Having an IMPACT in Charlottesville

Tonight 27 of us from St. Paul's gathered among 622 people from 30 Charlottesville faith communities -- churches, synagogues and mosques -- convening at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church to discern together a single issue we can work together to solve in our community under the umbrella of IMPACT (and for my California readers, this is the C'ville version of Sacramento ACT).

Tonight's meeting was full of energy, enthusiasm and expressions of faith. We heard three detailed and impassioned presentations about three issues: jobs and wages; youth; and education. Each issue was certainly related to the others, but we needed to pick one for the coming year. We caucused as individual congregations, and then cast our votes. Education - including illiteracy, early childhood education and drop-out rates - was voted as our common issue for the coming year. More IMPACT meetings will follow, including with public officials.

I learned a great deal tonight, and have much to reflect upon. Thanks to John Frazee for organizing our delegation and for all who came. You give me great hope for the future.