Democracy’s Promise

Community leaders from across the country attended the National People's Action meeting to discuss issues for the upcoming national convention scheduled for April 23-25 in Washington, D.C. From left are Juanita Rutues of the Chicago-based South Austin Coalition Community Council, Jack Porter of the Central Illinois Organizing Project and Bob Scrivner of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.

Planning meeting draws leaders fighting for fairness

By Melissa Townsend

CHICAGO – While the U.S. government was focused on “nation-building” and “instituting democracy” by military force in the Middle East, the real work of a democratic nation was taking place at the National People’s Action Leadership Meeting in Chicago the weekend of January 21-22. 

Brenda LaBlanc, NPA co-chair, addressed the group of over 100 community leaders saying National People’s Action “demands democracy’s promise now.” 

NPA community leaders spent the day honing strategies to hold government and corporate decision makers accountable and demand policy changes that are of the people, for the people and by the people. 

Inez Killingsworth, NPA co-chair

Brenda LaBlanc, NPA co-chair

Emira Palacios, NPA co-chair

NPA leaders understand that an election does not make a democracy. They know democracy is the average person joining with neighbors to demand that decision makers follow fair practices and policies, not policies that benefit millionaires, but policies that benefit all people fairly.

In issue-oriented workshops throughout the day, NPA leaders from the east and west coasts, and cities and towns in between discussed solutions to problems facing families, youth and neighborhoods. Here is a round-up:

“Aqui estamos y no nos vamos” (We are here to stay!) - Immigrant Rights Workshop

Community organizations across the U.S. are challenging unjust policies that target immigrants. NPA groups are bringing attention to those who abuse power, encourage fear and invisibility among undocumented immigrants and take advantage of immigrant workers and families. Immigrants belong to these organizations and are leaders who do not want to be the subject of a national debate, but equal participants in decision making that impacts their lives. Leaders were energized to tackle a number of issues, including greater access to education with the DREAM Act, access to a decent income with more job protections and driver’s licenses for undocumented residents. 

Being Young Is Not A Crime – Youth Leaders Workshop

Youth leaders and adults came together to discuss the De-Criminalization of Youth in America. Young leaders talked about how they are assumed guilty until proven innocent and often targeted by adults because of their dress, taste in music and mannerisms.

The result of this targeting is seen in everything from poor relationships between adults and youth in schools to federal and local laws that unfairly penalize young people.

“Being treated badly can lead to a bad attitude. If adults demand respect from youth they need to be willing to give it too,” commented one high school-aged leader.

Youth leaders agreed that at the NPA conference in April, other young people, teachers, principals, police and community members need to hear these stories and the message that being young is not a crime.

Inocencio Dumont speaks, and Lindsey Walker of the Anti-Displacement Project interprets, during opening session as NPA co-chair Inez Killingsworth listens.

Sheldon Smith of MAGIC, Hugh Copeland of the Creston Neighborhood Association and Mario Johnson of the San Lucas Worker's Center listen to report backs during closing session.

Fighting the Predatory Lenders – Predatory Lending Workshop

Leaders working against predatory lenders and policies that support legal loan sharking have achieved major wins over the past few years. NPA leaders have signed agreements with Citibank and Fairbanks to stop their exploitation of low income home owners. NPA has negotiated a final agreement Ocwen Financial Services to do the same. 

Leaders know the fight is not over. Federal legislation is pending that could eliminate gains groups have worked so hard to achieve. At this year’s conference, NPA will make it clear that its work will not be in vain. Weak federal legislation on predatory lending is unacceptable, leaders said.

School Assets: Parents Rights and Fair School Funding Education   Workshops

NPA leaders want to know why parents are getting the run around from school administrators and school districts when they attempt to participate in decision making committees. Leaders in communities around the country are identifying “No Child Left Behind” Title I funds specifically earmarked for parent programs in their districts and at individual schools. They are reviewing how these funds are being spent and taking action when spending decisions are not in the best interest of parents.  

At NPA in April, leaders will meet with powerful allies who can help NPA demand school districts spend this money the way it was intended – to build parent groups and engage parents in decision making that impacts their children. 

From left, organizer Ayana Wilson with youth leaders Danielle Andrews and Jeanetta Green of Hope Street Youth Development attends Leadership Conference session.

During a second conference session, NPA leaders met to talk about the hot topic of school funding. Youth and adult leaders are concerned about where school funding comes from and how funds are spent. Leaders agreed local individual taxes that help fund education are too high and not enough of the costs are being assessed to corporations. There is also real concern about current federal policy that funnels tens of millions of dollars into corporate education companies while starving the local schools of funds for construction, materials and salaries. Leaders decided it is time for NPA to work for fairer funding of schools.

Community Reinvestment Act Workshop

Leaders from around the country discussed cutting edge issues related to one of the nation’s most important banking laws – the Community Reinvestment Act.  Two main priorities were decided in the workshop: First, NPA will be spending time working with groups to develop ways to meet the credit needs of immigrants. Second, leaders will continue looking at credit scores and how they impact insurance costs and other financial products. 

Previous work is paying off as the leadership team is negotiating with the third largest bank in the world, JP MorganChase. NPA hopes to emerge with a partnership that truly benefits low and moderate income neighborhoods.

Housing and Urban Development  (HUD) Workshop

Robin Acree, of Grass Roots Organizing and Brad Trom, of the Land Stewardship Project attend urban and rural issue breakout session.

After reviewing the work of local organizations, leaders decided drastic cuts and misuse of Community Development Block Grants and the Section 8 programs were the most pressing issues. The Bush administration’s proposed HUD budget cuts are also a high priority as HUD could lose $7.75 billion, a quarter of its budget. NPA leaders are tackling these issues and hoping to reverse trends that decrease home ownership and increase homelessness.

Food, Family Farms and Environmental Justice Workshop

In rural communities around the country the federal government is handing out millions of dollars to corporate-owned factory farms. These factory farms are major polluters in rural areas. Meanwhile, in those same communities, as well as in urban and suburban towns, the federal government is slashing funding for food stamp and WIC programs for low income people. NPA will not allow the administration to balance the federal budget on the backs of families.

Greg Pehrson, left, interprets for Jaime Mesa of the United Workers Committee of Progreso Latino.

Quality Jobs and Economic Development Workshop

NPA community groups around the country are defending undocumented workers from workplace abuses; promoting quality jobs for youth; holding corporations accountable for investing in their host communities; creating more jobs for the unemployed through hiring halls; and protecting the rights of day labor/temporary workers. The overall agenda for NPA is to keep and create jobs with living wages and benefits that strengthen communities.

During the national meeting, leaders decided to invite the United States Conference of Mayors in efforts to push changes in job policies and share work local groups are doing in their communities.

Democracy includes the belief that ordinary people have the right to hold government and powerful decision makers accountable for their policies and practices. NPA continues to be a vehicle that provides such opportunity. During the 2004 leadership conference, leaders demonstrated their vast knowledge of the issues and undying passion for the work of democracy.