2025 Annual Convening
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO MEMBERS AND PARTNERS OF NC COUNTS COALITION.
ALL ATTENDEES MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE.
Count on Me, Count on You.
The Power of Us!
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Breakfast and networking will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m., and the program will begin at 10:00 a.m.
About
NC Counts Coalition’s 2025 Annual Statewide Convening will unite members, allies, and partners from across North Carolina to build community, foster collaboration, and strengthen collective impact. This event offers participants valuable insights and actionable strategies to engage in NC Counts’ initiatives, including efforts to promote the census, digital equity, health equity, and representation.
Join us to connect, collaborate, and learn how to make a difference in advancing equity and representation across our state. Together, we MAKE NC COUNT!
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW OF LAST YEAR’S CONVENING
Agenda
9:00-10:00 a.m.
BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING
10:00-10:45 a.m.
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Presented by:
Kaya Littleturtle, Member of Tuscarora Nation
GREETINGS FROM COMMUNITY LEADERS
Presented by:
Mitch Colvin, Mayor, City of Fayetteville
Kirk deViere, County Commissioner, Cumberland County
Val Applewhite, North Carolina State Senator
OPENING PLENARY: Count on Us: Proactive Planning for 2030 Census Challenges
Presented by:
Dr. Allisa Shepard, Interim Executive Director, NC Counts Coalition
Rev. Corine Mack, Community Activist
10:45-11:15 a.m.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Angela R. Bryant, Retired State Legislator and State Government Executive
11:15-11:30 a.m.
BREAK
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION (see below)
12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH & CULTURAL DANCE PERFORMANCE
Presented by:
Young Waters Drums & Dancers from the Cumberland County Culture Class of Fayetteville
1:15-1:30 p.m.
NERVOUS SYSTEM RESET
Join us for a quick session of nervous system exercises to boost resilience
and mental clarity.
Presented by:
Victor LaRue Jones, Family Engagement Coordinator with HeadStart of Nash Edgecombe
Wilson Community Action, Inc.
1:30-2:00 p.m.
COUNT ON ME, COUNT ON YOU
This panel features Western North Carolina leaders sharing their experiences, lessons learned, and the transformative power of collaboration during times of crisis.
Presented By:
Angélica R. Wind, Regional Director, NC Counts Coalition (Moderator)
Ricardo Bello Ball, Executive Director, Unidxs WNC
Norma Brown, Executive Director, UNETE
Tiffany De’Bellott, Executive Director, Center for Participatory Change
Melisa Soto Escobar, Executive Director, True Ridge
2:00-2:15 p.m.
BREAK
2:15-3:15 p.m.
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION (see below)
3:15-3:45 p.m.
COMMUNITY MOSAIC: THE POWER OF US
Event attendees will use words and images to create a unique design on a large puzzle piece, reflecting their shared stories and visions. Each piece will be decorated and then added to a community mosaic wall—a powerful symbol of collective strength, unity, and the power of storytelling.
Presented By:
Hector Vaca Cruz, Documentary Photographer
Irlanda Ruiz, Writer, Educator and Community Leader
3:45 p.m.
CLOSING
Breakout Sessions
Each session is being offered during the morning and afternoon so you can attend two of four available options.
OPTION #1 – Nature-Based “Safe Space” Session (outdoors if weather permits)
To support participant wellbeing, joy, and resilience this session, through various mindfulness activities, will (re)connect participants to nature and explore how the census helps support connection to place and people, aligning with the event theme: “Count on Me, Count on You! The Power of Us.” *This session does involve movement and mobility*
Presented by:
Mary Oxendine, Owner of Rooted Reciprocity LLC
OPTION #2 – Democracy Reform – Using Our Power to Craft Solutions
How can we shape a more inclusive and representative democracy? This panel brings together three community organizers working on innovative solutions to strengthen our democratic systems. Panelists will explore key reforms, including independent redistricting commissions to end gerrymandering, proportional representation to ensure elected officials reflect their communities, and broader democracy protections such as a voting rights bill, automatic voter registration, and ballot access. Join us for an engaging discussion on how we can use our collective power to drive meaningful change.
Presented by:
Kyle Brazile, Director of Civic Engagement, NC Counts Coalition (Moderator)
Dr. Jovita Lee, Program Director, NC Black Alliance, Policy Director, Advance Carolina
Tyler Daye, Policy and Civic Engagement Manager, Common Cause NC
Rosemary Blizzard, Executive Director, Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center
OPTION #3 – Title: Bridging the Digital Divide for a Strong Census
This panel discussion will explore the intersection of digital equity, information literacy, and civic engagement in North Carolina. Our panelists will discuss the impact of information fraud on marginalized communities, the role of digital literacy in combating information fraud, and the importance of digital equity in ensuring full participation in democratic processes like the Census and voting. Join us to learn about the challenges and opportunities in bridging the digital divide and empowering communities with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape. Together, we can harness our power to build a more informed society.
Presented by:
Grace Navarroli, Research Director, Progress NC
Marina Aleman, Acción Hispana/Qué Pasa
Spring Duvall, PhD, Associate Professor at Salem College
OPTION #4 – The Greatest Stories Never Told: The Importance of Storytelling
Nonprofit and community-based organizations are the heart of America, serving the less fortunate, forgotten, underserved, and overlooked. While their work is deeply rewarding, it can also be overwhelming. Too often, their most impactful stories remain untold, making it difficult for funders to fully understand and support their efforts. Without visibility, critical opportunities for funding and collaboration may be missed.
