Calendar of Events

Yavilah McCoy, who founded Ayecha, an organization dedicated to Jewish people of color, and who continues work on equity and inclusion as CEO of Dimensions Educational Consulting, will present a talk, “Faith, Power, and Privilege,” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, in UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Student Union, Blue Ridge Room. This event, sponsored by the University’s Center for Jewish Studies, and Department of Religious Studies, along with Carolina Jews for Justice, is free and open to everyone.

A teacher, writer, editor and diversity consultant, McCoy was born and raised in an orthodox Jewish home in Brooklyn, N.Y. Her grandparents converted to Judaism, and she continues the traditions handed to her over three generations as part of her African American Jewish family. In her talk, McCoy will discuss the practice of holding multiple identities within efforts to build greater equity and justice in the changing political and social climate of 2020. She will address the challenges of diversity and inclusion in religious communities, as well as opportunities that these communities can engage toward becoming deeper allies and stronger advocates in working together toward social justice.

McCoy is a certified trainer for the Anti-Defamation League’s World of Difference Institute, the National Conference for Community and Justice, and the National Coalition Building Institute, and a certified coach for the Auburn Theological Seminary Pastoral Training Program. She also co-authored and performed The Colors of Water, a 2009 theater piece sharing the history of the generations of her family.

McCoy was a leader of the Jewish delegation to the 2017 Women’s March, and two years later, was placed in the spotlight as one of three Jewish leaders added to the Women’s March steering committee after accusations of anti-Semitism had been lodged against march organizers.

“People will need to recover their deepest sense of their humanity in relationships,” she told Jewish Boston about her work in the Women’s March leadership. “All of my work is based in relationship-building. And the first thing I ask people to do is to agree to be proximate to one another.”

She also told Jewish Boston that she takes a similar approach in addressing racism and sexism she has encountered in the Jewish community. “In contrast to demanding that our leaders be denounced for the racism and sexism they have exhibited, I and many other Jewish activists that I respect have figured out strategies to engage in ‘teachable moments’ where leaders can listen, learn and change their behavior in accountability to the people and communities they have been empowered to serve,” said McCoy.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:

| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |

• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace

Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).

Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)

About the Facilitator:

Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”

Comments:

“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.

(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

RiverLink is hosting the 6th Annual Earth Day Kid’s Festival! This event will feature an exciting variety of environmentally focused activities for kids in grades K-12. Some of these activities include arts and crafts, musical performances, hands on learning, educational materials, interactive booths, and more! Earth Day Kids Festival encourages collaboration between environmental organizations in order to inspire younger generations to be stewards of our planet. This event is hosted in conjunction with WNC for the Planet, a collective of local environmental organizations that provides access to service, educational, and recreational opportunities in recognition of Earth Month in April. We hope you can join us to inspire younger generations to make positive change in our local and global environment!