May 17, 2012

VIP Triumphs in Restoring $6 Million in Services to City Budget

“Earlier this year, a faith-based political-action group began putting pressure on Phoenix officials to reinstate some services after noting there was no additional funding planned for after-school programs in the initial version of the city’s budget proposal.

The Valley Interfaith Project, comprised of 40 church, school and neighborhood groups, applauded the council and city officials for agreeing Wednesday to restore nine after-school programs, and to extend swimming pool and library hours….”

Phoenix Budget Reinstates 9 After-School Programs, The Republic

May 14, 2012

Austin Interfaith GOTV Efforts Yield Increases up to 131% in Traditionally Low Turnout Areas

“On April 29th, Austin Interfaith held the largest assembly in the city with 500+ organization members at Mount Olive Baptist Church; the church is located in Precinct 124 in East Austin.  Early voter turnout increased by 65% compared to 2011 council election turnout and by 9:30pm Saturday night had recorded an 85% increase over final election day turnout from 2011.   These increases in raw numbers of voters were the result of coordinated efforts by Austin Interfaith member congregations in East Austin.   Efforts included pulpit announcements to vote in congregations, GOTV walks held by 24 leaders over two weekends and phone banking involving a team of 9 additional leaders from downtown congregations…”

[Photo: Austin Interfaith leader Ofelia Zapata on KXAN]

Increased Voter Turnout in Traditionally Low Voting Precincts, Austin Interfaith

Austin Interfaith Election Day Efforts, KXAN

May 11, 2012

EPISO Leverages Commitments from Candidates on Education, Immigration and Workforce Development

“About 450 people gathered Sunday at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church to listen to candidates vying to represent Precincts 1 and 3 on County Commissioners Court, Districts 75 and 77 in the Texas House of Representatives, and the 16th and 23rd Congressional Districts in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The event was organized by El Paso Interreligious Sponsoring Organization, a non-partisan group…”

[Photo: Mark Lambie, El Paso Times]

Election 2012: 450 Hear Candidates at El Paso Interreligious Sponsoring Organization Session, El Paso Times

May 6, 2012

Working Together Jackson Launches House Meeting Campaign

“Jerry Jones wants a decent place to take his wife to eat where they live in south Jackson. Bill Osborne, a retiree, says abandoned homes are ruining Jackson neighborhoods and wants to work on revitalizing them.  They were among small groups of 10 at a church in south Jackson last week where they were asked to name the one thing they’d be willing to do to improve Jackson….

Working Together Jackson, a new coalition of churches, non-profits and other institutions, plans to hold around a dozen more similar meetings at New Horizon over the next month…”

Diverse Coalition Steps Up: Group Has Worked More than Two Years To Prepare for Action, Clarion Ledger

May 4, 2012

COPS / Metro Alliance Highlights Impact of Anti-Immigrant Laws in Wake of US Supreme Court Hearings

“The archdiocesan Office of Life, Justice and Peace in partnership with Sacred Heart Church, Catholic Relief Services, Mexican American Catholic College and COPS / Metro, celebrated a Mass for Justice on April 25 renewing their commitment in raising awareness of the impact of Arizona immigration law SB1070….

After mass, Sacred Heart Parish sponsored an assembly on immigration to highlight the impact of anti-immigrant laws on families that create fear, vulnerable citizens and concerns of violations of human rights.”

Archdiocese Joins in Nationwide Prayer for Justice at Sacred Heart, Today’s Catholic

May 3, 2012

Northern AZ Interfaith Council Teaches Students to Organize

“CRAFTS at Northern Arizona University, developed in partnership with Northern Arizona Interfaith Council …trains hundreds of students in skills of cross-partisan broad-based community organizing that make their education far more relevant…”

Building Democracy Colleges: A Different Kind of Politics, Huffington Post

April 30, 2012

Austin Interfaith Leverages Commitments on Electricity & Incentive Deals

At an assembly with 504 Austin Interfaith delegates, candidates for City Council and Mayor committed to raising electricity rates no higher than 20% for congregations and to broaden assistance to people with limited incomes.

Candidates were also challenged about publicly funded incentives, as Austin has been the center of high-profile incentive deals in recent years.  Austin Interfaith got all candidates to commit to setting a wage standard for permanent (and construction) workers ranging between $11-20 per hour. Candidates also agreed to a community study and dialogue with Austin Interfaith to determine what constitutes a living wage in Austin.

Candidates for Sheriff and US Congress also committed to working with the organization.

