As Andrea Swanson described how her teenage daughter was preyed upon by her boyfriend turned pimp, it became clear that neither Andrea nor her daughter's teachers or school counselors had spotted any of the warning signs. After NCG Leaders met with Las Vegas police and other authorities, they learned that child sex trafficking is a growing problem. But, NCG's organizing work is bringing about much needed change. The Clark County School District recently instituted mandatory trainings for their staff to spot the warning signs and NCG leaders are now working on statewide legislation that would give law enforcement the tools to protect children and prosecute pimps.

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Northern & Central Louisiana Interfaith Sponsoring Committee leaders Reverend John Henson (left) and Father Rothell Price (right) led a celebration of the passage of their "'Minimal Living Standards Amendment,' which now requires landlords to provide a modicum of upkeep on the property they rent out."

Leaders also leveraged commitments from their council members to to visit their labor market intermediary, NOVA, in Monroe.

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"The number of Nevada children dragged into prostitution is on the rise — a scary reality that will take a community effort to reverse, a Metro Police lieutenant told the... Las Vegas Valley Interfaith Sponsoring Committee hosted a discussion at the Islamic Society of Nevada about child sex trafficking." Metro Vice Unit Lt. Karen Hughes addresses 150 leaders (photo right).

Las Vegas is 'Ground Zero' for Child Sex Trafficking, Metro Vice Officer Says, Las Vegas Sun

'Nevadans For the Common Good' leader Rabbi Sanford Akselrad and organizer Robert Hoo appear on 'Face to Face' with John Ralston to discuss the lessons of 9/11.

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"Travis Heights is looking to partner with Education Austin and Austin Interfaith to start an in-district charter model allowing the school to have more autonomy. The school would focus on curriculum with its dual-language program, service learning model and a piloted blended learning program that incorporates digital media, Carstarphen said. 'They're not asking for more money; they're asking for more flexibility....'"

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COPS / Metro Alliance "recently gathered folks — including parishioners at member parishes, the San Antonio police chief and a city councilman — for a "walk for the West Side." It was really something akin to a listening tour, hearing what residents in the neighborhoods and housing projects around St. Timothy's Catholic Church had to say about their circumstances.

I tagged along...."

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"Renewed hope was the sentiment of most people attending a Sept. 6 health care assembly, after state officials committed to create a system where public and private insurance providers offer education, affordable insurance and quality care…"

State Officials Urges to Make Healthcare More Affordable, The Tidings

Thirty six workforce development trainees graduated this summer from Project IOWA, a 21st century workforce development initiative established by AMOS. 86% are now established in career-track jobs with full-benefits and are earning, on average, $15 / hour. Some advanced manufacturing graduates started at $20 / hour!

 

"Since arriving in Las Vegas in late 2008, I have witnessed a new spirit that leads me to believe that our valley is determined to become a more caring and compassionate community. If there is anything positive to come out of the economic recession, it is the realization that we must all work together to support one another..."

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"The Capital Area Transit System received an 'A' on its first public accountability report card for meeting expectations tied to the passage of the 10.6-mill property tax in April.

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