Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Tuesday, May 17, 2022
State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
May 17 all-day
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
May Business Before Hours
May 17 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Home2 Suites by Hilton Asheville Biltmore Village
Home2Suites

We encourage you to bring a prize for the raffle later in the event. Bring your business cards for networking but also so you can enter the raffle! The early bird catches the worm…or maybe a great door prize!

AmeriCorps opportunities with Asheville Habitat
May 17 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is seeking six
AmeriCorps members for a year-long service opportunity beginning in August. Positions
are Construction Crew Leader, New Homes  (2) Construction Crew Leader, Repair (3),
and Volunteer Services Coordinator (1). Members receive a living allowance and other
benefits. Those with a passion for affordable housing, an adventurous spirit, and a
sincere desire to serve others are encouraged to apply.
At Asheville Habitat, AmeriCorps members play an important role in providing
leadership on project sites, engaging volunteers to become champions for the mission,
and creating new tools and systems to build capacity. During a year of service,
members gain insight into a non-profit organization and receive hands-on experience in
leadership, team building, public speaking, and community development. For some,
AmeriCorps is an experiential gap year before college, grad school, or a career; for
others it is a stepping stone towards a job in the non-profit sector.

New Ways to Market and Protect Your Business in 2022 with Google
May 17 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
online w/ BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

No cost due to sponsor support

Google is an excellent way to connect customers to your small business. Learn how to grow and protect your business online brand in 2022 with new ways to better connect with potential and existing customers through using Google “free” products: Alert, Analytics, Calendar, Gmail, Maps, Google My Business, Search, Translate, YouTube while being more organized and efficient.


Speaker(s): Gary Heisey

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
May 18 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Multifamily Recycling Grant Program
May 18 all-day
online w/ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
 

NC DEACS Accepting Applications Now!

Last month DEACS launched a Multifamily Recycling Grant to support recycling at multifamily properties in North Carolina. Local governments, recycling businesses, and property management companies are all eligible to apply for funding. Grant funding can be used to purchase equipment and site developments to establish or expand recycling access for multifamily units. The maximum award is $250,000.

  • Multifamily Recycling Grant Program – OPEN
    This special grant program offers funding to initiate or expand multifamily recycling programs within the state. Eligible applicants include local governments, recycling businesses or non-profits, multifamily property owners, or multifamily property management companies. Grant funds may be used to purchase typical equipment needs to start or expand the collection of traditional household recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and containers) from multifamily residences. Examples of eligible purchases include carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads, recycling corrals and education. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no due date. Approved grant applications will be funded in the order in which they are received until funding is exhausted.

    Download the Multifamily Recycling Grant request for proposals (RFP) by selecting one of the following links (PDF or Word). Please submit completed applications to Tara Nattress at [email protected].

Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
May 18 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
Race2Reduce: 30-Day Plastic Reduction Challenge
May 18 all-day
online w/ GreenWorks

Image

Once you start seeing all the plastics you use, you can’t unsee it.

You reach for your chips, your tube of toothpaste, or your plastic sandwich bags, and feel guilty that all that packaging will spend the rest of time in the landfill.

 

Us too.

Plastic is super light, but the average person throws away more than 110 lbs of it each year  – the equivalent of almost 9,100 plastic soda bottles.

It’s too much. And we decided it doesn’t have to be that way.

We just have to get creative.

 

When we first started tracking our plastic waste, we challenged ourselves:

How little could we use?

 

Replacing plastic drink bottles with a reusable bottle was simple.

Keeping reusable shopping bags in the car to grab on the way into the store was also easy.

 

What’s the next level?

 

Join our Race2Reduce to find out!

Race2Reduce is your pledge to decrease your plastic use for the entire month of May.

Once you sign up HERE we will send you plastic tips, volunteer opportunities, and educational materials featuring local Asheville businesses!

 

But you won’t do it alone.

You’re joining a whole community of action takers opening their minds and kitchen pantries to plastic alternatives.

 

Plus there’s a little friendly competition…

 

How it works: Earn points to win a $75, $50, or $25 gift certificate to Ware, a local sustainability and refill shop in downtown Asheville.