Early Voting Begins in Municipal Races, KXAN

April 30, 2012

Together Baton Rouge Wins Historic $17M Transit Election

Triumph of a proposition for funding public transit follows a 15-month constituency building campaign that brought together diverse institutions from across the city.  Local leaders focused on neighborhood issues and organized a 1,000 person assembly to launch a month long effort to Get Out the Vote.

In photo, Diana Dorroh and Deborah Quinn of Together Baton Rouge team up Saturday morning to walk Baton Rouge neighborhoods and encourage voters to cast their ballot in support of CATS.  [Photo Credit: Libby Isenhower, The Advocate]

One month ago, more than one thousand institutional leaders from across the city convened at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church with a plan to pass a ballot initiative.  This plan relied on thousands of conversations — in congregations, at parks, in neighborhoods — to convince voters to pass a property tax increase to dramatically overhaul the city’s bus system to reduce waiting times and provide better service.  The property tax will raise sufficient funds to expand and improve the Capital Area Transit System, and bring about greater accountability and oversight.

New Force in Community Shows Strength, The Advocate (05/03)

CATS Tax a Victory for Together BR, The Advocate (4/30)

BR, Baker Pass CATS Tax, The Advocate (4/23)

CATS Faces Culture Shift, The Advocate (4/23)

Click here for additional background on Together Baton Rouge’s constituency building campaign.

April 21, 2012

Project IOWA Antidote to Critical Skilled Worker Shortage

“Project IOWA is a faith-based initiative in Des Moines that provides worker training….’The workers know this is their best chance at changing their lives, and they’re giving it their all,’ said Fugenschuh…”

Des Moines Area Community College welding student Jason Gregory, right, works with instructor Jeff Pratt. Gregory is part of Project Iowa, which was founded by AMOS and helps workers get the training they need to find jobs.

[Photo Credit: David Purdy, The Register]

Job Training Programs Available, Des Moines Register

Iowa Sees Shortage of Skilled Workers, Des Moines Register

April 10, 2012

Pima County Interfaith Council Key Part of Sanctuary History

“Casa San Juan was started in 2002 by the Diocese of Tucson, at the request of leaders and members of the St. John the Evangelical Catholic Church.

One of its founders, the Rev. Raul Trevizo, said the center was started in a joint effort with the Pima County Interfaith Council, an organization of churches in the area…”

[Photo: Diana Martinez, Cronkite News Service]

Tucsonans Have Long History of Offering Sanctuary, Tucson Sentinel

April 1, 2012

AMOS Unveils Plans for Biggest Skateboard Park in US

“On Saturday, A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy (AMOS)…unveiled a preliminary design for the park at the Subsect Skate Shop in Des Moines’ East Village.

The facility will feature all three of the main structures skateboarders prefer: a deep vertical bowl, a “flow section” that recreates the experience of downhill skateboarding, and a plaza with stairs and rails, Rogers said…”

Skate Park Designed With Skateboarders in Mind, Des Moines Register

[Photo Credit: Bryon Houlgrave, Des Moines Register]

March 29, 2012

COPA Leaders to Sign Up 30,000 Voters in Monterey County

“Peter Stemp, ministry outreach coordinator at the Diocese of Monterey, is helping collect signatures for COPA’s Stand Up and Take Charge Campaign, launched March 12. They’re 200 signatures toward an October goal of 30,000, in support of a broad agenda: the rights to affordable housing, healthcare, safety, economic opportunity and education for citizens and immigrants alike.”

Coalition of Faith and Community Groups Seeks 30,000 Signatures for Political Agenda, Monterey County Weekly

[Photo Credit: Nick Coury, Monterey Bay Weekly]

March 24, 2012

VOICE Leaders Fight Proposed Electricity Rate IncreaseIncrease

“Linda Clark, a VOICE leader who attends St. Charles Borromeo, said the issues VOICE will bring to the forefront are those that the poor, immigrants and other marginalized community members have identified as important to them.

Group Hopes to Become Community VOICE, News OK

March 23, 2012

PCIC Calls on AZ Corporate Commission to Approve Electricity Plan

“Existing programs that save Tucson Electric Power customers money on their energy bills will be cut significantly. That’s the bottom line reached at the end of the March 16 Arizona Corporation Commission public hearing….

The story: TEP must meet the Arizona Energy Efficiency Standards unanimously adopted by the ACC and overwhelmingly supported by small businesses, organizational leaders and citizens throughout Arizona.”

ACC Should Stop Stalling and Approve TEP Energy-Efficiency Plan, Arizona Daily Star

March 22, 2012

1,000 Leaders Fight for Better Bus System in Baton Rouge

“A wheelchair-using retired U.S. Air Force captain who travels to the hospital by bus three times a week.

A New York transplant who hoped to get to her job without having to purchase a vehicle.

A Southern University student who does not want to traverse a dark campus late at night.

A city planner who wants to foster economic development.

These are just some of the people who said Tuesday they will be voting for a proposed 10.6-mill property tax on April 21 to expand and improve the Capital Area Transit System.

“We are you Baton Rouge,” CATS rider Rebecca Arnold said. “We are all skin colors, all ages …””

Photo: Joseph Sterling, retired US Air Force Captain, Together Baton Rouge
Credit: Heather McClelland, Advocate staff

Event urges CATS support, The Advocate
Together BR rallies, WBRZ Channel 2
Transit reform rally held, WAFB Channel 9
Participants want reform, WVLA Channel 33

March 14, 2012

COPA Launches Voter Signup Campaign in Central California

“Tony Cardoso didn’t think there was much point to voting. After all, what could his one vote do?  Then he learned about an organization of 24 religious, education and nonprofit groups working together to solve economic and social justice issues….Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action, or COPA, launched a campaign Monday to push for affordable housing, health care access, public safety, economic and educational opportunity, and immigration reform.”

Campaign Seeks to Enlist Voters in Support of Social Change: COPA Sets Agenda for Host of Issues Including Housing, Immigration, Santa Cruz Sentinel

COPA Lanza Campana, Univision

COPA Plans to Fight Foreclosures, SantaCruz.Com

March 14, 2012

OTOC Fights for Prenatal Care in Nebraska

“Omaha Together One Community (OTOC) joins the Nebraska Catholic Conference, United Methodist Church leadership, Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska and many other medical, religious and social institutions in support of Legislative Bill 599.

This common-sense legislation would restore prenatal care for all low-income women without regard to their immigration status — an investment in families that Nebraska has been making for more than 20 years…”

Midlands Voices: Prenatal Care is Moral Imperative, Omaha World Herald

February 28, 2012

Dallas Area Interfaith Calls on Hospital District to Fix Crisis

Dallas Area Interfaith, a “grassroots advocacy group, which pushed Dallas City Hall to hire more police and Collin County to fund more indigent health care, exhorted the [Parkland Health and Hospital System] board to fix widespread failures that have threatened safety and brought Parkland to the brink of closure.”

Dallas Area Interfaith Calls on Parkland’s Board, UTSW to Fix the Site, Dallas Morning News

February 12, 2012

1,180 Leaders Launch VOICE in Oklahoma City

"Four years ago, a group of concerned citizens began the Oklahoma Sponsoring Committee (now called Voices Organized in Civic Engagement, or VOICE) to advocate for the residents of Oklahoma City. They held dozens of small meetings in churches and public places to understand the concerns of the local people—the struggling local schools, an inadequate public transportation system, the lack of dignity afforded to undocumented immigrants and the lack of opportunities for people after getting out of prison."

On February 12th, almost 1,200 leaders from 23 institutions and 8 denominations gathered to launch VOICE: Voices Organized in Civic Engagement.  Dr. George Young, pastor of Holy Temple Baptist Church asked, "Who will speak for me?  ...Do you hear the rumbling?...Do you hear the roar?...I add my voice to the roar: VOICE!"

Video of Founding Convention, Dr. George Young [4:11]

VOICE for the Voiceless, World Next Door

Voice Facebook Page, VOICE-OKC

January 24, 2012

Arizona Interfaith Network Supports Arizona Accord on Immigration

Arizona Accord Aims to Guide Immigration Dialogue, Arizona Republic

January 20, 2012

Albuquerque Interfaith Gears Up for Legislative Fight

After helping fend off Gov. Martinez’s efforts to rescind drivers’ licenses for undocumented immigrants last fall, Albuquerque Interfaith leaders are gearing up to fight it for the third time.  To this end, they organized two actions with over 350 leaders, including a day long legislative training session.  Sixteen institutions committed to meet consistently with legislators during the 20 day session.  Leaders will also ask  legislators to invest part of New Mexico’s $12B Permanent Land Grant Fund into schools and early childhood education.

