VOACC Contact: Nicholle Granger
ngranger@voaches.org
January 16, 2024 | WASHINGTON D.C
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2024 Spiritual Colloquium: More Than Thoughts & Prayers event. This event will take place on Sat, March 9th from 1pm – 6pm at the Metropolitan Community Church of DC (MCCDC). The Spiritual Colloquium is about bringing together community members, leaders and advocates to engage in meaningful discussions about gun violence and the role faith and community can play in developing impactful solutions.
We are excited to be partnering with MCCDC and this year’s colloquium keynote speaker, Maryland State Delegate Luke Clippinger, to foster dialogue, awareness, and collaboration, addressing the pressing issue of gun violence that affects communities across the region. By providing a platform for open conversation, we seek to create a space for understanding, empathy and community-driven solutions.
“God calls people of faith to be concerned with justice, and not only to pray, but to act! This year’s spiritual colloquium on gun violence is an opportunity to work together and stir up God’s people to stand up and speak out.”
Rev. Jules Christian, Chaplain, Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
“It seems that we are normalizing the shock then seeming acceptance of the gun violence in the United States and even in our own neighborhoods. Increasingly, we find ourselves in circumstances that are inflamed by history, misunderstandings, white supremacy, political polarization – and then tragedy happens. I firmly believe that many of our intentions are to make a difference and a positive impact on our communities. To do so requires education, information, community connection and outreach, and coordinated action.”
Rev. Cathy Alexander, Associate Pastor, MCCDC
Why Attend? The 2024 Spiritual Colloquium is a unique opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and contribute to the discourse surrounding gun violence prevention. Attendees will have opportunities to hear from experts, share experiences, and explore collaborative initiatives that go beyond conventional responses.
Key Features:
- Insightful panel discussions
- Engaging community dialogues
- Networking opportunities with local leaders and advocates
- Resource sharing and information on gun violence prevention
To learn more about the Spiritual Colloquium visit: www.voachesapeake.org/colloquium
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About Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (“VOACC”) is a faith-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire self-reliance, dignity, and hope through housing, health and human services.
At VOACC, we have been helping to create Healthy Communities for All for over 127 years by aligning housing, health and human services. We actively pursue health equity by filling the gap in housing and care for underserved populations, including those who are experiencing homelessness, low-income, underinsured or uninsured, justice-involved and veterans. By offering integrated housing and care, we address the social determinants that impact the long-term stability for those in need.
Through a dedicated team of management, staff and volunteers who are guided by our Core Values – Visionary, One Body, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Faith – we are the safety net for thousands of men, women and children each year across Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the Carolinas. We operate over 49 programs focused on 8 areas of service: homeless services, affordable housing, mental health, substance use recovery, intellectual/developmental disabilities services, community re-entry, veteran services and workforce development.
VOACC has over 900 staff members and more than 2,000 volunteers. The organization helps over 10,600 individuals and families every year from Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and the Carolinas. For more information on VOACC, please visit www.voachesapeake.org.