COMMUNITY, ADVOCACY, AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

 Minnesota Acts Now was started in 2012 because of the continuous need to help the under-served community through difficulties and challenges in accessing proper help and support. Our work involves extensive network with civil, political, community and church leaders to help bridge the gap between those who are privileged to have adequate support from family, friends, and the community, and those who do not have that privileged. The desire to give everyone the opportunity for such support is the driver that leads us daily.

 Bishop Harding Smith, CEO and Founder of Minnesota Acts Now realized that the challenges of individuals and families could not be resolved easily. As he asserts scripturally, “God is not going to give anyone more than he or she can handle.” This assertion has been the catalyst of hope that can be sustain throughout. Pastor Smith vision to give hope is actualized in the work he has set out to accomplish through Minnesota Acts Now. Reclaiming our community to reduce or eliminate societal ills like homelessness, violence, and disadvantage to the under-served population has taking him through many corridors. It takes more than just policymaking to bring the change necessary. The Clergy, civil, political, and community leaders must consistently formulate ways to work together to bring change that would prepare leaders and seek positive attribute in those do have less chance to have a better life. 

Minnesota Acts Now is a non-profit organization, here exclusively for charitable, advocacy and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our goals are to fight against gun violence, homelessness, poverty and to become a leader in promoting self-sufficiency for all citizens in the state of Minnesota. We serve under-represented individuals in the judicial system to advocate sentencing that will foster rehabilitation, and productive contribution to the community. We provide education and mentoring services to improve individual lives and to foster positive contributions to the community. 

MISSION: To provide advocacy, programs, and resources for under-served communities experiencing social ills and barriers to social services. 

VISION:  To become an organization that will create the impact that will lift families out of poverty, help prevent violence and deter crime in under-served communities, and advocate for families experiencing gun violence and homelessness. 

CORE VALUES:

• Dignity - We show respect, fairness, and care for all people. We treat all people the same regardless of status.
• Respect - We accept people for who they are. We treat people with kindness, courtesy, and politeness.
• Diversity - We respect and appreciate differences in ethnicity, race, gender, physical disability, and sexual orientation. We value an inclusive culture.
• Human rights. We believe in the right to equality before the law. We believe that everyone has the right to life, liberty, freedom, and education.
• Social Justice - We believe in the common good of the community. We believe that the most vulnerable should be cared for and helped in the community.
• Compassion - We believe in listening to the needs of people in the community and helping to bring relief. We believe in listening to other people perspective without judging and empathizing with their emotions.