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Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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Public Education

Judges not legislators: State Supreme Court’s legitimacy depends on continued respect for precedent

November 22, 2022 · NC Policy Watch

Maybe the change was an inevitable byproduct of our charged and contentious era. Maybe it was naïve to ever think that things were dramatically different in the past. Whichever the […]

Judges not legislators: State Supreme Court’s legitimacy depends on continued respect for precedent

November 22, 2022 · NC Policy Watch Leave a Comment

Maybe the change was an inevitable byproduct of our charged and contentious era. Maybe it was naïve to ever think that things were dramatically different in the past. Whichever the […]

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Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Public Education

High court faces school funds switcheroo

November 14, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. Supreme Court – or at least a slim majority of its members – invoked its solemn duty to uphold constitutional rights when it agreed in a Nov. 4 […]

High court faces school funds switcheroo

November 14, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. Supreme Court – or at least a slim majority of its members – invoked its solemn duty to uphold constitutional rights when it agreed in a Nov. 4 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Who decides on ‘sound basic’ spending? Stay tuned

August 11, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Like it or not – and there are plenty of reasons to worry amid the familiar end-of-summer bursts of excitement – another school year will soon get under way. The […]

Who decides on ‘sound basic’ spending? Stay tuned

August 11, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Like it or not – and there are plenty of reasons to worry amid the familiar end-of-summer bursts of excitement – another school year will soon get under way. The […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

School Spending, Quality at Stake

April 11, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The colossal dispute over the proper financing of North Carolina’s public schools that has played out over 28 years is heading to a showdown before the state Supreme Court – […]

School Spending, Quality at Stake

April 11, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The colossal dispute over the proper financing of North Carolina’s public schools that has played out over 28 years is heading to a showdown before the state Supreme Court – […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Decision points on districts, schools

January 24, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Among all the issues and challenges confronting North Carolina as 2022 gets under way – overcoming the pandemic, easing rural poverty, alleviating environmental threats, improving access to health care, on […]

Decision points on districts, schools

January 24, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Among all the issues and challenges confronting North Carolina as 2022 gets under way – overcoming the pandemic, easing rural poverty, alleviating environmental threats, improving access to health care, on […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education, Redistricting

Help for schools: Courts to the rescue

November 12, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the rough and tumble realm of politics, it can be a hard call as to whether someone is standing firm on worthwhile principle or simply obstructing out of plain […]

Help for schools: Courts to the rescue

November 12, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the rough and tumble realm of politics, it can be a hard call as to whether someone is standing firm on worthwhile principle or simply obstructing out of plain […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

Push, shove on public school spending

September 10, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A momentous clash between North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s judicial system looks to be coming to a head. At stake is the ability of the state’s public schools […]

Push, shove on public school spending

September 10, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A momentous clash between North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s judicial system looks to be coming to a head. At stake is the ability of the state’s public schools […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Virtual HKonJ Moral March & People’s Assembly 2021

January 28, 2021 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The annual HKonJ (Historic Thousands on Jones Street) Moral March and People’s Assembly 2021 is happening virtually and online this year. Due to Covid, we cannot gather on Fayetteville Street, but there […]

Virtual HKonJ Moral March & People’s Assembly 2021

January 28, 2021 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The annual HKonJ (Historic Thousands on Jones Street) Moral March and People’s Assembly 2021 is happening virtually and online this year. Due to Covid, we cannot gather on Fayetteville Street, but there […]

Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

‘Sound Basic’ Truths About Our Schools

January 17, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UpdateOn Jan. 21, Superior Court Judge David Lee, who oversees compliance in the Leandro school-quality case, issued an order endorsing the WestEd report’s findings and setting forth steps to address its recommendations […]

‘Sound Basic’ Truths About Our Schools

January 17, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UpdateOn Jan. 21, Superior Court Judge David Lee, who oversees compliance in the Leandro school-quality case, issued an order endorsing the WestEd report’s findings and setting forth steps to address its recommendations […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Uniting Communities for Public Education Excellence — Salisbury

