Alms Ministry April Report: It is the Alms Ministry’s desire to promote trust and transparency with matters concerning state funds, public donations, and community projects. Therefore, at the end of each month, a publicly available report of the ministry’s doings will be available for review. A letter from the Minister, In this month, we have been tested. By grief, by blight, by economic pressures, by pressures of duty, by sacrifice: we have been tested, and we are proving our commitments, now, as an Empire. And so it is in the spirit of endurance that all of us must continue to act for what we believe in, and to refuse to let such setbacks halt our progress. This month, the Alms Ministry has taken the approach of community-oriented projects, in order to ease the strain of state coffers and make the best use of our coin. While outreach projects continue to be privately funded, we have focused our efforts on making the most of our facilities, which are able to remain open during these times. In this month we have seen more community service sentences than ever before, and I believe these sentences are proving that we are committed to offering second chances, to seeing justice served and actions righted, and offering a way out of criminality for any who truly wish to seek it. Because it is not so simple as "They are criminal, for they are without opportunity to be otherwise." The issue is not so simple as lack of job opportunity, and any such diatribe is often perpetuated by the gangs themselves, than by any Regalian stance. Indeed, the Alms Ministry keeps a ledger of businesses willing to hire ex-criminals, kathar, ex-sanguine, et cetera. But it is, in my opinion, a more nuanced topic. When one's family is criminal, so they too shall be. When they have no support but in their gangs, in the gangs they remain. And when their way of life is challenged, what reason have they to trust me? So, in this month and in the following, I plan to establish that trust. The Alms will be the opportunity, the support, and the family. No ways of life are barred, nor legal religion ousted, or past mistakes held to the present. I issue such as a promise, and as a challenge: if you truly lack opportunities to change your life, consider your life changed. Your opportunity is here. I look forward to meeting you. Glory to the Empire and its people, Her High Grace Sivrid Sorenvik Grand Duchess of Irvainvik and Virrekstad Alms Minister Valsung and Jovrlov of the Velheim A note on Hadar: No additional relief will be sent until such a time as it is requested from the Qar Digmaan. The Alms Ministry cancels any current plans to work with Hadar until further notice. (Initiative 13). A note on Events: Until the city is able to fund the completion of the Alms Sanctuary, certain events will be postponed. (Initiative 8). Initiative 11: Restoration Efforts in Hadar Mission Statement: To mend some of the war-damaged areas of Hadar so that the people can return to work and to their homes. Status: Complete Plan: Seek funding for the project [Complete] Seek architects, carpenters, and woodworkers to join the effort [Complete] Officialize the plan for the restoration effort, and see the people and supplies sent off [Complete] Special Thanks: Sera Humaira Reinard - For providing funding, and joining the hands-on work. House Sorenvik - For providing funding Initiative 12: Sharpening of Blades Mission Statement: Donate whet stones, oils, and armor and weapon upkeeping supplies to the soldiers in Sendrass, and raise morale by touching up paint of their armor and shields. Status: Complete Plan: Brainstorm outreach methods with staff and visitors in the Alms. [Complete] Gather funds and donations to amass supplies, hire painters. Coordinate the effort. [Complete] Send supplies to the frontlines, to be distributed. [Complete] Special Thanks: Financial supporters House Keen and House Viduggla Volunteers Lord Leidoff Viduggla and Magda Fristadvlom Initiative 14: No Lands Left Behind Festival Mission Statement: Honor the Missive of the Emperor with a festival, celebrating the people. Status: Complete Plan: Work with Events Manager Duchess Tuija Viduggla on a plan and a date. [Complete] Accept applications for booths, hire entertainers, and set up Volunteers to hand out food and drinks. [Complete] Prepare a speech. (A written copy of the speech can be found here.) [Complete] Acquire funding and fireworks. [Complete] Host the Festival in front of the Cathedral. [Complete] Additional efforts: Impart the importance of educated voting practices, and publish the former monthly reports in a public place for review, along with the speech. Special Thanks: Financial support of House Sorenvik Musical performers: Victane Valitorp and Lucrece Peirgarten (( @FourThirteen for a wonderful fireworks display, @SpunSugar for decorating an adorable venue! )) April Donations: Leaping Ksai Trading Company: Weekly donations of leftover produce The Tenth Penny: Donations of leftover food The Golden Willow: Donations of leftover food The Bronze Dragonet: Donations of leftover food Caffe Maria: Donations of leftover food House de Piedmont: bi-weekly donations of wine Personal donations of regals from: Elena Aduro, Sera Humaira Reinard, Second Sergeant Tim Borros Two baskets of fresh produce, from the Nature Society and York Gardens A sack of onions and herbs, from Caricia Vasaretto A box of cupcakes from Elena Aduro This Month’s EventsOur events are a mix of staff-led and community-led activities Gladdamat