Donna J. Wall, Assistant Director of Foundation & Corporate Relations at the School of Nursing
I am not a religious person. But when a friend took me to Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village on Easter Sunday 2017, I saw a church I never imagined….one full of people diverse by race, class, sexual orientation, gender expression and beyond talking about – and fighting for – social justice. My mind was blown. Middle Collegiate openly states that it is a “center for social action” seeking to “free the world of racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, and other injustices.” Sign me up!
I’m still not religious, but I have found a home in a community that shares my values. As a member of the Middle community, I’ve marched against racism and xenophobia, rallied in solidarity with immigrants, and deepened my commitment as an ally to the LGBTQ community. All along, I felt that I was getting much more than I gave.
Having spent a good portion of my career raising money for social justice work, I offered my fundraising expertise as a way to give back. This past year, I joined the Partnership Task Force, working with staff and other members to grow membership and help ensure Middle’s financial future. I can only hope that I am giving Middle a fraction of what it has given me.
