Community Building Initiative (CBI) is a nonprofit organization established in 1997 by government and civic leaders that works to achieve racial and ethnic inclusion and equity in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. Charlotte-Mecklenburg is marked by its rich identity as an historic New South community - an identity that continually evolves as its population becomes more racially, ethnically and culturally diverse. Patterns of racial and social trust that affect the community's health and viability are as challenging today as they have been in the past. CBI helps the people and institutions of this community study, understand and act on both the opportunities and challenges that arise as Charlotte-Mecklenburg experiences these dramatic changes. CBI convenes and engages individuals, organizations and institutions in a structured and effective process around issues of racial and ethnic inclusion and equity. CBI is a vital part of the community's capacity for addressing broad issues around demographic, cultural and social change rooted in race and ethnicity and serves in this role as: a collaborator and convener an educator and communicator a strategic partner to individuals, institutions and organizations