Centurions NOW - May 13, 2019

REMINDER! INVITE YOUR EXECUTIVES TO THE 2nd YEAR EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST

In 2016, we started hosting a breakfast for our graduating Centurions and their executives. At this breakfast, 2nd year Steering members will present your accomplishments over the last two years (Legacy project, task force topics, leaders you’ve heard from, etc.). We are continuing the tradition again this year on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 a.m. in the KC Chamber Boardroom (Union Station, first floor).

Executives and supervisors can RSVP by emailing Danielle Isbell. You can also register yourself and your guest on their behalf via the online calendar.

Even if you cannot attend, we still encourage you to invite your executives. This is their opportunity to see all the hard work you have put into the program over the last two years. Your executive will be confident their investment in the program will return a more engaged, educated, thoughtful, and connected leader. If your executives cannot attend, but you can, that’s great too!

DIVERSITY: POVERTY AND MENTAL HEALTH

Join us on Tuesday, May 14 at 9 a.m. for a panel discussion on the intersection of mental health and diversity in KC. Understand how low-income families and individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues are faring in the current social and political climate. The Diversity Committee is presenting an intimate opportunity to listen to individuals active in this space and the challenges and solutions facing the issue.

Panelists include Dr. Amy Beck, a physician with Children’s Mercy who works with low income families with chronic and mental health challenges; Mercedes Mora, who focuses on addiction treatment for Latino families at the Guadalupe Center; and Bruce Eddy, who works with the Community Mental Health Fund on how public services handle mental health and low-income and disadvantaged segments of society. Register here >>

CENTURIONS APPLICATION WORKSHOP

Even though we’ve wrapped up the Information Sessions, keep spreading the word about the Centurions Leadership Program. The application is now open and is due June 1, 2019. Don’t forget to tell any Centurion hopefuls about the May 22 Application Workshop in Chamber Board room at 4 p.m. Register here >>

LUC: MARK LARRABEE, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ARVEST BANK

What does it mean to be committed to the community, and why is it so important as a leader in KC?  Join us over lunch on May 28 as Mark Larrabee, the 2018 Bernard Powell Recipient, discusses his lessons learned in giving back.  As President & CEO of Arvest Bank in Greater Kansas City, Mark will additionally discuss three key strategies; including the Open Door Policy, Servant Leadership and Open Communication.  Hear his key takeaways on how they have shaped his career and ultimately lead to an award winning culture in his company. Register here >>

ENGAGING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN CENTURIONS: A CANDID CONVERSATION

As our Centurions year comes to a close, the Diversity Committee invites Fall Actives to attend a breakfast presentation to discuss DEI experiences through the program, hone skills to promote a sense of inclusion and belonging within our organizations, talk about getting comfortable with DEI conversations, and learn how to be an ally in this space. Dr. Rodney Smith and Stephenie Smith, Founders and Managing Partners of Sophic Solutions, will present and facilitate the discussion. Collectively, Dr. Smith and Stephenie are leading authorities on DEI issues as well as organizational structure and operations management. They have also recently worked on the Mayor’s Race and Equity Initiative and currently lead the regionally focused Racial, Equity, and Inclusion project. We are thrilled they will lend their expertise to this important discussion. The event will be in the World Trade Center room at Union Station from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Breakfast and coffee will be provided. We hope to see you there. Register here >>

OPERATION BREAKTHROUGH: THE CITY YOU NEVER SEE

Join us on Tuesday, June 4 at 4 p.m. at Operation Breakthrough to learn about the harsh realities of the lives of the families that Operation Breakthrough serves.

Operation Breakthrough is one of the largest single-site daycare centers in the state of Missouri, caring for over 600 children each day.  85% of these children come from families living below the poverty level. Established in 1971 the goal was to “break through” poverty.  Sadly, the need today is even greater than before. 

Please know that the bus tour includes explicit testimony on such topics as domestic violence, substance abuse, and prostitution. Register here >>

SOCIAL: EVENT AT THE RIEGER

Originally established in 1887, J Rieger Co distilling was a Kansas City icon until prohibition. Decades later, the old has become new again as Andy Rieger (the great-great-great grandson of founder Jacob Rieger) has revived the brand and begun distilling Kansas City whisky again in the East Bottoms. The growth of the brand has prompted J Rieger Co to buy and redevelop the historic Heim Brewery (which also ceased operations during prohibition). During the June social, Centurions will get the chance to have the last tour of the facility before the grand opening. Come join us on June 8 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. for a chance to mingle, tour the project, and sample a great Kansas City brand. Register here >>

GRADUATION

On June 14, we’ll gather at Children’s Mercy Park to celebrate the important work that the 2nd years have accomplished and to look forward towards the leadership and service that the Centurions Leadership Program graduates will continue to bring to Kansas City for many years to come.  Register here >>

REMINDER: SIGN UP TO ACCESS SERVICE PROJECTS ON VOLUNTEERMARK

Ready to serve? Check out VolunteerMark for a few opportunities that are still in need of volunteers. Check the calendar regularly as new projects are added weekly and look for newsletter announcements or GroupMe to sign-up for projects in which spots still need to be filled.

