ANNIVERSARY OF THE
FIRST MEETING OF THE
COMMUNITY FORUM FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE
On April 22, 2006, we organized the first
"COMMUNITY FORUM ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,
Improving our Quality of Life.”
It was a great success, bringing together activists who represented groups focusing on a variety of social and economic issues that challenge the residents of St. Joseph County. We had several speakers that year. Greg LeRoy came from “Good Jobs First,” a national resource center in D.C. that promotes corporate and governmental accountability in economic development. Madeline Janis brought examples from the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy. Marty Wolfson presented our local analysis of economic development — that it means much more than attracting and/or retaining business. When successful, economic development improves the quality of life of all residents of our community.
The 2006 Forum was a success because it began the process of changing the conversation about economic development, at least in St. Joseph County. Workshop discussions were concrete and spirited — a predictor of what was to develop over the next 10 years of monthly public forums that helped to change the conversation on many issues of social and economic justice.
The 2006 Forum attracted elected and appointed decision-makers from municipal, county, and state government. Some came to listen; others participated in the program. We have continued, during the past 10 years, to monitor the activities of these decision-makers and to advocate for transparency, accountability, and changes in policies that limit economic justice.
Our efforts have also led to multiple organizing projects that promote economic justice — a revised St. Joseph County tax abatement ordinance, efforts to save the LaSalle public library, help in organizing a farmers’ market in a West Side food desert, support for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance project, support for CAFÉ and the growing movement to end the School to Prison Pipeline — and many more examples.
You have participated in this movement against economic injustice. If you are receiving this email, you are a member or past member of the Community Forum, or you have been a regular participation in our programs and activities. But we have much more to accomplish and we continue to need your involvement. Here are some ways that you can help.
1. Continue to participate in the monthly Community Forum meetings.
2. Become active in one of our current organizing projects. Are you particularly interested in Jobs and Income, Education, or Housing? Send a message to sjc.cfed@gmail.com and expect to hear from one of these committees.
3. Become a member of the Community Forum if you are not one already. A few years ago we decided that membership in the Community Forum changes for each calendar year. We don’t have the human resources to keep track of anything that is more complicated! So if you aren’t yet a member for 2016, we invite you to become one. Membership is only $10 per year, but some people offer more, becoming sustainers, friends or allies. See our website for more information (http://communityforum.typepad.com/my_weblog/community-forum-viewpoints.html) Go to the page labeled “Join the Community Forum.”
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PART IN BUILDING AND GROWING A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE.