Name of Project:

GRANT PURPOSE: Applications will be accepted only for projects/programs that focus on eliminating and/or alleviating racism or bigotry systemic racism in North America or projects/programs that promote reconciliation initiatives. (For additional information see General Reconciliation Ministry Grant Policies and Guidelines.)

SOMOS UNO - A Reconciled Church

Amount Requested: $8,000

Amount of Total Budget: $16,000

Name of Requesting Group: Central Pastoral Office for HispanicMinistries

Address: 1099 N. Meridian Street, Suite 700

City IndianapolisState: INZip Code46206

Telephone (317)713-2583,2584Fax()

IRS TaxExemption:ChurchXYesNo

If other than a Church: List Agency Tax I.D.Number

A copy of your IRS Exemption Letter MUST be attached to your proposal to verify the exemption. If not enclosed, the proposal will be returned without review.


Name of Contact PersonLori Tapia

TitleNational Pastor for Hispanic Ministries

TelephoneNumber(317)289-8535

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR APPLICATION

•Acoverlettersignedbytheauthorizedleaderofthechurch,agency,ornon-profitentity.(1pagemaximum)

•Yoursignedgrantapplicationclearlyarticulatingthepurpose,theologicalunderpinningsandanti- racism/bigotrygoalsofyourproject(6pagesmaximumlength.)

•Acopyofyourorganization’stax-exemptletterfromtheIRS(1page)

•Namesofcollaboratorsandtheircontactinformation,ifapplicable.(1pagemaximum)

•Namesandcontactinformationofprojectendorsers(1pagemaximum)

•One additional budget sheet for your project(ifneeded).

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS CANNOT EXCEED 11 PAGES.

YOUR ORGANIZATION’S BACKGROUND (300 words or less)

(Please include: mission, founding date, major programs; links with similar organizations; number and capacity of staff; why your organization is qualified to do the work; relationship of your project to your organization’s overall program.)

MISSION: Be and proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our witness of love and service, from the doors of our church to the end of the world. (Acts 1:8)

While the Hispanic community has been present for over 100 years, the Hispanic and Bilingual Fellowship of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada was formed in 1981. To further organize at the general church level, in 1992, the Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries was established. The ObraHispana theme is SOMOS UNO (We are One) and this theological foundation moves us to take an active role in the pro-reconciliation/anti-racist movement of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and in the world. We are a group that responds not only to the need of worship in the Spanish language, but also to the fact that culturally, socially, historically and traditionally our Hispanic people has been a people within a people, often marginalized and/or considered second class to the dominant English speaking church.

The ObraHispana, is united in covenant, interests, culture, distinctive worshiping, different languages and Christ-centered theological differences, and is a social and theological voice to the Hispanic people and general church. We are called to respond to the needs, realities and challenges of the Hispanic community with a sense of support, commitment and affirmation of the dignity of the Hispanic community, and to be an instrument for justice, equality and reconciliation for allpeople.

With a National Hispanic Pastor and an Administrative Assistance, the ObraHispana resources and support approximately 200 Spanish speaking and bilingual (English/Spanish) congregations who often go unnoticed. The structure of the ObraHispana provides a network for the development of community, dissemination of information and training empowering the Latino voice and position in the church.

THE PROJECT (500 words or less)

Please include: the contribution your project will make towards eliminating systemic racism, empowering racially marginalized communities, or fostering multiracial communication; goals and objectives; activities youproposetotackletheproblem;cost-effectiveness;immediateandlong-termresults;distinctivefeatures of your project in light of your organization’s context; theological foundation for the decision to pursue this project;andtheanticipatedoutcomes.)

In an anti-immigrant/anti-Latino climate, the perpetuation of racism within and among this community continues to rise. As people of color with diverse culture and language, it is vital to provide training opportunities that foster empowerment of racially marginalized communities.

Goals:

IncreaseawarenessofsystemicracismexperiencedbytheLatinocommunityandtheabilitytoopenlydiscuss it.

EmpowerLatinoyoungadultstosucceedknowingthechallengesofsystemicracismthroughtrainingand nurturing.

Cultivateenvironmentsthatfosterreconciliationandanti-racismintheLatinocommunitywithintheChristian Church(DisciplesofChrist)andincreaseopportunitiestoserveatthelocal,regionalandgeneralchurchlevel.

