Dear Friend of PICO,

In 1972, Fr. Jerry Helfrich, S.J. and I started what is today PICO. What began as a single community organization in Oakland, California has now grown to an international Network involving over 50 organizations in the United States, Central America, and Africa. PICO's success over the last 36 years has been the result of the commitment and work of hundreds of community organizers, thousands of community volunteers, and countless friends and financial supporters. We can all take great pride in what has been accomplished.

PICO's success points to the powerful role that faith communities play in shaping our nation. Across the U.S., people from all varieties of religious traditions are hungry to put their faith into action, and PICO has helped channel this energy into concrete wins for working families.

Hundreds of thousands of children and adults now have access to affordable health care. Neighborhoods around the country are safer places to raise children. Families have more opportunities for their children to receive a high-quality education that will prepare them for college or a career. And faith leaders across the country – from Florida to Vermont and Camden to Los Angeles – feel a greater sense of power over their lives and what happens in their communities.

With this great history in mind, and despite so much to look forward to in the coming years, I have decided to step down as Executive Director effective December 31, 2008. This was not an easy decision to make. After 36 years of growing and expanding the PICO Network, I am ready to assume a new role in fostering the network's growth. Although I will step down as Executive Director, I will continue to be involved in our international organizing and our work with clergy; supporting the PICO Board and our fund raising efforts; and expanding our relationship with the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and their many ministries.

I leave the Network in very good hands. Scott Reed, who has been with PICO for over thirty years, will succeed me as Executive Director. Scott has played a critical role in the growth and development of our Network. Starting as an organizer with PICO in 1977, Scott served as Director of both our Oakland and San Diego projects before assuming his current position as Director of Organizing for PICO. Since 1984, Scott has led PICO's professional and leadership development programs, overseen our consulting and support to local federations, and led our national organizing initiative. I have complete confidence in his ability, commitment, and vision for the future of PICO.

I feel a great deal of personal satisfaction in what has been accomplished over the last 36 years and feel an equal amount of excitement about what lies ahead, especially as a former community organizer prepares, for the first time in our nation's history, to assume the Presidency. I hope you will continue to join us in working to renew and revitalize America's spirit and practice of democracy.

Very truly yours,

John A. Baumann, S.J.
Executive Director