Upcoming Projects In Need of Volunteers:

• May 14: KIPP KC Reading Testing
• May 15: KIPP KC Reading Testing Day 2
• May 16: KIPP KC Reading Testing Day 3
• May 16: AHA Go Red Lunch Set-Up
• May 17: KIPP KC Reading Testing Day 4
• May 17: American Heart Association Go Red for Women Lunch
• May 18: Joint – Habitat for Humanity Restore
• May 19: Tour de Bier KC
• May 20: Folly Gold Tournament
• May 25: Downtown Research
• June 1: Starlight Theatre | Young Friends of Starlight Moonlighter
• June 8: HopeBUILDERS

OPEN BOARD POSITIONS

Moneytalk Financial Foundation; Mission: Moneytalk Financial Foundations seeks to provide basic financial life-skills to help individuals and their families build a strong financial foundation. While in 2014 all classes were in correctional facilities, we have spent 2015 retooling to provide classes in the community. Most classes are currently offered in partnership with other non-profit organizations as an add-on to the services they are providing.

Global Montessori Academy; Mission: The mission of Global Montessori Academy is to provide an authentic Montessori education for children, with a dedication to development of the whole person: intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially.

Platte Land Trust; Mission: The Platte Land Trust is an all-volunteer organization with a mission of protecting land and natural resources for wildlife, farming, forests, historical importance, and parks and trails for the benefit of communities.

Whole Family Care; Mission: Investing in struggling, single parent families through childcare and mentorship in order to bring fulfillment and purpose to the whole family.

Urban Ranger Corps; Mission: The mission of the Urban Ranger Corps is to help prepare at-risk inner city youth for responsible and productive futures through a program of disciplined work experience and service in their community; leadership development; and individualized planning for post-High School careers.

Heartland Chamber Music; Mission: Our programming philosophy mirrors that of chamber music; quality over quantity, small student-artist ratio, and engaging performing artists who have a heart for teaching. This ideal gives everyone a chance to connect with artists without limitation of age, skill level or socioeconomic background. 

SPRING SOCIAL: ROOFTOP REVELRY

Before summer gets going in full force, let’s take our class to new heights. Join your fellow Centurions (and their significant others!) for a summer kickoff in the Crossroads Arts District. This casual happy hour will include drinks, bites and one of the best rooftop patios in KC. Best of all—spouses and significant others are invited; make plans to join us for this “elevated” evening in the city. We’ll see you there on Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. Register here >>

CENTURIONS APPLICATION WORKSHOP

Even though we’ve wrapped up the Information Sessions, keep spreading the word about the Centurions Leadership Program. The application is now open and is due June 1, 2019. Don’t forget to tell any Centurion hopefuls about the May 22 Application Workshop in Chamber Board room at 4 p.m. Register here >>

OPERATION BREAKTHROUGH: THE CITY YOU NEVER SEE

Join us on Tuesday, June 4 at 4 p.m. at Operation Breakthrough to learn about the harsh realities of the lives of the families that Operation Breakthrough serves.

Operation Breakthrough is one of the largest single-site daycare centers in the state of Missouri, caring for over 600 children each day.  85% of these children come from families living below the poverty level. Established in 1971 the goal was to “break through” poverty.  Sadly, the need today is even greater than before. 

Please know that the bus tour includes explicit testimony on such topics as domestic violence, substance abuse, and prostitution. Register here >>

IUC: THE FUTURE OF NEWS AND JOURNALISM IN AN UNCERTAIN MEDIA LANDSCAPE

As the media, news, and journalism landscape seems to constantly evolve, have you ever wondered, “in a decade, how will I get the news or what information will matter to our community?” Join us on Friday, June 14 at 8 a.m. for this year’s first Issues Up Close program where Centurions will visit with leaders in local media, journalism, and news to discuss these and other relevant topics. The conversation will be based loosely around the theme of the future of news and journalism. But Centurions and our guests will also explore the current state of media and what it means going forward.

Panelists include Chris Hernandez, Director of City Communications for Kansas City, Missouri; Steve Kraske, host of "Up to Date" on KCUR-FM, Professor at UMKC, and longtime Kansas City Star columnist; and Jay Senter, Editor and Publisher, Shawnee Mission Post. Register here >>

LUC: TERRY BASSHAM, PRESIDENT & CEO

Join us for our June 19 IUC with Terry Bassham at 11:30 a.m. at Evergy. Terry is president and chief executive officer of Evergy. Prior to his selection as president and chief executive officer of Evergy, Inc. Bassham served as chairman and chief executive officer of Great Plains Energy, Inc. and KCP&L from June 2012 through June 2018. Register here >>

REMINDER: SIGN UP TO ACCESS SERVICE PROJECTS ON VOLUNTEERMARK

Ready to serve? Check out VolunteerMark for a few opportunities that are still in need of volunteers. Check the calendar regularly as new projects are added weekly and look for newsletter announcements or GroupMe to sign-up for projects in which spots still need to be filled.

