🎉 The Big Give

ATTEND our event and be a part of an evening celebrating and highlighting good in our community. Let’s end the year on an uplifting note!

WHAT: Loop Creative's The Big Give is our end-of-the-year event designed to celebrate, discover, support, and network with local nonprofits that are creating positive change in our community.

WHO: We would love to have YOU, area leaders, active community members, and locals committed to making RDU the best it can be!

WHEN: Thursday, November 30, 2023, Join us to celebrate local nonprofits making a difference day in day out in our community! We will provide the food, fun, and the people!

WHERE: The Big Give is held at ReCity - 112 Broadway St, Durham, a nonprofit co-working space in downtown Durham.

WE NEED YOU! We are celebrating the hard work, dedication and love of our local nonprofits! Here’s how you can be a part of this amazing event.

#staysafevaccinate💉

Thank you to everyone that came to the Recity Vaccine Event that we co-hosted this past weekend with Loop Creative, UNC Health, Vaccine Ambassadors, ReCity Network, and General Services Foundation! We are so glad that we were able to offer the vaccine to so many families in the Durham community!

#GivingTuesday is Here!

What is GivingTuesday? 

GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

 Why is this December so important for nonprofits?

Around 33% of annual giving is done within December and, with giving down across the sector due to the uncertainty brought on by Covid, we really do not know what impact will be had on the sector in the months and years to come.

Why is the work of ReCity so critical to Durham?

To many in Durham’s nonprofit and social entrepreneurship community, ReCity has become simply known as “The Hub.” It is where nonprofits and small businesses come together to share resources and create a city that looks more representative of what a healthy, equitable, just community should be. It is downtown, which allows clients of all of our partner organizations and businesses to have access, whether they are arriving by car or public transportation. And, most importantly, we are a dynamic network that is collaborating to serve a purpose that is greater than any one mission statement.

 How can I financially support ReCity?

I’m glad you asked! As you know by now, ReCity Network is in the middle of the (Re)Imagine end of year campaign. Our GivingTuesday goal is pretty simple though: We would like to secure 24 new recurring monthly donors, giving at any level.

You can easily donate by visiting recityetwork.org/recurring-gift. Or, if you’d like to give gifts of stocks or gifts-in-kind, contact me at deryle@recitynetwork.org

Thanks for helping ReCity end 2020 on a trajectory that can help us create a more just Durham for years to come.

Say Hello to the Newest Members of the ReCity Team!

Meet Deryle Daniels and Tanner Smith, the newest members to the ReCity Team!

It’s no secret that our community is navigating a time of unprecedented uncertainty and challenges. But as we’ve seen in the last 5 months - ReCity is not just a place. ReCity is a people and a purpose.

To continue serving Durham’s community leaders who are working harder than ever, we’ve expanded the ReCity Team. Say hello to Deryle Daniels and Tanner Smith! These two will be jumping into one of the most difficult seasons that our community has experienced to help the ReCity Network continue to pursue its shared purpose - to build thriving communities, rooted in justice.

Read below to hear more from Deryle and Tanner on their journeys and their new positions at ReCity!

From Deryle:

What’s going on everybody? I’m Deryle Daniels, Jr., ReCity’s new Development Coordinator! (Go ahead, get excited! I am!) I’m a native of Durham, born and raised. I am an alumnus of UNC-Greensboro, where I serve on the Bryan School’s Alumni Board of Directors. I come to ReCity having helped startups, universities, local nonprofits, graduate schools, and political advocacy organizations tell their stories to both increase awareness and secure funds. I’m excited to do that here working alongside all of you to make Durham a more just and equitable community.

My downtime is spent between photojournalism, exercising and the grill. My wife, Desirée, and I love to travel internationally but it looks like that won’t be happening again until 2021, fingers crossed. One of my absolute favorite things to do is babysit my nephews and niece, of which I have 5 and a 6th is due on Christmas Day. The 10-month old just learned to walk so I’m going to have to guard the stairs from now on.

I’m looking forward to seeing all of you around ReCity and definitely on the virtual Town Halls. If you want to grab coffee and chat on the patio about all things Durham, fundraising, travel, storytelling, or whatever else, feel free to e-mail me at deryle@recitynetwork.org.

