Upcoming Forums
Forums will resume in the Fall.
Community Issues Forums will resume in the Fall
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Announcements
Citizens Not Politicians Campaign has begun
This is a a campaign to create a non-partisan districting committee made up of citizens. Currently Ohio is operating within an extremely gerrymandered plan that has been ruled unconstitutional by our Supreme Court. Endorsed by retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and many good government organizations like Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, Ohioans want to remove the districting from the hands of politicians and allow citizens to make these important decisions.
Petitions will be available at the WCC or LWV offices.
How can you support voter rights with this plan?
- Sign a petition.
- CLICK HERE for Fair Districts Website
- Help collect signatures.
- Be able to advocate for every vote counting. This YouTube presentation provides talking points.
- Join the Fair Districts Speakers Bureau or help in other ways. Here is the Fair Districts Get Involved page.
An Old Man’s Concerns About The Future Of Democracy – The Fears And Regrets Of A Longtime Citizen Activist
By William K. Woods
As the 2024 Presidential Election looms ahead, my concerns about the future of democracy in this country become more intense. After a life time of involvement in politics and public life, my fears about the potentials for the emergence of a more autocratic system of government keep increasing. I also feel some regrets for the failures of reform efforts in the past several decades aimed at preventing this decline of our political process.
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Past Forums
Forum Focused on The Growth of Christian Nationalism-A Setback for Democracy And Christian Values.
DATE: Thursday, May 30 , 2024
The Growth of Christian Nationalism – A Setback for Democracy And Christian Values. A Review by Owen Thompson, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral. What is Christian Nationalism? At the next Community Issues Forum, Owen Thompson, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, will explain how many Evangelical Churches have embraced one political party to the detriment of Christian values and our democracy. This Forum takes place on Thursday May 30th at 12:00-noon at Christ Church Cathedral. As usual, questions and comments will be enlisted from attendees at the Cathedral and those linked in via Zoom.
Project 2025 Presidential Transition Project- http://www.project2025.org
Forum Focused on A Housing Justice Update Focusing on The City of Cincinnati’s Current and Future Policy
DATE: Thursday, May 2 , 2024
The next Community Issues Forum on Thursday, May 2nd at 12:00 Noon will take place at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over The Rhine. At the Forum, Rico Blackman, Director of Community Organizing for the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, and Jennifer Arens, Community Education Coordinator for the Peaslee Neighborhood Center, will discuss the current local policy landscape as it relates to housing justice. Topics will include the work of Cincinnati Action for Housing Now in the wake of Issue 24, the potential impacts of Cincinnati’s proposed zoning reform, and what our city can and should be doing to create the affordable housing we need. Come join this discussion at this special Forum at Peaslee Neighborhood Center.
Forum Focused on Today’s Immigrants In Greater Cincinnati Now Receive Attention and Services for Their Special Needs from This Region’s Community Action Agency
Thursday, April 18, 2024
The Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral , Noon in person and zoom Topic–
Besides its traditional programs for building grassroots communities in Greater Cincinnati, the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency has added new services and benefits for the immigrants in this area. At the next Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral on April 18th, Sergio Mata, Immigrant Liaison for the Community Action Agency, will discuss his mission to assist this area’s immigrants. He will also review the Agency’s longstanding programs and efforts to build healthy communities and neighborhoods. You can reach Sergio Mata (Community Action Agency) at (513) 569-1840, and his inner office number is 1,000.
Forum Focused on An Update on The Struggles Confronting Low Wage and Immigrant Workers in Greater Cincinnati The Role of The Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center
Thursday, March 21, 2024
The Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral , Noon in person and zoom Topic–
The Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center is at the forefront of protecting immigrant and labor rights in this region. At the next Community Issues Forum on Thursday March 21st, Magda Orlander, campaign coordinator for CIWC(Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center), discusses the unique struggles that low wage and immigrant workers face in Greater Cincinnati as well as several recent labor rights cases where workers prevailed against abusive employers. Recent changes in local and federal government that have had a positive impact will also be reviewed.
Forum Focused on An Update on Restoring A Critical Legal Tool for Protecting Ohioans from Air Pollution
Two Environmental Attorneys, David Altman and Justin Newman, Explain Why The EPA Air Nuisance Rule Is So Essential
March 7, 2024
.After a four-year absence, the EPA Air Nuisance Rule is being restored in Ohio. At the next Community Issues Forum on March 7th, David Altman and Justin Newman, two attorneys who work with citizens to protect the environment, will explain why this legal process is such an essential tool for eliminating air pollution in Ohio’s communities. They will urge Forum attendees to contact the EPA in support of this policy. For more information call 513-721-2180, ext. 112 or email jodonnell@environlaw.com
Forum Focused on An Update on Local Initiatives to Address Gun Violence in Cincinnati
February 22, 2024
An update on local initiatives to address gun violence in Cincinnati- A panel comprised of leaders of local programs aimed at diminishing gun violence will be led by Jack Jose of Christ Church Cathedral
The next Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral on February 22nd will provide an update on efforts to diminish and eventually end gun violence in Cincinnati. A panel comprised of Carole Womeldorf, Secretary of the Board of the Community Peace Builders Network, Te Airea Powell, of Peace and Hope Life Style and President of the East Westwood Civic Association, and Jack Jose, leader of Christ Church Cathedral’s Gun Violence Prevention Working Group will address this critical issue. The panel will also discuss a proposed new initiative that has worked well in several other cities.
Forum Focused on Homelessness And Affordable Housing Concerns In 2024
February 8, 2024
Homelessness And Affordable Housing Concerns In 2024- An Update By Josh Spring, Executive Director Of The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition
As we begin February, 2024, how are critical issues such as homelessness and affordable housing faring in Cincinnati? What are the immediate concerns that must be addressed? At the next Community Issues Forum, Josh Spring, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, will address these questions. This Forum takes place at Christ Church Cathedral and via Zoom on Thursday, February 8th at 12:00 Noon
Forum Focused on An Update on City Government and Hamilton County Government
January 25, 2024
What are the issues confronting Cincinnati City Council and the Hamilton County Commissioners in 2024 and beyond! At the next Zoom Community Issues Forum, Commissioner Denise Driehaus and Vice Mayor Jan Michele Kearney will review the problems and policy questions that must be dealt with in the coming months.
This Forum takes place at Christ Church Cathedral on Thursday January 25th at 12:00-noon. As usual, time will be made available for questions and comments, and attendees may bring their lunch or purchase a box lunch at the Forum.