Center for American Progress event in Grand Rapids

Renewing the Civic Covenant: Strengthening Our Community

In cities and towns across America, the Center for American Progress
is engaging the public in conversations on religion and policy, giving
voice to those whose concerns and hopes have been lost in highly
polarized debates. In Grand Rapids, conversations focus on economic and job
issues. Given the significant loss of manufacturing jobs in the Grand
Rapids area, we will talk about the effects of economic stress on
individuals, their families and the community--and what needs to be
done to help the economy recover. What are the roles and
responsibilities of individuals, civic groups, churches, employers,
educators and government? What are our obligations to each other?

Panelists:
Beverly A. Drake, Executive Director, Area Community Services
Employment and Training (ACSET Council) Lisa H. Mitchell, Leadership
Team/Director, Grand Rapids Area Center for Ecumenism (GRACE),
Jose Reyna, Assistant to the City Manager West Michigan
Strategic Alliance (Panelist TBD)


Moderated by:Melody Barnes, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress

Opening Remarks by:
Mayor George Heartwell, Grand Rapids, MI


When:Thursday, November 3, 2005
Program: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Doors open at 5:45 PM
Light refreshments will be served.
There is no cost for this event

Where:
Grand Valley State University
Eberhard Center, Room 215
301 West Fulton St.
Grand Rapids, MI
Conference Parking lot on Fulton

Space is limited - Please RSVP promptly:
Click here or call
(202) 741-6246 and leave a message with your full name, organization,
and email address.

Contact:
religion@americanprogress.org

Please direct any media inquiries to:
Daniella Gibbs Léger
dleger@americanprogress.org