Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader, Baltimore Ethical Society

Before delving into workshops and presentations about “Communities Confronting Systemic Racism” at the American Ethical Union’s 102nd Assembly, come meet a local Baltimore organization that fights economic injustice. On Thursday, June 8th from 1-4pm, we will together learn about the Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD) program called Turnaround Tuesdays (TAT).

TAT is a big part of BUILD’s commitment to job creation. Its mission is “to build new pathways in the lives of ‘returning’ and unemployed citizens to reenter the workforce through training and the development of public relationships to create safe, thriving communities.” Terrell Williams, a TAT staffer said that the program offers those who were ready a transformative opportunity to grow beyond their suffering. Through partnerships with local businesses, such as John Hopkins, TAT connects participants with employees who are willing to take a risk.

On June 8th organizers and participants of TAT will teach us about the challenges the unemployed and underemployed of Baltimore face. Those most impacted by economic injustice and racism will explain how TAT is turning their lives, and the city of Baltimore, around one job at a time. Learn how you can encourage employers in your region to change their hiring practices too. The event schedule is:

• 1-2pm – Terrell Williams, Organizer for BUILD and a workshop panelist in #bmorethical2017, will introduce us to participants, alumni, and organizers of Turnaround Tuesdays.
• 2-3pm – Refreshments and conversation on the TAT presentation as we explore how to bring the TAT model to our local community or region.
• 3-4pm – Learning session about leveraging power to change the system in your community. Discuss networking and connecting with power interests in your city or region.

Unable to join us on June 8 but still want to support Turnaround Tuesdays? You could…

• offer coaching support and help TAT folks build resumes, learn basic computer navigation, and practicing being in an interview situation.
• direct those looking for employment to come to TAT.
• nurture relations with local businesses who might hire TAT men and women and pass that info along to TAT organizers.
• be a mentor to a TAT person recently hired, helping them figure out how to negotiate a workplace environment.
• write grants for TAT.
• donate to TAT.