Upcoming Projects In Need of Volunteers:

• May 14: KIPP KC Reading Testing
• May 14: Harvesters
• May 15: KIPP KC Reading Testing
• May 16: KIPP KC Reading Testing
• May 15: Happy Bottoms
• May 17: KIPP KC Reading Testing
• May 18: Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• May 20: Folly Golf Classic
• May 23: Junior Achievement Day at Troost Elementary
• June 1: Mobile Blood Drive or Blood Drive Phone Bank
• June 5: Happy Bottoms
• June 7: Giving the Basics – PickUp Day
• June 8: Heroes for Hospice
• June 8: Downtown Outreach

OPEN BOARD POSITIONS

Moneytalk Financial Foundation; Mission: Moneytalk Financial Foundations seeks to provide basic financial life-skills to help individuals and their families build a strong financial foundation. While in 2014 all classes were in correctional facilities, we have spent 2015 retooling to provide classes in the community. Most classes are currently offered in partnership with other non-profit organizations as an add-on to the services they are providing.

Global Montessori Academy; Mission: The mission of Global Montessori Academy is to provide an authentic Montessori education for children, with a dedication to development of the whole person: intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially.

Platte Land Trust; Mission: The Platte Land Trust is an all-volunteer organization with a mission of protecting land and natural resources for wildlife, farming, forests, historical importance, and parks and trails for the benefit of communities.

Whole Family Care; Mission: Investing in struggling, single parent families through childcare and mentorship in order to bring fulfillment and purpose to the whole family.

Urban Ranger Corps; Mission: The mission of the Urban Ranger Corps is to help prepare at-risk inner city youth for responsible and productive futures through a program of disciplined work experience and service in their community; leadership development; and individualized planning for post-High School careers.

Heartland Chamber Music; Mission: Our programming philosophy mirrors that of chamber music; quality over quantity, small student-artist ratio, and engaging performing artists who have a heart for teaching. This ideal gives everyone a chance to connect with artists without limitation of age, skill level or socioeconomic background. 

ANNUAL ALUMNI LUNCHEON

Join the Centurions Alumni Association on Wednesday, June 19 for our annual luncheon and meeting where we kick off the new membership year together and learn from a local leader. Enjoy a fantastic lunch at Grand Street Café and, of course, great networking with alumni. The graduating class of 2019 is also encouraged to attend.

Andy Rieger, founder and co-owner of J. Rieger Distillery, will share his story of reviving his family’s historic brand for a new generation of cocktail connoisseurs.  He will also share news on the progress of the new distillery and event space located in the East Bottoms, and plans for further development in the area. Learn more about J. Rieger & Co. and register here >>

CENTURIONS APPLICATION WORKSHOP

Even though we’ve wrapped up the Information Sessions, keep spreading the word about the Centurions Leadership Program. The application is now open and is due June 1, 2019. Don’t forget to tell any Centurion hopefuls about the May 22 Application Workshop in Chamber Board room at 4 p.m. Register here >>

OPEN BOARD POSITIONS

Moneytalk Financial Foundation; Mission: Moneytalk Financial Foundations seeks to provide basic financial life-skills to help individuals and their families build a strong financial foundation. While in 2014 all classes were in correctional facilities, we have spent 2015 retooling to provide classes in the community. Most classes are currently offered in partnership with other non-profit organizations as an add-on to the services they are providing.

Global Montessori Academy; Mission: The mission of Global Montessori Academy is to provide an authentic Montessori education for children, with a dedication to development of the whole person: intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially.

Platte Land Trust; Mission: The Platte Land Trust is an all-volunteer organization with a mission of protecting land and natural resources for wildlife, farming, forests, historical importance, and parks and trails for the benefit of communities.

Whole Family Care; Mission: Investing in struggling, single parent families through childcare and mentorship in order to bring fulfillment and purpose to the whole family.

Urban Ranger Corps; Mission: The mission of the Urban Ranger Corps is to help prepare at-risk inner city youth for responsible and productive futures through a program of disciplined work experience and service in their community; leadership development; and individualized planning for post-High School careers.

Heartland Chamber Music; Mission: Our programming philosophy mirrors that of chamber music; quality over quantity, small student-artist ratio, and engaging performing artists who have a heart for teaching. This ideal gives everyone a chance to connect with artists without limitation of age, skill level or socioeconomic background.