Connecting hearts, minds, and hands to meet needs in our community
Police Procedures to Change? Indiana Black Caucus Formulates Potential Mandates
The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), along with member Cherrish Pryor, (right), is working to find ways to improve methods and policing rules that they believe will better serve the state. A number of recommendations have been submitted to Gov. Holcomb that include an immediate ban on chokehold restraints and the formation of a statewide commission that includes civilians and African Americans on a criminal justice review board. A list of potential legislative mandates have also been submitted including such things as required use of body and dashboard cameras, an Indiana database for citizen complaints against law enforcement, and an anti-racial profiling law among other issues. See the entire list!
Employers Are Being Added to ReEntrant Job Site Now!
As UNITE INDY works with developers for the first-ever online job site specifically for Central Indiana reentrants, we are now in the process of adding employers who are supplying jobs for the thousands of them returning to Marion and surrounding counties. At the same time, this technology will be made available for use in other cities so that our efforts will eventually be used as part of a national push to employ and otherwise enable justice-involved individuals to successfully merge back into local society. Our approach here will include on-site visits to Indiana prisons and Central Indiana area jails to train folks to access and use the internet, with an emphasis on taking advantage of UNITE INDY 's Second Chance Indy web site that will not only provide employment information, it will help with housing, acquisition of licenses, food pantry locations, transportation help, and so much more. The site launches locally on July 28, 2020. The URL is SecondChanceIndy.com.
What did Jesus say to the man at the pool called Bethesda? . . . GET UP!
Dr. Charles Ware (right) prays passionately with a group of men who pray for our city, state, nation, and each other, (right). The connections you can make in this group are filled with power! Join us at  UNITE INDY , 241 W. 38th Street, 7:30 AM every Wednesday, or by Zoom. Reply  Here  for more information.
Terra Has Left The Building
Earlier this month we had the distinct pleasure of helping to wish bon voyage to Terra Seidel, one of  UNITE INDY 's wonderful board members (left with Nancy Cotterill). Terra has moved to Texas--her native state, following her husband, whose promotion takes him to Houston. Terra, with her arm-load of degrees in philanthropy, and her heart full of love for everyone she's ever met, will be missed by so many here, and already has a number of mission-oriented organizations offering her positions of authority. Our loss is their gain, but we know she will do great things wherever she lands. Thank you Terra, for your work, your care, and your friendship. We miss you already!
We Need YOUR Help to Stop Usury of Vulnerable Families!
Now is a time when families are especially victimized by predatory lenders and things are gearing up in the effort to get our legislature to cap payday lending interest rates at the next session.
This summer, the Interim Study Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance will meet to study Indiana’s consumer lending laws. It is imperative that we reach members of this committee now to tell them that reform to Indiana’s payday lending laws are needed, including a strong usury cap. Nebraska recently capped consumer lending at 39%, bending to the power of state-wide petitions. We can do this!
The committee is made up of many who have supported high payday loan interest rates in the past--rates up to 371%! Bankruptcy rates soar for payday loan customers, who are often desperate to meet rent payments or pay for food. They need our help! 
Please!
Contact all these legislators at: Indiana State Senate or State House, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2785, (317) 232-9400, or (800) 382-9467 .
Rep Martin Carbaugh, Chair – carried pro-industry legislation as lead author in 2018
Senator Phil Boots – mixed votes
Senator Andy Zay – lead author of pro-industry bills in 2019 & 2020
Rep Campbell – likely ally, but no votes on the issue
Rep Chyung – voted against pro-industry proposal in 2019 (in committee)
Rep Heaton – voted for pro-industry proposal in 2018 & 2019 (in committee)
Rep Lauer – likely ally, but no votes on the issue
Rep Lehman – carried pro-industry legislation in 2019 as House sponsor
UNITE INDY is proud to work with Indiana Institute for Working Families which has been all over this issue. We've sent them our letters, please add yours!
Virtue Signaling: OK... What?
I recently heard a man talking about how white people are putting signs up in their yards that are nothing but virtue signaling. Virtue signaling? That intrigued me.
According to the original source, virtue signaling i s a "public act with very little associated cost that is intended to inform others of one's  socially acceptable  alignment on an issue."  Huh. So this includes things like just happening to drop into any conversation that you have been digging water wells in Africa, to putting a sign up in your yard that says 'We Don't Hate." (Sorry If this steps on anyone's toes.) If you are part of any caring ministry, you'll love the term "Slacktivism" in Nancy's blog! Check it out! Virtue Signaling
DONATE YOUR CHANGE! (You can set a monthly limit!..$10, $20?)
We have partnered with a new mobile app and website that allows you to automatically donate the change from your credit card purchases to support our work. It’s small change for you, but a game changer for us! Check out the RoundUp App and download it for iPhone, Android or use the Web Version. And, name us as your charity. Every little bit helps a lot! Thank you!!!
Get the "Love Your Neighbor" Free Software and Put Power Behind your Church Outreach Efforts
Now more than ever, Churches are looking for innovative ways to care for their neighbors. To answer that need, a new web-based platform called "Love Your Neighbor" is available to churches free from  UNITE INDY  in partnership with our technology partner, Meet The Need, to put digital power behind your neighborhood volunteer efforts, expanding the reach of your church. Your Neighborhood Leaders and church members will easily become the hands and feet of Christ to shut-ins, families in need and others in distress, being able to track and answer needs through this easy to use software. No lost information, no duplications of effort...this is a simple way for churches large and small to truly Love Your Neighbor. View a short video! Contact UNITE INDY to sign up!
What we do makes a difference!
UNITE INDY is connecting people every day to make a difference for those in our city who live in in perpetual want. It builds bridges of understanding between those who need help and those who can help.
• Connecting — UNITE INDY introduces urban pastors and ministry leaders to suburban pastors and business leaders. We also make available—At No Charge—a web-based system that connects churches, businesses, ministries, to charities enabling them to raise volunteers and publicize needed items.
• Raising Awareness — Through print, television, and radio UNITE INDY is sharing the needs of our community and celebrating victories.  
• Serving the Servants — UNITE INDY comes behind urban pastors and ministry leaders by addressing personal and professional needs for these men who work tirelessly in their neighborhoods to care for the needy and bereft.

Remember, almost 1 out of every 3 children in Indianapolis lives below the poverty level, yet our economy is roaring, and unemployment is at a historic low. But all this good news stops at the lines surrounding many of our inner city neighborhoods. In some neighborhoods of Marion County unemployment exceeds 20%. and poverty remains the overwhelming divider of people.

Please send a check today to UNITE INDY, 241 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Or donate via credit card by clicking here . It is secure and safe. By sending your fully tax deductible gift* now we can have a greater impact meeting needs in our community in 2020.

Many, many thanks!
* UNITE INDY, Inc. is approved under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) as a Public Charity, donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 170.
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