Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Convener, the newsletter of Thanks-Giving Square. I am excited to share a little bit about what’s happening at Thanks-Giving Square each month. My hope for The Convener is that it will give you a glimpse into how Thanks-Giving Square is working hard to make Dallas a city that chooses love over hate, and also to help educate and inspire you to take part in this change for our community. We will highlight partner organizations, upcoming events, and moments of gratitude left by visitors to The Chapel of Thanksgiving. Thank you for walking alongside us at Thanks-Giving Square as we stand together on common ground, reflect on gratitude and appreciate the diversity of our community.
Kyle Ogden,
President & CEO of Thanks-Giving Square
HIGHER GROUND
At Thanks-Giving Square, we believe in three simple ideas to elevate Dallas…
1) Choose LOVE over HATE
2) Get involved, make a difference
3) Practice gratitude
If we can lead and inspire the widespread adoption of these practices, we will be ready to come together as a community to overcome the practical challenges we face.
Over the course of the coming months, we are going to ask for your help in expanding the Thanks-Giving Community. We know there is a huge silent majority of people of goodwill that can engage alongside us to build a better Dallas. We need your help to recruit these good people into our conversation so that we can enlist them to join you and the others as we do the work of crafting a better tomorrow for our families, friends, and neighbors.
FEATURED NEWS
Memorial Day at the Square
Last month, members of the community were invited to visit the Square to share moments of gratitude for those who lost their lives serving our country in honor of Memorial Day. Check out the gratitude spotlight below for a moment of thankfulness from the day.
Finding Common Ground in June
The month of June kicks off LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a time to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. Also, June 19 (Juneteenth) marks an important date in our country’s history, as it is commemorative of the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865 announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom from slavery in Texas. Here are a few ways to find common ground as we recognize these communities this month:
- Visit the Square and write a note of gratitude and reflection about the community as a whole. Invite a friend, coworker or acquaintance with you and engage in a dialogue about inclusivity.
- Explore educational resources to better understand the trials of these communities and the significance of the celebrations:
- VisitDallas: Take a look back at how Dallas has built the largest LGBTQ community in Texas.
- NBCDFW: What Is Juneteenth? The History Behind America’s Other Independence Day
- Encourage others to do the same by sharing your findings and reflections on social media. (Be sure to tag Thanks-Giving Square if you do!)
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1980, Texas became the first state to declare Juneteenth an official state holiday. June 19 is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day. It is a day to celebrate the emancipation of those who have been enslaved in the United States, representing a remarkable turning point in the history of Black Americans.
UPcoming Events
Juneteenth Celebration March and Festival
Saturday, June 19 | 11 a.m.
Fair Park
Dallas Regional Chamber: State of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Tuesday, June 22 | 12-1:30 p.m.
Online
Turtle Creek Chorale Presents Holidays Interrupted
Sunday, June 27 | 8 p.m.
Fair Park Band Shell
Gratitude Spotlight
Expressions of gratitude left by visitors on our Gratitude Wall.
Partner Feature
Café Momentum
Thanks-Giving Square is honored to partner with Café Momentum, a nationally-recognized nonprofit restaurant and professional training facility that provides a 12-month paid internship for men and women exiting juvenile facilities. The interns develop life and social skills through coaching and development. Stay tuned for the launch of a new program we’ve been working on to foster crucial connections in the community this fall!
About us
“The Convener” is a monthly publication of The Thanks-Giving Foundation. If you have suggestions or comments, please contact tgs@thanksgiving.org.