5pts: Like or share a MYPM Instagram or Facebook post

10pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

15pts: Answer our Friday Trivia question

20pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

25pts: Lead your own trash clean up with GreenWorks’ supplies

Enter to win by pledging to reduce your plastic here. 

(*Be sure to check the box that asks if you want to be in the running for prizes.) 

Lots of plastics aren’t recyclable, and when we throw them “away,” they only go as far as the Buncombe County landfill off Panther Branch Road in Alexander.

 

So here’s the thing:

If you want to get in shape, no one else can do your push-ups for you.

If you want to feel awesome, no one else can choose your car dance song for you.

And if you want to protect your home and health from plastic pollution, no one else can choose to consume less plastic for you.

 

But we CAN do it together.

 

Over 400 residents participated in the last Mind Your Plastic May plastic reduction challenge – and together we diverted 6,750 lbs of trash from the landfill in just 30 days.

Will you help us break that record this year? Join here.

 

We’re proud that so many of our fellow Ashevillians are working to end their reliance on plastic! Many thanks to the businesses and restaurants who supported this effort, and are working hard to reduce their own plastic waste. Mind Your Plastic May 2022 is presented for the residents of the City of Asheville in partnership with the City of Asheville. #goingplasticfree.

 

Questions?  Give us a shout at: [email protected]

 

 

P.S. It’s Mind Your Plastic May, which means we’re taking action to reduce plastic all month long!

Check out all our events and activities here: ashevillegreenworks.org/mind-your-plastic-may

State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
May 18 all-day
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
Mission Accelerator class
May 18 @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College

Take your Business to the Next Level with the Mission Accelerator Program
Companies in 2022 will face a business landscape disrupted by a pandemic: staffing issues, supply chain issues, new business models, shift in consumer purchasing patterns, revenue disruptions, and new applications of tech just to name a few.
The 2022 Mission Accelerator class can help organizations you know develop new tools and strategies to proactively successfully navigate the ever changing business environment that 2022 will be.
Registration is open through January 24th. The program begins January 26th and will meet every-other Wednesday from 8:30 am – 1 pm through June 1st. The cost for the program is $295.
Not sure if your business could benefit from this program? Take the self-assessment below to rate your success.

Blue Ridge Community College and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce have partnered once again to offer the Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator, a five-month, ten-course program.

 

January 26, 2022
Business Best Practices and KPI (Key Performance Indicators) Checklist by Department Identifying Opportunities for Acceleration

February 9, 2022
Management and Leadership

February 23, 2022
Human Resources, Legal and Insurance

March 9, 2022
Capital and Purchasing

March 23, 2022
Competition and Competitive Advantage

April 6, 2022
Branding, Marketing and Sales

April 20, 2022
Customer Service and Information Technology

May 4, 2022
Business Logistics: Best ways to meet customer needs

May 18, 2022
Accounting and Finance

June 1, 2022
Business Acceleration Plan Presentation and Graduation

Sessions run Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. except 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on January 26.
Cost for the course is $295.

The Business of Art Conference
May 18 @ 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Brevard College’s Porter Center

Area artists and other creative professionals are
invited to learn how to grow their art businesses at the third annual Business
of Art conference on May 18. Presented by Blue Ridge Community College, the
conference will be held in Brevard College’s Porter Center. The Blue Ridge
Small Business Center (SBC) announced the return of the conference this
month after a two-year hiatus.
The event features keynote presentations and a panel discussion, as well as a
series of breakout sessions featuring local voices. Experts will discuss
strategies to navigate business in the creative landscape. Registration is free,
and registrants can also participate in a networking event including lunch at no
cost.
SBC director Ben Smith explained how the arts sectors of Transylvania and
Henderson counties play a critical role in tourism and overall economic vitality.
“The Business of Art Conference serves as a free, local training opportunity to
entrepreneurs and business owners as they explore ways to increase their
business knowledge and secure future viability,” he said.

