IMPACT Silver Spring

Film & Discussion of "Takeover"
2022-04-21 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Online Event
Join us for IMPACT’s next online Film & Discussion event as we watch the award-winning documentary “Takeover.” The film is 37 minutes long and will be followed by a facilitated discussion.

“Takeover,” described by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now as “extraordinary,” follows the 12 historic hours on July 14, 1970 when members of the Puerto Rican revolutionary group the Young Lords Party took over the dilapidated Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx of New York City. The documentary chronicles “their resistance to institutions founded on wealth and White supremacy, and their collective struggle for quality, accessible healthcare.”

We’ve chosen “Takeover” for “Film & Discussion” as a vehicle for looking at political radicalism in new ways, honoring cross-racial solidarity, and remembering the lessons learned by our activist ancestors. We believe it’s particularly important to consider these ideas right now as we’re entering an important election season that could determine whether we choose to move forward in bold and transformative ways or not.

Please use this link to pre-register for this free event: https://tinyurl.com/2mvpbvuu

Neighbor Exchange
2022-04-23 14:00 - 17:00 | 3214 Hewitt Avenue, Silver Spring MD (Green area in the back), 3214 Hewitt Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20906, United States
All are welcome to this community-organized block party in Aspen Hill!! Come and enjoy the outdoors with fun activities for families as well as connecting to valuable information on health, safety, education, and more from Montgomery County resource providers. For more information about the event, contact Carmen Hernandez at carmen@impactsilverspring.org.

Spring Health Fair / Feria de Salud de Primavera
2022-05-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Avenue , Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
Mark your calendars for the Spring Health Fair at Hughes United Methodist Church (10700 Georgia Ave., Wheaton) coming Saturday, May 7 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm! This educational and interactive event is designed to provide important health and wellness information to community members including health screenings and COVID vaccinations and test kits. More than 20 resource providers are already confirmed!!! Please share the event flyer (in English and Spanish) with your networks. Hope to see you there!
¡Marque sus calendarios para la Feria de Salud de Primavera en la Iglesia Metodista Unida Hughes (10700 Georgia Ave., Wheaton) el próximo sábado 7 de Mayo de 11:00 am a 3:00 pm! Este evento educativo e interactivo está diseñado para brindar información importante sobre salud y bienestar a los miembros de la comunidad, tendremos exámenes de salud y vacunas y kits de prueba de COVID. ¡Ya están confirmados más de 20 proveedores de recursos! Comparta el folleto del evento (en inglés y español) con sus redes. ¡Esperamos verte allí!

Community Resource Fair in Wheaton
2022-05-28 12:00 - 15:00 | Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Avenue , Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
Don’t miss this FREE community fair showcasing important state and county resources and services. Providers will be on hand to offer information on a wide variety of topics:
* Rent and mortgage payment assistance
* Job resources
* Validating your career from abroad
* Starting a business
* Getingt a loan
* Health Insurance
* English Classes
* Citizenship Classes
* Buying your own home
For more information or if you have questions, please contact IMPACT Senior Network Builder Carmen Hernandez at carmen@impactsilverspring.org

IMPACT Presents "Suppressed and Sabotaged 2022"
2022-06-01 18:45 - 20:45 | AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, United States
FREE EVENT!

Eventbrite registration link:
https://tinyurl.com/39w9nauc

Join us for an advanced viewing of “Suppressed and Sabotaged 2022,” a documentary by Brave New Films that raises public awareness of the alarming ways that efforts to suppress the vote and overturn election results are threatening our democracy.

The screening (film is 43 minutes long) will be followed by a panel discussion featuring:
-Yanet Amanuel, Director of Public Policy, ACLU of Maryland
-Joanne Antoine, Executive Director, Common Cause Maryland
-Will Wilder, Singer Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice
Our host and moderator is Ronnie Galvin, Managing Director for Community Investment, Greater Washington Community Foundation.

