Glitter is a pioneering social venture founded in 2021 dedicated to revolutionizing Philadelphia’s approach to its litter crisis. Our innovative block cleaning subscription service, built on a flexible pay-what-you-can model, ensures every neighbor can contribute. We provide living-wage job opportunities for cleaners and prioritize those facing barriers to work. This Spring, we are launching a grant-funded initiative in Germantown and Mt. Airy focused on weekly litter removal as a means to reduce gun violence. This project will sustainably clean 335 blocks, incorporating extensive community outreach, a dedicated cleaner team of 12-15 members, and comprehensive outcome tracking.In this role I am leading a team of Glitter cleaners to transforming these high-risk areas into thriving, safe spaces. These efforts are pivotal in enhancing community engagement, fostering strategic partnerships, and ensuring careful project execution. Learn more about the project at www.shareglitter.com/safesteps

The Reverend W. Douglas Banks is a seventh-generation descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings and Adjunct Professor in the College of Humanities and Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University. His teaching agenda focuses on reconciling the flaws of our human history with the future of our human hope. Rev. Banks is a local pastor and has been featured nationally in the last twenty years on numerous television news and media shows, giving light to his family ancestry. Rev. Banks has taken his degree from The Ohio State University (BA) and has matriculated the Palmer Theological Seminary in pursuit of his advanced degree (MDiv).

Personal and itinerant ministry organization of the Reverend W. Douglas Banks.

Black Men Heal is a 501c3 grassroots nonprofit organization, that was established in 2018. It was created as a solution to a broken inequitable mental health care system that does not center the needs of marginalized black and brown communities.Our focus centers on the mental health needs of Black Men because of the lack of resources attending solely to this population. Our mission is to provide mental health treatment, education, and resources to Men of color. Our goals are to eliminate the barriers that contribute to health disparities and inequities that exist for BIPOC communities to seek treatment, and to help increase the likelihood that Black men will self-initiate treatment for mental health struggles.

❖ School -wide Substitute Teacher for grades K-8 and assigned classroom teacher for grades K-8 in Pennsylvania’s first African Centered Charter School.❖ Specialized in English, Math and Social studies using is culturally-based curriculum aligned to the Common Core Standards.❖ Also responsible for African cultural development for students to teach strategies which allow students toconnect with their African heritage.❖ Assisted in community education of the values and purpose of the system of teaching in the school known asthe “Harambee Way”❖ Trained and implemented educational standards for the whole child to create and promote a cultural-basedvalue system where students develop self-respect, self-reliance, citizenship, positive communication, andproblem-solving skills.❖ Taught scheduled classes. Prepares a written summary of work completed.❖ Complied with all building procedures and schedules. Promotes the proper use and care of school property.❖ Made the absent teacher aware of special situations or problems encountered.❖ Upheld all board policies and follows administrative procedures.❖ Implemented effective pupil management procedures. Maintains high standards and upholds the student conduct code.❖ Intervened and/or reports concerns to an administrator.❖ Developed and maintains a positive learning environment.❖ Worked cooperatively with staff and parents.❖ Incorporated the effective use of available technology.❖ Respected personal privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.❖ Took precautions to ensure staff/student safety. Does not leave students unsupervised.❖ Supervised non-classroom duties when assigned.❖ Performed other specific job-related duties as directed.

❖ Served as the chief spiritual leader and advisor for a congregation of 200 active families.❖ Provided Biblically based preaching on a regular basis that is relevant and reaches people where they are. ❖ Taught innovative and relevant weekly Bible study challenging them to go where God has called.❖ Motivated a 500% increase in Bible Study weekly turnout.❖ Established order and accountability in church and ministry business meetings.❖ Partnered with the IT Ministy to increase awareness and visibility on the church’s social website❖ Maintained weekly cable channel television broadcast that reaches 150,000 subscribers.❖ Lead and negotiated sale of church property for 35% more than it was originally purchased.❖ Established and regulate hospital visitation schedule for members who are sick and shut-in.❖ Motivated the leadership of the congregation who have been serving faithfully to be on one accord.❖ Performed pastoral counseling to parishioners and community members in time of need and crisis.❖ Developed mission and goals for the church which includes data-driven plans to measure the results❖ Worked with elected leadership to provide training to lay ministries.❖ Created and facilitate a channel for communication between the leadership and the church general membership toaddress problems among underrepresented congregational members.❖ Reviewed contracts and grants to identify potential opportunities for Business Enterprises, as well as for other economic ventures.❖ Reviewed policies and makes recommendations for changes that promote scriptural and social awareness❖ Identified social and community service events, diversity events and initiatives, educational and special programming to increase leadership and membership community efforts.❖ Developed inclusive programs such as mentorship, and recognition programs.❖ Conducted seminars to improve communication skills and increase community awareness.