During the course of 2007, PCIC pursued several important objectives.
Evaluate and hold accountable major PCIC initiatives. PCIC leaders examined Kidco (serving 8000 children citywide), School Plus Jobs (expanding to 7 high schools serving 240 students) and JobPath (to date training 600 participants for good paying jobs). Currently, these programs are delivering positive outcomes as promised, are broadly supported by community and political leadership and undergoing continuous improvement. Neighborhood level investments such as the St. John’s Park are on track.
Develop the Immigrant Integration Toolkit. The Toolkit has proven its worth as a guide to immigrant family survival in diverse situations. The Tool Kit in its third version is currently being formalized and will be made available for 2008 in loose-leaf notebook form as appropriate.
Expand community relationships to include non-profit agencies, businesses and schools. PCIC convened a Community Summit in February 2007 that brought together a broad range of community leaders (150) and successfully initiated new relationships and issue content that have since blossomed.
Build an Agenda for 2008 responsive to family needs and interests. PCIC conducted over 250 house meetings leading up to the research conference on September 16 (75 leaders from 20 institutions) and Convocation (150 leaders from 45 institutions) on October 7. An Issues Agenda for 2008 was adopted at the Convocation as a foundation for action through the November 2008 electoral cycle (see addenda).
Establish Task Forces to carry forward specific work on new issue areas. By February 1, 2008, all PCIC Task Forces will have met, established organizing plans and begun implementation of those plans. Unifying themes have begun to emerge.
Deepen the reflective lives of leaders and clergy. PCIC conducted eight reading and study sessions with clergy and lay leaders using chapter length readings on the Family (Marilyn Robinson), the Sabbath (Walter Brueggemann and Abraham Heschel), and the Prophets. This work will expand in 2008. In addition, 30 PCIC leaders participated in a Houston conference on the state of the US economy and economic pressures on families.
Join with other Interfaith organizations and allies in developing an agenda for statewide action at the 2008 legislative session. PCIC leaders joined a statewide leadership team in December to develop an agenda and plan regular trips to the State Capitol in 2008 to represent Southern Arizona families.
Expand membership and strengthen the financial base of PCIC. Membership of PCIC grew by five institutions and membership dues by 40% in 2007. Of particular note is increased participation by Jewish congregations, including Temple Emanu-el, and community non-profits including Habitat for Humanity.
Improve communications and transparency. PCIC now has an introductory packet, a website, regular updates by e-mail and other communications enhancements. The budget is available to all institutional leaders for review. Back to top