The film and panel discussion will touch on these core themes:
1. How our work for a just and equitable Montgomery County is taking place against a national backdrop of voter suppression efforts across the country.
2. How inequitable incarceration rates are tied to voter suppression.
3 The importance of voter access in the fight to combat racism and racial inequity.
4. Action steps we can take to stand in solidarity with other states experiencing the fallout of recent voter laws, and what we can do as a nation to guarantee equitable access to the polls.
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We are taking safety at this event seriously. To promote the health and well-being of attendees and staff, we’ll be implementing the following measures:
Masks will be required to be worn at all times.
Proof of vaccination (digital or paper) will be required for entry.
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This is a FREE event and fundraiser, so please consider donating when you register.
Register on Eventbrite using this link:
https://tinyurl.com/39w9nauc

Edgewood Park Cleanup and Beautification
2022-06-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Edgewood Neighborhood Park, 13900 Robey Road, Silver Spring MD
Join us in East County next Saturday to help the environment and build community as we cleanup Edgewood Neighborhood Park!
Event is co-sponsored by IMPACT; Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; MoCo Department of Environmental Protection; and Montgomery Parks Department.

➢ Saturday, June 25, 2022
➢ Edgewood Park 13900 Robey Road Silver Spring MD
➢ 9 – 11 am (arrival for registration and training by 8:15 am)
➢ Please wear closed toe shoes and long pants to ensure your safety.
➢ SSL hours offered to MCPS students.
➢ Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a parent or guardians.

Film & Discussion: Decolonizing Mental Health
2022-07-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Online Event
The month of July is designated as “BIPOC Mental Health Month” in order to bring awareness to the unique mental health challenges and needs of historically disenfranchised or oppressed racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Black, Indigenous peoples, and other People of Color (BIPOC) experience a broad spectrum of ongoing discrimination, oppression, and inequity within the mental healthcare industry.

During this one hour, online event, we will watch a series of interviews from the PBS World Channel series “Decolonizing Mental Health.” This series examines the systemic inequities that prevent BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities from receiving appropriate treatment. The interviews focus on the transformative work of therapists and individuals of color who are changing the narrative of what mental health support can look like in ways that are more affirming, culturally responsive, and dismantle racism.
A facilitated discussion will follow the film viewing.

Use this link to register for this FREE event: https://tinyurl.com/y669r3n5
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We are pleased to offer MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for students age 16 or older who participate in this event. To receive SSL hours, you must pre-register for this event through the Montgomery County Volunteer Center using this link:
https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=711767

The Fall Family Festival
2022-10-15 14:00 - 17:00 | Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Avenue , Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
What better way to kick off fall than a festival?! IMPACT and Hughes United Methodist Church are co-organizing a festival with the theme “Cultures and Voices of the World.” The event will feature fun for the whole family includes games and activities for children, raffles, music, and resources and services from Montgomery County. There will be vendors from different countries, Mariachi, and folk dancers. Attendees are invited to wear clothing representing their heritage. If you wish to perform a folkloric dance from your home country, please contact IMPACT Network Builder Carmen Hernandez at carmen@impactsilverspring.org. We hope to see you there!
Parking is available at 10613 Georgia Avenue–across the street from Hughes United Methodist Church.

Solidarity Not Charity with Dean Spade | Solidaridad, no caridad con Dean Spade
2022-10-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event
REGISTER HERE
Solidarity Not Charity with Dean Spade
A webinar on Mutual Aid in Social Justice Movements
Tuesday, October 18
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (EDT)
Join IMPACT Silver Spring for a virtual event featuring organizer, writer, and Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law, Dean Spade. Dean will explain mutual aid (think radical acts of caring, not charity) and its importance in social justice movements. Attendees will learn from historical and contemporary examples of successful movements, and have the opportunity to submit questions. This event is free and open to the public, and will include Spanish interpretation.
We’re pleased to be able to offer this as a FREE event, but we need your support to keep events like this free and accessible. That’s why this event is also a fundraiser!
At checkout, please consider making a donation–suggested amount: $25 – $50 or whatever you’re able to give. The money raised through this event will go towards IMPACT’s continued equitable COVID recovery efforts, and transformational work on the individual, neighborhood and systems levels.
Thank you for your support!

