Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

MDC is a catalyst that accelerates equitable change in the South. We research, convene, and provide strategic support to develop strong leaders, disrupt harmful systems, and shape a South where all people thrive.
MDC researches and collects economic and demographic data across the South. We analyze this data to create a compelling narrative that tells the story of where the region is at any given moment. Since 1996, the manifestation of that rigorous analysis is MDC’s landmark, State of the South report.
At MDC, we interrogate how systems impact people and how they can be shifted or recreated to achieve better outcomes.
We help partners and communities mobilize for impact. They call on us for:
Leaders are the people who design and make systems successful. At MDC, we believe leaders are found everywhere. We seek out leaders where they exist and empower them to speak on behalf of their communities. MDC cultivates leadership that is collaborative, focused on human dignity, and works to improves the lives of everyone, not just a single class or group.
Strengthening and supporting leaders to make rural counties healthier.
Helping leaders and institutions invest to create equitable systemic change.
Changing systems for advancing family economic security and education-to-career success.
Supporting communities to improve educational systems and increase equitable outcomes.

Little Hearts Great Fears

Free Webinar: The High Cost of Filing Your Taxes

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Student Loan Debt Is Draining Southern Families Across Generations

MDC Announces Executive Leadership Team as Organization Looks to the Future

Celebrating Home-Based Child Care Leaders and Their Commitment to Advocacy

The South Will Not Be Silenced: Why Artists Belong at the Table

New Research Examines the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network and the Power of Collaborative Disaster Recovery

New Brief Highlights the Essential Role of Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care

One Year Later: How H.R. 1 Is Reshaping the South

Registration is Open: State of the South™ Returns This October in Atlanta

What the July 1 Student Loan Repayment Changes Mean for Student Loan Borrowers

MDC June 2026 Newsletter

MDC January 2026 Newsletter

MDC April 2026 Newsletter

MDC May 2026 Newsletter

MDC February 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the Team: Meet MDC’s Newest Staff Members

MDC November 2025 Newsletter

Read the full 2025 Impact Report

2024 Impact Report

2023 Impact Report

2022 Impact Report

Andrea Halsey

Andrew Loeb Shoenig

Brandy Bynum Dawson

Calvin Allen

Carolyn D’Amelio

Cassie Childress

Cate Elander

Clarissa Goodlett Totten

Courtney Alexander

Daniel Bradford

Dayna Covey

Dillon Frost

Elise Connors

Elyse Griffin

Emily Beaver

Everett Campbell

Hadley Hosford

Harrison Dale

Hetal Patel

Jason Marshall

Jedidah Perryman

Jenna Bryant

Jos Evans

Kamilah Pickett

Kathryn Gaasch

Kierra Clark

Kristin Feierabend

Lakeisha Hood Moïse

Mark Motamen

Mason McVeety

Merald Holloway

Olivia Brooks

Paul Janampa

Phillip Sheldon

Rebecca Baker

Ren Bullock

Ryan Odom

Sabrina McGee

Sam Evans

Sarah Feldman

Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn

Zulayka Santiago

John Cooper

Kevin FitzGerald

Tira Beckham

Trina Stephens

David Dodson

Julie Mooney

Ralph Gildehaus

Shakera Singleton

Susan J. Fowler

📢 We're Hiring! MDC is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and equity-centered leader to serve as our next Senior Director of Economic Security & Mobility! Across the South, too many individuals and families face systemic barriers to financial stability and economic opportunity. At MDC, we're working to change that. This leadership role will help shape and advance our work to strengthen household financial security, expand access to quality jobs, create pathways for career mobility, and address the systems and policies that influence economic opportunity across the region. More details at mdcinc.org/careers

Atlanta, you gave us so much to think about, celebrate, and carry forward! Three days of powerful conversations, artistic expression, meaningful connections, and shared ideas for building a South where children and families thrive. A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for State of the South™: Child & Family Well-Being and helped bring this gathering to life! We're just getting started. More photos, videos, stories, and reflections are coming soon! State of the South™ Atlanta was hosted by MDC and Casey Family Programs, in partnership with The Annie E. Casey Foundation, and sponsors Schott Foundation for Public Education and Black Administrators in Child Welfare (B.A.C.W.). #StateOfTheSouth #ChildAndFamilyWellBeing #ThrivingSouth