This workshop will offer practical strategies, valuable resources, and tips for leveraging media platforms to share these stories more effectively, helping to enhance fundraising efforts and advance their mission.
Presented by: Darius Carr, Co-Owner of Bujoy Media, LLC
Speakers
Victor LaRue Jones
Family Engagement Coordinator with HeadStart of Nash Edgecombe Wilson Community Action, Inc.
Other Information
NC Counts Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to building a healthy, just, and equitable North Carolina through cross-sector partnerships that advance systemic solutions for communities facing systemic barriers, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, LGBTQ+, low wealth, immigrant, and other communities. All staff, board, organizational members, and participants are required to adhere to the following behaviors when representing NC Counts or participating in any activity or event organized by NC Counts:
● Uphold NC Counts’ values of: inclusiveness, empowerment, integrity, resilience, collaboration, learning, and collective impact.
● Act honestly, truthfully and with integrity.
● Treat every individual with dignity and respect.
● Remain nonpartisan at all times.
● Appropriately handle conflicts.
● Act responsibly toward one another and toward the communities we serve.
● Refrain from using any verbally, physically, or visually abusive or harassing language or behavior towards any other participant.
Any failure to adhere to these behaviors will result in consequences for the individual and/or the organization that the individual represents. Examples of consequences include: a verbal or written warning, temporary or permanent suspension from participating in NC Counts Coalition activities, and/or the rescinding of an organization’s membership.
If you experience or witness behavior that is inconsistent with the code of conduct, please notify us at partners@nccounts.org. Personal information related to reports related to this code of conduct will be shared only to the extent necessary to investigate, or as required by law.
Thank you for your cooperation in creating an inclusive environment for NC Counts Coalition members and guests!
We encourage participants to make sure they are vaccinated and boosted before the event and to test at home before arriving. Masking is optional. Additionally, if you’re not feeling well on the day of the event or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, we ask that you stay home.
NC Counts Coalition values the collaboration with our partners and seeks to capture moments of mutual empowerment and growth. Please be aware that by participating in this event, you may be photographed or recorded through pictures, audio, or video. These recordings may be utilized for various purposes including social media, websites, marketing initiatives, advertising campaigns, outreach efforts, promotional materials, and grant submissions. Your attendance at this event implies your consent to the use of your likeness or voice without any expectation of compensation. Furthermore, by attending, you release NC Counts Coalition, its representatives, and all involved parties from any liability associated with the use of media featuring your image, voice, or likeness.
The dress code is “casual”. Because the facility is large, it is hard to regulate heating and cooling to the satisfaction of all. Therefore, it is wise to dress in layers and bring a light sweater to stay warm.
- Can I register at the venue?
- No. In order to ensure adequate space and food availability, we ask all attendees to register IN ADVANCE of the event.
- How many guests can register from member organizations?
- Due to capacity limits, each member organization may register no more than 2 individuals.
- How will NC Counts Coalition member organizations be reimbursed for the $25.00 fee?
- Member organizations will be reimbursed the $25.00 registration deposit in the form of a $25.00 gift card per participant. The deposit will be refunded upon checking in at registration. If you decide not to attend the event, your deposit will be forfeited.
- Will NC Counts Coalition offer travel stipends for the 2025 Convening?
- We are working to make travel stipends available for our member organizations. You will have an opportunity to answer questions pertaining to travel through the registration form.
- What accessibility supports are available for this event?
- There will be ample parking in general and designated parking spaces for guests with disabilities. We will also have a designated indoor space that attendees can use for prayer, pumping, etc. Please see the Registration Form for more information or to request additional accommodations.
- Additional information regarding accessibility:
- The event space is all one level, so there will be no need to go up and down stairs during the event. Please send any accessibility questions to Alexa Anderson at alexa@nccounts.org or by phone at (503) 510-9414.
- Additional information regarding interpretation:
- Simultaneous English-Spanish interpretation will be provided. Please send any interpretation questions to Alexa Anderson at alexa@nccounts.org or by phone at (503) 510-9414.
- Is there any cost for parking?
- No, parking at the botanical garden is free.
- What if our organization has more than two guests who want to attend?
- We will have a waitlist for people who would like to attend beyond the two registrants per organization. NC Counts will contact the individuals on the waitlist if extra space becomes available.
- How do I make changes to my registration?
- If you need to make changes to your registration, please contact Alexa Anderson at alexa@nccounts.org. We ask that you inform us of any changes as soon as possible.
- If I have additional questions, who can I contact?
- If you have additional questions please contact Alexa Anderson, Operations Coordinator, at alexa@nccounts.org or by phone at (503) 510-9414.
We are pleased to share that NC Counts has reserved a room block for the NC Counts Convening to offer attendees a special rate at the Tru Fayetteville Fort Liberty. Please note that this group rate is available exclusively for those who book their stay within the designated block.
Hotel Details:
- Hotel: Tru Fayetteville Fort Liberty
- Group Name: NC Counts
- Arrival Date: April 2, 2025
- Departure Date: April 3, 2025
- Cut-off Date: March 19, 2025
Don’t wait—secure your room today to ensure you get the group rate!
Important Notes:
- NC Counts Coalition is NOT paying for, providing, or in any way responsible for any hotel accommodations. Attendees are solely responsible for booking and paying for their own reservations.
- To take advantage of this special rate, please book your room before the cut-off date.
