Action In Montgomery (AIM) is a non-partisan coalition of thirty faith communities and organizations in Montgomery County working together to build power for social justice. AIM unites people across lines of race, class, religion, and geography to promote public, private and civic sector actions which strengthen and improve the quality of life of our neighborhoods.

Industrial Areas Foundation The nation’s first and largest coalition of multi-faith organizations—with seven decades of experience winning victories across the nation Drawing on the proven power of person- to-person organizing, our work transforms communities and builds the local power necessary to create change. 60 affiliates in North American and Europe

IAF Accomplishments Baltimore: first living wage ordinance NY: Over 5,000 affordable Nehemiah Homes Mass: Health care for 500,000 uninsured Washington, DC: $100 million in neighborhood development MD: MD DREAM Act

Context for Community Organizing Public Sector Elected officials (national, state, local) Government Agencies Civic Sector Families Religious Congs. Labor Unions Civic associations Advocacy Groups Private Sector Financial Services Energy companies Real Estate/Constr. Health Care/Insurance Manufacturing Contracts/grants/ regulations Campaign Donations Workers/Consumers Voters/Taxpayers Values: administration/control Power: Position Values: Profit Power: Organized $ Values: All other motives Power: Organized People and organized $

How do we build power in the Civic Sector? Identifying common self interests we can only realize together Intentionally building relationships necessary to motivate and sustain action

Described by the Washington Post as “…a network of congregations that has become perhaps the most powerful grass-roots organization in the County” 30 member institutions across the county $224 million in new, dedicated County funding for affordable housing since 2003 $500,000 restored to County funds for medical care for 30,000 residents in 2010 $29.7 million to re-build 4 community centers in African American neighborhoods One of the leading organizations ensuring passage of the Maryland Dream Act for in-state tuition for MD high school graduates regardless of immigration status. Mobilizing over 1,000 annually to engage in the democratic process. In 2010, leveraged $24.5 million in concrete victories with a $209,000 operating budget.

Next Steps Attend AIM Event House Meeting Campaign

Resources “Going Public” by Michael Gecan “Effective Organizing for Congregational Renewal” by Michael Gecan