At OAR, the well-being of our team, participants, volunteers, and supporters like you, is our main priority. Due to the latest public health and safety developments, OAR has instituted our emergency preparedness plan. Essential personnel are in the office and the rest of the team will continue to work virtually and maintain normal business functions as much as possible. We are hosting tours, Action Network, and caucus meetings by video conferencing. We are conducting participant intakes and meetings by phone or video. And we are still supporting the emergency needs of those being released from incarceration and their families.

Right now your support is more crucial than ever and I ask that you continue to keep OAR participants and their families in mind during this time. We are already seeing an increase in needs as employers are evaluating their response to the pandemic. With your support, we will continue to be able to assist OAR participants like Helen, whose story you can read below, and many more who need our collective support.

As we are taking any and all precautions at this time to keep our community safe, we have also come to the very difficult, but necessary decision to not have OAR's Annual Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast in person. Instead, we will be going virtual with this event. Read below for more information on how you can attend this event virtually on April 2nd from the safety of your own space.

I also want to provide an update about our race equity work. We have been learning so much on our journey to become an anti-racist organization thanks to your continued support. Read below for an update on how we will be moving forward with our race equity work. We appreciate you being on this learning journey with us. Additionally, we are postponing our March 23-24 Undoing Racism Workshop. If you applied to attend the March Workshop, please read below for more details on how you can move your registration to another one of our workshop dates.

I want you to know that the OAR team is thinking of you at this time, we are here for you, and hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe, healthy and that your lives are as undisturbed as possible. We have included information below about what health and safety guidelines and best practices to follow during this time and encourage you to stay informed. As always, thank you for being on this journey with us and as a community I know we will be able to support each other through all that is going on.

Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, MA, CVA
Executive Director

OAR's Annual Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast - Going Virtual!

Given the latest health and safety concerns regarding the pandemic, OAR has made the difficult decision to move the Annual Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast and we will go completely virtual.

At OAR, our priority is to keep our participants, team, and wonderful volunteers and community members, like yourselves, safe and thriving and we would definitely not want to compromise anyone’s health by hosting such a large event at this time. With that being said, please still keep your calendars marked and save the date for April 2nd, 2020 at 8:00am.

We know that this is an unprecedented change and many are experiencing difficult times right now, and we also know that the OAR Breakfast is an important part of people's lives which is why we are working on ways to host this event virtually so we can still come together as a community. Despite this huge change for this event, we remain hopeful that by making this event virtual, we will be able to reach an even larger audience to share the important work that OAR is able to do with your support. This is an opportunity to invite others from far and wide to unite in a shared experience to support OAR's critical mission now more than ever and we are calling on you - our supporters and friends - to help us spread the word about this event.

Stay tuned on our website, social media, and email communications for more updates on the Breakfast and how you can tune in on April 2nd from the safety of your own space.

To learn more about this event, please visit our website.

To RSVP to the event, click here.

To sponsor the event, contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org

Special thanks to our Sponsors:

Silver Level

Bronze Level

Supporters

Questions? Email Stephannie Ku, OAR's Director of Events & Communications and Race Equity Ambassador, at sku@oaronline.org

A Participant Story: Meet "Helen"*

Helen was charged with a misdemeanor in Arlington County and was ordered to complete 60 hours of community service with OAR. Soon after receiving the sentence she connected with OAR, had her intake appointment and was guided through the whole process. This was the first time Helen had been involved with the criminal legal system and she was scared and worried. OAR reassured her and connected Helen to a nonprofit organization near her where she could complete her hours which she did successfully and quickly. She recently wrote this email to us: "Thank you so much. I think about all of the women in my position and really appreciate the help you have provided me. This experience started out a little rough but has turned out to be a blessing. Thank you for all of your help and patience and may you continue to bless other people in my situation." Thanks to your help and support, Helen's charge is set to be dismissed later this month and her case will successfully be closed out.

*Name changed to protect the privacy of the participant. The photo is a stock photo and not necessarily representative of the participant.

OAR's Race Equity Journey: Next Steps

As you may know, last year OAR introduced a new department, Community Engagement department which later became the Racial Equity & Inclusion department. The idea was that this department would be mainly in charge of promoting race equity across all systems. We are now at the end of the pilot year for this department and with the learnings and many conversations, we are now ready for the next evolution and know that the next steps for OAR on this journey are for each member of the OAR team across all departments to be ambassadors for race equity and not to have a separate department or separate staff position for this purpose. With this in mind, we have discontinued the Racial Equity & Inclusion department and instead, incorporating race equity into every single one of our positions here at OAR. OAR now has a more complete role addressing the root cause of injustice in all systems "upstream" (calling out the racism that permeates these systems and seeking social justice) and "downstream" (providing services to specific individuals). OAR journeys with individuals who have been affected by mass incarceration and works to end the systemic injustices created by racism across all systems. Although we are moving forward without a separate department for race equity, we will still be hosting Undoing Racism Workshops, monthly Action Network meetings (virtually until further notice), Caucus meetings (virtually until further notice), and continue with our race equity work with a more holistic approach. We look forward to having more dialogue about our racial equity journey in the upcoming weeks. If you have any questions in the meantime about our next steps in this journey, please contact OAR's Executive Director, Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, at ejonesvalderrama@oaronline.org. Thank you all again for being on this learning journey with us.

