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JONAH
Joint-Religious Organizing Network for Action and Hope
111 E. Michigan Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone: (269) 660-1950
Fax: (269) 963-6899
Website: www.jonahbc.org
E-mail: info@jonahbc.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Mission and Belief Statements
Member Organizations
How to Get Involved
Action Issues
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JONAH?
JONAH stands for “Joint-religious Organizing Network for Action and Hope.” We are a non-profit organization consisting of 26 local churches and non-profit groups in Calhoun County, Michigan. JONAH was founded in 2004 by a group of local clergy and community leaders to help bring positive change to Battle Creek based on common values.
Is JONAH part of a political party or specific church denomination?
No. JONAH is a non-partisan, no-denominational group open to all residents of Calhoun County. Our members come from many different backgrounds and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or political affiliation. Our goal is not to support a particular political party or candidate. We are not conservative, liberal or independent, in terms of partisan politics. Rather, we aim to work together across normal boundaries for the benefit of all based on common values.
What kind of organizations belong to JONAH today?
Our member churches represent a wide variety of denominations, including Baptist, Catholic, Congregational, Episcopal, Lutheran, United Church of Christ and Presbyterian churches throughout the local area. We also have seven local “Strategic Partners” including the following: Charitable Union, Creating Change, CRECE, Inspire Community Development Credit Union (Proposed), the Nonprofit Alliance and the Volunteer Center of Battle Creek (also known as Hands On - Battle Creek).
Where is JONAH based?
JONAH is a local organization serving Calhoun County, Michigan. Each member organization has two representatives on the JONAH board. JONAH also maintains an office on the bottom floor of the First United Methodist church at 111 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014
What issues does JONAH focus on?
JONAH member organizations meet regularly to discuss key problem areas in our local community. These range from education, transportation and health care, to economic opportunity, transportation equity and immigration and much more. All JONAH member organizations are encouraged to contribute their ideas and suggestions.
How does JONAH make a difference in our community?
JONAH listens to local residents to identify what’s working and what needs improvement in our local community. We then identify key issues of local concern and then take action to address those issues. Often, this means meeting directly with local government officials and business leaders to get commitments for positive change.
For example, the JONAH Faith zones campaign worked with city officials and Consumers Energy to fix more than 65 broken on non-functional street lights in neighborhoods throughout the area. Local residents said this was a key concern for them because inadequate lighting leads to increased crime, prostitution, violence, drugs, dumping and other social problems.
Are there other organizations like JONAH in Michigan?
Yes. JONAH is affiliated with similar faith-based action organizations in Kalamazoo (ISAAC), Saginaw (EZEKIEL) and Detroit (MOSES). On a national basis, we are united through the Gamaliel Foundation, a church-based community organizing foundation based in Chicago with offices around the country. Gamaliel also operates an organization called Gamiliel of Michigan, which provides support and training to smaller affiliates.
What is the Gamaliel Foundation?
The Gamaliel foundation is a mentoring group that provides advice, training and organizing assistance to local affiliates like JONAH. The mission of the Gamaliel Foundation is to assist local community leaders to create, maintain and expand independent, grassroots, and powerful faith-based community organizations so that ordinary people can impact the political, social, economic and environmental decisions that affect their lives; to provide these organizations with leadership training programs, consultation, research and analysis on social justice issues; and to be a network for mutual learning environments and working coalitions.
The Gamaliel Foundation was originally established in 1968. Over the years, it has grown from three to more than 45 affiliates in 17 states, as well as three provinces of south Africa. In Biblical history, Gamaliel was a wise man who stood up to the Sanhedrin authorities in defense of the early Christians. In Acts 5:38-39, he is quoted as saying: “Refrain from [hurting] these men, for if this work be of men, it will come to naught, but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” We work in the hope and the confidence that this work is of God.
Does the Gamaliel Foundation control JONAH?
No. JONAH is a local, self-governing group with its own leadership team, mission statement and vision. Gamaliel offers us opportunities to engage in larger networks at the state and national levels.
Do you have to be a Christian to participate in JONAH?
No. JONAH activities are open to all residents of Calhoun County, Michigan. We have many opportunities for involvement and a commitment to empowering ordinary people for positive social change. There are no “individual” members of JONAH because membership is held at the level of a faith community or non-profit organization. However, JONAH has many activities throughout the year that are open to the entire community. Examples include our current “Faith Zones” campaign and our breakfast celebration in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If your church or non-profit organization would like to become a JONAH member or would like to learn more about JONAH membership, please contact the JONAH office at (269) 660-1950.
Who leads JONAH?
JONAH is led by elected officers. Currently, the president is the Rev. Chuck Fischer of St. Philip Catholic Church. Our Vice President is the Rev. William Wyne of Second Missionary Baptist Church. Our First Vice President is Patty Staib of The Charitable Union. Our Treasurer is Jim Pearl of the Volunteer Center. Our Clergy Caucus Co-Chair is Deacon Dale Bennett of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Our Recording Secretary is Barb Auble of Maple United Methodist Church.
Who provides funding for JONAH?
Each member organization of JONAH provides annual dues to support the organization. We also receive grants from forward-looking organizations such as the Kellogg foundation. JONAH also raises money through publications and special public events where food is served. We also accept donations from private and corporate sponsors.
Who are JONAH’s members?
For a complete list of current JONAH members, please click here now.
If your faith community or non-profit organization would like to become a JONAH member, or would like to learn more about JONAH membership, please contact the JONAH Community Organizer at (269) 660-1950. You may also send an e-mail to the JONAH Community Organizer for additional information.
To learn more about JONAH, click one of the links on the left or call us at (269) 660-1950 during normal business hours. You may also visit our office at 111 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49015. (See map.)
