OneRouge Friday Community Check-In (Week 89)


Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in EBR, The Walls Project has been hosting weekly video calls with leaders of nonprofits, foundations, city government, and local businesses from a
cross the parish. The intention of these weekly community check-ins is to share information and resources to help the Baton Rouge community respond and recover from the pandemic. Weekly topics range from access to basic needs such as food, medical care, and safety to thought-leaders' insights on equitable opportunities for youth enrichment, nonprofit financial solvency, surge in unemployment, and the disproportionate impact on impoverished neighborhoods in regards to accessing fresh food.
#ONEROUGE Week #89
Education + Workforce Development
Meeting Notes Prepared by Samantha Morgan (Walls Project)
Quick Links: Notes, Zoom Chat, Community Announcements
I’ve been here in Baton Rouge since January 2019. We started the transition and in 2020 I became the only organizer and the lead organizer for Together Baton Rouge and I’ve had that position since then. I’m originally from Chicago, Illinois, but I’ve lived all over the place.
Together Baton Rouge is an affiliate of the Industrial Area Foundation (started in the 1940s). It’s very different from the organization it started. We focus on how to develop people as public actors. The goal is not for me to be on the front page of the local news. My goal is to help local folks to prepare them to go to battle for the things they really care about. That’s the tradition we try to maintain.
I feel like in the time of Together Baton Rouge we haven’t dove into schools. We’ve been focused on a lot of other things. I feel personally this is a very important thing that needs all hands on deck.
For more than 100 years, a project has been underway to deny Black political power in East Baton Rouge, particularly as it relates to schools. Our goal is to restore proper representation and end suppression of Black political power.
In the 1980s, reapportionment of the school board. It allowed for three African American School board members.
In 2003, Zachary and Baker split off.
In 2010, Central splits off and the school board shrinks from 12 to 11.
In redistricting the council shrank from 11 to 9.
When we’re talking about the school board it does not represent the whole parish.
In the 1980s, Blacks 31.4%, whites 67.7%; 1990: Black 34%, white 63%; 2010: Black 47% white 46%; 2020: Black 46% white 41% other 9% - That’s removing Zachary, Baker and Central
Election results in 2020 was 60% for Biden almost 70% for Governor Edwards, so very Democrat
From 1978 to today there is a strong, conservative white majority on the school board.
Hiring and firing the superintendent: We just hired a new superintendent. This is year 1 and he’s making some very significant changes.
It’s going to be an uphill fight, because one side has all the votes, but if we can appeal to them to get 4 firmly African American, 4 firmly white, and 1 that is flexible to shift, then you can get more equity.
The goal is a winnable, equitable districts. It’s an uphill fight because one side has all the votes.
The goal is to have everything approved by March 17, with three public forums between now and then.
The right thing to do rarely moves people to power to do the right thing. There has to be something pushing against them.
We’re in the infancy stage of this Workforce ecosystem. It’s a culmination of the Board of Regents and LCTCS. It started in October of last year. We had our first meeting and then each region of the state has teams it pulled together.
How do we all fit into the attainment goal. From K-12, from community colleges, from higher eds, from meaningful and non-predatory private players in educational space and progressive non-profits. One thing is defining what that goal looks like and how do we capture that information so that it’s transparent. More importantly, having a goal is key, but we are collectively discovering what those barriers are and how we eliminate those barriers.
Right now we have the we have the Workforce Ecosystem for the Capital Region. I am co-chairing it with Casey, but everybody is leading it.
We are fleshing out what those attainment goals look like. We are leveraging tools that are in place. What other jobs are there out there? What are the populations going into BR Works? And so forth.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Can you talk about the long term ripple effects of redistricting and what it can change generationally?
Khalid Hudson - We need true visionaries to emerge. It can’t just be academics. We have to think about the parish, the state, and that’s where the natural connection between workforce development comes in. Baton Rouge has broken the record for murders in the last two years and we’re on track to do it again. That does connect to education. All these things are connected. Not all children, when they graduate high school, want to go to a four year university. What are the other programs we have available? The goal is to create a space for productive citizens.
Your last population map seemed to indicate that the "other" population has grown. Can you dig deeper into that group and how are they represented in the proposal you've mentioned (4+4+1?)
Khalid Hudson - The “other” category is going to be tricky politically. You have the Bonafede growth of the Hispanic population in the city, and I would question the numbers because I would say there’s a lot more than even represented in the census count. The other issue is folks that are categorized as having a mixed background fall into the other space. We brought that up with a school board member and he asked how do we know “other” couldn’t tip the scales for the white majority? As far as Together Baton Rouge is concerned, we are trying to develop a strategy to engage the immigrant community to lift up their voice. There are some schools that have seen a drastic increase in English as a second language schools, and they were not prepared. Those are the conversations they should be having. There’s a lot of work to be done and we’re nowhere near where we should be.
