Invitation to join The Bridge to Diversity Coalition

Last summer we held a Bridge to Diversity rally to  bring people's attention to the injustices inflicted on  minority workers and busness owners.  Many of those involved  in the rally have been meeting  in Springfield IL with  IDOT, FHWA, and governor's office to  address these injustices.

We are formalizing and expanding the  Bridge to Diversity Coalition.  Organizations and individuals are invited to join.  You are invited to join.

A Bridge to Diversity Coalition position/policy statement is included at the bottom of this email.  It  is not set in stone.  We welcome suggestions to improve it. 

The members of the Bridge to Diversity Coalition will be recognized at our United Congregations of Metro-east (UCM) tenth anniversity public action rally this Sunday 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 2160 Delmar Ave, Granite City, IL 62040-4792.  Please let us know if we can  include you and/or your organization.  You don't have to be present  but we would like for you to be if at all possible.  I have limited access to my email addresses so please forward as appropriate.

Ron Trimmer  UCM Jobs task force leader 618 604-6216

The Bridge to Diversity Coalition position/policy statement

Because there is strength/power in numbers and in coordinated effort, the Bridge to Diversity Coalition is coming together across political boundaries to create an All-American economy. 

An economy that celebrates/embraces our diversity and where all Americans that are willing to work hard, regardless of race, ethnicity, and gender are given opportunities to improve their work skills and earn a fair livable wage.  American businesses need good workers to be profitable. 

An economy where all Americans and all American communities share in the opportunities created by our Nation’s investments especially those now underrepresented.  When a building trade or a contractor’s employees do not reflect the region’s work force, public and private capital projects should be used to provide on-the-job training to help hard working minorities and women to work their way out of poverty into good paying careers.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs should be for the truly disadvantaged. There should be a balance between minority and women owned DBE contracts to help both get their feet on the ground.  Fraudulent tactics that deny diversity should be exposed and disciplined.

The Bridge to Diversity Coalition calls on all Americans to collaborate to develop the talents of all Americans so all Americans can prosper.

Posted via email from Brian's posterous