From Tanner:

Surprise, I’m still here! I started working with ReCity as the partnership intern back in January and because of some sweet circumstances, I get the privilege to stay on as the programming coordinator! I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in May with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and the plan right now is to study counseling next year at Denver Theological Seminary. I love backpacking, reading, and hanging out with friends, and I’m still dreaming of being a barista at some point. I’m really excited for all that this new role will entail and can’t wait to reveal some fun events we have coming for our partners. I am so thankful that goodbyes have been postponed with the ReCity team and community at whole, and I am ready to keep developing and connecting new relationships. When you see me (virtually), you can ask me about Harry Potter and camping!

We're Welcoming Three New Interns!

We are so very excited to bring on three more awesome interns for this summer. We’re confident that with their help, we’ll be able to continue serving our partners during this uncertain season.

Here’s a little bit about each of them!

Judah Robert (left)

Hi! My name is Judah Robert and I am one of the new ReCity interns for the Summer of 2020. I am a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pursuing a degree in English. While I was born in Pennsylvania, I was mostly raised in North Carolina (although Pennsylvania will always be my “heart home”). I am an avid reader and enjoy writing in my spare time (hence the inclination to major in English). I am also involved with the Summit Church in Chapel Hill and actively participate in their college ministry at UNC, known as Summit College. I am so thankful to have this opportunity to work at ReCity, as I found their way finding a creative and practical method of impacting the community in a meaningful way to be something that set them apart from a lot of outreach programs I have encountered, and it was this innovative way of thinking that drew me to want to be a part of the organization. I am excited to do whatever I can to help in accomplishing ReCity’s goals and look forward to working alongside those who are actively making a difference.

Isabella Lima (middle)

Hey everyone! My name is Isabella Lima and I am a rising junior at UNC Chapel Hill majoring in Sociology with a possible minor in Social and Economic Justice. I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil but I have lived in Durham for over 10 years. I have been looking to get involved with nonprofits in Durham that help tackle the problems our community members face and I really identified with ReCity’s mission of driving collective impact. I am very excited to learn more about ReCity but also about the many organizations working with ReCity and the amazing projects they are doing to help Durham residents. Other than helping others, I love playing with an infinite amount of dogs, cooking one of my specialties: ratatouille and homemade hummus, and traveling! I am very excited to start this new position and learn how I can better help the Durham community. 

Graham Watkins (right)

Hey everyone! My name is Graham Watkins and I am a rising junior at UNC. I am majoring in American Studies and minoring in Entrepreneurship and African American Diaspora Studies. That being said, outside of the classroom I love to hike and my hope is to try part of the AT this summer! I love basketball and as long as quarantine lasts, I am always up for a virtual game of H.O.R.S.E if anyone wants to test their luck against the new guy. When we do get back together in the space, which I hope is very soon, you will likely find me listening to artists like Andy Mineo, Lecrae and Tauren Wells, and as far as entertainment, while I love sports and am always down to watch a game, I am also equally and at times more interested in watching a Rom Com. I am a 3 on the enneagram and love to talk about personalities and find commonality as well as highlight unique and cool differences. My friends often make fun of me for being the “deep” guy in conversations, but it is just because I really want to get to know people! So if you ever want to talk about life, your celebrations, your problems, I am here for it and would love to get to know you! I am humbled and honored to be working alongside such strong leaders, yes, but even more so, exemplary people. I truly believe in ReCity’s mission to establish a strong community that together will bring justice that restores. I have incredible faith in this community and am excited to learn from each and every one of you!

Ahmaud Arbery & My White Silence

It’s only been a week.

A week since I heard about Ahmaud Arbery’s murder. When I first heard the news and heard there was a video from a shooting that happened months ago--I kept it at arm's length. “I don’t have time to think about that right now” I thought to myself. As a white man, I’ve learned it's a privilege I can exercise whenever I want. I can “stay out of it”. Put my head down, not be affected. Of course I often don’t recognize it’s happening in the moment. Privilege is a muscle, and it kicks into gear automatically without a thought, like a reflex. 

When I finally decided to lean in and face what happened several days later (on my terms, and when I decided I had the time and emotional capacity of course) and actually listened to the pain yet another shooting of an unarmed black man has caused to my friends of color, I haven’t been able to think about anything else. 

My wheels are spinning in overdrive. What do I do? What do I say? How do I show people that I care about this? I’m always so eager to talk. Talk about what happened. Talk about the injustice. Talk about how other people should respond. Ask what this incident says about our country, our cities and our systems. Talk about how “we” should do more and be different than this. Talking is easy, and I’ve found it's typically pretty cheap. But in all my talking, I never ask one question. One question that lies, I think, at the root of the problem. 

