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Dear {{Constituent First Name}},
Each year, on the third Monday of January, we honor the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Communities across the U.S. gather together for programs that ask us to reflect on our progress toward equality and justice. This day is more than a federal holiday; it is a "day on, not a day off," designed to empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions to social problems. By engaging in service and dialogue, we reaffirm our commitment to the values of empathy and unity that Dr. King championed throughout his life.
As we look toward the future, we are reminded that trust is built through small, intentional actions taken by each of us every day. Whether through volunteering, supporting local initiatives, or simply engaging in courageous conversations, we all have a role to play in the health of our community, and broadly, our democracy. We encourage you to use this time to consider how you can contribute to a more equitable world and to carry the spirit of Dr. King’s message with you throughout the coming year.
with care,
Jennifer
The JAMS Foundation / NAFCM Mini-Grant Program provides financial support for the development of innovative and effective programs that can be replicated by community mediation centers nationwide and serve as a pathway to their sustainability and growth.
This year's focus is Family Transition Points:
Family Conflict During Transition Points: Increase the use of community mediation skills as a preventive approach to de-escalating family conflict. The grantees will work with organizations or families themselves regarding family transition points involving substance abuse treatment, mental health services, or a move to assisted living or other types of alternative living arrangements. The proposed effort will focus on the use of community mediation services to promote personal autonomy, family harmony and collaborative alternatives to the justice system or other more formal interventions.
If your org would like to partner with WM, complete this partnerships form.
Want more context on walkouts as a resistance tactic?
This article from Time Magazine highlights the history of walkouts in the U.S., particularly among students and young folks. Here's a deeper dive by Democracy Now! on the 1968 LA Walkouts led by Chicanx high schoolers.
Build Campus Cohesion in Contentious Times
Registration is now open for the Spring 2026 Administrator Boot Camp from Common Ground USA! This free national program supports higher ed leaders to navigate campus conflicts with confidence and care. Over six online sessions, participants will learn how to de-escalate tensions, prepare for future crises, and build a culture of trust that strengthens long-term resilience. You'll leave with an action plan to support campus cohesion and new connections with peers across the country. 100% of surveyed Fall 2025 participants said that they gained new skills and approaches to manage campus conflict - come find out why.
Sign up for our newsletter which has updates, and events, and frequently lists further ways to be involved. Sign up HERE.
Join the TRUST Network. Just by being a conscious, thoughtful observer of your local conditions, you make important contributions to the early warning/early action system as a Community Monitor. Then, together with your local colleagues and with the support of the TRUST Network, you can take positive action. Learn more HERE.
Leaders of organizations in positive peace actions, violence prevention, deradicalization, crisis data mapping, bridgebuilding, peacebuilding, social/racial justice, democracy, governance, media, and messaging -- we are here to melt the silos and offer you valuable collaboration. Please let us know if you're interested in joining the conversation by emailing us atinfo@thetrustnetwork.net.
Donate. We believe we can prevent escalation into violent conflict by building a national community cohesion and security infrastructure for the US, including an early warning/early action system. Help us achieve this by donating HERE.
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