Realizing The Promise Blog

Peace Out from Realizing the Promise

2008-12-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

After a closing prayer, we were led in the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

It was a seriously inspiring moment. It's been a while since I've sang that song... especially with hundreds of people. But, I definitely remembered all the words.

I'm going to propose something. On January 20th, let's Lift Every Voice and Sing outside the White House and all across the world.

At this point, people are slowly rolling out. Everyone seems empowered and eager to continue the invaluable work they are doing in their communities.

Even if you did not attend the forum, we are all still responsible for the future of our country. We must plan, implement, create and use our voices. As we heard in the closing remarks, go out and "GET IT DID!"

Valerie Jarrett

2008-12-04T14:13:00.001-08:00

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Senior Advisor to Obama-Biden White House. She posed the question - Are you fired up?!

Call to Action

2008-12-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well... As the evening is coming to a close, each speaker had the increasingly heavier task of firing up a crowd who has been sitting for over 2 hours. With a spirited speech, a leader from USAction told us the three things we need to do when returning to our communities. They are as follows -

1) Organize

2) Organize

3)and, uh... Organize

If you happen to forget the last step, please refer to step 1.

Watch the Opening Video

2008-12-04T14:03:00.001-08:00

Valerie Jarrett, Sr. Advisor to the Obama-Biden White House

2008-12-04T13:54:00.001-08:00

Jarrett says she's been a bit nervous to move to Washington because she's always complained about Washington. I'm sure she's not alone on that one.

She says our work begins today and the challenges are daunting. But, if we move ahead together, we can accomplish a lot. She urges us to not talk about all the issues that divide us. Let's talk about the things we have in common.

Her closing question - "Are you fired up?" I think the answer here is a resounding YES!

As Jarrett takes her seat, our MCs led the audience in a chant of "Fired up, and ready to go!" And, guess what, the whole auditorium was on the same beat.

Second Roundtable: Democracy in the New America Pt. 3

2008-12-04T13:49:00.001-08:00

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A wide shot of the 2nd Roundtable

Closing Address

2008-12-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

The Closing Address is given by Valerie Jarrett, Co-Chair, Obama-Biden Transition Project & White House Sr. Advisor. She is being introduced by Pastor Michael H. Harrison Sr., President Ohio Baptist State Convention/Ohio Organizing Collaborative.

Harrison gives a rousing introduction to a cheering, applauding and standing audience. Is it a coincidence that the lights are flashing on and off??? People are hype!

Si se puede!

Second Roundtable: Democracy in the New America Pt. 3

2008-12-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

Maria Socorro Pesquiera, Pres & CEO, Mujeres Latinas en Accion/Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights - We need to stop looking at immigrants as a hindrance instead of a part of our country. How can our immigrant communities be a strength in communities and empower them.

Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) - I'm excited to be here with Melody Barnes because it shows that President-Elect Obama is honestly interested in listening to the people.

Second Roundtable: Democracy in the New America Pt. 2

2008-12-04T13:39:00.001-08:00

If we have a stimulus that doesn't help all people, it doesn't work for America. For a change, people with good will are moving into the White House.

Rev. Grant Stevensen, President ISIAH - The crisis that we face in this country is not only about failed policy. It is also about a bad balance of power. It's the same people who sit at the table making decisions that effect "regular people." Big oil companies and CEOs are sitting at the table. Regular people should be sitting at that table too. There's a difference in what needs to happen in Youngstown, OH is different from what needs to happen in St. Paul, MN. Who else knows better than the people who live in those communities.

Second Roundtable: Democracy in the New America

2008-12-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

What would you advise community organizers to do now that one of them is in office -

Melody Barnes, Director of Domestic Policy Council for President-Elect Obama's White House - We have elected a different kind of president. We've talked about humanity and the need to be heard. We now have a president elect who understands that. We have to rely that YOU have. The faith, immigrant, activist communities. We are counting on you to uise your voice so we can bring stability back to our country.

As Barnes speaks, people stand and cheer and throw their fists in the air! Word up.

First Roundtable: A People's Perspective on the Economic Crisis

2008-12-04T13:23:00.001-08:00

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The Honorable Luis Guitierrez, (D) IL on the History of Discrimination of Immigrants to the US

2008-12-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

We brought in Chinese people to build railroads, then we didn't want any Chinese people in our country. People said they didn't want the dirty and filthy immigrants coming into the country - and they were talking about the Irish.

We were wrong about the Chinese and Irish, and we are wrong with scapegoating immigrants today for our economic crisis.

