Vision of Flint Area Congregations Together

• A new effort by faith communities in Genesee County to promote  congregation-based community organizing to help families and neighborhoods develop new vision and direction for the Flint region

• Goal is to advance systemic change in housing, education, health care, public safety and employment in Flint and Genesee County

• Broad-based encompassing all racial and ethnic groups and faith traditions in the region

• Rooted in the needs of local congregations and neighborhoods, each of which develops a local organizing ministry.

• Focus on lay leadership development - people are equipped to develop an agenda, negotiate with officials and lead the organization.

• Funded through dues paid by member congregations, foundation grants and individual and corporate donations.

• Staffed by two trained professional community organizers hired by congregations. (Include Rick Carter,  and Sharon D. Allen) 

• Ongoing support and consultation from PICO National Network.

PICO National Network

• Mission to assist congregations in building powerful organizations to improve communities and strengthen families
• Since 1972, helping working families have an effective voice in public decisions that shape their lives.
• 1,000 congregations, 60 faith traditions, 150 cities, 18 states, six countries in Central America and Rwanda. One of the largest, most diverse community efforts in the United States.
• Track record of improving inner city schools, winning hundreds of millions of dollars for housing and community development, innovative community policing, increasing access to health care and holding political leaders accountable.

More information available at www.flintfact.org