CFAN e-news June 22

CFAN One Voice for Children and Families in Southwest Louisiana

Children & Families Action Network June 22, 2007

Bringing Equity and Inclusion to the Southwest Region

After the two hurricanes Katrina and Rita, much has been said about inadequacies and lack of leadership. However, not much has been said about how well Southwest Louisiana recovered after Hurricane Rita. People helped people, United Way of SWLA funded recovery efforts, faith based and nonprofit organizations expanded services beyond the norm, elected officials and local governments supported their communities, the business community responded to the call for action and the list can go on and on.

In order to continue to be at the top of the class during the next recovery years, we must acknowledge that communities flourish when opportunities are provided to all citizens. The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF) Equity & Inclusion Campaign promotes social and economic equity, inclusion, and justice as the platform that will ultimately hold Federal leaders accountable for their promise to rebuild and renew the Gulf Coast region, especially on behalf of those who are most vulnerable and who have no voice.

The campaign’s mission, supported in principle by Gulf Coast Funders for Equity, is to advocate for the right of return to communities of opportunity, employing the principles of equitable development to uplift the poor, the elderly, and communities of color in the Gulf.

The Campaign endeavors to engender widespread constituent participation and political advocacy and legislative accountability to realize three main goals:

1. To sustainably redress systemic socio-economic inequities that were exposed in the Gulf Coast by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

2. To ensure reasonable and equitable preparation for future disasters such that no individual faces disproportionate risk due to race, ethnicity, gender, class, age, or disability.

3. To pursue adequate protections and opportunities for disadvantaged communities that lack their fair share of the material and political resources necessary for effective disaster mitigation or recovery strategies.

The Campaign cannot fulfill the goals of Equity & Inclusion without the deep knowledge, experience, and touch of organizations like yours. Together we comprise a range of political actors across all levels of government and civil society that share a profound commitment to social and economic justice, equity, and inclusion. Please consider lending your expertise, time, and energy to the Equity & Inclusion Campaign. Together, we have the voice to continue a local and national dialogue on equity and inclusion, and the power to realize equitable and inclusive communities of opportunity.

To receive a full copy of the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation Campaign for Equity & Inclusion please contact Susan at 337-436-9533 or email susan@fyca.org

Join CFAN today!

Children & Families Action Network (CFAN) is in full support of the LDRF Campaign for Equity and Inclusion. Please sign up today to become a member of CFAN so that our voice can be heard as one. CFAN is the only organization in SWLA dedicated to increasing your lobbying and advocacy effectiveness to affect positive change for Southwest Louisiana’s children and families through training, networking and information. Please visit our website at www.fyca.org/CFAN.htm to fill out a membership application.

SAVE THE DATE

JOIN US AT THE CFAN MEMBERSHIP MEETING!

Date: July 31, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Sensational Creations - 313 Broad Street, Lake Charles
To be covered: Mission Based Advocacy Training, Legislative Wrap and Bill Summaries and Updates