November 2025

Monthly News & Updates

Happy Fall NFJC Members,

November is the month that reminds us to be thankful and I would like to start off by thanking each one of you for all that you do for our communities.

November is National Gratitude Month, I encourage you to take a few minutes each day to practice gratitude. Begin or end your day thinking about three things you are grateful for. This month-long celebration is the perfect opportunity to cultivate a habit of being thankful for all things no matter how big or small. In gratitude for each of you!

Rene Petties-Jones

CONFLUENCE RISING

The California Conference Conference for Equality and Justice has a new name and new logo. CCEJ's new name is Confluence Rising.

Over the past 18 months, they have been on a journey to update their name and logo. They surveyed more than 100 youth and adult stakeholders for input and feedback along the way. Their re-naming process was intentional and inclusive, and they are proud of their Board and staff for selecting a powerful new name.

In its literal definition, a confluence is the place where things merge or flow together.

Confluence describes a coming together of people or ideas, referring to a meeting or gathering point. It can also describe the meeting of rivers or bodies of water, an image that is echoed in our their logo.

Rising represents the transformative power of their mission to educate and empower youth and adults to lead change for equity and justice in their communities.

THRIVING TOGETHER

Check out the latest Podcast from Confluence Rising. Executive Director Reena Hajat Carroll, Chief Development Officer Jessy Needham, and Development and Marketing Manager Vanessa Chacon reflect on why the time was right for change, what it took to get here, and what this shift means for the future of their work.

LOOKING FOR CAMP DIRECTORS

Anytown Leadership Camp is looking for passionate leaders to serve as Volunteer Camp Directors for Summer 2026! Directors are hired this December and begin training in January to prepare for a powerful summer of building community, developing leaders and inspiring change.

If you know anyone in the Phoenix, AZ area that might be interested, tell them to apply today and help create an unforgettable camp experience with Anytown.

Click here for the application link.

OCCJ IN D.C.

During the week of October 6, 2025, Phil Armstrong, President and CEO of OCCJ, traveled to Washington D.C. with the OK Justice Circle for a week of reconciliation and relationship building. The group toured sites such as: National Museum of African American History and Culture, Arlington National Cemetery, National Holocaust Museum, Ford’s Theatre and many others.

OCCJ IS HIRING

OCCJ is seeking a highly organized and proactive Operations and Engagement Administrator focused on keeping their organization running smoothly and purposefully. This position will be a key connector across teams, helping foster a collaborative culture and ensuring our mission-driven work stays aligned and energized. Whether coordinating with board members, supporting program logistics, or helping amplify their impact, the work will help build a more inclusive and just community.

If you’re passionate about community—and you enjoy being the glue that holds great work together, send your cover letter and resume to info@occjok.org

71ST ANNUAL HUMANITARIAN CELEBRATION

On November 12, 2025, the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, will celebrate their 71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration. They will honor outstanding individuals whose dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging have made a lasting impact on their community. For over seven decades, this event has celebrated those whose efforts have helped create a more compassionate and just society.

DHARMA TALK

On November 6, 2025, Garden State Equality will hold an enlightening event with Lama Rod Owens. Lama Rod will be shared his wisdom through a Dharma Talk followed by a calming meditation session.

Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their spiritual practice and connect with others on the path to enlightenment.

MATERNAL HEALTH STORYTELLING

Just Communities of Arkansas' Maternal Health Storytelling was a success. The presenters shared their stories of courage, love, and hope. These were some of the most courageous stories regarding Maternal Health struggles and triumphs.

THANKSGIVING GRATITUDE SERVICE

On November 20, 2025, OneJax will be holding their Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service. It will be an evening of unity and reflection. This annual gathering brings together people of all faiths and backgrounds to lift up words of hope, thanks, and shared purpose.

Through prayers, readings, and music, participants will celebrate the blessings that unite them—and honor the strength they find in one another.

WE RUN THESE

STREETS 5K

In early October the Advocacy Academy youth from Community Tampa Bay showed UP and showed OUT at the Foundation for Healthy St. Pete’s We Run These Streets 5k!

This intentional, community-driven 5k inspired meaningful connection and reflection. Community members were brought together to experience the beautiful streets of South St. Pete, and to celebrate 10 years of the Foundation’s incredible and necessary work.

FIRST FRIDAY FORUM

On November 7, 2025, Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities will be hosting their First Friday Forum event. This forum will be hosted by Joe Drew Hundley, Deputy Director of the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities.

Participants can expect deep conversations as they unpack the recent election results and what they mean for their communities, families, and the future of justice in Michigan.

GIVE MIAMI 5K

On November 16, 2025, Mosiac Miami will be participating in Give Miami Day’s first 5k! Every step (and every dollar) supports Mosaic’s youth and community programs that build belonging, leadership, and connection across their communities.

CITATION AWARD DINNER

On November 6, 2025, North Carolina for Community and Justice will be celebrating their 59th Annual Citation Award Dinner. The citation dinner honors change-makers in the Triad. This event is the largest gathering (1000+!) of businesses, nonprofits, faith leaders, students, and others who create the vibrant tapestry of their community. Stay tuned for an update next month.

10 YEARS OF

DIVERSITY KOREA

In September, Diversity Korea celebrated their 10 year anniversary. Recently the interview on the Simple talk show with Gary, Kim and Hwasa was posted on Youtube.

FRIENDSHIP CELEBRATION

On October 28, 2025, NCCJ of Greater Dayton held their 48th annual Friendship Celebration at the Dayton Art Institute. It was an evening of honoring outstanding individuals who have profoundly advanced Greater Dayton as a diverse and inclusive community.

YOUTH CONFERENCE

On November 13, 2025, NFJC of WNY will hold a Youth Conference for high school students. All high schools in Western New York have been invited to join this free conference.

Buffalo's own Stephen Henderson (who has starred with Denzel Washington, Ted Danson and so many more) will be discussing his documentary and will include breakout sessions like Poetry, Hip Hop, Art. They hope to have about 200 young people in attendance. 

STRENGTH IN FAITH

On November 24, 2025, NFJC of WNY held their 43rd Annual Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Service. The service will take place at the Durham Community Outreach Center. It will be an interfaith experience focused on bringing people together in a sacred space to call upon the strength of faith, find hope, and celebrate community

The NFJC is a network of organizations from across the country/world with years of experience, extensive knowledge, skills and expertise in the areas of human relations, social justice, community-building, and inter-group understanding. Founded in 2006, the National Federation for Just Communities was created by former NCCJ regional offices to sustain and advance our distinctive and award-winning work.

Check out the map below to see where our affiliates are located.