BlueWave’s Post

👏 In a recent podcast, we talked to Jared Wallace, Assistant Chief of Police at City of Waco, TX about the positive changes observed by patrol officers and detectives since participating in Faith & Blue events. Assistant Chief Wallace noted, "With our Faith & Blue event activities, we saw leadership across the city getting involved, making community engagement a more accepted practice at Waco PD. Officers began volunteering for these events on their own, not because they were assigned, but because they wanted to connect with the community." He added, "One of the most memorable moments was seeing patrol officers and detectives, who had never engaged before, sitting down at a barbecue hosted by a local church, sharing stories, and playing with the kids. It showed that breaking bread together can truly break down barriers." 🤝These insights underscore the power of community engagement in fostering positive cultural changes within the department. While these changes take time, the progress achieved is immensely rewarding. The bonds formed during these events have lasting impacts, reinforcing that connecting with faith communities enriches policing culture. For those aiming to enhance their community engagement strategies, the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN) offers invaluable resources. LECEN provides best practices, peer support, industry expertise, and current research for both sworn and non-sworn personnel in community engagement roles across the nation. Join us in transforming community engagement! Discover valuable resources at Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN) to elevate your strategies. Visit https://lnkd.in/edzN4B4a to make a difference today. #lawenforcementculture #lecen #lawenforcementleadership #positiveculture

🌍💼 World Kindness Day – Building a Legacy Through Kindness On World Kindness Day, we are reminded of the lasting impact of kindness on communities. In the words of John Looms, CEO of KWV, "This is a tremendous legacy to have in a community, and I think it's one they do have." 💬 Giflo’s vision extends beyond buildings; we’re here to foster spaces that bring people together, inspire compassion, and empower communities. Through every project, we strive to make a difference by putting kindness, respect, and community at the heart of what we do. Today, we encourage everyone to join us in spreading kindness. Small acts lead to bigger changes, and together, we can build a legacy that touches lives for generations to come. 🌱💙 #WorldKindnessDay #GifloImpact #CommunityLegacy #BuildingConnections #BetterTogether #KindnessInAction

Standing Tall for Your Community: Partnering with PRS International Group of Companies In the tapestry of society, community strength forms the vibrant threads that weave together our shared aspirations and collective progress. At PRS International Group of Companies, we recognize the pivotal role that community strength plays in driving advocacy power and effecting meaningful change. As Vijay Kumar, the Global CEO of PRS International Group of Companies, aptly states, "Community strength is essential for advocacy power." Through our online platform, https://lnkd.in/gy8DDx49, we provide a rallying point for individuals, communities, and organizations to stand tall for their communities and advocate for policies that uplift and empower. Here's how you can partner with us to make a difference:

How can you get connected with your community?

Do you know why civic engagement is important? 🤔🗳️ It encourages individuals to take part in public life and actively contribute to society - from voting and volunteering to protesting and advocating for change. By participating in civic engagement, you can help build stronger communities, address social issues, and make a larger impact in your community and beyond. Whether you're interested in voting, volunteering, or just being an active member of your community, everyone has the ability to make a difference and unlock the many benefits of civic engagement. Comment below and tell us how you plan to be more civically engaged!!

THE POWER OF VOLUNTEER TEAMS IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS Volunteer teams play a vital role in driving community projects, transforming compassion into action. 1 Peter 4:10 encourages, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." Mobilizing volunteers harnesses the power of collective effort, significantly enhancing community transformation initiatives. Volunteers bring passion, energy, and diverse skills to projects, making it possible to reach more people and accomplish more goals. Their selfless service is a testament to God's love in action, inspiring others to get involved and contribute. By organizing and supporting volunteer teams effectively, we can create a powerful force for good, capable of addressing a wide range of community needs and bringing about lasting change. Volunteers not only meet immediate needs but also build stronger, more connected communities through their dedication and service. Will you volunteer?

Civic engagement refers to the active participation of individuals in their communities or society at large. It involves taking part in activities that contribute to the well-being of the community, such as volunteering, voting, advocating for social or political change, attending public meetings, and participating in community events. Civic engagement also includes staying informed about local issues, working with others to solve problems, and collaborating with community members to create positive change. Ultimately, civic engagement is about individuals using their time, skills, and resources to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Today we celebrate #EarthDay. While everyone is affected by environmental issues, some communities are disproportionately impacted (i.e. Black, Hispanic, Indigenous & tribal communities). We're committed to amplifying the voices of all communities and sharing their insights for environmental justice action. Do you or your organization have a story about an environmental injustice where you live and how you have worked with your community to create a healthier, more just environment? By sharing your story, others can learn from your experience. We're seeking up to five collaborators (nonprofit organizations and/or individuals) from across the United States. Each collaborator will work with the center for up to three months and produce their story over the next year. Interested? Learn more and share your story: https://ow.ly/kLyx50RlE5z

✨ OPEN's 2024 End-of-Year Impact Report is here! As 2024 comes to a close, we’re celebrate a transformative year marked by legislative victories, community empowerment, and organizational growth... and we're energized for the opportunities ahead in 2025! Here's the top line on our accomplishments this year: ‣ Non-discrimination protections passed in two cities, setting an example for more cities to follow. ‣ Six companies updated policies or launched employee groups to create more inclusive workplaces. ‣ 50 Week of Visibility events in six countries, promoting visibility and acceptance. ‣ 4,500 Community Survey responses from 70+ countries, creating awareness and powering our advocacy. ‣ Nine media stories including USA Today, Cosmopolitan, and Slate, shaping the public conversation around non-monogamy. ‣ 650 people served with free Peer Support Circles, providing access to community and support. 🌱 We're excited to build on this work in the year ahead: • Pass legal protections in 8 new cities. • Strengthen grassroots power through advocacy trainings and coalition building. • Grow our Peer Support Circles to serve 800 people. • Launch new research and storytelling initiatives to bring our voices into the mainstream. • Publish 3 comprehensive toolkits and guides for advocacy, housing, and more. • Expand the Week of Visibility with 60+ global events and earned media coverage. 👀 READ THE FULL IMPACT REPORT: https://lnkd.in/g9cXfwnj 🚀 Can you help fuel our next chapter? Right now, all donations to OPEN are being MATCHED to DOUBLE your impact! www.open-love.org/donate