Housing Opportunities, Health Care Access, Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement
What amazing things will happen in 2010

December 18, 2009

PICO National Network

As 2009 draws to a close, and we fully engage the inspiration of hope and light, I would like to thank you for your incredible efforts to improve life in our nation this year. Consider what our work together through the PICO network is accomplishing in the United States and around the globe.

Housing Opportunities
Faith Leaders Call for Reform that Keeps Families in their Homes (VIDEO)

December 14, 2009

PICO National Network

While President Obama met today with executives of the nation's largest banks, prominent clergy joined struggling homeowners from California, Massachusetts, and Missouri in front of the U.S. Treasury Department to voice an urgent call for fairness for families facing foreclosure.

Economic Security, Safe Neighborhoods
Richmond community unites to address violence through jobs, training, mentoring

November 20, 2009

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

More than 300 diverse community residents gathered at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church on November 19 and addressed the issue of violence in Richmond by focusing on the creation of jobs, training and mentoring programs. The action was organized by leaders from St. Mark's Catholic Church, Easter Hill United Methodist Church, and the Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council, all members of PICO affiliate Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO).

Health Care Access
With Senate vote to proceed pending, pastors gather to pray for courage and wisdom

November 19, 2009

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), Faith United Empowering Leadership (FUEL), Metro Organizations for People (MOP), The Micah Project, PICO National Network, Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

This morning, shortly before Senate Majority Leader Reid formally announced long-awaited health reform legislation, local pastors and lay leaders from states with Senators that are crucial to the outcome of reform gathered outside the Capitol Building to pray for continued progress on legislation to extend affordable coverage to families.

Health Care Access
Gainesville faith leaders help families deal with the high cost of health care

November 10, 2009

Affliliated Congregations to Improve our Neighborhoods (ACTION Network)

Over the last year, PICO affiliate ACTION Network in Gainesville, Florida, has been working to ensure that residents of east Gainesville continue to have access to the health services they need after its primary community hospital closes.

Health Care Access
Grassroots Faith Leaders Praise Step Towards Affordable Health Care For All Americans

November 7, 2009

PICO National Network

PICO National Network applauds tonight's historic vote in the House of Representatives to pass health reform legislation that will extend coverage to 36 million Americans, ban insurance companies from denying people coverage for pre-existing conditions, and help make health care more affordable to millions of hardworking American families, while also reducing the deficit.

School Improvement
Kansas City faith leaders take big step into improving city public schools

November 3, 2009

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Juan Carlos Galindo, a youth leader from PICO affiliate Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) in Kansas City, MO, worries about what could happen when his 3-year old brother enters kindergarten in the Kansas City Missouri School District.

Housing Opportunities
Mass. faith leaders win commitments from Chairman Barney Frank, Federal Reserve Board to advance national campaign to keep families in their homes

November 2, 2009

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

At the meeting, Congressman Frank, who as chair of the House Financial Services Committee has been a pivotal leader in Congress in the government's response to the foreclosure and financial crisis, promised to push Treasury further on making needed improvements to the Making Home Affordable Program, embracing many of BIC's specific proposals.

Health Care Access
PICO, Community Catalyst, SEIU and 157 Other Organizations Urge Senator Reid to Keep Insurance Affordable for Families

November 2, 2009

PICO National Network

160 faith, labor, consumer, public health and patient organizations representing millions of American families in 39 states, sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging him to reject a proposal that would increase premiums for low-wage working families, and instead to ensure that Senate legislation makes insurance more affordable for precisely these families who have been hardest-hit by the economic downturn.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Contra Costa faith leaders take major step forward in "Bank Accountability" campaign

October 24, 2009

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

On Tuesday, October 20, 2009, over 400 community residents packed the Dominican Hall at Holy Rosary Church in Antioch, CA to hold banks accountable for refusing to negotiate in good faith with homeowners. Joining them that night was the Reverend Jesse Jackson who offered words of inspiration and clarity on the effects of the banking system.

Health Care Access
Religious Leaders from Key States Urge Fixes to Senate Health Legislation to Make Insurance Affordable for Working Families

October 21, 2009

PICO National Network

Clergy are joined by consumer and labor leaders, including SEIU President Andy Stern, in urging Senate to fix legislation that would saddle low-wage workers with high costs.

