On Thursday, May 6, the Jefferson County Voting Rights Coalition took a great first step towards connecting with a large base of community members around this important issue.  Through the efforts of coalition partner Anthony Smith (Making Connections), we were able to meet with leaders with the Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition.  Member George Eklund and KFTC Voter Empowerment Organizer Shameka Parrish contributed to the presentation of a PowerPoint compiled by the coalition in order assist members and other leaders guide a dialog around Voting Rights with new bases.

Member George Eklund talks to the IMC about Voting Rights

The following is feedback from coalition partner Anthony Smith from Making Connections Louisville:

"There was about 8-10 of the pastors in the room. I know the IMC's base represent about 60 churches.  The pastors in the room seemed very engaged and offered some great ideas on how to move the work forward with the Faith Base community.  Really like the diversity that we brought to the room.  It's helps to show that this issues has an effect on more then just one community.

The PowerPoint presentation, really helped to keep the conversation focused and gave a lot of great information in a short time.

The idea that Frank [IMC president] shared about training pastors on the issue, so they can go back and share the message was very enlightening for me.  What would it look like for us to train groups so that they would be able to go back share the message with others.

We got to make this issue as personal as possible for everyone we talk to."

-Anthony D. Smith, Network Member and Director of Network Organizing
Making Connections Network