Registrarse aquí
Solidaridad, no caridad con Dean Spade
La ayuda mutua en los movimientos de justicia social
Martes el 18 de Octubre
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (EDT – Hora Este)
Únase a IMPACT Silver Spring para un evento virtual con el organizador, escritor y profesor de Derecho en la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Seattle, Dean Spade. Dean explicará lo que es la ayuda mutua (piensa en actos radicales de cuidado, no de caridad) y su importancia en los movimientos de justicia social. Los asistentes aprenderán de ejemplos históricos y contemporáneos de movimientos exitosos, y tendrán la oportunidad de hacer preguntas. Este evento es gratuito y abierto al público, y contará con interpretación al español.
Nos complace poder ofrecer este evento gratuitamente, pero necesitamos su apoyo para que eventos como este sigan siendo gratuitos y accesibles. Por eso este evento es también una recaudación de fondos.
A la salida, por favor considere hacer una donación – cantidad sugerida: $25 – $50 dólares o lo que puedas dar. El dinero recaudado a través de este evento se destinará a los esfuerzos constantes de recuperación equitativa del COVID de IMPACT, y el trabajo de transformación en el individuo, el barrio y los niveles de los sistemas.
¡Gracias por su apoyo!

Long Branch Community Clean-Up
2022-10-22 10:30 - 12:30 | Clifton Park Baptist Church, 8818 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, 20903, United States
We all have a role to play in keeping our community clean! Youth and adults, please join us for this Community Clean-Up Day in Long Branch. Gloves and reusable water bottle will be provided.
Registration Form (registration is encouraged but not required)
https://forms.gle/YwWWGVfccjzq7oiB6

Maydale Nature Classroom Community Celebration
2022-11-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Dr., Colesville, MD, 20905, United States
Don’t miss Maydale Nature Classroom’s 2nd Annual Community Celebration THIS Saturday! The event will feature live music; campfires & s’mores; appearances by Smokey Bear; apple cider making; and fall crafts. Maydale holds a special place in IMPACT’s heart because among the several activists who helped get the Nature Classroom revitalized and reopened is our own Network Administrator (and East County resident!), Renée Katz.

Wheaton Holiday Market
2022-12-03 12:00 - 17:00 | Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD, United States
Don’t miss the Wheaton Holiday Market–happening 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 from 12 pm – 5 pm. The Holiday Market in Wheaton features micro-entrepreneurs from the IMPACT network selling cultural foods and artisan gifts (there will also be county resources and service providers). Don’t miss the opportunity to kick-off the holidays with an array of unique goodies and gifts while also boosting our local ecconomy. Now that’s a win-win!!

IMPACT Online Film & Discussion: "American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs"
2022-12-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Online Event
Prepare to be inspired during IMPACT’s December online film and discussion event! As we are nearing the winter solstice, often held as a time for rest and reflection, we’re gathering to watch and talk about the documentary “American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs.”

This award-winning film was 12 years in the making and follows renowned Chinese American activist, author, and philosopher Grace Lee Boggs as she recounts her life in movement work from labor to civil rights, to Black Power, feminism, the Asian American and environmental justice movements and beyond. The documentary explores the profound impact of rest, reflection, and conversation on Grace’s evolving beliefs about and approaches to social change. During what is a time for introspection for many, we invite you to join us to learn more about the American Revolutionary who gave us the gem: “We must change ourselves in order to change the world.”

This is a free, online event. Please register here: https://tinyurl.com/2fwm66vt

Glenmont Forest Community Garden Kick-off Meeting
2023-02-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event
We are excited to announce the Community Gardens project kickoff at the Glenmont Forest Neighborhood Park, next to Fire Station #18 on Georgia Ave & Randolph Road. We will begin planting this Spring!
Our first virtual meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00 pm to introduce the next steps and begin this community-centered initiative.
If you’re interested in the themes listed below then this meeting is for you!

