UPCOMING EVENTS
Courage, Clarity, & Community: Navigating Change and Uncertainty with Purpose and Heart
Join us for a shared viewing party of a special event hosted by the folks at the Center for Courage and Renewal (CCR): a conversation featuring Parker J. Palmer and Valerie Brown called Courage, Clarity, & Community: Navigating Change and Uncertainty with Purpose and Heart.
We'll tune in together to the virtual event, which runs from 3 to 4:30 pm, and then we'll have our own conversation afterward to unpack what we've learned.
There is no admission charge for this event, but donations (which will be passed along to CCR) will be accepted.
If you can't join us in person, you can join the event from home by signing up here.
Here is more information about the event from the organizers:
"In a time marked by division, transition, and deep uncertainty, how can you stay grounded—and keep showing up with clarity, courage, and conviction? Join author and Center for Courage & Renewal founder Parker J. Palmer and Valerie Brown, author and Courage & Renewal Facilitator, for meaningful dialogue and reflection—to explore how we resource ourselves and each other to meet this moment with wisdom and care.
"This 90-minute, online gathering, moderated by CCR Executive Director Kathryn McElveen, is an opportunity for you to reflect with Parker and Valerie on the inner and outer resources we need to respond to the world’s pressing needs with integrity. This gathering is an invitation for you to lean more faithfully into your values and our shared humanity as we work towards building beloved community."
Past Events
Equity Inquiry Parties, March 2025 (concluded)
We’re excited to host a series of nerdy-fun lunch (and one dinner) work sessions this month on a critically important and timely piece of the City of Asheville’s disaster relief plan. At each Equity Inquiry Party, we’ll work together to assess the City’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) plan, which will have major racial equity implications for years to come. Our goal will be to summarize the plan’s strengths and weaknesses and then share that analysis through extensive outreach, in order to ensure that those who might be left out of the equation have an opportunity to be heard.
We have concluded this series: You can read the summary of the plan (and suggested revisions) that we've come up with and join our Google Group here.
Context: The City of Asheville is set to receive $225 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) money this year, which is almost 1500% more than the $1.5 million it gets most years. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to reimagine and transform our region into a more equitable and just place.
The City released a draft plan for how this money will be used on March 4th, outlining programs to address housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization needs over the next six years. They will be receiving and responding to feedback throughout the month of March – they are actually mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to respond to every public comment.
Let’s make some thoughtful comments together. Bring your lunch or join a group of us getting takeout.
You can read more about the CDBG-DR process and see updates from the City here.
The People’s Place Launch January 17-19, 2024
The public launch of our fundraising campaign to fully realize The People’s Place vision took place over three days through three special events.
A Celebration of
Place & Purpose, an interactive dinner experience
January 15, 2025
The People’s Place AVL has a Place and we’re Celebrating with two experiences:
Shop & Explore Drop-In from 2 - 5 pm to see the new space, check out new merchandise, and sign up for upcoming experiences with The People’s Place.
Interactive Dinner and Contemplative Conversations @ The Center for Craft. Learn more about the future of The People’s Place and how you can be involved.
We want to thank our past contributors of talents, time, and treasures.
Because of you WE ARE HERE.
