MDC

A HUGE win for taxpayers, #DirectFileHereToStay! IRS is officially extending the program permanently – it will save people time, money, and peace of mind. That’s why MDC joined more than 250+ other orgs nationwide to call for a permanent Direct File program in more states.

Join Nonprofit Quarterly tomorrow, May 30th, for a webinar exploring how black-led organizations and black leaders are responding to attacks against racial equity and DEI efforts. For more on the webinar, visit: https://ow.ly/zwqt50RYRrO View the report that sparked the conversation, exploring how black leaders reflect on racial equity since 2020 and what the future holds, here: https://ow.ly/sTwr50RYRrQ

What is the LENS-NC network? The network is a collective of 20 organizations working at the intersection of education equity and learning differences to advance work to reduce disparities in educational outcomes among students with diagnosed and undiagnosed learning differences. The aim is to create learning environments where students thrive! Join us on June 28th to learn more about the network and their incredible work!

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted yesterday to repeal its 2019 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy, taking effect at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The 22-2 decision removes several DEI positions and requirements, reallocating funds to "student success initiatives." To learn more about the decision, visit: https://lnkd.in/e_8mPX-N

As South Carolina’s housing market grows increasingly competitive, “Build-To-Rent” developments are on the rise in the state. Check out this Fox24 Charleston interview with Kenya Cummings, Executive Director of SC Housing Justice, on how “Build-To-Rent” subdivisions could impact affordable housing opportunities. Kenya participated in our State of the South Charleston convening as a discussion facilitator and convening partner. They provided great insight into housing displacement, affordability, and gentrification in South Carolina. To watch the full interview, visit: https://lnkd.in/eWJWRnFZ

Do you know someone who has contributed to understanding public policy, education, labor markets, academic disciplines, or society? If so, the Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management is accepting nominations for the William Spriggs Memorial Award through July 17, 2024! Dr. William Spriggs was an effective and powerful voice who brilliantly championed the causes of equity, racial justice, and worker's rights. Dr. Spriggs was a professor, and former chair of, the Department of Economics at Howard University, chief economist to the AFL-CIO, and a long-serving member of MDC's Board of Directors. Our work at MDC and the communities we serve are immeasurably better because of Bill's insight, generosity, and wisdom. For more about the award, visit https://lnkd.in/eqyrQ5sW

MDC is Hiring! We are seeking a Program Director to lead work to advance early childhood education and child-care equity in the South. The primary focus is leading MDC's work on Home-Based child care, a multi-year strategy that currently includes both a community of practice of networks, and Haven, a provider leadership development program. To learn more about the position, visit: https://lnkd.in/dhESXHx The deadline to apply is Friday, April 26, 2024.

The North Carolina Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network is a cross-sector collaborative that seeks to advocate for communities and equitable access to resources in a disaster recovery system. The collaborative recently conducted a case study looking at the power, politics, and partnership dynamics and priorities to develop actionable recommendations to increase collaboration and inclusivity within disaster recovery networks. Below is an infographic created by Kayla Gilligan, MDC Rural Forward Program Associate, summarizing the case study. For a map of the participating organizations in the N.C. Disaster Recovery Network, visit: https://lnkd.in/eAVhDywM To learn more about the Disaster Recovery Network, visit: https://lnkd.in/et8WXkDg

“When an entire community is locked out of this essential health care, as many communities throughout the South are, it holds everyone back. We can invest in housing and education, economic development, and social services, but without expanding access to health care, our efforts to root out poverty will fall short. If, on the other hand, we want to unlock a bright future for Southern communities and economies, we know just where to begin.” We invite you to check out a commentary written by MDC President and CEO John Simpkins on Medicaid Expansion in the South. Published via The Post and Courier https://lnkd.in/eGT9c4G5

MDC's Student Debt Relief Coalition has a call to action for federal student loan debt-holders. If you have loans that aren't "direct" loans or if you have loans on different timelines, you may need to act by April 30, 2024 to maximize your credit toward forgiveness programs like public service loan forgiveness for nonprofit and government employees and income-driven repayment forgiveness. Student debt isn't a "them" problem, it's an "us" problem - 1.3 million North Carolinians have student debt in the present day. If you don't have it yourself, you definitely love someone who does, so consider sharing with your networks!