Festival - Duke Ardige Viduggla oversaw the traditional Velheim holiday of the Gladdamat Festival, a day in which food is prepared for the poor. Along with others of House Viddugla and House Sorenvik, and many who volunteered their time in the kitchens, these northerners shared their culture and promoted a spirit of community and charitable giving. Brute squad recruitment - Through training as well as a booth at the festival, Duchess and Captain of the Brute Squad Natharia Mac Conall has been diligently working to recruit the Brute Squad, ensuring that the Alms locations and staff will always have reliable security. Handing out food - Mr. Lee Ming-Qie, Mr. Alasdair Douglas, Duchess Tuija Viduggla, Ari, and Mrs. Elena Aduro all took time to feed the poor this month, preparing food and inviting others to join them in their charity! Community Service efforts: - Our very helpful community service parolees spent this month polishing the headstones at the Lady of Salvation church, as well as cleaning out the river by diving in to retrieve garbage and scrubbing the walls of the canal! How kind of them! Additionally, some have gone beyond their duty and handed out food, joined in other efforts, and have proven to be committed to doing good when called upon. One was even hired to join the Brute Squad! Rehabilitation continues to be a viable premise, even if not for everyone, then certainly for some! Mead making for the festival - The No Lands Left Behind Festival not only saw a wonderful turnout, but a clever use of Sera Humaira's mead-making classes! Following the final lesson, mead brewed from our very own bee-boxes was handed out at the Festival, giving it back to the community, and making the brewers proud. Etiquette lessons from Anne Piedmont - In preparation for her Commoner's Ball, Lady Anne de Piedmont has hosted additional lessons to prepare the common people for their debut. The final lesson even included how to dance at the event! Music Lecture from Duchess Tuija Viduggla - Ever ready to teach both high born and low visitors to the Alms about something new, Duchess Viduggla shared her love of music and hosted another lecture this month, this time about music! Theological Society Meeting - Again this month, the Theological Society met in the Sanctuary Auditorium to discuss religious philosophy among the pious and the curious. Misconceptions about religion were the topic of the meeting, and those in attendance were able to ask questions of various religious leaders in the city! More info on the Theological Society here, and remember, this public auditorium can be rented out for any event with the Minister's approval! Bonfire Party - Abigail Tucker hosted a bonfire in the Sanctuary courtyard, where anyone was welcome to roast s'mores, have a drink, and enjoy spooky firelit storytime! Ongoing Projects These projects are more day-to-day activities, and are headed by our Supervisors. Seek them out if you are interested, or apply for a position with your own ideas! Miss Abigail Tucker has been recently hired as our Supervisor of Fun, so check our noticeboards for more spur-of-the-moment events! Duchess Natharia Mac Conall: Oversees the Fire Brigade as Fire Chief, and oversees the Brute Squad Sera Humaira Reinard: Forges and repairs weapons and tools/brews mead from bee boxes Lady Anne de Piedmont: Hosts lessons in court honneurs and etiquette for all social levels Duchess Tuija Viduggla: Offers many lectures on various topics Tour Guides: Are invited to sign up to show newcomers around the city! Anyone is free to jump in and stir up activity at our vegetable garden or in the public kitchen at any time! The courtyard is also a public space available for socializing. The Alms Sanctuary has an Auditorium that can be reserved for any gathering. Anyone seeking to join the Fire Brigade or Brute Squad should seek out Duchess Natharia Mac Conall! ((Ping the Discord linked below, or RP Com Discord Business Openings.)) The Alms Ministry recognizes the following volunteers for particular efforts this month: Sera Humaira Reinard: For remaining consistent with the Alms Ministry since our founding, and for excellent lectures and a devoted presence at events. Special thanks as always to our Staff. We are available to any who wish to work with the alms Ministry! Grace Sivrid Sorenvik, Alms Minister Grace Tuija Viduggla, Events Manager High Grace Novellia Reinard, Human Resources Manager High Grace Milena Cadieux, Outreach Manager Grace Natharia Mac Conall, Captain of the Brute Squad, Fire Chief Interested in our current projects? For those seeking to Volunteer, there is no application necessary. Simply engage with the Alms Ministry Safe House by showing up for day to day activities or events. (( Anyone can ping for RP in the Alms Discord - linked below)) Our ongoing projects are headed by Supervisors who bring ideas to us. The projects can have definitive goals or events, or they can be day to day activities. Supervisors should enjoy creating engaging activities for others to participate in. All are welcome to apply, with their ideas. Have a specific project idea in mind? The Alms Minister has the right to approve construction projects, and to assemble ad hoc committees for the purpose of achieving goals within the city, and across the archipelago. Meet with Grand Duchess Sivrid Sorenvik to discuss how to implement your ideas! Stay up to date and be aware of activities in the Safe House by joining our community! Discord Link: https://discord.gg/xEmMq5aEkG
