Janet Goodman-Banks 2010

Rev. Janet Goodman-Banks was presented the Gerald Henderson Human Rights Award at the 2010 Civil Rights Conference in Lincoln on April 21. The Henderson Award, named after the Lincoln Human Rights Commission’s first director, is given to a person who epitomizes the commitment and resolve that Mr. Henderson displayed in seeking equal opportunity and justice for all.

Rev. Goodman-Banks is the Executive Pastor of The Reach Out Christian Center, CEO of the “Women in the City” ministry, a foster parent for Christian Heritage and a tireless advocate of health care for all. She was recently appointed to the Mayor’s Multicultural Advisory Board.

“Janet Goodman-Banks has been a tireless advocate for many causes in our community,” said Larry Williams, Executive Director for the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights (LCHR). “She has a genuine passion for people in need. Her nursing experience, kind heart and tremendous interpersonal skills make her a natural leader and friend for those who are less fortunate.”

LCHR is the primary city agency responsible for the resolution of discrimination complaints brought by individuals and serves as the civil rights law enforcement agency for Lincoln. The Commission also provides diversity education, conducts outreach, and offers technical assistance in order to foster more inclusive community relations.

More information on LCHR can be found on the City website at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: rights).

The American Cancer Society plans a May 3 free program to promote breast health and address the changing outlook for African American women.

The program, called “Protect Your Health Heritage,” includes participation by the National Council of Negro Women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Nebraska CARES, Super Saver and Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Center for People in Need, 3901 N. 27th St.

The program will feature a story of survivorship from Janet Goodman-Banks; JeanAnn Fischer talking about healthy living and Dr. Derrick Anderson delivering the keynote address, “Breast Cancer: Changing the Outlook for African American Women.”

A short Q&A will follow and door prizes will be given.

Recent studies have shown African American women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age and a later stage than Caucasian women. In Lancaster County, the percentage of African American women who are 40 and over being screened is less than 50.

Registration is required for the free event. To register, call Telephone Line to Care at 402-219-7000 so organizers may plan for food.

For more information contact Christine Bleich at the American Cancer Society at 402-423-4893, ext. 4106, or e-mail at Christine.Bleich@Cancer.org.

Goodman-Banks Seeks SCC Board Seat

Janet Goodman-Banks, a Lincoln pastor, combines a passion for education and public service in her goal to win a seat on the Southeast Community College (SCC) Board of Governors, District 4.

An executive pastor at Reach Out Christian Church (ROCC), former Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) treatment nurse, mother, civic leader and Democratic Party activist, Goodman-Banks believes that education is the key to America’s future.

“Likewise, Southeast Community College is a legend in its own time,” Goodman-Banks said. “It has one of the most diverse, committed and engaged student bodies who-long after graduation–consistently bestow high praise on SCC’s faculty and programs.”

Goodman-Banks stressed that it is SCC’s exceptional education track record that served as the impetus for her first campaign for public office.

“Southeast Community College is a team that I want to join,” she said. “They’ve got shovel-ready construction projects, energy, technological, occupational, educational, and professional programs that will enhance not just the Lincoln community but the entire state.”

As a Governor, Goodman-Banks intends to build on SCC’s successes with an emphasis on three areas: maintaining college affordability; ensuring college access; and increasing college enrollment.

Goodman-Banks is married to Senior Pastor Dennis A. Banks, Coordinator for the Talented Tenth Program, at the Malone Community Center. They are the parents of five children and seven grandchildren. Goodman-Banks also served as a 2008 delegate to the Democratic Party Convention in Denver, Colorado.

“President Obama’s historic and unprecedented allocation of funds to our nation’s sterling community college system makes this a particularly exciting time to be a part of America’s higher education community,” Goodman-Banks said, “And just like he did, I’m in it to win it.”

I will be a featured speaker at the Protect Your Health Heritage event on May 3, 2010. The topic is Breast Cancer: Changing the Outlook for African American Women. It will be held at the Center for People in Need located at 3901 N 27th St., in Lincoln. It will start at 5:30 p.m. I’m scheduled to speak at 6:40 and other featured speakers include Derrick Anderson, M.D. and JeanAnn Fischer, MS, RD. Serese Cole, News Anchor, from Channel 10/11 will be the moderator.

Five Things to Tell Your Friends About Breast Cancer

1. All women can get breast cancer – even those who have no family history of the disease.
2. The two most important factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.
3. Women diagnosed with early breast cancer, when the cancer is small and has not spread, have a high chance of surviving it.  Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early: Get ohne every year starting at age 40. If you notice any breast changes, tell your doctor without delay.
4. You can help reduce your chances of developing breast cancer by engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake.
5. Through early detection and improved treatments, more women than ever are surviving breast cancer.

This free program is sponsored by: National Council of Negro Women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Nebraska CARES, Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, American Cancer Society.

I will be participating in the second out of five classes scheduled on March 24, 2010 for the Project ALL. It’s an Academy for local leadership.

Project ALL is an effort to include more racial and ethnic minority individuals on non-profit and governmental boards and commissions. Project ALL is also committed to providing education to community boards and agencies about recruitment and retention of traditionally underrepresented groups and the benefits of diverse and inclusive leadership. The program is a project of the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln (CHE), Leadership Lincoln, Inc, and Mayor Chris Beutler’s Office.

