Communications
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Key decision makers: Board of Education (9 elected) Superintendent
Education Public instruction and programs School operations School construction and buildings
* Consolidated service with City and County
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Charlotte City Government
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6 Things To Know About Our City Government 1. Charlotte has a Council-Manager form of governing. An appointed City Manager reports to the elected City Council. The City Council votes on the City Manager’s recommendations. 2. There are a total of 12 Charlotte City Council members — 11 from at-large and district elections, plus the elected Mayor. Four members are elected by citywide vote (at-large), and then each of the City’s seven districts elects one member to represent that district. Members are elected every two years. 3. The City Council reviews the City’s annual budget, sets the tax rate, authorizes contracts, approves financing of all city operations and enacts ordinances and orders at a local level. 4. The Mayor of Charlotte is a part-time position and must be elected into office every two years. The Mayor presides at City Council meetings, votes in the event of a tie and has veto authority. 5. The City Manager is hired by the City Council. The City Manager carries out the City Council’s policy decisions, provides vision and leadership and oversees daily operations of City government. 6. Anyone can attend City Council meetings, which take place on Monday evenings at the Government Center (600 East 4th Street).
Sources: http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Pages/default.aspx YouthCivics: City of Charlotte PowerPoint presentation, Kids Voting Mecklenburg, November 22, 2010
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Following the Money: City of Charlotte Funds FY2011 Budget Total: $1.66 billion $1.08 billion for operating expenditures and $575.6 million for capital expenditures
City of Charlotte Revenue: Where the money comes from 22 percent – Water & Sewer and Storm Water 21 percent – Property taxes 18 percent – Aviation 11 percent – CATS 10 percent – Other taxes 10 percent – General bonds 8 percent – User fees and other City of Charlotte Expenditures: Where the money goes 22 percent – Water & Sewer and Storm Water 21 percent – Public Works 20 percent – Public Safety (Police, Fire, Medic) 18 percent – Aviation 11 percent – Public transportation (CATS, LYNX) 5 percent – Economic Development (Jobs) 3 percent – City Operations Note: The City of Charlotte does not fund Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Sources: http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Budget/Documents/FY2011%20Budget%20Summary.pdf YouthCivics: City of Charlotte PowerPoint presentation, Kids Voting Mecklenburg, November 22, 2010
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City of Charlotte Vision: The City of Charlotte will be a model of excellence that puts citizens first. Skilled motivated employees will be known for providing quality and value in all areas of service. We will be a platform for vital economic activity that gives Charlotte a competitive edge in the marketplace. We will partner with citizens and businesses to make this a community of choice for living, working and leisure activities. Mission: The mission of the City of Charlotte is to ensure the delivery of quality public services and to promote the safety, health and quality of life of its citizens. Guiding Principles
We will attract and retain skilled, motivated employees We value teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity and employee development We will provide all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible and seamless quality services We will take initiative to identify, analyze and solve problems We will collaborate with stakeholders to solve problems and make decisions
Charlotte City Government is responsible for providing such services as: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Economic Development Fire Garbage and Recycling Neighborhood Development Neighborhood Improvements Planning and Zoning Police Road Construction Street Maintenance Transit Water and Sewer
Source: http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Pages/default.aspx
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City of Charlotte Budget Calendar for FY2012-FY2013 Date
Time
Location
Purpose
March 2, 2011
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Room 267
Budget Retreat
March 23, 2011
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (MTC begins at 5:30)
Room 267
Budget Retreat
April 13, 2011
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Room 267
Budget Retreat
May 9, 2011
4:00 p.m.
