Engaging a New Generation of Activists- Anti-Poverty Teach-in, Strategy Forum

WHAT: Engaging a New Generation of Activists-- Anti-Poverty Teach-in and Strategy Forum From crowded urban blocks to isolated rural counties, there is a "Lower Ninth Ward" of poverty in every community. It's Time for Bold Action!

WHEN: Friday September 1, 6-9 PM (Reception to follow)

WHERE: Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon Street, Oakland CA

WHY: Join Van Jones and other noted activists and organizers to share ideas about how our community --particularly our young people-- can engage in progressive movements to end poverty. Participants in this anti-poverty teach-in will focus on how to amplify the call for racial and economic justice in the Bay Area and build a movement for change across the country.

In a moment of promise, when President Bush visited New Orleans last September, he talked about the 'deep, persistent poverty' seen on television after Hurricane Katrina. 'That poverty,' he said,'has roots in a history of racial discrimination, which cut off generations from the opportunities of America. We have a duty to confront this poverty with bold action.'

Almost one year later, we are asking, "Where is the bold action?" It's not just in New Orleans, but all across America are being left out of the American Dream. Join noted organizers and leaders on the front lines of change for an inspirational evening of discussion and dialogue on taking back our country and "Rebuilding America's Lower Ninth."

WHO: Speakers include:

Frank Chong, Ed.D., President, Laney College, Oakland, CA on educational access and equity.

Sharon Cornu, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Central Labor Council of Alameda County, AFL-CIO on economic justice, fair wages and labor justice

Van Jones, Executive Director, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights on civil rights, environmental justice and green collar jobs.

Hallie Montoya Tansey, National Program Director, League of Young Voters (a.k.a, the League of Pissed-Off Voters) on youth organizing, clean elections and voter registration and mobilization

Bernida Reagan, Director of Social Responsibility, Port of Oakland, (comma) and founding Director, East Bay Community Law Center on community economic development

Nicky González Yuen, Ph.D., JD, Peralta Community College Board and Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club in the East Bay (moderator).

RSVP: This event is free and open to the public, RSVP to fightpoverty [at] youthlaw.org

SPONSORS:

Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, Peralta Community College District, Laney College, National Center for Youth Law, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club, Applied Research Center, Child Care Law Center, Central Labor Council of Alameda County, AFL-CIO, Californians for Justice, West Oakland Apollo Alliance and the League of Young Voters (a.k.a. the League of Pissed-Off Voters)

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Join the Rebuilding America's Lower Ninth campaign today! Visit our website, rebuildingamerica.povertylaw.org for ideas on what you can do. Stay tuned this month as we post our campaign calendar of events, partner information and online media toolkit!

The Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, a national resource, champions law and policy promoting equal opportunity and support for low-income individuals, families, and communities so that they can move out of poverty permanently. For more information on the "Rebuilding America's Lower Ninth" Campaign, contact: Rikeesha Cannon, rikeeshacannon [at] povertylaw.org or 312.368.2677