Grassroots Partners of the Center for Participatory Change
CPC exists to support the work of grassroots leaders, groups and networks throughout Western North Carolina. The majority of our work centers around community-based groups whose work promotes racial and economic justice, but through our Community Support Project, we also support a wide range of other grassroots organizations.
Economic Justice
CPC's economic justice work includes grassroots groups and organizations working together to create new income sources from traditional cultural and natural resources. We call this cooperative income development collective entrepreneurship. Other economic justice work includes support for workers' rights groups, worker-owned co-operatives and organizations and efforts to create more just economic policies.
Racial Justice
CPC's racial justice work has three main strategies. The first is supporting the development of power and leadership in communities of color by assisting in the development of African American, Latino, and Cherokee grassroots leaders and organizations. We also work to engage European American grassroots leaders and groups in the critical struggle for racial justice. Finally, a key part of our network building is creating opportunities for people to come together across racial and cultural lines at workshops, conferences and grassroots gatherings.
Community Support Project
CPC also supports a wide range of other community-based organizations in Western North Carolina, including domestic violence organizations, family resource centers, disability rights organizations and justice-focused nonprofits. We believe that the challenge of building a just and democratic society can only be met through the work of a powerful, healthy grassroots sector, made up of a large number of community organizations working on a wide range of issues and opportunities.
Economic Justice The Western North Carolina Workers' Center, Burke County and all of Western NC.
The Western NC Workers Center focuses on the rights of low-wage immigrant workers. The mission of the Workers Center is to improve the wages, benefits, and working conditions of low-wage workers by developing leadership among workers and partnering with churches, community organizations, and progressive labor leaders to serve as allies to low-wage workers. The Workers’ Center has emerged as an important resource for low-wage and immigrant workers in Western North Carolina and supports staff people in several counties including; Burke, Wilkes, Catawba, Macon, Henderson and Buncombe.Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Northwestern NC (Watauga and surrounding counties).
BRWIA is a collaboration and learning network of women involved in small farming with the mission of empowering women and their families with resources, education, and skills related to the production and consumption of sustainably-grown food from the community.Grahamtown Team, Rutherford County.
The Grahamtown Team is a coalition focusing on the redevelopment of the Grahamtown community in Forest City.Home Cleaning Professionals, Buncombe County.
Home Cleaning Professionals is a worker-owned co-operative founded and run by Latina women that provides socially and environmentally responsible cleaning services, ranging from home cleaning to post-construction clean up. The co-operative practices just-wages, facilitates safe work environments for its worker-owners and clients, and promotes women’s empowerment.Just Economics, Buncombe County.
Just Economics is a grassroots, community organization based in Asheville. JE educates, advocates, and organizes for equitable economic conditions, increased union representation, and a fair share for all in the prosperity of our region, regardless of race, gender, or citizenship status. Currently JE spearheads a living wage campaign, operates the Living Wage Employer Certification Program, and runs a leadership development program for low-wage workers.Latino Business Association, Henderson and Buncombe County.
A network of entrepreneurs that aims to develop and strengthen Latino businesses through training, marketing and fundraising opportunities.Opportunity Threads, Burke County.
A group of immigrants that has formed a small worker-owned co-operatively managed textile production factory in Morganton.Salsaria Doña So, Transylvania County.
A co-operatively run Latina business that makes and sells Mexican chili sauce.Tortilleria el Progreso, Yancey County.
The Tortilleria el Progreso is a group of Latina women working with Centro de Enlace who have started a co-operative that makes and sells hot, fresh tortillas.Appalachian Heritage Crafters (AHC), Cherokee County.
AHC was formed in February 2000 by women who were laid off during a 1999 Levi Strauss plant closing. Since those early days, AHC has flourished with around 60 active members who sell their pottery, woodworking, jewelry, metalwork, and other crafts at the AHC retail store outside of Murphy, NC. In addition to craft sales, the outreach and education committee teaches crafting skills to youth in area schools, churches, and community centers (for example, teaching a group of teen mothers at the local high school how to make baskets and multi-colored bird houses from gourds). Since it opened in 2001, AHC's all-volunteer, cooperatively run crafts store has earned well over $100,000 in sales for local craftspeople. With over 80% of total sales going directly in member's pockets, AHC is making a real difference in both the local economy and in people's everyday lives.Smoky Mountain Native Plants Association, Graham County.
The Smoky Mountain Native Plants Association (SMNPA), a multi-county association based in Graham County, started meeting in the fall of 2000 with the goals of helping people earn extra income through growing and marketing of Appalachian native plants; preserving native plants for future generations; and providing education about Appalachian native plants species. SMNPA many accomplishments including: establishing the Graham County farmers market, developing local native plants gardens, conducting on-site native plant research, creating a micro-loan program to assist SMNPA members with the cost of equipment and seeds, hosting numerous educational events and speakers, and supporting youth from Robbinsville High school as they learn about Appalachian native plants, heritage and culture. Their most highly regarded accomplishment is the development of a value added product combining dried ramps and cornmeal. The product has been a big seller at area ramp festivals and was a featured product at the Smithsonian Institute Folkways Festival in Washington DC. Keep an eye for Rampmeal on your local food store shelf.Beautiful Day Farmers Market, Swain County
The mission of the Beautiful Day Farmers and Artists Market is to promote and develop economic opportunities and entrepreneurship for the residents of Swain County and the surrounding area. The Market was created in 2003 by a grassroots community group including artists, farmers, crafters, bakers and musicians with a vision of establishing a weekly Saturday morning market cooperative to benefit Swain County and the surrounding areas.
