Q&A with Joseph Jamison, United Way equity and network specialist

“One of the biggest challenges students face is a lack of voice in a lot of decision-making within our schools and the community at large,” Jamison explains. “For example, debates over masks or virtual over in-person learning. We’ve all heard a lot of loud adult voices at the table, but I think most people would be hard-pressed to recall a news clip or an article where they heard what students thought about those decisions.”

Health workers with arms crossed

Wellness in brief: Mission nurses move closer to union vote

As confirmed by Mission spokesperson Nancy Lindell on June 11, the health system’s legal representatives have chosen not to file an objection regarding how a pre-election hearing was conducted. The National Labor Relations Board will now consider testimony to determine what nurses would be represented by the union, when the vote will take place and how employees will be allowed to cast ballots.

Stay Home tower in River Arts District

Buncombe’s COVID-19 rules stricter than state order

“Buncombe County is going to take actions that best safeguard the public health for Buncombe County residents,” said Fletcher Tove, the county’s emergency preparedness coordinator. He confirmed that the county’s more stringent rules would remain in place through at least the morning of Thursday, April 9.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County holds seventh annual Holiday Book Drive

Press release from United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County: The seventh annual Holiday Book Drive, held by United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is underway, rallying community support to gather new books for local elementary and middle school students for the holidays. Held from November 1-December 31 in partnership with Barnes & Noble Asheville, […]

Checking in on staffing, strategy shifts at local nonprofits

When the time comes for a new leader or a new strategic direction, nonprofits recognize that sound decisions can mean the difference between a sustainable future and irrelevance. That’s why Mountain Xpress took a look at a spectrum of local nonprofits that have recently experienced significant change s or are now in the midst of transformative shifts in management or focus.

News briefs: Asheville Habitat celebrates women in constructi­on

Women make up over half of the local nonprofit’s construction staff and work in roles that provide new construction, home repair, volunteer coordination and construction administration. Each year, the Women Build Advocacy Team — aka WomBATs — recruits female volunteers and raises funds. This year’s Women Build House will come together on May 7.