Large community meeting planned to discuss the economic crisis

by Ed Felien
published November 03, 08

Members of the left and progressive community in Minneapolis have been
meeting to plan a large community meeting, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22, at Walker Church, 3104 16th Ave. S., from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., to discuss the looming economic crisis.

Karen Redleaf will give a talk on how this crisis happened.  She is a
trained economist who worked for years in the financial sector until she quit in disgust ten years ago.  Since then, she says, “I have been focusing my energy on promoting economic literacy and working for justice.  I am committed to explaining economics in a way that makes sense to ‘regular’ people and I promise people will leave with a clearer understanding (even if the daily news makes them think they can’t possibly comprehend what is happening).”

The proposed schedule for the community meeting is a 40-minute presentation by Karen, followed by a panel discussion made up of organizations that will be most affected by the economic meltdown and then questions from the audience.  They are planning to have folk singers entertain between the different parts.
Plans include free childcare and a social hour with food in the church basement. The purpose of the meeting is to educate people about the problem but also to work toward solutions for people most affected by the crisis in housing, credit and the rising cost of food.

Plans for the meeting are still being formed.  Check www.southsid pride.com for updates and more information.