First Roundtable: A People's Perspective on the Economic Crisis, Pt. 2

2008-12-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

What's one thing to take back into our comminties -

Janice "Jay" Johnson - Get on the train and make sure we have comprehensive health care plans. Most people talk about creating jobs as a "top - down" thing. We can go to our communities and see what jobs

Rev. Dr. Kevin Turman - Stop prioritizing banks. Invest in neighborhood health services, greener energy policies means there can be more jobs in the city. Investing in people bmeans seeing them as more than "laborers."
We assume government will hear us and do for us. We need to continue town hall meeting and bring more officials to those meetings to make sure they hear us and hold them accountable.

Arlene Holt Baker - Make sure people are allowed to freely form unions without employer interferenece.

Rep. John Sarbanes - Keep doing what you're doing to get here today. He also gave a shout out to BRIDGE (Baltimore Regional I) "Identify and maximize the impact you can have on 'your universe.' Your universe is just as important as Barack Obama's universe."

First Roundtable: A People's Perspective on the Economic Crisis

2008-12-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

At this point, we have started the first Roundtable. I'll provide you with key moments from each speaker.

Honorable Luis Guitierrez, D (IL) - Let's not have the Swiss version or Canadian version of health care. Let's create our own version. He also spoke about the $700 billion bailout. He voted for it because it was said that would loosen the screws on the majority of the working class population. He said that instead, the banks didn't lend any money to working class people and kept it themselves.

Reverend Dr. Kevin Turman - Economic crisis has a race aspect as well. Black men are unemployed in astonishing numbers. He asked us to imagine the strain that puts on Black families. To descripe the wide scope of the economic crisis, Turman talked about divestment that happened in urban neighborhoods and reminded us that the economic crisis began more than 8 years ago.

Crowd Shot & More Reflections

2008-12-04T12:43:00.001-08:00

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Check out the crowd. We are a good looking crowd, but we also are here united to figure out how to make sure our government keeps its promise of equality and justice for all people.

Miguel Diaz of CASA de Maryland introduced The Honorable Chris Van Hollen. During Diaz's introduction, he told us the story of his process of getting his wife's permanent citizen status. During that process, his home was entered and his wife was taken into custody... in front of their children.

Congressman Van Hollen is currently letting us know that we have an obligation to make sure that we all continue to work for the Change that Barack Obama promised.

Reflection of the Old America and New America

2008-12-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

During this segment, we heard voices of community members, activist and clergy. It was a discussion of sorts about the "old America" and the "new America." Here are a few highlights of this section.

Pastor Dr. Hoffman F. Brown, 3rd, Baltimore Regional Initiative Developing Genuine Equality (BRIDGE) stated that the country is ready for new leadership.

"In the old America, my sister was dead young. [The old America] killed millions b/c health care was a privilege. We were left on our own to defend ourselves."

In new America, health care and good jobs will be a priority of our government.

In old America, Muslims were labeled as terrorist and discriminated against. Sexual orientation was whispered as a divisive issue.

New America will finally work for all of us.

You have heard different voices, but the same story. "We were not allowed to sit at the table, but now we OWN the table!"

Pastor Dr. Hoffman F. Brown asks, "are YOU ready for a new America?!" Before he was able to finish his question, the entire room was on their feet cheering.

Reflections on the Political Environment

2008-12-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

The Honorable Chris Van Hollen, Member of Congress Representing Maryland's 8th District says that government must continue to engage grassroots and community organizations and ensure that young people are involved. She ended her talk by reminding us that "si se puede."

2008-12-04T12:21:00.001-08:00

For Roll Call

Dr. Clementina D. Ceria-Ulep of Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE) in Hawaii says that Barack Obama being elected was a victory for America. For all of us.

April Page of Alliance to Develop Power (ADP) asked the crowd to stand up - if you can't afford to go to the doctor. If you are an immigrant and want to see equality. If you are without a home or in fear of losing your home. With a few more statements, nearly the whole crowd was on their feet! She also asked who voted for the first time. We heard many proud cheers from different parts of the room.

"Today Community Organizing Has Arrived in D.C."

2008-12-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

Opening remarks are given by Deepak Bhargava, ED of Center for Community Change and Ana Garcia-Ashley, Director of the Southern Territory, Gamaliel Foundation.

Garcia-Ashly says we now have a "Community Organizer-In-Chief in the White House." She also says that "... to realize the promise, we need a broad movement."

Bhargava says that today we are taking responsibility to develop ideas and create action. "Not only to oppose, but to propose." According to Bhargava, this no ordinary time, and we are called to do extraordinary things.

Welcome & Opening Prayer

2008-12-04T12:06:00.001-08:00

Teressa Andersen is giving opening remarks with Rev. Timothy McDonald. She said we were promised that "all men are created equal." That promise, however, is still not a reality. Today is the day we begin to realize that promise and many more.