Election Day is tomorrow, November 3. Do you have a plan to vote? North Carolina voters will decide on candidates and three proposed constitutional amendments, including measures addressing property taxes, income taxes, and voting qualifications. Before heading to the polls: • Confirm your assigned Election Day polling place. • Check polling place hours. • Bring an acceptable photo ID, or learn about the available exceptions. • Review your sample ballot and the proposed constitutional amendments. • Know your rights and where to get help if you experience a problem. One important reminder: Same-day voter registration is generally not available on Election Day. At MDC, we encourage North Carolinians to make informed decisions about the issues shaping their communities and the state’s future. Find your polling place and voting resources at ncsbe.gov. #ElectionDay2026 #NCVotes #NCElections #MDC

Planning to vote? Know your rights before you go. As early voting wraps up in North Carolina, here are a few important things every voter should know: • If you’re in line when the polls close, stay in line. • If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a replacement. • If voting machines aren’t working, ask about a paper ballot. • If your name isn’t on the voter list, ask election workers to double-check your information and inquire about a provisional ballot if needed. • If you have questions or experience problems voting, help is available. Election Protection Hotline: English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) Early voting ends Saturday, October 31, at 3 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Your voice matters. Know your options and make a plan. Learn more at the link in our bio. #KnowYourRights #NCVotes #EarlyVoting #MDC

What would a 3.5% income-tax cap mean for North Carolina’s future? On November 3, voters will consider a proposed constitutional amendment that would reduce the maximum allowable state income-tax rate from 7% to 3.5%. Beyond the tax rate itself, the proposal raises broader questions about how North Carolina would fund public services and respond to changing needs in the years ahead. Decisions about state resources shape schools, infrastructure, and other public investments. At MDC, we’re interested in what these choices mean for communities across North Carolina, particularly those already facing resource challenges. Before voting, take time to understand the proposal and its potential long-term effects. Read the official amendment and additional reporting at the link in our bio. #NCVotes #NCElections #PublicResources #MDC

When property-tax increases are limited, who benefits and what could it mean for local communities? One of the three proposed NC constitutional amendments on the November ballot would limit how much local governments can raise property taxes. Property taxes help fund schools, infrastructure, and other local services. The proposal raises questions about how local governments would balance potential tax savings with the resources needed to serve their communities. The NC Housing Coalition has illustrated how potential savings under a 2% levy limit could differ significantly between homeowners and large corporations. This conversation matters especially in coastal and rural communities. Reporting and local discussion in the Ocracoke Observer offer another perspective on what the proposal could mean for places with distinct economic and public service needs. At MDC, we believe communities need the resources and flexibility to respond to local priorities. Before voting, we encourage North Carolinians to consider the proposal and explore perspectives from across the state. Read the official amendment, NC Housing Coalition analysis, and Ocracoke Observer coverage at the link in our bio. #NCVotes #PropertyTaxes #RuralNC #CommunityResources #MDC

Early voting is underway in North Carolina! Here’s what to know before you go. You can vote early through Saturday, October 31, at 3 p.m. • Vote at any early voting site in your county. • Missed the October 9 registration deadline? Eligible voters can register and vote on the same day during early voting. Bring required proof of residence. • Voters will be asked to show an acceptable photo ID. If you don’t have one, there are options available, including free voter IDs and a photo ID exception process. • Check your registration, find an early voting location, and review your sample ballot before you go. Whether you’re voting for the first time or have voted for years, a little preparation can make the process easier. Get started at ncsbe.gov. #EarlyVoting #NCVotes #KnowBeforeYouGo #MDC

What excites you about the future of MDC? We asked our executive leadership team that question, and now we're inviting you to hear their perspectives. Over the past few weeks, our "Meet the Leadership" series has introduced the people, experiences, and leadership philosophies guiding MDC's work. Now, hear directly from our leaders about what they're looking forward to as we continue building toward MDC's future. Different perspectives. Shared purpose. And a collective commitment to shaping a South where all people thrive. As we look ahead, we'll continue sharing the people and ideas helping guide MDC's future including our Board of Directors and the strategic direction we're developing together. 🎥 Watch the video and hear what excites our leadership team about what's ahead! #MeetTheLeadership #MeaningDignityCommunity

How does policy change actually happen, and how can we engage effectively? Recently, MDC staff came together for Policy & Advocacy 201, a day of learning from people who do this work every day. Brad Young of the NC Institute of Public Leadership opened with an Advocacy 101 refresh: how the NC legislative process works, the difference between advocacy and lobbying, and the role nonprofits can play. Brandy Bynum Dawson, Vice President of External Affairs at MDC, moderated a panel on policy influence in practice with Amber Harris, Billy Warden, Debra Derr, Jessica Sandoval, and Joe Coletti. Panelists shared real-world lessons on legislation, budgets, communications, organizing, and coalition work. Staff then rotated through small-group conversations to ask more in-depth questions. We also introduced the MDC Advocacy Toolkit, a new resource to help staff put what they learned into practice. The day closed with focus area teams planning current and potential advocacy work. Thank you to our speakers for their time, candor, and expertise. #MDC #PolicyAdvocacy #Advocacy #NonprofitAdvocacy #NorthCarolina #SouthernLeadership

