My Reflection

Kimberly Chatmon, Civic Engagement Organizer

Before we leave for our holiday break, I wanted to share a few of my thoughts about my first year on staff.Years ago, I had the pleasure of volunteering with Greater Birmingham Ministries after seeking their assistance as a client regarding a utility issue. At that time, I had a small child and had just moved back to Birmingham. What immediately struck me about this organization was that I didn’t feel judged and was treated with kindness. A few months later, I started volunteering when I could, with their food distribution and Faith In Community department. Many years later, I decided to change careers, and it occurred to me that GBM was aligned with my values.

I am proud to say I work for GBM in Systems Change as the civic engagement organizer. This is my first year as a GBM staff member. The work here is amazing!  The collaboration between staff, board, clients, volunteers, faith-based, community, and civic leadership, as much as possible, works together to secure successful outcomes for the citizens of the state of Alabama. Systems Change provides ongoing leadership development on systemic injustices and seeks to bring new leaders into the public decision-making process that affects their communities. We partner with organizations and assist in lawsuits when necessary to protect the underserved within our state and beyond.

I have been able to re-engage some long-term relationships and forge many new ones with city, community, county, and state leaders. I would be remiss not to include the organizations committed to the ground game. GBM has allowed me to train with organizations and organizers across the country, including Black Future Labs, Alabama Arise, Alabama Values, League of Women Voters, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, as well as with leaders in Selma, Atlanta, and New Orleans, among others. Every day, our partnerships are growing, and the needs of the underserved are being met despite the increasing demands posed by unforeseen circumstances, which we work hard to anticipate and address. We engage in ways that reignite those who want a second, third, or fourth chance to become part of society and use the law of engagement to accomplish their goals.

I came from a company where everything moved quickly. What I have learned is that it doesn’t always come as soon as we would like, but we must keep moving forward and do the best we can for the communities we want to serve and the families we represent. As I look forward to 2026, I pray we continue to be attentive and transformative in our work and as an asset to the community.

Thank you for the opportunity to meet you all and have a blessed family-filled holiday!