What Is The Beloved Network?

The Beloved Network is a newly developed, intentional effort to support people who believe in social justice and who hope and work for a better Greensboro and a better world by: 1. Systematically and innovatively building an effective communication mechanism to stay informed about what other members are doing. 2. Consciously and systematically building positive relationships. 3. Consciously and compassionately building an ethics of connectedness and interrelatedness. The key concepts within the purpose are effective communication mechanism, positive relationships, and connectedness.

be found in different neighborhoods, organizations and churches. We belong to different races, social classes and national backgrounds. Because of these differences it is only normal that we would have a variety of perspectives and some different opinions and views. Too often, however, these differences are exploited and manipulated instead of being respected and used as an opportunity to deepen our mutual understandings and to enhance our culture. Consequently we are not only scattered, but often find ourselves working against each other, simply because we do not have a way to get to know each other better, share common concerns, and build unity among us. We come together occasionally in coalitions around particular projects or causes but we do not have a network that grows greater connectedness and positive relationships in season and out. The Beloved Network will strive to fill this void.

concerns including break-ins and community s a f e t y, the Landfill issue, police professionalism issues and reducing their utility bills by making their homes more energy efficient and healthy. However, it became clear that even people in the same neighborhood with the same concerns did not know each other as well as they should. The vision of the Beloved Network is to connect not only people in these neighborhoods but also people throughout the Gatecity of Greensboro.

The Beloved Network Is Designed To Bring Added Value To Existing Organizations

There are already many good organizations in our city doing great work. Each organization is very focused on what it is doing and does not have the time or the orientation to help each other stay connected. The Beloved Network is a

Why A Beloved Network?

We need a greater and stronger sense of community. Committed, hard-working people, who want a better Greensboro, are scattered all over the city. We can

The Greensboro Justice Summer Internship And The Beloved Network

Ten (10) very committed interns plus a few volunteers have been working in several neighborhoods in Greensboro during the summer of 2011. They found that people in these neighborhoods had many

way to help people in a variety of organizations and neighborhoods stay more connected, build common understandings, and foster positive relationships. Where organizations exist and are doing good work already, the Beloved Network will encourage people to join them. Where there is a need for an organization in a neighborhood, the network will encourage and support people in establishing an entity to meet their needs.

What Are The Requirements To Be A Part Of The Network And What Will The Network Do?
In order for the Beloved Network to work, it needs people who are committed and sincere. The requirements to be a part of the Beloved Network are: 1. That you desire to be a part of building greater connectedness, positive relationships and unity in the city and within the progressive movement 2. That you pay membership dues of $1.00 per month. This can be paid monthly, quarterly or annually. The Beloved Network will a.) Produce a quarterly update of developments

relevant to grassroots community groups and community minded individuals in Greensboro and beyond; b.) Hold quarterly gatherings (maybe a breakfast) where people from all parts of the city and different walks of life can mingle; c.) Promote voter education and voter registration (but not endorsement of any candidates); d.) Hold an Annual Meeting combined with an Annual Celebration to discuss how to improve the Beloved Network. Once established, the Beloved Network will democratically establish a simple coordinating mechanism that effectively meets its needs.
The Beloved Network is a project of the Beloved Community Center. The Beloved Community Center was initiated by a group of neighborhood leaders, community activists, and clergy in 1991. It was charted by the State of NC in 1994. The charter members were Rev. Barbara Dua, Rev. Nelson Johnson, and Rev. Zeb Holler. For more information on the mission, vision and work of the Beloved Community Center, visit our web site at www.belovedcommunitycenter.org.