Learn how to grow your own food
Learn what to grow in this area
Learn how to compost
Be a part of or lead a community stewardship group
Want to find a space to be centered with nature

Representatives from GFNCA, Impact Silver Spring, Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection, and others will participate.
We welcome everyone and will provide Spanish Interpretation if needed.
Please, use the link below to connect the day of: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82026183881?pwd=[REDACTED]

IMPACT Film & Discussion: "Afrofuturism: The Origin Story"
2023-02-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Online Event
This program year, IMPACT is using a lens we call “Care and Counternarratives” to create more possibilities and approaches to racial equity, justice, and liberation. In our film and discussion spaces, we have grounded ourselves in contemporary and historical examples of radical imagination–the ability to imagine life, and social institutions not as they are but as they could be.

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One of the many traditions that pushes our capacity to practice radical imagination is Afrofuturism. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Afrofuturism is “an evolving concept expressed through a Black cultural lens that reimagines, reinterprets and reclaims the past and present for a more empowering and inclusive tomorrow.”
With the anticipated opening of the exhibit “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” in March 2023 at the NMAAHC, we are hosting a viewing of “Afrofuturism: The Origin Story” on Monday, February 27th from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. We hope you’ll join us for this free event.

Use this link to register: https://tinyurl.com/yuuaamye

The film will be followed by an optional facilitated discussion for those who would like to participate.

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We are pleased to offer MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for students age 16 or older who participate in this event. To receive SSL hours, you must pre-register for this event through the Montgomery County Volunteer Center using this link: https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=778838

Spring Festival in Wheaton
2023-03-18 14:00 - 17:00 | Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Avenue , Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
IMPACT’s Wheaton Network is partnering with Hughes United Methodist Church to host a day of food, family, fun, and connection for residents. Want to know more? Please contact Carmen Hernandez at carmen@impactsilverspring.org.

Now accepting applications for the Weaver Learning Lab on Generative Conflict!
2023-03-23 08:00 - 2023-04-07 17:00 | Online Event
We are now accepting applications for the Weaver Learning Lab on generative conflict through April 7.

Have you ever felt stuck in moving work or initiatives forward when differences of opinions arise?
Do you feel like disagreements or tensions in your relationships hinder mutual growth, learning and progress?
Are you curious about ways that you can better understand your relationship to conflict and move towards healthier interactions?

If you can relate to these questions, we encourage you to apply to the Weaver Learning Lab series on generative conflict using this link: https://forms.gle/sXC1reeNe3BM8N8j8
The goal of this learning series is to examine your current relationship with conflict at multiple levels and identify the conditions you want to shift within yourself to lay the foundation for generative conflict. When we lean into conflict with a commitment to strengthening our relationships, and an openness to learn, it can generate constructive solutions, possibilities, and transformation.
To learn more about the Weaver Learning Lab and this specific series on generative conflict, please visit our website at https://impactsilverspring.org/weaver-learning-lab/.
If you have any questions please contact Yesenia Regalado, IMPACT’s Racial Equity Network Builder, via email: yesenia@impactsilverspring.org

Community Connect in Long Branch
2023-03-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Clifton Park Baptist Church, 8818 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, 20903, United States
IMPACT, along with other partners at the Silver Spring Service Consolidation Hub, is hosting a “Community Connect” event where Long Branch residents can gather to engage in conversations about important community topics. To-go meals will be provided along with childcare. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Sara Mussie at sara@impactsilverspring.org.

Earth Day Community Clean-Up
2023-04-22 11:00 - 15:00 | Broadacres Local Park, 710 Beacon Road, Silver Spring, MD, 20903, United States
IMPACT is excited to support a community clean-up at Broadacres Local Park. Join us on Earth Day to help show our planet some love! ❤️
Volunteers are needed and Student Service Learning (SSL) hours will be provided. Meet at the Gazebo at Broadacres Local Park, 710 Beacon Rd., Silver Spring MD.

