Vol. 3, Issue 2Your Connection

Real Talk, Real IssuesReal Solutions.

INSIDE:Pg. 3

Kingdom of Heaven University & Training Center

Pg. 5Your Community

Survey

Pg. 6Your News

Pg. 7Your Voices

Father & DaughterJackson Art

Pg. 8Community

SpotlightCharles Glass III

Evelyn GradyJordyn Jones

Pg. 10Your Career

Pg. 11Your Money

Finding Work as A Felon

Pg. 12Community

SpotlightJudy Wiegand

Anthony Cobb

Monthly Serving East Central Illinois

ID: UnityinAction Mag

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Unity in Action Magazine is an independent run paper. Views expressed may not be reflective of the publication or others in the publication.

P.O. Box 7764Champaign, IL 61826Fax/VM 206-203-0380unityinactionmagazine.com

Don't like to write? Call in your comments!

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Next Issue: MY STORY

Tanya Parker, Publisher and Winner of 2010 Social Entrepreneurship

Innovation Award

JOIN US ON!

Apostles/Prophets Malcolm & Sandra Robinson are the overseers of Kingdom of Heaven University & Training Center in Champaign IL; which is a new ministry to the area. They both have a heart for those that are called to Apostolic Prophetic Ministry. They have ministered in the Prophetic for some thirty-six years combined. They have been mentored and trained by some Major Prophets such as Dr. Bill Hamon of Christian International, Bishop Jerry Piscopo of Evangel Church at Detroit, Dr. Nelson Cash of the Rock Church in Alabama, and at present are submitted to the oversight of Apostle John Eckhardt of Impact Ministries in Chicago.

Apostles/Prophets Malcolm & Sandra Robinson have over the last five years established several Schools of the Prophets over the United States. They also have established four Schools of the Prophets via Internet that serve pastors with Apostolic & Prophetic People all over the United States; these schools are at present active.

Apostle Malcolm & Sandra are also the authors of 7 books which are all kingdom related and can be found on Amazon.com and in most of your major book chains in America.

Apostles Malcolm & Sandra are called to develop leaders in the church through the Message of the Kingdom. The Lord has sent them into the Champaign area to cultivate the leaders with the Message of the Kingdom which will in the end cause leaders to impart to others, the ability to be in control of their circumstances and their environment.

For so long there has been a misunderstanding of the Apostle, Prophet and the Gospel of the Kingdom and how they should relate to the local church and the local pastor. God has set and called the City of Champaign as a launching pad to impart the Kingdom of Heaven to be a School for the Church while yet functioning as a Worship Center.

Your Community Recognize * Educate * Support

Apostles Malcolm & Sandra Robinson

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Every Sunday @ 11:30 A.M.School of Kingdom Prophets

School of Kingdom Warfare & DeliveranceSchool of the Kingdom

----------------------------------------------------------Girl-Hood

(From Caterpillars to Butterflies) For females - age 9-17 years old.

The Daughters of the King – The “Helpmate”Apostle Sandra Robinson

Professional Counseling

Worship, Training & Deliverance

Kingdom of Heaven University & Training Center

Kingdom of Heaven University & Training Center

10 Henson Place #3, Champaign, IL 217- 355-0323E-mail kingdomprophets@aol.com www.propheticauthority.com

Catering Available Dine-In Carry Out

ABOUTLi'l Porgy's Bar-B-Q, established in 1979 , specializes in genuine hickory-smoked barbeque. We serve ribs, chicken, rib tips, sandwiches, and all orders include our delicious steak fries.Our Li'l Porgy's Bar-B-Q sauce is unique--and made fresh in our kitchen- mild, hot, or mixed.

Tub of Tips2-sides

2-liter of coke only $13.99

March 30 & 31st

GREAT BBQ AND TASTY SIDES:Baked Beans

ColeslawCorn on the Cob

French FriesPickle SpearPotato Salad

HOME OF THE FAMOUS LEMON SHAKE-UP!

We want to get an assessment of the current condition of our community. In order to get a fair sample, we need you to take just a few minutes to answer some questions. One entry per person.Fill out questions and mail-in or go online to complete.

Name: __________________________

Zip Code: ________________________

Email Address:____________________

Phone Number (optional): _______________

Are you old enough to drive?YesNo

Do you currently have a driver's license?YesNo

Do you have a job?YesNo

Do you rent?YesNo

Are you homeless (sleeping on the couch at a friends house is considered homeless)?YesNo

Do you know how to buy stock? YesNo

Would you like to learn how to buy stock?YesNo

Did you vote for Obama in 2008?YesNo

Will you vote for Obama in 2012?YesNo

Have you been tested for an STD within the past 6 months?YesNo

Have you received a physical exam within the past 12 months?YesNo

Do you have any family members incarcerated?YesNo

Do you think the music on TV and radio are negatively affecting your children?YesNo

Do you have adult dental needs, but can't afford it?

Enter for your chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card. Entries accepted March 1, 2012-May 1, 2012.Random drawing will be on May 15th, 2012. One entry per person. ONLINE VERSION: unityinactionmagazine.com

Unity in Action Magazinecontact@unityinactionmagazine.comP.O. Box 7764, Champaign, IL 61826

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Do you own a registered business?YesNo

Do you think you will find a job within 30 days?YesNo

Do you have a felony within 7 years old?YesNo

Do you own a house??YesNo

Have you lost someone close to you due to violence?YesNo

Do you have a high school diploma?YesNo

“When I think about the condition of our community- how are we going to know where we are going or what we need to get there; if we don't know where we are at now. We need to get a realistic view for our self what condition our community is in.

To get a great statistic we need EVERYONE TO FILL IT OUT!”- Tanya Parker, Publisher of Unity in Action Magazine

Your News Information * Issues * Education

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By Tanya Parker Share your news: contact@unityinactionmagazine.com

up to $72.5 billion annually in direct health care costs.According to the CDC.

President Obama at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C.

Companies are making more money, but they are not paying higher wages. While worker fall further behind with higher cost of goods.Last year in 2011 corporate profits hit their highest level since 1950.

Mitt Romney's 59-point plan new tax plan Wednesday that calls for a 20 percent across-the-board cut to individual tax rates.Romney would also reduce the corporate tax rate and put an end to the capital gains tax for most taxpayers.

The new proposal is aimed to gain corporate support away from Obama's plan that was introduced the day before.

Romney's proposal would reduce the top 28 percent tax rate to 23.4 percent. The bottom 10 percent rate would be reduced from 10 percent to 8 percent.

Activist Sue UC Davis University Over "Pepper-Spray Cop" Incident: 19 UC Davis students, both current and former, have filed a lawsuit against the university "to determine why the university violated the demonstrators’ state and federal constitutional rights and seeks to result in better policies that will prevent repetition of such response to a non-violent protest," according to the ACLU of Northern California, which is helping the students with the suit.

The problem of prescription painkiller overdoses has reached epidemic proportions.Consider that:* Prescription painkiller overdoses killed nearly 15,000 people in the US in 2008. This is more than 3 times the 4,000 people killed by these drugs in 1999.* In 2010, about 12 million Americans (age 12 or older) reported non-medical use of prescription painkillers in the past year.* Nearly half a million emergency department visits in 2009 were due to people misusing or abusing prescription painkillers.* Non medical use of prescription painkillers costs health insurers

10 year old Killed Due to being kneed in the head following a fight with an 11 year old classmate. According to KTLA news: Several of Joanna's friends have told police the girls were fighting over a boy.

The girls left an after-school program at Frances Willard Elementary last Friday and walked to a nearby alley to fight, according to police. There were six or seven onlookers, according to detectives, who said the fight lasted about a minute.

One of the classmates who watched the fight told the Long Beach Press-Telegram that the other girl grabbed Ramos by her hair and slammed her knee into Ramos' forehead.

