Immigration Reform
Interfaith Denver clergy, community join in prayer for undocumented youth

December 15, 2011 | Viva Colorado

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

More than 100 people gathered in the foyer of the Capitol, to partake in a Prayer Circle of Protection for undocumented students

Economic Security
Missouri, payday-lending haven

December 18, 2011 | Reuters

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Is there an expert out there on the subject of payday lending in Missouri? It certainly seems to be something of a haven for payday lenders.

Youth Development
Our View: Autonomous schools offer city creative path to better education

December 13, 2011 | South Coast Today

United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA)

A vote on Monday night provided the mechanism for the introduction of small autonomous schools into the city as soon as September 2013. The School Committee adopted a timeline that will bring initial proposals for the innovation schools by May.

Economic Security
LA Voice rallies outside city hall for fair banking

December 15, 2011 | Ignatian News Network

L.A. Voice

Economic Security
Coakley sues major US banks over foreclosures

December 1, 2011 | Boston Globe

Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said today that she has filed suit against five major US banks for allegations related to mortgage fraud and unlawful property seizures.

School Improvement
Report seeks better DPS data to evaluate reforms

December 1, 2011 | DENVER POST

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

A new report complied by a coalition of local nonprofit groups is urging Denver Public Schools to press for better data and to evaluate reforms more closely.

Lifelines to Healing
At St. Columba Church, Oaklanders honor this year’s 102 victims of homicide

November 30, 2011 | San Francisco Chronicle

People of all faiths prayed together for an end to violence and homicides in Oakland, and called on Mayor Jean Quan to do more to keep the city safe.

Economic Security
Battle looming over Missouri payday loan restrictions

November 25, 2011 | St. Louis Post Dispatch

A coalition of religious groups and civic organizations have begun collecting signatures to get a measure on the state's 2012 ballot that would limit the cost of short-term loans. Voters would then have the option of capping annual interest rates on those loans — which would include payday and car title loans — at 36 percent.

Religious groups spend nearly $400 million on D.C. advocacy

November 22, 2011 | Religion News Service

The number of religious advocacy groups in the nation's capital has more than tripled since the 1970s, with conservative groups seeing the biggest growth, according to a new report

Report: Religious Groups Spend Millions on Advocacy

November 21, 2011 | Roll Call

Religious organizations spend more than $390 million a year on lobbying and advocacy, according to a report released today that identifies pro-Israel groups as the No. 1 spenders.

Economic Security
California Advocates Call for Homeowner Relief During the Holiday Season

November 21, 2011 | Market Watch

A number of California community groups joined California Attorney General Kamala Harris on Monday afternoon to draw attention to the plight of homeowners facing foreclosure during the holiday season.

Clergy, laypeople urge faith-based push for nonviolent initiatives

November 18, 2011 | Catholic News Service

Churches and faith-based groups need to organize collectively to pressure public officials to use initiatives that have been proven to reduce high rates of murder and violent crime in several U.S. cities, a New Orleans pastor told the PICO National Gathering of Clergy Nov. 15.

Health Care Access
Waiting for a Supercommittee Deal: Members of Congress Up the Pressure

November 17, 2011 | ABC News

With all eyes on the 12 members of Congress hunkered down trying to find a pathway toward a supercommittee deal, other members of Congress are left on Capitol Hill now with little sway in a final deal but with plenty to say.

Lifelines to Healing
Clergy gather in New Orleans to craft a populist message to aim at politicians

November 17, 2011 | The Times-Picayune

PICO National Network

More than 500 clergy from dozens of denominations are in New Orleans this week, laying plans they hope will force next year's presidential candidates to talk about populist economic reforms. Their issues are raising the minimum wage, preserving and perfecting health care reform, and "holding Wall Street accountable.

Private Prisons Industry: Increasing Incarcerations, Maximizing Profits and Corrupting Our Democracy

November 17, 2011 | Huffington Post

Earlier this year in Louisiana, a plan by Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) to privatize prisons narrowly failed in a legislative committee by a vote of 13 to 12.

Immigration Reform
White House stresses gains for Hispanics at local summit

November 11, 2011 | COLORADO STATESMAN

As the election year draws near, President Obama has been looking west. He recently visited Colorado twice in the period of a month to promote his reelection and push his policies, and during his last trip, unveiled his student loan program.

PICO convention & mortgage modifications

November 10, 2011 | Orlando Sentinel

Twenty five Florida faith leaders, hailing from Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Pierce, Tampa, and Miami are traveling to New Orleans, Nov. 14-17, to participate in the PICO National Gathering of Clergy. The Florida delegation represents clergy from Florida PICO federations and representatives from the Florida Council of Churches.

Housing Opportunities, Health Care Access, Economic Security, Lifelines to Healing
Local leaders gather to talk issues

November 9, 2011 | The Press.Net

Local politicians recently sat down with a couple hundred East County residents to talk about some of the issues on their minds.

Economic Security
Local Churches Divest from Big Banks

November 1, 2011 | KCRW

Today, a group of local church leaders called LA Voice told Wells Fargo and Bank of America they were divesting their money. At 7:19, KCRW's Saul Gonzalez spoke the Reverend Doctor Ryan Bell, senior pastor at the Hollywood Adventist Church and member of PICO.

Economic Security
Cry Baby: Bank of America's CEO Incensed by Criticism

October 27, 2011 | The Huffington Post

Bloomberg News reported today that Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan is rather upset by all the bad things people are saying about his bank.

Economic Security
Wall Street Protesters Seeking Bank Curbs Focus on City Halls Across U.S.

October 25, 2011 | Bloomberg

Advocates for the poor are using the Occupy Wall Street protests in city halls to push municipalities to divest from banks blamed by demonstrators for the global financial crisis and persistent unemployment in its wake.

Health Care Access
Need for Oakley health clinic has a human face

October 25, 2011 | Contra Costa Times

For one East Bay city, the new health clinic opening next month is the realization of a yearslong push for affordable health care. For Joana Guillen, it's a promise that she will never again have to drive 600 miles to cure a toothache.

Economic Security
Communities challenge payday loan industry

October 24, 2011 | St. Louis Review

Parishioners working at a food pantry at Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Mo., as far back as 1998 began seeing a tripling of the number of people who didn’t have enough food to eat.

Safe Neighborhoods
Faith In Action Teams Up With Local Officials To Clean Up East Bakersfield

October 22, 2011 | 23ABC Mountain Reporter

Faith in Action Kern County

Like many areas, East Bakersfield has been hit hard by the housing crisis. Many residents have seen their neighbors' lose their homes. With foreclosures and vacancies, come safety concerns. Now, a new campaign has launched hoping to keep the area safe.

Economic Security
Calif. Church Takes Page From 'Occupy Wall Street' by Divesting Funds From Bank of America

October 22, 2011 | Church Post

In a press conference last Wednesday for People Acting in Community Together, pastor of the Most Holy Trinity Church in San Jose, Calif., Eduardo Samaniego, joined other congregations, organizations and community members in announcing that the church will be cutting its ties with Bank of America in a move to say "no" to the larger banks that have caused the economy to crumble.

The black church is losing faith in big banks

October 21, 2011 | The Grio

As the fight against big banks and Wall Street carries on, Aaron Williams said he believes black churches are not doing enough. That is why he and a coalition of black church leaders are coming together to figure out what role they can play in Seattle.

