Community Forums

Engaging the complex systems of a city involves mutual learning, dialogue and collaboration among many players. The challenges of a community are best addressed when government, neighborhood leaders, nonprofits and faith communities bring their collective wisdom, expertise and resources to the table. GUM initiates and hosts forums to encourage such dialogue, and to help discern what congregation-centered community involvement might look like.

Health Care Access Forum

This forum brought together policy advocates, community agencies, pastors, hospital and neighborhood clinic representatives, and other stakeholders to be informed about the health care crisis, related state and local legislation, and opportunities to advocate for the uninsured. Congregational leaders shared about their own health ministry initiatives, and explored possible avenues for inter-congregational and community collaboration. See the Photos

Immigration Policy & Services Forum

An immigration forum was initiated in response to the growing concern in the community regarding post-9/11 policies that targeted specific ethnic minority and immigrant groups. Immigrant advocacy organizations, family services agencies, and churches and congregation-based nonprofits shared about the experience of their immigrant constituencies, and the types of services they offer. A panel of lawyers and advocates educated the participants on current immigration bills. See the Photos

Food Security Forum

Concerned about the rising cost of living, forcing many families to have to choose between rent, food and health care, a neighborhood providers network teamed up with GUM to host a forum to examine the growing need for “food security,” that is, sources of free or low-cost food options for the most vulnerable. A survey was conducted to identify existing sources, and new partners were identified to partner with the city’s food bank.