November 14, 2019 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Are you supportive public education and want to engage with others in effective advocacy? The North Carolina Council of Churches Public Education Committee and Milford Hills United Methodist Church (UMC) […]

Uniting Communities for Public Education Excellence — Salisbury

November 14, 2019 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Are you supportive public education and want to engage with others in effective advocacy? The North Carolina Council of Churches Public Education Committee and Milford Hills United Methodist Church (UMC) […]

Tagged With: Public Education

Uniting Communities for Public Education Excellence — Alamance

November 14, 2019 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Are you supportive of public education and want to engage with others in effective advocacy? The North Carolina Council of Churches and the Alamance Chapter of the NAACP Public Education […]

Uniting Communities for Public Education Excellence — Alamance

November 14, 2019 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Are you supportive of public education and want to engage with others in effective advocacy? The North Carolina Council of Churches and the Alamance Chapter of the NAACP Public Education […]

Tagged With: Public Education

Let Justice Roll: Sustain the Veto

July 2, 2019 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Thus says the Lord:For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of […]

Let Justice Roll: Sustain the Veto

July 2, 2019 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Thus says the Lord:For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Public Education, State Budget

Raleigh Report – April 29, 2019

April 29, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Introduced Bills CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 834 – Ban the Box would prohibit the state from asking a job applicant about his/her criminal history until that applicant had been selected for […]

Raleigh Report – April 29, 2019

April 29, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Introduced Bills CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 834 – Ban the Box would prohibit the state from asking a job applicant about his/her criminal history until that applicant had been selected for […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Gun Violence, Public Education

Raleigh Report – April 22, 2019

April 22, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICEHB 781 – Limitations on Use of Solitary Confinementactually contains several items related to prisons: Solitary confinement couldn’t be used for inmates with serious mental illness unless […]

Raleigh Report – April 22, 2019

April 22, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICEHB 781 – Limitations on Use of Solitary Confinementactually contains several items related to prisons: Solitary confinement couldn’t be used for inmates with serious mental illness unless […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Gun Violence, Immigration, Public Education, Torture

Raleigh Report – April 11, 2019

April 11, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 587 – Repeal Death Penalty would abolish the death penalty, and all prisoners currently on Death Row would be resentenced to life imprisonment without parole. […]

Raleigh Report – April 11, 2019

April 11, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 587 – Repeal Death Penalty would abolish the death penalty, and all prisoners currently on Death Row would be resentenced to life imprisonment without parole. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Environment, Good Government, Gun Violence, Immigration, Public Education, Redistricting

Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PRISON REFORM HB 460/SB 545 – Fair Chance Hiring would require state agencies to reduce barriers to hiring people with a criminal history. Specific provisions include: Prohibits […]

Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PRISON REFORM HB 460/SB 545 – Fair Chance Hiring would require state agencies to reduce barriers to hiring people with a criminal history. Specific provisions include: Prohibits […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, LGBTQ, Peace, Public Education

Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 422/SB 234 – Healthy Families & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days is similar to the paid sick leave provisions of HB 46. (See RR, February 26.) Introduced […]

Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 422/SB 234 – Healthy Families & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days is similar to the paid sick leave provisions of HB 46. (See RR, February 26.) Introduced […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Immigration, Public Education

A Prayer for Teachers

March 25, 2019 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following words were delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland on Friday, March 22 as the opening invocation of the North Carolina Association of Educators State Convention. Gracious and loving […]

A Prayer for Teachers

March 25, 2019 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following words were delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland on Friday, March 22 as the opening invocation of the North Carolina Association of Educators State Convention. Gracious and loving […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION With the passing last month of the first anniversary of the shooting deaths of 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the […]

Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION With the passing last month of the first anniversary of the shooting deaths of 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the […]

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Gun Violence, Human Rights, Immigration, Public Education

Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019

February 12, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The 2019 Long Session of the General Assembly is now in full swing. As a result of last November’s elections, Republicans maintained majorities in both Senate and House but lost […]

Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019

February 12, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The 2019 Long Session of the General Assembly is now in full swing. As a result of last November’s elections, Republicans maintained majorities in both Senate and House but lost […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform, Public Education

Public Education Forum

February 5, 2019 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Join the North Carolina Council of Churches next Tuesday, February 12, at 7 pm for a Public Education Forum. We will review the current public education landscape, offer avenues for […]

Public Education Forum

February 5, 2019 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Join the North Carolina Council of Churches next Tuesday, February 12, at 7 pm for a Public Education Forum. We will review the current public education landscape, offer avenues for […]

Tagged With: Public Education

Make a Way for the Children to Come

January 28, 2019 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Closing remarks made by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at the Council’s Public Education Summit on Friday, January 25. The Council placed a billboard along I-40 last summer, echoing the attention […]

Make a Way for the Children to Come

January 28, 2019 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Closing remarks made by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at the Council’s Public Education Summit on Friday, January 25. The Council placed a billboard along I-40 last summer, echoing the attention […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

Vetting the Vote: Public Education

October 25, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Public education is a critical issue for Christians, and the midterm elections provide a significant opportunity to vote with public education on our hearts – and in our minds. The […]

Vetting the Vote: Public Education

October 25, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Public education is a critical issue for Christians, and the midterm elections provide a significant opportunity to vote with public education on our hearts – and in our minds. The […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education – Hickory

September 4, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education – Hickory

September 4, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

Tagged With: Public Education

Honor Students and Teachers with a Public Education Sabbath

August 21, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Public schools stand in the breach between chaos and a thriving society. Public schools offer our thriving students and our struggling students the challenges, enrichment, and nurture they need to […]

Honor Students and Teachers with a Public Education Sabbath

August 21, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Public schools stand in the breach between chaos and a thriving society. Public schools offer our thriving students and our struggling students the challenges, enrichment, and nurture they need to […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Public Education

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education Training – Salisbury

August 13, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education Training – Salisbury

August 13, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

Tagged With: Public Education

The Color of Public Education: Laws that Divide Us, Hopes that Unite Us

July 17, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

[registration] Due to high interest and the space limitations of the church we have had to cap registration for the dinner portion of this event. You are still welcome to […]

The Color of Public Education: Laws that Divide Us, Hopes that Unite Us

July 17, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

[registration] Due to high interest and the space limitations of the church we have had to cap registration for the dinner portion of this event. You are still welcome to […]

Tagged With: Public Education

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education Training – Orange County

July 12, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education Training – Orange County

July 12, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

Tagged With: Public Education

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education Training – Hickory

July 2, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education Training – Hickory

July 2, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

Tagged With: Public Education

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education Training – Asheville

July 2, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

NC Faith Leaders for Public Education Training – Asheville

July 2, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council has long supported public education. This year, we commit anew to support public schools in our communities and to advocate on behalf of public education in our state. […]

Tagged With: Public Education

Council Calls for More Support for Public Education

June 22, 2018 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches has unveiled our latest billboard. This time we set our sights on Public Education. The billboard is located on I-40 East at Mile Marker […]

Council Calls for More Support for Public Education

June 22, 2018 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches has unveiled our latest billboard. This time we set our sights on Public Education. The billboard is located on I-40 East at Mile Marker […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer

June 11, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new state budget – now on a fast track to final enactment by the Republican-controlled General Assembly over Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto – represents a miserable failure […]

Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer

June 11, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new state budget – now on a fast track to final enactment by the Republican-controlled General Assembly over Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto – represents a miserable failure […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018

May 30, 2018 By North Carolina Council of Churches

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The North Carolina General Assembly re-convened for its 2018 “short session” on Wednesday, May 16. Under terms of last year’s adjournment resolution, the General […]

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018

May 30, 2018 by North Carolina Council of Churches

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The North Carolina General Assembly re-convened for its 2018 “short session” on Wednesday, May 16. Under terms of last year’s adjournment resolution, the General […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