Economic Security
An impressive grassroots rally in KC

October 19, 2011 | The Kansas City Star

An impressive show of grassroots organizing occurred Monday in Kansas City, as more than 1,000 people filled Union Station to call for fairer lending practices and healthier and safer communities.

Economic Security
Public Seeks Information and Partnership with City of Coachella

October 19, 2011 | Jenifer Daniels

Coachella residents angry at needing to choose between paying their utility bill and their mortgage have an opportunity to have their concerns heard.

Two Bay Area counties take markedly different approaches to dealing with illegal immigration

October 19, 2011 | Bay Area News Group

As the United States announced Tuesday it had deported a record 396,906 people in the past year, two Bay Area counties were taking markedly different approaches to how they work with the federal government on illegal immigration.

Economic Security
Group gathers to crack down on payday loan shops

October 19, 2011 | KCTV 5

A large and organized interfaith action group is tackling predatory lending. The decades-old group, Communities Creating Opportunities, included that issue, along with health and safety, at a rally at Union Station Tuesday night.

Economic Security
Goodbye, Bank Of America! Church Divests $3 Million

October 19, 2011 | Care2

On Oct 12, 2011 PACTSJ (People Acting In Community Together, San Jose) held a bank accountability press conference to announce mounting divestments.

Immigration Reform
County Supes Move Against ICE Detainers

October 18, 2011 | KTVU

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors this morning approved an immigration policy that will allow local authorities to stop honoring the federal immigration agency's requests to detain suspected illegal immigrants in jail for extra time.

Santa Clara County to stop honoring immigration detainers for low-level offenders

October 18, 2011 | L.A. Times

Santa Clara County on Tuesday voted to stop holding some suspected illegal immigrants in jail for an extra period of time so that federal immigration authorities can pick them up.

Housing Opportunities
Community Gathers To Support Foreclosure Mediation Law

October 18, 2011 | Fox 4 News

The devastating affects of foreclosure on urban core neighborhoods is one of the issues bringing people together at Union Station Tuesday, supporting a campaign to pass a mediation law in Missouri to help more homeowners stay in their houses

Immigration Reform
SJ supes vote to stop honoring federal immigration detainer requests

October 18, 2011 | KTVU.com

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning approved an immigration policy that will allow local authorities to stop honoring the federal immigration agency's requests to detain suspected illegal immigrants in jail for extra time.

Lifelines to Healing
Ramping up the fight against gangs

October 16, 2011 | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

Police Chief Rick Braziel and Sheriff Scott Jones are both putting more manpower into going after Sacramento's gangs. That's a wise use of federal grants they just received.

School Improvement, Youth Development
Our Voice: Education equation has simple solution -- excellent teachers equal student success

October 16, 2011 | The Flint Journal

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

Flint schools can do better. The same should hold true for any Genesee County or Michigan K-12 school district that is failing its students, and so jeopardizing the future of their communities and of Michigan.

Economic Security
Faithful take money out of big banks to protest corporate greed

October 14, 2011 | National Catholic Reporter

As part of a growing movement to divest funds from corporate banks involved in home foreclosures, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Jose, California, is closing its $3 million accounts with Bank of America and moving the money to a community credit union.

Immigration Reform
Orlando father narrowly avoids deportation Prayer vigil held for detained man

October 14, 2011 | FOX 35 News

One week ago, five year old Dakota Maniua's father was taken away from her, and put in line for permanent deportation to Mexico.

Safe Neighborhoods
Oakland residents saddened but not surprised by resignation of Police Chief Anthony Batts

October 13, 2011 | Oakland Tribune

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Police Chief Anthony Batts was viewed as a savior of the Oakland Police Department in his first month on the job.

Safe Neighborhoods
In Mother Teresa's Footsteps

October 13, 2011 | Gilroy Patch

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton)

The women were involved in social advocacy and civic involvement working to combat violence and drug trafficking. They worked with the organization People Acting in Community Together, or PACT, to improve the area and reduce gang affiliation.

Safe Neighborhoods
Remaining families in city-owned park reject buyout offer

October 13, 2011 | The Desert Sun

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

The Juarez's family is one of nine that remain in the park, which Rancho Mirage's housing authority bought for $5 million in January 2009. They are resisting the city's latest effort to get them to leave the property.

Economic Security
Occupy Wall Street comes to Palo Alto

October 13, 2011 | Mercury News

Some 150 people gathered Wednesday evening in front of a Palo Alto bank to lend their support to the growing Occupy Wall Street movement that has zeroed in on corporate greed and rampant unemployment.

Economic Security
As Occupy Wall Street protests continue, a San Jose grassroots group takes different route

October 13, 2011 | Mercury News

Organizers of Wednesday's anti-Wall Street protest in San Francisco got what they wanted after surrounding the Wells Fargo Bank corporate headquarters and blocking its entrances: 11 demonstrators arrested and plenty of headlines.

Economic Security
Occupy Wall Street protests gain momentum in Bay Area

October 12, 2011 | bayareanewsgroup.com

More protests are scheduled Wednesday in Walnut Creek and Palo Alto, as well as a protest against banks by the San Jose chapter of People Acting in Community Together.

Brown signs California Dream Act

October 12, 2011 | Los Angeles Times

The law grants illegal immigrants access to state aid at public universities and colleges. It is one of 50 education-related bills weighed by the governor.

Housing Opportunities, Health Care Access, Economic Security, Lifelines to Healing, Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement, Youth Development, Immigration Reform, Neighborhood Revitalization
How to build better communities

October 12, 2011 | Midwest Voices

In my Christian faith tradition, we spend a lot of time thanking God for his blessings.. But I’ve been wondering how many of my blessings are from God and how many are privileges assigned to me by society.

Lifelines to Healing
Don't sell guns, ammo at Troost pawn shop

October 11, 2011 | The Kansas City Star

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

About 100 people gathered to protest a planned pawn shop that has promised to sell "guns and ammo." The event was organized by Communities Creating Opportunity.

School Improvement
Students, community give thoughts on potential superintendent

October 11, 2011 | lnland Empire Sun

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

With less than a month until the school board interviews final candidates for superintendent, students and other community members made clear on Tuesday what they wanted to see in the district's top administrator.

Sober but unlicensed drivers get impound break

October 10, 2011 | The Fresno Bee

California governor authorized legislation that prohibits police at checkpoints from seizing a car solely because the driver is unlicensed. The new law gives unlicensed motorists time to find a legal driver and avoid impound.

Lifelines to Healing
Residents Protest Pawn Shop Opening

October 10, 2011 | Fox 4

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Parents and community activists spent Columbus Day taking part in a fiery gun shop protest.

Lifelines to Healing
Pawn Shop A Target of Concern for Some Residents

October 10, 2011 | KCTV 5

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

A group of neighbors, organized by Communities Creating Opportunity, rallied against the sale of guns in their community.

Economic Security
Baldwin Park family turns to prayer to stop eviction

October 10, 2011 | San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Rene and Christina Garcia and their supporters held a prayer vigil , to pray for the couple and their 11-year-old autistic son, and to urge Wells Fargo to keep the family in their home.

Economic Security
Plan falls short

October 10, 2011 | Watertown Daily Times

Watertown Daily Times

Economic Security, Lifelines to Healing
POWER Convention

October 10, 2011 | The Philadelphia Jewish News

I, along with other members of my synagogue, Congregation Leyv ha-Ir (Reconstructionist), was present at the founding convention of Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower, and Rebuild (POWER).

