The largest interfaith public gathering in RVA! Over 1,200 people from dozens of congregations transcend racial, socioeconomic, and religious differences to take action for justice. We hear the stories of those affected by community problems and secure commitments from our local decision-makers to address the root causes.  This year, we’re addressing elementary reading in Richmond and Henrico County, childhood trauma in Chesterfield County, and job training in our region.

Topics:

Mental Health Trauma in Chesterfield Schools. We are asking for the school district to expand their current efforts substantially using a free state-supported training program and to hire a specialized consultant for the schools in most jeopardy. The school district Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Thomas Taylor, has committed to attend and tell us their plans.

Reading to grade level in Richmond Public Schools. We are asking the school district to pilot a proven curriculum, Reading Mastery, in just two schools K – 2. There is a reading literacy crisis with 10,000 Richmond school students not reading to grade level. Richmond’s Superintendent, Jason Kamras has committed to attend to tell us the school district’s plans.

Providing health care jobs for those in our most distressed communities. For three years the major hospital systems have been committing and planning for a pipeline that will enable them to hire entry level hospital jobs for those in our most distressed communities. We have asked for a timeline and a launch date. They have given us neither.

If you would like to carpool from Temple Beth-El Grove Ave. parking lot (behind the temple off of Roseneath) please Email Franklin Wolf