Housing Opportunities
Congregations work to prevent foreclosure scams in Bakersfield

October 17, 2009

Faith in Action Kern County

On Thursday, October 15, faith leaders from Faith in Action Kern County in Bakersfield, CA hosted over 230 community members for a town hall meeting on the growing number of foreclosure scams as well as how they can benefit from the federal Making Home Affordable Program.

Health Care Access
Florida congregations continue efforts to expand children's health insurance

October 16, 2009

Affliliated Congregations to Improve our Neighborhoods (ACTION Network), Congregations for Community Action (CCA), Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS)

As job losses mount in Florida, the number of children who are uninsured but eligible for Florida's SCHIP program - KidCare - (now at 550,000 statewide) continues to grow. On October 16, faith leaders from the four PICO federations in Florida met with state officials to discuss creative ways to meet the growing need for affordable children's health insurance.

Housing Opportunities
Federal Reserve officials hear New York outrage on slow pace of financial reforms

October 15, 2009

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA)

On October 14, residents of Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn met with officials from the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York about the impact of the financial crisis on people in New York.

Housing Opportunities
PICO affiliates step up pressure on Banks, Treasury to stop more foreclosures

October 13, 2009

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network

Last week, PICO affiliates presented Treasury officials in Washington, DC with hundreds of stories of families trying to avoid foreclosure in a campaign to have the Administration put more pressure on banks to increase the pace of loan modifications under the Making Home Affordable Program.

Health Care Access
Multi-media photo & video exhibit holds up voices of Americans for health reform

October 5, 2009

PICO National Network

Exhibit to visit 7 cities across the country on way to Capitol Hill, collecting over 1,000 portraits and handwritten notes from PICO members who support health reform.

Economic Security
Clergy and faith leaders continue the struggle against usury in Missouri

September 30, 2009

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Clergy and faith leaders from PICO affiliate Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) in Kansas City, Missouri held a press conference on the need to cap interest rates on payday loans to 36%. Currently, payday lenders can charge as much as 400% interest rates.

Safe Neighborhoods, Immigration Reform
Orlando Sheriff meets with Catholic Bishop & 300 church members on maintaining positive police-immigrant relationship

September 21, 2009

Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS)

On September 21, PICO affiliate Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS) in Orlando, FL brought together Orlando County Sheriff Jerry Demings, the Most Reverend Thomas Wenski, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, and over 300 members of St. John Vianney Catholic Church to discuss the relationship between the local sheriff's deputies and immigrants in the community.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Camden Faith Community brings together over 500 residents for meeting with Governor Jon Corzine

September 17, 2009

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Over 500 people from PICO affiliate Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP) met with New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine on September 15 to share residents' dissatisfaction and frustration that state leaders in charge of overseeing Camden have not focused enough on improving the basic neighborhood services.

Health Care Access
Major Consumer, Faith, Patient & Civil Rights Groups Hold Capitol Hill Rally on Affordability for Families

September 16, 2009

Louisiana Interfaith Together (LIFT), PICO National Network, San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

Under the banner of Affordable Health Care is a Family Value, national consumer, faith and patient organizations representing tens of millions of families, held a lobby day and rally on Capitol Hill this afternoon pressing Congress to make sure that legislation includes clear affordability protections for families.

Health Care Access
Consumer, patient, faith and civil rights groups issue joint statement on Health Care Affordability

September 15, 2009

PICO National Network

Washington, DC - With the Senate Finance Committee poised to begin debating health reform legislation, consumer, patient, religious and civil rights organizations that represent tens of millions of Americans released a joint statement calling for strong affordability protections in national health reform.

Health Care Access
Over 300,000 people of faith take action in support of health reform over August recess

September 8, 2009

PICO National Network

With Congress returning from August recess today, a more complete narrative of what Members of Congress heard from their constituents at home regarding health care reform is emerging.

Safe Neighborhoods, Immigration Reform
Camden Police Chief pledges to protect immigrants from predatory criminals

September 4, 2009

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

PICO affiliate Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), held a town hall meeting with the Police Chief, responding to a growing issue around undocumented people who have been avoiding contact with police, including not asking for services from, and not reporting crimes (neither as victim nor as witness) to local police for fear of deportation.

Health Care Access, Immigration Reform
Long Beach congregations hold health care & immigration reform forum

September 2, 2009

Greater Long Beach Interfaith Community Organization (ICO)

On September 1, 200 Long Beach residents gathered at St. Anthony's Catholic Church Hall, a member of Greater Long Beach Interfaith Community Organization (ICO) to participate in a community forum on health care & immigration reform.