AmeriCorps opportunities with Asheville Habitat
May 18 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is seeking six
AmeriCorps members for a year-long service opportunity beginning in August. Positions
are Construction Crew Leader, New Homes  (2) Construction Crew Leader, Repair (3),
and Volunteer Services Coordinator (1). Members receive a living allowance and other
benefits. Those with a passion for affordable housing, an adventurous spirit, and a
sincere desire to serve others are encouraged to apply.
At Asheville Habitat, AmeriCorps members play an important role in providing
leadership on project sites, engaging volunteers to become champions for the mission,
and creating new tools and systems to build capacity. During a year of service,
members gain insight into a non-profit organization and receive hands-on experience in
leadership, team building, public speaking, and community development. For some,
AmeriCorps is an experiential gap year before college, grad school, or a career; for
others it is a stepping stone towards a job in the non-profit sector.

Asheville Chamber Orientation
May 18 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Chamber

Chamber members impact the local business community by making an investment in Chamber membership. Whether you’re a new member, a long-time member with new staff, or a business who’s considering membership, we welcome you to attend our Chamber Orientation to learn how to get the most value from your membership investment.

Chamber President Kit Cramer will give an overview of the work the Chamber is doing every day to build our community, including how we support our thriving economy by growing jobs, advocating for a business-friendly environment and helping our members prosper. We’ll dive into member benefits and share ideas of how you can take advantage of the many opportunities available to you as a member. You’ll also have a chance to meet Chamber staff and learn how you can get more engaged.

Orientation is also a great chance to meet other Chamber members.

This event is free, but registration is requested in order to help us plan appropriately.

Thursday, May 19, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
May 19 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
May 19 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
Race2Reduce: 30-Day Plastic Reduction Challenge
May 19 all-day
online w/ GreenWorks

Image

Once you start seeing all the plastics you use, you can’t unsee it.

You reach for your chips, your tube of toothpaste, or your plastic sandwich bags, and feel guilty that all that packaging will spend the rest of time in the landfill.

 

Us too.

Plastic is super light, but the average person throws away more than 110 lbs of it each year  – the equivalent of almost 9,100 plastic soda bottles.

It’s too much. And we decided it doesn’t have to be that way.

We just have to get creative.

 

When we first started tracking our plastic waste, we challenged ourselves:

How little could we use?

 

Replacing plastic drink bottles with a reusable bottle was simple.

Keeping reusable shopping bags in the car to grab on the way into the store was also easy.

 

What’s the next level?

 

Join our Race2Reduce to find out!

Race2Reduce is your pledge to decrease your plastic use for the entire month of May.

Once you sign up HERE we will send you plastic tips, volunteer opportunities, and educational materials featuring local Asheville businesses!

 

But you won’t do it alone.

You’re joining a whole community of action takers opening their minds and kitchen pantries to plastic alternatives.

 

Plus there’s a little friendly competition…

 

How it works: Earn points to win a $75, $50, or $25 gift certificate to Ware, a local sustainability and refill shop in downtown Asheville.

5pts: Like or share a MYPM Instagram or Facebook post

10pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

15pts: Answer our Friday Trivia question

20pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

25pts: Lead your own trash clean up with GreenWorks’ supplies

Enter to win by pledging to reduce your plastic here. 

(*Be sure to check the box that asks if you want to be in the running for prizes.) 

Lots of plastics aren’t recyclable, and when we throw them “away,” they only go as far as the Buncombe County landfill off Panther Branch Road in Alexander.

 

So here’s the thing:

If you want to get in shape, no one else can do your push-ups for you.

If you want to feel awesome, no one else can choose your car dance song for you.

And if you want to protect your home and health from plastic pollution, no one else can choose to consume less plastic for you.

 

But we CAN do it together.

 

Over 400 residents participated in the last Mind Your Plastic May plastic reduction challenge – and together we diverted 6,750 lbs of trash from the landfill in just 30 days.

Will you help us break that record this year? Join here.

 

We’re proud that so many of our fellow Ashevillians are working to end their reliance on plastic! Many thanks to the businesses and restaurants who supported this effort, and are working hard to reduce their own plastic waste. Mind Your Plastic May 2022 is presented for the residents of the City of Asheville in partnership with the City of Asheville. #goingplasticfree.

