The West/Southwest IAF launched its Jubilee year with over 200 leaders from 33 cities at a symposium in San Antonio, the birthplace of COPS/Metro, the first organization of the network. Leaders celebrated 50 years of organizing and committed to continue working together for the common good.

“In this time of jubilee, the process we're suggesting is an updating of our inherent traditions to meet the new moment,” said TMO leader Bob Flemming of Houston.

Leaders shared stories about how organizing developed their own dignity, and their capacity to build bonds of trust, and fight for justice and peace.

“The IAF has transformed me from a 'me' person to a 'we' person. I know how to help my brothers and sisters improve their quality of life. I know how to find and recruit more leaders to the fight…With the IAF, I am a leader and I am equal,” said Edgar Cage of Together Baton Rogue.

Some of the accomplishments highlighted included:

• Securing over $1 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure in las colonias and economically distressed areas

• Creating nine labor market intermediary institutions to move adults into living wage careers in Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, and Iowa

• Achieved living wage victories in Texas, Louisiana, California, Colorado, and Arizona - and we're pushing for more

• Building the largest network of solar-powered resilience hubs in the world

• Expanding access to children’s mental health services 

• Reining in tax exemptions to restore billions of dollars for community benefits in Michigan, Louisiana, and Texas

• Expanding healthcare to agricultural workers and protecting tenants in California

Alicia Hodges of Together Louisiana said: “In school, I studied history. Through organizing, I'm making history."

Special guests included representatives of Organizing Germany, author and historian Ronald White, professor and author Paul Osterman, former Texas Observer editor Geoff Ripps, and professor and theologian Dr. Nicholas Hayes-Mota (a video of his teaching is on the left).

Congratulations to the generations of West/Southwest IAF leaders who have built this organization over the last 50 years to realize our common good!

[Photo Credit: Alan Pogue]

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