Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The day has occurred for well over a century, with the first​ ​IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the​ Socialist Party of America, United Kingdom’s Suffragists and Suffragettes, and further groups campaigned for women’s equality. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. Gender-related conversations and activity are certainly on the rise. Over the…

By K. Aleisha Fetters— MUNCIE, IN—Grief is a hard journey at any stage of life. But it’s even harder — and more complicated — to navigate as a kid or teen.  Unfortunately, estimates show that one in five youth lose a loved one or friend before their 18th birthday. And 80% say it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever faced.  And the life-changing event becomes a major SHIFT in their world. To help support these youth, about a dozen community volunteers — including mental health counselors, teachers, and mission-driven church members — have come together to create Muncie SHIFT, a free…

Registration for the 2023 Emergence Program is Now Open By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN –  Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), a local not-for-profit organization that provides inclusive leadership development so that people, organizations, and communities reach their full potential, is offering the 21st session of its signature leadership program. The program will run from April 4 to May 23, 2023. Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership is SLA’s core leadership program. It is an eight-week highly interactive and engaging training opportunity ideal for emerging or experienced leaders seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities. At the end of the program, participants can…