What does Ahmaud Arbery’s murder say about me? 

What does it say about the racism and implicit biases I’ve learned since childhood? What does it say about my privilege as a white man? What does it say about the opportunities and power I have access to that people of color don’t? What does it say about my bank account, and the generational wealth I’ve inherited as a part of the same systems that have denied black and brown communities the same opportunities for centuries? What does it say about the benefit of the doubt I receive in every situation when I kiss my kids goodbye and walk outside my front door into my neighborhood?

Ahmaud is dead, but he’s still speaking. Am I willing to stop talking long enough to listen to what he has to say to me? Am I willing to move from grief and listening to purposeful action? 

Am I willing to make it personal? 

As a white person, I can decide whether to keep this at a distance or to lean in and get close. I can decide whether I let this into my world. I can decide whether to stay silent or to speak. I can decide whether to play it safe or take a risk. I get to make the choice of whether or not I make this personal to me. A choice that people of color are never afforded. 

Breaking our white silence about Ahmaud is necessary, but it's not the finish line. It's only the beginning of a long and messy road towards healing and justice in our communities, but it's one we have to walk together if things are ever going to change. 

But that change doesn’t start with you. It starts with me. (Repeat to self)

- Rob

Rob Shields - Executive Director, ReCity

PS: Listen to the latest JUST Podcast episode to continue the conversation about race and inequality.

Protecting Durham's Most Vulnerable Residents During COVID-19: Your One-Stop Shop for What Nonprofits, Businesses, & Faith Communities Are Doing to Help

Community now is more important than ever.

In the next few weeks, and even months, our communities will continue to face a lot of uncertainty. And in times of such frightening and unprecedented uncertainty, it is easy to think only of ourselves. But at ReCity, we believe in the power of proximity to create empathy and spark collaboration. COVID-19 is a new challenge for all of us, but we believe the power of proximity is just as necessary now as ever.

The question is, How can we stay proximate to the vulnerable when love demands that we practice “social distancing?” 

The answer? While the physical proximity to our neighbor needs to change, what shouldn’t change is our proximity to the needs of our neighbor.

In the coming weeks, as you make the difficult—but important—choices to practice social distancing, don’t let that distancing turn into complete withdrawal. Stay proximate to the vulnerable in your community in these three ways:

• 1. Practice Social Distancing: Here’s some practical tips.

• 2. Educate Yourself: Why COVID-19 will hit marginalized groups the hardest.

• 3. Get Proximate Through Service: While in-person support is (rightly) limited, there are many other ways to show up for and connect with your community. See below:

How to Serve

Our network takes a cross-sector approach to social impact: we partner with nonprofits, businesses, and the faith community to holistically address injustices in our communities. We have divided support and service opportunities by those same categories below.

This is a dynamic and every-changing list, as the needs in our communities shift and the available resources adapt to fill them. Please reach out to info@recitynetwork.org with other opportunities and resources.

1. Food Resources

• Communities in Partnership’s Food Co-Op: This member-owned food co-op serves over 300 households with 97% of their members living at or below the poverty line. They are looking for financial support to increase the frequency of their food distribution. Click here to donate.

• Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC: A generous donor has agreed to match all March donations - your donated dollars will go twice as far this month. You can donate here.

• DPS Foundation: Providing support to students so that no one goes hungry or falls behind as school schedules continue to change. You can donate here. See a list of Grab & Go meal sites starting March 23rd.

• Table NC: Delivering bags of healthy food to 727 kids once per week. You can give financially or buy items off of their Amazon shopping list.

• Porch Durham: You can donate here to help provide supplemental food to families facing hunger in Durham County.

2. Housing Resources

• Urban Ministries of Durham: You can donate here or buy items from their COVID-specific Amazon wishlist.

• Families Moving Forward: Seeking monetary donations & gift cards to support their residents.

• Housing for New Hope: You can donate here to support their residents that have limited access to food & supplies.

• Durham Rescue Mission: Currently serving 450 men, women, and children, while still accepting new check-ins. You can give financially or donate items from this list.

3. Childcare/Educational Resources

• Free Educational Resources: You can refer to these free resources for children that are at home during school closures.

• How to Talk to Children about the Coronavirus: Use these tips to guide your conversations with children.

4. Employment Resources

• StepUp Durham: StepUp clients but need support to maintain stable employment - donate here to get them the supplies they need.

5. Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Resources

• StandUp SpeakOut - NC: This ReCity partner has seen a spike in referrals since many victims of DV/SA are at home with their abusers. They are seeking funds to support this influx of clients. Donate here!

• Durham Crisis Response Center: DCRC helps victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and exploitation through their 24 hour help-line, Family Justice Center, and emergency shelter. You can donate to support their efforts here.

• Information for Survivors, Communities, and Programs : A list of informative resources so that you have the knowledge you need when serving victims of DV/SA.

Here is ReCity’s Black-Owned Business Guide and here is a growing list of Durham businesses that you can support by:

1. Ordering no-contact delivery (as long as it’s available & safe)

2. Buying gift cards now for later use

Support Opportunities and Resources

• The Culinary Femme Collective: An initiative by Communities in Partnership to support local, female-owned food businesses, with an emphasis on femmes of color: Sour Bakery, Piri Durham, and So Good Pupusas. You can learn how to support these businesses here.

• Click here to donate to Zweli’s Kitchen, a local Zimbabwean restaurant. Zweli’s stepped up to the plate to feed residents of McDougald Terrace when the housing complex was evacuated in January. Now, they are facing uncertainty and seeking support. Read more here.

• Creating Social Distance: donate to Service Industry Workers Advocates of NC to support service industry workers that are facing unemployment as businesses close.

• Durham Artist Relief Fund: artists that rely on events or concerts to make a living are facing indefinite unemployment. Help them make ends meet here.

• NC Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security: An FAQ sheet for individuals facing unemployment.

Here are some resources provided by ReCity faith partners:

• DurhamCares published a thoughtful resource guide for faith leaders and congregations. Read here: Loving Our Neighbors in the Face of COVID-19

• The Summit Church has posted opportunities for service in Orange, Durham, and Wake counties.

• Riding Out the Storm Together: This article by The Chalmer’s Center provides encouragement & tips for lovingly confronting the realities of COVID-19 as a faith community.

10 Black-Led Nonprofits in Durham that You Should Know

Tameka Brown (right), Executive Director of H.E.A.R.T.S., meeting with a community partner at ReCity.

Black History Month has passed, but we’re continuing our celebration. This week we’re recognizing, celebrating, and honoring black nonprofit leadership in Durham, NC. 

Why? Because #OwnershipMatters.

In part 2 of our series, we’re highlighting 10 black-led nonprofits in the ReCity Network.

A 2017 report found that “the percentage of people of color in the executive director/CEO role has remained under 20% for the last 15 years, even as the country becomes more diverse.” 

Despite bringing equivalent and/or superior qualifications and expertise to the table, leaders of color have to navigate an uneven playing field that requires them to work harder than their white counterparts, and still experience barriers to success. This is not simply unfair and unjust to the individual people of color, although that is undoubtedly true. It also has a negative impact on organizational health and the ability for organizations to successfully and authentically reach their goals.

Join us in turning our Black History Month celebration into action year-round by partnering with these leaders of color to help them advance their missions and reach their goals. You can support them financially, volunteer your time, or listen and learn from them by subscribing to their newsletters or following them on social media.

And your support of black-led nonprofits can -- and should -- continue outside of February. One way is to take the time to engage with the experience of leaders of color. Read here to learn from black leaders as they share their stories of “struggle and triumph” from working in the social sector.

Another way is to take Cecilia Polanco’s advice from episode 3 of the JUST podcast: 

“When black women have something to say, shut up and listen. Listen to people of color in general…there’s a lot of simple things we can do if we listen to the leaders in our community.”

Explore the guide below of Durham-Based, Black-Led nonprofits to learn about the meaningful work that these leaders are pursuing everyday. Read their stories, learn about their missions, and support them as they fight for a more equitable Durham.

ReCity's Black-Owned Business Guide: 9 Durham-Based Companies You Should Support

Zweli and Leonardo Williams, owners of Zweli’s Kitchen.

This month we’re celebrating Black History by acknowledging the countless contributions and beautiful impact that the black community has made in Durham. Here’s just a few:

• Durham’s Black Wall Street, a concentration of black wealth & enterprises in the early 20th century

• Pauli Murray’s trailblazing as a black & female lawyer, Episcopal priest, and activist

• The bravery of 7 black teens that organized the 1957 Royal Ice Cream sit-in

• Satana Deberry, Durham’s District Attorney who says “the end game is not convictions, the end game is justice”

That doesn’t even scratch the surface. Here’s a list of Durham’s Black History Month Events so that you can continue to learn about the contributions of black Americans alongside your community this month.

