Program: Fiscally Sponsored

Be Gay [Do Crime] Productions

Be Gay Do Crime Productions is a non-profit production company whose mission is to create safe, fun spaces for 18+ queer collegiate youth in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Formed in early June of 2022, the project’s first show occurred at the Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall. From there, the project moved to Mr.Smalls Funhouse in November 2022, where it’s been based since.

Founded by students from Point Park University and members of the local drag community, Be Gay Do Crime understands that young queer people often face challenges when it comes to finding supportive communities and safe spaces, especially in areas where LGBTQ+ acceptance may not be as prevalent. Therefore, we aim to create a community where these youth can unite, socialize, and freely express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.

To achieve this goal, our production company will organize various pop-up events and activities, including dances, concerts, open mic nights, and workshops. These events will take place in safe and accessible venues across the city. They will be available to all 18+ youth regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or socioeconomic status. In addition, we strive for our events to provide a platform for queer artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents and connect with others in the community.

 

Young Born Leaders

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

Young Born Leaders (YBL) is dedicated to supporting first-generation and second-generation refugee youth, as well as non-refugee youth who share the same spaces in housing and schools. YBL does this through avenues such as post-secondary support, community and philanthropic events, and a distinctive basketball league, YBL fosters community and provides youth with exposure to colleges and curricula, facilitating effective pathways to and through higher education.

League Registration Form:

Website Link

YBL Instagram Page

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Violence Prevention Network

The RESTORE project aims to prevent violent extremism by harnessing the powerful role of trusted community leaders. We believe, whether social workers, school counselors, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, or therapists, these community leaders can play a crucial role to support ideologically motivated members of our communities to reject hate and abandon violence and instead engage in new ways of thinking and acting.

The RESTORE training offers evidence-based tools and methodologies for working with ideologically motivated individuals. It is crucial to our RESTORE model that participating community leaders stay embedded in the personal and/or professional contexts in which they already have legitimacy and authentic relationships. So participating in the RESTORE training does not mean taking on an entirely new professional role, but allows community leaders to integrate a new purpose and new competencies within their existing work.

We are looking for you, if…

  • you know or work with folks who may be immersed in or exploring ideologies that justify hate and violence under the guise of protecting self, family, community or nation, or
  • you know or work with folks who may be becoming convinced of conspiracy theories that can lead to hateful actions against certain groups of people, or
  • you feel a calling to join efforts to prevent radicalization to violence in your community and/or your professional context, and
  • you want support in how to make sure vulnerable individuals don’t give in to hate, instead
  • you want to strengthen their ability to tolerate folks who may not share their opinions.
  • you can imagine working with individuals who are vulnerable to extremist messaging without resorting to shaming or humiliation, and
  • you are valued, supported, and trusted within your community and by the folks with whom you work.

If this sounds like you, we would love for you to apply for the RESTORE training!

What will I learn as part of the RESTORE training?

The training provides the unique opportunity to build upon existing professional skills and experiences and apply new methods and approaches to working with ideologically motivated individuals.

  • You will gain understanding of different possible paths of radicalization to violence, information about violent extremist groups and violent ideologies, and how to engage with individuals vulnerable or already ideologically committed to extremist views.
  • You will be introduced to proven approaches, tools, and methods by our trainers and coaches, who have decades of experience working directly with violent extremists.
  • You will gain a network of other professionals working in the field of preventing violent extremism.

Quick facts about the training:

  • The training runs from May 19 to September 25, 2023, and consists of both in-person and online, synchronous and asynchronous components, with 10.5 days of full-time, in-person training as well as ten 2-hour online live training sessions (for a total of 104 “in-class” training hours).
  • The three in-person training modules will run from Friday to Monday. Location of in-person training days will be Pittsburgh, PA.
  • The training, all course materials, meals, and accommodation (if needed) are offered free of cost to a limited number of trainees. Additionally, both needs- and merit-based scholarships / sponsorships are available to compensate trainees (and/or their employers) for time spent in training.
  • A maximum of 15 carefully selected trainees will be accepted to participate in the RESTORE training.
  • Trainees, who successfully complete the training may be invited to join our 12-month RESTORE pilot project. Compensation for participating in the RESTORE pilot project will be offered to successful trainees and/or their employers based on case load and previous experience.
  • Application deadline to participate in the RESTORE training is April 14, 2023. Please email us at usa@violence-prevention-network.com to receive more information about the training and apply here.

