Press Release: Congressmen Van Hollen, Gutierrez and Sarbanes to Participate in Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Contact: Germonique R. Ulmer 202-339-9331, Mary Moreno 202-339-9316
"Realizing the Promise" forum to bring local leaders together with decision makers to set people’s agenda.
WASHINGTON - Congressmen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), and John Sarbanes (D-MD) will join 2,000 grassroots community leaders from across the country at "Realizing the Promise: A Forum on Community, Faith and Democracy" on December 4, 2008. The forum will provide grassroots leaders, everyday people, members of Congress and representatives of President-Elect Obama’s transition team the opportunity to discuss issues facing America and the solutions our communities need.
"We’re very grateful that these Congressmen have agreed to listen to the concerns of everyday Americans, and work with us to set an agenda that will offer real solutions," said Deepak Bhargava, executive director, Center for Community Change. "The forum is an incredible, unprecedented opportunity for real, everyday people to participate in shaping public policy in our country."
Seasoned journalist and author Juan Williams will moderate two round table discussions that will include community leaders and members of Congress in a dialogue about a range of issues, including the economic crisis, healthcare, immigration reform and others.
"December 4th will be a great new day for politics in our country," said Ana Garcia-Ashley, Southern Territory director of the Gamaliel Foundation. "Healing our country is going to require everybody’s contribution. This forum is a great way to start a national dialogue that allows every voice to be heard."
As the forum continues to take shape, there will be more announcements of political leaders participating.
"Realizing the Promise: A Forum on Community, Faith and Democracy," will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at the Washington Hilton, in Washington, DC. The forum is presented by the Gamaliel Foundation and the Center for Community Change’s Campaign for Community Values. For updates on Realizing the Promise, go to www.realizingthepromise.org.