School Improvement
New Haven outlines ambitious plan

October 9, 2011 | Oakland Tribune

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

The New Haven school district is teaming up with city officials and nonprofit agencies in an ambitious effort to combat poverty and guide the district's most vulnerable students.

Economic Security
Program to help unemployed homeowners leaves millions of dollars on the table

October 7, 2011 | Boston Globe

Fewer than half the number of unemployed homeowners scheduled to be helped through a $1 billion no-interest federal loan program will eventually get financial aid.

Economic Security
Report: $568M in foreclosure aid unspent

October 7, 2011 | Poltico

A $1 billion federal foreclosure aid program ended with $568 million unspent due to a restrictive application process and poor advertising, a result that some called “sad and shameful.”

School Improvement
Education advocate: Flint schools can do better

October 6, 2011 | Flint Journal

Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

Despite serving a low-income and minority population -- traditional scapegoats for low-performing schools -- Flint schools can do better.

School Improvement
Opponents homing in on Haynes

October 6, 2011 | EdNewsColorado.org

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

MOP, a PICO federation in Denver, organizes a school board candidate forum.

Economic Security
$1B foreclosure aid program ends with $568 million unspent

October 6, 2011 | USA Today

The federal government will disburse just $432 million from a $1 billion program to help unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosure, a government official said Thursday.

Immigration Reform
Wife distraught as husband may be deported

October 6, 2011 | WOFL FOX 35

She is an American citizen, a military veteran and the mother of three little kids she shares with a man who is sitting in a holding cell and could soon be deported.

Economic Security
Calif. pulls out of settlement talks with banks as foreclosures surge in state

September 30, 2011 | MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

California has pulled out of settlement talks with U.S. banks over abuses in the foreclosure system, citing a "troubling" upsurge in recent foreclosure filings in the state

Economic Security
Churches gather to ‘speak truth to power’

September 28, 2011 | PhillyTrib.com

The Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild, also known as POWER, drew hundreds from Northwest Philadelphia to the standing room only crowd of 2,000 recently for its inaugural founding convention recently.

Economic Security
City councilmembers, advocates push banks to reinvest

September 28, 2011 | The Empire

The Responsible Banking Act offers communities all over the city a first step in creating a new vision for their lives.

Economic Security
POWER launch promises renewed focus on job readiness, education

September 27, 2011 | The Notebook

Philadelphians Organized to Witness Empower & Rebuild (POWER)

Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower & Rebuild (POWER), a new community organizing initiative, held its opening convention Sunday, unveiling a platform that will focus on jobs and education.

Economic Security
With diversity comes POWER

September 26, 2011 | The Philadelphia Daily Inquirer

POWER leaders presented statistics showing that unemployment and poverty are at an all-time high in the city and called for local politicians and labor leaders to commit to putting the unemployed back to work.

Economic Security
Thousands turn out for POWER convention in Philadelphia

September 26, 2011 | WHYY

Economic Security
Interfaith Coalition POWER Unveils Platform, Director, Theme Song

September 26, 2011 | PhillyNow

About 2,000 people packed the pews at Tindley Temple UMC on Broad Street in Center City last night to celebrate the launch of the interfaith coalition, Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild (POWER).

Economic Security
Philadelphia advocacy group, POWER, will seek jobs

September 26, 2011 | Philadelphia Inquirer

POWER, PICO's newest federation launched on Sunday before a crowd of nearly 2,000 people. POWER pledges to connect 10,000 Philadelphians with living-wage jobs by 2015.

Economic Security
Transit discounts for the poor urged at gathering of the faithful

September 25, 2011 | Mercury News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

San Jose PACT members say reduced transit fares are crucial for getting the unemployed to job interviews, training programs or school and the working poor to jobs that cover food, rent and utilities but little else.

Health Care Access
Dr. Hotspot' coming to Allentown

September 25, 2011 | The Morning Call

Dr. Jeff Brenner has gained fame for his painstaking analysis of health care needs in Camden, N.J., one of the nation's poorest cities, and leading dramatic improvements in health and cost savings for his target group.

Mortgage loan plan for jobless falls short

September 24, 2011 | The Boston Globe

A $1 billion federal loan program designed to help 30,000 unemployed homeowners pay their mortgages will probably fall far short of its goal, adding to an expanding list of government antiforeclosure efforts that have failed to meet expectations.

Economic Security
Philly group to try to change circumstances through listening

September 24, 2011 | The Philadelphia Daily Inquirer

That model of one-on-one listening sessions is aimed at relationship-building, says Rabbi Eli C. Freedman of Congregation Rodeph Shalom on North Broad Street.

Economic Security
Interfaith Coalition to Seek Answers To Philly's Poverty Woes

September 24, 2011 | The Philadelphia Weekly

Philadelphia Faith leaders have the POWER to create a better city for all of the residents.

Economic Security
POWER play: Interfaith group aims to help fix what ails Phill

September 23, 2011 | NewsWorks

It started in 2009 as a diverse group of 30 clergy leaders discussing "the pain in their neighborhoods and the brokenness of systems that are meant to serve those communities."

Economic Security
Kamala Harris a key player in settlement over mortgage crisis

September 23, 2011 | Los Angeles Times

PICO California, an advocacy group for homeowners, has said that California A.G. Kamala Harris appears to be pursuing the best for Californians but is not being clear enough about where she stands.

Gang attacks near Aurora's Central High tackled at meeting

September 22, 2011 | The Denver Post

Denver leaders organize to find solutions to gang attacks.

Economic Security
$1B foreclosure aid program helps fewer than planned

September 20, 2011 | USA Today

A $1 billion federal program to help financially strapped homeowners avoid foreclosure will not meet its goal of helping 30,000 homeowners, a government official said Tuesday.

Safe Neighborhoods
Former fashion designer on mission to revitalize the city's Dream Homes area

September 15, 2011 | The Desert Sun

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Long-time resident hopes to shine a positive light on the community.

School Improvement
Parents hope Alum Rock will approve middle-school charter in San Jose

September 11, 2011 | Mercury News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

PACT Leaders organize to expand charter school model to San Jose.

Economic Security
The Story We Need to Tell Ourselves: Bending the Arc of History Is the work of ordinary people (And We Are Those People)

August 17, 2011 | The Huffington Post

Over the last year, for instance, the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), the PICO national organizing network [PICO], the National People's Action (NPA) community organizing network, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) have been jointly organizing to hold banks accountable for re-investing in our nation's communities.

Safe Neighborhoods
Bayview pushes bold antiviolence plan

August 15, 2011 | SF Gate

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

The San Francisco Organizing Project is pushing all the chips to the center of the table. At a meeting tonight, it wants to enlist Police Chief Greg Suhr - who earned wide respect in his prior job as Bayview station captain. Local ministers will be invited to peer beyond their sanctuary walls to work for change.

Safe Neighborhoods
New Movement aims to bring peace to Bayview

August 15, 2011 | ABC 7 KGO-TV

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

There's a new movement in San Francisco's Bayview neighborhood and it's being lead by young people like Vincent Fadenipo with the San Francisco Organizing Project. It is a faith-based group that has been in the city for 25 years. This latest mission, run by a new generation, is to bring peace and safety to the Bayview.

