News & Insights

Over the past several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has made an impact on each of our educational institutions, organizations, and personal lives.

Simultaneously, the continued pandemic of systemic racism has again boiled to the surface with the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which was preceded by the killings of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, among others. These horrific acts, coupled with the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in Black and Brown communities due to entrenched disparity in economic and health realities, have resulted in protests, outrage, heartache, and continued cries for justice. While protests and responses have erupted in our local and broader communities, the last weeks have forced each of us to reflect on our own biases and contributions to systemic racism in our organizations and lives.   

I join my colleagues at the In Trust Center in denouncing racism and supporting #BlackLivesMatter. I am personally sad and angry. And yet I am also hopeful.

I see my Black and Brown colleagues. I have witnessed only the portion of the pain that they have chosen to share. It has deeply influenced my own thoughts, perspective, actions, and decision making.

The In Trust Center is blessed to work alongside of the leaders in historic Black Theological Schools as together they collaborate in building institutional capacity. Through this partnership, I have been privileged to deepen my understanding of the foundation of these schools as communities formed to address racism and provide the construct and context for the experiences of Black people. This work has sharpened the pain felt during these past weeks and made these issues all the more personal.

While the In Trust Center has dedicated resources to focus on diversity and inclusion, we must do more. And we recognize that tending to diversity and inclusion alone is not enough. The issue of Black and Brown lives being destroyed truly matters. Acknowledging and addressing systemic racism matters. Using our resources to connect, share, and learn together is what we will do.

As an organization supported by a membership of and in partnership with peers in Christian communities, together we are uniquely situated for this work of addressing racism and healing together.

Amy L. Kardash
President
In Trust Center for Theological Schools

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Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Closing the Trust Gap

ON DEMAND

The current and very troubling condition of trust is a clarion call to action. But despite the dismal data showing pervasive organizational distrust, every organization can assess their current level of trust, learn and adopt a proven trust building framework, and then develop a meaningful and long-lasting plan of action. This webinar details the knowledge and practical next steps to strengthen workplace culture as a result of closing the trust gap.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

ON DEMAND

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Listen to this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to view.

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In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.

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