Postponed: OAR's March 23-24 Undoing Racism Workshop

With all of the latest public health and safety developments, OAR has decided to postpone the March 23-24, 2020 Undoing Racism Workshop. If you have applied for the March Undoing Racism Workshop and would like us to move your registration to one of our other scheduled workshop dates (July 20-21, 2020, September 26-27, 2020, or November 16-17, 2020) please email Irwing Steve Pereyra, OAR's Finance and Special Projects Associate, and Race Equity Ambassador, at ipereyra@oaronline.org with your preferred workshop date and we will do our best to make any and all accommodations. We are also working on hosting an additional workshop in the Fall or Winter later this year, and will update you on that workshop. (If you would prefer a refund please email racialequity@oaronline.org for refund requests). We apologize for any inconvenience this postponement may cause and appreciate your understanding and support, especially at this time.

If you have any further questions, please email racialequity@oaronline.org. For more information about Undoing Racism, click here.

Volunteer Spotlight

This month's Volunteer Spotlight is dedicated to Joey. Joey's volunteer work with OAR began in 2010 when he served as a mentor in OAR's D.C. Community Service Program for Youth. The next year, Joey joined OAR's Board of Directors, on which he served the maximum of three consecutive two-year terms, including four years as the Board Secretary. Joey is also a member of OAR's Development Committee, actively working to ensure that OAR has the funds and resources to provide critical programs for the community. He has directly supported OAR through his own strategic pro-bono consulting, emceed and has served as a Table Captain for a number of OAR's Annual Second Chance Fundraising Breakfasts, and always helps spread the word about OAR to his colleagues and friends and getting them involved in OAR as well. Joey is currently working at Eagle Hill Consulting and has helped OAR create a wonderful partnership with the team there. When asked what sparked his interest in getting involved with and staying committed to OAR, Joey stated, "I firmly believe in second and fair chances and that everyone is worthy of respect, most especially those impacted by the criminal justice system." Joey is a true champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion both within his own workplace as well as at OAR. He is the father of two lovely young children and he and his wife are expecting a third. He has always appreciated OAR welcoming his family to community events. We are so thankful for all that you and your family do for OAR and our community Joey! Thank you for your continued support of OAR's mission, programs, and participants.

Would you like to share your OAR volunteer story for a chance to be featured in future e-newsletters and on our social media? Contact sku@oaronline.org.

Book of the Month

This month join us in reading Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. In this book, Kendi examines how Americans like to insist that we are living in a post-racial, color-blind society. As an award-winning historian, Ibram X. Kendi argues that racist ideas in this country have a long and lingering history, one in which nearly every great American thinker is complicit.

Upcoming Virtual and In-Person Events

People of Color Caucus/White People Caucus *VIRTUAL MEETINGS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*

Completing an Undoing Racism Workshop is required to join these Caucuses. If you are interested and would like more information about either of these Caucuses please contact racialequity@oaronline.org.

Race Equity Action Network Monthly Meeting *VIRTUAL MEETINGS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*

April 16, 2020, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Join OAR for the Racial Equity Action Network meeting,on Thursday, April 16th. One of the goals for 2020 is for Virginia to institute expungement and we want to hear from all of you. These meetings are open to adults. Click here to RSVP and for more information.

Undoing Racism Workshops

July 20, 2020 - July 21, 2020, 8:00am - 4:00pm (both days required)
September 26, 2020 - September 27, 2020, 8:00am - 4:00pm (both days required)
November 16, 2020 - November 17, 2020, 8:00am - 4:00pm (both days required)

Join OAR for an Undoing Racism workshop, the signature workshop of the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB). Through dialogue, reflection, role-playing, and presentations, this training challenges participants to analyze the structures of power and privilege that hinder social equity and prepares them to be effective organizers for justice. The workshop will address areas such as analyzing power, understanding the manifestations of racism, defining racism, and much more! Click here to register for a workshop on our website. Please note that you will be required to be present for both days of the training.

Second Chance Month

April, 2020

The month of April has been established by the United States Congress as Second Chance Month to honor the work of communities, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, employers, and individuals to remove unnecessary legal and societal barriers that prevent an individual with a criminal history from thriving in the community. Join us in spreading awareness about Second Chance Month!

OAR's 12th Annual Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast *VIRTUAL*

April 2, 2020, 8:00am

RSVP today for OAR's 12th Annual Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast here! We will be going completely virtual with this event. Stay tuned on our website, social media, and all of our communications to find out how you can tune in to this event. If you have any questions, please contact Stephannie Ku, OAR's Director of Events & Communications and Race Equity Ambassador, at sku@oaronline.org.