Council Chamber (televised)
Recommended Budget Presentation
May 18, 2011
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Room 267
1. Council makes adjustments to Manager’s recommended budget. Adjustments receiving 5 or more votes move on to June st 1 2. Council may refer alternative budget proposals to the Budget Committee for recommendation prior to straw votes
May 23, 2011
7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber (televised)
Public Hearing on the recommended budget (including storm water)
June 1, 2011
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Room 267
Lunch and adjustments/straw votes on May th 18 budget adjustments. Changes receiving 6 or more votes are included in the budget th ordinance for final vote on June 13
June 13, 2011
7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber (televised)
Budget Adoption
Source: http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Budget/Pages/default.aspx
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Mecklenburg County Government
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6 Things To Know About Our County Government 1. Seven municipalities compose Mecklenburg County: Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville. 2. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is the County’s governing body. The BOCC adopts and sets the annual County budget, sets the County property tax rate, and establishes county government priorities and policies, especially those related to health, education, welfare, mental health and the environment. The BOCC also makes appointments to citizen advisory committees. 3. There are nine County Commissioners. Three hold at-large seats and six hold district seats. Each Commissioner is elected for a two-year term. Elections are held in November of even-numbered years, and Commissioners elect a chairman and vice-chairman during their first meeting each December. 4. BOCC hires the County Manager, a non-elected professional who is responsible for implementing policies established by the BOCC and overseeing the daily operations of the County. 5. Mecklenburg County Government employs 4,700 people. 6. Anyone can attend County Commission meetings, which take place on 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm at the Government Center (600 East 4th Street). Sources: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/Pages/Default.aspx YouthCivics: Mecklenburg County PowerPoint presentation, Kids Voting Mecklenburg, Nov 16, 2010
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Following the Money: Mecklenburg County Funds FY2011 Budget Total: $1.35 billion Mecklenburg County Revenue: Where the money comes from 59.89 percent – Property Tax 14.46 percent – Sales Tax 6.56 percent – Federal Sources 5.70 percent – State Sources 5.25 percent – Charge for Services 3.44 percent – Other Revenue (rentals, transient occupancy tax, etc.) 1.71 percent – Fund Balance 1.20 percent – Licenses & Permits 0.87 percent – Law Enforcement Service District 0.73 percent – Investment Income 0.17 percent – Local ABC Profit Mecklenburg County Expenditures: Where the money goes 48 percent – Education (CMS and CPCC) 19 percent – Health and Safety 13 percent – County operations 10 percent – Debt service 7 percent – Other Education, Libraries, Jobs 3 percent – Growth, Parks, Environment Sources: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/CountyManagersOffice/BusinessManagement/PriorBudgets/Document s/FY11RecBudRevenueOverview.pdf
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Mecklenburg County
Vision: In 2015, Mecklenburg County will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE. There are multiple elements in the vision statement, ranging from affordable housing to protecting natural resources. Key elements are grouped into four related areas, called Focus Areas. All programs and services provided by Mecklenburg County fall into one of these Focus Areas: • Community Health & Safety • Effective & Efficient Government • Social, Education & Economic Opportunity • Growth Management & Environment Key Elements of Vision 2015 Affordable Housing Celebrate Diversity Preserve Community History/Landmarks Community Health Community Safety Protecting Natural Resources Senior Citizens Public Education and Literacy Arts & Cultural Activity Responsible/Accountable/Inclusive Government Stewardship Transportation/Transit Partnerships Parks and Open Space Mecklenburg County Government is responsible for providing such services as: • • • • • •
Libraries Jails Parks Recreation Education Human and Social Services
Source: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/Pages/Default.aspx
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Mecklenburg County Budget Updates Purpose
Provide regular updates on key issues/topics of interest prior to developing the FY2012 budget Information for the Board of County Commissioner as well as the public on important events and decisions facing the County
Date January 18 January 26-28
February 1 February 15 March 1
March 15
April 5 April 19 May 3 May 17
Potential Topics · Overview of Update Framework · Economic Forecast · County’s Financial Status · Critical Success Factors · Operating Budget Model; Capital Policy and Debt Service Fund · Redistricting and Federal Legislative Strategy · Revaluation · Service Demand Update · Service Impact of FY2011 Budget Reductions · Revenue Update · Consolidation Update · OPEB Update · Revenue Update · Compensation Marketplace · County Workforce Changes · Impact of the State Budget on the County · Revenue Update ·
Manager’s Recommended Budget
Budget/Public Policy Workshops are held monthly every second Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in Conference Center Room 267 of the CMGC (2nd floor). Source: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/BOCC/Meetings/Pages/default.aspx http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/CountyManagersOffice/BusinessManagement/Pages/default.aspx
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
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6 Things To Know About Our CMS Public Schools 1. CMS serves over 135,000 K-12 students and over 3,000 students in pre-K classes. It operates 178 schools. With approximately 18,800 teachers, support staff and administrators, CMS is one of the largest employers in the county and one of the largest school districts in the United States. 2. Nine elected officials make up the CMS Board of Education, which is commonly called the School Board. There are three at-large school board members and six members elected by residents of voting districts. 3. The School Board is responsible for hiring and evaluating the superintendent, establishing district policies, approving budgets (operations and capital), approving student assignment boundaries and overseeing the management of school district’s major systems. 4. An appointed superintendent oversees CMS operations, implements policies established by the School Board and recommends the school district calendar, budget and top staff. 5. On average, $8,523 is spent to educate a student during the school year
(per student expenditure). A majority of school funding (55%) comes from the State. The County is a source of about a quarter of CMS budget, based on revenue from property taxes on homes and businesses, county sales taxes and fees. The School Board does not have taxing authority and must ask the BOCC for funds each year. 6. Anyone can attend the School Board’s regularly scheduled meetings,
which are held on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the Government Center (600 East Fourth Street).