Meaningful progress starts with clarity, intentionality, and equity. Meet Calvin Allen, MDC’s Vice President of Programs. Calvin’s leadership philosophy reflects the importance of looking beyond the latest trends and staying focused on clear objectives that respond to community needs. For Calvin, how we pursue those goals matters just as much as what we hope to accomplish, with equity guiding the decisions and strategies that move our work forward. At MDC, he helps shape the organization’s programmatic vision and strategy, working across teams to advance initiatives that are responsive to communities and grounded in our shared mission. Follow along with our Meet the Leadership series, introducing the people and perspectives helping guide MDC’s future. #MeetTheLeadership #MeaningDignityCommunity

Three proposed amendments to North Carolina’s Constitution are on the November 3 ballot. Do you know what they would do? North Carolina voters will consider three proposed constitutional amendments addressing: • Property taxes: Limiting local property-tax increases. • Income taxes: Setting a 3.5% maximum state income-tax rate. • Voting rights: A proposed change to constitutional voting qualifications. At MDC, our work and partnerships across North Carolina include a focus on public resources, economic opportunity, and the ability of communities to meet local needs. Over the next two weeks, we’ll take a closer look at the two tax-related amendments and share practical information to help voters prepare for Election Day. These decisions could have lasting implications for communities across our state. Early voting is underway through October 31. We encourage North Carolinians to learn about all three proposals, review their ballots, and make a plan to vote. 🔗 Learn more about the three proposed constitutional amendments and find voter resources at the link in our bio. #NCVotes #NCElections #Election2026 #MDC

Leadership is also about seeing possibilities and helping bring them to life. Meet Joscelyne M. Evans, Ph.D., MDC's Vice President of Development. Inspired by Amanda Gorman's words about finding and being the light, Jos brings a perspective grounded in hope, possibility, and action. Through her leadership of MDC's development efforts, she helps cultivate the relationships and resources that sustain our mission and support our work across the South. Stay tuned as our #Meet the Leadership series continues, introducing the people and perspectives helping guide MDC's future. #MeetTheLeadership #MeaningDignityCommunity

People do their best work when they feel connected, supported, and a sense of belonging. Meet Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn, Ed.D., MDC's Vice President of Research, Learning & Impact. Drawing on years of studying what helps students and educators thrive, Sarah-SoonLing brings that same understanding to her leadership philosophy: authentic relationships, meaningful work, and belonging matter at every stage of life. At MDC, she leads efforts to connect research, learning, and evidence with organizational strategy and impact, helping us learn from our work and translate those insights into action. Follow along as we continue introducing the leaders and perspectives shaping MDC's future. #MeetTheLeadership #MeaningDignityCommunity

Strong leadership starts with people. Meet Brandy Bynum Dawson, MDC's Vice President of External Affairs. Brandy leads MDC's external affairs work with a commitment to listening, building trust, and bringing people together around a shared purpose. Her leadership philosophy centers on ensuring that the people most affected by decisions have a voice in shaping the strategies and solutions that move our work forward. Follow along as we continue our #Meet the Leadership series, highlighting MDC's executive leadership team and what excites them about our future. #MeetTheLeadership #MeaningDignityCommunity

Great leadership creates room for people to do their best work. Meet Mark Motamen, MDC's Vice President of Finance. Mark's chosen leadership quote reflects the importance of trusting people, giving them ownership, and allowing their abilities to shine. As MDC's financial leader, he helps guide the organization's financial strategy and stewardship, supporting the stability and sustainability that make our mission-driven work possible. Follow our #Meet the Leadership series to get to know the people helping lead MDC into the future. #MeetTheLeadership #MeaningDignityCommunity

Leadership is an act of service and an opportunity to help others thrive. Meet Jenna Bryant, MDC's Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. Jenna's leadership philosophy centers on recognizing people's strengths, creating opportunities for growth, and making space for individuals to bring their authentic selves and perspectives to their work. In her role, she helps guide MDC's operations, organizational performance, and strategic alignment, creating the conditions for teams to collaborate, contribute, and advance our shared mission. We're excited to introduce the people behind MDC's leadership and share what inspires them about our future. #MeetTheLeadership #MeaningDignityCommunity

