[Dialogue] congregation-based community organizing

[R Williams]

Martin,
   
  Spinoffs of the Saul Alinsky "Industrial Areas Foundation" movement are the nearest examples of this that I know of in the US.  One of the leaders is Ernesto Cortes who started COPS in San Antonio and Valley Interfaith in the Texas Rio Grande Valley among farm workers.  There are other "interfaith organizations" such as, in the area where I live, Dallas Area Interfaith and Collin County Interfaith.  Just google "Industrial Areas Foundation."  In various areas these and other local groups like ACORN have been partially funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, sponsored by the US Catholic Bishops.
   
  By the way, Ernie Cortes went to RS-1 many years ago in San Antonio and was for a while associated with the local cadre.  I'm sure he remembers us but don't know what he would say about the experience.  He has become quite well known in the field of community organizing.  You might google him as well.
   
  Randy Williams

"Martin Gilbraith (ICA:UK)" <martin at ica-uk.org.uk> wrote:
  Dear all, 

Do any of our colleagues in the US have any experience of "congregation-based 
community organizing"? 

My partner Derek is involved with the Faith Network for Manchester where we live here 
in the UK, and it is exploring new ways to increase the influence of faith communities and 
others in decision-making processes. The mechanism of "congregation-based 
community organizing" (CCBO) is being used and Greg Galluzzo, Director of the 
Gamaliel Foundation in the US, is supporting the initiative. 

If any of you have any experience of working or supporting such a way of working, Derek 
would be grateful to hear of it, and any advantages or pitfalls. Have any of the ICA ToP 
or other tools been used? 

many thanks,
Martin


--
Martin Gilbraith, Director 

ICA:UK, registered charity #1090745 & company limited by 
guarantee #3970365
registered in England & Wales, at 41 Old Birley Street, Manchester 
M15 5RF
tel/fax: 0845 450 0305 or 0161 232 8444 - website: www.ica-
uk.org.uk

a member of the Institute of Cultural Affairs International
"concerned with the human factor in world development"




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