Capital IDEA celebrated its 15th anniversary and 1,000th graduate at the Norris Conference Center in Austin. Elizabeth Soltero, the 1,000th graduate entertained the crowd with her story of triumph -- learning English then learning her third language, Technical English, before landing a job in computer security. Elected city and county officials were in attendance, and other graduates honored -- including a single father who not only worked his way through college, but volunteered at his son's pre-school.

Facebook Album, Capital IDEA

Leaders of the Border Organization confronted Democratic Party candidates for two seats on the Val Verde County Commissioners Court, Precinct 2, asking them whether they would work with the organization to address the clearing of dirty lots, demolition of abandoned homes, lighting on dark streets and roundup of stray animals.

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Perhaps for the first-time ever, representatives from Nebraska Associations as disparate as Restaurants, Cattlemen and Dairy joined the owner of Campbell's Nurseries and the co-chair of IAF organization Omaha Together One Community (OTOC) in a strongly worded plea for support of immigration reform. Stating that "the current immigration system hinders Nebraska employers from maintaining a stable workforce and hurts law-abiding Nebraska businesses" they note that "there is nothing 'seasonal' about feeding or caring for livestock," among other occupations.

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Leaders from IAF organizations across Louisiana gathered at Shiloh Baptist Church Saturday, February 15 for a conference that aims to disrupt the status quo at the legislature this year by preparing hundreds of leaders on issues ranging from payday lending, mass incarceration, higher education and the environment.

Together Louisiana Prepares for State Legislative Session, WAFB TV

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Northern and Central Louisiana Interfaith leaders hosted a summit in which university presidents responded to questions about the impact of state budget cuts to economic growth in Louisiana and about investments universities need to provide quality affordable education. Leaders highlighted the importance of affordable high education as a gateway to the middle-class for lower income residents. They additionally drew attention to studies documenting that for every $1 invested in higher ed, the state enjoys $8 in additional economic activity.

The summit was held in collaboration with the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Grambling State University, Louisiana Delta Community College and Louisiana Tech University. In photo, Grambling President Frank Pogue and ULM President Nick Bruno lead a discussion.

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"Lolina Peña, a leader in The Border Organization (TBO), told members of the Del Rio City Council that on Monday, she and Sandra Fuentes, another TBO leader, attended a meeting of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) Board of Directors and again urged the board not to consider water from Val Verde County as a water source for San Antonio."

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Even with a Board that included a Supervisor elected by the Tea Party, PCIC leaders leveraged a unanimous vote (5-0) in support of a resolution making Pima an "immigrant welcoming county."

Bud Foster of KOLD-TV reports that half the speakers were against the resolution. However, he notes, "the opponents were not organized like the supporters were. Most of this crowd ere from the Pima County Interfaith Council." In photo, PCIC leaders pre-meet before filing into the boardroom. Fr. Tom Tureman of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Rev. Randy Mayer of Good Shepherd of United Church of Christ spoke on behalf of the organization.

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Rick Cohen of NonProfit Quarterly has a few recommendations for US Vice President Joe Biden as he plans his next steps:

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"A prime example of how the Sisters of Divine Providence practice ... is through the decades of dedication, hard work and efforts put forth by Sisters Christine Stephens and Pearl Ceasar. For over 30 years, these women of faith have worked diligently.... Their work and that of others from the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) has created a domino effect nation-wide that has trained thousands of ordinary citizens to be leaders and organize to be heard and bring about change. Hundreds of communities have become stronger, more viable and visible. IAF is a national network of organizers acknowledged by the Catholic Bishops to train and engage citizens within not only Catholic parishes and surrounding communities but from congregations of many faith traditions, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian."

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Since last year's victory in busting through political blockage to resurrect the Low Income Health Plan, Viacare, over 3,000 Monterey County residents have enrolled, doubling last year's projections. In addition to this, and in partnership with the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, COPA institutions reached over 2500 people through civic academies about the Affordable Care Act.

County Extends Health Insurance Bridge Program, Obamacare Enrollment Kicks In, Monterey County Weekly