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Racial Justice COLA (Coalición del Organazaciones Latino Americanas), Western North Carolina.
COLA is a regional network connecting and strengthening organizations that empower Latino communities in Western North Carolina. COLA works across 20 counties to organize gatherings, coordinate advocacy efforts, offer immigrant rights workshops and provide training and support for Latino-led groups. CPC facilitated the formation of COLA through hosting an 'Encuentro' or gathering of Latino organizations in October of 2001, at which community leaders recognized the need for such a coalition and established its planning committee. Link to COLA's websiteOne Dozen Who Care, far western counties of North Carolina.
One Dozen Who Care is the first 501(c)3 community development organization in far western North Carolina to be organized and incorporated by Black women. ODWC is a rural Community Development Corporation whose primary goal is to bring together minorities, especially African Americans, to develop the economy in far western North Carolina. ODWC seeks to bring about positive community development through programs that include the annual Multicultural Women's Development Conference, youth mentoring, and cultural projects. Visit One Dozen online at www.odwc.org.Nuestro Centro, Buncombe County.
Nuestro Centro is a Latino center that organizes Latinos in the neighborhoods in which they live and provides information and referral and other services to Latinos in the Asheville area.Latino Advocacy Coalition (LAC), Henderson County.
LAC is a Hendersonville based organization of grassroots and professional leaders who have worked together to establish a community center called, 'El Centro Comunitario'. Through programs at El Centro, LAC builds Hispanic/Latino leadership, helps community members overcome barriers to services, offers educational workshops and cultural events, and provides a venue for members and community guests to share information and resources. CPC has facilitated a strategic planning retreat, board retreat and has provided ongoing organizational development support for LAC's staff and Board of Directors.Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, Haywood County.
PCMDC is an African American-led organization that operates the Pigeon Community Development Center. The Center is located in an historic African American school, which was closed during desegregation and used as an instructional materials center. Members of the community struggled for more than two years to regain control of the building, which they finally accomplished on January 21, 2002. Now the facility includes a collegiate size outdoor basketball court, a computer lab, a lending library, and space for community events and meetings. PCMDC programs include a youth summer program, computer classes, community dinners and holiday festivals. Many of CPC's regional events and meetings are held at PCMDC's community center.Christians for a United Community, Buncombe County.
Christians for a United Community is an inter-denominational, multi-ethnic organization of churches, lay people and clergy who share a common commitment to a Christian vision of justice, peace, reconciliation and non-violent social change. The organization was developed through a series of meals and small group discussions about breaking down the barriers, like racism and poverty, that divide the greater Asheville community. CUC focuses on understanding racism, economic disparity, and educational disparity through a Biblically-based context.Centro Comunitario Hispano Americano (CCHA), Transylvania County.
CCHA's mission is enhance the well-being and integration of the Hispanic community in Transylvania County by promoting education, enhancing multicultural understanding, advocating for justice, developing Hispanic leadership and encouraging civic participation. CCHA works to build Latino leadership in Transylvania County, and acts as a resource center where Latinos receive help accessing information and services. CPC has facilitated work and fundraising planning with CCHA, as well as supported board development and program expansion.Instituto de Desarollo Humano, Haywood County.
A group of Latinos coming together to build the leadership and educational capacities of local Latinos (e.g., English as a Second Language classes, life skills classes). The Insitiuto shares space and resources with the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.Neighbors in Ministry, T ransylvania County.
Neighbors in Ministry (NIM) is multiracial group of dedicated community leaders in Brevard, NC who have a long history of fighting for racial justice by organizing church partnerships, antiracism trainings, and programs for children and parents. NIM's operates a Children's Defense Fund Freedom School, and provides antiracim trainings to professionals, parents and educators.Justice Initiative, Henderson County.
The Justice Initiative is a group of community members that was convened in Hendersonville by the Latino Advocacy Coalition and the Henderson County Human Relations Council. This is a multi-racial effort to hold public agencies accountable for ensuring that immigrants' rights are respected in Henderson County. The Justice Initiative welcomes the community to monthly silent vigils held to raise awareness about the need for comprehensive immigration reform and the damaging impact that local immigration enforcement efforts have on families. Vigils are held the last Friday of each month from 5:30-6:00 in front of the Historic Courthouse in Hendersonville.Shiloh Community Association, Buncombe County.
Shiloh is an African American community association that carries out community improvement programs in Asheville's historic Shiloh neighborhood.Cherokee Preservation Foundation, Qualla Boundary.