DEA Targets Large Industry Players in Fight Against Prescription Drug AbuseBy Join Together Staff | Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently charged a major health care company and four pharmacies with violating their licenses to sell controlled drugs, it marked the most aggressive efforts by the agency to combat prescription drug abuse, The Wall Street Journal reports.

217-355-0332

Local Minority Owned Business

Kansas Bill Raises Taxes On The Poor and Cut Them For The Rich.The current plan is actually better than the one proposed by Gov. Sam Brownback (R-KS) that would have been even worse for low-income Kansans, raising their taxes by hundreds of dollars while cutting them by more than $16,000 for a millionaire. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Kansas’ tax system is already regressive, with the poorest 20 percent of Kansans paying more

richest 1 percent pay less than 6 percent of their income.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a time to encourage everyone over the age of 50 to get screened regularly for colorectal cancer.* Growths (called polyps) inside the colon* Family history of colorectal cancer* Smoking* Health conditions like Crohn's Disease* Being African-AmericanGet Active, eat healthy, and quit smoking.

Kansas Bill Raises Taxes On The Poor and Cut Them For The Rich.The current plan is actually better than the one proposed by Gov. Sam Brownback (R-KS) that would have been even worse for low-income Kansans, raising their taxes by hundreds of dollars while cutting them by more than $16,000 for a millionaire. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Kansas’ tax system is already regressive, with the poorest 20 percent of Kansans paying more

Kansas Bill Raises Taxes On The Poor and Cut Them For The Rich.The current plan is actually better than the one proposed by Gov. Sam Brownback (R-KS) that would have been even worse for low-income Kansans, raising their taxes by hundreds of dollars while cutting them by more than $16,000 for a millionaire. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Kansas’ tax system is already regressive, with the poorest 20 percent of Kansans paying more than 9 percent of their income in taxes, while the

In each issue of Unity in Action Magazine we want to give you a chance to share your voice to help continue the positive growth of our nation. What change do you think we need to improve our nation/community?

The Change We NeedYour Voice Information * Issues * Education

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Rippin' at the flesh, so fresh, so fresh..Rippin' at the flesh, ebony open freshRed flowin’ rivers, while the God shiversTears for fears, lookin’ on the life giver quivers:She's pleading, she's prayingKneeling and saying:Midnight shields the brave dark knightUntil the sun shines the lightHere comes the copBeat-non-stop, urban blightKill a Brotha’, kill a Brotha’ with all of your mightPower trippin’, race flippin’ suckers,Snaring and tearing at my lean Black Beauty,Huh? What did you say? Did you say it was your duty?Psycho-dic-tatorship flippin’ his clip and feeling moodySirens sometimes scream the theme of ignorance on dutyYou’re blowing like Miles, the Child's Eye's on the PrizeBlack Gold, laying dead, misunderstood and misledYou looked down upon him and you smiled as he bledCondition red, too trite, so blueTell me God,Where are the hearts that are true?

Rippin’ at the flesh, so fresh, so freshRippin’ at the flesh, so fresh, so freshRippin’ at the flesh, ebony open fresh-shh....

Rippin’ at the flesh is not just the trite Night after night, brothers take each other outMy Lord, oh what a siteIs greed the seed? Or protect or the respect, neglect off-set to fret, So many are still wet, behind their ears, acting out of fears, coolin’ with their peersPressure, pressure cooker gonna blow sky highToo much injustice, juries try, too many dieI don’t want to cry anymore, so sorePeace to the bloods and crips, as some settle the score, take in a tour,From hell-a to hear-say, better pray for the stayToo many bullets flying while the Gods are dyingI'm trying to pleadWhen plant your seed, stay and watch yours growLead your breed instead of bleed before we goAre you down with the family?If so, what does it really mean to thee?

Rippin’ at the flesh, so fresh, so fresh...Rippin’ at the flesh, ebony open fresh-shhhhhhh....

Copyright 2012 S.Jackson AKA D.R.A.M.A.

