Like many communities across our country, Charlotte-Mecklenburg is feeling firsthand the impact of the nationwide economic downturn. CMS is eliminating teacher positions; Mecklenburg County and local agencies are cutting services; long-term employees are being laid off in both the public and private sectors; banks are struggling; people are losing their homes. Needs are increasing, and there seems to be no end in sight. Where do we find hope in such difficult times? How do we work together to address these issues? How do we insure that current or new service delivery models will address the needs of the community?
If you share our concerns, we invite you to join Community Building Initiative, Community Relations Committee and Mecklenburg Ministries for a deliberative community dialogue: “Can We Talk About Meeting Basic Human Needs in Difficult Economic Times?” on Tuesday, June 30, 7:00PM at Little Rock AME Zion Church (410 North McDowell Street). This conversation will be moderated by Bob Morgan (Charlotte Chamber) and Willie Ratchford (CRC). Panelists include Ruben Campillo (Latin American Coalition), Harvey Gantt (Gantt Huberman Architects), Carol Hardison (Crisis Assistance Ministry), John McGillicuddy (Mecklenburg County) and Rick Thames (Charlotte Observer). To RSVP: E-Mail rthompson@ci.charlotte.nc.us or call 704-336-2424.