PRESS RELEASE
URBAN DEMOCRACY FEAST, KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN
URBANDEMOCRACYFEAST@GMAIL.COM
www.urbandemocracyfeast.org
269-388-3809
POST OFFICE BOX NO. 2523, KALAMAZOO 49003
Majyck Radio-(Kalamazoo) A group of community organizations have started a face-to-face crowd funding process here. This process occurs over a meal so we can exchange information about shared problems, common obstacles and ways to overcome them. Twice this year this urban FEAST will raise funds to support social justice projects demonstrating direct democracy and accountability. We define social justice as equal access to all the resources and services.
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 group projects submit an application, and four applicants will be selected to make a five-minute presentation at the supper. The applicants selected will be those who present evidence that they are addressing a shared need, with the support of other groups in the neighborhood, and that the project demonstrates direct democracy.
We welcome projects identifying public policies that prevent social justice and direct democracy, and that also propose replacements 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; or a scholarship request to study abroad and return to implement the research results in Kalamazoo.
Supper tickets are available at the door or at the FEAST website [www.urbandemocracyfeast.org] , and with the ticket each attendee will be given a voting ballot.
The doors will open at 5:00 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. the FEAST process will be explained, followed by four five minute presentations. Then the food makers will be presented (so that restaurants donating food can announce a social justice project or event they are supporting), the food will be explained, and while the attendees get a food plate, those waiting can post suggestions for the projects on a white board, sign up to bring a dish for the next FEAST, or ask questions of the applicants before voting. The musician or artist working that night will be introduced and given time to discuss her/his work, the date and place of the next FEAST will then be announced together with the voting results.
The winning project will get the funds collected at the door, and must return to the next supper both to present evidence of their project’s impact and to account for their expenses. Applicants not awarded can apply again.
Date: Saturday 19 December, 2015
Location: HISPANIC AMERICAN COUNCIL [HAC] located at 930 Lake Street
City: Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Childcare available