January 19, 2012

Valley Interfaith Convenes 2nd Interfaith Immigration Conference

“About 60 clergy leaders from the Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran and Methodist churches took part in Valley Interfaith’s second annual conference to promote immigration reform and educate religious leaders about its issues. The convocation follows Valley Interfaith’s October 2010 event where church leaders unveiled what they believed should be principles of immigration reform, such as upholding family unity, providing legal avenues for migrant workers and creating a path toward citizenship.

But Thursday’s convocation was highlighted by the personal stories of immigrants cornered by the nation’s laws…”

Photo features Bishop Daniel Flores of the Brownsville Catholic Diocese seated with Rev. Linda Whitworth-Reed of the First Presbyterian Church of McAllen.

Valley Religious Leaders Call for Humane Immigration Laws, Rio Grande Valley Monitor

Bishop Flores: Laws Exist for Good of Human Community, Rio Grande Guardian

[Photo Credit: Joel Martinez, Rio Grande Valley Monitor]

January 18, 2012

PCIC Negotiates Local Lending for Tucson Energy Program

Last summer, Pima County Interfaith Council (PCIC) leaders learned that local residents would be required to use an out-of-state bank for loans under Tucson Electric Power’s 2011 Energy Efficiency Proposal.  Knowing this would create a stumbling block for individuals, and knowing Tucson’s local economy would benefit from local financing, PCIC requested that the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) require a local bank.  ACC staff agreed to make this recommendation—IF—PCIC could find a local lender.  PCIC leaders met with many bank and credit union officers.

Result:  an innovative agreement between Tucson Electric Power and Vantage West Credit Union for loans to local ratepayers.

January 13, 2012

Austin Interfaith Fights Energy Rate Hike on Churches & Poor

“Church leaders are banding together to fight a proposed Austin Energy rate increase that they say will hurt their ability to help the poor in the community.

Austin Churches Unite to Oppose Energy Rate Hike, KVUE News

Austin Interfaith Statements, Austin Channel 6 [Citizen Communication Start at 0:30 & 20:25; Also at Item 107, Part 3 at 33:46]

Be Heard Today on Electricity Rate Increase, KUT

January 13, 2012

NCLISC Raises $300K for Training in Louisiana Delta

The Northern & Central Louisiana Interfaith Sponsoring Committee leveraged an additional $300 thousand in order to expand workforce development project New Opportunities, Vision, Achievement (NOVA) into three rural regions of the Louisiana Delta.  $150 thousand came from the federally established Delta Regional Authority and required approval from Republican Governor  Jindal.  Another $150 thousand came from a private foundation.  NOVA enrollees typically start out earning below minimum wage; graduates earn more than double that within one year of completion.

January 7, 2012

TMO Combats ‘Fortress Mentality’ in Houston Neighborhoods

Whose Property Rights Are Being Protected?, Houston Chronicle

January 6, 2012

Together Baton Rouge Fights for Better Public Transit

“Perhaps because it was held in a church, or because so many clergy and faithful were in the hall, a recent Together Baton Rouge luncheon saw at least a minor miracle: Political leaders were made to pay attention to the concerns of poor people.

More than 200 ministers and lay leaders of congregations across the city urged the members of the Metro Council present, about half of the council’s membership, to pay attention to the burgeoning transit crisis.”

Our Views: A New Push for Transit, The Advocate

January 5, 2012

Pomona Leaders Deliver 2,700 New Letters to City Hall

“Residents living near the proposed site of the transfer station and leaders of the Pomona Valley cluster of One LA, gathered the [2,700] letters that call for City Council members to refrain from scheduling an appeal hearing for the proposed project….

Among those in the group who delivered the letters was Anselmo Olmos, a retired construction worker who lives about a block away from the site of the proposed transfer station…Among Olmos’ concerns is the impact of the proposed project on the health of a 2-year-old grandson who is a heart transplant recipient living near the site…Olmos spent much of November and December talking with residents on neighborhood streets asking they sign the letters that were delivered to City Hall.  ‘I spoke with mothers, and the majority said their children have asthma,’ Olmos said.

The majority of residents and business people he approached signed letters.”

[Photo: Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/Daily Bulletin Photographer]

Opponents of Pomona Waste Transfer Station Deliver Protest Letters; Item Off Monday’s Agenda, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Pomona Protests Dump Station Near Schools, California Teacher’s Association

Pomona Transfer Station Proponent Plans Education Campaign With the Public, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin [01/15]

December 31, 2011

‘No Arguing the Fact That Project Quest Works’

San Antonio’s Workforce Development Task Force, composed of a diverse collection of city and county representatives, leaders in the business and health community, and executives from two universities and a community college, reported their findings and unanimous recommendation to City Council: “Expand funding for long term training program Project Quest.”