Greenfest in the City "Marketplace"
2023-04-23 12:00 - 17:00 | Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD, United States
This Earth Day weekend, come out and support local small businesses at “Greenfest in the City.” Microentrepreneurs from the IMPACT network will be selling handcrafted jewelry, piñatas, gifts, cultural items, and much more!
Check out the following makers:
Sonias Craft Design
Constelación de Ideas
Ingrid Crochet Designs
Annie’s Designs
Bloom Artist by Eunice LLC
Piñatas Kids

Entrepreneur Fair in Wheaton!
2023-06-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Avenue , Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
Don’t miss this chance to support micro business owners and strengthen our local economy. Coming this Saturday, June 10 from 11 am – 3 pm at Hughes United Methodist Church (10700 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring) is another exciting Entrepreneur Fair! Many of the entrepreneurs will be from IMPACT’s Community Trade Academy (read more about the academy here: https://impactsilverspring.org/impacts-community-trade-academy/). We’re delighted to be partnering with El Poder de Ser Mujer and Hughes to make this event possible. See ya there!

How Can You Show Up for Social Change?
2023-06-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event
Join IMPACT Silver Spring for “How Can YOU Show Up for Social Change?” a webinar led by activist and author Deepa Iyer.
In our lives and as part of organizations, many of us play different roles in pursuit of equity, shared liberation, inclusion, and justice. Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed, confused, or ineffective as we reach for our goals. This online session is for individuals and groups at any stage of their social change efforts with an interest in deepening their roles, clarifying shared values, and sustaining their ecosystems.

Using the Social Change Ecosystem developed by Deepa and featured in her new book Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection, participants will identify guiding values, map their roles, assess their ecosystems, and develop sustainability goals.

Following the presentation, Deepa will be in conversation with local Economic Equity Advocate Tiffany Kelly, and Thylan Singleton, Program Manager at the Montgomery County Collaboration Council, about what roles they take on in their work, along with examining the broader Montgomery County equity ecosystem.

If you’re looking for ways to engage in social change efforts more effectively, collaboratively, and sustainably—this is the session for you!

Use this link to register for this FREE webinar: https://impact_socialchange.eventbrite.com/

Community Clean-up -- Dalewood Drive in Connecticut Avenue Estates Community
2023-07-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Dalewood Playground, 12007 Dalewood Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20902, 12007 Dalewood Dr., Silver Spring, MD, 20902, United States
Join your neighbors for a community clean-up in the Wheaton neighborhood of Connecticut Avenue Estates. Students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. We will be joined by special guests Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzales (District 6) and Delegate Jared Solomon (District 18).
There will be a 2:00 pm celebration at the Dalewood Playground.
Sponsored by Montgomery County, IMPACT, and MoCo Department of Environmental Protection

Hispanic Heritage Month Events - FRIDAYS in Wheaton
2023-09-15 16:00 - 20:00 | Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD, United States
Don’t miss this kick-off event for Hispanic Heritage month at Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton this Friday! In addition to the free concert, entrepreneurs from IMPACT’s Wheaton network will be there from 4 pm – 8 pm selling food, jewelry, and other craft items. Don’t miss the live piñata-making demonstration!
There will be concerts along with crafts, food, and maker demonstrations every Friday through October 13.

Book Discussion of "How We Ended Racism"
2024-01-30 18:00 - 19:30 | IMPACT Silver Spring, 8807 Colesville Rd, Lower Level, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, United States
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Join us on Tuesday, January 30 for part one of a three-part series of facilitated discussions on the new book How We Ended Racism by activists, teachers, and authors Justin Michael Williams and Shelly Tygielski. The book explores the provocative question “What has to happen now to end racism by the year 2050?” The authors offer eight ( pillars that just might show us the way.
Use this link to register: http://tinyurl.com/5n8yn3j3

WHY PARTICIPATE:
During this moment of disheartening backlash that seems to be undermining our nation’s racial reckoning, we believe there’s no better time to dive into a book that offers some hope and actionable strategies. And by joining this series of book group discussions, participants will gain the added benefits of deepening their engagement and broadening their insights through exploring the book’s ideas with others.

HOW IT WILL WORK:
While we’ll be discussing the book across three separate meetings, we want this series of discussions to be fluid for readers.
We will post registration for future discussions of the book (scheduled for February 20 and March 19) closer to those dates. Readers can choose to participate in one, two, or all three of the discussions.