"RIPPIN' AT THE FLESH" (Spoken word)Copyright 2012Billy Morrow Jackson’s

“Stars and Bars” Pen and Ink1964

By Sylvia M. Jackson

To view all 8 printsVisit: Smithsonian Archives of American Art

Howard E. Wooden in his book, Billy Morrow Jackson quoted Jackson saying:“As the drama of the Great Civil Rights movement grew to more and more dramatic proportions, the pressure on the conscience of sympathetic Americans grew as well …expanded in many cases to outright heroic deeds and sacrifices. Being concerned and feeling deeply involved as an American: shocked and angry at the garish and often bloody crescendo of injustice and atrocities; irritated at the casual acceptance of this insult by so many Americans a permanent part of our social fiber; appalled at the apathy of a nation in the face of overt inhumanity…I was stricken by all this…stricken because in this dark mirror I saw my own reflection and was not pleased. Indeed I was stricken at my own apathy…as a human person, as an artist, as an American.…this brazen brutality coupled with this Siamese ingrown apathy…prompted me to become concerned as to how I might respond as an artist…How I might take my posture in the growth of this drama.”

The late Billy Morrow Jackson (1926-2006) a professional artist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, created a series of eight controversial pen and ink drawings during the 1960’s. These prints were in protest of the horrific violence inflicted upon protesters during the turbulent Civil Rights era. Jackson donated the entire proceeds to various civil rights organizations.

Blanche Jackson, wife of 39 years and Mother of their 4 children, convinced her husband to remain in Champaign as he was determined to become a Freedom Rider in the South. The interracial couples’ family was experiencing violence at their home and Mrs. Jackson was pregnant with their daughter Sylvia, so she suggested he take action via his artwork which resulted in the thought provoking, powerful series.

Daughter Sylvia Jackson, aka D.R.A.M.A. (Devine Righteousness and Mind Ascension) has resided in Boston since 1984 and has recently returned to Champaign to care for her Mother.

She is an outspoken, warrior spirit that challenges the status quo via her spoken word particularly when power and authority are abused with violence resulting in lack of faith in those that are supposed to protect us. Her passion for truth and justice is unyielding as the words in her rhythmic rhymes. Like her late Father, she is a powerful voice that utilizes her art as the vehicle for effective change. Whether unchecked police brutality or continued black on black violence, you cannot turn a deaf ear. Fiery words are her weapon against hate and brutality. She provokes thought and encourages dialogue, which may result in correcting wrongs enabling unity rather than division as we must work move forward rather than backwards as we have in the not so distant past.

Father & Daughter Fight Injustice Through Art

Charles Glass III, a 20 years old basketball star and Parkland student is described by his Mother Ramona Hursey-Winston as a very giving, kind-hearted, family oriented young man.

His love for basketball shows on the Parkland Cougar's court, but he knows the importance of education too. He is currently applying to Western and several other colleges to purse his career interest in Political Science

Charles is an inspiration for local boys. He attended King, Urbana Middle and High School. He knows the importance of making time to study, while playing sports. And that it is on you to make the best choices and work hard to build a great future for yourself.

Evelyn Grady has worked at the University of Illinois for over 20 years. She is currently an Office Support Specialist that every knows they can count on for her friendly personality, positive attitude, and smile.

Evelyn Grady carries her faith on her face everyday with a smile. She knows that she has the power through GOD, a positive attitude, and a smile to navigate almost any challenge work or life throws at her.

Evelyn shares, “Humor is good and it works in a lot of areas. I just always try to stay positive, even if I’m not feeling the greatest, a smile and a good attitude make me feel better.

Evelyn enjoys being a helpful professional as she assists professors and students in her office. She knows that she has to be ready to handle any situation that comes up in a positive way.

“I make my connection based on each individual because you never know what someone else is going through on the inside,” she said. “We have some who come in jolly and we have some that seem sad. Each student is different. No matter what, I’m always there if anyone has any questions.”

“You always have to change and adapt – always,” she said. “You are responsible for making a negative into a positive. I have my days, but I overtake that pain. I’m not going to let it get me.”

.