The San Antonio Express News editorial board declared, “There is no arguing the fact that Project Quest works.”

Project Quest Program Faces Fiscal Challenges: Leaders Taking Proactive Approach to Keep Program Viable, San Antonio Express-News

December 27, 2011

VIP Leaders Detail Sheriff Arpaio’s Neglect in El Mirage, AZ

“The Department of Justice’s announcement of allegations of civil-rights violations in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office have added to the cascade of non-stop bad press for Joe Arpaio. It’s quite different from five years ago in El Mirage, when there was scant willingness to recognize the department’s neglect.

The story began in our West Valley city with an organized response to a tragic death….”

Continuing Scrutiny Warranted for Sheriff’s Office, The Arizona Republic

December 21, 2011

Together Baton Rouge Celebrates, Looks Forward

"Better wages, improved schools, grocery stores in northern neighborhoods and local tax revenue dedicated to mass transit are among the goals Together Baton Rouge plans to work toward in 2012, leaders of the church and nonprofit coalition announced Tuesday.  'We’re here to celebrate the accomplishments of 2011, and they are considerable,' the Rev. Melvin Rushing, pastor of Progressive Baptist Church and Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, told hundreds of supporters."

Coalition Sets 2012 Goals, The Advocate

December 20, 2011

AMOS Leverages $100 Thousand for Project IOWA

In Iowa, AMOS won an additional $100 thousand for Project IOWA; Republican Governor Branstad included the project as a line item in the state budget as demonstration of support.  Twenty students were selected and are prepared to begin coursework in early 2012.

December 20, 2011

The Border Organization Expands Into Elementary Schools

Along the Southern border of Texas, one leader’s confrontation helped triple The Border Organization’s reach into local elementary schools.  When a principal failed to split up a kindergarten class that had 32 children, against district policy, her inaction was challenged by a mother after school.

The principal dismissed her, claiming lack of time.  The mom’s response:  “My floors are unswept, the beds are unmade and my husband is preparing his own meal — you have time to talk.”

She then got the superintendent on the phone to remind the principal to hire the added teacher.  A new teacher was hired that day, and the superintendent invited The Border Organization to organize house meetings in three schools.

December 16, 2011

Austin Interfaith Fights for Higher Wages in City Subsidy Deal

Leaders piled into City Hall to ask City council members to raise the minimum workers would be paid.  Says Garcia,”When we’re using public funds we’ve got to bring in jobs where families can at least afford to eat.”

Controversy Surrounds New Jobs Coming to Austin, KVUE-ABC

December 6, 2011

Veteran Columnist Says: Don’t Let Politics Diminish Capital IDEA

“When University of Texas researchers studied the long-term benefits of an intensive Austin job training program called Capital IDEA, they found that graduates enjoyed a steady trajectory in earnings and within six years earned salaries that were $12,000 a year higher than participants in ordinary job-placement programs.

It’s a textbook example of an effective program,” says Daniel G. Schroeder, of the Ray Marshall Center at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs. Traditional government programs usually focus on getting unemployed people into any job; programs like Capital IDEA’s “develop a person’s human potential” with education that pays huge dividends over time. It’s not just a subsistence paycheck, it’s a future.”

Don’t Let Politics Diminish a Capital IDEA, Houston Chronicle

November 24, 2011

Capital IDEA Boosts Outcomes for Graduates AND Their Children

“Eloina Serna wasn’t the only one in her family who benefited when she signed up with Capital IDEA…. 90 percent of [graduates'] children who are now 18 or older earned a high school diploma and 64 percent of those children earned a college degree or are currently enrolled….”

Capital IDEA was founded in 1998 by Austin Interfaith, in partnership with Central Texas business leaders, to lift “families out of poverty through workforce training, especially in high-demand occupations such as health care, information technology, utilities and skilled trades.”  Capital IDEA graduate Eloina Serna poses with son in photo above.

Workforce Training of Parents Boosts Children’s Aspirations, Austin American Statesman

[Photo Credit: Laura Skelding, Austin American Statesman]

November 21, 2011

Together Baton Rouge Rebuilds: Cemetery, Bridges, Transit

“More than 150 community activists on Tuesday applauded a state agency’s move to sue the owners and overseer of a historic north Baton Rouge cemetery they say has fallen into an embarrassing state of neglect.