Registration is NOW OPEN for our first meeting on January 30 to discuss pages 1 – 85 (the first four pillars) of the book.
Space is limited for this FREE event, so register soon!
Use this link to register: http://tinyurl.com/5n8yn3j3

Valentine's Day Market
2024-02-10 11:00 - 16:00 | Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD, United States
IMPACT is excited to be co-sponsoring a Valentine’s Day Market in downtown Wheaton! Don’t miss this opportunity to get yourself or a loved one unique, handcrafted gifts for Valentine’s Day or just because. The market will feature gift items from small, local entrepreneurs–many of them from Wheaton! The Valentine’s Day Market offers the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts and support our local economy!

Many thanks to our co-sponsors: MoCo’s Department of Environmental Protection, El Poder de ser Mujer, and Montgomery County Government (Mid-County Regional Services Center)

Enlace al folleto en español – https://impactsilverspring.org/…/2024/01/IMG_4817-1.png
Link to flyer in English – https://impactsilverspring.org/…/2024/01/IMG_4816-1.png

Impact's 25th Anniversary Celebration
2024-05-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, United States
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for our 25th Anniversary Celebration on May 16 in downtown Silver Spring. We’ll be celebrating and honoring the resilience, relationships, and evolution of both the organization and our amazing community. We will have an opening reception with goodies prepared by students from our cooking class as well as live entertainment from local performers. The highlight of the evening will be the 2024 Momentum Awards Ceremony. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your community, honor local heroes and sheroes, recognize Impact’s milestone anniversary, and have a lot of fun! While this is a FREE event, it is also a fundraiser, so please consider making a donation when you register.
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Use this link to register in English: https://impactss-celebrate-25-years.eventbrite.com
Utilice este enlace para registrarse en español: https://impact-celebra-25-anos.eventbrite.com
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2024 Momentum Award Winners:

★Community Builders at Spring Parc: a group of tenants and their supporters at Spring Parc apartments in Silver Spring who are working to improve conditions at their complex and build relationships among tenants.
★Luz Chavez Gonzalez: a community organizer empowering undocumented youth in Montgomery County.
★Montgomery Community Investment Cooperative: an immigrant-led cooperative providing the capital and support needed to create and grow small businesses in Montgomery County.
★Park Montgomery Residents Council Executive Committee: grassroots organizers of a newly launched tenants association in Long Branch.
★Dr. Tasnuva Khan: founder of Faith Alliance for Community Equity & Sustainability (FACES). Most recently, she led the “Building Blocks for Healthy Communities” project, an initiative providing health education resources, access to nutritious food, and physical opportunities to help reduce health disparities in BIPOC communities.
★Víctor Henriquez: an extraordinary volunteer supporting community gardening and youth sports in Wheaton.

Somatic Retreats: Centering in a Time of Chaos
2024-07-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Online Event
This summer, we’re centering in a time of chaos. Join us for somatic retreats in July and August. 💜
Political divisions; a war-torn world; mental health crises; hate-fueled violence; growing dehumanization; and a burning planet. These are some of the harsh realities coloring our daily lives as we try to navigate work, family, and being caring local and global citizens. It’s no wonder that many of us feel overwhelmed, despairing, and exhausted.
At Impact, we don’t claim to have the answers, but we are committed to being part of the solution. Through years of our own practice and experience, we are learning the importance of somatic work (techniques that focus on the body, especially the nervous system) to staying grounded and open in the face of personal, communal, and systemic challenges. We know that it’s from this place of calm and presence that we can be our highest and best selves and most impactful in the world.
That’s why we are offering a three-part, online series called Somatic Retreats: Centering in a Time of Chaos led by therapeutic healer and artist Hiba Haroon. Hiba is the founder of (un)jaan which holds spaces for us to practice being in liberatory relationships with ourselves and others. She has also helped facilitate Impact’s Weaver Learning Lab.
As we thought about this offering, we were inspired by the words of renowned author and psychotherapist Resmaa Menakem who said: “There’s a way out of this mess, and it requires each of us to begin with our own body. You and your body are important parts of the solution.” We hope you will join us for one or more of the FREE sessions described below as we learn somatic tools and techniques for centering in a time of chaos.
While sessions are complementary, they are standalone. Feel free to register for one, two, or all three!

