City of Columbia

Volunteers of the Month April 2014 – Minority Men’s Network

Rain or shine, members of Minority Men’s Network have regularly participated in Cleanup Columbia. Cleaning trash along Columbia’s central city streets is just one way they demonstrate their commitment to improving their community through volunteer work.

“We appreciate their constant dedication and enthusiasm for this event,” Leigh Britt, Neighborhood Services Manager for the City of Columbia says. “It is special to have volunteer groups come back year after year like this group has.”

The over 120 members of Minority Men’s Network volunteers in a variety of projects: the Reading Program with the Nora Stewart Early Learning Center, the Youth Empowerment Zone, Columbia Cradle-to-Career Educational Initiative, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Their mission is “to utilize the power of committed men to improve the lives of ethnic minorities through leadership and service.”

Steve Calloway, president of Minority Men’s Network says that “volunteer work is about service, being role models, and giving voice to the minority perspective in whatever venue we find ourselves.”

The Minority Men’s Network has members involved in a variety of City affairs and who serve on City boards and commissions. They value education and encourage youth to be successful in school and college. “Just as important,” Steve says, “is letting our youth and the larger community see successful and respected Black Men out in front and visible in all aspects of our community.”