Skip to main content

Nourish Community

Join us in addressing anti-black racism at work and in the community. Invest in Nourish and be part of the solution!

$35,868
pledged of$35,000 goal
211
0Days Left

Project Description

THE PROBLEM

 

The world is waking up to the fact that “normal” needs to be reimagined. The corporate world is saturated with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that do little more than maintain the status quo of anti-black racism. 

  • Singular diversity and Inclusion training is often a stagnant attempt to “check the box” that doesn’t support long-term behavior change or cross-cultural collaboration. 
  • Often relegated to the function of human resources, DEI programs are unimaginative, under-resourced, and satisfy the bare minimum for corporate compliance.
  • Job seekers and employees want to see transparency, action, and a real change from employers that address discrimination and inequities in the workplace.  If employers do nothing, they will miss out on diverse talent.
  • Finding help is hard. DEI practitioners and organizational consultants often work independently in silos, competing for projects based on referrals/word of mouth. 

 

THE CURRENT STATE

 

2020 was a turning point in not only the workplace but throughout the world. In response to the calls for racial justice, many corporate leaders made commitments to anti-racism. Now employees, investors, and consumers want to see meaningful actions that promote equity and social justice. That’s why it is time to set aside the standard DEI or HR playbook and do diversity differently. 

  • 45% of American workers experienced discrimination and/or harassment in the past year. (Source: Gallup)

  • 83% of Gen Z candidates, the most educated and diverse generation in history, say that a company's commitment to diversity and inclusion is important when choosing an employer (Source: Monster

  • Companies with higher-than-average diversity had 19% higher innovation revenues. (Source: Harvard Business Review

  • Companies with inclusive cultures are 8x more likely to achieve better business outcomes, and 3x more likely to be top performers. (Source; Deloitte)

 

OUR SOLUTION

 

Nourish utilizes creativity, human-centered design, and community-driven methods to center diverse communities and co-create the future of work.  By modeling inclusive behaviors, cross-cultural collaboration, and anti-racism principles from the top-down and the bottom-up, Nourish delivers strategic DEI consulting, Leadership coaching, anti-racism workshops, and inclusive events that directly support organizations committed to cultural change. 

It is our concern for the community that drives our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Nourish offers exclusive community events that provide a bridge for people who embrace diversity and are looking to expand their professional network. By providing corporate and community offerings, Nourish provides a holistic ecosystem that fosters inclusion and authentic relationships. This fundraising campaign will expand the reach and impact of our service offerings.  

  • ONLINE LEARNING

    • To meet the growing demands for DEI training, Nourish seeks to develop online courses to help us serve our growing community and client base. By leveraging the latest technologies, Nourish will capitalize on the global growth of the virtual market and ensure anti-racism education is accessible to more people. 

 

  • DEI WORKER-OWNED COOPERATIVE  

    • To address the needs of corporations searching for a DEI practitioner and the challenges that come from being a freelance subject matter expert, Nourish seeks to transition from an LLC into a worker-owned cooperative.  By creating value through connection, the cooperative will set equitable rates, take on larger projects, and provide benefits that are typically reserved for salaried workers. 

 

  • EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

    • Nourish will continue to produce educational content and resources that deepen the learning experience for our clients and community members. From digital history guides to our toolkit for tough conversations, Nourish delivers tangible tools for any individual looking to make a positive change. 

 

 

OUR VISION

 

Always striving to recreate the magic of gathering people around a dinner table, Nourish is constantly evolving, exploring different ways of thinking, speaking, and listening in order to advance the collective conversation about systemic racism. In order to create a more just and inclusive reality, we must build a new way of being. 

We believe collective effort makes a difference. Our vision is to become the first worker-owned DEI cooperative that provides anti-racist solutions through organizational consulting, experiential learning, and inclusive events. The path of anti-racism is lifelong, and we don’t have to do it alone. Let’s work together. 

 

 

 

Why Crowdfunding?

When it comes to fundraising, there are significant barriers for Black female entrepreneurs, who often face negative bias and lack of access to networks. While women of color (WOC) are leading the women-owned business charge, with WOC starting 42% of all new women-owned businesses in 2019 while accounting for only 14% of the female population, Black women have received only .0006% of venture capital funding over the last decade. 

We believe that we can overcome these barriers by asking our community for support, which is why we are crowdfunding. Your donation will support our growth and propel Nourish to the next level in serving our community.

 

Why a worker-owned cooperative? 

 

A worker cooperative is owned and controlled by its employees. It is an equitable, democratic, and value-driven business model that puts worker and community benefit at the core of its purpose. The three central characteristics of worker cooperatives are:

  • The future of work must be built on the principles of a sustainable democracy. Your opinion counts.
  • Capitalism is a failing system. Let’s build a democratic workplace that prioritizes the practice of equity. 
  • Together we know more. Collaboration invites us to share our insights and build a better world. 

