OneJax, an institute of the University of North Florida, has announced the recipients of its 2020 Humanitarian Awards. [Read more…] about OneJax Announces 2020 Humanitarian Award Honorees
OneJax Institute
OneJax Sandy Miller Metrotown Institute Hosts Teen Diversity Leadership Program
The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida is now accepting applications from teens entering grades 9 through 12 to participate in its Sandy Miller Metrotown Institute, a four-day program that promotes respect and understanding across the differences of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and ability. [Read more…] about OneJax Sandy Miller Metrotown Institute Hosts Teen Diversity Leadership Program
OneJax Sandy Miller Metrotown Institute Hosts Teen Diversity Leadership Program
The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida is now accepting applications from teens entering grades 9 through 12 to participate in its Sandy Miller Metrotown Institute, a four-day program that promotes respect and understanding across the differences of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and ability. [Read more…] about OneJax Sandy Miller Metrotown Institute Hosts Teen Diversity Leadership Program
OneJax Announces 2019 Humanitarian Award Honorees
OneJax, an Institute of the University of North Florida, has announced the recipients of its 2019 Humanitarian Awards. [Read more…] about OneJax Announces 2019 Humanitarian Award Honorees
OneJax Institute Hosts 101st Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service
The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida will celebrate its 101st annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville. A fellowship reception will follow at 7 p.m. [Read more…] about OneJax Institute Hosts 101st Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service
2019 OneJax Humanitarian Nominations Open
The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Humanitarian Awards, which will be presented at a celebration dinner April 11, 2019. Since 1970, these prestigious awards have been the Jacksonville community’s way of honoring those who have given generously of themselves and have exhibited the highest personal and professional integrity. [Read more…] about 2019 OneJax Humanitarian Nominations Open
OneJax Institute Hosts 100th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service
The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida will celebrate its 100th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Congregation Ahavath Chesed—The Temple, located at 8727 San Jose Blvd. A fellowship reception will follow at 7 p.m.
This annual service has taken place in Jacksonville since 1918 and pays homage to the sacred passages, prayers, songs and traditions that exalt the quality of gratitude for the community’s blessings.
“This is a remarkable milestone. One hundred years ago, Rabbi Israel Kaplan at the Temple on Laura and Ashley Streets, invited Rev. Walter Pierce at the Unitarian Church to join in a ‘Union Service’ on Thanksgiving Day,” said Nancy Broner, OneJax executive director. “Over the years, additional faiths joined in to offer thanks and gratitude for all we appreciate as a community. We look forward to celebrating with the entire community.”
The theme of this year’s special service is “Reasons for Hope” and will include a procession of faith leaders and clergy. Expressions of gratitude from each tradition will follow and will include representatives from the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Native American faiths, among others. An interfaith choir will also participate. This year, more than a dozen faiths and traditions will be represented.
“If ever there was a need to be reminded that we aren’t alone and that, despite our differences, we share many of the same values and beliefs, it’s right now,” said Broner. “Our world is divided, we’ve endured and observed natural disasters and have witnessed unexplainable acts against innocent victims. In the midst of all this, the interfaith service reminds us to treat one another with kindness, to be grateful for all that we have and to approach each other with compassion.”
The service is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring canned and dry goods, which will be donated to Feed a Needy Neighbor. RSVPs are appreciated at https://tinyurl.com/100gratitude or call 904.620.1529.
Since 2012, OneJax has been an Institute at the University of North Florida. Through education, community building and advocacy, OneJax Institute works to make Northeast Florida a better place for everyone by celebrating differences and identifying all we have in common. Its core programs include Metrotown, an intensive, week-long teen diversity program; LOUD (Leaders of United Diversity), where Metrotown graduates bring the message of respect and appreciation for religious, racial and cultural differences into their schools; Interfaith and Community Forums, periodic forums for public dialogue on diversity and community building; and Advocacy, working to promote issues of importance to the OneJax mission.
In addition, OneJax partners with the UNF College of Education and Human Services on Project Breakthrough, an initiative to change the story of race in Jacksonville. The organization also partners with The Florida Times-Union, WJCT Public Broadcasting and the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission on Civil Discourse Forums, promoting civil conversations around difficult or uncomfortable topics and issues. For more information go to www.onejax.org or call 904.620.1529.