Participants will attend a five, day-long session over four months (February, March, April, May and June) that focus on learning and leadership styles, health and human services, the roles and responsibilities of board service, and an expanded network of personal and professional contacts. At the conclusion of the class, participants will have access to resources including experienced board members for continued mentorship and guidance, and support assisting participants in future and current service on local board(s) and/or commission(s).

Program times will always take place on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 8:30 am until 5:00 PM February through May and the second Wednesday of June.

• February 24, 2010
• March 24, 2010
• April 28, 2010
• May 26, 2010
• June 9, 2010

I applied to be a participant of this program back in January of 2010. I am very pleased to have been excepted into the program.

Sincerely,
Janet Goodman-Banks

I am concentrating on recruiting volunteers to help me with my campaign. If you are interested, please contact me at janetgoodmanbanks@gmail.com. I need volunteers for the following positions:

• Displaying a yard sign
• Distributing literature or walking a precinct
• Hosting a coffee
• Phone banking
• Distributing yard signs
• Using my name in an endorsement ad
• Signing letters to the editor
• Others

Thank you in advance!

Sincerely,
Janet Goodman-Banks

I attended a rally and marched in protest to the perceived abuses by the health insurance companies. There was a conference held by an insurance umbrella group, America’s Health Insurance plans at the Ritz Carton in Washington, D.C on Tuesday March 9, 2010. I was one of 26 survivors from across the country that either has had to deal with the high premiums, deductibles and out of pocket expenses or, have lost a family member because of delays or denials by the insurance companies.

The purpose of the protest was to “send a clear message to Congress that they have a choice.” “They can listen to the insurance companies or listens to the American people.” The healthcare system is broken and we need reform that will guarantee affordable coverage for all Americans.”

During the rally and March, I felt so empowered. I surrounded myself around like-minded Americans from across the country. Approximately 5,000 people were protesting. Different groups and organizations were represented too. I was uniting with them for a common cause. “Healthcare is not a medical or political issue, it is a moral issue”.

On Wednesday March 10, 2010 , I was again, 1 of the 26 people involved in an informal hearing on Capitol Hill in the Rayburn building. All 26 of us sat in the chair where Congressional Leaders usually sit and they, the Congressional Leaders sat out in the audience while we told our stories to them and the prvess. Wendell Potter, former Communications Director for Sigma Insurance and now, whistle blower was the moderator. A Congressional leader would come to the table and sit with two or three survivors and Mr. Potter. I shared my story of being diagnosed with Stage II Breast cancer right after the election. I went on to tell how my husband and I have had to deal with the high deductibles, premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. I also stated how my husband goes uninsured because of affordability.

I met so many amazing survivors. A 10 year old boy who was escorted by his grandmother lost his 27 year old mother to pulmonary hypertension. A 28 year old female survivor who is battling a brain tumor cannot afford surgery because of her 20,000 a year cap on her insurance.

The United States is the world’s richest nation but the only industrialized democracy that does not provide health care coverage to all of its citizens. Regardless to where you stand on healthcare, community colleges across this nation stand ready to equip individuals for the rewarding task of caring for people.

Respectfully submitted,
Janet Goodman-Banks

The luncheon held by the Nebraska Democratic Women’s Caucus on March 7, 2010 at the Downtown Women’s Club was a huge success. Approximately one hundred people turned out for the event. Seven out of the now eleven women candidates were present. Other candidates were not present due to other previous engagements.

The luncheon was attended by both men and women. The atmosphere was one of excitement, fellowship and unity. Former State Senator Di Anna Siemek was a keynote speaker. She started out by giving us a testimony of her journey through politics. She ended by giving powerful words of encouragement and wisdom.

I spoke about my family and who I am, what I like about Southeast Community College, how I believe the college has and continues to benefit the community and, how Southeast Community College is a “Legend in its own time”! The attendees received my message well with enthusiastic applause. I then left immediately after I spoke so I could fly out of Lincoln headed to Washington D.C. I was participating in a rally, march and protest concerning healthcare as a survivor. The event was sponsored by HCAN (Healthcare For America Now), The Center for Community Change, Appleseed and a host of others.

Sincerely,
Pastor Janet Goodman-Banks

The economy and community can be helped by educating people for jobs. That’s what I believe. With the unemployment rate at approximately 10% nationally and at approximately 4% in Nebraska at this time, people are looking for ways to support their families. Southeast Community College has shovel-ready programs in construction, energy, technology, occupational,  entrepreneurial and educational programs that would meet the needs of the community.

I believe that the community needs to engage in conversations within their families, across cultures and between organizations about the post secondary education concerning their children.

This conversation could take place:

1. In homes
2. In the public and private sectors of schools
3. Through PTA’S
4. Mentoring groups
5. The faith communities

Greetings and salutations! I’m Janet Goodman-Banks. On February 11, 2010, I filed with the Secretary of the State of Nebraska as a candidate for Southeast Community College Board of Governors, District 4.

I believe “Education is not about politics”; “Education is about our future”!

I see Southeast Community Colleges as a “legend” in its own time. “It is one of the premier community college in the country”! The students that are presently attending the college and, those who have graduated, have nothing but high praise for the instructors and programs. Southeast Community College even offers a mock interview seminar and has a job search program that will assist you in trying to find you a job after graduation. “This is a team I want to be a part of.”

I see my priorities for the college as: 1) College affordability, 2) Access to traditional and online learning and, 3) Continued increase in enrollment.

I hope to use this website as a means of communicating with the community. I look forward to your feedback and comments.