What does H.R. 1 look like one year later—and what does it mean for the South? MDC’s Cate Elander + Rebecca Baker explore that question in a new op-ed for the Mississippi Free Press, looking at how federal cuts and shifting costs are playing out across Southern states and communities. Their commentary builds on MDC’s State of the South analysis, One Year Later: How H.R. 1 Is Reshaping the South, which tracks changes across: Health care + Medicaid Higher education + student loans Food security + SNAP Public education Immigration + communities Together, the pieces move from policy to impact—examining what implementation means for families, communities, and regional prosperity across the South. Read the op-ed + explore the full brief at the links in our bio. #StateOfTheSouth #MDC #HR1 #EconomicMobility

Strong communities are at the heart of disaster recovery. A new story from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation highlights organizations and networks strengthening disaster preparedness and long-term recovery across the state, including the North Carolina Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR), convened and facilitated by MDC. Through trusted partnerships and community-led solutions, NCIDR works to help communities prepare, recover, and build resilience for the future. Read the full story to learn more.

Student loan debt can follow families for generations. The final installment of MDC's three-part op-ed series on student loan debt is now published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. MDC's Harrison Dale, Jenna Bryant, Sabrina McGee, and Phillip Sheldon examine how student loan debt intersects with the racial wealth gap and economic mobility, and why state-level borrower protections matter. From North Carolina to Tennessee to Georgia, MDC is continuing the conversation about student loan debt and what practical solutions can mean for families and communities across the South. 🔗 Read the AJC column at the link in our bio. #StudentLoanDebt #EconomicMobility #RacialWealthGap #TheSouth

What becomes possible when we give ourselves permission to imagine beyond what we have seen before? MDC staff recently joined leaders, organizers, artists, advocates, and institutional partners in Washington, D.C., for PolicyLink Summit 2026: We Are the Founders. Across plenaries, breakout conversations, immersive art experiences, and informal gatherings, the Summit invited participants to explore a powerful question: If we succeeded in building a nation that governs for all, what would people experience differently in everyday life? Representing MDC were Jenna Bryant, Brandy Bynum Dawson, Calvin Allen, Merald Holloway, and Kamilah Pickett. They returned with new connections, challenging questions, and renewed energy for translating principles into practice and advancing lasting structural change. The week also offered opportunities to connect with valued partners, including Genny Castillo of the Southern Economic Advancement Project, Robyn Hyden of Alabama Arise, and Oronde Miller of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. One commitment Kamilah carried forward captures the spirit of the experience: “I commit to showing up in every space I occupy with intention, purpose, and care. I commit to joy in struggle and freedom in the collective. I commit to righteous indignation on behalf of myself and others. I commit to being five feet of big, bold, audacious dopeness.” We’re bringing the Summit’s imagination, relationships, and call to collective action back to our work across the South. Thank you, @PolicyLink, for creating space to imagine, connect, and build toward what comes next. #Summit2026 #MDC #EconomicMobility #SouthernLeadership #CollectiveAction

Leadership for the Future. MDC is strengthening the leadership capacity and coordination needed to deepen our impact and turn strategy into action. We're excited to announce the promotions of Jenna Bryant to Executive Vice President & COO; Brandy Bynum Dawson to Vice President of External Affairs; and Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn, Ed.D., to Vice President of Research, Learning & Impact. They join Calvin Allen, Joscelyne M. Evans, Ph.D., and Mark Motamen on MDC's executive leadership team. Together, this team will help guide MDC into its next chapter while our mission remains constant: shaping a South where all people thrive. Learn more: https://ow.ly/s5wj50ZOPSj

Do you have or know children between the ages of 7 and 10 who feel fear or anxiety about immigration? This workshop is for your family! Children also feel fear and stress due to the immigration situation. Join Mom's Rising with your children for a virtual puppet show about stories from our community, followed by a space where parents and caregivers will learn how to support them, talk about the issue, and reassure them. REGISTRATION OR QUESTIONS: Call (844) 438-6827 or use the QR code. Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Simultaneous interpretation available (English and Spanish). Link to register in bio!

