Together In Solidarity
At the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association (MKNA), we are taking steps to ensure that the work we do is done by, for, and with our neighbors. This means taking a step back and being critical of our intentions and impact on our community. In order to ensure our policies, programs, and focus are representative of and especially inclusive of our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) neighbors, MKNA commits to the following:
- Require that all Board Members receive implicit bias and anti-racism training prior to their service on the board
- Develop and collect a community-wide survey to assess current issues, needs, etc. to drive future agenda and volunteer leadership of the organization
- Partner with like-minded organizations including churches, schools, businesses, NGO’s etc. with an emphasis on closing socio-economic gaps
In alignment with the commitments above, MKNA is working to ensure the libraries of our area primary schools have a wide variety of diverse titles available to their students. It is important that books serve as both a window and a mirror into different life experiences for our youth. All purchases are made through IndyReadsBooks and are donated directly to one of five area schools: CFI #84, Immaculate Heart of Mary, CFI #70, St. Joan of Arc, and IPS #43.
In addition to purchasing books to enrich the lives and experiences of young readers, MKNA will be selling three additional items to benefit organizations that continue to dismantle violent, racist systems in our city/country through sustainable, equitable, anti-racist solutions:
- “Black Lives Matter” Yard Signs: Proceeds donated to The Bail Project, a “nonprofit organization designed to combat mass incarceration by disrupting the money bail system – one person at a time.”
- “Together in Solidarity” by MK artist Megan Jefferson Print: Proceeds donated to the Peace Learning Center, an Indianapolis organization that “supports communities in redefining peace through equity, social-emotional learning and the implementation of innovative practices.”
- “I Support MLK Center” Yard Signs: Proceeds donated to the MLK Center, an organization working to create the “opportunity to learn, play, grow and find peace by embracing the teachings and philosophies of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” right here in Indianapolis. Funds will specifically go to young black men and women on the Tarkington Teen Work Crew.
All signs and prints will be delivered within Midtown neighborhoods within 7 days of purchase. If you live outside of Midtown, arrangements will be made for pickup. All books purchased will be delivered to participating schools when instruction resumes in the fall. Click Here to Purchase!