Economic Security
Communities Creating Opportunity Battle Predatory Lending

August 8, 2011 | KCTV 5

School Improvement
San Bernardino School Board seeks community input in its search for next superintendent

August 4, 2011 | Highland Community News

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Inland Congregations United Change has bee asked to participate in the search for the new superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

Safe Neighborhoods
Church group cries for help after a man is found dead near the church's doorsteps

August 4, 2011 | NBC Action News

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

About a hundred people gathered inside St. Therese Little Flower Thursday night to pray for one thing -- a way to stop the violence.

Economic Security
Religious leaders spar over debt agreement

August 4, 2011 | The Florida Independent

Rev. Dr. George Cummings - the chair of PICO National Network, a network of faith-based organizations - calls the debt ceiling legislation a “moral travesty” in a written statement.

Economic Security
Watchdogs Want Bright Light On 'Super Committee's' Activities

August 4, 2011 | TPM

"These 12 members will come under intense pressure by wealthy corporate interests and their lobbyists to leave their special tax loopholes, unwarranted subsidies, and wasteful programs untouched," the groups said in their open letter.

Safe Neighborhoods
Upper Ninth Ward residents gather to share concerns about crime and blight

August 1, 2011 | The Louisiana Weekly

The Micah Project

Leaders from the Micah Project in New Orleans hosted a community action meeting and the result was something that residents haven't had in a long time -- hope.

Youth Development
Superintendent meetings slated

July 30, 2011 | San Bernardino Sun

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

School district seeks public's input on qualifications from ICUC, a federation of the PICO National Network

Health Care Access
Doctor Hotspot

July 26, 2011 | Frontline

CCOP's work to bring healthcare to a medically-starved community in Camden, New Jersey is featured on this episode of PBS's Frontline.

Immigration Reform
Oakland considers ID card without debit function

July 26, 2011 | San Francisco Chronicle

Oakland leaders once touted a municipal identification card as a solution to an array of issues faced by undocumented immigrants and others in society's margins.

Manual expansion to 6-12 in works

July 25, 2011 | Education News Colorado

Karen Mortimer, leader with Metro Organizations for People, says there is still work to be done in educating \xe2\x80"Near Northeast community members on what's in store for the Manual school.

One-sided story on bill

July 23, 2011 | The Reporter

Safe Neighborhoods
Plan for County Police is Slowed

July 22, 2011 | Philadelphia Inquirer

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Camden County officials settle on interim steps rather than forming a countywide force now.

Youth Development
Our Views: Turning Lives Around

July 20, 2011 | Florida Today

Congregations for Community Action (CCA)

Congregations for Community Action, a coalition of 10 Brevard houses of faith, helps spearhead programs for youth in the crime-plagued areas.

Economic Security
Deadline Looms for Mortgage Aid

July 20, 2011 | The Boston Globe

Civic Participation
Parramore residents start campaign to restore ex-felons' voting rights

July 19, 2011 | Orlando Sentinel

Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS)

On Sunday, members of Soweth of the Seed Outreach and several other church groups gathered at Harvest Baptist Church in Parramore to spearhead a new round of community activism over voting rights.

Immigration Reform
Growing Grassroots Chorus Oppose Red tape, Cost and Economic Impact of New Fed Mandate

July 12, 2011 | The Tuscon Citizen

Voices from the faith community are also highlighting the moral problems with an enforcement-only approach to immigration policy.

Economic Security
Obama To Extend Assistance To Jobless Homeowners

July 8, 2011 | NPR

Rev. Lucy Kolin says forbearance announcement is a step in the right direction.

Housing Opportunities
Obama Administration Makes Anti-Foreclosure Program More Generous To Jobless

July 7, 2011 | Huffington Post

"Today's action is yet another step toward breaking the link in America between losing your job and losing your home," said Rev. Lucy Kolin of the PICO National Network, a coalition of faith-based community organizers. "It's only fair that the big banks who caused so much job loss in America extend relief to the millions of families who've lost their jobs as a result of the financial crisis."

Housing Opportunities
Unemployed get new federal help to pay their mortgages

July 7, 2011 | Washington Post

“This is really a big step forward,” said Lew Finfer, a member of the PICO National Network, a coalition of faith-based community organizers that has pushed for more foreclosure-prevention help. “It’s a long time coming.”

Housing Opportunities
Obama administration boosts aid for unemployed homeowners

July 7, 2011 | Los Angeles Times

Unemployed homeowners with government-insured mortgages will be allowed to miss a year of payments while they try to find a job.

Housing Opportunities
New Housing Program Is Aimed at the Unemployed

July 7, 2011 | The New York Times

“This action is another step toward breaking the link between losing your job and losing your home,” said the Rev. Lucy Kolin, of the PICO National Network, a coalition of faith-based organizations.

Housing Opportunities
Feds give unemployed homeowners a year of foreclosure protection

July 7, 2011 | Boston Herald

"The Obama administration is taking a positive step to stand with the unemployed to give them a chance to save their homes through this 12-month forbearance policy," said Lewis Finfer, executive director of the Massachusetts Communities Action Network, an advocacy organization that lobbied U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and the White House for the regulation change. "The average time people are unemployed is nine months so this extension makes sense."

Health Care Access
Shands reveals plans for new clinics

July 7, 2011 | The Gainesville Sun (Gainesville.com)

Shands at University of Florida officials provided an update last Thursday of health care plans for east Gainesville and other parts of the city at a meeting sponsored by ACTION Network.

Health Care Access
An ACO Is Born In Camden, But Can It Flourish In Medicaid?

June 23, 2011 | HealthAffairs

Together with faith-based community organizers, part of the PICO National Network, CCHP is uniting local health care providers, hospitals, social service agencies, and patients to build a population-based model that improves care and controls costs for these ED ‘super-utilizers.’

Housing Opportunities
Long-promised loan aid for jobless is launched

June 21, 2011 | Boston Globe

A federal program that will provide interest-free loans to unemployed homeowners so they can make mortgage payments was launched yesterday after months of delays, with $61 million earmarked for Massachusetts.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Troubled homeowners need Bondi's support

June 17, 2011 | Orlando Sentinel

As part of PICO United Florida, a coalition of 53 congregations representing 60,000 Florida families, I met with senior staff in Bondi's office in March to discuss the nationwide probe. Staffers assured us they wanted to reach a strong settlement with the banks that would help homeowners in Florida.

School Improvement, Youth Development
Autonomous schools proponents seek commitment from New Bedford

June 15, 2011 | SouthCoastToday.com

United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA)

The city's public schools are going to get a heavy dose of parental involvement Monday as United Interfaith Action launches a campaign to establish small, autonomous schools throughout the district.

Other Issues
Civic groups, churches rally against budget cuts

June 15, 2011 | Mercury News

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO), PICO California

The visitors from California chapters of People Improving Communities through Organizing planned to visit individual lawmakers after their rally on the Capitol steps. They want California's remaining $9.6 billion budget shortfall closed with an extension of expiring tax increases, not more spending cuts.

Immigration Reform
Faith leaders voice opposition to Congress bill for E-verify

June 15, 2011 | All Headline News

“E-verify is very misleading. It sounds good on paper but it does not support our workforce or American families. It puts unnecessary burdens on employers, strains family resources and reinforces a culture based on fear and ignorance,” said Fr. Marc Fallon, a faith leader with the PICO National Network.