Our partners at the NC Rural Center are hitting the road to hear directly from communities across the state. 📍 The 2026 Rural Listening Tour is creating space for rural North Carolinians, community leaders, and partners to share the issues, challenges, and opportunities shaping their communities today. What the Rural Center hears along the way will help inform its 2027 policy platform and shape conversations at the 2027 Rural Summit. At MDC, we know that building a stronger South starts with listening to the people who know their communities best. We encourage our partners and friends across North Carolina to join the conversation and help ensure rural voices and experiences inform the policies and priorities ahead. You don’t have to live in the county hosting a session to participate! Just attend the location that works best for you, or join more than one. 🔗 Learn more and register by visiting the NC Rural Center's website! #RuralNC #RuralDevelopment #NorthCarolina #RuralCommunities #CommunityVoice

Celebrating the graduation of the Home-Based Child Care Community of Practice cohort, made up of eight networks! Together, participating providers learned, built connections, deepened their understanding of policy priorities, and strengthened their voices as advocates for change in their communities. We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the work they’re doing to help ensure the experiences and priorities of home-based child care providers are heard in local policy conversations. Congratulations to all of the participating networks and providers! 👏 🔗 Learn more at the link in our bio. #HomeBasedChildCare #CommunityOfPractice #ChildCare #MDC

One year after H.R. 1 became law, new analysis from MDC’s State of the South examines how implementation is unfolding across the region and what it means for families, communities, and regional prosperity. Check it out by clicking the link in our bio.

Recently, MDC's Educational Equity and Communications teams joined Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust (KBR) Local Impact grantees for a hands-on workshop focused on creating effective nonprofit one-pagers. MDC's Trina Stephens and Emily Beaver (Educational Equity) and Clarissa Goodlett (Communications) guided participants through both the strategy and practical tools behind creating a strong one-pager - from identifying what audiences really need to know and communicating impact clearly, to setting up organizational branding and using Canva templates to bring their stories to life. We're grateful for our continued partnership with Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and the opportunity to learn alongside Local Impact grantees, and a special thank you to Family Services Forsyth County for welcoming us and hosting the workshop in their space. #NonprofitCommunications #CommunityPartners #EducationalEquity #MDC

Coming together, learning from one another, and building toward a more thriving rural South - The Rooted in Rural Collaborative convened in Atlanta, GA for a 2-day session focused on rural investment for community development infrastructure. We are grateful for this incredible group and the work we do together!

Today, on National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate the organizations, partners, community leaders, and people working every day to build stronger, more equitable communities. For nearly 60 years, MDC has worked alongside communities across the South to address the systems and barriers that limit opportunity, bring people together, learn from lived experience, and help turn ideas into action. We know meaningful change doesn't happen alone. It happens through partnership, persistence, and a shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Today, we're proud to celebrate our nonprofit colleagues across the South and beyond who continue to show up, listen, learn, and work toward a more equitable future. #NationalNonprofitDay

The future of the South depends on the well-being of its children and families! Join MDC and Casey Family Programs, in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, for State of the South™: Child and Family Well-Being— a three-day regional convening bringing together community leaders, advocates, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, philanthropic partners, faith leaders, and people with lived expertise from across the South. 📍 Atlanta, Georgia 📅 October 27–29, 2026 📌 Pittsburgh Yards & Martin Luther King Sr. Community Resources Complex Together, we'll explore how communities, institutions, and systems can work alongside families to create a South where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Through meaningful conversations, cross-sector collaboration, and community-led solutions, we'll examine the policies, narratives, and partnerships shaping child and family well-being across our region. Registration opens in late August, with speaker announcements, the full agenda, hotel information, and additional details coming soon. For Southern artists: We're also accepting proposals from visual and performance artists whose work explores child and family well-being, belonging, hope, and the future of the South. Mark your calendar!!! We look forward to welcoming you to Atlanta this October. 🫵

Student loan repayment rules changed on July 1. What does that mean for borrowers? 🎥 MDC's Sabrina McGee joined WRAL to break down the changes and explain what borrowers should know. Watch the interview through the link in our bio and learn more about MDC's work to advance practical solutions that strengthen borrower protections and economic opportunity. #StudentLoanDebt #EconomicMobility #NorthCarolina #Borrowers

As we mark 250 years of American independence, we're reminded that this nation was founded on inalienable rights - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - for every person. These ideals grow stronger when equity and equality are more than words, when every voice is heard, and every community has a genuine chance to thrive. This Fourth of July, we recommit to that founding promise: building systems where ALL can fully claim the freedoms and opportunities America was built to guarantee. #MDCinc #ThrivingSouth

We're excited to see the North Carolina Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network recognized for its work in helping communities recover more equitably after disasters, with a mention of the Network's Policy Playbook! "In Western North Carolina, the playbook reports over 200 childcare facilities in 25 counties were impacted by Hurricane Helene, including 55 centers with severe damage that prevented reopening. In the aftermath, many families were often left trying to manage insurance claims, FEMA paperwork, and work without care for small kids." Read the story in our bio!

Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision to uphold mail-in ballot grace periods preserves access to the ballot for voters whose voices would otherwise be silenced. While this ruling is an important affirmation that eligible voters should be counted, the work of protecting and expanding voters' rights is far from over. President Lyndon B. Johnson’s declaration before Congress in 1965 that “Every American citizen must have an equal right to vote” remains as relevant today as it was more than 60 years ago. A principle that requires defending, and one we must continue striving to fulfill. Read more by clicking the link in our bio.

📚 Today only: Enjoy FREE shipping at Bookshop.org and stock up on your next great read while supporting independent bookstores. Every purchase helps local bookstores thrive, making it a simple way to grow your library and give back to your community. Shop today: https://bookshop.org/ # #SupportLocalBookstores #BookshopOrg #BookLovers #ReadMore

A recent generous gift to NC State graduates is more than a moment of celebration; it's a glimpse of what's possible when student debt no longer shapes every decision. Student debt is not separate from daily life. It affects where people live, the work they choose, and how they plan their futures. Thoughtful policy can turn one-time relief into lasting impact for more than 1.4 million North Carolinians carrying student debt. Learn how we can move from individual generosity to an infrastructure of opportunity by clicking the link in our bio.

The mechanisms may look different today, but the impact remains familiar. When voting power is diluted or communities lose meaningful representation, the effects ripple far beyond the ballot box, shaping who influences decisions about schools, housing, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Read more in our bio #VotingRights #Democracy #TheSouth #RaceMatters

In May, the Rooted in Rural Collaborative gathered in Charleston, SC for a powerful convening focused on Policy, Advocacy, and Rural Power Building for Community Development Infrastructure across the South. Together, we deepened relationships, strengthened peer connections, and built a shared understanding of the political landscape shaping rural communities today. Through honest conversations, strategy-building, and collective learning, we explored how policy and advocacy can serve as a tool for advancing race-conscious rural community development. This convening centered on the importance of racial equity principles and designing policy interventions that are rooted in the lived experiences, wisdom, and the power of rural communities. Grateful for the leadership, insight, and passion each participant brought to this space. The conversations sparked during the convening will continue to shape a thriving South!

Voting rights remain one of the defining civil rights issues of our time, and the South continues to be at the center of that struggle. In a new commentary published by Mississippi Free Press, MDC President & CEO Lakeisha Hood Moïse and Race Matters Institute Director Kamilah Pickett examine the continued dismantling of Voting Rights Act protections and what it means for Black political power, representation, and democracy across the South. The piece explores how today's legal and political battles are connected to a much longer history of disenfranchisement, and why the consequences extend far beyond elections. Read the full commentary by clicking the link in our bio! #VotingRights #Democracy #TheSouth #RaceMatters #BlackPoliticalPower #CivicEngagement #MDCInc

North Carolina has an opportunity to lead. ✔ Borrower protections ✔ Repayment support ✔ Student loan ombudsman ✔ Employer-based solutions Practical policies can help workers and families build stronger futures. 🔗 Link in bio #EconomicMobility #NorthCarolina #Policy #FinancialWellness

Student loan debt is shaping the future of families across North Carolina. 🏠 Housing 💰 Savings 👶 Child care 📈 Economic mobility MDC’s new policy priorities outline practical solutions that can help borrowers move from financial pressure toward opportunity. 🔗 Link in bio #NorthCarolina #EconomicMobility #StudentLoanDebt #Families #Workforce

At the end of April, the Rural Action Network cohort convened for the final workshop of a five-part series and to celebrate their time together as a collective group. The workshop was focused on policy solutions and opportunities. They spent the day exploring solutions to the transportation, workforce development, housing, environmental, and childcare challenges that face their communities. The day ended with a graduation ceremony celebrating the cohort's dedication to improving the communities they live and work in. While the learning cohort may have come to an end for now, the Rural Action Network project is just getting started! Last week, MDC launched the application for the Rural Action Network leadership council - a group across the Sandhills region of NC that will work together to set regional policy priorities and work collaboratively to amplify the voice of rural leaders. The leadership council is for all kinds of community leaders - both grass tops (local elected officials, business owners, etc.) and grassroots (nonprofit leaders, community organizers, etc.) are welcome to apply. Click the link in our bio to get more information on the leadership council and apply!