Housing Opportunities
Brockton faith leaders fight foreclosures on multiple fronts

August 31, 2009

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

For the past year, faith leaders from PICO affiliate Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC) have been successfully leading an effort to keep families in their homes and prevent foreclosures in Brockton, MA, the city with the highest foreclosure rate in the state. Most recently, BIC leaders were able to move three petitions through the local city council aimed at stemming the tide of foreclosures.

Immigration Reform
PICO leaders visit State Dept. to discuss Hmong humanitarian crisis

August 28, 2009

People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton), PICO California, Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

This week, three PICO Hmong leaders from Sacramento, CA traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with representatives from the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) and the Thai and Lao desk officers to urge them to take greater action to resolve the Hmong humanitarian crisis in Southeast Asia.

Immigration Reform
East Bay youth urge passage of DREAM Act

August 20, 2009

Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR)

About 20 youth members of the PICO affiliate Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR), together with other community members, gathered at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Union City, CA to call on lawmakers to reform immigration laws, including passing the DREAM Act.

Health Care Access
140,000 participate in historic faith call in President Obama

August 19, 2009

PICO National Network

An estimated 140,000 of people of faith, including thousands from the PICO network, gathered today for a historical national conference call on health care reform with President Barack Obama and the American faith community.

Health Care Access
Local clergy, youth and congregation members to lead health care call with President Obama

August 18, 2009

PICO National Network

Tens of thousands of people of faith will gather for 40 minutes of health care prayer, learning and action on a historic national conference call with President Barack Obama.

Health Care Access
Thousands of people of faith turn out for National Day of Action on health insurance reform

August 12, 2009

PICO National Network

On August 11, PICO kicked off its August Congressional recess campaign "40 Days for Health Reform" with a National Day of Action that included 50 prayer vigils and rallies in 18 states and reaching over 100 Members of Congress, as well as a national TV Ad from the faith community.

Immigration Reform
Town Hall Meeting with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren holds up need for Immigration Reform

August 8, 2009

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

On August 7, over 750 people, including clergy of many faiths, came together in San Jose, CA for a town hall meeting with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to highlight the urgent need for just and humane comprehensive immigration reform (CIR).

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security, Neighborhood Revitalization
Grassroots leaders in KS & MO hold hearing with Federal Reserve Advisors on economic crisis

August 5, 2009

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

On Saturday, August 1, grassroots faith and community leaders from PICO and National People's Action in Missouri and Kansas met with advisors from the Federal Reserve to urge them to stem the flow of bad, predatory loan products that have poured into the region over the last few years.

Health Care Access
Crowd of 300 win commitment from Rep. Loretta Sanchez to support health reform

August 5, 2009

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO)

On August 2, community members from Orange County, CA participated in a prayer vigil with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, a Blue Dog Democrat from Santa Ana, to highlight the community's desire and need for comprehensive health care reform this year.

Health Care Access
Video shows health care struggles of families in Kern County, CA

August 3, 2009

Faith in Action Kern County

PICO affiliate Faith in Action Kern County produced the following video that documents the health care struggles of families in the greater Bakersfield area of California.

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development
Early results from San Diego youth collaborative shows big results

August 1, 2009

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

For the past two years, PICO affiliate San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) has led a vision and effort to make San Diego the most youth-friendly city in the United States. SDOP's hard work has resulted in some extraordinary wins thus far.

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development
Faith Works Creates Opportunities for Youth in San Diego County

July 28, 2009

Faith Works North San Diego County

In July, PICO affiliate Faith Works of North San Diego County, CA won twin victories in its "Lift Every Voice for Youth" initiative.

Health Care Access
No Recess for Health Reform

July 28, 2009

PICO National Network

PICO leaders on Capitol Hill today are declaring that there will be "NO RECESS FOR REFORM," launching a massive push in August to meet with the offices of over 100 Members of Congress and tell them "our families need health care reform this year!"

Health Care Access
100 Religious Leaders Announce 100 Events across U.S. for Health Reform

July 27, 2009

PICO National Network

On July 28, PICO, Sojourners, Faith in Public Life and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good will announce an aggressive in-district lobbying campaign during the August recess, including events at the offices of 100 Members of Congress, town hall meetings on health care reform and the distribution of tens of thousands health care reform guides for people of faith in targeted districts and states.