Sessions:

RESTING TO REMAIN AWAKE

Tuesday, July 9, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Due to the culminating impacts of racism, capitalism and colonialism, we often prioritize and value work and effort over rest and ease due to which many of us, particularly People of the Global Majority and women, experience difficulties with digestion, weaker immune systems, and sleep. During this two-hour gathering, we will reflect on the impact of stress and insufficient rest on our nervous system, immune system, and overall physical, emotional and spiritual health. We will explore what it means to cultivate rest while remaining awake, engaged and present. We will conclude with a gentle movement and guided meditation practice to cultivate grounding and ease in our bodies.
Click HERE to register for “Resting to Remain Awake”

HOLDING OUR ANGER

Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Anger is often viewed as undesirable, something that needs to be stifled or ignored. Depending on our intersection of identities, our anger can be perceived as unattractive, threatening, and dangerous. Very rarely are we taught or encouraged to look deeply at our anger, to hold it and understand it, to be in a relationship with it. During this two-hour gathering, we will do just that, connect with the energy of our anger and explore what’s underneath, how it impacts us and how we can take care of it. This practice is not about overcoming but rather understanding and befriending our anger.
Click HERE to register for “Holding Our Anger”

RESOURCING OURSELVES

Tuesday, August 13, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
We are living at a time of unprecedented exposure and experience to suffering and loss near and far. In addition to anger, frustration and grief, we may find ourselves feeling inadequate, insufficient, depleted. This two-hour gathering is designed to resource ourselves with universal elements (earth, water, fire, air, space), memories/lineage, and our dreams. We will incorporate journaling, reading, meditation, and gentle movement.
Click HERE to register for “Resourcing Ourselves”

ABOUT HIBA HAROON:
Hiba is a writer, artist, healer and consultant. She was born in Karachi, Pakistan and immigrated to the United States when she was 7 years old and was raised in Houston, Texas. Hiba is the founder of (un)jaan through which she applies her training and experiences in many different healing modalities to work with folks in personal and group settings to strengthen, soften, and heal minds, bodies and spirits from the effects of colonialism and white supremacy. Hiba has also worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade to address racial, gender, and economic inequities–working at a community-based refugee resettlement organization, a national intermediary organization, a national philanthropic institution and now as an independent consultant. She can be reached at hello@unjaan.com.

A New Vision Workshop: Exploring Key Inner Work Practices for Ending Racism
2024-09-09 18:00 - 21:00 | MD
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS CLOSED
Workshop Background
The so-called “racial reckoning” that arose in 2020 in response to mass protests of police violence and hate crimes against Black people almost feels like a long-ago fever dream. Did it really happen? The backlash to that racial justice blip has been so intense, it’s been disorienting. Voter suppression, continued investment in policing and the carceral state, legislation banning historical truth-telling in education, and persistent gaps along racial lines in every quality-of-life measure. It’s all still happening and, in some cases, more intensely.
However, many people, groups, and organizations remain committed to opposing racism, to being antiracist. While there is no shortage of “isms” to abolish, we know that racism is unique in that all of our U.S. systems, institutions, and outcomes emanate from the racial hierarchy—a hierarchy that is hurting all of us, no matter our place in it. (Racial Equity Institute, n.d.)
At Impact, while we’ve been reeling from the backlash too, we’ve also been reflecting on what it might look like to move the goalpost beyond antiracism (a good aspiration indeed) to actually ending racism (dissolving hierarchy). We want to invite others into this reflection. That’s why we’re creating an exploratory space to grapple with the questions: What would it look like to end racism? What do we need to practice to get there?
About the Workshop
Over five sessions (two in-person, three online), with independent self-work and online-platform weekly discussions, we’ll explore inner work that supports (dare we suggest it?) ending racism for good. With that bold end in mind, participants will delve into a curated array of ideas and practices focused on intraconnection, shadow work, and forgiveness. These three key areas of inner work build upon teachings from Impact’s earlier Weaver Learning Labs to deepen individual healing; foster more connections across divides; and support participants in identifying or confirming the heart-centered action(s) they want to take towards ending racism. The workshop content includes ancient wisdom as well as ideas from today’s racial justice and healing thought leaders and practitioners.
At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Internalize the key concepts and practices of intraconnection, shadow work, and forgiveness and their importance to ending racism
Understand and practice inner work exercises to effectively and more sustainably engage in racial justice work
Germinate a personal passion project aimed at ending racism