We’re proud to celebrate MDC Senior Program Director Jenna Bryant on being selected as a 2026 Dole Caregiver Fellow with @ElizabethDoleFoundation ✨ Jenna joins a national community of military and veteran caregivers working to elevate caregiver voices, strengthen support systems, and advocate for meaningful change. Her leadership, compassion, and lived experience continue to shape her work and impact at MDC and beyond. We’re honored to support her throughout this Fellowship journey. Learn more about Jenna’s story at the link in bio. #DoleCaregiverFellow #HiddenHeroes #MilitaryCaregivers #VeteranCaregivers #CaregiverVoices #ElizabethDoleFoundation #IAmACaregiver

What does it take to expand access to food and nutrition supports across North Carolina? A new Catalyst Blog shares lessons from the Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Support effort, with contributions from Jenna Bryant, MDC Senior Program Director, and other statewide partners. The work highlights how stronger connections between SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid, along with input from people with lived experience, can improve how families access essential services. Read the blog to hear directly from the team and learn how collaboration is opening doors for communities across the state! 🔗 in bio.

This isn’t the end—it’s a call to act. For over 30 years, Leandro represented a promise: that every child in North Carolina deserves a sound, basic, and fully funded education. While the recent ruling shifts the path forward, it does not change the reality. Too many students, especially in low-wealth and rural communities, are still being left behind. At MDC, we remain committed to educational equity for all. Through LENS-NC and alongside our partners, we will continue to advocate, organize, and push for the resources every student deserves. Now is the time to build power, strengthen community, and hold our leaders accountable. Read the full statement at mdcinc.org

Child care providers and early childcare leaders! This is for you!! Join us for a FREE conference designed for those who know that strong communities start with strong early investments in our children. Held in Forsyth County, NC, this convening brings together passionate leaders committed to shaping a brighter future. 📣: Connect, learn, and be inspired alongside others who are making a difference every day. Don't miss your chance - register now! link in bio

In a recent op-ed, MDC’s Harrison Dale reflects on immigration, citizenship, and history, drawing connections between past and present to examine how legal status, belonging, and protection can shift over time. The piece challenges us to consider how we define citizenship and what it means to build a society rooted in dignity and safety for all. Check out the article by clicking the link in our bio

We want to see you! Join MDC on April 20, 2026, for an important discussion on how state and federal budget choices are influencing opportunity across the rural South. As funding priorities evolve and resources become more limited, rural communities are being challenged to find innovative ways to sustain and build toward prosperity. This webinar will break down where public dollars are going, who they’re reaching, where gaps remain, and what kinds of investments can drive meaningful, long-term change. Whether you’re a policymaker, practitioner, funder, or advocate, you’ll gain insight into the tradeoffs, challenges, and possibilities shaping rural communities—and what it will take to help them thrive today and in the years ahead. Be sure to register through the link in our bio!

Cap off this tax season by joining this discussion on how we can make tax filing easier for most taxpayers. Join us now!

Join MDC on April 20, 2026, for a timely conversation about how state and federal budget decisions are shaping opportunity in the rural South. As funding priorities shift and public resources tighten, rural communities must work creatively to maintain progress toward prosperity. This webinar will explore how public dollars are flowing, who benefits, who is left out, and what kind of investments are needed for lasting impact. Whether you’re a policymaker, practitioner, philanthropist, or advocate for rural communities, this session will offer valuable insights into the tradeoffs, risks, and opportunities faced by rural communities and what it will take to ensure Southern rural communities can thrive, now and in the future. Register by clicking the link in our bio!

What could a new era of philanthropy look like in the South? 🌱 Join MDC for a powerful conversation inspired by A New Era of Philanthropy: Ten Practices to Transform Wealth Into a More Just and Sustainable Future by Dimple Abichandani. Together, we'll share stories, ideas, and reflections from Southern funders, intermediaries, and practitioners. This gathering is a space to learn, connect, and imagine what’s possible, while identifying what it will take to get there! 🔗 Register by clicking the link in our bio! Questions? Contact Kierra Clark at kclark@mdcinc.org 💡 Cost should never be a barrier — reach out if you need support. #Philanthropy #SocialImpact #SouthernLeadership #Equity #CommunityChange

We kicked off day one of State of the South: Jacksonville with a boat tour of the St. Johns River through Downtown! 🚤 It was an amazing way to learn about Jacksonville’s history, policies, challenges, and possibilities—all while experiencing the river’s natural beauty and wildlife firsthand. Special thanks to our tour guides, Ennis Davis of @thejaxsonmag and Jimmy Orth of @sjriverkeeper.

As we celebrate the visionaries whose actions and inventions reshaped history, we also pause to recognize the historians who continue to write the story of our future. MDC's Home-Based Child Care team proudly honors the remarkable legacy of North Carolina's own Dorthy Count Scoggins, a woman whose impact continues to inspire generations.

