In February, The Expectations Project (TEP) joined The Indianapolis Ministerium, a group of ministers from Indianapolis, IN meeting regularly to learn about taking action on issues that matter to the faith community.

The Ministerium began their work this year with education as their focus area and, with TEP’s participation and support, hosted an event focused on Early Childhood Education (ECE).

“The Ministerium is a new diverse group of Indiana clergy who are concerned about fairness. We work together to bring about social justice for those marginalized and in need of help and hope. Educational Equity can best be achieved by public policy change driven by community demand. The forum gave us an opportunity to gather like-minded faith leaders to learn more about areas for potential advocacy such as Early Childhood Education, Cultural Competency and the disparity in accessing 21st Century Scholars Scholarships. We will discuss nuances of these and other educational equity issues and there will be a clear call to action.” – The Indianapolis Ministerium

Faith leaders and community members from around Indianapolis were invited to discuss ways in which the faith community can engage on Early Childhood Education at the “Faith Community Consultation,” organized by Pastor Timothy Taylor of Tabernacle Baptist Church and hosted at the United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) in Indianapolis.

The half-day event consisted of speakers from local schools and government, local non-profit organizations, and the United Way. The speakers discussed Early Childhood Education from a wide range of perspectives and described how their roles and their work related to the topic.

Over fifty people attended, and The Ministerium is planning several events over the next few months for faith and community leaders to continue learning about advocacy opportunities related to Early Childhood Education. TEP will continue to work with the organization in their pursuit to address education equity issues in Indianapolis, IN.

Non-profit and city officials who attended the meeting included:

• Anne Gabbert – Project Manager, Early Education, United Way of Central Indiana
• Dr. Gwen Kelley – Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana
• Ahmed Young – Chief of Staff and Corporation Counsel, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)
• Samuel Ifeanyi “Vop” Osili, Jr. – Chair, Indianapolis City-County Council
• Cassandra Anderson – Community Engagement Manager, United Negro College Fund
• Mark Russell – Director of Education and Family Services, Indianapolis Urban League