Sources: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us YouthCivics: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools PowerPoint presentation, Kids Voting, Dec 14, 2010 Understanding the 2011-12 CMS Budget PowerPoint presentation, MeckEd: Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education, Feb 7, 2011
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Following the Money: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Funds FY2011 Budget Total: $1.15 billion operating funds CMS Revenue: Where the money comes from 55.1 percent - North Carolina State 26.3 percent - Mecklenburg County 15.2 percent - Federal/Grants* 2.4 percent - Other Local Includes $67.9M in stimulus funding. No Stimulus funding in 2011-12.
55.1%
CMS Expenditures: Where the money goes 84 percent – Salaries and Benefits 10 percent – Purchased services 4 percent – Supplies and Material 2 percent – Other expenses
Source: Understanding the 2011-12 CMS Budget PowerPoint presentation, MeckEd: Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education, Feb 7, 2011
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Vision: To provide all students the best education available anywhere, preparing every child to lead a rich and productive life. Mission: To maximize academic achievement by every student in every school. Core Beliefs and Commitments: We believe that:
Public education is central to our democracy; We are responsible for building and maintaining high performing organizations that ensure all students will successfully acquire the knowledge, skills and values necessary for success; Our principals and teachers make the critical difference in student achievement; and Engaging the student's family and the community in the education process enhances learning and academic achievement.
Based on these Core Beliefs, we are committed to:
Providing all students with the opportunity to perform to their fullest potential and ensuring that there is no discernable difference between the achievement levels of students by race, gender or economic level Preparing all students to be successful in institutions of higher learning or the workforce without a need for remediation Providing a clear Theory of Action and an effective Superintendent to lead its implementation Giving all students access to a well-rounded, rigorous curriculum that is research-based and data driven Basing our educational culture on merit and individual achievement Embracing our community's diversity and using it to enhance the educational environment Operating effectively and efficiently with fiscal accountability Securing and allocating adequate resources according to the needs of each child Providing safe and orderly learning and working environments Ensuring that an effective principal leads every school Ensuring that an effective teacher instructs each class Providing resources for relevant professional development Encouraging and providing engagement opportunities for all students' families Partnering with community members to maximize student learning
Source: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us
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CMS 2011 – 2012 Budget Key Dates All meetings will be held at the Government Center, 600 East Fourth Street
Budget Work Sessions: January 25 Board of Education Meeting* Room 267 at 6:00 pm
March 22 Board of Education Meeting* Room 267 at 6:00 pm
February 15 Canceled as of Feb. 8 Room 267 at 12:30 – 3:00 pm
March 29 Room 267 at 12:30 – 3:00 pm
March 15 Room 267 at 12:30 – 3:00 pm
April 27 Room 267 at 12:30 – 3:00 pm
* These work session will be held during regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings.
Other Key Dates: April 12 Board meeting at 6:00 pm Superintendent’s budget presentation to the Board April 26 Board meeting at 6:00 pm Public hearing on budget May 10 Board meeting at 6:00 pm Board to vote on proposed budget All budget meetings will be televised live on CMS TV3. Video of the meetings will also be posted on the 2011-2012 Budget information section on the CMS Web site. For more information visit www.cms.k12.nc.us Source: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/MEDIAROOM/BUDGET/Pages/default.aspx
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CharlotteMecklenburg Schools Would Like You to Know…
CMS does not fund itself –The district is dependent on outside sources for funding (state, county, federal)
Those sources range in flexibility about how funds can be used –Federal most restrictive –State limited flexibility –Local most flexibility
CMS does not control timeline of funding decisions
CMS Snapshot
CMS has made significant gains in academic achievement in the last five years –Goal is to raise the bar, close the gap –Finalist for the Broad Prize
CMS resources are people, time and money –The district leverages its resources by aligning people, time and money with priorities in Strategic Plan 2014
The district is focused on increasing student achievement –Improve teaching –Managing performance of all employees
82 percent of CMS’ budget is in people (salary and benefits) –84 percent of all full‐time staff are located in schools
Since 2008 CMS has made reductions and redirections totaling $185.2 million
Proposed potential reductions for 2011‐12 total $100.1 million
Source: GetReal Slides for CMS, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Schools, February 15, 2011
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Get Real About What You Can Do There are many organizations, events and opportunities to Get Real about helping meet some important needs in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Consider the list below a starting point for opportunities open to anyone! Visit the Crossroads Charlotte website at www.crossroadscharlotte.org for more in the ACT section!
Get Real About Volunteering and Giving A.C.T. (Achieving Community Today) Projects - A.C.T. projects give people in the community an opportunity to shape Charlotte’s future with small projects that would allow others to imagine tomorrow, but act today. Projects should connect people across lines of difference. www.crossroadscharlotte.org. Communities In Schools (CIS) – if you want to help by volunteering in the CharlotteMecklenburg Schools, CIS is the place to go! CIS works within the public school system, determining student needs and establishing relationships with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers, and parent and volunteer organizations to provide needed resources. www.cischarlotte.org/howyoucanhelp.html. Council for Children’s Rights – the Council for Children’s Rights advocates for children today and tomorrow. There are so many ways that you can help… just remember that behind everything you do to help the Council for Children’s Rights, there is a child who will have a better life. www.cfcrights.org. Crossroads Charlotte – Imagine Our Tomorrow, Act Today – check out possible futures for our community and find people, groups and fun events that give you the power to act today to help shape our future! www.crossroadscharlotte.org. Donors Choose – Give directly to projects in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools that need help! DonorsChoose is an online charity connecting you to classrooms in need. For a limited time, you can double your impact - the Leon Levine Foundation will fund 50% of some projects if you provide the remainder. http://www.donorschoose.org. Hands On Charlotte - Hands On Charlotte offers a variety of meaningful volunteer projects that benefits the citizens of Charlotte. We provide volunteers with flexible volunteer opportunities to create positive change. We simplify the process by organizing and promoting hundreds of volunteer opportunities to make community service accessible to all. www.handsoncharlotte.org.
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Get Real Experiences Charlotte Culture Guide (a project of ASC) – an online resource to a wide variety of cultural events, arts offerings and experiences in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. www.charlottecultureguide.org. COURAGE: The Carolina Story That Changed America - the exhibit tells the powerful grassroots story of the Rev. J.A. De Laine and the other brave citizens of Clarendon County, S.C., who brought the first lawsuit in America challenging racial segregation in public schools. Levine Museum of the New South. (January 15, 2011 - January 22, 2012. www.museumofthenewsouth.org. RACE: Are We So Different? This exhibit helps visitors of all ages to better understand the origins and impact of race and racism in everyday life by investigating race through the framework of science. A special opportunity called RACE Xchanges gives small groups the chance to experience the exhibit paired with powerful dialogue. Discovery Place from February 5, 2011 - May 8, 2011. www.discoveryplace.org. Souls of Our Teachers (The Power of One) - this documentary-style video presentation and discussion guide will give viewers an honest look at the teaching challenges and the unique opportunities that exist in urban public school education today. Find out how you can help at www.soulsofourteachers.org! XChange Sermons - location varies from January 14, 2011 - May, 2011. Ask your congregational leader if your house of worship is participating in Xchange Sermons! Mecklenburg Ministries, Crossroads Charlotte and Temple Beth El are partnering for the second year to coordinate a citywide clergy sermon/program exchange. This year’s theme is improving race relations and ethnic understanding. Look for other Xchange programs such as Xchange Crews and Xchange Tastes at www.crossroadscharlotte.org!
Get Real About Staying Informed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools - www.cms.k12.nc.us Information on the system, including departments, employment, individual schools, and bulletin board. Includes Spanish translation. CharMeckVotes.org The goal of CharMeckVotes.org is to encourage active participation among all members of the greater Charlotte community in local elections and to improve the civic health of our community between election cycles. The site was developed by the League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Generation Engage and Kids Voting Mecklenburg.
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City of Charlotte/Mecklenburg County – www.charmeck.org Official site. Features local government services, economic development, GIS, voting details, visitor information. Get Real 2011 – www.getreal2011 Updates, resources and reports from Get Real 2011. Kids Voting Mecklenburg – www.kidsvoting.org Kids Voting Mecklenburg increases civic literacy, resources and learning opportunities to help K-12 students in school and develops knowledge, strategies and skills for effective 21st century citizenship and leadership. League of Women Voters – www.goleaguego.org LWV is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. LWV offers “Civics 101: A Venture into Local Politics” that is open to newcomers, old-timers and all civic-minded people who are interested in knowing more about the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the NC Courts. www.goleaguego.org. MeckEd – www.mecked.org A great source for information about the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ budgeting process. The goal is to provide facts, background and helpful resources in order to help CMS and the community make the best possible decisions. www.mecked.org. Mecklenburg County Board of Elections – www.meckboe.org Contact your elected officials at all levels and get voter information.
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