How does the redistricting plan incorporate concentrated poverty, % of felons unable to vote, and low voter turnout in some communities into their plans for how they draw the lines?
Khalid Hudson - When you’re dealing with the lines for redistricting it doesn’t account for who’s voting, it just counts for who’s there. It’s a direct headcount of who is in the district. They are just going to count heads and make sure the districts are within each other. I don’t believe those that aren’t able to vote are going to be considered in the lines that are drawn.
Dr. Sarah Barlow
I wanted to share what’s happening with the credit side and adult basic education at BRCC that’s in alignment with regional attainment goals. All of the programs that can are embedding industry-based credentials at exit points along the path in our programs.
Between a partnership with Gerard and I at BRCC, individuals that are seeking assistance with their high school equivalency, formerly GED, are able to gain workforce training with Gerard’s team or with our credit technical programs to earn concurrently, both the industry-based credential certificate of technical training or their associates degree and their high set. We don’t want people to think it’s one before the other. Overall, the way we think about training is changing for the better. We’re seeing a much better streamline path between crediting and non-crediting, because ultimately we’re providing a path for individuals to have access and remove barriers to those training opportunities. We also have a lot of federal funds coming in to get money directly to those students to help with their training opportunities for those expenses outside the education system.
One of the initiatives we did in the fall was Erica Burrel has taken on a liaison role between us and Southern University Law center to help those individuals when they come to us on the front end to begin to explore expungement, specifically around those programs that would require a TWIC card, so that when they are done they are ready for employment. We’re trying to serve the entire individual.
We are also launching this spring some food insecurity support. We’re offering a food pantry, which has been a long initiative to finally get in place.
Manny Patole
How does apprenticeships and unionized labor options mentioned work in a “Right to Work” state?
Girard Melancon
The majority of our crafts are an open shop system. They have unions and an open shop hiring practice. What we try to do is have high quality training that meets people where they are. Making them have true ownership of their skills and educating them about their pathways. There’s a whole thing of the gig economy and employee-owned companies. At the end of the day for us, do you have meaningful, transferable skills? Getting people from underemployed, working three jobs, to one job.
SK Groll
I’m thinking about the way tech companies and other businesses are paying for some of these certifications and workforce development programs. We know that tech companies are not paying for workers to develop specific education and workers’ rights education because it’s not in their best interest. How do we build that into other institutions such as BRCC, Southern and LSU, so people are understanding what are my rights as a worker, what strategies can I use. What I fear is that we’re skilling up people, but we’re not preparing them for the ways the economy and workforce are changing. How can we build up communal power and communal education? If companies are not going to pay for that, how are we as a community building it in?
Leslie Clay
Are there any statistics available about how long it takes the students to graduate? I took a few courses there a few years back just to sharpen some skills and I would talk to students and some are taking a long time to graduate.
Dr. Sarah Barlow
Across the country the notion of a two-year degree has extended to many more years. Half our population are taking part-time. We have done a lot to shorten from a four semester to a three semester. We assess annually the cost and the rate to completion. Every program we have a number on, but it’s definitely not the same for every program. It is a number we look at, it is a number I’m focused on.
Rev Anderson
One of things I know personally, is that oftentimes, community colleges serve a particularly important function that allow people to upgrade in ways that has nothing to do with graduation. There is no understanding that within the community college system is where the new industries are the training programs. I think one of the things I would get concerned about is the metric that we most consider with a community college system is a degree. I’m more interested in the number of people who participated are getting a living wage job.
Are they working to get any workforce development grants?
Girard Melancon - BRCC has been working with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber on EDA Good Jobs Challenge Grant. I think they submitted it last week.
Jennifer Carwile
My question is related to aptitude testing. I’m concerned about whether there is enough guidance and support for students in high school. My little buddy says all her family works in fast food. She doesn’t know what else is out there. I can direct her a little bit, but I don’t have all the answers and I don’t know how to direct her.
Casey Phillips - I have some resources I can share LELA - helps high school students and their families and their guardians through the FAFSA process. I agree there’s not as much emphasis on that in the high school years as there should be, but I’m sure there are some schools and programs doing it well.
Girard Melancon - On the BR Works job portal they have an interest inventory. You can see where your skills are and your interests. If you like an occupation and you’re missing some skills, it points you in the right direction.
Casey Phillips - Nothing should ever be sold as the magic bullet solution. Everybody needs guidance and mentorship.
Pat LeDuff - I want to commend Jennifer for continuing to be a buddy. We are really serious about comparing or matching a student at Southern University with every student in Scotlandville. Just think what it would be like if you have a student with every student in Scotlandville. Just yesterday we have done probably about 50K students - I saw one of those students the other day. She was at Wendy’s, her sister is at McDonalds, her mother is at IHOP. I do believe that the buddy system, showing them something different, is the right thing to do.
