[Mpls] Invitation: ISAIAH's Faith in Democracy

[David Greene]

Hello fellow listers!

I'm writing about a very important event that is happening next
Sunday, Oct. 10 from 3-5pm at Roy Wilkins auditorium in St. Paul.
This event is popen to the public and is FREE.  You are all
invited!

The event called "Faith in Democracy" and is put on by ISAIAH.
ISAIAH is an interfaith coalition of over 80 churches, parishes,
congregations and faith commmunities thought the Twin Cities
and St. Cloud regions.

The event will bring together 4,000 people to tell out elected
officials what really matters to us.  As of now, 44 state
legislators, Reps. Sabo and Ramstad and Sen. Dayton have
committed to attend.  In addition, various people from local
governments will attending, including city officials, police,
etc.  I talked to Dean Zimmermann the other day and he seems
interested.  I will confirm with him later today.  Hopefully
other Minneapolis council members will follow.  R.T.?  Want to
participate?

We're going to talk about four major issues on Oct. 10.
These are:

- Funding for public education
- A reliable, dedicated state budget for public transportation
- Funding for domestic violence services (cut in 2001)
- Immigration reform and civil rights for immigrants

Some of our public officials will have the opportunity to
respond and state their plans to address these issues.

In my short time participating in list discussions, I know
these issues are important to Minneapolis.  I know they are
important to _you_.  Who among us doesn't know someone
touched by domestic violence, or someone who can't get to where
they need to go because driving isn't possible?  Who among us
wants good schools for our children?  We are a town of immigrants.
We need to make sure they are treated as valued members of our
community.

While this is organized by a faith-based coalition, we certainly
welcome all who want to attend and participate.  We are a
non-partisan group and this is _not_ about evangelizing or
forcing our faith beliefs upon others.  There certainly will
be some faith-based celebration (singing, etc.), including a
performance by the South African Christian Explainers, who
performed at Nelson Mandela's inauguration.  We do this
because we are called to by our faith.  We recognize that
others are called to the same action in different ways.

This event is about shaping a just and equitable future for
Minneapolis and our state.

If we get 4,000 people there, our leaders _will_ listen to us.
If you have been wanting to have a real voice in our
government, this is your chance!

I am a member of St. Luke Cathlic Church in St. Paul.  We're
having some buses to take people downtown to avoid parking,
etc.  You are welcome to join us on the buses if you wish.

What: ISAIAH's Faith in Democracy
When: Oct 10, 2004
Where: Roy Wilkins auditorium, St. Paul
Why: To tell our public leaders what matters to us and get
      them to act

If you will be attending, please send me a note.  We are
trying to get an accurate count to fulfill our goal of filling
with auditorium with 4,000 people.  Let me know if you'd like
to join us on the bus.  We're asking for $2 to help with the
cost.

Thank you all for your wonderful engagement in public life.
This list is an important way for all of us to have a voice.
I hope you will join me in joining our voices with thousands
of others to make a difference!

                           -Dave