Health Care Access
The time is ripe to do right

July 22, 2009

PICO National Network

As people who feel the pinch of rising health care costs and eroding coverage, we need the health care debate to stay focused on constructive ideas that keep reform moving forward, not backward. The time is ripe for action.

Health Care Access, Immigration Reform
Call for Healthy, United Families Draws 400 supporters

July 20, 2009

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

On July 18, volunteer leaders from Peninsula Interfaith Action, a PICO affiliate with 30 member congregations on the San Francisco Peninsula, held a town hall meeting to seek policy changes in health care and immigration.

Health Care Access
MetroWest Boston congregations weigh in on health care reform

July 16, 2009

MetroWest Interfaith Congregations Acting for Hope (MICAH)

PICO affiliate Metropolitan Interfaith Congregations Acting for Hope (MICAH), a Metrowest Boston interfaith organization, together with the MetroWest Free Medical Program, led a community forum on affordable health care for all at Sudbury United Methodist Church on July 15.

Health Care Access
PICO, Sojourners & Religous Action Center for Reform Judaism produce Guides to Health Care Reform Debate for Clergy and Lay Leaders

July 10, 2009

PICO National Network

PICO, Sojourners & Religous Action Center for Reform Judaism produced Guides to the Health Care Reform Debate for Christian and Jewish clergy and lay leaders to help them participate in the health care debate in a constructive way, based on their values.

Health Care Access
National religious groups release statement on improving health care for low-income families

July 6, 2009

PICO National Network

As a broad cross-section of religious denominations and organizations, we share a common belief that the true success of comprehensive health care reform legislation hinges on whether it protects and improves health care for the nation's lowest-income children and families.

Health Care Access
PICO Colorado holds health care town hall meeting with Sen. Michael Bennet

July 6, 2009

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

On July 2, over 400 grassroots leaders from PICO affiliate Metro Organizations for People (MOP) in Colorado met with Sen. Michael Bennet to urge him to support health care reform that will make insurance more affordable for families in Colorado.

Health Care Access
Clergy Nationwide send letter to Congressional Leadership Urging Health Care Reform in 2009

June 30, 2009

PICO National Network

On June 30, PICO released a national letter from 625 clergy from 41 states and 39 religious denominations urging Congressional leaders from both parties to pass legislation this year that makes health care affordable to all families.

Health Care Access
Pastors urge health care reform in radio ads

June 29, 2009

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), The Micah Project, Louisiana Interfaith Together (LIFT), PICO National Network

As Senators head home for Independence Day Recess, local faith leaders from across the country will take to the airwaves with radio ads reminding them that the status quo on health care is "not who we are as a nation" and that "America can do better."

Health Care Access
Tell Congress: Health Care Reform is "Worth the Investment"

June 22, 2009

PICO National Network

While leaders in the House are showing the courage we need in Washington to stand up for everyday Americans struggling with the high cost of health care, leaders in the Senate are beginning to waver. We need you to call your Members of Congress today!

Civic Participation
Brooklyn faith leaders hold Mayoral Candidate's Forum

June 19, 2009

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU)

On June 16, PICO affiliate Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU) held a mayoral candidates forum in Our Lady of Refuge Roman Catholic Church as a response to residents' concerns regarding the economic crisis and how it impacts life in Brooklyn.

Immigration Reform
PICO leaders in San Francisco hold prayer rally for Immigration Reform

June 19, 2009

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

Health Care Access
California youth travel to Sacramento to urge Governor not to cut their health care

June 18, 2009

PICO California

On June 17, 200 PICO youth and adult leaders marched on the California State Capitol to protect Healthy Families - California's SCHIP - and kid's lives.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Vermont leaders work for better access to local hospital

June 17, 2009

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

On June 16, grassroots leaders from PICO affiliate Vermont Interfaith Action organized a public forum aimed at creating better public transportation options to access the Fletcher Allen's satellite medical facilities in South Burlington.

Health Care Access
Covering All Americans and Adequate Subsidies Key to Success of Health Reform

June 17, 2009

PICO National Network

"Health care reform can only succeed if we bring everyone into the health insurance system and provide families with coverage that is affordable. Ultimately, the most important question is whether health coverage is affordable from the perspective and experience of American families."