Rinaldi Jacobs Sr. - I’m going to put on my black chamber of commerce hat. I hope that this program will tie into the small black businesses, which tend to be one or two people. The people who could use the help are the small black businesses that don’t have the big budgets. As we uplift employment, we uplift the community.
Tatiana Begault - What I heard is how education is important. For anyone, we’re so concerned with repairing the damage, we forget about prevention. The action steps start in early learning. When it comes to the adults, they need something that is more comprehensive and that’s where the certificates come in. One of the things I do acknowledge is that they put people to work. Even though you have the training you might not be able to get the licenses if you have a felony.
Verna Bradley-Jackson - Louisiana MJ Foster Promise - This program is for people coming from incarceration to help for training.
There are 55 different charges that will prevent them from using this program.
Casey Phillips - If you’re not familiar with the MF Foster Program, it’s basically TOPS for adults to encourage community college degrees. It’s awesome and I love it and I can’t wait for it to take place on July 1, but does anybody know why those 55 counts were added?
Girard Melancon - I’m not familiar why those 55 charges were put in place, but I think this is one of those things for attainment goals. We can put that on the table and ask. I’m just suspecting it’s tied to licensing, credentials.
Dr. Barlow - they identified the programs that this funding can be used for. It’s for anyone 21 years or older with a high school completion. I believe the frameworks were put there for the programs that are eligible. Not all programs are available, it’s specific training opportunities. It’s a first-come-first-serve. It’s a limited pot of money. People need to start inquiring. Now is the time to start thinking about that and getting individuals ready.
Rev Anderson - Almost all bad law is made from one situation or circumstance. Sometimes we use these big phrases when we’re not looking into the weeds. Right now we are flush with federal money and yet we are not throwing every dollar and every ability to enforce reading in pre-k to 3rd grade. We’re treating it as if it’s the education community's job, it isn’t. In lots of countries, when you are a kindergarten they had programs where people came in and talked about their jobs. It was exposing children to different opportunities. Same for civics, none of our schools have spent time training our children about what is going on with redistricting. Our children don’t know what these things are. That worries me. We are pushing things that could be learned at such an early age into this post high school world. There’s no reason kids couldn’t graduate with these certifications. Why are we making this something you have to pay extra money for? Why can’t we pay a living wage right out of high school. We are not willing to start from birth and say that our biggest investments are in our children. We are going to pay for that.
Pat LeDuff - Generational wealth - there’s a lot that we already have in property. We are going to have to get the families thinking about wills and trusts.
Zoom Chat
From Khalid Hudson to Everyone 08:30 AM
https://tbr.tiny.us/khalid-45min
From Kim Mosby to Everyone 08:31 AM
Good morning everyone. Hope you're doing well.
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 08:33 AM
Good morning! Wanted to share this video that we released last night from the UN Universal Human Rights Community Prayer Vigil which was held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on December 7, 2022. Hope you enjoy. https://www.dropbox.com/s/mq7m952qqaobubj/EBRPPRC_07DEC2021_vigil_edit.mp4?dl=0
From Leslie Clay to Everyone 08:35 AM
I’m from Chicago as well. Please share your email. Thanks.
From Gwendolyn Hamilton to Everyone 08:38 AM
Music to my ears!! Education is where it all begins. In my early days with Together BR, I was unsuccessful in having Education rise as a priority. The timing could not be better.
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 08:40 AM
Wow. This powerful.
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 08:44 AM
Will you make this PowerPoint available?
From Alison Bates to Everyone 08:46 AM
still working on it. the meeting notes are long.
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 08:46 AM
How does the massive privatization of education and bifurcation of public education with charters do to the representation of the public in education?
From Alfredo Cruz to Everyone 08:46 AM
Your last population map seemed to indicate that the ""other" population has grown. can you dig deeper into that group and how are they represented in the proposal you've mentioned (4+4+1?
From SK Groll to Everyone 08:46 AM
So grateful for this information Khalid. Thank you for this presentation, and would love to see the PowerPoint in the notes
From Leslie Clay to Everyone 08:47 AM
Thanks Khalid. This is great information.
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 08:48 AM
Anecdotally there seems to be a large latine’/hispanic population growth in Connie Bs district 🙄 (my district), how are we educating and mobilizing them to get better representation?
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 08:50 AM
One of the clear issues was the amount of money designated for educational facilities such as the disparity of funds spent on Liberty versus Istrouma?
From Sarah Barlow to Everyone 08:50 AM
Baton Rouge CC does that--students can concurrently earn industry based credentials while completing their work on the HISET.
From Tatiana Begault to Everyone 08:50 AM
Incredible initiative! Thankyou very for sharing with us!