Economic Security, Other Issues
Students to protest budget cuts

June 14, 2011 | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Since Monday, about 900 high school students from Inland Congregations United for Change have traveled from 68 cities to Sacramento for a day of action.

Other Issues
Faith-based, community groups pray for California budget fix

June 14, 2011 | Sacramento Bee

Speakers at the rally, held on the Capitol's south steps and organized by a coalition of faith-based and community groups called PICO California, urged lawmakers to support Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal that the Legislature approve extending higher tax rates temporarily and set an election to ask the voters to decide at a later date whether to approve them for a longer period of time.

Safe Neighborhoods
With San Jose homicide rate on track for 20-year high, community demands reforms

June 9, 2011 | Inside BayArea

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

Hundreds of religious leaders and community members joined PACT, People Acting in Community Together, to call on police and city leaders at a packed meeting in a South San Jose church to save police officer jobs and enact reforms in the wake of the city's rising homicide rate.

Immigration Reform
Durfee senior says undocumented immigrants face roadblocks to college

June 9, 2011 | Herald News

“I know a lot of immigrants dream of having their children graduate (high school) and continue to college, but without this law they aren’t allowed to,” Annunciacao said.

Economic Security
Hard to Believe, but Treasury May Actually Fine Banks

June 9, 2011 | Huffington Post

Here is a letter PICO National Network sent to Secretary Geithner 16 months ago demanding financial penalties against Bank of America. In the wake of receiving billions in taxpayer bailouts, each bank signed an agreement with the Treasury promising to offer loan modifications to eligible families.

School Improvement
School officials pledge to open more charter schools in San Jose

June 8, 2011 | MercuryNews.com

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

The public questioning of officials who run schools in East San Jose was organized by People Acting in Community Together, a church-based advocacy group that 10 years ago successfully pressed Alum Rock to close a failing school and make way for charters and small autonomous schools. Tuesday, parents also put officials from the Santa Clara County Board of Education, San Jose Unified and East Side Union High School District on the spot.

Safe Neighborhoods
Parents, Kids March for Peace in East Oakland

June 8, 2011 | Bay Citizen

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Oakland Community Organizations, which represents dozens of churches, schools and community groups, planned the march to encourage more police presence in the neighborhood, better lighting and a safer place for students to walk to and from school.

Safe Neighborhoods
Oakland 'peace march' follows violent weekend

June 8, 2011 | MercuryNews.com

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Oakland Community Organizations expects more than 400 parents, students and teachers from Greenleaf Whittier Elementary School and St. Bernard Church to convene Tuesday at the elementary school for a 3 p.m. "peace walk" through what community organizers call "the most violent neighborhood in East Oakland," according to organizer Emma Paulino.

Safe Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Revitalization
Northeast community celebrates improvements

June 6, 2011 | The Gainesville Sun

Affliliated Congregations to Improve our Neighborhoods (ACTION Network)

"Families that live in this community were deeply concerned about the safety of their children and the dangers to pedestrians and vehicles," Barbara Andrews told the congregation at Open Door Ministries on Sunday afternoon. "These open ditches presented hazards, such as risk of falling or driving into them; they attracted snakes and other vermin; they also presented a health hazard from mosquitoes and the spread of diseases such as encephalitis."

Immigration Reform
Guest Commentary: Help us stay, Mr. President

June 6, 2011 | Denverpost.com

My name is Isaias Vasquez. Last month I graduated with honors from the Bruce Randolph School in Denver. I was the student body president and a leader with Metropolitan Organizations for People.

Economic Security
For the Jobless, Little U.S. Help on Foreclosure

June 4, 2011 | The New York Times

The primary cause of foreclosures today is joblessness, not subprime loans

Economic Security
Faith-based event in Modesto focuses on budget

June 3, 2011 | The Modesto Bee

Congregations Building Community (CBC)

"We know balancing the budget is the right thing to do," said the Rev. Wayne Bridegroom, pastor of west Modesto's Central Baptist Church and the event's master of ceremonies. "But it is immoral to break faith \xe2\x80\xa6 by cutting off services when there are other ways to balance the budget."

School Improvement, Youth Development
Denver Public Schools rolling out \xe2\x80\x98Success Express'

June 2, 2011 | Education News Colorado

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

"It took someone with a good idea and the community backing to make it actually happen," said Miguel. "It was a great idea but it needed the push to really make it happen, and that's what our MOP leaders and our Northeast parents did, was really give it that push."

Economic Security
Organizations pray for a balanced Modesto budget

June 2, 2011 | News10

Congregations Building Community (CBC), PICO California

"To have to explain to my daughter that her school was closing was hard," Ceres mom and PICO member Fabiola Garcia said. "I couldn't even look her in the face. She's only seven, but understands the words 'budget crisis."

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Foreclosure victims not all deadbeats, report says

June 1, 2011 | SF Gate: San Francisco Chronicle

"Most people I've talked to (who lost their homes to foreclosure) were very sensible, had saved a long time, worked very hard and figured out what they could pay," said the Rev. Lucy Kolin, pastor at Oakland's Resurrection Lutheran Church and co-chair of the faith-based Oakland Community Organizations network. After foreclosure "they went back to their regular fiscal practice of making a budget, paying their bills and keeping current."

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
BofA to open loan modification center in Colton

June 1, 2011 | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

"Every time I called somebody, somebody new would call me," said Maria Varela, a member of an ICUC-affiliated church in Riverside. "It was really scary, that we were going to have to live in the street or under the freeway, because we didn't have money to pay for rent," she said.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Locals still stress over foreclosures, loans

May 26, 2011 | ABC 7

Oakland resident Lilian Cabrera also applied for a modification two years ago, and -- like Gary -- the stress is taking its toll. "This is the burden that I carry everyday on my back & all the paper work that they send me," Cabrera said.

Economic Security
A New Grassroots Economy

May 25, 2011 | The Nation

Faith leaders in Kansas City create a payday loan alternative.

Economic Security, Other Issues
Merced Organizing Project, other faith-based groups set state budget meetings for May 21

May 20, 2011 | Merced Sun-Star

Congregations Building Community (CBC), Faith in Action Kern County, Faith in Community, People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), PICO California

The Merced Organizing Project, PICO California, People and Congregations Together of San Joaquin County, Congregations Building Communities (Modesto), Faith in Community (Fresno) and Faith in Action (Kern County) said they're arranging meetings in several Valley cities to talk about the local impact of state budget cuts.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Camden looks to claim dozens of abandoned homes

May 16, 2011 | Courier Post Online

Father Jud Weiksnar, a member of Camden Churches Organized for People and pastor at nearby St. Anthony of Padua Church, knows the issue of abandoned properties all too well.Buildings in his neighborhood have collapsed or been burned down as part of neglect and turf wars in recent years.

Other Issues
Empowering people so they can help themselves

May 12, 2011 | The Press-Enterprise

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC), PICO National Network

Two years ago, Riverside resident Esther Ruvalcaba attended her first meeting of Inland Congregations United for Change. Almost immediately, she became a leader in the faith-based community-organizing group, and now she sits on its board of directors.

Civic Participation
Riverside: Council hopefuls spar at forum

May 11, 2011 | The Press-Enterprise

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Inland Congregations United for Change, a group of more than 40 local churches, organized Wednesday's forum, which about 75 people attended. The group solicited audience questions.