Housing Opportunities
PICO and National People's Action kick off series of Fed Reserve hearings in hard-hit communities

June 16, 2009

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network

Two hundred area residents came to tell representatives from the Federal Reserve about the challenges their communities face in recovering from the twin crises.

Health Care Access
Faith Leaders and Consumer Advocates Brief Congress on Affordability Standard, Rally for Reform

June 16, 2009

PICO National Network

On Monday, June 15, PICO clergy and faith leaders from California, Colorado, New Jersey, Missouri, and Vermont joined members of Community Catalyst in holding a briefing for Congressional staff on Capitol Hill on the need for a strong Affordability Standard in health care reform legislation.

Housing Opportunities
Bakersfield teams up with Fed Reserve to host mortgage borrower outreach event

June 15, 2009

Faith in Action Kern County

In June, PICO affiliate Faith In Action Kern County, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development hosted a mortgage borrower outreach event.

Safe Neighborhoods
PICO brings together Congressional Reps in El Salvador to address traffic, water concerns

June 15, 2009

PICO Central America

Health Care Access
PICO leaders rally with Congressman George Miller for health reform

June 14, 2009

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

On June 13, over 500 people from Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) turned out for a town hall meeting on health care reform with Congressman George Miller, chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Economic Security, Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement, Youth Development
Making Greater New Orleans a safe haven for all

June 11, 2009

The Micah Project

Amidst a sea of nearly 1,000 people who attended the town hall meeting on crime and violence prevention organized by New Orleans PICO affiliate The Micah Project were multiple victims of the violence that has plagued this city still rebounding from Hurricane Katrina nearly four years ago.

Health Care Access
Faith leaders hail Senate HELP movement on health care as historical moment for American families

June 10, 2009

PICO National Network

Faith leaders from PICO National Network celebrated this week's forward movement in the Senate HELP committee.

Health Care Access
ACTION ALERT: There are more of us than them

June 2, 2009

PICO National Network

When Members of Congress return to Washington, DC today they'll be getting an earful from industries with financial interests in the health care reform legislation that Congress is writing this month. One staffer told us she was meeting with 8-10 health care lobbyists a day! In this "David vs. Goliath" moment, we have a secret weapon: there are more of us than them.

Health Care Access
San Jose launches series of Health Reform Town Halls with CA Congressmembers

May 28, 2009

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

Last night, over 300 faith leaders from PACT San Jose and other Bay Area PICO affiliates held the first of a series of town hall meetings in California with Members of Congress to build support for health care reform legislation.

Health Care Access
Local Pastors Launch Ads, Grassroots Campaign to Advance Health Care Reform

May 21, 2009

PICO National Network

As Congress takes up health care reform, local faith leaders from across the country today launched a media and grassroots campaign to encourage Members of Congress to move reform forward and make quality health care truly affordable for every American family.

Health Care Access
Two major steps forward this week toward Affordable Health Care

May 14, 2009

PICO National Network

"It appears that Sen. Baucus is hearing our call," said Rev. Cory Sparks from PICO. "Making health care more affordable for families needs to be central to fixing health care."

Health Care Access
Success of Health Reform Hinges on Affordability: Faith-based and consumer groups weigh in with Congress

May 5, 2009

PICO National Network

In advance of today's highly anticipated Senate Finance Committee Roundtable on Increasing Access to Health Coverage, Community Catalyst and PICO National Network released two issue briefs that explain why the success of health care reform depends on the adoption of a strong, common sense Affordability Standard that limits out-of-pocket health care costs to levels that families at different income levels can afford.

Health Care Access
PICO Florida celebrates passage of state legislation to streamline KidCare enrollment

May 1, 2009

Affliliated Congregations to Improve our Neighborhoods (ACTION Network), Congregations for Community Action (CCA), Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS)

After a 3-year campaign to make much needed improvments to KidCare - Florida's State Children's Health Insurance Program - faith leaders from PICO Florida are celebrating unanimous passage last week of state legislation in both the House and Senate. The bill will now be on its way to the Governor for his signature.

Health Care Access
Contra Costa faith leaders fight harmful health cuts, preserve $1.5 million for clinics

April 29, 2009

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

In less than one week, faith leaders from PICO affiliate Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) organized three health care forums with County Supervisors and their staff to give the community an opportunity to voice their opinions on harmful cuts to the Basic Healthcare Program.

