It is seven months since I came to work with IofC and I am really happy to be a part of this team. I couldn't be more proud of the work we do! I have been thirsting to work for an organization as authentic and responsive as IofC - and I have found it!

Our Richmond team is busy conducting trainings and responding to requests from communities looking to engage in honest conversation around issues of economic inclusion. In its 21st year, the Caux Scholars Program set a record by receiving more than 60 applications from around the world. The impressive 2013 class is now in final preparations for their summer experience. With the support and collaboration of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, IofC USA is organizing a conference in Caux, Switzerland, entitled, Healing History: Overcoming Racism, Seeking Equity, Building Community. A delegation of approximately 70 Americans will engage on this topic with participants from around the world in July.

My primary responsibility with IofC is to help make our program outreach effective and sustainable. For this reason, we are launching a Sustained Giving campaign. Monthly recurring donations are very important because they provide a reliable inflow of funds that help us to predict our revenue. With the increased capacity on our new website, it can be easily set up as a recurring payment on your credit card. It is as simple as paying your gym or Netflix membership but better because you will know that every month you are building bridges of trust in divided communities!

I am inspired by the fact that the work of IofC has been supported over many decades by the sustained giving of many individuals and by generations who gave  their time and talent to make amazing things happen. One such person was Demie Blair, who died in February, two days after her 90th birthday. As a white southerner, Demie grew up in segregated Richmond. Through her involvement with IofC, she became part of a multi-racial team working for racial reconciliation. She devoted her life as an unpaid volunteer with IofC, including spending several years in Brazil. Demie will continue to contribute to her community through a bequest she left to IofC.

To energize the launch of our sustained giving campaign, $50,000 of Demie Blair's legacy will be made available for immediate use to support current programs as a monthly match for sustaining donors during the 2013 calendar year. Can you join us in this exciting challenge?

As a young person under 30, I know that it is time for my generation to pick up the donor torch. We may not have great wealth, but we can commit to a recurring monthly gift. Together we will make a difference - especially since our monthly gifts this year will double their value!

If you would like to join us as a Sustaining Donor or make a one-time gift, please follow this link to our Donate Page.

Sincerely,