And while it is essential in honoring the black experience to read up and educate ourselves on the impact of Durham’s black neighborhoods, churches, businesses, & community leaders, we can’t leave it there. We’re also turning our celebration of Black History Month into action by using our buying power to support local, black-owned businesses. Why? Because ownership matters.  

In Durham in 2018, the Human Resource Commission reported that “for every 4.43 businesses owned by whites, there is one business owned by a black person, even though the population is almost 1 white person for every black person.” Black business owners experience barriers to entry & barriers to success, leading to inequitable outcomes.

Will you join us? Check out the list below of Durham-based, black-owned businesses that are a part of the ReCity Network. We’re honored to be friends and community partners with the folks on this list. Read about their businesses, read their personal stories, & support their ventures.

ReCity and The INS Group Join Forces to Strengthen Triangle's Social Impact Ecosystem

A partnership that supports nonprofit capacity building and authentic community building for organizational transformation.

Beginning in 2020, ReCity and The INS Group will join forces to offer affordable workshops, executive coaching, and other learning opportunities designed to strengthen nonprofits and bring them together to more effectively address Durham’s challenges. Comprehensive organizational development and capacity building support will be offered to ReCity Partners Network and Durham-based nonprofits with an emphasis on reaching organizations with leaders of color leading small and medium size nonprofits.

ReCity Network’s 12,000-square-foot co-working, meeting, and event space located in the heart of downtown Durham will serve as the host site for workshops and executive coaching. ReCity is a gathering place for nonprofits and socially conscious businesses, where they can connect to each other, share resources, and innovate ideas. As a result of bringing these diverse cross-sections of Durham together, authentic relationships are developed, barriers to growth are addressed, and communities are transformed.

"Right now, our communities are fractured, and we can't tackle complex issues like poverty and affordable housing in siloes. ReCity supports leaders in our community who know they can't do this work alone. Partnering with Ruth Peebles and The INS Group will help us strengthen the leaders who are working to strengthen our communities. This collaboration is an important step towards realizing our vision of building thriving communities that are rooted in justice."

—Rob Shields, Executive Director of ReCity.

Since 1999, The INS Group has worked with more than 250 agencies and organizations nationwide to provide high-quality consulting, strategy, and training services. The firm’s diverse team has decades of experience in fields including organizational development and capacity building, grant writing, marketing, public-private partnerships, intergovernmental management, and research. 

“As a consulting firm committed to supporting capacity building for nonprofits, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with ReCity Network to deliver interactive workshops to Durham nonprofits and to build relationships in the community. We are excited to see the transformation that occurs and help nonprofits maximize their impact on the community.”

—Ruth Peebles, President of The INS Group.

The partnership launches on February 6, 2020. For more information, theinsgroup.com/ins-recity-impact/.

—————————-

About ReCity: 

ReCity Network is the Triangle’s hub for social impact. Based in downtown Durham, ReCity is home to a rapidly growing network of over 40 organizations, all committed to pursuing a shared vision of building thriving communities that are rooted in justice. Learn more about ReCity Network. 

About The INS Group:

The INS Group is a seasoned consulting firm that helps nonprofits, government agencies, and faith- based institutions create innovative solutions to build their capacity, sustain programs and services, and plan for the future. Learn more about The INS Group.

JUST: An introduction to justice - Ep. 1

by Chantal Allam — January 20, 2020 .

RALEIGH – For Rob Shields, executive director of ReCity, when it comes to understanding other people’s suffering, it’s all about proximity.

“You cannot understand the most important things from a distance. You have to get close,” he has said, referencing social justice activist Bryan Stevenson.

“Otherwise we end up drawing conclusions about communities in which we’ve never been.”

That’s where “Just Podcast” comes in.

Shields has teamed up with Jes Averhart, co-founder of Black Wall Street Homecoming, to launch a new bi-weekly podcast that aims to do just that.

(Left to right) Rob Shields of ReCity Network, Jes Averhart of Black Wall Street Homecoming, Michael Baylor of WRAL Digital Solutions, and Cecilia Polanco of So Good Papusas.

“Just Podcast” shines light on leaders pursuing justice in their communities

Partners, 

For the past year, the ReCity team has been working with Leadership Triangle's Jes Averhart, WRAL and Coastal Credit Union to establish a new platform to raise awareness around complex issues of justice and the inspiring work happening across our network and in our local community to address those issues. 

