The Global Tapestry Project is one of the first recipients of the West Central Initiative’s Community Change Maker grant award.
The new grant program aims to help west central Minnesota communities become more socially connected, equitable, hopeful and empowered by engaging residents, contributing to social cohesion and implementing strategies that strengthen these communities.
The Global Tapestry Project is a media initiative designed to showcase fact-based stories that illustrate the strengths and positive benefits diversity brings to our communities in North Dakota and Minnesota.
The initiative was formed by the Human Family and the Afro American Development Association in the fall of 2017 as a product of community conversations organized by United Against Hate in the aftermath of a rise in hate speech and crime directed toward immigrant and former refugee communities in Fargo-Moorhead.
A total of $78,371 was awarded by the West Central Initative to 18 organizations throughout Minnesota.
“Our goal with the Community Change Makers grant program is to help communities arrive at their own solutions,” said WCI President Anna Wasescha. “In this round of awards, we can see our nine-county region through the eyes of individuals and groups who know and love their communities and, by working together, have summoned the creative energy to make those places better places to live and work.”
The Global Tapestry Project received $5,000 from the West Central Initiative to develop avenues for immigrants and former refugees to share their stories in order to create greater community understanding. The project will include a community event and a 12-episode television series.
“We’re thankful and honored to have the project recognized as part of the Community Change Makers program and supported by the West Central Initative,” said Sean Coffman, Executive Director of the Human Family.
A community partnership, the Global Tapestry Project is supported by the Afro American Development Association, the Human Family, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, SolidarityMN, the Plains Art Museum, and the West Central Initiative.
Learn more about the West Central Initiative’s Change Maker Program.