Economic Security
Protesters Disrupt Wells Fargo Shareholder Meeting – Demand Moratorium on Foreclosures

May 6, 2011 | IndyBay.org

The protest was organized by The New Bottom Line campaign. The New Bottom Line is a nationwide network that includes the National Peoples' Action, PICO National Network, Alliance for a Just Society, ACCE, and Industrial Areas Foundation of the Southeast, as well as dozens of state and local organizations.

Lawmakers urge city not to delay in making schools toxin-free

May 4, 2011 | www.yournabe.com

Safe Neighborhoods
San Jose's independent police auditor has released a year-end report detailing police misconduct investigations

May 4, 2011 | Bay City News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

Immigration Reform
Hunter, other faith leaders denounce Florida’s anti-immigataion law

May 4, 2011 | Orlando Sentinel

Faith leaders speak out against the Florida legislature’s last-ditch effort to pass anti-immigrant legislation modeled after Arizona’s controversial and divisive law.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Hundreds Protest Wells Fargo Shareholder Meeting in SF

May 4, 2011 | San Francisco Bay Guardian (online)

According to protest organizers, which include Contra Costa Interfaith, ACCE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment) and other members of the New Bottom Line Campaign, unlike other national banks, Wells Fargo has not changed its foreclosure procedures despite reports of “robo-signing” and other foreclosure irregulalities.

Youth Development
New Jobs Headed To Allentown

May 3, 2011 | WFMZ

Congregations United for Neighborhood Action (CUNA)

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Homeowner defense groups to target Wells Fargo shareholders

May 3, 2011 | San Francisco Bay Guardian Online

And while deep-pocketed lobbyists have been making it hard to pass laws that would offer at-risk homeowners more protections, homeowner defender groups have decided to target, and now protest against, the group they believe stand directly in the way of equitable reforms: the banks.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Banks should pay for foreclosures

May 3, 2011 | Press TV

Nowhere is this more true than in California, where one in five U.S. foreclosures has taken place. Since 2008, more than 1.2 million Californians have lost their homes, and the number is expected to exceed 2 million by the end of next year.

Economic Security, Housing Opportunities
Peter Dreier: Banks should pay for foreclosures

May 1, 2011 | Daily News: Los Angeles

The epidemic of foreclosure that began in 2008 has been devastating California's families, communities and the state economy. Since then, more than 1.2 million Californians have lost their homes, and the number is expected to exceed 2 million by the end of next year.

Other Issues
In tornadoes aftermath, many seek spiritual shelter in prayer

April 29, 2011 | USA Today : Faith & Reason

Birmingham Faith In Action, PICO National Network

One faith-based group, the PICO Network (People Improving Communities through Organizing) turned to Psalm 46:1-5 to give words to a longing for the Lord in the rubble.

Youth Development, Immigration Reform
House committee dismisses illegal immigrant tuition bill

April 28, 2011 | The Denver Post

Immigration Reform
Lawmakers, immigrants speak out at reform rally in Redwood City

April 27, 2011 | Mercury News.com

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

The national issue of immigration reform took center stage at a Redwood City church Tuesday, where a meeting featuring lawmakers and immigrants facing deportation took on aspects of a political rally and a church service.The event at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Reorganizing the San Diego Redevelopment Agency

April 25, 2011 | Voice of San Diego

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

Redevelopment is a critical tool to revitalize older neighborhoods, as we have proved in our downtown and in other parts of our city.

Safe Neighborhoods
People of Camden works with local leaders and police to help make the city a safe place to live

April 21, 2011 | The Catholic Star Herald

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Community leaders and local officials on April 13 held a press conference on Fifth Street between State and Garden streets to celebrate the recent passage of DORO in New Jersey.

School Improvement
Flint congregation leaders hold education forum on fact-finding study, initiative

April 18, 2011 | The Flint Journal

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

FACT leaders are presenting findings of an education study to a crowd of about 100 people at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Economic Security
Big Bank Systematically Broke Rules On Bank Foreclosures

April 18, 2011 | Daily News Pulse

Lenders like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Ally Financial systematically broke rules and took shortcuts when foreclosing on homeowners last year.

New law targets drug activity in Camden

April 15, 2011 | New Jersey Courier-Post

Camden community works together to create legislation to fight city's drug problem.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Foreclosure report finds bank faults 'critical'

April 14, 2011 | SF Gate

Oakland's Rev. Lucy Kolin, part of the interfaith PICO National Network of community organizers, put it more bluntly in a statement."Judges don't tell burglars to go design their own plan to stop breaking into people's homes and report back in 30 days," she said.

Neighborhood Revitalization
San Diego Redevelopment: They Prey, We Pray

April 13, 2011 | San Diego Reader

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

Now the local plutocrats have a fear of God too. The San Diego Organizing Project is a coalition of 27 churches throughout the county. Since 1979, it has taken stands on important social issues. "We believe deeply in bringing a moral voice and grassroots perspective," says Joseph McKellar.

School Improvement
Church group to host school, city leaders for discussion on Flint education

April 13, 2011 | mlive.com

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

The group Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT) is hosting an open forum on the future of K-12 education in the city. "A Time for Change: Building a World Class Educational Culture in Flint" will be from 6-7:30 p.m. April 18 at St. Paul 's Episcopal Church, 711 S. Saginaw St.

Seeking fair rates for struggling families

April 13, 2011 | The Saint Louis Post Dispatch

CCO believes that, for lending to build assets in our communities, lending products in Missouri must abide by a fair interest rate.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Foreclosure Crisis… and Opportunity

April 13, 2011 | In These Times

Community-based groups like NPA, Jobs with Justice and PICO National Network have kept up the pressure on Miller and other officials.

School Improvement
At Some Oakland Schools, Cuts to the Bone -- and Beyond

April 12, 2011 | The Bay Citizen

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Safe Neighborhoods
Church members want tighter controls on neighborhood bars

April 11, 2011 | The Times-Picauyne, nola.com

The Micah Project

The congregation of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church is beyond fed up with the crime occurring at the nearby Domino Effect Bar and Patio, where the operators were arrested last month for murder.

Economic Security
Zombie Loans, Chess, and Why Foreclosures Make Us Sick

April 5, 2011 | The Ladder A Blog from New America’s Asset Building Program

Adam Kruggel with Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) delivered the most stirring call to action I've heard yet: "We are still just playing checkers, and the financial industry is deep in a game of chess."

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development
United Interfaith Action meets, lobbies to protect public programs

April 3, 2011 | The Herald News

United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA)

United Interfaith Action hosted a downtown church and community public action meeting Sunday to push for safer streets, reduced youth violence and gang involvement, and increased job opportunities for young people.

Health Care Access
Health care advance

April 3, 2011 | The Pueblo Chieftain

March 23 marked the first anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act. As faith leaders in the 3rd Congressional District, we have seen the positive impacts of this legislation on people in our congregations. This law advances God's desire that all people have healing and wholeness.

Immigration Reform
San Jose community meeting on policing set for Monday

April 2, 2011 | San Jose Mercury News

San Jose faith leaders and residents who say immigrants and minorities are being targeted by police will try Monday to persuade local law enforcement leaders to enact reforms.

Safe Neighborhoods
Community rallies against underage sex trade in Oakland

April 1, 2011 | Oakland North

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Community members rallied alongside city leaders Thursday evening to protest the sexual exploitation of minors, shutting down 17th Ave at International Blvd in Oakland's San Antonio neighborhood.