The three lawsuits…set the stage for appointment of a receiver to take over managing Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery, Assistant Attorney General Ryan Seidemann told members of Together Baton Rouge at a luncheon meeting at St. Mary Baptist Church.”  In photo, leader Roena Wilford shows how graves crisscross.

Read below for additional stories about bridge opening, cemetery cleanup and transit strategy.

Officials Open Bridge After 2 Years, The Advocate (11/21)

Together Baton Rouge: Help CATS Again, The Advocate (11/16)

Our Views: Giving Back In Community, The Advocate (11/09)

Crowds Turn Out for Cemetery Cleanup, The Advocate (11/06)

Baton Rouge Cemetery Suit Applauded, The Advocate (11/04)

[Photo Credit: Bill Feig, The Advocate]

November 16, 2011

WTOS Leaders Fight for Mandated Inspections of Rental Properties in San Angelo

“It is not uncommon to have structural damage in which elderly people break hips sitting on a commode that falls through a rotten bathroom floor, to have visitors injured stepping onto an unsafe porch or children cut on broken glass from broken windows,” states Craig Meyers of West Texas Organizing Strategy.

City Looks at Better Oversight of Rental Properties: Ordinance Would Mandate Inspections, San Angelo Standard Times

November 16, 2011

400 COPA Leaders Commit to ‘Stand Up Take Charge’ Campaign

In mid-November, more than 400 COPA leaders (from 24 institutions across Monterey and Salinas counties) launched their first-ever “Stand Up and Take Charge” campaign with a goal of organizing 20,000 voters in support of a common agenda of issues including health care, education, affordable housing, economic opportunity, immigration and safety.  Leaders see this as a way to engage in public life and cut through the state of divisive, hyper-partisan politics in California.  Leaders ratified a year-long plan that includes a regional agenda of issues, a core team of 60 captains, 400 leaders responsible for signing up 50 voters each and accountability sessions with county supervisorial candidate in May and US Congressman Sam Farr in October.

November 14, 2011

One LA Assembles to Address Health, Homes and Schools

In a November meeting, One LA assembled 678 people from 20 institutions to consolidate organizing and recruitment efforts in the San Fernando Valley and conduct public business around foreclosures, healthcare and education.  State, city and school district officials committed to working with leaders to pressure banks to lower loan amounts, pass an Assembly bill that would give state officials the power to regulate increases in health insurance rates, and improve the health of school meal plans while attending to children’s tastes.

Communities Gather for Change, Los Angeles Daily News

[Photo Credit: David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News]

November 9, 2011

WTOS Leaders Celebrate Power Behind Victories

“Sometimes the ‘least expected’ grandmother-type stands face to face with an elected official, not only getting that official’s attention, a hearing, but also getting a mayor’s personal cellphone number and an important friendship….It is in the power of churches from all areas of the city coming together to speak up, to fight for justice that WTOS obtains credibility among local city, county and state officials in their efforts to speak together…”

Glenda Harbert: Coalition Makes All Our Lives Better, San Angelo Standard Times

Floyd Crider: Housing Will Help in Many Ways, San Angelo Standard Times

Beatrice Torres: $4M in Revenue, $36 Million in Local Aid, San Angelo Standard Times

November 1, 2011

One LA-IAF Fights for Community Driven Foreclosure Prevention

While interviewed on KCRW’s ‘To the Point’, One LA-IAF leader Yvonne Mariajimenez asserted that the One LA foreclosure prevention plan “provides a better return for investors than going through with foreclosure.”  This is the same plan that has been adopted by the City of Los Angeles.

Beltway Bubble, KCRW [skip to 26:41 to hear the plan]

October 31, 2011

IAF Co-Director Ernesto Cortes Speaks on Workforce Development

IAF Co-Director Ernesto Cortés Jr., participated in a panel discussion alongside Robert Walsh, NYC Small Business Services Commissioner, and Ray Suarez of PBS Newshour; the event was hosted by the Aspen Institute.

Cortes asserts, “There are all kinds of sectors which are begging people to come into their profession, but unfortunately there are not the long-term job training programs to revive those skilled workers…. A lot of the work we’ve had to do is the political work of creating the political will …to create the funding streams to pay for training…”

Watch video of roundtable here: What Will It Take? Building the Economy We Want, The Aspen Institute

Today’s Jobs Require Long-Term Training, Kansas City Infozine