CPC worked with the Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) to convene a meeting of community leaders to discuss the needs and future of community clubs on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. A CPC report entitled Strengthening Community Clubs on the Qualla Boundary and Their Relationship with the Cherokee Preservation Foundation can be found on Cherokee Preservation Foundation's website (www.cherokeepreservationfdn.org). In addition, CPC continues to provide hands-on support to the Foundation's community development staff and is available to assist individual community clubs with issues related to organizational development.Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Qualla Boundary.
Works to enhance the lives of people through reclaiming the seven traditional Cherokee values: spirituality, harmony, education, a sense of place, honoring the past, strong character, and a sense of humor.Cherokee Seven Clans Gadugi, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Qualla Boundary.
Supports Cherokee groups, projects, individuals and community centers with training and assistance in obtaining foundation grants.Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council, Buncombe County.
ABCRC's mission is to help people develop mutual respect and eliminate discrimination. ABCRC partnered with CPC on convening and hosting a forum and public dialogue on the issues of immigration.Henderson County Human Relations Council, Henderson County.
The Henderson County Human Relations Council aims to improve relations among people in Henderson County, particularly relations among people of different races and ethnicities.Centro Latino of Caldwell County.
Centro Latino provides information and referral services, tutoring and English as a Second Language classes, and educational workshops (e.g., domestic violence, health education, immigrant rights) in Caldwell County. CPC has supported El Centro with board development, fundraising planning, and general organizational development.Centro Latino of Catawba County.
Centro Latino in Hickory focuses on health education, immigration, and education. This well-established Latino center has provided many services in these four areas to Hickory's large and growing Latino communities. CPC has supported El Centro Latino through board development, strategic planning, fundraising planning, and general organizational development.Centro Latino y de Solidaridad, Haywood County.
Centro Latino provides resources to Latinos in the Franklin area.Centro de Enlace, Yancey County.
The Centro de Enlace (Center of Connections) serves as an immigrant resource center and cultural center for Yancey County. Having operated for three years under the umbrella of the local Children's Services organization, Centro de Enlace has become an independent nonprofit organization, with a director and community lay educators called promotoras. Programs include information and referral services, translation and interpretation, assistance for immigrants, cultural and educational programs, and community organizing and leadership development.International Link, Buncombe County.
A mobile service center for all immigrants, primarily from Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. International Link provides language classes, referral and information services, youth tutoring and ESL classes, and other resources for the immigrant population.African American Coalition of Western North Carolina, Regional.
A coalition of African American grassroots groups that came together in 2007 to make connections among the region's African American Communities.Avery Amigos, Avery County.
Avery Amigos provides information and referral services for Latinos and helps build Latino leadership in Avery County.Bridge to Independence, Buncombe County.
Bridge to Independence is an African American organization that aims to provide intensive services and housing for people transitioning out of prison.HOLA, Wilkes County.
HOLA is an emerging Latino Center that plans to provide information and referral services for Wilkes County's Latino community.MANOS, Watauga County.
Manos is a group of Latinos that has come together to collectively meet the needs of Latinos in the county and advocate for immigrants' rights.Servicio de Centro Latino, Mitchell County.
A Latino center in a very rural county that provides information and referral services, a women's group, and other important resources for local Latinos.Tabernacle Enrichment Corporation, Buncombe County.
An African American group in Asheville's Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church that has started an after-school program.
Community Support Project Emma Family Resource Center, Buncombe County.
The EFRC provides family-centered services to residents of the Emma community in Buncombe County. An advisory council provides an opportunity for community members to shape the Center's programs and take leadership in new community initiatives. Members of the Advisory Council also assist in fundraising, and volunteer for at least one committee or program. Major programs include Emma Bucks, a skills exchange program where residents contribute their time and skills-for instance, two hours of child care-to earn credits which can be exchanged for services provided by other community members, like mowing the lawn or getting a ride to the store. The Advisory Council has also initiated a committee called A Safer Walk for Emma, advocating with city and state officials for the construction of sidewalks along the community's narrow, busy roads.Swannanoa Pride Community Coalition, Buncombe County.
A group that has come together to shape development and preserve heritage in the Swannanoa valley.Cherokee Center for Family Services.
Provides family services for Native and non-Native people on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. CPC staff organized and facilitated a strategic planning process involving Board, staff and stakeholders.Channel of Grace, Buncombe County.
Provides a free Sunday breakfast to housed and homeless people alike, organized by current and former street people in partnership with local faith communities.REACH of Cherokee County.
REACH provides services for battered women and rape victims; they run a women's shelter, provide crisis counseling and information and referral, and have recently began working on women's economic empowerment (e.g., job training). CPC has assisted with grantwriting, Board and staff training, and organizational planning.REACH of Clay County.
In 2004, the satellite office of REACH in Hayesville grew to the point where it became an independent nonprofit organization. CPC staff provided assistance with strategic planning, training, board formation, and the logistics of incorporating and fundraising for an independent nonprofit.Family Resources of Cherokee County.
The FRCC provides family-centered services to parents, children and elders in Cherokee County. CPC continues to work with Lisa Twiggs, Director of FRCC and other FRCC staff and board members on issues related to strengthening organizational capacity, including: board development, strategic planning, and on-going support.
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