Safe Neighborhoods
Anti-Prostitution Rally in Oakland Draws Hundreds

April 1, 2011 | The Bay Citizen

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Residents take to "the Track" in effort to choke off neighborhood flesh trade

Safe Neighborhoods
Outreach plans to retake Lynn park

March 30, 2011 | The Daily Item

Essex County Community Organization (ECCO)

Youth Development
Summer jobs need pitched to Lynners

March 29, 2011 | The Daily Item

Essex County Community Organization (ECCO)

Essex County Community Organization shows support for summer jobs for teens.

Health Care Access
Vermonters gathered at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier in search of answers about health care reform in Vermont.

March 29, 2011 | WCAX News

Vermonters gathered at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier in search of answers about health care reform in Vermont.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
'Dreamed up' cash for keys proposal draws heavy criticism

March 28, 2011 | Housing Wire

"While its important to have good options for the limited number of families who will not be able to stay in their homes, the emphasis needs to remain focused on keeping families in their homes," said Tim Lilienthal, bank accountability campaign director for the PICO Network.

Health Care Access
Lots of buzz about health care in Vermont

March 28, 2011 | Burlington Free Press

Vermont Interfaith Action hosts an event Tuesday entitled, "Vermont Single Payer and the Federal Government: Taking Action to Reform Health Care."

School Improvement
Church group aims to reach out to Flint School District

March 26, 2011

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT) is ready to help the Flint School District come up some answers.

What difference do our churches make?

March 24, 2011 | Auburn Journal

Placer People of Faith Together

Health Care Access
Time fails to heal rift over health-care law, Partisan strife marks anniversary

March 24, 2011 | The New Orleans Times-Picayune

U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin joins with MICAH leaders to celebrate the first anniversary at a Daughters of Charity clinic.

Health Care Access
Construction begins on Camden subsidized-housing doctor's office

March 23, 2011 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

CCOP celebrates as residents of Northgate II, a low-income housing community, cut the ribbon on a new health care center.

Health Care Access
Camden gets attention for health care cost control

March 23, 2011 | The Associated Press

Camden, a city known for its crime and poverty, is developing a reputation for something positive: an innovative effort to cut health care costs.

Health Care Access
Anniversary of health care reform marked in KC

March 22, 2011 | Kansas City Star

The events will highlight how health care reform is benefiting communities, said Gordon Whitman of the PICO National Network, an alliance of about 1,000 congregations nationwide.

Health Care Access
Miller Health Rally

March 22, 2011 | Martinez News Gazette

CCISCO leaders and other community groups rally in support of The Affordable Care Act.

Health Care Access
Large rally at Concord's Senior Center draws supporters of Obama's plan

March 22, 2011 | Concord Patch

CCISCO leaders rally in support of Affordable Care Act

Health Care Access
Happy Birthday, Affordable Care Act!

March 22, 2011 | National Public Radio

The PICO National Network launched a series of radio ads in four traditionally swing states (Missouri, Louisiana, Colorado, and Florida) featuring a patient who has or will soon benefit from the law.

Safe Neighborhoods
Riverside County Sheriff's Department reverses impound policy

March 21, 2011 | Los Angeles Times | Local

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

"It's a unilateral decision that doesn't reflect the leaders' response to the community's pain on this issue," said Yvonna Cazares, an organizer with Inland Congregations United for Change, which pushed the changes in the Coachella Valley.

Health Care Access
Faith group runs health ads

March 21, 2011 | Politico

Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS)

FIRST IN PULSE: PRAYING FOR ACA- PULSE has obtained scripts for four radio ads to begin airing this week by the faith-based advocacy group PICO in support of the ACA.

Safe Neighborhoods
Hope and despair in New Jersey's beleaguered city

March 19, 2011 | The Associated Press

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

More than 50 percent of Camden, N.J. residents live in poverty, but Rev.Hayward Wiggins still hold hope for his community.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Dream Homes residents unite to fight reputation

March 17, 2011 | mydesert.com

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Working with Inland Congregations United for Change, residents kicked off the campaign by filling out a survey on how much old furniture, tires and other waste they have in their yards.

School Improvement, Youth Development
SB Board of Education Hears Controversial Items

March 17, 2011 | blackvoicesnews.com

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Understanding there is strength in coming together, ICUC, Inland Congregations United for Change, COPE, Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement, and BLU Educational Foundation and Parents Engaged in Education has come together to affect change. They said they want results not just lip service

Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement, Youth Development
Oakland parents, teachers, students organize walk for peace and safety

March 16, 2011 | MercuryNews.com

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

The event was co-sponsored by Oakland Community Organizations and drew a large group of parents, students and teachers.

School Improvement, Youth Development
Last-in, first-out layoff policies hit some schools harder than others

March 15, 2011 | The Oakland Tribune

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Oakland could soon see a similar legal challenge. District spokesman Troy Flint confirmed that Oakland Community Organizations, an alliance of local churches, schools and other groups, had recently requested data on the distribution of seniority-based layoffs.

Immigration Reform
LAPD eases impound policy for undocumented immigrants

March 15, 2011 | Southern California Public Radio

L.A. Voice

Health Care Access
San Jose City Council approves bonds for upgrade of aging convention center

March 15, 2011 | San Jose Mercury News

San Jose People Acting in Community Together applaud the mayor for continuing to support $2.1 million in funding for the Healthy Kids program, which provides health insurance to 7,000 children who otherwise would not be covered

Housing Opportunities
Lafayette mobile home residents thankful but nervous about future

March 14, 2011 | The Daily Camera

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Metro Organizations for People negotiates fair settlement for displaced residents.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Mortgage chaos is hurting the US recovery

March 13, 2011 | Financial Times

Federal regulators and state attorneys-general are trying to reshape US policy on mortgages. About time. Policy up to now has been a shambles. It is one reason why the recovery has been so weak \xe2\x80" and why the US housing mess is capable, even now, of snuffing out the expansion altogether.

School Improvement, Youth Development
'Connectedness' as a community and school goal

March 11, 2011 | Palo Alto Online

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

PIA forms Advocates for Youth in response to Palo Alto's tragic teen suicides and in response to the community's need for connectedness.

Economic Security
Still's payday loan bill gets a hearing Panel gives measure a hostile reception

March 11, 2011 | The Columbia Daily Tribune

CCO organizer testifies gives payday loan testimony to the Missouri House of Representatives.

Letter to the Editor: Vote For the Balanced Budget

March 10, 2011 | The Berkeley Daily Planet

Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA)

Berkeley Organizing for Action seeks a balanced California state budget.

Economic Security
Letter to the Editor: Stop Big Cuts to Education, Health and Human Services

March 10, 2011 | Union City Patch Newsletter

Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR)

Community leaders from Congregations Organizing for Renewal urge residents to push for state tax extensions.

Economic Security
Florida Churches Rally in Orlando in Support of Mortgage-Fraud Investigations

March 10, 2011 | Orlando Sentinel

PICO United Florida community leaders rally outside the Orlando offices of state Attorney General Pam Bondi to show support for mortgage-fraud investigations.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Vann Introduces Bill, Demands Banks Be Held Accountable

March 9, 2011 | Historic new legislation will create greater transparency of lending practices of the local banks in NYC neighborhoods

Brooklyn Congregations United wins Bank Accountability victory with the introduction of the New York City Responsibility Banking Act.