Housing Opportunities, Health Care Access, Economic Security
Community leaders hold Faith & Families Summit with Missouri lawmakers

April 21, 2009

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

On April 16, 150 people from more than 100 faith communities across Missouri traveled to the state capital with PICO affiliate Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) for a Faith and Families Summit with state lawmakers.

Immigration Reform
Sacramento Catholic Churches create Immigration Support Network

April 15, 2009

Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

For the past year, PICO affiliate Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT) has been collaborating with the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento and Bishop Jamie Soto to realize a diocese-wide Immigration Support Network.

Safe Neighborhoods
San Jose parents & community members press school district on dropout crisis

April 13, 2009

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

On April 3, PICO affiliate PACT San Jose took another huge step forward in transforming education in San Jose so that all kids have access to a path to college.

Health Care Access
Expansion of Children's Health Insurance Program takes effect, paving way for comprehensive reform

April 7, 2009

PICO National Network

Last week, parents across the country struggling to provide their kids with health insurance had reason to feel encouraged. On April 1, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 took effect. Signed by President Obama on February 4, CHIPRA makes funding available for states to cover an additional 4.1 million children over the next four years - children who otherwise would be uninsured.

Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement
Congregations & schools unite to tackle Stockton's dropout crisis

April 6, 2009

People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton)

On Saturday, April 4, over 200 faith leaders from PICO affiliate People and Congregations Together (PACT) in Stockton, CA came together with schools officials to launch a "Steps to Success Campaign" aimed at reducing the dropout rate in Stockton Unified School District.

School Improvement
New Annenberg study finds OCO's grassroots organizing key to sustaining school reform in Oakland

April 3, 2009

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

On April 2, the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University and Oakland Community Organizations (OCO) released a new report that credits OCO with being the catalyst for launching the city's successful small school reform effort and for creating the political will to sustain this reform for nearly a decade.

Health Care Access, Economic Security, School Improvement
Over 700 gather in Denver to support Economic Recovery and Health Reform

March 19, 2009

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

On March 19, more than 700 members of PICO affiliate Metro Organizations for People (MOP) met with legislative leaders to discuss MOP's "Agenda for Hope," which includes state and federal legislation identified as vitally important to MOP's 33 member congregations, schools, youth and neighborhood associations in metropolitan Denver.

Housing Opportunities
Richmond residents hold banks accountable for helping rebuild city hard-hit by the foreclosure crisis

March 17, 2009

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

On Thursday, March 12, over 500 residents from the hard-hit city of Richmond, CA packed St. Mark's Catholic Church to ask city, county, and bank leaders to take aggressive steps to deal with the approximately 2,000 abandoned, foreclosed bank-owned properties in this city of 100,000.

Immigration Reform
San Francisco leaders urge Speaker of the House to move forward with immigration reform this year

March 16, 2009

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

In March, PICO affiliate San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP) and ally organizations held a high-energy town hall meeting with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Luis Gutierrez, urging them to make fixing the broken immigration system a national priority.

Economic Security
Vermont congregations fight to prevent budget cuts for those most in need

March 13, 2009

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

On Sunday, March 8, the Central Vermont chapter of PICO affiliate Vermont Interfaith Action held its first public town hall meeting in Montpelier to press 11 Washington County legislators to stop proposed budget cuts for various social service programs and instead, to shift their attention to ways to raise revenue.

Housing Opportunities, Health Care Access
Faith leaders bring message of hope to nation's leaders and over 9 million homes across America

March 12, 2009

PICO National Network

Over 275 PICO faith leaders from across the country converged on the U.S. Capital this week with a clear message for the nation's leaders - at this moment of crisis, the American people need them to have faith and courage to make the tough decisions necessary to get our country back on track, including making sure that health care reform happens this year and preventing millions of unnecessary foreclosures by enacting bankruptcy reform.

Health Care Access
PICO Executive Director at the White House Forum on Health Reform

March 6, 2009

PICO National Network

On March 5, Scott Reed had the opportunity to represent the PICO network at the White House Forum on Health Reform and to speak at one of the five breakout sessions that included Members of Congress from both parties, along with executives from employer, labor, insurance, and advocacy organizations involved in health reform.