From Kim Mosby to Everyone 08:50 AM
How does the redistricting plan incorporate concentrated poverty, % of felons unable to vote, and low voter turn out in some communities into their plans for how they draw the lines?
From Donald Andrews to Everyone 08:52 AM
What do we do with the D and F rated schools and where they are located regardless of who controls the school board. What makes a great school system? Is it all about the political make-up?
From SK Groll to Everyone 08:53 AM
I’m imagining schools which provide civic education for young people that prepares them to engage in building communal power. Entering the workforce and understanding the power of unions, understanding the power of community organizing and strong public schools in their neighborhood. Connecting the young people in our schools to understanding and working with power across their lifetimes, and feeling prepared to do so
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 08:54 AM
With the over policing of youth in low wealth communities and the constant movement of youth out of home districts into juvenile facilities there is a growing population of children whose educational needs are not being addressed in any of these conversations as well as special needs children, " migrant, immigrant, physically and mentally challenged youth" How will this process engage these families?
From Khalid Hudson to Everyone 08:56 AM
Hee is a link to my calendar I would love to meet with you all, please find a time that works best for you: https://tbr.tiny.us/khalid-45min
From Chris Spalatin | BRAC to Everyone 08:57 AM
Great to hear you speak Khalid
From Gwendolyn Hamilton to Everyone 09:01 AM
We should understand the data clearly shows, PreK is critical. Our kids start behind at K
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 09:02 AM
Can our attainment goals be targeted by graduate cohort based on the available industry vs degree based jobs available?
From Donald Andrews to Everyone 09:03 AM
Are you developing workforce training grants there are many EDA grant opportunities available?
From jennifer carwile to Everyone 09:03 AM
I have a Little Buddy who is not likely headed for college. We would really like to do some aptitude testing to figure out what might be a good lather for her after high school. Is anyone providing that for students?
From Rinaldi Jacobs Sr to Everyone 09:03 AM
Rinaldi is in Dr..G and Casey
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:03 AM
Q: How does apprenticeships and unionized labor options mentioned work in a “Right to Work” state?
From Tatiana Begault to Everyone 09:04 AM
In addition to create an action step! Would love to join
From SK Groll to Everyone 09:05 AM
How are our workforce development programs and pipelines building in education for workers on workers rights?
We can historically understand that workers rights are important to maintain transparency, to mitigate predatory actions. Are we allowing space for this conversation, or are we (schools, businesses, local civic orgs) too scared of talk about unions, workers rights, and collective action?
I worry about preparing people for an increasing number of certifications, including tech, preparing a readily available workforce for extractive employment. I excited about a workforce who is prepared to advocate for themselves and prepared to engage in the structural problems of labor, equity, and power, regardless of which industry they are working in.
From Casey Phillips to Everyone 09:06 AM
If you would like to speak on the connection between Access to quality education to careers and job opportunities to build generational wealth please ping me in the chat.
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 09:07 AM
We have so much money right now and yet we aren't addressing reading challenges in Pre-K to 3rd particularly in low wealth communities. We aren't forcing a reversal of the policies that result in the permanent disenfranchisement of those impacted by the carceral system. We also seem to have an issue to moving these training opportunities for apprenticeship and non college opportunities to both the middle school and high school level as many industrialized countries already do.
From Aimee Moles to Everyone 09:08 AM
yay!!!
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 09:09 AM
With our horrible public transit system we must think comprehensively about the 360 community model where programming is brought to the community using community resources such as school buildings, libraries etc.
From Chris Spalatin | BRAC to Everyone 09:09 AM
If anyone has any information on workforce development, specifically in coding or tech-related up-skilling, please contact me at 3104630917 christophers@brac.org
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 09:10 AM
I have a concern about the HS concurrent degree path... if our students re already struggling to attain the k-12 curriculum and we throw the college level curriculum on top, does that set them up for failure by setting potentially failing grades on their higher end transcript before they even graduate hs?
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 09:12 AM
We also need to recognize that housing opportunities and incentives should be tied to those who need them most. Opportunities to get substantial resources for homeownership is you complete an apprenticeship program.
We need to start providing incentives and resources to those home based growing and emerging businesses that are committed to green and clean industries and a reduction of tax dollars for aging and established industries.
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:13 AM
While working with NYS Governor I worked on this program below. I love community colleges and how vital they are. Not sure if there is a similar program at BRCC but if not, I would love to connect about it. https://www.hvcc.edu/programs/workforce-development/training/clean-energy-sustainability.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_term=WD%20General%20Brand&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh4C8spDD9QIVpBx9Ch2U2AeBEAAYASAAEgL_IfD_BwE#pv
From Tatiana Begault to Everyone 09:14 AM
We have seen registration data in other states however now graduation rates as it correlates with life wealth and health.
From Aimee Moles to Everyone 09:16 AM
home ec
From Me to Everyone 09:16 AM
We don't teach people how to do their taxes, which BLOWS MY MIND!
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:16 AM
Home Econ for sure… but was very heteronormativity
From SK Groll to Everyone 09:16 AM
Agreed @sam and @casey!
From Aimee Moles to Everyone 09:16 AM
indeed lol
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:17 AM
@SK - From BLS on Gig economy and needs for workforce literacy :-) https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/article/what-is-the-gig-economy.htm
From SK Groll to Everyone 09:17 AM
Thank you @manny!!
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:17 AM
And this: https://hbr.org/2019/10/universities-should-be-preparing-students-for-the-gig-economy
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 09:18 AM
I had a child development class at my hs that was very helpful and even remember learning how to balance a checkbook in elementary school through junior achievement.
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 09:19 AM
I don't think the primary role of community colleges is always a degree.
Often it is continuing education, learning a new skill or upgrading obsolete skills.
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:19 AM
From Aspen Institute and role of CC’s https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/workforce-strategies-initiative/role-community-college/#:~:text=Community%20colleges%20play%20a%20critical,four%2Dyear%20colleges%20and%20universities
From Casey Phillips to Everyone 09:20 AM
Several folks have asked me for Khalid Hudson’s email <khudson.tbr@gmail.com>
From Verna Bradley-Jackson to Everyone 09:22 AM
Louisiana MJ Foster Promise * https://regents.la.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SB148-MJ-Foster-Promise-onepager.pdf * This program is for people coming from incarceration to help for training.
From Chris Spalatin | BRAC to Everyone 09:23 AM
From Casey Phillips to Everyone 09:24 AM
I see you Rinaldi
From Leslie Clay to Everyone 09:26 AM
That’s fair. I totally understand that Rev. Anderson. Community colleges exist for training. I was just concerned with some young folks that are using it to get that Arts or Science transfer degrees. I’m originally from Chicago and they have a huge community college system that is a multipurpose institution. I think that anyone in guidance at these colleges are in a unique position to assist this diverse student population.
I wholeheartedly agree Jennifer. That’s what I’m talking about. I can’t stand FAFSA - on a personal note. Lela is wonderful.
From Chris Spalatin | BRAC to Everyone 09:27 AM
Great conversation today! Please reach out if you need access to BRAC
From Me to Everyone 09:28 AM
Girard - can you provide a link to that resource you just mentioned
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:28 AM
A mentor told me the day you stop learning is the day you start dying
From Sarah Barlow to Everyone 09:28 AM
Jennifer--BRCC is happy to come to or welcome in any individuals for career conversations/FAFSA help/etc.
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 09:28 AM
I feel as though we’re leaving a out a segment of our population... Our k-12 exceptional students, particularly those with mental or physical disabilities. What are we doing to ensure that they have the opportunity to contribute to our area workforce and community (understanding that contribution is not just measured by the creation of capital)?
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 09:28 AM
Absolutely!
From SK Groll to Everyone 09:29 AM
Thanks for the great conversation everyone! Really looking forward to the follow ups from today
From Leslie Clay to Everyone 09:29 AM
Thanks to BRCC for offering statistics courses etc. I’m grateful for them.
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 09:29 AM
And contribute in ways that is equitable and inclusive of their unique gifts?
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 09:30 AM
Great ideal!
From Leslie Clay to Everyone 09:30 AM
I have to run. This has been great.
From Girard Melancon to Everyone 09:30 AM
Link to BR Works: https://br.works/
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 09:31 AM
But we don't want to demonize those that work an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.
We have built an economy where fast food and service jobs are what is most available in low wealth communities.
From Me to Everyone 09:33 AM
I have a quick community announcement when it's appropriate.
From Tatiana Begault to Everyone 09:33 AM
yes indeed!
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 09:34 AM
@rev and those hospitality service jobs need to be honored and paid as the essential positions that they really are
From Rev. Alexis Anderson to Everyone 09:34 AM
Say that!!! Planting seeds!
From Kevin Guitterrez to Everyone 09:35 AM
As always, great seeing everyone here today. Appreciate each of you so much. This is a reminder that the deadline for applying to the 2022 Metropolitan Baton Rouge Charter Board Leadership Academy is today. Here’s the link and am also happy to talk thru the opportunity with anyone. My email address is kguitterrez@lacharterschools.org.
https://lacharterschools.org/what-we-do/programs/cbla/
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 09:36 AM
For too long the public narrative has been that those jobs are a punishment for not working/learning hard. No. Our cities don't function without those jobs. Without domestic workers, sanitation, or the food industry, we shutdown.
From Tatiana Begault to Everyone 09:36 AM
Absolutely!