OneJax Presents ‘Incivility and Political Dysfunction’ Lecture at UNF
The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida presents the next program in the Civil Discourse Project, “Incivility and Political Dysfunction: How Did We Get Here and What Can We Do?” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the Adam W. Herbert University Center, Building 43, Grand Banquet Hall, Room 1044, on campus.
The featured speaker is Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, who is the executive director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD), an organization that works to reduce political dysfunction and incivility in our political system. As a leader in the field of deliberative democracy, she works to restore democracy to reflect the intended vision of our founding fathers.
She will discuss NICD’s initiative to revive civility as well as respect and will offer suggestions as to how individuals, the University and community can get involved.Following her remarks, there will be an interview/discussion session led by UNF President John Delaney.
Lukensmeyer previously served as founder and president of AmericaSpeaks, an award-winning nonprofit organization that promoted nonpartisan initiatives to engage citizens and leaders through the development of innovative public policy tools and strategies. During her tenure, AmericaSpeaks engaged more than 165,000 people and hosted events across all 50 states as well as throughout the world.
She formerly served as consultant to the White House chief of staff from 1993-94 and on the National Performance Review, where she steered internal management and oversaw government-wide reforms. Lukensmeyer was the chief of staff for five years to Ohio Gov. Richard F. Celeste, becoming the first woman to serve in this capacity.
This free event is open to the community; however, tickets are required for entry and may be obtained here. For more information about the event, contact the OneJax Institute at UNF at (904) 620-1529.
The National Institute for Civil Discourse was established in May 2011 after the tragic Tucson shooting that killed six people and wounded 13 others, including former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. All were participating in a “Congress on Your Corner” event, a fundamental act of democracy.
OneJax, in partnership with The Florida Times-Union, WJCT, UNF and the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission host the Civil Discourse Project. These civic engagement events feature moderated panel discussions on issues that challenge deeply held beliefs about controversial topics. The purpose is to promote and model civility in interacting with one another in a calm and inclusive manner on current popular topics to increase understanding of opposing viewpoints.
Since 2012, OneJax has been an institute at UNF. Through education, community building and advocacy, OneJax works to make Northeast Florida a better place for everyone by celebrating differences and identifying all we have in common.
Nominations Open for 2018 OneJax Humanitarians
The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Humanitarian Awards. The awards will be presented at a celebration dinner event on April 12, 2018. Since 1970, these prestigious awards have been the Jacksonville community’s way of honoring those who have given generously of themselves and have exhibited the highest personal and professional integrity.
Nominations are reviewed by a committee made up of OneJax board members and former honorees and are based upon the following criteria: a history of community service through long-term involvement in civic, religious, nonprofit or professional/business organizations, dedication to the improvement of human relations among diverse groups in the Jacksonville area, impeccable personal and professional integrity, sustained commitment to humanitarian ideals, history of placing humanitarian concerns above self-interest and realistic humility about his/her importance in the world.
There are two categories of awards that may be nominated by the community. The Silver Medallion honors those who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our community. The Dr. Gaston Acosta-Rua Young Professionals Award recognizes a young professional who is already making a significant impact on strengthening the community through their time, talent and treasure. The award is named for a founding NCCJ Board member (predecessor organization of OneJax) and Silver Medallion honoree who dedicated his lifetime to upholding the values of the organization.
Nominations must be submitted on the official nomination form available via the website. The form, along with a written statement detailing how the nominee meets the criteria, must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. Any individual or group may submit a nomination of an individual they think worthy of being named a OneJax Humanitarian.
“The nominations we receive from the community are so important to the selection process,” said Nancy Broner, OneJax executive director. “We’re a big city with lots going on and many good people making a difference. Without members of the community to help identify potential Humanitarian Award candidates, these deserving people might not be recognized for their contributions. We encourage everyone to consider making a nomination.”
The 2018 Awards Dinner will mark the 48th year that people making a difference in the community have been honored. Previous honorees include Preston Haskell, Fran Kinne, Bob Shircliff, Madeline Scales Taylor, Audrey Moran, Frieda Saraga, Gwen Yates, Hugh Greene, Susan Greene, Rodney L. Hurst Sr., Dr. Parvez Ahmed and many others.
Since 2012, OneJax has been an Institute of the University of North Florida. Through education, community building and advocacy, OneJax Institute works to make Northeast Florida a better place for everyone by celebrating differences and identifying all we have in common. For more information, visit the OneJax website or call (904) 620-1JAX.