 

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Appalachian Science Communicators

The Appalachian Science Communicators is a dynamic group of science communicators in the Appalachian region. Founded in early 2019, AppSciComm seeks to provide science communication support and camaraderie in a traditionally underserved part of the country. We welcome science communicators of every ilk – practicing journalists, institutional writers, freelancers, talkative scientists, students, podcasters and everyone in between.

A social and professional network, AppSciComm hosts regular meet-ups and events centered around the communication and understanding of science.

Facebook group

Twitter: @AppSciWri

 

All-Abilities Media

All-Abilities Media amplifies the voices of people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism on its nationally-award winning A Valid Podcast. Hosts, guests and producers are primarily people with disabilities. The show covers disability and other issues.Please consider supporting inclusive media with your donation today.

 

 

The Pittsburgh Village Project

The Pittsburgh Village Project provides educational opportunities for students from birth to 12th grade through personalized, social justice oriented and community-inspired learning opportunities in and out of schools. We are a cooperative of students, families, community members and educators who equitably strengthen the education system through culturally responsive consulting and the development of project-based, community service oriented curricula.

Donate Here

#notwhitecollective book

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Outdoor Inclusion Coalition

In 2019 the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition was founded to progress the pressing questions of diversity in the outdoor industry. Through collaborative approaches, the Coalition is at the forefront of making quality recreation experiences more accessible while reshaping urban recreation to be a pathway for greater exploration both professionally and recreationally.
From our backstory stems our mission: to support Pennsylvanians through programs dedicated to attracting, engaging, and retaining underrepresented populations in the outdoor industry.

Core Values
Collaboration: facilitating and encouraging multi-sector engagement to elevate the industry
Connection: elevating connections to people, place, and empowerment
Accessible Experiences: mitigating barriers to quality outdoor experiences while nurturing a sense of care for the outdoors
Activation: engaging the communities love for the outdoors while supporting the interest in sustainable outdoor developments
Equity & Inclusivity: continual progress and accountability towards a more just industry and outdoor community

The Outdoor Inclusion Coalition welcomes further engagement from residents, organizations, and governmental agencies. If you would like to receive additional information on the Coalition email marcus@theoic.org.

Outdoor Inclusion Coalition aims to make parks more accessible for all

 

The Mon Water Project

Our Watershed: The hidden creek beneath us…

Water is constantly involved in any single stage of the Water Cycle.  Be it rain, condensation, snow, or a flowing river, water is on the move.  When it is moving, water always flows downhill.

In the beginning it may only be the trickle of a spring, coming up from the Groundwater.  As you follow the flow of that crick over hollows and hills, that basin ridge outline is called a Watershed.  Watersheds are the collection points for all the water as it flows off the land in a river system.

In an urban and developed city like Pittsburgh, those watersheds are still here, however they now are hidden below our feet, in pipes.  We call them sewersheds, and they connect us, from the highest hill to the point of our three rivers.  Sewersheds follow all the same rules as watersheds.

The Mon Water Project will focus on the watershed basin, flowing through a sewershed, along the Monongahela River.

Our Basin: The geography of our watershed…

The Mon Water Project is home to 4 Mile Run (4MR), a watershed/sewershed located four miles from the point in Pittsburgh on the Monongahela river. Both sewers and cricks in the Oakland, Greenfield, Squirrel Hill, Schenley Park, and Hazelwood neighborhoods flow through this pipe system. This pipe system is hidden beneath our feet, under roads, houses and sidewalks.

On dry days, the water in these pipes flows down under Greenfield Avenue, making its way through larger and larger pipes ,deep underground, to the Allegheny County Sewer Authority (ALCOSAN). That is our regional WasteWater Treatment facility. There it is treated and released in the Ohio River.

On Wet days, the entire system’s contents flow out into the Monongahela River through the M-29 outfall, a big discharge pipe, under Hazelwood Green. Similar, smaller unnamed streams and pipes are under and throughout Hazelwood. They discharge on wet days to individual outfalls counting up to M-40, near Glen Hazel. Combined, these systems make up the Monongahela peninsula of Pittsburgh and the Basin for the Mon Water Project.

Our Spring Water: The trickle of an Idea…

The MWP creates connections across governments, agencies, non-profits, businesses, and residents to direct resources to develop and implement integrated water resource plans based on One Water principles in 4MR and neighboring watersheds.

