Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Embrace Empathy

Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Embrace Empathy

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Harper Lee “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” is a timeless expression that carries a strong sentiment – don’t judge me – you...
Backstage with Next Stage: Unpacking Benefits Cliffs

Backstage with Next Stage: Unpacking Benefits Cliffs

When the Next Stage team hosted Justin Taylor from Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont a few weeks ago, we were shocked to learn more about the ‘benefits cliff’ in North Carolina and other states. The term refers to the sudden loss of benefits...
Eastland Replanned: Community Voice is Vital

Eastland Replanned: Community Voice is Vital

Written by: Brooke Lackey In my first week as Next Stage’s Community Voice Fellow, I was given my main task of the summer: to explore the Albemarle corridor, one of six Corridors of Opportunity in Charlotte. I was to get knee-deep in the demographics, history and...
 Centering Community Voice in Trust 

 Centering Community Voice in Trust 

Over the last few months, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of centering community voice and building trust. But what is the cost of mistrust? Lack of trust for an organization, project or community comes at a huge cost. Cultivating authentic, long-term...