Strategies/Objectives:

1.Gatherings-Thisprojectwillprovideaminimumof10gatheringspromotingthedevelopmentofmulti-generational/multiracialrelationshipandcommunication,andincludinganti-racismtraining.Gatheringswithin the six Hispanic Conventions will be coordinated with other regularly scheduled events which take place several times a year, often in conjunction with other regional events increasing the opportunity to collaborate with the region and include a wider diversity. It is not the present practice to include anti-racism efforts in events within this community, therefore, intentional and consistent opportunities to experience this must be providedinrepetitiontoshiftamethodologyandincreasetheloveofneighbor.

2.Young Adults Commission- The ObraHispana, aligned with the Mission First Imperative, has established a Young Adults Commission with the goal to provide systemic change within the life of the church through the development of leaders who are rooted in an anti-racist theology. This commission, comprised of two representatives from each convention, ages of 19-29, will create a network of Hispanic young adult leaders within the church. The commission will bring the vital voice of this often-overlooked community into the decision-making process of the ObraHispana and will provide extensive training and opportunities for the cultivation of spiritual gifts and leadership. These young leaders will be immersed in the anti-racism efforts of the General Church and will provide equipped and capable leadership for boards and commissions throughout thelifeofthechurch.Whilethechurchisstrugglingtounderstandthatracismexits,thisgenerationrecognizes it and desires to eradicateit.

3.ClergyNetworks-Congregationalunderstandingofanti-racismpracticeandeffortsisoftendependentonhow much information is provided by the leadership. Often racism is perpetuated in local congregations simply due to a lack of knowledge. “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). The establishment of intentional clergy networks that are engaged in anti-racism efforts with the region, the ObraHispana and the General church will be trained and supported to increase communication among Spanish speaking clergy and foster information dissemination and efforts within the local congregation. This creates an additional shift in thecultureoftheLatinocommunitybyimplementingstrategiesthatpromoteintentionalityaroundanti-racism.

Additionally, this tier will address the systemic racism that exists within the Latino community, addressing how present inequalities within the immigration policies create classes among the community.

YOUR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (200 words or less)

(Please include strategy and timeline: steps to be taken, by whom, and when; numbers and who will be served; project staff and/or consultants; involvement of spiritual practices or theological reflection that will be incorporated into the project.)

Through intentional dialogue gatherings, training, resources and accompaniment, 250 individuals will actively engage in pro-reconciliation/anti-racism programs within the Latino community and the general church. A Project Coordinator will provide support and coordination with Convention leaders, and will receive the Train the Trainers training and will collaborate with the Reconciliation Ministry.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES:

Biblestudyanddevotionalswillbeutilizedatgatheringsandassupplementalmaterialsforongoing support andeducation.

WeeklyclergyprayerwillincludeprayerforthisprojectandfortheReconciliationMinistry.

Thespiritualpracticeof“Silence”(fromtheLatinocontextitwillknownasFastingoftheTongue)to teach the practice of measuring our words, and to help increase awareness of using our voices to empower and seek justice, not just totalk.

Description / Who / By When
Complete Train the Trainers for identified bilingual individuals / Reconciliation Ministry & Obra Collaboration / May 2017
Hire Project Coordinator / National Hispanic Pastor / March 2017
Initial Convención Moderators Meeting to discuss project proposal and the role of the moderator in event scheduling / National Hispanic Pastor / January 2017
Monthly Moderators Conference Call to maintain consistent communication and discuss anti-racism events and opportunities. / National Hispanic Pastor & Project Coordinator / Monthly
College of Regional Ministers Report will provide information on proposal to begin dialogue for collaboration on anti-racism efforts / National Hispanic Pastor / March 2017
Multigenrational/Multiracial Gatherings / Anti-racism trainers, Project Coordinator, NHP, Moderators / Ongoing
Young Adults Commission Initial Anti-Racism Training and project overview / NHP, Project Coordinator, YA Commission Coordinator / July 2017
Clergy Networks established (to be done at General Assembly) / NHP, Project Coordinator / July 2017
Presentation of project efforts at General Assembly aftersession for the ObraHispana / NHP, Project Coordinator / July 2017
Project Oversight & Regional/General Church Collaboration / NHP / Ongoing
Young Adult Commission Development / Project Coordinator, YA Commission Coordinator / Monthly
Orandoen la Obra- Clergy prayer call / NHP & Latino/a Pastors and Leaders / Weekly

PROJECT EVALUATION (200 words or less)

(Please include: your criteria for effectiveness, methods and schedule for measuring results; who and how the assessment will occur; the theological, biblical or spiritual work around anti-racism that will continue.)