Our Groundwater: The foundation to build from…

MWP will use principles based on a philosophy known as One Water.  One Water is the focus on all aspects of water, with equal value and importance, seeing the water cycle as continuous, and water systems as overlapping. This approach removes traditional water permitting “silos” and allows a community to address many issues at once.

Our Tributaries: Working together as a community…

Our work centers environmental justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as we build community power for the management of our watersheds.

Our Floodwater: The challenges of urban restoration are substantial…

Over five years ago, Pittsburgh Water Sewer Authority was looking to address flooding, manage stormwater, rehabilitate old infrastructure, and decrease water pollution to the Monongahela river. They began the design, modeling, and implementation of the 4 Mile Stormwater Project.  The project is hoping to improve the quality of life, protect property, and change the hydrology of a watershed affecting the lower half of the neighborhood in Greenfield, known as the micro-neighborhood “In the Run.” The Run historically floods with only a half inch of rainfall. It isn’t just any flooding, its manhole popping raw sewage that flows directly into homeowner basements, central streets, and neighborhood cornerstone businesses. Residents in The Run neighborhood have had to silently endure the issues for years.  When the PWSA 4MR Stormwater Project was being developed, the residents of The Run worked hard to advocate for their community needs.  With a unified voice they asked for real and last solutions.

Our Water. Our Work.

The Mon Water Project will build on the current ‘swell’ of resident and organizational movements that grew from the 4MR Stormwater Project. MWP will work to develop a unified strategy for ALL our water resources, partner to implement projects that protect the residents of our most vulnerable communities, and build an educated coalition of neighbors that advocate for science based solutions in our cricks and hollows.

The path forward is clear (unlike the muddy waters of the Monongahela) and with the support of New Sun Rising as a fiscal sponsor, starting in October 2022, The Mon Water Project is ready to officially launch.  Follow us, join us, and support us as we flow towards a future that is truly sustainably alongside the Monongahela River.

Will you join us?

Chocolate Nutcracker

Chocolate Nutcracker will utilize the classical “Nutcracker” as a springboard to create a fresh, local interpretation of the iconic ballet.  Directed by Norma Jean Barnes an African-American and intergenerational cast will celebrate the Nutcracker, Black and world culture with the purpose of building bridges of hope, love and compassion in Pittsburgh and the world!  Auditions, rehearsal and performances (live and virtual) will take place The Pittsburgh Project on Pittsburgh’s Northside.

Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh Start Up Funding

Mission and Vision
Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh, founded in 2022, provides recovery services for those seeking relief from addiction, mental health challenges, and spiritual imbalances. Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh is committed to healing through natural methodologies and supporting your journey through compassionate care.

Relapse Prevention Group (Y12SR)
Group Therapy is a wonderful way to connect like minds together in collective support of your healthier future. Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh is an affiliate of Y12SR, a program that combines the fundamentals of the 12-step method with trauma healing, cognitive reprogramming, and the art and science of yoga.
Reiki
Reiki is an energetic healing regimen that rebalances the body, mind, and spirit. It is a beautiful complement to yoga as a discipline, and has profound effects on mental health. Reiki mitigates withdrawal symptoms, assists with chronic illness, and relieves trauma and stress.
Recovery Retreats
For more intensive, community-based programming based in alternative healing methods, consider a weekend getaway to set intentions and make concrete plans for your recovery journey.

 

 

Anthropology of Motherhood

Since 2016, Anthropology of Motherhood has provided ongoing curation of artwork and design that engages in the complex visual, material, emotional, corporeal and lived experiences of motherhood, care-giving, parenting, nurturing and maternal labor. As an annual hybrid amenity/exhibit at the Three Rivers Arts Festival, our message and aesthetic of the Culture of Care has reached thousands of viewers, instilling the value of caregivers and the importance of prioritizing compassion and care in our daily lives. Our exhibits have traveled to McDonough Museum of Art, Sleeth Gallery and will be exhibiting at Dyers Art Center in Rochester, NY in 2023. With support from the Opportunity Fund (Pittsburgh) and in collaboration with the City of Asylum, we recently concluded our speaker series, Culture of Care inviting artist-caregivers from around the world to share where caregiving and receiving intersects with their practice.

We are excited to announce a partnership with Amherst College Press to develop a full color edited volume of Anthropology of Motherhood with an expected publish date of Fall 2026, in time for our 10th year anniversary.Your generous support will allow us to continue our work through exhibits, programs, and our upcoming book.

Thank you.

 

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