Rev. McDonald says that "together, we can even change the world!" He is now introducing our prayer leaders -

Rev. Kevin Agee, Pres. of Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse
Rev. Sue Gaeta, Pres. of Gamaliel Foundation National Clergy Caucus/WISDOM
Rabbi David Shneyer, CASA de Marlyand
Overseer Danelle Stephens, Tying Nashville Together (TNT)
Imam W. Deen Shareef, Waris Cultural Center in Irvington, NJ Regional Coalition
Rev. John D. Welch, Pres. of Gamaliel Foundation African American Leadership Commission/Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN)

These leaders pray for justice for all.

Opening Video

2008-12-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

The forum is now underway! We are viewing a video that began with black and white pictures from various civil rights movements. The video also includes a recent video of President Elect Obama telling speaking to a huge crowd of community organizers, telling them that TOGETHER, we will shape the future of our country.

The Pre-Show was Rockin'

2008-12-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

Opening the forum was Positive Vibrations, a youth steel drum orchestra. They played everything from swing music to calypso!

The crowds are still pouring in in large numbers. The energy here is HIGH. There are chants ("The people -uh- united -uh- will never be divided!") and applause, hugs and high-fives. We are all excited to prioritize action that will make the USA a stronger and more united country.

Local Blogger Coming At You Live

2008-12-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

Hey peeps,

Ebony here. I'm a local DC activist, artist and DJ sitting in on the forum. I'll be providing you with a summary of the events along with a bit of thoughtful and witty insights. Stay tuned for a glimpse of the great discussions, round tables and reflections!

Some of the bloggers that will be participating

2008-12-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hi folks!

In addition to our live-blog, we'll have 5 confirmed bloggers that will be participating in this event. We've got Sam Stein from The Huffington Post, Adam Serwer from Jack & Jill Politics, Jason Rosenbaum from The Seminal and Health Care For America Now, Shana Mosher from Union Gal, and Shireen Mitchell from Digital Sistas.

Visit their blogs during the event to get their take on this historic event!

Meet the Leaders On-Stage: Ghazala

2008-12-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

Ghazala reminds us what change REALLY means:

Community Organizers Press Obama for Real Change

2008-12-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

From Common Dreams by Ira Chernus:

This just in: Valerie Jarrett, recently appointed White House senior adviser, and Melody Barnes, the next director of the Domestic Policy Council, will meet with 2,000 community organizing leaders at "Realizing the Promise: A Forum on Community, Faith and Democracy" on Thursday, December 4.
Why is that big news? Because these community organizers are working for a kind of change that's radically different from what the Wall Street veterans on Obama's economic team have in mind. Consider what the organizers are telling the administration they want, according to the websites of the Gamaliel Foundation and the Center for Community Change, co-sponsors of the Forum:

All policies should favor cooperative ventures over individual ownership
Universal access to affordable, quality health care for all residents of the United States. ... expose the harmful role of the private market in our health care system
Public funding for families and individuals to access decent affordable homes....all communities within a metropolitan area shall include their fair share of the region's low income and affordable housing
Comprehensive Immigration Reform ... legalization of the current undocumented population ... work permits and a path to citizenship for those here
Two million living wage construction jobs for low-income people, minorities, women and ex-offenders
Working people should be encouraged and educated about their right to organize, so as to engage in collective action or bargaining

That's a rather radical agenda, by the standards of Obama's economic team. They aren't likely to give community organizers the time of day, much less any time out of their precious days working to rescue the capitalist elite.

Read the rest here.

We'll be broadcasting live from C-SPAN at 3 PM EST

2008-12-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

THIS JUST IN!

C-SPAN will be at the event broadcasting live. Set your televisions to C-SPAN at 3 PM EST to watch the Forum unfold!!

The People's Agenda in Washington

2008-12-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the big event! Stay tuned at 3 PM EST to watch the live webcast.

We are living in a rare moment in history in which the direction of our country will shift. As community organizers and activists, we are taking this momentous opportunity to influence public policy in our country.

This is THE FIRST large-scale progressive event in DC during this new administration and we will make our voices heard! Among those participating will be Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who is one of the most powerful Congress member in the House. Also participating will be two senior members of Obama's transition team, one of which is Ms. Valerie Jarrett who aims to be one of the 3-5 people in the room when major decision are being made in the White House.

We elected a President who promised BIG change and we will make sure that this promise is realized by this new administration and by Congress.

Below is an excerpt from Sally Kohn's article on the Huffington Post:

Imagine if change wasn't about replacing a set of conservative elites with a set of liberal elites but actually delivering more power to the people! As a community organizer, it's in Obama's DNA to resist the urges of the Washington status quo to replicate itself with a blue-ish tint and instead implement the habits and structures of real democracy. Yes, this election is about change in the sense of policy --- re-regulating Wall Street, ensuring health care for all, fixing our trade policies wreaking havoc on both sides of the border.
But in this election, change was also about process, too --- it's no accident we elected a community organizer who won in large part by building a movement of voters who finally felt they could have a voice in politics. Don't be surprised when the new chorus fails to die down; once people get a taste of power they're expectations only tend to rise. On Election Day, Americans were merely clearing their throat. Now it's time to tell Washington what we want.