No More Mottos

May 25, 2018 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Hours after teachers marched on Raleigh to talk about funding needs for their schools, their students, and, yes, even themselves, a bill was introduced in the N.C. General Assembly to […]

No More Mottos

May 25, 2018 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Hours after teachers marched on Raleigh to talk about funding needs for their schools, their students, and, yes, even themselves, a bill was introduced in the N.C. General Assembly to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education, State Budget

And May We Be Changed

May 21, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

What will change because of May 16? Because of the Day of Advocacy for Public Education in North Carolina?   It was a day born of heart’s work, and bearing […]

And May We Be Changed

May 21, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

What will change because of May 16? Because of the Day of Advocacy for Public Education in North Carolina?   It was a day born of heart’s work, and bearing […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

Council announces Faith Leaders for NC Children Initiative

May 19, 2018 By North Carolina Council of Churches

On the day Public School educators, administrators, staff, and their supporters gathered to make their voices heard at the North Carolina General Assembly, filling the streets and filling the gallery […]

Council announces Faith Leaders for NC Children Initiative

May 19, 2018 by North Carolina Council of Churches

On the day Public School educators, administrators, staff, and their supporters gathered to make their voices heard at the North Carolina General Assembly, filling the streets and filling the gallery […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

Marching for Schools, and for Children

May 18, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They suited up in their red t-shirts, hoisted their homemade signs and coursed like a river through the heart of downtown Raleigh. Destination: The headquarters of North Carolina’s General Assembly. […]

Marching for Schools, and for Children

May 18, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They suited up in their red t-shirts, hoisted their homemade signs and coursed like a river through the heart of downtown Raleigh. Destination: The headquarters of North Carolina’s General Assembly. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education, State Budget

Faith Leaders for North Carolina Children (FLFNCC)

May 15, 2018 By chris

The NC Council of Churches has a long history of supporting public education and recently recommitted to both support and advocacy for the state system of public schools. (See statement […]

Faith Leaders for North Carolina Children (FLFNCC)

May 15, 2018 by chris

The NC Council of Churches has a long history of supporting public education and recently recommitted to both support and advocacy for the state system of public schools. (See statement […]

Filed Under: Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

Because of Jesus

May 15, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

When the news reporter approached me, I was milling about in the grass, adjusting my pastoral stole, preparing to be present with some of our local teachers at a press […]

Because of Jesus

May 15, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

When the news reporter approached me, I was milling about in the grass, adjusting my pastoral stole, preparing to be present with some of our local teachers at a press […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Food, Public Education

Building Up Our Schools

May 4, 2018 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

“Build a Church, then Build a School.” Chief among the instructions for John Wesley’s itinerant ministers was this directive about education. Methodists are not the only faith group to grasp […]

Building Up Our Schools

May 4, 2018 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

“Build a Church, then Build a School.” Chief among the instructions for John Wesley’s itinerant ministers was this directive about education. Methodists are not the only faith group to grasp […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

Backpack Full of Cash Documentary Screening – Raleigh

May 3, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Narrated by Matt Damon, Backpack Full of Cash explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. This 90-minute documentary takes viewers through […]

Backpack Full of Cash Documentary Screening – Raleigh

May 3, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Narrated by Matt Damon, Backpack Full of Cash explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. This 90-minute documentary takes viewers through […]

Tagged With: Public Education

Backpack Full of Cash Documentary Screening

May 3, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Narrated by Matt Damon, Backpack Full of Cash explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. This 90-minute documentary takes viewers through […]

Backpack Full of Cash Documentary Screening

May 3, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Narrated by Matt Damon, Backpack Full of Cash explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. This 90-minute documentary takes viewers through […]

Tagged With: Public Education

Doing the School-money Shuffle

April 30, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the N.C. General Assembly convenes on May 16, legislators will be “welcomed” by a throng of advocates for high-quality public schools – teachers prominent among them. More power to […]

Doing the School-money Shuffle

April 30, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the N.C. General Assembly convenes on May 16, legislators will be “welcomed” by a throng of advocates for high-quality public schools – teachers prominent among them. More power to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