 

How can you support us? 

Contribute what you can! By donating $10, you’ll receive rewards that include our exclusive digital content so you can see what we’re about and do the work alongside this amazing community.

 

Join the Nourish Community

 

Come see what we’re up to! Join the conversation by checking out the Nourish site and taking our Anti-Racist Conversation Generator quiz.

The Campaign FAQs

For inquiries please email hello@nourishevents.org 

We'll add questions to this section as we receive them! 

 

 

06/19/2021
Monetary Contribution
$50
Joe Ament
06/19/2021
Nourish Community Tote Bag
$150
Elizabeth Scutchfield
06/18/2021
Nourish Community Tote Bag
$100
06/18/2021
Nourish Community Tote Bag
$100
Kellen Braddock
06/17/2021
Nourish Community Tote Bag
$100
Carol Lwali
06/17/2021
Nourish Community Tote Bag
$100
Christine Hucal
06/17/2021
Limited edition ‘Be less racist’ PIn
$50
Karen Taylor
06/17/2021
Nourish Community Tote Bag
$100
Shannon Sullivan
06/17/2021
Newsletter Shout Out + E-book
$20
Butch Stevenson
06/17/2021
Monetary Contribution
$25
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

44 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Newsletter Shout Out + E-book

Special shout-out in our community newsletter plus access to our exclusive content. We're so grateful for your contribution to our campaign :)

  • Includes:
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide 
478 Left
22 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Nourish Community Tote Bag

Whether you’re going to the grocery store or getting out of town, keep the Nourish community close by. Be a part of the crew with our exclusive Nourish Community tote bag.

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide
19 Left
81 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Donors Dinner Party

Pull up a seat at our virtual dinner table! Join us for a special (2 hr) digital dinner party series for supporters of the Nourish Community Fundraiser. Mix, mingle, and build connections with like-minded individuals!

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide
85 Left
15 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Leadership Coaching

Looking to level up your inclusive leadership practices? Connect one-on-one with Founder + DEI Strategist, Michaela Ayers on a (1 hr) coaching call that will help your organization thrive. Recommended for individuals or small businesses.  If you're a larger business, reach out to us at [email protected].  

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide
16 Left
9 Supporters
Select this reward
1,500.00 USD
DEI Coaching Calls

Looking for a DEI thought partner? From ideation to execution, work one-on-one with Founder + DEI Strategist, Michaela Ayers on a series of 3 (45 min) DEI coaching calls. Recommended for individuals or small businesses. If you're a larger business, reach out to us at [email protected] 

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide
8 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
2,000.00 USD
Private Digital Dinner Party

Let’s plan something special just for you! This private (2 hr) digital dinner party for you and up to 12 friends that will be hosted by Nourish Founder + Facilitator, Michaela Ayers. 

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories digital history guide
5 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Detroit, MI
Created 1 Campaign
Business Services

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

44 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Newsletter Shout Out + E-book

Special shout-out in our community newsletter plus access to our exclusive content. We're so grateful for your contribution to our campaign :)

  • Includes:
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide 
478 Left
22 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Nourish Community Tote Bag

Whether you’re going to the grocery store or getting out of town, keep the Nourish community close by. Be a part of the crew with our exclusive Nourish Community tote bag.

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide
19 Left
81 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Donors Dinner Party

Pull up a seat at our virtual dinner table! Join us for a special (2 hr) digital dinner party series for supporters of the Nourish Community Fundraiser. Mix, mingle, and build connections with like-minded individuals!

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide
85 Left
15 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Leadership Coaching

Looking to level up your inclusive leadership practices? Connect one-on-one with Founder + DEI Strategist, Michaela Ayers on a (1 hr) coaching call that will help your organization thrive. Recommended for individuals or small businesses.  If you're a larger business, reach out to us at [email protected].  

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide
16 Left
9 Supporters
Select this reward
1,500.00 USD
DEI Coaching Calls

Looking for a DEI thought partner? From ideation to execution, work one-on-one with Founder + DEI Strategist, Michaela Ayers on a series of 3 (45 min) DEI coaching calls. Recommended for individuals or small businesses. If you're a larger business, reach out to us at [email protected] 

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories in Literature digital history guide
8 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
2,000.00 USD
Private Digital Dinner Party

Let’s plan something special just for you! This private (2 hr) digital dinner party for you and up to 12 friends that will be hosted by Nourish Founder + Facilitator, Michaela Ayers. 

  • Includes
  • Special shout out in our community newsletter
  • Black Her Stories digital history guide
5 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward