Color Me Human Board Transition Announcment

You may have already seen Tracy Pepper’s announcement that she is leaving her role as Executive Director of Color Me Human in Nevada County. The Color Me Human Board and the entire community have been inspired by Tracy’s vision and tireless work for Color Me Human to be a local force for good. Recognizing the importance of maximizing limited financial resources and fostering grassroots participation, the Color Me Human Board has made the decision to transition to an all-volunteer organization. This strategic shift reflects our commitment to amplifying community involvement and advancing our mission.

Color Me Human’s impact is deeply rooted in the dedication of its Board of Directors, the collaborative efforts with partner organizations, and the support of individuals who share our vision of a community where every individual is valued and respected. This vision and our core values remain intact.  

We recently revised our mission statement to guide us forward as follows:

Color Me Human fearlessly fights systems of oppression and boldly champions equity and inclusion for all people, serving as a bridge to building a vibrant and empowered community.

Further, our vision states this is done through partnering with other organizations and community leaders.

A quick look at what we have accomplished is a window into the work we intend to continue in our community:

Conducted equity and diversity training for Nevada County staff

  • Held a summer workshop for LGBTQ+ youth

  • Partnered with Earth Justice Ministries on April 4 Reading of Dr. King’s ‘Beyond Vietnam speech and Get Out the Vote rally

  • Hosted well-attended Juneteenth events to celebrate America’s continuing quest for freedom and democracy

  • Helped initiate the Equity and Inclusion Leadership Alliance (EILA) comprised of local civic leaders engaged in creating a more inclusive county, serving as voices for the issues important to communities of color and groups still developing their own voices

  • Collaborated with Creating Communities Beyond Bias on Martin Luther King Day celebrations

  • Engaged students in the Young Composers group to provide education on racial issues and racial justice in preparation for their compositions on the same subjects

  • Participated in the Nevada Union School District’s Local Control Accountability Plan to monitor issues of student well-being regarding diversity and inclusion and mutual respect

  • Engaged with School District leadership on racial bullying issues, more pronounced during COVID but still present in our community

  • Discussed volunteer opportunities with SAEL junior class members looking at places to serve their community

  • Assumed responsibility for running the “True Colors” LGBTQ+ support group when the local PFLAG chapter dissolved

  • Played a lead role in the Transgender Day of Remembrance event the past several years

  • Served as an anchor organization for residents to report incidents of discrimination and bias

  • Collaborated with The Onyx Downtown at The Nevada Theatre to host screening of “Refuge” and discussion with filmmaker

  • Conducted workshops and training for community members, service organizations, and Nevada County organizations

  • Presented Voices In the Shadow, an online discussion and interview of Nevada County Women of Color.

We intend to continue much of this essential work. To that end, we will be creating a wider base of volunteers. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, contact us HERE.

In addition, serving on the Board of Directors is a great opportunity to shape the future work of Color Me Human. If you have experience in fundraising, organization development, non-profit operations, and/or important, relevant life experience that can advance the Color Me Human mission, we would love to consider your application to the Board of Directors. More information on Board responsibilities can be found HERE on the website.

We are fortunate to live, work, and play in a rural county characterized by the rich tapestry of political perspectives. However, while our community boasts diversity in political views, we recognize the need for greater racial representation. Although our county may not reflect the full spectrum of racial diversity, itis home to many African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Embracing and welcoming these members of our community would not only enrich our collective experience but also foster a more inclusive and vibrant environment for all.

Finally, if you want to donate to our ongoing work, you can use PayPal at our website, or send a check to: Color Me Human,185 East Main Street, PO Box 321, Grass Valley, CA 95945.

Thank you all for your unwavering support in the past, and we are excited about what we can accomplish together. As we navigate the road ahead, we are acutely aware of the myriad challenges we face, including the urgent impacts of climate change. Moreover, the looming specter of increased division, polarization, and scapegoating in the upcoming election cycle underscores the importance of unity and solidarity.

It is imperative that we come together as a community where the unique contributions of every individual are not only celebrated but also embraced for the collective good of all.

Color Me Human Board of Directors,

Kevin Tarsa, Chair

Lori Stone, Secretary

Donn Harris, Treasurer

Daryl Grigsby, Member at Large

Callum Hancock, Member at Large

Donna Levitt, Member at Large

Rick Partridge, Member at Large

 Strategic Planning

Welcome to Color Me Human's Strategic Planning page! Here, we share our vision, goals, and the actionable steps we're taking to create a vibrant and empowered community. Our strategic plan outlines how we aim to fight systems of oppression, champion equity and inclusion, and foster grassroots participation through dynamic community engagement and volunteerism.

Transition Year 2024

In 2024, we are focusing on transitioning Color Me Human to an all-volunteer organization. Key initiatives for this year include:

  • Recruiting Volunteers: Our goal is to recruit volunteers to support events, day-to-day operations, and volunteer coordination.

  • Event Planning: We will host two major events—one for Juneteenth and a Color Me Human re-launch event—to engage the community and celebrate our mission.

Looking Ahead

As we work through 2024, we are also focused on finalizing our strategic goals and action plans for the next three years. These plans will guide our efforts in community mobilization, support and empowerment, education, outreach, and organizational sustainability. By prioritizing these areas, we aim to build a stronger, more inclusive community and ensure the longevity and impact of Color Me Human.

We invite you to join us on this journey to create a more inclusive and equitable community. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every person feels valued and empowered. For more information on how to get involved, please contact us or sign up for our newsletter.