A Forum for The People in the Galesburg area

Based on the solicitation for YOU (The People) to consider being a Facilitator for topics raised at the TOWN HALL MEETING, I am happy to report that the following 5 ACTION GROUPS have formed (with contact info, brief description, and announcement of 1st meeting, noted). If YOU are interested in being part of one (or more) of these groups, please let the facilitator know (by email) and come to the first meeting, if possible. If you have previously informed someone of your interest in an area, it wouldn't be a bad idea to remind them. Also, The People’s Forum is UP and RUNNING and has discussion threads on each of these topics. Please participate.

(1) Youth Programming – facilitator, Abby Pardick (apardick@gmail.com)
The Youth Programming group will address youth issues in Galesburg and work to expand community services targeted to youth.

First Meeting: Tuesday, August 4th, 7 PM, at The Center (123 S. Cherry St.)

(2) Race & Class -- facilitator: diana (diana@thepeopleingalesburg.org)

Adding 'class' to the issue of 'race' broadens the potential awareness of poverty issues (especially the youth and community needs here, touched on at the first Town Hall Meeting). The kind of single-image view (for example, what we get from television) can then be seen for what it is, a form of racism. And it begins the dialog on class, which is interwoven with racism in part, and which illuminates a disprivilege connection shared across races.
Suddenly it's no longer 'them vs. us' and full focus on difference; it's a greater complexity, where we are different and alike and somewhere in between, and we can work together to understand all facets of this reality. There is rich tradition in difference, beauty to be learned from one another. And there is commonality, a language (for example, love and care for children) that transcends dialect and group identity.
First Meeting: not yet scheduled.

(3) Nurturing Neighborhoods -- facilitator: Bruce Weik (bruce@thepeopleingalesburg.org)

I am a firm believer that strong, active, vital, neighborhoods are key ingredients to developing a successful, caring, and sustained community. I am interested in exploring new and creative ways to strengthen our neighbors. The Action Group will explore ways to increase our connections and bring us closer together at the neighborhood level.

First Meeting: not yet scheduled

(4) Hunger – facilitator: Peter Schwartzman (peter@thepeopleingalesburg.org)

Hunger is a problem in the 'burg. Too many kids don't get enough food or sufficient nutrients. (These claims are based on personal stories, not on scientific evidence.) This Action Group will determine ways to make sure that children get the food they need to live, learn, and be full human beings.

First Meeting: Thursday, August 6th, 8 PM, at The Center (123 S. Cherry St.)

(5) Farmer's Market – facilitator: diana (diana@thepeopleingalesburg.org)
Because local foods are such a hot issue right now, it seems like a great time to focus on improving our local Farmers' Market. It's a good market, but with adequate sponsoring support it could be amazing -- and a much greater asset for the community. (more info on this at The People’s Forum)

First Meeting: not yet scheduled.

Let’s keep the momentum,

Peter