School Districts: Keeping It Together

April 13, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Public education in North Carolina has its share of challenges, not the least of which has been the state’s ongoing failure to make sure that school systems in poorer communities […]

School Districts: Keeping It Together

April 13, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Public education in North Carolina has its share of challenges, not the least of which has been the state’s ongoing failure to make sure that school systems in poorer communities […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Public Schools’ Call to Quality – For All

April 2, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was perhaps the N.C. Supreme Court’s finest hour. In 1997, the high court held unanimously that North Carolina public school students are entitled under the state constitution to the […]

Public Schools’ Call to Quality – For All

April 2, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was perhaps the N.C. Supreme Court’s finest hour. In 1997, the high court held unanimously that North Carolina public school students are entitled under the state constitution to the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

March 22, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of government to stages and theaters from coast to coast, from marches and protest to […]

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

March 22, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of government to stages and theaters from coast to coast, from marches and protest to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Healthcare Reform, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Worship

It’s Only 40 Days

February 19, 2018 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland yesterday, Sunday, February 18 at Millford Hills United Methodist Church in Salisbury, NC. The lectionary texts were Genesis 9:8-17 and Mark 1:9-15. 40 days–rain! 40 […]

It’s Only 40 Days

February 19, 2018 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland yesterday, Sunday, February 18 at Millford Hills United Methodist Church in Salisbury, NC. The lectionary texts were Genesis 9:8-17 and Mark 1:9-15. 40 days–rain! 40 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Environment, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Peace, Public Education

Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale

February 15, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the General Assembly wraps up its weirdly timed and generally ill-conceived winter session, it would be nice to think that the grand dispute over class sizes in North Carolina’s […]

Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale

February 15, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the General Assembly wraps up its weirdly timed and generally ill-conceived winter session, it would be nice to think that the grand dispute over class sizes in North Carolina’s […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Policy Statement on the Public Schools

December 15, 2017 By North Carolina Council of Churches

Statement on the Public Schools Approved December 5, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches Because the past decade has brought a new era of […]

Policy Statement on the Public Schools

December 15, 2017 by North Carolina Council of Churches

Statement on the Public Schools Approved December 5, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches Because the past decade has brought a new era of […]

Filed Under: Issue Statements Tagged With: Public Education, Racial Justice

Protect Dreamers This Thanksgiving

November 22, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

For many of us living in the United States, Thanksgiving is a time when we get together with family and friends. We share food, fellowship, and the things that we are […]

Protect Dreamers This Thanksgiving

November 22, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

For many of us living in the United States, Thanksgiving is a time when we get together with family and friends. We share food, fellowship, and the things that we are […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Immigration, Public Education

Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams

August 5, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Five years ago, President Obama created the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program to enable young people brought to this country as children to come out of the shadows […]

Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams

August 5, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Five years ago, President Obama created the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program to enable young people brought to this country as children to come out of the shadows […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Immigration, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

Rights Advocacy At Risk

August 3, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The optics, as they say, are terrible. But in a state whose motto is “To Be Rather Than to Seem,” it’s even more important to look at the substance. And […]

Rights Advocacy At Risk

August 3, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The optics, as they say, are terrible. But in a state whose motto is “To Be Rather Than to Seem,” it’s even more important to look at the substance. And […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

June 30, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Presented with a new state budget that, whatever its occasional virtues, is mainly about easing tax burdens on the well-off while grinding opponents of legislative Republicans into the dirt, Democratic […]

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

June 30, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Presented with a new state budget that, whatever its occasional virtues, is mainly about easing tax burdens on the well-off while grinding opponents of legislative Republicans into the dirt, Democratic […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

June 22, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican chiefs to try to make a fundamentally flawed state budget appear, well, not that […]

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

June 22, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican chiefs to try to make a fundamentally flawed state budget appear, well, not that […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful

June 12, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The General Assembly leaders meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget are working with two deeply flawed proposals. As our friend Chris Fitzsimon at […]

GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful

June 12, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The General Assembly leaders meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget are working with two deeply flawed proposals. As our friend Chris Fitzsimon at […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Food, Good Government, Hunger, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

May 23, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House. The Washington Post provides two helpful graphics here and here. More is being written […]

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

May 23, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House. The Washington Post provides two helpful graphics here and here. More is being written […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Food, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Mental Health, Peace, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Taxes

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

May 19, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide how much money North Carolina’s state government will spend, what it will be spent […]

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

May 19, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide how much money North Carolina’s state government will spend, what it will be spent […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Food, Good Government, Health, Housing, Hunger, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

May 11, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For more information on bills, including committee referrals and re-referrals, texts of bills, procedural histories, and recorded votes, go to the General Assembly website […]

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

May 11, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For more information on bills, including committee referrals and re-referrals, texts of bills, procedural histories, and recorded votes, go to the General Assembly website […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Elections, Environment, Food, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Hunger, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Public Education, State Budget

Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017

April 27, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [The deadlines for the introduction of most new bills have now passed, and we are in Crossover Week. By the end of the week, […]

Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017

April 27, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [The deadlines for the introduction of most new bills have now passed, and we are in Crossover Week. By the end of the week, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Farmworkers, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Organized Labor, Public Education

Guns on Campus Are a Bad Idea

April 25, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Two of the most volatile elements on a college campus are alcohol and hormones. These ingredients contribute to sexual assault (23.1 percent of female and 5.4 percent of male undergraduates), […]

Guns on Campus Are a Bad Idea

April 25, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Two of the most volatile elements on a college campus are alcohol and hormones. These ingredients contribute to sexual assault (23.1 percent of female and 5.4 percent of male undergraduates), […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Good Government, Gun Violence, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services

April 22, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

How many times do we have to say it? Well, it’s worth repeating – especially in the aftermath of recent income tax filing deadlines, when the subject becomes a sore […]

Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services

April 22, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

How many times do we have to say it? Well, it’s worth repeating – especially in the aftermath of recent income tax filing deadlines, when the subject becomes a sore […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017

April 21, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For the latest committee referrals and re-referrals, go to the General Assembly website www.ncleg.net. There you can also find the texts of bills, procedural […]

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017

April 21, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For the latest committee referrals and re-referrals, go to the General Assembly website www.ncleg.net. There you can also find the texts of bills, procedural […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

April 17, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers & State Employees Pay Raise, would give annual raises of $2,400 to teachers and other […]

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

April 17, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers & State Employees Pay Raise, would give annual raises of $2,400 to teachers and other […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Bills are being introduced at a rapid pace as the Senate’s deadline for new bills has passed and the House’s deadline on non-money approaches. […]

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Bills are being introduced at a rapid pace as the Senate’s deadline for new bills has passed and the House’s deadline on non-money approaches. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Taxes

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

March 28, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning […]

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

March 28, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Refugees, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes, Worship

Raleigh Report — March 26, 2017

March 26, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION H 356, Tax Reduction Act of 2017, would increase the standard deduction for state income taxes from $17,500 […]

Raleigh Report — March 26, 2017

March 26, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION H 356, Tax Reduction Act of 2017, would increase the standard deduction for state income taxes from $17,500 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Environment, Good Government, Gun Violence, LGBTQ, Mental Health, People with Disabilities, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

March 24, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Thank you to those who have registered for the 2017 Legislative Seminar. We are looking forward to having you join us this Monday, March 27, at St. Mark’s United Methodist […]

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

March 24, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Thank you to those who have registered for the 2017 Legislative Seminar. We are looking forward to having you join us this Monday, March 27, at St. Mark’s United Methodist […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Refugees, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

GOP Mantra: Party Hearty!

March 24, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They might not care for the image, but Republican members of the N.C. General Assembly act as though they were drunk with power. They have the votes not merely to […]

GOP Mantra: Party Hearty!

