PRESS RELEASE
URBAN DEMOCRACY FEAST, KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN
POST OFFICE BOX NO. 2523, KALAMAZOO 49003 ~ PHONE 269-388-3809
The Urban Democracy Feast: Supporting Local Social Justice Projects Saturday, 21 April 2018 at 4:30 p.m.
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The goal of the organizers is to generate funds that kick-start projects that might otherwise not get funded, or help them make a qualitative leap in their work. Such projects submit an application, and four applicants are selected to make a five-minute presentation at the supper. Their presentations will exhibit evidence that they are addressing a shared need, with the support of other groups in the neighborhood, and that the project demonstrates direct democracy.
The next FEAST will be held 21 April 2018 at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church located at 804 North St. (corner with Elm St.). Childcare for toddlers and pre-school children will be available in separate rooms. Tickets are available at the door or at the FEAST website, http://www.urbandemocracyfeast.org/, and with the ticket, each attendee will be given a voting ballot. On Saturday, 21 April the doors will open at 4:00 p.m. At 4:30 p.m. the event begins with an explanation of the FEAST process, followed by announcements from those organization donating the soups-salads-bread [about a social justice project or event they support, and to explain the food] before five-minute presentations by each social justice project applicant. While the attendees get a food plate, those waiting can post suggestions for the projects on a whiteboard, sign up to bring a dish for the next FEAST, ask questions of the applicants before voting, and participate in a silent auction. The silent auction is used to raise funds for operational costs. The date and place of the next FEAST will then be announced together with the voting results. Projects are awarded based on the percentage of votes received. Applicants that are not awarded can apply again.
Future Urban Democracy Feast Events
We anticipate that the Urban Democracy Feast events will occur twice per year, in the fall and then again in the winter/spring. For future FEAST events, applications in English and Spanish are available at the FEAST website (www.urbandemocracyfeast.org), and hard copy versions are available at the Arcus Social Justice Center, Bilal Mosque, Eastside Neighborhood Association, Eastwood Library Branch, the Hispanic American Council, Kalamazoo Peace Center, People’s Food Co-op, Powell Street Library Branch, Vine Neighborhood Association, and the Washington Square Library Branch. Completed applications need to be returned to the same place where they were acquired by Wednesday 14 March 2018.
We welcome projects identifying the public policies that prevent social justice and direct democracy, and that also propose replacement policies, which can be implemented here. Some examples of projects we look forward to considering, include: child care services for single parents who work the second and third shift; urban farms that sell to local restaurants; worker-owned co-operatives; independent community media; and/or scholarship requests to study abroad and return to implement the research results in Kalamazoo (see http://www.urbandemocracyfeast.org/social-justice-community-projects-sought-for-funding/)
Paul Frazer, a local business owner, work with male youth and explains his mentoring fishing project to the attendees. The Fishin’ Project earned 57% of total funds received at the FEAST.
Michael Dwyer and Raelyn Joyce, representing K.N.O.W, share peaceful rally training for community members, representing 10% of total funds received at the FEAST.
Allie Van Heest, representing the Kalamazoo Diaper Bank, shared with the crowd, the overwhelming need for diapers in Kalamazoo. The initiative received 29% of the vote.