Local citizens have organized an event called “Community Connections,” designed to spark meaningful dialogues and to create positive change. The free event will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Overlook Pavilion in Smothers Park.
The Community Connections program will include speakers from local nonprofits and organizations involved in serving multiple segments of Daviess County.
Speakers are:
- Cheryl Brown – Coalition for an Inclusive Daviess County
- Aloma Dew – American Association of University Women
- Hadley Duvall – survivor and Reproductive Freedom Advocate
- Doug Hoyt – Wendell Foster
- Baylee Long – HER Owensboro
- Susan Montalvo-Gesser – Catholic Charities
- June Ogilby of Loud Women – Daviess County
- Harry Pedigo – St. Benedict’s and Daniel Pitino Shelter
- The Rev. Rhondalyn Randolph – Owensboro NAACP
- Heidi Reyes-Taylor – Bakhita Empowerment Initiative
- Emmy Woosley – Public Life Foundation
Informational tables will be available for the public to learn about how they may become involved in joining in the work of helping others. A voter registration table will also be available.
“Holding gatherings like this is important for a multitude of reasons,” Ogilby said. “It raises awareness, hopefully educating the public about issues and challenges that some marginalized individuals and communities face. The goal is that this awareness encourages dialogue, helps to foster inclusivity in everyday life, and builds community. Gatherings like this can empower others to be the change they hope to see.”
Randolph encouraged citizens to join, saying, “Your quiet submission reflects the overt injustice we face. Get involved in our community.”
Millie Henderson, of Loud Women of Daviess County, said many people may feel deeply discouraged in current times.
“When you see the headlines every day, it’s easy to feel like hatred and division are winning on both local and national levels,” she said. “As tempting as it may be to succumb to cynicism and despair, there is so much good and worthy work to be done. We hope this event encourages people by reminding them that goodness persists even in the face of opposition and empowers them to know they can help make a difference.”
Laurie Campbell, one of the organizers of the event, noted the importance of nonprofits and volunteers, adding that the community also has to buy in to create change.
“We all have the power to create positive change within our community,” she said. “Listening first to the challenges our citizens and neighbors face should always be the first step to enacting change and improving our community for all. Sometimes change doesn’t happen as quickly as we like, but it certainly won’t happen if we don’t try.”
