Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network

05/26/2026

A call for artists: MeckMIN celebrates diversity as a source of strength and creativity. Interfaith Friendsgiving unites people through artistic expression, storytelling, music, dance, and shared traditions from around the world.

We invite YOU to bring your voice, heritage, and creativity to this vibrant gathering. Apply to perform at this year's event. New and developing artists are warmly welcome!
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EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Heaton Hall, Myers Park Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC
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We welcome artists from ALL cultures and traditions. Whether your work is rooted in heritage, contemporary expression, or a fusion of both—this is your stage.
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WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
• Music, dance, spoken word, storytelling, or interdisciplinary performance by groups or individuals
• Culturally inspired or original work
• Family-friendly pieces (≤ 5 minutes)
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THEMES
Unity in Diversity • Gratitude • Belonging • Shared Humanity •

HONORARIUM
$250 provided for each selected performance
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WHO CAN APPLY
Application: https://www.meckmin.org/performer-application
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Monday, June 21, 2026

05/23/2026

MeckMIN's Faith Club for women of all faiths and traditions will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 27th at 7 p.m. with the topic “The Meaning of Peace." Email [email protected] for location and other details.

05/20/2026

Why attend this Thursday’s Zoom call for faith, community and nonprofit leaders? In just one hour:

We’ll hear MULTIPLE opportunities to show up for and with our immigrant neighbors:
Faithful Witness Prayer Service at St. Peter Catholic
Interfaith Sign-On Letter
Carolina Migrant Network Volunteer Opportunities

We’ll learn about free resources from Mecklenburg County supporting Faith Leaders to Strengthen Children, Families, and Our Community.

We’ll get information about ConnectTech applications -- ConnectTech helps community members build confidence with everyday technology through hands-on training in computer skills, using the internet, and staying safe online. If your organization is selected, you and your clients will get training, tools and even laptops.

We’ll meet a leader of Senior TLC, a non-profit that seeks to assist members of the community to remain in their home and out of the nursing home.

We’ll be invited to the Pineville Neighbors Place Community Picnic.

We’ll meet Alix Felsing and learn of an opportunity for a free coaching consultation with her.

We’ll share about local and national funding oppoptunities.
We’ll also share MeckMIN’s Call for Solidarity and Recommitment to Shared Civic Life Amid Rising Religious Hatred and, as time allow, discuss ways of living into it.

All these connections and relationships and more will support us all in creating the community of belonging we all long for! Join us!
Email [email protected] for the meeting link.

05/20/2026

MeckMIN Calls for Solidarity and Recommitment to Shared Civic Life Amid Rising Religious Hatred

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 20, 2026 — The Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network (MeckMIN) today issued a statement expressing deep concern about a recent rise in religious prejudice and acts of targeted hostility affecting communities across Charlotte-Mecklenburg and beyond and calling for renewed solidarity across lines of faith.

“Moments like this invite us to consider not only what we are reacting against, but what kind of community we are actively choosing to build,” said Rev. LeDayne McLeese Polaski, Executive Director of MeckMIN. “We are accountable to one another in how we respond—whether we allow fear to narrow our relationships, or whether we strengthen the bonds of trust that make shared life possible.”

Rev. Polaski added: “We are mindful that these are not distant events for many of our neighbors. They touch real experiences of fear, grief, and uncertainty. Part of our shared responsibility is to ensure that no one carries that burden alone, and that every community knows it is seen, valued, and supported.”

The full statement is available at www.meckmin.org.

05/08/2026

We were so honored today to celebrate Ruth Pordes as she received Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network’s Bridge Builder Award.

Surrounded by fellow congregants, Shalom Park partners, Sterling Elementary Principal Mr. Doug Neill, and Ruth’s family, the morning was a beautiful reflection of what strong community partnership truly looks like.

Through years of leadership, compassion, and hands-on service across Sterling Elementary School, literacy initiatives, refugee support, and interfaith collaboration, Ruth has helped strengthen Charlotte in extraordinary ways.

This recognition is so deeply deserved, and we could not be prouder. Mazal tov, Ruth!

05/07/2026

Such a lovely morning!

05/06/2026

Community Leader Awards Breakfast is TOMORROW! If you have registered but have not yet gotten the "Know Before You Go" email with lots of helpful details, email us at [email protected].

We've had a few last-minute cancellations, so a FEW tickets are still available.

This year's breakfast will be held on Thursday, May 7 from 7:30-9:00AM at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and your paid ticket supports our work all year to foster understanding, compassion and justice. Helps us celebrate three amazing individuals wo...

05/06/2026

Everyone working for the common good is welcome to join us via Zoom Thursday May 7 from 11 a.m. to noon. You’ll hear about great ways to get and give help, get useful community information, and meet people who share your desire to create a community that works for everyone.

Come and hear about:

MeckMIN Building Belonging Training Events for Teachers and Administrators AND for 6-12 grade students

MeckMIN Trainings in Building Relationships Across Lines of Difference

CALL FOR ARTISTS – Applications are now open for those interesting in sharing their creativity (of all types) at this year’s Friendsgiving event set for November 19

CALL FOR CULTURAL EXHIBITS – We’re also ready to hear from cultural groups interested in having a display at Friendsgiving

Revamp

Sanctuary Counseling Group events for Mental Health Awareness Month

Guns to Gardens Drive-Through Firearm Safe Disposal Event

CLIMB legal services for nonprofits

Children's Home Society of North Carolina

Project Outpour – Programs updates and search for new ED

'35 Over 35' InstaGrant Night coming up Tuesday, May 19th

Hues of You Camp 2026!

Chosen Leadership Academy Searching for Space for Mentoring, Tutoring, and Football Practice

MedAssist Mobile OTC Medicine Giveaway on Friday in Gastonia

The Coalition for Cultural Compassion – Compassion Closet Needs

Local, regional and national grant opportunities

Email [email protected] to get the Zoom link.

05/01/2026

FRIDAY UPDATE:

A few of our sponsors have let us know they don't need all their tickets, so even though yesterday was officially the last day to get a ticket, we have a handful more available, and we'd love to see YOU!

I hope you'll join me at the MeckMIN Community Leader Awards Breakfast on Thursday, May 7, at 7:30 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

It is always a GREAT morning! The honorees are inspiring, the welcome is warm, those gathered represent the full diversity of our community, the food is delicious, and we all come away energized for the work ahead.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/meckmin-community-leader-awards-breakfast

04/30/2026

I hope you'll join me at the MeckMIN Community Leader Awards Breakfast on Thursday, May 7, at 7:30 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

It is always a GREAT morning! The honorees are inspiring, the welcome is warm, those gathered represent the full diversity of our community, the food is delicious, and we all come away energized for the work ahead.

Today is the last day to get tickets. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/meckmin-community-leader-awards-breakfast