Gamaliel S Fire of Faith Campaign Reignites the Network S Focus

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Delmarie Cobb Thursday, September 6, 2012 Carole Parks 773-373-3860

GAMALIEL’S FIRE OF FAITH CAMPAIGN REIGNITES THE NETWORK’S FOCUS Gamaliel releases report that shows community organizing will increase the voice of low-income people in projects that affect their communities, while expanding opportunity, training and job access

(Chicago, IL) Gamaliel plans to use the same community organizing skills that produced a President to move 1 million people into living wage jobs to create economic dignity for families of color and low income. At the same time the Democratic Party is reiterating its core values, Gamaliel is getting set to launch a three-year campaign that will hold both the President of the United States and the Republican nominee accountable for making sure transportation jobs are available to those who need them most no matter who wins in November.

Gamaliel kicks off its Fire of Faith campaign on Thursday, September 13, in Chicago. The Midwest is ground zero for some of the faith-based, grassroots, community-organizing network’s recent victories. In a report to be released during the Fire of Faith kickoff, Gamaliel makes a case for community organizing as a jobs creator.

“We understand a community that is not engaged democratically is ignored, and it doesn’t really matter if you are from one political party or another,” opines Gamaliel’s Executive Director Ana Garcia-Ashley. “This is about being taken seriously, having a voice and being respected in a democracy.”

And respected they are, by many city, state and national lawmakers for the selfless work they do to provide dignity and opportunities for community residents who are often overlooked when it comes to government funded construction jobs.

“It makes no sense for us to throw our bodies in the highway after they have already decided how the funding is going to be spent,” explains Garcia-Ashley, the first woman of color in America to head a national community-organizing network. “The strategy is to actually influence the way the funding is being spent, that’s where we are seeing success.”

The Gamaliel report recommends government leaders invest in community organizing as the most cost effective way to create jobs, stimulate economic recovery and build a sustainable and equitable economy. According to the National Center for Responsive Philanthropy, every dollar invested in community organizing resulted in $115 in community benefits.

“Government is supposed to work for everybody,” states Gamaliel’s executive director. “Community organizing contributes to a healthier economy by creating and sustaining good-paying jobs.” Gamaliel will release its report on the benefits of community organizing at a news conference on Thursday, September 13, 2012 in the Walnut Room at Macy’s, 111 N. State Street, 7th Fl. at 10:00 a.m. # # #