Luis Gutierrez: Representing Illinois' Fourth District

Media Contact: Rebecca Dreilinger (202) 225-8203

(Washington, DC) Today, U.S. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) announced the introduction of a new House Resolution that recognizes the role community organizers play in affecting change for the nation. The Honoring Organizers for Promoting Equality (HOPE) Resolution of 2008 is coauthored by U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).

The Resolution has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for review.

"Some believe that community organizers lack the power or responsibilities necessary to truly provoke change, but I disagree," said Rep. Gutierrez. "I believe that there is no greater responsibility than to stand up to injustice and to demand a better society and a more responsive government for all people.  This change often starts with community organizers.  Community organizers have worked to ignite movements such as the Underground Railroad, farm laborer's rights, civil rights and women's enfranchisement.  Today, community organizers in our own city of Chicago fight for more adult literacy projects, improved housing, equal access to quality healthcare, much needed assistance for the homeless, and fair and just immigration laws."

“Community organizing is about lifting people up who have been left behind by empowering them to make a difference in their lives,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).  “Our resolution will honor the contributions of community organizers and their efforts to help bring about lasting social, economic and political change to our country.   Without community organizers, millions of Americans still wouldn’t have the right to vote, minimum wage wouldn’t exist, and we wouldn’t have equal rights in this country.  Community organizing represents what America is all about – individuals taking action on a local level to make their neighborhoods safer, their friends and family better off, and our country stronger."

 
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