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Conference for Community and Justice |
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Plexus Consulting Group, LLC |
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Vital Stats: The National Conference for Community and Justice (originally founded as the National Conference of Christians and Jews) is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism. The National Conference promotes understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures through education, advocacy and conflict resolution. NCCJ's vision is "to make our nation a better place for all
of us. Not just for some of us." Its primary goal is "to
transform communities - - through institutional change - - by empowering
leaders. So that all people will have access to our nation's opportunities
and be included in its promise." The Challenge | The Solution | The Process | Unintended Consequences | Measurements & Results | Lessons Learned How to build bridges between the various communities experiencing discrimination, their real or perceived detractors and society at large? Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, other organizations focused on addressing
various types of prejudice began to emerge from every direction. NCCJ
was challenged to brand itself from other entities responding to similar
issues. NCCJ chose to differentiate itself by addressing every possible
form of bigotry. NCCJ attempted to build bridges between the various
communities experiencing forms of discrimination, including those
stereotyped according to sexual orientation and physical ability,
their real or perceived detractors and society-at-large. In 1993, NCCJ partnered with media leaders to devise a long-range strategy for collaboration with the press and other nonprofit organizations to establish a local community in which highly diverse individuals and groups would engage in safe and effective dialogue. "The goal is to get people to treat each other with respect. That's all we can ask." Prior to joining NCCJ in 1992, Cheryl Kravitz, Executive Director
of the National Capital Area Region, worked as a journalist. With
a fine-tuned sensitivity to issues of prejudice as portrayed in the
media, her journalistic background was instrumental in helping NCCJ
to fashion a vision for effective communication. The goal was to use
the media as a positive tool for education rather than an inadvertent
vehicle for negative stereotyping. Recognizing the tremendous power
of images and words to convey ideas and perceptions, NCCJ is committed
to neutralizing prejudice in all its forms by proactively developing
community forums to build a consensus of respect. "Opening minds and changing hearts." Effective media relations are integral to NCCJ's efforts. Its strategic plan included various initiatives ranging from publications to workplace training for media professionals on issues of inclusion. NCCJ's programs include:
Examples of these programs include: Community Dialogues Building Bridges Youth Program Developing Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces This process usually involves a one and a half year commitment from the organization to work with NCCJ to institutionalize the program and to drive inclusive values throughout the corporate culture. NCCJ provides "what to do when…" guidance along with media relations assistance. "Who makes the decisions about who gets publicized? Is the diversity of the organization effectively reflected in its media relations initiatives?" Creating Interfaith Understanding Volunteer Opportunities NCCJ's community-building initiatives have set a powerful example
for the Metropolitan Washington area. The ongoing process of creative,
constructive and effective dialogue continues to blossom.
A hallmark success story is summarized below: From Intolerance to Understanding
"It doesn't matter if there are only two people. If they are the ones that matter, it's important." While some of NCCJ's interventions are highly confidential and others are widely celebrated, the organization is looking to broaden its scope to:
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