On April 25, 2019, three of our A Little Creative Class board members were invited to speak at the first Building A New American Promise: It Takes a Community symposium, hosted by Habitat for Humanity, The United Way of Greater Capital Region ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed), and YWCA NorthEastern New York. The symposium was held in Schenectady, New York, and focused on how to manifest a new American promise in our home state of New York, where we lead the nation in wealth and income disparity.
A Little Creative Class board members Debra Stocklas, Dana Wells and James Miles shared their lived experiences with the mayor of Schenectady, the head of Schenectady housing, the founder of the SEAT program, and members of the community. ALCC founder and board member, Brenda Kenneally, gave the keynote speech and photographic presentation.
The symposium, organized by Julia Haden of Habitat for Humanity, was five months in the making and the first of its kind in the region. We shared ideas about how current social and economic supports were successful or needed improvement, and had a conversation with policy makers and community members that furthered our common goal of easing burdens and broadening opportunities for our fellows who form the base upon which we have built American society.
Over 125 people attended this forum and it we hope to make it the first of many of such forums.
