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I have always thought what is needed is the development of people who are interested not in being leaders as much as in developing leadership in others. Ms. Ella Baker
YOUR Support IS Critical...
The work of ONE DC (formerly Manna CDC) is vital to
Shaw and the District. As we bring
residents to the
But real change requires real commitment—from our staff, from our constituents, and from our supporters. We look to you to provide the critical support to keep our work moving forward. Below is our appeal letter for December '05 highlighting how you and your friends can support our efforts to bring human rights to the forefront of decisions that affect the Shaw community.
Dec 2005 Manna CDC/ONE DC Appeal Letter
Dear Friend: This special time of the year brings out the best in all of us. Many of us do not have a lot of extras, but we give what we can because we believe in good causes. Believing in something is powerful; it has the capacity to change us, especially if the issue at hand affects the lives and future of our families and communities. We recently celebrated the life of Ms. Rosa Parks, who along with many other quiet but strong grassroots leaders, helped set in motion a movement that reminded and challenged this nation to act on the values that it professes. Shaw and the District of Columbia have numerous such humble, eloquent and powerful women and men. Manna CDC is currently led by many of them. Like Ms. Parks, these CDC leaders have come to understand the difficulties of acting upon their beliefs. Actually trying to create change in the world calls one to question one’s values, knowledge, instincts and choices, while also demanding the commitment and responsibility to ensure that any action brings about lasting change. Below are two real-life stories of local residents who are accepting that challenge through their work with the Manna CDC… ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Pat Gaston, Kelsey Gardens Resident & Tenant Association Board Member Long time Section 8 tenant Ms. Gaston, was understandably angry and frightened when she learned that the apartment complex that she has called home for over 25 years was about to lose its federal subsidy. The Section 8 program was the only thing that made it possible for her to raise her children and grandchildren in Shaw. At first, she was not up for joining the tenant association or engaging in the 2-year court battle that is ongoing between the tenants, the owners and a large developer who wants to turn the complex into luxury condos. But like many residents in Shaw, Ms. Gaston realized that if her rights were going to be protected, she had to be part of the struggle. “I’m on a fixed income and I can’t really afford to live anywhere else, so I’m gonna fight to stay” said the Kelsey Gardens 2004 Tenant Association secretary. That was over 2 years ago. Ms. Gaston is still fighting, learning and developing her leadership skills with Manna CDC, but her vision has changed a bit. “When this is all over I may not even be one of the people who comes back to Kelsey Gardens, but I continue to fight this fight for all the low-income and single parents that will come behind me, so that they can have an affordable place to call home!” Ms. Gaston has made the connection between herself and other low-income residents struggling to hold ground in this community! Marion Francis, Shaw Education for Action (SEA) When we first met Ms. Francis, she was interviewing to enter the hotel job-training program that SEA had been organizing at the Embassy Suites Hotel. She was nervous. She didn't say much. She gave the impression that she was interested in the training, but not much else. Then she started coming to SEA meetings. The Ms. Francis that comes to SEA meetings is not nervous. She is dynamic, she stands in front of the group during role-plays to help us do better outreach. She reminds us that we're not just here to get a job, but we're here "to make a change in our community. It's about our rights as DC residents." And even though Ms. Francis is still nervous when she joins us in visits to Council Members, City staff, and developers, she knows that her presence can make a difference and that she is a leader for change. And, with the support of Manna CDC staff and other members of Shaw Education for Action, Ms. Marion Francis is creating change by fighting for the rights of all District residents to have quality, living wage jobs. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Manna CDC, its staff, leaders and programs carry out this deliberate but fruitful work because we believe that there is an alternative to poverty and oppression. We believe in human rights, we believe in our communities, we believe in our collective strength and courage. Our work and approach reflects these beliefs, we are here to accompany residents as they lead this change, not vice versa. And in turn, our leaders believe in us. Because of the strength of community leaders like Ms. Gaston and Ms. Francis, we celebrated many victories in 2005. In the past year, we…
As we accomplish these types of results, we continue to learn, grow stronger as an organization, and build a more just future for our community. Many of you want to support a successful community-based organization that works with long time residents. This is your opportunity. As we continue down the path laid by civil rights organizers like Ms. Rosa Parks, we know that the way can be difficult. But your support and belief gives us hope and momentum to continue. Please consider making a gift to ONE DC (formerly Manna CDC). Your contributions will help us move forward and begin a new vision for equitable development in Shaw and DC. Sincerely, Dominic T. Moulden Executive Director
Please make all donations payable to:
ONE DC attn: Dominic Moulden PO Box 26049 Washington, DC 20001 |
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