From Kim Mosby to Everyone 09:37 AM
Louisiana Center for Children's Rights is hiring if you know anyone who would be interested. Reentry folks please share the youth advocate position with your clients. www.lakidsrights.org/about-us/join-our-team
From David Beach l Wilson Foundation to Me 09:37 AM
Have a great weekend, all.
From Tristi Charpentier to Everyone 09:39 AM
The Pelican Institute and Right On Crime are working on removing the barriers to occupational licensing for the formerly incarcerated.
From Verna Bradley-Jackson to Everyone 09:41 AM
Right!
List of the 55 charges: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=78337
From Tatiana Begault to Everyone 09:43 AM
Yes indeed Tristi! I work closely with Right on Crime to reduce recidivism rate in addition to work towards streamlining expungement, In addition progress Louisiana and Justice Accountability Center!
20 years ago the employers were looking to a degree or equivalent in experience. Times and evolutionary competition in the work market has modify the way we fill those positions.
From Verna Bradley-Jackson to Everyone 09:44 AM
Louisiana RS 14:2 https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=78337
From Alfredo Cruz to Everyone 09:44 AM
Housing 1st Alliance is hosting a listening tour in partnership with HousingLOUISIANA on Jan. 25 @ 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Here's the flyer https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vr0rRs46RLq-s9Wi-UZOYGQV2l5I0NVu/view?usp=sharing
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dVBwXydUQV6Z2_guz63eEw
if you're unable to attend but want to share input/opinion/ur vision for housing/to address housing needs/policy priorities send email to info@housing1stalliance.org
From Alexis Phillips (she/her) to Everyone 09:45 AM
Right…. The kids are not going to be the ones to ask to learn to be better readers… they need the supportive leadership to show them what they are capable of and keep up with their needs to succeed
From Tristi Charpentier to Everyone 09:45 AM
Louisiana Appleseed is working on heirs property.
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:46 AM
No one is ready to become the parents to your parents and the importance of elder care. I would suggest that as a call too.
From Girard Melancon to Everyone 09:47 AM
Good point Manny
From Alexis Phillips (she/her) to Everyone 09:47 AM
Not enough counselors to help the students.. that has to change as well or overhaul that completely —- we need to be teaching how to handle real world problems. Support everything y’all have said
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 09:47 AM
Regarding building generational wealth, I am forever haunted by the NYT graphic that shows the disparity by race of upward mobility, and how Black boys in middle class homes are still more likely to end their lives in an ALICE population.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/03/19/upshot/race-class-white-and-black-men.html
From Tristi Charpentier to Everyone 09:50 AM
Redistricting session opens 2/1
https://redist.legis.la.gov/default
Redistricting session ends 2/20
Power Coalition for Equity and Justice
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:51 AM
From Rev Anderson: Super Tax Day is February 13th at East Baton Rouge Parish Library @ Goodwood.
Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana is a great resource for discussing barriers in employment for incarceration impacted folks.
From Tatiana Begault to Everyone 09:51 AM
Justice accountability Center also has done several expungement clinics.
Parole project for those living with life sentence.
From Kim Mosby to Everyone 09:53 AM
https://lakidsrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/EBR-Youth-Advocate-Job-Posting-2022.pdf
From Morgan Udoh (She/Her/They) to Everyone 09:53 AM
Go check out the transportation mural on Highland Rd outside of the LSU north gates. SO BEAUTIFUL
From Kim Mosby to Everyone 09:54 AM
https://lakidsrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Youth-Advocate-Job-Posting-2021-2.pdf
From Verna Bradley-Jackson to Everyone 09:54 AM
Thanks! Take care
From Girard Melancon to Everyone 09:54 AM
Please call or text me if you want to talk more about the Credential Goal 225-907-3887
From Kim Mosby to Everyone 09:54 AM
Have a great weekend!
From Manny Patole (he|his, CCBR) to Everyone 09:54 AM
Sorry Super Tax Day is Feb 19th not the 13th. CAASWS 23ystic Krewe of Mutts "Back in the Saddle" is Feb 13th in Downtown Baton Rouge
From Alexis Phillips (she/her) to Everyone 09:54 AM
Thanks everyone for the convo today all the love
Community Announcements
Yellow Book Bike Tour
The Yellow Book bike ride for Saturday, January 22 has been moved to Saturday, February 5 due to the weather. The ride will lead from the Capitol Park Museum.
The ride is part of the Yellow Book exhibit, which is currently on display at the museum. This exhibit focuses on the destruction the interstate had on the Old South neighborhood. The ride will start at 9:30 a.m. and will last about 2 hours. https://www.facebook.com/events/641835807230679
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Redistricting Summit
On Friday, January 28, from noon until 2 p.m., there will be a redistricting summit. It will be held on Zoom.