Spring2ACTion

April 29, 2020, All Day

Mark your calendars for Spring2ACTion 2020! Spring2ACTion is the City of Alexandria's very own Giving Day. OAR is among the many community-based nonprofit organizations participating in this event to celebrate the commitment of local nonprofits to make Alexandria a better place to live, work, and serve! For more information, visit OAR's Spring2ACTion campaign page here.

Arlington Bunny Hop 5K Fun Run/Walk *POSTPONED*

New Date: June 13, 2020, 8:00am

The Arlington Bunny Hop 5K Fun Run/Walk, hosted by the Clarendon United Methodist Church, has been postponed until June 13, 2020. OAR is grateful to be one of the beneficiary organizations for the Arlington Bunny Hop this year and we thank all those who have already registered in support of OAR's programs and participants. We hope you will still be able to join us on June 13th. If you aren't able to participate or have any questions about the rescheduled date, please visit the Arlington Bunny Hop's official website here or email ArlingtonBunnHop@gmail.com.

*Due to the public health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19, OAR will be hosting this event/virtual meeting via phone or video conferencing until further notice*

Interested in volunteering with OAR?

Arlington Bunny Hop Race Course Marshal

New Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020, 7:00am

Volunteer to be a Course Marshal for the Arlington Bunny Hop 5K Fun Run/Walk! OAR is grateful to be selected as one of the beneficiary organizations for the Arlington Bunny Hop this year and we are looking for volunteers to help monitor the race course and cheer-on participants to ensure that they navigate the course safely and correctly. Report time will be 7:00am on Saturday, June 13th (rescheduled date) and Course Marshal volunteers must be at least 21 years old, but can be joined by younger volunteers. For more info visit the official Arlington Bunny Hop website here. If you are interested in volunteering as a Course Marshal, please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.

Special Event/On-Call Volunteers

Volunteer to help out with special events and serve as an on-call volunteer when needed. You will be added to a special email/text list when we have a volunteer need or opportunity come up including speaking engagements, helping staff an OAR table at a fair, etc. Please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org if you are interested.

Join OAR for a free tour of our mission

Want to learn more about us? Join us for a free one-hour tour of our mission via video or phone! Guests will hear about OAR's programs and services from the team members who are working in the programs and hear participant success stories. We promise to end on time. Below is a list of upcoming dates and times. For more dates and to sign up click here or contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.

*We will still be conducting all Tours as scheduled. The April Tours will be virtually done. Be sure to register so we can send the meeting information via email (days in advance before your Tour date) to join us via phone or video from the comfort of your own home or office! Although our team was looking forward to meeting you in person for the Tour, we are excited and grateful to have this capability to be able to conduct tours virtually and look forward to meeting you via phone or video.*

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Thursday, April 16, 12:00pm *VIRTUAL*

Wednesday, April 29, 6:30pm *VIRTUAL*

Tuesday, May 19, 8:00am

Thursday, May 28, 12:00pm

Thursday, June 4, 8:00am

Wednesday, June 24, 12:00pm

COVID-19 Health & Safety Resources/Updates - Stay Informed!

We want and encourage our community to stay informed and up-to-date with all of the latest health and safety guidelines and resources regarding the COVID-19 outbreak to prevent the spread of this virus and to keep everyone safe and thriving. Please feel free to share with your family and friends.

General Resources:

Center For Disease Control - https://www.cdc.gov/
Virginia Department of Health - http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/
Governor of Virginia - https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus-updates/

Local Resources:

City of Alexandria

Alexandria Coronavirus Resources - https://www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus
Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates via Alexandria eNews
ACPS Updates - https://www.acps.k12.va.us/acps-at-home

Arlington County

Arlington Coronavirus Resources - https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/
APS Updates for Parents - https://www.apsva.us/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

City of Falls Church

Falls Church Coronavirus Resources - https://www.fallschurchva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx
Sign up to receive daily COVID-19 updates from the City of Falls Church Office of Communications
FCPS Updates - https://www.fcps.edu/blog/talking-children-about-coronavirus

Support OAR

Make a monetary donation to OAR by clicking here
Donate Target and/or Amazon gift cards in increments of $10 each for OAR participants
Shop on our Amazing Wish List: OAR's Amazon Wish List
Donate through United Way designation #8078 (additional fees by UW are applied)
Donate through CFC designation #26226 (additional fees by CFC are applied)
Attend a free 1-hour OAR Tour or an OAR Event and bring your friends: http://oaronline.org/oar-tours-upcoming-events/
Follow us @OARJustice

More About OAR

OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church is a community-based nonprofit working with men and women returning to the community from incarceration and offering alternative sentencing options through community service to youth and adults. Race equity is a core goal at OAR, and we seek to promote equity in the legal system and across all systems. We envision a safe and thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil and human rights. In recent years, OAR has started to address the systemic racism responsible for mass incarceration and other structural inequalities in our community, state, and country. We now have a more complete story as we deal with incarceration and the criminal legal system both "upstream" (addressing the root cause of racism and seeking social justice) and "downstream" (providing services to specific individuals). OAR journeys with individuals who have been affected by mass incarceration and works to end the systemic injustices created by racism across all systems.

@OARJustice