St. Petersburg "Real Issues for Real People" Mayoral Debate
"The most substantive and revealing debate so far," that's how the St. Petersburg Times elections reporter described the June 30th mayoral debate, organized by SEIU, Progress Florida Education Center, FCAN and the Alliance for a Livable Pinellas.
The "Real Issues for Real People" debate provided an opportunity for voters to learn exactly where the 10 mayoral candidates stand on key issues, including "green jobs", sustainable development, and affordable housing. Not only was this debate the best attended so far (standing room only crowd of 225+), the forum also received extensive news coverage from Bay News 9, ABC 6, Fox 13, WMNF public radio and the St. Petersburg Times.
Community Organizing 101
In March 2010, Progress Florida Education Center co-sponsored a community leaders training in Tampa Bay. The training was a big success, with 58 participants from across the region from all walks of life, concerned about a broad spectrum of social issues. Participants learned the three cornerstones of community organizing: recruitment, coalition building and generating media.
