David took his staff in his hand, picked five smooth stones from the river bed, put them in his shepherds bag, and with his sling in his hand he went to meet the Philistine. – 1 Samuel 17:34
Dear Friend,
Do you want to be part of progressive social and economic change? Illinois People’s Action (IPA) is a confident faith-based organization that is actively fighting injustice in our region.
Your personal contribution can make a huge difference to IPA. We are an organization with a big heart engaged in David vs. Goliath campaigns. We are asking you to arm us with enough smooth stones to bring each Goliath down!
Our major accomplishments include:
1. Organizing over 1000 families to attend public meetings with national economic decision-makers (Federal Reserve and Treasury Department) on foreclosures and economic recovery. These public meetings (Decatur 2009 and Peoria 2010 respectively) gave working families the chance to engage federal decision-makers on economic policies on which they had previously never had the opportunity to voice their opinion. The national-in-scope events were part of a series of hearings held across the country. Both IPA/CIOP events were the largest attended of all national hearings.
2. Congressional passage of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and follow-up meetings with its founding executive, Elizabeth Warren. CFPB is the national cornerstone to financial protection through common sense regulation and enforcement. IPA/CIOP led the grassroots campaign for passage of the agency, including securing the decisive House of Representatives vote for the agency creation. Ms. Warren has agreed to come to Illinois for an IPA-sponsored public meeting in 2011.
3. Permanent establishment of evening bus service in Springfield, IL. Established as a pilot project in 2008 and made permanent in 2009, night bus service was the achievement of a multi-year CIOP campaign bringing together the disability community, seniors and low wage workers. Prior to the organizing campaign, Springfield was the only state capital of its size without evening public transportation, stranding those without access to cars. CIOP leaders worked closely with then Senator Obama and Durbin to secure federal funds for a consultant and pilot project. The service now results in millions in economic development (multiplier effect).
Donations can be mailed to:
Illinois People’s Action
510 E. Washington St. Suite 309
Bloomington, IL 61701
To discuss other giving options, please call: (309)827-9627 or e-mail: ciop@comcast.net
Remember, IPA is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. Your contribution is tax deductible.
Please contribute what you can. And please encourage your friends to visit our website and send their contributions too. With your help, we truly can make a difference.
Sincerely,
Don Carlson
Executive Director