OneRouge Community Check-In: Week 267

OneRouge
Aug 8
4 min read

Passing the Baton: The Future of the Friday Call

After 267 weeks of showing up together every Friday, we’re stepping back from hosting the weekly community calls through The Walls Project and Metamorphosis. It’s not the end—just the start of something new. During this week’s call, we reflected on how far we’ve come, the power of this space to connect and uplift, and the need to keep evolving. LORI (Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants), along with One Touch Ministry and others, is stepping up to carry the tradition forward, with fresh energy, new ideas, and a continued commitment to community. We’ll keep things going through August to help with a smooth transition, and by September, the Friday calls will officially enter their next chapter—still grounded in love, purpose, and the power of showing up together.

Summary

Passing the Baton: The Future of the Friday Call

OneRouge Friday Community Call – Meeting Notes

Date: August 8, 2025

Focus: Transition of Friday Community Calls to New Host Organization(s)

Purpose of the Meeting

To announce and discuss the transition of the OneRouge Friday Community Calls from The Walls Project and Metamorphosis to a new host organization, and to explore the future of the calls in a changing community landscape.

Key Announcements

1. Transition of Friday Calls

After 267 weeks of hosting, The Walls Project and Metamorphosis are stepping back from organizing the Friday calls.
The Friday call series will continue under new leadership but no longer carry the “OneRouge” name or branding.
Walls and Metamorphosis will retain the OneRouge identity and shift focus to solution-building around the nine drivers of poverty.

2. New Leadership

LORI (Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants) officially expressed interest in taking over the Friday calls.
- Additional partner organizations are encouraged to join the facilitation team to create a collaborative leadership model.

3. Timeline

August calls will continue using the existing Zoom link.
Official transition to LORI’s Zoom and communication systems will take place in September 2025.
The Walls/Metamorphosis team will provide technical assistance during the handoff (Zoom setup, templates, contact lists, etc.).

Process & Logistics Breakdown

Outlined by Casey Phillips and Tia Fields for transparency and replication:

Pre-planning: Topics selected 4–6 weeks in advance, focused on the nine drivers of poverty (or new themes going forward).
Speaker Outreach: Blend of local and external voices; speaker coordination varies in intensity based on their comfort.
Promotion: Weekly email cadence using Mailchimp and Google Calendar invites.
Friday Flow:
- Speaker prep at 8:00–8:30 AM.
- Facilitated community call from 8:30–9:30 AM.
- Announcements and flyer sharing in chat.
Post-Call: Notes, resources, and flyers compiled and shared with participants.

Shared Reflections & Guidance

Manny Patole (NYU)

Emphasized real-time policy uncertainty and the vulnerability of international students and immigrants.
Noted the importance of maintaining community dialogue during unstable times.

Tia Fields

Urged new hosts to maintain a cadence that includes purpose, accountability, and tangible outcomes.
Stressed that consistency, timely communication, and intentional topics are key to sustaining the community’s interest.

Sherreta Harrison (Metamorphosis)

Encouraged new leaders to simplify if needed: “This can just be a standing community conversation.”
The Friday call doesn’t have to be a full program—it can start small and grow with the community.

Reverend Anderson

Shared that OneRouge was a space for the unheard and unseen.
Urged continued focus on "neighborliness" and justice-informed perspectives.
Described OneRouge as a safe, respectful place for diverse stakeholders to engage.

Morgan Udoh

Suggested using the Friday call as a way to deepen discussions on cultural barriers and accessibility of services.
Described the call as a “one-stop shop for information,” which should be maintained in spirit.

Dr. Pamela Ravare-Jones

Encouraged the new hosts to investigate: Who is missing? Who hasn’t been invited to the table?
Advocated for a vision that expands inclusivity and adapts to Baton Rouge’s needs from 2026–2030.

Suggestions for the Next Iteration

New Name + Fresh Energy: No obligation to use the OneRouge name. The call can be redesigned to reflect current needs and new leadership.
Re-center Youth: Involve student-led media programs from schools like Scotlandville, Southern Lab, or McKinley in design, comms, and facilitation.
Open Platform: Create an intergenerational space for all voices, including immigrants, youth, returning citizens, and elders.
Rebuild Momentum: Use the transition as a chance to re-engage those who’ve stepped back, including more conservative or libertarian-leaning groups.
Tangible Action Focus: Reorient around solution-building conversations, not just symbolic wins.

Community Feedback Highlights

Verna Bradley-Jackson (One Touch Ministry): Emphasized the transformative impact of the calls on her team and herself. Confirmed One Touch’s support going forward.
Dauda Sesay (LORI): Expressed strong commitment to carry the call forward, with intergenerational and immigrant voices at the center.
Ashlyn Harrison: Confirmed ongoing evolution of OneRouge as a model behind the scenes.
Multiple participants: Called for a celebration to honor the legacy of the Friday calls.

Celebration Plans

A community celebration event was proposed to formally honor and close the "OneRouge Friday Call" chapter and welcome the new leadership.
Details forthcoming.