Safe Neighborhoods
Brockton program provides 'Lifelines to Healing' after slayings

March 7, 2011 | The Enterprise

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

"Lifelines to Healing," organized by the Brockton Interfaith Community, aims to reduce violence and will enlist the help of community volunteers, police officers, pastors and civic leaders.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Protesters Ream State AGs over Foreclosure Settlement

March 7, 2011 | CNBC

PICO leaders call a potential $20 billion settlement with the big banks "chump change."

Economic Security
Proposed Law Would Hold Banks Accountable

March 7, 2011 | Epoch Times

“It will help many people in our neighborhoods who have been victims of predatory lending,” said Reverend Lancelot Waldron, pastor of the Westbury Community Church and president of the Queens Congregation United Union (QCUA).

Neighborhood Revitalization
Nevin Community Center Reopening Celebration

March 6, 2011 | Richmond Confidential

Housing Opportunities
Homeowners Campaign for City Help

March 4, 2011 | Vida En El Valle

200 Faith in Community leaders streamed into St. Anthony Claret Catholic Church to ask the city council to introduce a city ordinance designed to make home lenders more accountable.

Neighborhood Revitalization
City approves $4 billion in redevelopment spending, Officials hope to fend off state seizure of funds

February 28, 2011 | The Union Tribune

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

Claudia Dunaway, an SDOP community leader in Stockton-Memorial, urged the city council to merge all redevelopment projects.

Economic Security
Government, banks wrestle over how to settle case over botched foreclosure paperwork

February 25, 2011 | Los Angeles Times

A coalition of 30 state and local liberal groups, such as People Improving Communities through Organizing and the Service Employees International Union, said they would deliver petitions to attorneys general in nine states demanding a large settlement with tough conditions.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Homeowners Demand Criminal Prosecutions in Foreclosure-Fraud Deal

February 25, 2011 | Huffington Post

"Home prices have plummeted by $9 trillion over the last four years because of the massive fraud that the big banks perpetrated on the American people -- $20 billion is chump change, especially when you divide that amongst the nation's 14 largest banks," said one of the petitioners, Gina Gates from San Jose, Calif.

Safe Neighborhoods
Residents seek help fighting drug dealers and proliferation of bars

February 22, 2011 | The Times-Picayune

The Micah Project

New Orleans police and City Council members agreed to help residents and the volunteer leaders of The MICAH Project to battle drug dealers and improve the process for granting permits to sell alcoholic drinks.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Council members, activists blast banks for blight

February 22, 2011 | Oakland Tribune

"The banks have been using Oakland as a dumping ground," said Shirley Burnell, a West Oakland resident and volunteer at the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, or ACE, which organized a two-hour bus tour Thursday to see the damage up close. "The banks are responsible for creating this blight, so they need to be responsible for cleaning it up."

Safe Neighborhoods
Torn From The Front Page: Ceasefire is a worthwhile tactic in a violent crime battle that needs a public plan

February 3, 2011 | The Flint Journal

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

First put forth as an idea by Flint Area Congregations Together - City Councilman Bernard Lawler is a member - Ceasefire doesn't send squads of police officers forth to drag criminals to justice and prison.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Delayed mortgage aid set for March

February 3, 2011 | The Boston Globe

Last week, a national group of community organizations went to Washington, D.C., to press federal officials to get the much-needed program underway, said Lewis Finfer, executive director of the Massachusetts Communities Action Network, a faith-based nonprofit group headquartered in Boston.

Safe Neighborhoods
San Jose: Community group calls meeting on homicides, search for new top cop

January 25, 2011 | MercuryNews.com

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

"We're losing our youth to gangs, our murder rate is at seven already this year, and we need to address the calls of our community to our top city leadership to recommit that our youth and the safety of our neighborhoods are top priorities," said Sheilah Lane, PACT leader and East San Jose resident.

Other Issues
Oakland's undocumented drivers can keep their cars; avoid thousands in impound fees

January 25, 2011 | MercuryNews.com

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Youth leaders with Oakland Community Organizations had pushed for the change in policy for a few years, said community organizer Emma Paulino.

Safe Neighborhoods
Church group plans to hold a rally for every homicide victim in Oakland this year

January 25, 2011 | MercuryNews.com

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

"I am always encouraged that churches and other community groups are doing something to address this issue. Awareness is the first step to action," said the Rev. Jayson Landeza, the former priest at St. Columba Catholic Church, which seven years ago began putting up a white, wooden cross in the churchyard to memorialize the people behind the grim tally of murders.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Community group aims to clean up Cathedral City

January 24, 2011 | MyDesert.com

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

"We're going to try to talk to all of them one on one to see what they think about this and to get their opinions and other ideas," said Zaida Espericueta, 16, who is a youth leader with Inland Congregations United for Change.

Health Care Access
Health care plan up for repeal in House of Reps

January 24, 2011 | ABC 7 KGO-TV

On Monday in San Francisco, as Pelosi spoke to the crowd at Yerba Buena Gardens in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., members of the Peninsula Interfaith Action were passing out leaflets asking people to lobby Congress on behalf of keeping health care reform.

Health Care Access
Health care and Dr. King's message

January 16, 2011 | SignOn San Diego

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

The San Diego Organizing Project asks the same question as the New Testament writer John, "How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?"

Other Issues
Faith Leaders Call for Soul Searching

January 14, 2011 | CBN.com

PICO National Network

In the wake of the tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith leaders are weighing in. They are urging a time of reflection and "soul searching" when it comes to political dialogue.

Other Issues
In wake of tragedy, faith leaders reach out to Congress with open letter

January 13, 2011 | Faith in Public Life

PICO National Network

As Americans continue to cope and debate in the aftermath of last weekend's tragic shooting in Arizona, faith leaders are reaching out not only to the people of Tucson, but also to Members of Congress.

Other Issues
Civility Project Disbands after Low Interest in Congress

January 12, 2011 | Christianity Today

PICO National Network

As the project [Civility Project] ends, leaders of a faith-based network called People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO) have asked people to sign a "pledge for our better selves," in the wake of the Arizona killings.

Economic Security, Other Issues
Working to boost social activism among Muslims

January 1, 2011 | Los Angeles Times

L.A. Voice

LA Voice organizer, Naim Shah Jr. Shah is one of four trainees in Southern California and 16 nationwide who are completing a six-month Community Organizing Residency (COR), a program launched a year ago by Jewish Funds for Justice, a national nonprofit organization.

Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement, Youth Development
Corona residents fight bullying in area school

December 23, 2010 | Yournabe.com

“Some people may take it as a joke and it’s not a joke,” John Vargas, one of the parent leaders at IS 61 and the faith-based community organization Queens Congregations United for Action, said at the Dec. 15 event. “Bullying is something dangerous and very serious.”

Immigration Reform
Queens disappointed as DREAM Act fails

December 23, 2010 | Queens Chronicle

“This is the right thing to do for our young people, and it’s so disappointing that it did not pass this time around,” said Jaime Weisberg, director of Queens Congregations United for Action, a faith-based community organization in northern Queens.

School Improvement, Youth Development
School and community fight bullying

December 23, 2010 | Queens Courier

Now, the school and Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA), a faith-based community organization in Northern Queens, have launched a school-community task force to combat bullying. The task force is comprised of parents, school staff, the business community, the New York Police Department and Councilmember Daniel Dromm, who represents the area.