Effectiveness is measured in increased or enhanced relationship and communication, and a decrease in racist language and action in policy and general practice of the church at the local, regional and general level. Effectiveness will be measured through pre-post surveys where training has been provided. Additionally, testimonials will be collected to assist in the evaluation process and every six months, surveys will be disseminated and a video conference will be scheduled. Clergy will provide additional data through providing bi-annual reports of anti-racism programs, training and efforts within the network or local congregation. The results will be compiled by the staff of the Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries and a three-member team, appointed by the board for Hispanic Ministries, will assess the data and provide an annual report to the board, the CPOHM and this will be shared with the Reconciliation Ministry and Commission. Called to be in relationship with one another, this proposal will enhance relationship within and among the church, fostering deeper love and acceptance for each other. There will be a shift in the culture of the Spanish speaking church that will include anti-racist efforts, dialogue and intentionality.

PROJECT CONTINUATION (100 words or less)

(State how this project will continue with ongoing funding beyond the grant period; future funding sources; other current funding sources.)

PROJECT BUDGET (Please attach no more than 1 additional sheet, if needed).

INCOME

SourceAmount

Central Pastoral Office forHispanicMinistries$5,000

Reconciliation CommissionMinistryGrant$8,000

IndividualContributions$3,000

EXPENSES

ItemAmount

ProjectCoordinator(Contracted)$2,000

1 sub-contractor x 10 months x $200 = $2,000

TravelforGatherings$11,600

10 gatherings x 2ppl x $300 airfare = $6,000

10 gatherings x 2ppl x 2 nights x $140 per night = $5,600

Copies andEventSupplies$500

Snacksforevents$800

Marketing/Mailings$1100

1000 postcard mailings x .34 = $340

Advertising in Convention Assembly Booklets = $750

GrantRequestAmount$ 8,000

TotalProgram/ProjectCost$16,000

If awarded, how will the Reconciliation Ministry Grant be spent? [Specify expense item(s)].

Reconciliation Ministry Grant funds will be used to support travel and Project Coordinator stipend.

SubmittedByLoriTapia(PRINT)

Title National Pastor, HispanicMinistries

SignatureDate1-31-2017

PROJECT ENDORSERS National Hispanic Board of Directors and Conventions Moderators and Reps

Moderator / Moderator Elect / Vice-Moderator / Past Moderator
Joel Saucedo
210 Ft Branch Rd
Pearisburg, VA 24134
Home: 540-922-8721
Cell: 361-739-4720

From: SW Convention / Samuel Ramirez
5553 Mammorth Ave
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
Cell: 818-339-2227

From: Pacific Convention / Bere Gil Soto
213 Cranston Ave.
Carmel, IN 46032
Cell: 317-217-4499

From: MW CONVENTION / Servando Peralez
20928 FM 800
San Benito, TX 78586
Cell: 956-241-2103

From: SW Convention
Secretary / Sub Secretary / President, National Hispanic Women / Representative @Large
Lorna Hernandez
5124 Tuscany Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46254
Cell: 386-748-1871

From: MW Convention / C. Milly Semprit
2606 Baneberry Ln. Apt. 812 Indianapolis, IN 46268
Cell: 407-346-4452

From: MW Convention / Soriliz Rodriguez
240 S Grand Ave
Covina CA 91791
Cell: 407-922-4899

From: PACIFIC Convention / David Cortes
2972 Portsmouth St.
Deltona, FL 32738
Cell: 386-747-0364

From: SE Convention
HISPANIC CONVENTIONS -MODERATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES
Southeast / Midwest / Southwest
Moderator / Moderator / Moderator
Vilson Hurtado
17057 SW 94 Way Miami, FL 33196
Cell: 305-975-9016
Email: / Rossy Ricart
2645 Asbury Street
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Home: 317-784-6511
Cell: 317-983-9235
/ Servando Peralez
20928 FM 800
San Benito, TX 78586
Cell: 956-241-2103

Representative
Alicia Rodriguez
Cell: 407-414-5511
Aliciar13@aol..com / Representative
William Almodovar
2606 Baneberry Ln. Apt. 812 Indianapolis, IN 46268
Cell: 317-544-0512
/ Representative
Irene Escamilla
Address: 526 Eldora Rd.
Alamo, TX 78516
Cell: 956-533-7737

Arizona / Pacific
Moderator / Representative / Moderator / Representative
Martin Tapia
113 W. Tumbleweed Ct.
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Cell: 480-233-6052
/ Liliana Hernandez
1302 E. Forge
Ave Mesa AZ 85204
Cell: 480- 283-5025
/ Delmi Amaya
8415 Passons. Blvd
Pico Rivera CA 90660
Cell: (562)641-1502
/ Pedro Vallavarez
1215 N. Gilbert St Apt 33
Fullerton CA 92833
Cell:1(714) 707-1698