CAN WE TALK ABOUT MEETING BASIC HUMAN NEEDS IN DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES?

Tuesday, June 30, 2009
7:00 PM
To RSVP:  E-Mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Call 704.336.2424

LOCATION: Little Rock AME Zion Church 401 North McDowell Street

Panelists
Ruben Campillo Harvey Gantt Carol Hardison John McGillicuddy Rick Thames
Latin American Coalition Gantt-Huberman Crisis Assistance Ministry Mecklenburg County Charlotte Observer

Moderators
Bob Morgan Willie Ratchfor
Charlotte Chamber Community Relations

Like many communities across our country, Charlotte-Mecklenburg is feeling firsthand the impact of the nationwide economic downturn. Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools is eliminating teacher positions; Mecklenburg County and local agencies are cutting services; long term employees are being laid off in both the public and private sector; banks - the backbone of our economic sustainability - are struggling; people are losing their homes. Needs are increasing, and there seems to be no end in sight.

On July 1st a new fiscal year begins for both government and many community organizations and agencies that provide services to those traditionally in need and potentially to a whole new group of individuals who will require assistance.

Where do we find hope in such difficult times? How do we work together to address these issues and raise awareness about the impact of the economic crisis on people and organizations in our community? How do we insure that current or new service delivery models will address the needs of the community?

Solutions might be contained in our responses to these questions:
· How do we organize ourselves to be proactive & responsive?
· Who do we look to?
· What are we prepared to do? What can I do?

Beginning in 2008 our three organizations have invited the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg to engage people – both within their comfort zone and across difference – in conversation about “what’s in the ground” in our community that creates mistrust; and to come together to raise awareness and build understanding when divisive or difficult situations arise.

Do you share our concern at this time? If so, we invite you to join us for a deliberative community dialogue: “Can We Talk About Meeting Basic Human Needs in Difficult Economic Times?”

To RSVP: E-Mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Call 704.336.2424

If you are interested in receiving additional information about this dialogue, please contact Dianne English, Maria Hanlin or Willie Ratchford.