The city of Syracuse will virtually discuss plans to pass an independent redistricting commission to decide the next district lines in Syracuse. This meeting  is a follow up on the 2019 charter change, which enables legislation to be passed on Dec. 21 by the common council to establish the commission. In January citizens will be able to apply to become a part of it.

The CNY Diaper Bank, a local, volunteer-run nonprofit that collects diapers for families in need, is holding a live, virtual holiday “crafternoon” event from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, with Claire McKenney from Right Mind Syracuse. The event is free for families to participate. Pre-registration is required at CNYDiaperBank.org. Donations are encouraged and all proceeds will go toward diaper purchases to keep area babies dry, clean and healthy. While completing a holiday craft at home, participants can sing along to Christmas songs and will also be eligible to win prizes. A list of suggested materials for the event is posted on the diaper bank’s website.

A free webinar will be offered on how to Understand Financial Statements, which are the “Report Cards” of a business. Such documents portray the activities of a business for key stakeholders, including bankers, creditors and investors. Register online at the link provided.

Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) & R.A.P. (Reclaiming Our African Pride) will hold a Holiday Gift Basket Drive Up Giveaway from Noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday for members of the South Side community.

Syracuse Onondaga NAACP will hold a Holiday Turkey Giveaway at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at the Well of Hope Church, 1640 South Ave. Even is open to the public, while supplies last. Attendees are asked to wear masks.

The Sankofa Wellness and Resource Center offers a bi-weekly food share on Wednesdays. It provides dry goods (rice, beans etc.) and fresh produce. By utilizing social distancing guidelines, organizers also offer a grab n go option to provide the food items. Photo ID is preferred. Pre-registration is not required. To register, use the link for Eventbrite below. If you are unable to do so, call (315) 345-4239.

Join Student Admissions at SUNY Upstate Medical University for an information session to learn about the admission criteria, application process, transfer credits and tips on how to strengthen one's candidacy. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.

The city of Syracuse is joining with Onondaga County and the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office to conduct community forums on police reform.

Six meetings have been scheduled to take place via Zoom due to COVID-19. Three meetings are focused on receiving comments from Syracuse residents from the following neighborhoods:

South and West Side - Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m.; Hosted by the Rev. H. Bernard Alex of Victory Temple Fellowship Church
North Side - Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 5 p.m.
South and East Side - Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m.

The city of Syracuse is joining with Onondaga County and the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office to conduct community forums on police reform. A meeting for North Side residents will be held via Zoom at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13. It will be hosted by the Rev. H. Bernard Alex of Victory Temple Fellowship Church.

The 2021 Virtual Health Justice Conference at Upstate will focus on taking action for healthcare equity. The sessions will reflect on society's prolonged history of injustice that has created current health disparities, while inspiring future healthcare professionals to speak up and take charge both in and out of the hospital. Workshop offerings will focus on topics including Structural Violence, Immigrant Health & Health Advocacy, Health Justice and LGBTQ, Native American Health Disparities, History & Culture, Black Mental Health and the Intersection of Disability and Gender. There will also be optional yoga and meditation sessions starting at 9 a.m. before the opening address at 9:45 a.m. In addition to workshops, two panels will be offered: "Food Insecurity & COVID-19" and "Racism and Our Public Health State of Emergency." Zoom links to all sessions will be emailed. Contact  hjcupstate@gmail.com with questions. Registration is open to the public.