(Left to right) Rob Shields of ReCity Network, Jes Averhart of Black Wall Street Homecoming, Michael Baylor of WRAL Digital Solutions, and Cecilia Polanco of So Good Papusas.

I'm excited to announce that as of this morning, we have officially launched the "JUST" podcast: ReCity's new story-telling platform designed to highlight the people working to build thriving communities, rooted in justice. 

With WRAL and Coastal's support and audience reach (WRAL is the #1 most visited website in all of North Carolina) we are hopeful that this project is one way we can help raise awareness around issues of justice, as well as shine a light on the good work happening in our communities as a way to inspire listeners to get more engaged.

Currently this project is in the pilot phase, meaning we've secured sponsorship to produce the first 3 episodes. So right now we're looking to spread the word to ensure we get approved for a longer runway to tell more stories in 2020!

Here's where you can help! The trailer and first episode are now both available anywhere you listen to podcasts. Listen, rate, review, and if you like what you hear, subscribe and share with your networks. You'll hear some familiar voices in Episodes 2 & 3 being released later this month;)

"JUST" Podcast Shines Light On Leaders Pursuing Justice In Their Communities

(Left to right) Rob Shields of ReCity Network, Jes Averhart of Black Wall Street Homecoming, Michael Baylor of WRAL Digital Solutions, and Cecilia Polanco of So Good Papusas.

On Monday we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King. Dr King once said that “True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it’s the presence of justice.” 

Spoken over 50 years ago, the truth of these words echoes loudly today. In many ways ReCity’s mission is an attempt to embody this pursuit, which is reflected powerfully in our vision statement: to build thriving communities, rooted in justice.

Pursuing such a bold endeavor means tackling brokenness wherever it may be found–both in our systems and in ourselves. 

It also means telling stories. Stories to help us reckon with and understand injustice and in our communities. Stories help us gain empathy by hearing directly from those most affected by injustice, who are best positioned to lead us towards the solutions. It also means telling stories highlighting people doing the work of pursuing justice day in and day out, so we can all lean in, listen, and learn how we can get more engaged in our own communities. 

That’s why we’re excited to announce the official launch of the “JUST” Podcast: a new storytelling platform designed to highlight the people working to build thriving communities, rooted in justice. We hope you’ll listen in and join us on this journey. Because if there’s one thing we believe at ReCity, it’s that if Dr. King’s vision for true peace is going to be realized in our communities, each of us is going to have to play our part.

We're Welcoming New Interns!

We are ecstatic to welcome Brittney, Stephanie, and Tanner to the ReCity team! They are a lively bunch - make sure you stop by the Lounge to meet them!

Here’s what they have to say:

Brittney Fuller (far left)

Hi!  My name is Brittney Fuller and I am one of the new ReCity interns for Spring of 2020!  I am a North Carolina native- born and bred! Currently, I am a senior studying Human Development and Family Studies at UNC Chapel Hill (so when I die I will be Tarheel dead).  If you ever want to see cute cat videos, I can show you a million of my crazy cat! In my spare time, you can catch me writing and performing my own poetry, by the fire pit outside, playing with my kitty or watching ASMR videos to help me fall asleep.  Exploring the stories of marginalized groups has led me to fully appreciate and integrate my identity as a black woman into every aspect of my life. In particular, I enjoy learning about the success of communities banding together. That is why I was drawn to Recity’s mission to drive collective impact.  I have never been more excited to start a new position than now!

Stephanie Edmonds (center)

Howdy, y'all! My name is Stephanie Edmonds and I am a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Human Development and Family Studies and minoring in Religious Studies. I am ecstatic and humbled to be working alongside passionate people who care deeply about the Durham community. I am an old soul with a warm spirit and nothing makes me happier than bringing humor and encouragement to someone's day. So, if you want to engage in meaningful conversation or just need a quick pick-me-up, I'm your girl! I am invested in seeing justice brought to all, locally and globally, and believe in the power of intentionality. I am honored and blessed to partner with you as we live on mission empowering Durham residents while fostering lasting social change.