 

Questions?  Give us a shout at: [email protected]

 

 

P.S. It’s Mind Your Plastic May, which means we’re taking action to reduce plastic all month long!

Check out all our events and activities here: ashevillegreenworks.org/mind-your-plastic-may

State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
May 19 all-day
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
WomanUP Workshop
May 19 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am
Crowne Plaza Hotel
WomanUP logo

Empowering.

Inspiring.

Those are the words attendees use to describe WomanUP workshops. On May 19th, WomanUP brings you the inspiring stories of local leaders along with opportunities to connect with women in business.

 

Four unique women who live and work in our community share their stories of overcoming challenges, embracing leadership and striving for work/life balance at WomanUP on May 19th at the Crowne Plaza from 8-10:30 a.m.

We’ll hear from: 

Jacquelyn Hallum, Director, Health Careers & Diversity Education at Mountain Area Health Education Network & 2022 WomanUP Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Lauren Rash, Chief Operations Manager for Diamond Brand Gear (During Amy Climer’s keynote about deliberate creativity at the WomanUP Celebration, we got a taste of her story about providing educational support for employees’ kids during the pandemic. We’re excited to hear more directly from Lauren.)

Michelle Walker, Asheville Operations Manager for Pratt & Whitney & WomanUP Committee Member

Ginger Frank, Owner of Poppy Popcorn
Their relatable stories may give you inspiration for your own work and life.

AmeriCorps opportunities with Asheville Habitat
May 19 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is seeking six
AmeriCorps members for a year-long service opportunity beginning in August. Positions
are Construction Crew Leader, New Homes  (2) Construction Crew Leader, Repair (3),
and Volunteer Services Coordinator (1). Members receive a living allowance and other
benefits. Those with a passion for affordable housing, an adventurous spirit, and a
sincere desire to serve others are encouraged to apply.
At Asheville Habitat, AmeriCorps members play an important role in providing
leadership on project sites, engaging volunteers to become champions for the mission,
and creating new tools and systems to build capacity. During a year of service,
members gain insight into a non-profit organization and receive hands-on experience in
leadership, team building, public speaking, and community development. For some,
AmeriCorps is an experiential gap year before college, grad school, or a career; for
others it is a stepping stone towards a job in the non-profit sector.

Business + Professional Women’s Luncheon
May 19 @ 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall

Keynote Speaker
Micaela Isler
Executive Director of the National Association of Business Political Action Committees
Presentation
15th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County given in Memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz
May Policy on Tap
May 19 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing

May Policy on Tap

Western North Carolina is a world-class destination for outdoor activities. Everyone from weekend hikers to seasoned climbers can find places for their favorite adventures. With that kind of opportunity at our fingertips, it’s no surprise the region serves as headquarters to the makers and manufacturers that bring to life the tools needed for many outdoor activities.

Join us for Policy on Tap when we’ll unveil new collaborative research looking at the prevalence of outdoor recreation and product industry across WNC and its economic impact. We’ll also highlight the innovation and creativity of local outdoor manufacturers who pivoted during the pandemic to support healthcare and community needs.

We’ll also hear from local industry leaders:

Lauren Rash, CEO of Diamond Brand Gear Company

Tom Dempsey, CEO of SylvanSport

Clint Spiegel, President of Industry Nine

Erica Anderson, Economic & Community Development Director, Land of Sky Regional Council

The event follows the results of a project conducted by Riverbird Research (a division of the Asheville Chamber). The project was a collaboration of three Councils of Government representing 18 WNC counties and funded by a U.S. EDA grant.

 

No registration required.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
May 19 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic and Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co Game Room Comedy Show (must be 18+)

Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the areas best Standup Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Comedy Open Mic plus at least Three Professional featured performers.

Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]

For more info contact Michele at [email protected]

5/19 Hosted by Hilliary Begley of Netflix & Amazon Prime

Comedy Open Mic Featuring
Ryan Cox, Cameron Davis, Jess Cooley & Larry Griffin

Musicians For Mental Health
May 19 @ 9:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Mental Health Action Day, an initiative of Free2Luv & MTV is May 19th. Let’s start conversations about Mental health and turn it into action. Join us as we CONNECT with the Asheville community doing what we do best, music! There will take home resources for mental health, a collaborative art piece for all attendees, as well as good conversation, connections, and of course music with a positive message to inspire you and give you hope.
There will also be a pre-show at 6:00 from families with kids under 21. Kids are FREE. The first 100 kids will receive a free mental health workbook to take home.
Kayla Lynn – Bass & Vocals
from McKinney & Funk’N Around
Lenny Pettinelli – Keys
from Empire Strikes Brass
Datrian Johnson – Vocals
from The Fritz & Free Radio
Nik Hope – Drums
from Empire Strikes Brass
Josh Blake – Guitar
from The Funk Jam Band
King Garfield – Trombone
from Funk’N Around
Guest Vocalists
Dani Cox
from Secret Agent Skidoo
Debrissa McKinney
from Free Radio & Secret Agent Skidoo
Reggie Headen
Kathryn O’Shea
Friday, May 20, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
May 20 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Race2Reduce: 30-Day Plastic Reduction Challenge
May 20 all-day
online w/ GreenWorks

Image

Once you start seeing all the plastics you use, you can’t unsee it.

You reach for your chips, your tube of toothpaste, or your plastic sandwich bags, and feel guilty that all that packaging will spend the rest of time in the landfill.

 

Us too.

Plastic is super light, but the average person throws away more than 110 lbs of it each year  – the equivalent of almost 9,100 plastic soda bottles.

It’s too much. And we decided it doesn’t have to be that way.

We just have to get creative.

 

When we first started tracking our plastic waste, we challenged ourselves:

How little could we use?

 

Replacing plastic drink bottles with a reusable bottle was simple.

Keeping reusable shopping bags in the car to grab on the way into the store was also easy.

 

What’s the next level?

 

Join our Race2Reduce to find out!

Race2Reduce is your pledge to decrease your plastic use for the entire month of May.

Once you sign up HERE we will send you plastic tips, volunteer opportunities, and educational materials featuring local Asheville businesses!

 

But you won’t do it alone.

You’re joining a whole community of action takers opening their minds and kitchen pantries to plastic alternatives.

 

Plus there’s a little friendly competition…

 

How it works: Earn points to win a $75, $50, or $25 gift certificate to Ware, a local sustainability and refill shop in downtown Asheville.

5pts: Like or share a MYPM Instagram or Facebook post

10pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

15pts: Answer our Friday Trivia question

20pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

25pts: Lead your own trash clean up with GreenWorks’ supplies

Enter to win by pledging to reduce your plastic here. 

(*Be sure to check the box that asks if you want to be in the running for prizes.) 

Lots of plastics aren’t recyclable, and when we throw them “away,” they only go as far as the Buncombe County landfill off Panther Branch Road in Alexander.

 

So here’s the thing:

If you want to get in shape, no one else can do your push-ups for you.

If you want to feel awesome, no one else can choose your car dance song for you.

And if you want to protect your home and health from plastic pollution, no one else can choose to consume less plastic for you.

 

But we CAN do it together.

 

Over 400 residents participated in the last Mind Your Plastic May plastic reduction challenge – and together we diverted 6,750 lbs of trash from the landfill in just 30 days.

Will you help us break that record this year? Join here.

 

We’re proud that so many of our fellow Ashevillians are working to end their reliance on plastic! Many thanks to the businesses and restaurants who supported this effort, and are working hard to reduce their own plastic waste. Mind Your Plastic May 2022 is presented for the residents of the City of Asheville in partnership with the City of Asheville. #goingplasticfree.

 

Questions?  Give us a shout at: [email protected]

 

 

P.S. It’s Mind Your Plastic May, which means we’re taking action to reduce plastic all month long!

