IMPACT Justice Ministry Update for 3.6.22

Crozetumc   -   March 6, 2022

Last May, Crozet UMC entered into a covenantal agreement with IMPACT Charlottesville.   IMPACT is a direct-action organization comprised of 28 faith-based congregations from our area with over 1000 people.  IMPACT focuses on addressing the root causes and the systemic reasons that result in people needing charity such as food or shelter. IMPACT members work to identify solutions to underlying problems and negotiate with decision-makers (city and county officials) who have the responsibility and power to implement those solutions.

Since last May, 21 members of Crozet UMC have become IMPACT Network members.  They have met as a group to address ongoing issues of equity in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.  During the last few months, they have participated in research efforts and met with City and County staff and officials to identify specific recommendations to address IMPACT’s current focus issues of : 

Affordable Housing

Child Care 

Public Transportation – Care for Creation

Everyone is welcome to attend two upcoming and exciting IMPACT events: 

  • On March 15th, from 6:30 – 8 pm, IMPACT will host its annual  Rally
    • Speakers will present progress on this year’s initiative and plans for asking our public officials to support IMPACT’s recommendations
    • All of our network members should plan to attend this meeting
    • The meeting will be Hybrid (In person and Zoom) and we will connect with all of the other IMPACT congregations
    • We will meet in Crozet UMC’s Fellowship Hall; refreshments will be available
  • On March 29th, from 6:30-8 pm, IMPACT will host this year’s Nehemiah Action Meeting
    • IMPACT has invited City and County officials and IMPACT spokespersons will ask for their commitment to taking action to support IMPACT’s recommended solutions
    • Network members should plan to attend and should plan to bring at least three guests to this meeting
    • The meeting will be Hybrid (In person at two locations and Zoom) and we will connect with other IMPACT organizations as well as several elected officials
    • We will meet in Crozet UMC’s Fellowship Hall; refreshments will be available
    • Church of the Incarnation Catholic Church is an alternative location for this meeting (1465 Incarnation Drive, Charlottesville)