I am a big fan of Village of Promise. Several months ago, I was able to hear co-founder Bobby Bradley speak about this wonderful organization, and I was so impressed with their mission and vision. I was also impressed with the passion and dedication of the staff and volunteers. If you aren’t familiar with Village of Promise and the work they are doing in west Huntsville, take a few moments after reading this article to get acquainted. I have no doubt that you will be inspired.
It is Village of Promise’s commitment to bring renowned speakers to town, every two years, who can speak about and provide information on relevant children’s issues.
Impressive organizations do impressive things, and the Speaker Series Luncheon gives our community an opportunity to try and understand issues facing children in poverty and hear success stories from other organizations.
The Big Event
Village of Promise itself was inspired by Goeffrey Canada, CEO of Harlem’s Children’s Zone, and he was the very first speaker in their Speaker Series Luncheon in 2011.
This year, Village of Promise Speaker Series presents Marian Wright Edelman, the founder of Children’s Defense Fund. Hear her speak October 3rd at 11:30 am in the Von Braun Center North Hall. Tickets are $50.00 per person and can be purchased by calling 256-536-8052 or online.
The Speaker
Billed as one of the more thoughtful and insightful voices of our time, Marian Wright Edelman was an early social activist with a special focus on children. Mrs. Edelman is an inspiring speaker, an author of many books and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“If our children are not ready for tomorrow, then neither is America”.
She has been a strong voice for investment in children and families as a way to lift those struggling in poverty and violence to become productive, educated citizens who serve their communities.
I spoke to Bobby Bradley on the phone recently about Mrs. Edelman’s upcoming visit. She told me that it’s important to bring the community together to hear about these issues and to keep the level of awareness up. Village of Promise is an organization founded to break the cycle of generational poverty.
As Ms. Bradley said, “We need the community to engage with us. There are a variety of ways to do that. This is one.”
The Organization
Village of Promise’s model is to provide a pipeline of services and support from birth through college. They do that with programs focused on education and health and wellness with a variety of community and business partners. The non-profit organization provides many ‘wrap around’ services to the children and families in the area with the goal to lift those in the pipeline out of poverty. Ms. Bradley pointed that it’s important to “be about solutions.”
This past summer Village of Promise sponsored one of the Children Defense Fund’s programs, called “Freedom School” for 60 young scholars in Huntsville. The program focused on reading literacy and community involvement.
In addition to attending the Luncheon and hearing Mrs. Edelman speak, there are many ways to support Village of Promise. Volunteer opportunities are available at their website or by calling 256-536-8052.
Learn More
Want to Learn More about Village of Promise
- Visit the Village of Promise website
- Find the Village of Promise on Facebook
- Find the Village of Promise on Twitter
Want to Learn More about Children’s Defense Fund
Event Information
Date: October 3rd
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Von Braun Center, North Hall
Cost: $50 per person
Tickets: Available online through Village of Promise website or by calling 256-536-8052
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Amy Jones has been a marketing professional in Huntsville for 20 years, with experience in all aspects of marketing, pr, media relations, event management, digital content, and design. Amy is the proud and busy momma of two boys, who keep things loud and fun. For fun she skateboards, rides her scooter, and kayaks (though sadly not at the same time!).