Check out all our events and activities here: ashevillegreenworks.org/mind-your-plastic-may

State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
May 20 all-day
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
AmeriCorps opportunities with Asheville Habitat
May 20 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is seeking six
AmeriCorps members for a year-long service opportunity beginning in August. Positions
are Construction Crew Leader, New Homes  (2) Construction Crew Leader, Repair (3),
and Volunteer Services Coordinator (1). Members receive a living allowance and other
benefits. Those with a passion for affordable housing, an adventurous spirit, and a
sincere desire to serve others are encouraged to apply.
At Asheville Habitat, AmeriCorps members play an important role in providing
leadership on project sites, engaging volunteers to become champions for the mission,
and creating new tools and systems to build capacity. During a year of service,
members gain insight into a non-profit organization and receive hands-on experience in
leadership, team building, public speaking, and community development. For some,
AmeriCorps is an experiential gap year before college, grad school, or a career; for
others it is a stepping stone towards a job in the non-profit sector.

Join us as we celebrate IAM’s Grand Opening for their Thrift Store!
May 20 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
IAM's Thrift Store

“Uncommon Treasures for the Common Good”
The IAM Thrift Store has something for everyone. Boutique clothing, furniture, artwork, household items and much more can be found in our new spacious location! Revenues from the Thrift Store help fund Interfaith Assistance Ministry’s programs which provide free crisis services to residents of Henderson County.
Dynamic Together Silent Disco
May 20 @ 5:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Grab your friends, grab your family and join Odyssey Community School for an evening of music, dance and joy! Ticket includes food, 1 drink and headphones for our Silent Disco fundraiser event!

Saturday, May 21, 2022
Race2Reduce: 30-Day Plastic Reduction Challenge
May 21 all-day
online w/ GreenWorks

Image

Once you start seeing all the plastics you use, you can’t unsee it.

You reach for your chips, your tube of toothpaste, or your plastic sandwich bags, and feel guilty that all that packaging will spend the rest of time in the landfill.

 

Us too.

Plastic is super light, but the average person throws away more than 110 lbs of it each year  – the equivalent of almost 9,100 plastic soda bottles.

It’s too much. And we decided it doesn’t have to be that way.

We just have to get creative.

 

When we first started tracking our plastic waste, we challenged ourselves:

How little could we use?

 

Replacing plastic drink bottles with a reusable bottle was simple.

Keeping reusable shopping bags in the car to grab on the way into the store was also easy.

 

What’s the next level?

 

Join our Race2Reduce to find out!

Race2Reduce is your pledge to decrease your plastic use for the entire month of May.

Once you sign up HERE we will send you plastic tips, volunteer opportunities, and educational materials featuring local Asheville businesses!

 

But you won’t do it alone.

You’re joining a whole community of action takers opening their minds and kitchen pantries to plastic alternatives.

 

Plus there’s a little friendly competition…

 

How it works: Earn points to win a $75, $50, or $25 gift certificate to Ware, a local sustainability and refill shop in downtown Asheville.

5pts: Like or share a MYPM Instagram or Facebook post

10pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

15pts: Answer our Friday Trivia question

20pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

25pts: Lead your own trash clean up with GreenWorks’ supplies

Enter to win by pledging to reduce your plastic here. 

(*Be sure to check the box that asks if you want to be in the running for prizes.) 

Lots of plastics aren’t recyclable, and when we throw them “away,” they only go as far as the Buncombe County landfill off Panther Branch Road in Alexander.

 

So here’s the thing:

If you want to get in shape, no one else can do your push-ups for you.

If you want to feel awesome, no one else can choose your car dance song for you.

And if you want to protect your home and health from plastic pollution, no one else can choose to consume less plastic for you.

 

But we CAN do it together.

 

Over 400 residents participated in the last Mind Your Plastic May plastic reduction challenge – and together we diverted 6,750 lbs of trash from the landfill in just 30 days.

Will you help us break that record this year? Join here.

 

We’re proud that so many of our fellow Ashevillians are working to end their reliance on plastic! Many thanks to the businesses and restaurants who supported this effort, and are working hard to reduce their own plastic waste. Mind Your Plastic May 2022 is presented for the residents of the City of Asheville in partnership with the City of Asheville. #goingplasticfree.

 

Questions?  Give us a shout at: [email protected]

 

 

P.S. It’s Mind Your Plastic May, which means we’re taking action to reduce plastic all month long!

Check out all our events and activities here: ashevillegreenworks.org/mind-your-plastic-may