2024 Annual Report

Four More Years?!

Stow Collaboration for Change headed into its fourth year of community outreach and activism in a familiar, frustrating place; the bells of progressiveness had begun to ring stale, Donald Trump was re-elected, and DEI became one of the targets of the new administration’s vitriol and contempt. Shades of 2020’s magnifying of the political and social landscape were coming back into focus, and they provided a renewed sense of urgency for our members and causes. 

Our passion for progressive leadership in the schools continued as we advocated for Dr. Felisha Gould to become the new superintendent of Stow-Munroe Falls school district.  Despite a vocal and racially charged opposition, Stow selected a leader who can pride herself in putting students first. Stow Collaboration for Change will continue to be a presence at board meetings, to help advocate for student voices and meaningful change. 

In February, we partnered with the Stow-Munroe Falls DEI Initiative, Fighting to Understand and St. Stephen Lutheran Church to help host Dinner and a Fight (Dialogue). Forty-five attendees from across the political spectrum shared a meal together, got to know one another, and offered perspectives about the ways in which race and racism play part in everyday American life. In an age where it feels like screaming louder than your opponent is the way to get your message across, having an in-depth conversation with someone you may not fully understand was a breath of fresh air that the community truly savored. 

Throughout the year, we continued to table, network and make connections at various community events. Akron Pride 2024 and the SMF Health and Wellness Expo were amazing snapshots of the community and its diversity. I know the people we serve are very grateful when we visit an event and can discuss the need for other groups like Stow Collaboration for Change in their own communities. 

Part of what makes Stow Collaboration for Change such a successful, functioning unit is its ability to follow and support its members’ passions. Throughout the year, we helped raise funds for various organizations and charities dear to the hearts of our members. For example, on GivingTuesday, we were able to raise $135 for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, to help provide free medical care to injured and ill children who lack access to it. We also continued our trend of providing holiday gifts to children in foster care through Caring for Kids for the fourth year in a row.  

As we move toward the challenges of post-election season and various growing uncertainties about the future of the “American Dream,” I implore you to remember your hope. Remember your why. The faces and the people I see in my America do, in fact, care deeply for connection with one another. There is an illusion that “We the People” are ready to turn on one another, but the truth can be so much more beautiful and important. We the People are united and resilient against the powers and policies that want to ostracize and demonize empathy and compassion. Remember your hope. 

With love and solidarity,

Miguel J. Carvallo
President, SC4C

We advocated that the Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education (BoE) select Dr. Felisha Gould as the new Superintendent of Stow-Munroe Falls School District, and combated misinformation that the Stow Teacher’s Association circulated regarding her experience and qualifications.

We attended numerous BoE meetings; shed light on BoE members who signed pledges supporting Moms for Liberty, a right-wing extremist group; and shared information about a BoE member’s racist and politically motivated social media posts, which he made as a member of the Board and previously as a lacrosse coach for the district.

In partnership with Fighting to Understand, the Stow-Munroe Falls DEI Initiative, and St. Stephen Lutheran Church, we hosted Dinner and a Fight (Dialogue), which encouraged community members from across the political spectrum to talk productively about race, while sharing a meal, to build understanding, and highlight shared perspectives.

We also tabled at, and participated in, various community events, including Akron Pride, the SMF Health & Wellness Expo, and more.

We raised $135 for Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, which provides free medical care to thousands of injured and ill Palestinian children yearly, who lack local access to care within the local health care system.

We also raised $76 for Caring for Kids, which offers adoption, foster care, and birth parent services.

We spoke at many BoE meetings, with the goal of advocating for students and progressive policies. We also shared important information regarding the Stow-Munroe Falls School District Facilities Bond, which aimed to fund much-needed new facilities, replace aging schools, and provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students.

Finally, we spoke in support of repealing the district’s Release Time for Religious Instruction (RTRI) Policy, which allowed groups like LifeWise to interrupt the school day with teachings that sow hate.

We created sample ballots for the 2024 Democratic Primary and General Election, and shared critical voting information about voter registration, ID requirements, polling locations, and more.