Tanner Smith (far right)

Hey y’all! My name is Tanner Smith and I am so excited for this upcoming semester and getting to intern at ReCity! I am currently a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, and will graduate in May with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I was born in Charlotte, but grew up in Dallas, Texas before coming back to the wonderful state of North Carolina for school. I’ve spent the past few summers in Colorado working as a backpacking guide, and absolutely love being outdoors and going on walks as much as I possibly can. I enjoy taking pictures on disposable cameras, writing lots of letters, and watching movies (Harry Potter will forever be my favorite!), and I have a dream of learning how to make fun coffee drinks. What first drew me to ReCity was the strong emphasis on purpose-driven work and community growth through co-working, and I am excited to learn more about what it looks like to leverage each of our strengths to be able to love Durham well together.

3 Ways to help Durham residents displaced during McDougald Terrace Evacuation

Over the weekend hundreds of our Durham neighbors living at McDougald Terrace were displaced due to safety issues involving carbon monoxide leaks. Residents were relocated to local hotels and are staying there indefinitely until the issues are resolved. 

While there are many layers to this situation, there are also very practical ways we can respond thoughtfully, helpfully, and immediately to help address the needs of our neighbors affected by this crisis.

In some instances, residents were given just 30 minutes to evacuate on Friday night, meaning they were only able to take a handful of belongings with them.

One of our ReCity partners is a McDougald Terrace resident, and is now leading efforts alongside other residents to ensure families at his hotel location have the basic supplies they need during this transition, as many lack access to typical bus routes and funds to purchase basic household and toiletry items.

Our partners have provided us with a list of items that would be helpful.

Here are 3 ways you can help:

1. Purchase items from this list and drop them off at ReCity (112 Broadway Street, Durham, NC, 27701)

2. Donate online to help with the purchase of these supplies (Click this link to donate and write “McDougal Fund” in the Address Line 2 section) 

3. Forward this message to others in your network who can help.

This is an opportunity for the ReCity community to rally to meet the needs of our vulnerable neighbors by supporting efforts led by those directly affected by the problem.

I hope you’ll join us in offering our prayers and support.

Rob & the ReCity team

—

Supply List: 

Diapers (all sizes)

Socks (all sizes)

Wipes

Baby Food

Basic Toiletry Items

Snacks, 

Baby Oil 

Baby Lotion

Laundry Detergent

Water

Juice

Clorox

Apple Juice

Gatorade

Shark Tank-like competition provides micro-grants to young Durham entrepreneurs

DURHAM (WTVD) -- Young entrepreneurs took part in a pitch competition on Tuesday night with the winner taking home $800 in micro-grant funding for their business idea.

Durham SOUP featured four African-American owned businesses pitching community-oriented concepts in a competition that looked like ABC's hit show Shark Tank.

The early stage entrepreneurs made four-minute presentations to attendees, who donated $5 for a dinner of soup, salad, and bread, and then voted on their favorite pitch.

The program is modeled after a micro-granting community dinner model in Detroit.

"These aren't life-changing amounts of money," said Durham SOUP co-founder Ajay Menon. "If we raise $1,000 we are very happy. The real value we found in the Detroit program that we want to bring here is we want to empower the community, we want everyone to share their collective networks and resources, so everyone can benefit."

Jason Johnson won the competition with his concept called the H.U.B.B., a small business incubator, food truck commissary and commercial kitchen available for rent by the hour, week or month to culinary entrepreneurs wanting to try their hand at a new food or baking concept.

Johnson will get $800 raised at the Durham SOUP event and three months of free shared office space at the ReCity Network coworking space in Durham.

3 Things Every Social Impact Leader Should Know

Three years ago, a group of faith leaders in Durham asked a bold question: what would it look like if the whole community came together as a community to solve it’s toughest challenges? The attempt to answer that question led to what is now ReCity--a social impact hub that houses a network of over 40 nonprofits, businesses, and faith communities--all committed to building a more just city, together. As I reflect on the first 3 years of this journey, 3 things in particular stand out as lessons that have profoundly shaped the community we’re striving to build here: 

1. There is power in getting proximate. 

A wise man once said that change happens at the speed of trust. We can’t move faster than the trust we’ve built with one another, and trust takes time, a lot of time. That’s why we’ve invested so much in space. Shared spaces help people get proximate, which is a critical step in accelerating the changes we want to see in our communities. I’ve seen this play out every day over the past 3 years as organizations serving our city are able to move the needle addressing complex social issues further and faster within the context of community. Proximity is a step you simply cannot skip on the path to community transformation.