School Improvement
Students organize for quality education in Contra Costa County schools

February 27, 2009

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

With California's struggling economy and rising unemployment; a high-quality education that prepares students for the workforce or college is paramount to the stability of local communities throughout the state. On February 24, nearly three hundred students, concerned parents and faith leaders from the Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) gathered city and state officials, including California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, to express their concerns, research, and personal testimonies about inadequate school preparation in their communities.

Housing Opportunities
Residents organize to stop illegal dumping at foreclosed properties in Kansas City

February 25, 2009

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

The Tri-Blenheim neighborhood in Kansas City, MO is one of many neighborhoods in the city suffering from aftermath of the foreclosure crisis, most notably the illegal dumping happening at abandoned foreclosed properties. On February 24, residents and faith leaders from Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) gathered to ask the city to increase accountability on vacant property.

Civic Participation
PICO founder wins CCHD's Sr. Margaret Cafferty Development of People Award

February 24, 2009

PICO National Network

Fr. John Baumann wins award honoring an individual or group who exemplifies a commitment to the development of people and the elimination of poverty.

Housing Opportunities
Faith leaders fight foreclosures & blight in southern California

February 20, 2009

Faith in Action Kern County

Kern County residents win commitments from Wells Fargo to buy foreclosed properties at discounted rate; more assistance for struggling homeowners; money for neighborhood stabilization.

Economic Security, Immigration Reform
Immigrant families lead way on fair towing policy

February 13, 2009

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

After hundreds of one-to-one conversations with community members from Cathedral City, CA revealed that many immigrant families were being stopped by police for minor traffic violations and then having their cars impounded, members of Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) went to work changing the police department's car confiscation policy.

Health Care Access
Rwandan leaders prepare to open health center

February 13, 2009

Congregations Rebuilding Community in Rwanda

PICO leaders from Congregations Rebuilding Community in Rwanda (CRCR) in Mumeya are preparing to celebrate the opening of the first three rooms of their new Health Center next month.

Housing Opportunities
PICO and Center for Responsible Lending release paper on preventing 3 million foreclosures

February 5, 2009

PICO National Network

Health Care Access
What today's SCHIP signing means for families in our pews

February 4, 2009

PICO National Network

Civic Participation
PICO Central America wins $2.2 million for communities, expands to new regions

February 1, 2009

PICO Central America

In 2008, PICO Central American leaders in Zacatecoluca, El Salvador formed the Diocese's first ever community organization COFOA (Comunidades de Fe Organizadas en Acci\xc3\xb3n - Organized Faith Communities in Action).

Neighborhood Revitalization
PICO Central America 2008 Update

January 31, 2009

PICO Central America

In 2008 PICO Central American leaders in Zacatecoluca, El Salvador formed the first Diocesan Community Organization, introducing COFOA (Comunidades de Fe Organizadas en Acci\xc3\xb3n - Organized Faith Communities in Action) to the broader community and public officials.

Health Care Access
Parents will sleep better tonight

January 31, 2009

PICO National Network

PICO applauds Senate vote to extend health coverage to 11 million children.

Health Care Access
PICO Colorado meets with Governor's office on proposal to cover 200,000 uninsured

January 25, 2009

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

PICO affiliate Metro Organizations for People (MOP) held a day-long health care training for 70 youth and adult leaders who came from 20 congregations and schools located across the Denver metro area.

School Improvement
New Bedford schools chief commits to work with community to address dropout crisis

January 15, 2009

United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA)

On January 13, Dr. Porsche Bonner, Superintendent of Schools in New Bedford, MA, agreed to sign a "Community Education Compact" with PICO affiliate United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA).

PICO calls on Congress and new Administration to ensure Equitable Economic Recovery

January 13, 2009

PICO National Network

As Congress and the incoming Obama Administration debate the details of economic recovery legislation, PICO organizations across the country are meeting with their members of Congress to press for provisions creating good family-supporting jobs and channelling investment to communities hardest hit by the recession.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Flint congregations press city leadership for recovery plan

January 13, 2009

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

In front of over 200 community members, congregation leaders won a commitment from city officials to work together on demolishing blighted properties and to increase security by placing cameras at key crime points.

Health Care Access
ACTION ALERT: Put kids health on President's desk when he arrives!

January 9, 2009

PICO National Network

This week, Congressional leaders announced their decision to try to put a children's health bill on the new President's desk when he arrives on January 20th. Wouldn't it be amazing if the first piece of legislation that President Obama signs provides the hope of better health to more than four million uninsured children?