Where Is the Power?! Convening Recap
by Dan Gregory, Strategic Communications Manager
WHERE IS THE POWER?
IN OUR HANDS!
Those words rang out loud and clear as nearly 300 people from 50 congregations gathered in the Meeting House of Colonial Church in Edina on September 13th to publically declare their commitment to work toward the goal of ending homelessness. With a doubling of attendance from the previous convening, there was a level of enthusiasm that we have not seen before!
The gathering was highlighted by the presentation of three bold goals for the coming years:
- Create 100-150 new homes with family supportive services.
- Create a dedicated public funding source that includes rental assistance.
- Welcome the new Governor to the next convening in January.
Adding to the excitement of the evening was the presence of three key elected officials who committed to be our allies in this effort. Mayor Janet Williams of Savage, Hennepin County Commissioner Debbie Goettel, and Mayor Jacob Fry of Minneapolis each took their turn at the podium to voice their support for the three initiatives, including helping to make sure the new Governor joins us in January. It will be critical to get the ear of the Governor early in his term in order to make sure that legislators know that these initiatives are a priority for the State of Minnesota.
Elected officials have told us repeatedly that they listen to their constituents. We know that, as individuals, we each have the power to influence public policy. As a collaboration of over 80 congregations – and growing! – we have the collective power to change the lives of hundreds of families. It is this power that we intend to harness in order to be a voice for those of us in need of a home.
So, if you were at the gathering in September, Thank You for flexing your muscles and declaring YOUR power! We hope to see 1,000 of our congregants in January so our voice can be heard all the way to St. Paul!