March 24, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They might not care for the image, but Republican members of the N.C. General Assembly act as though they were drunk with power. They have the votes not merely to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017

March 23, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION HB 329, Home School Education Tax Credit, would give a $1,250-per-student-per-semester income tax credit to the parents of […]

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017

March 23, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION HB 329, Home School Education Tax Credit, would give a $1,250-per-student-per-semester income tax credit to the parents of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Elections, Environment, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

If a Budget is a Moral Document, Then What Does this One Preach?

March 17, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The budget blueprint for 2018 released by President Trump on Thursday cuts a wide swath through programs that serve women, people of color, those of low income (for poor women […]

If a Budget is a Moral Document, Then What Does this One Preach?

March 17, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The budget blueprint for 2018 released by President Trump on Thursday cuts a wide swath through programs that serve women, people of color, those of low income (for poor women […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Food, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Hunger, Immigration, Living Wage, Mental Health, Peace, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Refugees, Religion & Society, Taxes

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017

March 14, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE H 233, Ban the Box, would govern how state and local governments could use criminal histories in […]

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017

March 14, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE H 233, Ban the Box, would govern how state and local governments could use criminal histories in […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, LGBTQ, Public Education

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

March 6, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

March 6, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Refugees, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes

Raleigh Report — February 28, 2017

March 1, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills ENVIRONMENTAL CARE H 171, Change Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems. Current law provides an 80% exclusion from property taxation for the […]

Raleigh Report — February 28, 2017

March 1, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills ENVIRONMENTAL CARE H 171, Change Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems. Current law provides an 80% exclusion from property taxation for the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Environment, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Public Education

Whispers and Shouts

February 11, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle to children’s chapel. Sometimes God shouts. Through the amplified suffering of others, known or […]

Whispers and Shouts

February 11, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle to children’s chapel. Sometimes God shouts. Through the amplified suffering of others, known or […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Council News, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget

Raleigh Report — January 31, 2017

January 31, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The 2017 General Assembly has begun its work. Elected in November, it came to Raleigh for a day in early January in order to […]

Raleigh Report — January 31, 2017

January 31, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The 2017 General Assembly has begun its work. Elected in November, it came to Raleigh for a day in early January in order to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

January 27, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

January 27, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Fracking, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Housing, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life, Taxes

Let’s Keep Marching

January 23, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

Let’s Keep Marching

January 23, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Food, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

A Letter to President Trump

January 20, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were elected, and that makes you my president because I am a citizen of these […]

A Letter to President Trump

January 20, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were elected, and that makes you my president because I am a citizen of these […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Taxes

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

January 10, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated policy objectives and choices for cabinet posts. The NC NAACP, Interfaith Power & […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

January 10, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated policy objectives and choices for cabinet posts. The NC NAACP, Interfaith Power & […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life, Substance Abuse

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

December 31, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White House, any good news on the government and politics front was likely to be […]

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

December 31, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White House, any good news on the government and politics front was likely to be […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

December 26, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

December 26, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Action Alert, Christian Unity, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

December 18, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

December 18, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor

December 15, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ugly truth can’t be evaded or denied: North Carolina’s General Assembly, in the grip of an arrogant Republican majority, has plunged ahead with a shocking, shameful abuse of power […]

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor

December 15, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ugly truth can’t be evaded or denied: North Carolina’s General Assembly, in the grip of an arrogant Republican majority, has plunged ahead with a shocking, shameful abuse of power […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Civil Liberties, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

November 10, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work in opposition to violence, there has long been the recognition that peace manifests itself […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

November 10, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work in opposition to violence, there has long been the recognition that peace manifests itself […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes, Worship

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

November 9, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We work toward a church that is all-loving. That’s what we’ve always done and that’s what we’re going to keep doing. Stay connected with the Council to learn about opportunities […]

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

November 9, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We work toward a church that is all-loving. That’s what we’ve always done and that’s what we’re going to keep doing. Stay connected with the Council to learn about opportunities […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget

Supporting NC’s Public Colleges and Universities

September 12, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A couple of weeks ago, I turned and walked away from our youngest son, got into my car and headed for home without him. I was leaving him to live […]

Supporting NC’s Public Colleges and Universities

September 12, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A couple of weeks ago, I turned and walked away from our youngest son, got into my car and headed for home without him. I was leaving him to live […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs

July 10, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly’s 2016 regular session, which drew to a sudden close on July 1, will be remembered as much for what didn’t happen as for what did – […]

Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs

July 10, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly’s 2016 regular session, which drew to a sudden close on July 1, will be remembered as much for what didn’t happen as for what did – […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Crying Aloud in the Wake of the DAPA/DACA Supreme Court Decision

June 27, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week has been filled with what feels like a continuous barrage of tragic news: the shootings in Orlando and subsequent lack of gun control measures by Congress, World […]

Crying Aloud in the Wake of the DAPA/DACA Supreme Court Decision

June 27, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week has been filled with what feels like a continuous barrage of tragic news: the shootings in Orlando and subsequent lack of gun control measures by Congress, World […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, Immigration, Public Education

Budgeting that Tests our Values

June 3, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s assume the worst, which for the moment would mean that the N.C. Senate’s version of a new state budget sails through to enactment without change or compromise. The sun, […]

Budgeting that Tests our Values

June 3, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s assume the worst, which for the moment would mean that the N.C. Senate’s version of a new state budget sails through to enactment without change or compromise. The sun, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Interfaith, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

May 26, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Well, did anyone really expect North Carolina’s General Assembly, in finalizing a new state budget, suddenly to see the light and swerve toward more effective, fairer government? The same General […]

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

May 26, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Well, did anyone really expect North Carolina’s General Assembly, in finalizing a new state budget, suddenly to see the light and swerve toward more effective, fairer government? The same General […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, May 25, 2016

May 25, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director. Weekly Update May 25, 2016 (Legislators’ identifications are listed only the first time they […]

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, May 25, 2016

May 25, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director. Weekly Update May 25, 2016 (Legislators’ identifications are listed only the first time they […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 2016

May 17, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director. Weekly Update May 17, 2016 The deadline for introduction of most new bills into […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 2016

May 17, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director. Weekly Update May 17, 2016 The deadline for introduction of most new bills into […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, LGBTQ, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open

February 9, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us for the Council’s 2016 Critical Issues Seminar, focused on Race, Power, and Privilege, on Saturday, April 23 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 600 East Florida Street, Greensboro. […]

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open

February 9, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us for the Council’s 2016 Critical Issues Seminar, focused on Race, Power, and Privilege, on Saturday, April 23 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 600 East Florida Street, Greensboro. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

February 6, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join the NAACP, NC Council of Churches, and other coalition partners for the Tenth Annual Moral March on Raleigh. Historic Thousands on Jones Street 2016 takes place on Saturday, February 13; […]

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

February 6, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join the NAACP, NC Council of Churches, and other coalition partners for the Tenth Annual Moral March on Raleigh. Historic Thousands on Jones Street 2016 takes place on Saturday, February 13; […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

December 31, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all its residents in mind – not mainly the interests of the well-off and privileged […]

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

December 31, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all its residents in mind – not mainly the interests of the well-off and privileged […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

UNC System’s New Sheriff

October 30, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The notably dapper Thom Goolsby, member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, made a mark of sorts with his put-down of the NAACP-led Moral Monday protest movement […]

UNC System’s New Sheriff

October 30, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The notably dapper Thom Goolsby, member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, made a mark of sorts with his put-down of the NAACP-led Moral Monday protest movement […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, Public Education

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

October 3, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run on far longer than it should have. Let’s be glad that the curtain has […]

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

October 3, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run on far longer than it should have. Let’s be glad that the curtain has […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Death Penalty, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

September 17, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who run the Republican-controlled General Assembly labored and now have brought forth, if not a […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

September 17, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who run the Republican-controlled General Assembly labored and now have brought forth, if not a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Health, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

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