Dear Friends,

After much discussion and evaluation, the Board of Directors for Diversity Kansas (formerly NCCJ) has made the decision to discontinue operations effective September 15, 2009.  The directors assessed the impact of the departure of key leadership staff, economic challenges and programmatic sustainability and made a most difficult decision – one that recognizes both a challenge and an opportunity.  The challenge is the fund-raising forecast based on the local economy and the opportunity is the realization that our legacy can be perpetuated through our ongoing work with partners in the community.  

Rather than maintain operations until all of our funds have been depleted, we decided to extend our legacy by distributing grants to strengthen several local organizations who will continue our programs.  These include our focus on youth development and strengthening human relations through OurTown, Use Another Word Please and community conversation forums.  The Board will retain the 501(c)3 designation and will resume operations if circumstances warrant.

It was important to us to preserve the important work of those who have gone before us – both as NCCJ and as Diversity Kansas – and we believe this plan allows us to do that.  The critical and valuable work of building an inclusive community will go on. 

We appreciate your support and leadership in making our community a better one - for everyone. 

Sincerely,

Karen Humphreys                               Sue Castile  

Board Chair                                        Executive Director