Evelyn GradyUofI, Office Support Specialist

Jordyn JonesNational Basketball Champion

Future girl's basketball star 10 yr. old Jordyn Jones, is already leading the rest of the pack on and off the court. She plays for the AAU national competition & her school team the Nettleton Raiders. The Nettleton Raiders is currently on a 50-0 streak.

She has developed skills that has led her to several National Championship trophies for outstanding performance.

Jordyn makes sure she does what it takes for her to be the best- work hard and don't give up.

Photo by UI News Bureau

Charles Glass IIIParkland College Basketball

Submit your nomination for Community Spotlight

Achievers:Tell us why they are special?Tell us how we can contact them?

contact@unityinactionmagazine.comP.O. Box 7764

Champaign, IL 61826Voicemail/Fax- 206-203-0380

Pg. 8 unityinactionmagazine.com

YOUR VOICE MATTERSUnity in Action Magazine wants to help you not only stay informed, but also to share your citizen voice on social and economic issues that affect American families.

Contact us to express your ideas, opinions, stories, and concerns with the community.

Your Career Build * Educate * Support

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I DECIDE!To make positive choices to build a good future.

Not to do what everyone else does, if it is wrong.

To fix my mistakes.

To study, so I get good grades.

DO ME! THE BEST ME!

Strategies on Testifying in Court: Making the Unknown KnowMarch 29, 2012 3pm-5pm and 6:30pm-8:30pmLocation: U of I Extension Office in ChampaignCost: Free

Registration is being accepted at the CCRS by calling 217-333-3252.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA) at the University of Illinois has long been committed to providing leadership and

forging partnerships with campus and community groups to promote an inclusive

environment in Champaign County.

Economic Development Opportunity Program (EDOP):

An entrepreneurial training program for individuals interested in starting and sustaining

a small business.

If you would like to receive more information about this Programs, jobs, and

Events from OEOA…

Contact Otis Noble III by email at oeoa@illinois.edu or at (217) 333-0885.

Your Money Build * Educate * Support

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WWW.PRIMESOLE.COM * FACEBOOK IDPRIMESOLE

1726 W. BradleyChampaign, IL 61821

(217) 398-9650Monday - Saturday 10-8

1726 W. BradleyChampaign, IL 61821

(217) 398-9650Monday - Saturday 10-8

Photo by: Craig Williams Photography

Myth Busting for People With Felony ConvictionsPeople with felony convictions face many restrictions. However, a lot of disinformation also goes around our communities. Here we are going to bust some of the myths out there. In this issue we will address TANF/Welfare and housing. In the future we will look at other areas of concern.

Myth: No one with a felony conviction can receive TANF, what we used to call welfare. Reality: In Illinois if you have a felony drug conviction, you cannot receive TANF. This ban is for life. However, many other states have changed this law. Hopefully we can get Illinois to also make this change.

Myth: The Federal government bans anyone with a felony conviction from living in public housing.Reality: In a letter of June 17, 2011, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) said it “encourages” local authorities to “allow ex-offenders to rejoin their families in public housing or Housing Choice Voucher Programs.” The power rests with local authorities.

In the past many thought of such people as outcasts-the marginalized troublemakers of society. Times have changed. There are more than thirteen million people in the U.S. walking around with felony convictions. We have something like five million people on parole and probation. We can’t keep this many people at the margins forever.

Making things tough on these people does nothing for them or for the safety of the community. If we help people on parole or with a record to find employment, it means they’ll be out here with their families, going to work, collecting that pay check, contributing tax dollars and staying out of trouble. That’s a situation where everyone wins.But as it stands, the playing field is not level for these folks. There are lots of obstacles to finding a job. Probably the biggest one is “the box”- that little part of a job application form which asks you about your criminal record. These little boxes strike fear in the heart of anyone who’s got a felony. You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t. If you tell the truth and check that box, you know that application goes straight in the waste basket (or it’s push the “delete” button for an online app). But if you lie, then later on those chickens are going to come home to roost. Even if you get the job, you’ll be sitting there waiting for that tap on the shoulder, that notice that the boss “wants to speak to you.” Across the country people with felony convictions and other sympathetic people have been trying to organize around the issue of “ban the box.” They are campaigning for that question about criminal records to be taken off all job applications. States such as Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Mexico have banned the box for state jobs. Many cities have removed the box for local government positions. ,- San Francisco and Chicago are two examples. Philadelphia passed the most progressive law earlier this year-stating that any employer, including the city, who has more than ten or more workers must not put the box on their job applications.