The workshop is geared to an audience of racial justice activists and advocates, as well as anyone on a racial justice/healing journey. Graduates of Impact’s Weaver Learning Lab and participants in our other racial equity and justice spaces are encouraged to apply. The workshop will have a cohort model of up to 25 participants.
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Workshop Schedule and Topics
Monday, September 9 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Mini Visioning Retreat (in person)
Monday, September 23 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Exploring Intraconnection (online)
Monday, October 7 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Exploring Shadow Work (online)
Monday, October 21 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Exploring Forgiveness (online)
Monday October 28 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Seed-to-Action Celebration (in person)
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CLICK HERE TO APPLY
We ask that accepted applicants make a donation, with a suggested starting point of $50. We welcome all accepted applicants, regardless of their ability to contribute financially.

MEET THE WORKSHOP FACILITATION TEAM:
Keren Korman Cabral (she/her) is a project consultant, certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, White Awake board member, and a founding member of a local Muslim-Jewish Sisterhood and The Many Paths Collective. A former IMPACT staff member for six years, Keren has developed and supported anti-racist educational programming, and has organized with Showing Up for Racial Justice Montgomery County, Transit Immigration Assistance Silver Spring, and the Montgomery County Racial Equity Network.
Molly Jackman has been on a long journey to understand racism, equity, justice, and liberation. An experienced presenter, facilitator, and content developer on issues of race and racism, anger and conflict, in corporate and non-profit settings, she is also a trained mediator. In 2019, Molly completed an intense two-year contemplative studies program based on teachings from many spiritual traditions. The program called for deep inner work and daily ongoing practices, through which she finds hope that the entrenched racism and divisions in this country can be overcome. She believes all beings are connected and that love is the most transformative force of all.
Oswaldo Montoya (he/him) has a master’s degree in educational psychology. He has been a trainer, curriculum developer, researcher, and network builder for more than 20 years. He comes from the tradition of Popular Education, which was developed in Latin America as an instrument for consciousness-raising, community mobilization and social justice. Working with different NGOs in Nicaragua and the US, he’s been involved in pro-feminist men’s activism, anti-racism work and advocacy for children’s rights.
Lanita Whitehurst (she/her) currently serves as a Senior Organizer for IMPACT Silver Spring where she has worked as a trainer, facilitator, designer, and project manager for many of the organization’s key racial justice and healing programs and events. She’s completed a variety of trainings focused on racial justice and healing such as Wildseed Society’s Liberation Logic, Racial Equity Institute’s Groundwater Training, and Dream Bigger Foundation’s Liberation Experience. She is also an active member of the Wade in the Water Racial Justice Ministry at Grace Episcopal Church in Silver Spring. Lanita holds a B.A. in English and has completed 70 hours of coach-approach and mentor training approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is a part-time leadership coach for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.

Film Screening and Community Convo -- Dying to Vote
2024-10-09 08:00 - 17:00 | MD
Join Us for a Powerful Film Screening and Community Conversation: “Dying to Vote”
We invite you to a special screening of Dying to Vote, a short documentary created by the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation, dedicated to educating people about the Civil Rights Movement and empowering communities to take action. This eye-opening film sheds light on the ongoing issue of voter suppression in the U.S. and the brave individuals who risked—and lost—their lives fighting for the right to vote, including civil rights leader Vernon Dahmer. This is a FREE event.
Date/Time: Saturday, October 19, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Location: Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Pl., Silver Spring MD
The screening will be followed by a community conversation where we’ll reflect on the stories shared in the film and explore ways we can make a difference in our own communities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and take action!
RSVP and invite your friends to join this important conversation. Registration link: https://artsontheblock.networkforgood.com/…/77668-dying…
Co-hosted by: Arts on the Block, Impact Silver Spring, MoCo Office of Human Rights, The Civic Circle, and Action Youth Media.