At MDC, we believe no one should have to pay to meet the basic responsibility of filing their taxes. No one should have to give up a portion of their hard-earned refund just to file. We’ve already seen what’s possible when tax filing is free and accessible nationwide. The success of Direct File proved that a system centered on people—not profits—can work. That’s why MDC supports efforts to make Direct File the law of the land. We will continue to advocate for the return of Direct File, so Southerners aren't paying to file their taxes and can claim the tax credits they earned.

We’re Hiring!! 🎉 If you're passionate about advancing equity and working alongside communities to create lasting systems change, check out these opportunities at MDC: 🔹 Dan Broun Program Associates: A cohort of undergraduate- and graduate-level students ready to dive into research, community engagement, and program strategy. This role offers hands-on experience supporting cross-sector partnerships, facilitating learning spaces, and contributing to impactful initiatives across the South. 🔹 2026–2028 Autry Fellow: A two-year fellowship for early-career professionals interested in equity-centered research and policy in the South. The fellowship provides a structured learning and professional development experience designed to build essential competencies in research, policy analysis, systems change, and strategic communications. Through hands-on, project-based work, a co-designed capstone project, and intentional professional development, the Fellow will develop transferable skills across five core competency areas. Ready to grow your impact? Learn more and apply at mdcinc.org/careers

Last week, leaders from across Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina came together for our first Rural Development Community of Practice Convening. We built relationships. We grounded ourselves in shared purpose. We connected the legacy of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray to the call for leadership today. We aligned our theory of change. We listened intensely to rural partners closest to community realities. And we left with clarity, commitment, and collective direction. When organizations come together across geography and strategy — rooted in trust and equity — powerful things happen.

On World NGO Day, MDC proudly stands alongside nongovernmental organizations worldwide that are driving meaningful, lasting change. NGOs play a critical role in strengthening communities, advocating for those in need, and creating sustainable solutions where they matter most. Their collective impact transforms lives every single day. At MDC, we are proud to be a part of this movement - working together with partners, supporters, and communities to turn purpose into action and vision into impact. Here's to the power of collaboration and the change we create together! 🌎✨

Extreme weather changes lives, and survivors deserve a voice in what comes next. Join @extremeweathersurvivors for a national virtual advocacy summit on Sat, Feb 28 to connect, build skills, and help shape safer communities. Click the link in our bio for more.

Today, MDC proudly honors the life and legacy of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, a tireless champion for justice, equality, and human dignity. As founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Rev. Jackson built bridges across race, class, and community, reminding the world that our strength lies in our shared humanity. From marching alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., running historic presidential campaigns that expanded civic participation, and negotiating multiple successful hostage releases worldwide, his voice consistently called America to its highest ideals. Rev. Jackson taught us that hope is active, courageous, and persistent. His lifelong commitment to economic justice, voting rights, education, and opportunity continues to inspire leaders, advocates, and changemakers everywhere. At MDC, we recognize the power of truth-telling, solidarity, and justice - values that Rev. Jackson embodied throughout his extraordinary journey. Today, we honor his legacy, impact, and courage, and we forward his call to keep hope alive. 📸: Mark Makela/New York Times #iamsomebody

Registration is still open for tomorrow's webinar! Join MDC for a timely conversation on the past, present, and future of philanthropy through a Southern lens. We'll challenge old assumptions and explore what a more just, trust-based approach can look like in practice. Hear from David Dodson and Dimple Abichandani, moderated by MDC's Equity-Centered Philanthropy team. Click the link in our bio to register now and be a part of the conversation.

Our communities are under attack, and organizers across the South are stepping up. To meet this moment, @southernvisionalliance has launched the Southeastern Block & Build Rapid Response Fund to resource front-line groups taking immediate action against harmful legislation, violence, executive orders, and other urgent threats. 💸Grants: $500-$3,00 📍Who: BIPOC-, immigrant-, Muslim-, worker-, LGBTQIA+-, and youth-led groups across the U.S. South with budgets under $250k ⏰ DEADLINE: Applications reviewed monthly. Next deadline is SUN. FEB. 15, 2026 at midnight! This fund exists because grassroots groups are often first to respond in a crisis and last to get funded. Block & Build is about blocking dangerous agendas and building long-term, multiracial, gender-inclusive power for a just and sustainable future. If something urgent just came up and your community needs resources now, this is for you.

New details just dropped! 💥 Registration is still open for State of the South: Jacksonville, our three-day convening centering art, policy, data, and community across the South. We'll dig into land and housing justice, disaster recovery, child well-being, effective community organizing, and more! ✨The full agenda and event details are now live on the registration page. Click the link in our bio to learn more and register! https://stateofthesouth.org/2024/06/06/state-of-the-south-atlanta/

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