by: Miguel Santana
Dismayed with the state of Bronx politics, due to the resulting economic and social conditions of their community, several outstanding Bronx leaders have formed a civic-engagement group appropriately named in the style of the Obama “change” motif, Bronx for Change (BFC).
In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s theme,” Government of the People; By the People; For the People,” BFC has committed itself to strengthening grassroots organizations and individual Bronxite participation in social movement-building via pro-active political participation.
BFC’s vision is to, Empower the Powerless, Inspire the Voiceless and Initiate Social, Economic and Political Justice for All!
BFC’s mission is to address any issue that would hamper the development of future leaders by filling leadership voids.
BFC aims to awaken political participation and thus begin to curtail the widespread, waning democratic elector participation which hinders economic and social policy development in the Bronx.
We accomplish this by empowering fellow Bronxites through sharing our collective knowledge-based on what it takes to change public policies that have an adverse affect on our livelihoods, our families, friends and communities and also by sharing information and support on how to organize winning campaigns that result in the election of responsive leaders.
BFC ultimately believes in the will of the people and our collective might to secure a better life for ourselves, our children, and our fellow man.
What we think, how we care and the way we fight is significant to our cause. Even humble and dispossessed people, when united in significant numbers, can and do effect the desired change. That change starts within our hearts and minds when we organize, when we get involved, when we stand up and when we speak out we create a collective power that no one can suppress or marginalize.
Facilitator Priscilla Nibbs-Bracy stated: “We believe that an informed electorate will mean more accountable, transparent and responsive elected officials.”
Co-Founder Carlos “Charlie” Ramos stated: “We simply equip ordinary people with the tools to mobilize around issues so that they may empower themselves and hone their leadership skills.”
Facilitator Nichole Singleton stated: “There is power in the people as long as we understand that United We Stand, Divided We Fall!”
Co-Founder Ephraim Cruz stated: “True democracy is about meeting people where they are to effect change.”
Facilitator Sara Izzard stated: “This movement is about creating a culture of access and inclusion.”
Co-Founder Miguel Santana stated: “We are developing a powerful cadre of fully engaged Bronxites with the skills-set to be active participants in the decision making process.”
Sociologist William Cameron wrote, “The essence of a social movement is change. The main characteristic of a social movement is that it seeks to change the culture or change the social structure or redistribute the power of control within a society.”
BFC seeks to serve as a catalyst for change by offering, free of charge, community empowerment workshops, seminars and open discussion forums in:
• Coalition and community advocacy
• Grassroots capacity-building
• Campaign and candidate training
To join the Bronx for Change movement, schedule or attend upcoming training sessions organizations and individuals can email: info@BronxForChange.org or add Bronx for Change as a friend on Facebook.
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