If you are an attorney it is approved for two hours of CLE credit.
The legislature will be doing a special session to redraw district lines and will determine what legislators get elected.
For more information, contact Alfreda Tillman Bester at alfreda.bester@sulc.edu.
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Job Opportunity Louisiana Center for Children's Rights is hiring if you know anyone who would be interested. Reentry folks please share the youth advocate position with your clients. www.lakidsrights.org/about-us/join-our-team
The positions are in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. There are some things in the preferred qualifications that might make some people apprehensive about applying. If you have any charges against children is what the background check is looking for. And the bachelors degree is not required. It pays a living wage.
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Housing Louisiana Listening Tour
Housing 1st Alliance is hosting a listening tour in partnership with HousingLOUISIANA on Jan. 25 @ 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vr0rRs46RLq-s9Wi-UZOYGQV2l5I0NVu/view?usp=sharing
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dVBwXydUQV6Z2_guz63eEw
if you're unable to attend but want to share input/opinion/ur vision for housing/to address housing needs/policy priorities send email to info@housing1stalliance.org
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There will be two additional and final opportunities to attend the introductory level course in MindBody Medicine through the citywide training project. The advanced training is in April. This training is open to anyone who is interested in developing tools within themselves and in working with others exposed to stress and trauma. We also would also like to recruit a group of young people to train to be peer counselors in this model. Email me for details toni.bankston@gmail.com The February training is 2/2-4, 7-8
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Hurricane Ida assistance deadline extended to Feb. 11 FEMA has extended the period for applicants to request Public Assistance grants for Hurricane Ida. The new deadline is Feb. 11, 2022. The Public Assistance (PA) Program delivers FEMA grant assistance to local and state governments and their agencies, houses of worship and certain private nonprofit applicants following a disaster declaration. Communities, nonprofits and houses of worship interested in applying for a PA grant should contact their local or state emergency manager to begin the process and submit a Request for Public Assistance form. Applicants are highly encouraged to submit their forms through the online FEMA Grants Portal for faster processing. For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
Tangi library seeks nominations for African American Honorary Service Award In celebration of Black History Month, the Tangipahoa Parish Library will once again honor an African American middle or high school student who has made a positive impact in Tangipahoa Parish. Last year’s recipient was Brooke Weathersby from Hammond High Magnet School. Recommendations for this 2022 Tangipahoa African American Honorary Service Award are now being accepted through the library’s website, www.tangilibrary.com The winner will be selected by a committee and there will be an awards ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 10 am at the Amite Branch. The library will accept nominations from teachers and community leaders until Friday, January 28, 2022 at 6pm. Nominations must be submitted electronically and the forms can be found at www.tangilibrary.com
Judge Vanessa Harris replaces Odinet after racist outburst The Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed retired judge Vanessa Harris as judge pro tempore of Lafayette City Court to replace suspended Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet. The Louisiana Supreme Court temporarily suspended Michelle Odinet, without pay, after a video surfaced of Odinet using a racial slur. Odinet’s son who is also believed to be in the video was removed from the LSU Track & Field Team. As alumna of Southern University and the Southern University Law Center, Harris has become the first Black judge appointed to Lafayette City Court. She will serve as judge pro tempore through Feb. 28, 2022.
Cannabis conference to return to New Orleans Black CannaBusiness Magazine said will be returning to New Orleans in 2022 for the Black CannaConference & Expo—the only business to business conference for Black professionals in cannabis. At this month’s event, the Black CannaBizCon received a proclamation from the City of New Orleans and local leaders in support of their work and significance to the business community. Black CannaBizCon partnered with Minorities For Medical Marijuana, Illinois Equity Staffing, the Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine, the Minority Cannabis Business Association, and other organizations that have committed to equity in the cannabis business space. The three day conference included programming and workshop sessions focused on health, social equity and ownership, business development and community advocacy.
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ExxonMobil Announces Ambition for Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 ExxonMobil announced its ambition to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions for operated assets by 2050, backed by a comprehensive approach to develop detailed emission-reduction roadmaps for major facilities and assets.
The net-zero ambition is contained in the company’s Advancing Climate Solutions - 2022 Progress Report, formerly known as the Energy & Carbon Summary. The net-zero aspiration applies to Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and builds on ExxonMobil’s 2030 emission-reduction plans, which include net-zero emissions for Permian Basin operations and ongoing investments in lower-emission solutions in which it has extensive experience, including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and biofuels.
“ExxonMobil is committed to playing a leading role in the energy transition, and Advancing Climate Solutions articulates our deliberate approach to helping society reach a lower-emissions future,” said Darren Woods, chairman and chief executive officer. “We are developing comprehensive roadmaps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operated assets around the world, and where we are not the operator, we are working with our partners to achieve similar emission-reduction results.”