READ THE REST HERE

Tune into GritTV today!

2008-12-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

Realizing The Promise will be featured on GritTV today!

Click here at noon: http://lauraflanders.firedoglake.com/

Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter from the Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition, Sally Kohn from the Center for Community Change, and Chris Hayes from The Nation will join host Laura Flanders to talk about the change we really want and how Realizing The Promise will help achieve that change.

After all, we didn't vote for small change, but rather for bold change. We demand that President-elect Obama ignore the voices of caution and enact change on a large scale from healthcare to an economic stimulus package to immigration.

Tune in at noon: http://lauraflanders.firedoglake.com/

UPDATE:

You can watch it here:

Check us out this Monday on GritTV

2008-11-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

Hi folks!

At 12:00 PM this Monday, December 1st, Sally Kohn - a member of the Realizing The Promise team - will be talking about the Forum on GritTV with Laura Flanders.

GritTV is a new, news and arts discussion show hosted by Laura Flanders who is a best-selling author and broadcaster known for presenting new perspectives on national and international issues, and for introducing non-traditional “experts” into the conventional political debate.

Sally will appear with Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter with the Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition.

We'll link to their site on Monday. But go ahead and mark your calendars!

New videos about Realizing The Promise

2008-11-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

Check them out and share them with family, friends, and colleagues:

Meet Ana Garcia Ashley of the Gamaliel Foundation and Deepak Bhargava, executive director of the Center for Community Change. These two organizations are working together to bring the voices of our communities to the policy-making table:

Community organizers and leaders across the country are putting the pressure on our elected officials to realize the promises made on the campaign trail. Here's how they're doing it:

Juan Williams of NPR is moderating! And some other updates.

2008-11-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

For those of you wondering who Juan Williams is, here's a quick bio:

Juan Williams is a news analyst at National Public Radio, a contributing political analyst for the Fox News Channel and a regular panelist on Fox News Sunday. During Mr. Williams’ 21-year career at The Washington Post, he served as a columnist, editorial writer and White House correspondent. He’s written several books including: Enough: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements, and Culture of Failure That Are Undermining Black America — and What We Can Do about It.

He will be serving as moderator for Realizing The Promise.

And, we have a few elected officials confirmed to attend:

Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois
Rep. John Sarbanes of Maryland
Rep. Chris Van Hollen from Maryland.

Check back for more updates!

Obama at the Heartland Presidential Forum last year

2008-11-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

On December 2007, Obama, along with four other major Presidential candidates, attended the Heartland Presidential Forum to speak with community leaders across the country.

On that day, Obama spoke with conviction on how the values of community organizing has influenced his political career. Community leaders across the country had the chance to speak to him about the issues affecting our communities and what they believed we could all do to improve the lives of everybody.

Check out the videos here:

Obama on Community Values -

Obama Answers Questions From Community Leaders, Part 1 -

Obama Answers Questions From Community Leaders, Part 2 -

Obama Answers Questions From Community Leaders, Part 3 -

On December 4th, let's make sure he continues to honor the traditions of community organizing by recognizingthe practice of organizing as a major player in DC.

What Would You Ask?

2008-11-20T10:01:00.001-08:00

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION BY ADDING A COMMENT TO THIS POST

On December 4, 2008, thousands of community organizers and grassroots leaders from across the country will descend on Washington, DC, to press the people's demands with President-Elect Obama and the new Congress. Community organizing played a more important role than ever in this election --- not only in the biography of our next President but in the streets, as organizing skills were applied inside the Obama campaign and out to mobilize voters for change. Now it's time for we, the people, to define the change we want. On December 4, 2008, at Realizing The Promise: A Forum on Community, Faith and Democracy, we will do just that!

But we need your help!

As we get to work planning the agenda for Realizing The Promise, where key leaders from Congress and the Presidential transition team will be participating in the discussion, we want to know what questions you think should be asked? Whether it's on healthcare reform or immigration or the economy, what pointed questions do you want to put to the new leadership in Washington?

Your questions will help shape the agenda for Realizing The Promise and we might even quote your question from the stage. So tell us what issues you think Washington should focus on and what questions you have about the agenda ahead.

Community organizing will continue to play a prominent role in the next Administration and Congress, as we take up our rightful place building democracy and the power for everyday people to have a voice in our nation. That means a voice for you, too! Tell us what questions are at the top of your agenda so we can put them on our agenda for Realizing The Promise on December 4th!

Just submit your question as a comment to this post!

And be sure to tell your family, friends, and colleagues about this exciting event!