Lots of debate remains about how things should be handled once the box is removed. Some people argue that once a person has “paid their debt to society” by completing their jail/prison terms and parole, they should be treated just like everyone else. Others argue that employers should be able to ask the question later in an application process, ideally in a face to face interview where the person would have a chance to explain their history. Still others believe that only relevant crimes should be considered. So someone guilty of marijuana possession wouldn’t be questioned about their background if they wanted to work at a bank but someone with a history of embezzlement would. Locally, a newly formed group, Citizens with Conviction, led by people with felony convictions is gearing up for a ban the box campaign in Champaign-Urbana. It is time some employers opened their minds and realized that people with felony convictions need opportunity just like anyone else. If you or one of your loved ones has a felony conviction and you’re interested in working on ban the box ,contact Aaron Ammons of Citizens with Conviction at livingsoul@sbcglobal.net

Nationally the unemployment rate continues to hover above 9%, nearly double that for African-Americans. This makes it hard for anyone to get a job. But as if it’s not bad enough for everyone, some people have it even worse. I’m talking about those who have felony convictions, especially those who are on parole.

The Toughest Job of All: Finding Work With a Felony Conviction By J. Kilgore

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Just In!New Styles of Snapbacks!

Your Community Recognize * Educate * Support

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Dr. Wiegand has served in the Champaign Unit 4 School District since 1987, beginning as a special education teacher. Since that time she has also served as Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal of Centennial High School, and Director of Secondary Education, Assessment, and Professional Development. She currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Achievement and Pupil Services. Dr. Wiegand earned her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership from the University of Illinois in 2003.

New Superintendent, Champaign Unit 4 Schools

Dr. Judy Wiegand Superintendent, Champaign Unit 4 Schools

Dr. Judy Wiegand says, “I believe that the most important thing that occurs each day in our schools is the interaction that takes place between our faculty, staff, and students. With twenty-five years of experience in the Champaign Unit #4 Schools, I have witnessed first-hand the great things that take place in our district. I work with some of the best in the profession and am proud to be a member of this district and community.

Our community expects and deserves the best from its schools, and I will work hard to earn your trust and to inspire a high level of confidence. There must be a strong partnership between the schools and the community. I want to stay informed of the perceptions the public has of the schools and respond when necessary to questions and concerns. As I begin to serve as Superintendent for the Champaign Unit #4 Schools, I welcome constructive feedback on how we can continue to improve the education of our students.

It is truly an honor and privilege to serve the students and families in Champaign, and I am committed to providing this community schools that provide the very best for its students.”

Dr. Judy Wiegand

Board of Education president Sue Grey said, “Judy has a great vision for what this District can become, and much of that is based on her unique perspective of where we have been for the last 25 years,. We are very fortunate to have a leader with her level of experience and commitment as the first female Superintendent in Unit 4 history. She is the right person to lead us into the future.”

Our Youth Recognize * Educate * Support

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Emmanuel Hudson- Questions

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N-andSum-someDis-thisCml-call my lineNxt-nextLol- laugh out loud&&-andLil-littleTats-contactsPlz-please

Kalecia's

PicksJessie J- Who You Are

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Benita Rollins-Gay, MS.Ed.

I feel that parents and schools should work together to create and sustain effective partnerships. It gives the opportunity for shared commitment to collaborate; it opens lines of communication, respect and can assist in obtaining common visions and goals for the school system.

As a parent I feel you should familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures of each of your children who are students in the school. We should value the school’s perspective on the student. When there specific concerns arise, we should understand and know who to seek the correct information and guidance’s directly at the given school, consulting with those best able to address the concern.

The school recognizes that having an effective partnership is characterized by presenting its philosophy, program, and practices to parents during the admission process and encourages dialogue that clarifies parental expectation and aspirations for the student. The teachers and administrators are always accessible to parents and model candid and open dialogue. The school always clearly defines how they involve parents when considering major decisions that affect the school community.

There are several ways that parents can become involved in schools:COME TO THE SCHOOL TO ASSIST;Share information with a student or a class about a career.Share information with students about a country you visited or lived in.Tutor one or a small group of students in reading, math, or other area.Help coach an athletic or academic team.Help answer the schools phone.HELP ARRANGE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMMUNITY;Help set up an internship or apprenticeship for a student at your business, organization or agency.Host a one-day ‘shadow study for one or a small group of students about your career in business or some other organization.Go on a local field trip with a teacher and a group of students. SERVE ON AN ADVISORY OR DECISION-MAKING COMMITTEE;Serve on the school-wide site council.Serve on a school committee that reports to the site council.Serve on a district committee representing the school.Serve as an officer in the school’s PTA.Help design a parent survey and tabulate results regarding the school.HELP OTHER PARENTS DEVELOP THEIR PARENTING SKILLS;Help teach a class for parent on ways they can be stronger parents.Help produce a videotape for parents on ways they can be more effective parents.Help write, publish, and distribute a list of parenting tips.

Ways Parents Can Get Involved in Schools

Unity in Action MagazineWhat does that mean? Below is a list of the most popular facebook terms.

Friday, March 25:00pm – Academy of African American Arts’ (AAAA) Movie Night:  “Blacking Up Hip Hop’s Remix of Race and Identity” at the Bruce Nesbitt African American Cultural Program (708 S. Matthews, Urbana). Saturday, March 38:00am – 12noon – empty tomb, inc. Mega Work-A-Thon.  Contact empty tomb, inc. at 301 N. Fourth St., P.O. Box 2404, Champaign, IL  61825-2404, call 217-356-2262 or email them at coor@emptytomb.org for more information.

2:00pm – 6:00pm – “Stomp for Excellence” Step Show at the Douglass Community Center.  All ages.  The fee is $6.00.

7:00pm – Southern Sons in Concert at Freewill Missionary Baptist Church.  Doors open at 6 pm.

Friday March 9, 20126:00 p.m. Celebrating a Legacy: A Night with Nikki Giovanni(Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)Krannert Center for the Performing ArtsTryon Theatre*This event is free and open to the public

Thursday, March 85:00pm – 7:00pm – “Dr. Evelyn Underwood For Champaign County Circuit Clerk” Campaign Fundraiser at the IMC (200 S. Broadway, Urbana). Everyone welcome – activities for children and refreshments will be served. Dr. Underwood will speak and also answer questions. Donations will be accepted. Hosted by Meg Miller and Carol Ammons.

Monday, March 125:30pm – 7:30pm – FREE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) at Salem Baptist Church (500 E. Church St., C.). Monday, Friday & Saturday through April 21.6:00pm - Champaign Unit 4 School Board Meeting7:00pm – Urbana City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 13LAST DAY - Grace Period Voting at the Brookens Building (1776 E. Washington, U.) for those who need to register to vote and/or change their name or address.*5:30pm – 7:30pm – FREE – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) at Salem Baptist Church (500 E. Church St., C.). Monday, Friday & Saturday until April 21.

7:00pm – Glory Center International’s 7th Annual Ministry Celebration – “Commemorating, Celebrating, Embracing Our History. Our Now. Our Destiny” at 606 N. Country Fair Drive, Ch. For more info, call 217-355-5008 or www.glorycenter.org.* Wednesday, March 145:30pm – Urbana Human Relations Meeting

Saturday, March 173:00pm – Champaign Park District Douglass Seniors’ “Tom Thumb Wedding” at the Douglass Community Center. Tickets are $5.00. Fore more information and to purchase tickets, call 217-398-2572.*7:00pm -Deborah Chapter #27/OES’ Annual Wild Wild West Party at American Legion Post #71 (107 N. Broadway, Urbana). Cost $5.00.

