National Conference for Community & Justice - Greater Louisville

Dwen Chester
Email: louisville@nccj.org
Heyburn Building
332 W. Broadway, Suite 300
Louisville KY 40202
Office: 502/815-6225
Fax: 502/815-6224

National Conference for Community & Justice - Greater Louisville

NCCJ --- We Open Minds!

The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), founded in 1927 as the National Conference of Christian and Jews, is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America. NCCJ promotes understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education. Since 1936, NCCJ ?– Greater Louisville (Kentuckiana) Region has provided our community with programs, events and services that focus on the eradication of a broad range of ''isms.'' These multiple manifestations of discrimination and oppression are usually based on one?’s belief system regarding religion, race, age, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, and/or physical ability.

Biases, stereotypes and profiling are real in our community, in many communities in the United States and throughout the world. To confront and overcome them, NCCJ maintains an abiding commitment to work with decision-makers, community leaders and young people toward institutional change. We support their work on a variety of levels to build an inclusive society.

On a national level, NCCJ works in more than 60 regions in 34 states and the District of Columbia to fulfill its mission and build inclusive societies using innovative programming and public policy initiatives that are supported by sound research. Check out the national website at www.nccj.org.

Help Build An Inclusive Society!

In our everyday lives, we often encounter acts of discrimination, inequality and stereotyping. Sometimes, where we least expect it. Sometimes, we are the unwitting victims. And other times, it can even come from ourselves. This is why we all have a role and responsibility in joining the fight against bias, bigotry and racism. NCCJ recommends the following five critical steps we can all take to get started:

1. LOOK IN THE MIRROR
It is hard for most of us to acknowledge our own biases. Take the time to stop and evaluate how you interact with others and how you nonverbally interact with those that are different from you.

2. GET SMART
Whether it's asking questions of individuals and groups you are unfamiliar with, or picking up a book, or visiting a website; take the time to find out more about the cultures, societies and religions that are unfamiliar to you. Education is the key to eliminating the spread of bias, bigotry and racism.

3. LISTEN AND SPEAK UP
Be aware of what you hear on television, on the radio, from your family member, neighbor, teacher, colleague, or friend. Speak up when you hear someone making racist remarks. Drawing attention to the problem may be uncomfortable and challenging, but it is essential to helping others identify and work to address their own biases, words and actions.

4. VENTURE BEYOND
When we think in new ways, meet new people, and embrace new ideas, we expand our capacity for understanding. Seek experiences that bring you in contact with religions, ethnicities and cultures that are unfamiliar to you. Being open to different perspectives and lifestyles is one of the best examples you can provide for others to follow - and expand your own experience in the process.

5. MAKE A COMMITMENT
Do not stand still. Get involved. Join an organization in your community - NCCJ - that inspires you. Participate in programs or honest conversations focusing on human relations issues that are important to you and your community. Making a commitment to be active is the most important step in joining the fight against bias, bigotry and racism.

Get Involved With NCCJ!

Participate
NCCJ invites you to participate in our special events and ongoing diversity-related programs for youth, adults, business, government, education, nonprofits, and other community organizations and groups. We will work with you to get school credit or professional accreditation credits where applicable to the institution. Get more information on our consulting services that tailor a one-on-one diversity-oriented program to classroom or your organization?’s needs. Check the calendar section of our Web Site regularly to get a list of upcoming dates. The address is www.neighborhoodlink.com/org/nccjlouisville.

Volunteer
NCCJ is always seeking volunteers, students, and business groups ready to take action and help us meet our goal of building a just and inclusive Greater Louisville! NCCJ can accommodate individuals and corporate or community groups based on interest and availability. In addition, we are always seeking individuals in specialized fields to serve as trainers and facilitators, Regional Advisors to our Regional Board of Directors, and/or assistants for events and programs. Your attendance may even count toward school credit or professional accreditation.

Become a Donor
One easy way to contribute to NCCJ Greater Louisville is by responding to our annual Membership Campaign. Contact the office to get more information or visit the website for details. Another easy way to help financially is through the www.igive.com website. All you have to do is sign up on igive.com, list National Conference for Community and Justice -- Greater Louisville as your ''cause.'' Then shop on-line from the igive.com website which links to over 460 stores. NCCJ will automatically receive a percentage of your purchases as a donation.

Become a Sponsor or Partner
Throughout the year, we seek partnerships with businesses, government, and other community organizations to help us continue our innovative work in the community. We would be happy to outline our goals, results-oriented format and outcomes-based approach. Contact our office for specific details on an event or program.

CONTACT NCCJ!
NCCJ ?– Greater Louisville Region
Heyburn Building
332 West Broadway, Suite 300
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Phone: (502) 815-6225
Fax: (502) 815-6224
E-mail: louisville@nccj.org
Local website:
www.neighborhoodlink.com/org/nccjlouisville

National website: www.nccj.org