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Connecting the dots

Nuzum introduces nonprofit called Building Community

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Zachariah Nuzum, of Fort Dodge, is all smiles as he stands with clipboard in hand along Central Avenue on Friday. Nuzum, a mentor for Athletics for Education and Success, has started a new nonprofit called Building Community. Its goal is to better connect people to solve problems and form bonds.

In navigating their way through life, too many people try to fend for themselves.

This is according to Zachariah Nuzum, of Fort Dodge, a student support mentor for Athletics for Education and Success.

“Too many people are out there trying to fend for themselves,” he said. “And then they fail and get mad. But they never reached out to anybody.”

One of Nuzum’s goals is to reach people where they are and help them before they feel like they have failed.

To achieve that goal and others, Nuzum has started a nonprofit called Building Community.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Zac Nuzum, of Fort Dodge, holds up a clipboard at City Square Park Friday afternoon. Nuzum is leading an effort to create a nonprofit called Building Community. Its goal is to create better connections, leading to more success and safer neighborhoods.

“Any successful person you name never got there by themselves,” said Nuzum, who was propelled into the public spotlight after delivering a last-minute speech during a candlelight vigil in June. The vigil was held during a time when racial tensions were high after a Black man named George Floyd was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis. The theme of Nuzum’s speech was one of peace.

That speech became a turning point for Nuzum’s focus.

“What set it off was the protests,” he said. “And after I spoke, there was a lot of people asking me, ‘What’s next?’ ‘What are we supposed to do?’ ‘You really think things can change?’

In terms of Nuzum’s nonprofit, his plan is to create a network — one built with the idea of educating and supporting each other.

“I am going to be the dot,” said Nuzum, a native of Toledo, Ohio. “I am going to take that trust and put you in the right place where people can help you.”

To start, Nuzum has been collecting signatures and contact information from interested Fort Dodge residents and business owners.

He plans to communicate with those people on a monthly basis to keep them informed on what’s happening in Fort Dodge or if someone needs specific help.

“Before it gets to a point where things explode, we can respond,” Nuzum said. “Someone just moved here, we will be the first ones to embrace them and help them get a solid foundation. Because families move here and get caught up with the negative so quick and then they want to leave on the first bad experience, ignoring all the good things Fort Dodge has to offer.”

He added, “It’s an organization ready to respond, not react. If there is another shooting, we will protest, but it will be structured. In unison our voice will be heard.”

Nuzum plans to host future events and classes. Events may have guest speakers or a specific topic.

Future classes or sessions that may be offered under the umbrella of Building Community include: leadership classes, social capital, a mentorship program, employment and financial literacy.

Nuzum said he would like the organization to be “purposeful, powerful and positive.”

One of the main purposes is to make meaningful connections.

“The goal is getting to know each other,” he said. “Be comfortable being uncomfortable. We are neighbors whether you like it or not.”

Nuzum moved to Fort Dodge when he was 17. He had worked at Yacht Club Trailers in Humboldt. When the building caught fire in late July, he sought an opportunity at AFES. Through AFES, he provides mentorship within the Fort Dodge Community School District, primarily at Duncombe Elementary School.

Nuzum said his demeanor and outlook has been inspired in part by Martin Luther King Jr., the famous civil rights leader from the 1950s and 1960s.

“There’s no way you can tell me racism is as bad now as it was in the ’60s’,” Nuzum said. “MLK knew who he was. He was a Black man who had purpose at a time when it wasn’t popular to be a Black man. What did he want? Change.

“With racism all around, hate all around, he was focused. He knew this outside noise would not distract him or change his dream. We are trying to change the world and not ourselves. Figure out what you want out of life and everything else is nonexistent. Finding out who you are. That’s what a mentorship program is.”

Through his experiences, Nuzum has seen multiple people in the community with various struggles.

“I’ve been getting messages, people going through so much, feeling like they are alone and they feel I am the last person they can reach out to,” he said. “So many people going through the same struggles. I want the public to know the true meaning of community. So often we get caught up in the world and it’s a bunch of individuals trying to get through life — only reaching out to our own circle or group. It’s a group that just so happens to get along with each other but that’s not community. We are all in this together.

“Where you’re weak, your neighbor may be strong. Where you’re shy or timid to speak up, your neighbor may have that voice. Everybody has something to offer.”

Nuzum said the nonprofit will be a judgment-free environment.

“Where you come and there’s no expectations,” he said. “Expectations ruin relationships. Safe environment for people to be themselves, but get the help they need. If everyone does these investments and common investments in each other, I will feel comfortable having my kids walk to school. They will treat them like their kids.”

Nuzum said he has submitted his paperwork for the 501(c)(3) designation.

To learn more about Building Community, contact Nuzum at 515-269-7158 or email kingzodiac14@yahoo.com.

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