Sunday, March 1810:45am – Bethel A.M.E. Church 149th Anniversary1:00pm – Jericho Missionary Baptist Church

Ushers and Greeters Salad Spread immediately following the morning worship service.

4:00pm – “Women in Worship” at New Hope Church of God in Christ (911 W. Bradley, Ch.). Special guest speaker Evangelist Shanae Dowell of Danville IL. Doors open at 3:45. Call 217-352-0911 for more information.5:00pm – Rev. Dr. Craig Melvin Smith, Senior Pastor of the Freedom Baptist Church (Hillside, IL) celebrating 40 years in the Ministry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. B.J. Tatum to deliver the message. For more information, contact Audrey Keaton-Mock at 217-649-6087.*Friday, March 235:30pm – 7:30pm – FREE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) at Salem Baptist Church (500 E. Church St., C.). Monday, Friday & Saturday through April 21. Saturday, March 248:00am – 10:00am – Listen LIVE to Higher Ground on WEFT/90.1FM Radio or on-line at WEFT.org, hosted by Aaron & Carol Ammons. Listen in and/or call in to 217-359-5483 or 217-359-6545 for comments and/or questions.

2:00pm - Community Women's Choir Rehearsal for Annual Women's Day at Salem Baptist Church on Sunday, March 25 at 3:30pm. Sunday, March 2511:00 am – ALL DAY – Men & Women’s Day at Jericho Missionary Baptist Church (1601 W. Bloomington Rd., Champaign)11:00am and 3:30pm – Salem Baptist Church Annual Women’s Day Celebration. Mrs. Montrula Shelby – 11am worship

and Mrs. Carolyn Savage 3:30pm speaker. Monday, March 265:30pm – 7:30pm – 6:00pm - Champaign Unit 4 School Special Board Meeting

Wednesday, March 281:00pm – 2:00pm - In Focus Group at the U of I Counseling Center is a six-week group (March 28 – May 2) that offers education and peer support for students who experience difficulties commonly associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Group meetings will be interactive and help students develop valuable skills for succeeding in school, career, and daily life. For more information and to register contact: Jodi Thomas at 333.3704; jmthomas@illinois.edu.

6:00pm – 7:00pm - Gal UP is a support group for women of any sexual orientation over the age of 25, which meets the 4th Wed. of the month at the UP Center of Champaign County. The group offers a casual, open atmosphere for a free-flowing conversation and creative activities. You may contact Evelyn Tardy at evelyne@unitingpride.org, or Jennifer Fowler at vylica.8@gmail.com.

“Let's support all the wonderful community events.”

Email yours to: carlettadonaldson0713@gmail.com

Pg. 14

Saturday, March 31st from 10am-2pm University YMCA

(1001 S. Wright St., Champaign)

FREE PROM DRESSES

By Carletta Donaldson

Friday, March 3011:00am – 3:00pm – Omega Fish Fry (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Xi Graduate Chapter) at the Urbana Civic Center (108 Water St., U.). Catfish fillet, string beans, coleslaw, spaghetti, bread and dessert. For Dinner tickets, contact: Brother Reuben Greene at 309-360-5949 or Brother DaJuan Warren at 248-640-9439. Cost: $8.00 – pre-ordered before March 30 or $9.00 walk-in. Free delivery for 10 or more orders.*

Saturday, March 319:00am – 12noon – Church of the Living God presents The Love Clinic at the TLC Annex (310 E. Bradley. Cholesterol and diabetes screenings, health assessment survey, temporary prescription refills (bring medication bottles/no pain medication) and $5.00 gift cards for everyone who is served. Sponsored by Provena Covenant Hospital, Dr. Christina Medrano, Mrs. Wamaitha Sullivan, the Love Corner and Gibson City Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 359-6920.*

Tanya Parker, PublisherMorgan Abernathy, Sales

Parisse Oliver, SalesCarletta Donaldson, Writer

Benita Gay, Writer

Graphic Support J.Mogul, E.C.C.

Cover Photo by Craig WilliamsPhotography

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