Making Connections 3.0 is an initiative designed to mobilize African-American organizations, businesses and leaders within the East Bay to explore solutions and strategies for the betterment of East Bay communities. Making Connections 3.0 will be the third convening and scheduled to take place on Saturday, April, 23, 2016 at Laney College, Oakland from 8:30am – 3:30pm.

With the goal to exceed the expectations of our past gatherings held at Merritt College and Laney College, in 2016 we are planning to engage over 500 attendees in meaningful dialogues captured in a variety of topical plenary sessions and breakout workshops.

“Making Connections 3.0” topics will include conversations on Youth culture, movements and their future, the Africa Diaspora business and politics, and the Black Church and its role in social change. Special guest speakers and industry practitioners will lead panel discussions and breakout sessions with the intention of leaving the audience with tangible outcomes.

The 2016 forum will focus and support outcomes relative to employment, job development and training, education, family dynamics and mentoring, particularly with the youth and young adult voice in mind. One of the main event objectives is for participants to form alliances to advocate for policy changes; to make commitments to mentor young people; to connect job seekers with employment resources, training, assessments, and other opportunities within the community.

For our partners, we have structured a multitude of opportunities for engagement as event sponsors, volunteers, programming support and/or exhibitors.

We are hopeful of your partnership to support our efforts to engage, link and strengthen the greater African-American community of organizations, businesses and leaders within the East Bay Area.

If you should have questions about sponsorship levels, engagement, or interested in volunteering, please contact LaNiece Jones at laniecejones@gmail.com or call 510.568.5563 or Aisha Brown at 510.272.6695.

Sincerely,

AAMC 2016 Planning Committee