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Real change isn't legislated, it's locally grown. Join our journey to support Southern Change Makers.
Unheralded local Changemakers have made parts of the South incubators for social change. These people are smashing existing paradigms and re-imagining their communities in the process. But in today’s hyper-political, DC-focused media environment, their work is unseen, making it hard for them to raise needed funds—and impossible for any of us to feel their progress.
After almost two years of COVID, we are anxious to get out of our bubble and learn from these changemakers who are making their neighborhoods stronger. Our “Southern Swing” will help us go beyond stereotypes and myths to understand the fundamental transformations happening every day in the South—within the context of its culture and in the shadow of its history.
With regional stereotypes and soundbites dominating the media, human stories of change go unheard and unshared.
Fundamental change in America starts at the local level, with dedicated people. In today’s saturated media environment—rife with soundbites—the stories of their hard work often have trouble breaking through.
National media coverage also reinforces regional stereotypes. This increases the perceived cultural distance between the North and the South and reduces our ability to recognize common problems. Many folks outside of the South are unaware of the accomplishments of southern grassroots organizations focused on fundamental challenges like education, social justice, food insecurity, child welfare, and cultural advancement.
Help us tell stories that fuel success, bridge differences and shine a light on culture shift in the South.
We all become stronger when we can learn from each other’s experiences. Sharing the stories of Southern changemakers, will help increase their power by connecting them to other communities facing similar challenges. Also, our Southern Swing will foster connections between people doing on-the-ground work and people like you who want to learn from and support grassroots organizations with your knowledge, time money, and other resources.
The “home-movie style” storytelling videos we create and share will humanize the day-to-day realities faced by these changemakers. We will give you an intimate view of problems they are solving as well as the beliefs, culture, food, music, and art that drive the positive spirit of their communities. This will shine a light on how culture is shifting in the South.
We invite you to join our journey virtually and share your experience!
Our Journey:
- Richmond, VA was the capital of the South, so it’s only logical that we start with some of the history that goes along with understanding the culture of the South and its impact on the present.
- In Lynchburg VA, we plan an unlikely pair of visits to understand the yin and yang of local culture, including Liberty University and conversations with a local performing arts non-profit.
- Rockingham, NC makes most people think of NASCAR—but in addition, we will also investigate the energy of the local community in sparking conversations about “grown folks' business.”
- In Wilmington NC, we will go straight to the source: the local barber shop, where we’ll hear from locals about the attempt to transform the North side and learn from the accomplishments of a 77-year-old community activist.
- We will wrap up our trip with a visit to Charleston SC, where we will explore the history of the Gullah people and the current social justice initiatives of a local church. We will also savor some great food and share some amazing Southern music.
The Ask:
Our gift to participating community-based organizations will be high quality storytelling videos that they can use in their outreach, on their websites, and in fundraising. ShedLight.org will include the videos in conversations and presentations, as well as on our website, YouTube channel, and other social media.
YOU can help us make this happen by sharing this site and news of our trip with your network and donating to the cause. Please follow our trip and the story of each organization along the way, and support the local organizations we are featuring.
Our gift to you is ongoing updates on the progress of our trip AND the gifts on the right (based on your level of participation). All donors--at any level--will be invited to attend our second annual Winter 2022 StorySlam to hear all of the great stories we uncover and meet each other!
We all look forward to a day when we can all recognize our mutual humanity, no matter where we're from or our political leanings. This trip, and our video storytelling, are just one small step.
Perks
Get mentioned as a Donor at our virtual video release party for the Southern Swing series, because we couldn't have done it without you. And wear your limited edition ShedLight T-shirt, with our logo on the front and a list of our 2021 Southern Swing Listening Tour destinations on the back.
Your name will be included in the credits for the videos as a major funder, because that is what you will be! You will also be mentioned at the virtual release party for our Southern Swing Storytelling videos. And last but not least, you'll receive a limited edition ShedLight T-shirt, with our logo on the front and a list of our 2021 Southern Swing Listening Tour destinations on the back.
Highlights
See all activity37People and Places
People and Places
As we identify organizations and make appointments, we'll note them here. Check back to stay in the know!
Richmond VA: We have our sights on an organization focused on how some aspects of Richmond history are hidden in plain sight.
Lynchburg, VA: We are having conversations with a great organization focused on storytelling and using the performing arts to change lives.
Rockingham, NC:We are having conversations with a great organization focused on storytelling and using the performing arts to change lives.
Wilmington, NC: We are so excited to be meeting with Genna Wirth at Voyage Wilmington. Can't wait to meet you in person, Genna! Voyage does amazing work in the North side of Wilmington. We also have plans to visit a couple of places in the neighborhood that Voyage serves, including a barber shop!
Charleston, SC: We're meeting with Joy at the Charleston Area Community Justice Ministry--a group committed to a wide range of social justice programs in the local area. We're hoping to get a chance to visit the neighborhoods they serve and get a sense of their work. Excited!
Activity
Get mentioned as a Donor at our virtual video release party for the Southern Swing series, because we couldn't have done it without you. And wear your limited edition ShedLight T-shirt, with our logo on the front and a list of our 2021 Southern Swing Listening Tour destinations on the back.
Your name will be included in the credits for the videos as a major funder, because that is what you will be! You will also be mentioned at the virtual release party for our Southern Swing Storytelling videos. And last but not least, you'll receive a limited edition ShedLight T-shirt, with our logo on the front and a list of our 2021 Southern Swing Listening Tour destinations on the back.
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