2. Proximity alone isn’t enough.

There is power in getting proximate to each other, but if you want to build authentic community, proximity alone isn’t enough. You also have to be intentional. Neighbors live in very close proximity, but it doesn’t make them friends (or even mean they know each other’s names!) Real community is the result of proximity plus intentionality. Sharing space, services, and values are a great way to accelerate partnerships, but you still have to put in the hard work to develop relationships built on trust. Here at ReCity, we do everything we can to set our partners up for success, but ultimately it’s up to them to show up, listen and build trust with each other. 

3. More social impact leaders should try to work themselves out of a job

Many nonprofits start with a bold vision to change the world and meet tangible needs in their community, but often, self-preservation can begin to take priority over transformation. Leadership starts to prioritize survival ahead of the needs of their constituents, with devastating results. Our communities need more servant-leaders who prioritize impact over their own self-preservation. For many, that means the goal should be to work yourself out of a job--to succeed in your mission so much that there is no longer a need for your services. Our communities need more leaders who have this radical vision as their end game. I get to serve alongside many of these kind of leaders here at ReCity. Having this goal as their end game shapes the way they lead and, in turn, magnifies their impact. 

I’m inspired by this incredible group of leaders who are reimagining what is possible for their community, and locking arms to do the hard work, together. We’re three years in, but we’re just getting started. 

---

Rob Shields is the Executive Director of ReCity Network, the Triangle’s hub for social impact. Based in downtown Durham, ReCity is home to a rapidly growing network of over 40 organizations, all committed to pursuing a shared vision of building thriving communities that are rooted in justice.

ReCity and YNPN Join Voices

ReCity and YNPN Join Voices 

August 9, 2019

(DURHAM, NC) The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) of the Triangle and ReCity Network announce a new strategic partnership to help ensure the nonprofit sector has the resources needed to address critical social issues for a stronger and more just Triangle. 

YNPN and ReCity Network share common values and are committed to building the capacity of Triangle-area professionals and entrepreneurs. YNPN cultivates emerging nonprofit leaders by fostering networking, skill-building, and resource-sharing. ReCity Network is an emerging hub for social impact with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and mission-driven businesses, 

As part of this formal agreement, ReCity Network will host several YNPN Triangle professional development events at its 12,000-square-foot coworking, meeting, and event space located near the intersection of Broadway and Mangum Streets in downtown Durham. ReCity and YNPN will work together to select events in an effort to promote collaboration among the organizations and their respective members. Events will focus on today’s most pressing social issues by providing a platform for the marginalized and underrepresented to thrive. 

Free and low-cost events will be designed for emerging leaders to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for their success in a nonprofit career. Additionally, these events will provide opportunities for attendees to build relationships with other social sector leaders. YNPN Triangle NC and ReCity Network understand that these connections are a vital part of a more powerful, cohesive nonprofit sector. Finally, these events will also be an opportunity for YNPN Triangle NC members to learn about how to become part of the ReCity Network.

YNPN is leading by example on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious background, YNPN offers opportunities for all. We advocate for equitable and inclusive workplaces where all people have a seat at the table.  When every person contributes to the decision-making process, the individual, organization, and entire nonprofit community benefit. 

ReCity Network is a place created to help underserved communities thrive while promoting efficiency, innovation, collaboration, and inspiration among hardworking organizations in the Durham community. ReCity’s Philosophy of Community Engagement seeks to empower leaders most proximate to injustice who have the best solutions to address those injustices, serve the whole person and community with fairness and justice.

Tanaya Suddreth Lynch, YNPN Triangle board chair says, “A partnership with ReCity and YNPN Triangle NC means we can join forces to build equitable and inclusive access to professional and community advancement. We can all learn from each other, build relationships across communities and leaders, and make a difference in the lives of emerging leaders. With this partnership, our members will have access to more events and information to build better organizations and communities.” 

Rob Shields, ReCity Network’s Executive Director says, "ReCity was founded on the idea that shared resources lead to increased capacity and better outcomes. Access drives progress, but it’s a concept that is inherently inequitable. By partnering with YNPN, we hope to grow our ability to improve the lives of people across the Triangle by providing access to professional development events that will empower and educate the leaders of tomorrow. Not only will this strengthen our network here at ReCity, it also helps build stronger connections across the local nonprofit sector and the populations they serve." 

Organization Contacts: 

Lindsey Zarracina, YNPN Triangle NC

Chair, Marketing and Communications Committee

lindsey.zarracina@outlook.com

Rob Shields, ReCity Network

Executive Director

rob@recitynetwork.org