The report provides details of how ExxonMobil’s business strategy is resilient when tested against a range of Paris-aligned net-zero scenarios, including the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 2018 Special Report and the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero by 2050 scenario.
ExxonMobil’s Outlook for Energy, which is based on current policy and technology trends, continues to be the basis for the company’s business plans and investment decisions. In the Advancing Climate Solutions report, the company outlines how its short- and medium-term business plans are adjustable to developments in policy and technology and how it uses signposts and leading indicators to evaluate the need for any changes in future years.
Sound government policies will accelerate the deployment of key technologies at the pace and scale required to support a net-zero future. ExxonMobil continues to support an explicit price on carbon to establish market incentives and encourage investments in lower-emissions technologies.
ExxonMobil is also committed to helping customers reduce their greenhouse emissions by investing in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and biofuels. Bio-based feed and plastic waste streams provide further opportunities for lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
“As we invest in these important technologies, we will advocate for well-designed, high-impact policies that can accelerate the deployment of market-based, cost-effective solutions,” said Woods. “We believe our strategy is unique among industry and enables us to succeed across multiple scenarios. We will create shareholder value by adjusting investments between our existing low-cost portfolio and new lower-emission business opportunities to match the pace of the energy transition.”
To help reach net zero for operated assets by 2050, the company has identified more than 150 potential steps and modifications that can be applied to assets in its upstream, downstream and chemical operations.
Initial actions already underway prioritize energy efficiency measures, methane mitigation, equipment upgrades and the elimination of venting and routine flaring. Further high-impact reduction opportunities include power and steam co-generation and electrification of operations, using renewable or lower-emission power. The company expects to finalize detailed roadmaps that address approximately 90% of operations-related greenhouse gas emissions by the end of this year, and the remainder will be completed in 2023. Initial steps to achieve net zero by 2050 are included in the company’s plans to invest more than $15 billion by 2027 on lower-emission initiatives. Policies further accelerating the development and deployment of lower-emission technologies could provide ExxonMobil with additional investment opportunities.
Advancing Climate Solutions - 2022 Progress Report is available online at exxonmobil.com. The report expands on the company’s 2030 greenhouse gas emission-reduction plans, which are consistent with Paris-aligned pathways, the U.S. and European Union’s Global Methane Pledge and the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan. Compared to emission levels in 2016, the time of the Paris Agreement, the 2030 plans include a 20-30% reduction in corporate-wide greenhouse gas intensity, which includes 40-50% reduction in upstream greenhouse gas intensity, 70-80% reduction in corporate-wide methane intensity, and 60-70% reduction in corporate-wide flaring intensity.
The 2030 emission-reduction plans are expected to achieve World Bank Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 and reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 30% for the company’s upstream business and 20% for the entire corporation. Similarly, absolute flaring and methane emissions are expected to decrease by 60% and 70%, respectively by 2030.
ExxonMobil has regularly updated emission-reduction plans as technologies and policies have evolved and will continue to do so. When final data is collected and analyzed, the company expects to report it achieved its 2025 emission-reduction plans as of year-end 2021, including a 15-20% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity for its upstream operations, compared to 2016 levels.
ExxonMobil’s strategy is outlined in Advancing Climate Solutions and leverages its advantages in scale, integration, technology and people to build globally competitive businesses that lead industry in earnings and cash flow growth across a broad range of future scenarios.
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Student Meal Kit Registration Form Sign up HERE for FREE nutritious snacks and suppers for all students under the age of 18 attending Parish Schools.
Meals provided in partnership by Focus Foods and Parish School Systems. This institution is an equal opportunity employer.
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Metromorphosis Anniversary
For ten years now Metromorphosis has been working to highlight the resources in inner-city neighborhoods throughout Baton Rouge to better set up those communities for success. At the center of our efforts have always been people. We recognize the value of community assets, partners and most importantly people. We invite you to share in this year long celebration of past, present and future. CLICK HERE for more information.
A community is like a tapestry. Each piece, embedded with its own origin story, is fused with another through a series of common threads to tell a story of the past while giving meaning to the present and future.
As we welcome our tenth anniversary, we invite you to help us in celebrating and reflecting on the tapestry that is Black Baton Rouge.
We look to the metaphor of the quilt as a guiding concept for the work that has steered our mission for a decade.
Through community engagement, leadership development, small business support, asset reactivation and catalytic partnerships we’ve stitched together citizens and institutions seeking to create a city that allows Black life to flourish.
Just as the work of our ancestor’s hands aided entire movements, we believe our present-day community contains the power to initiate meaningful change through actions both small and large. We invite you to join us in reflecting on Black life in Baton Rouge and our hopes for the future throughout the month of February as we launch the Black Futures Quilt and Archive Project.