Saturday was our first of two days spent in Cleveland. We joined Greater Cleveland Congregations for canvassing in a historically depressed turnout area of the city. We were paired up and headed out to knock on doors for meaningful relationship based conversations with local residents--not to engage in a transactional way but to build trust with folks in the community who have often lost trust in the system.
After canvassing and having lunch with our new friends, we held a press conference in front of Elizabeth Baptist Church, hosted by Pastor Richard Gibson. Speakers referred to the Greater Cleveland Congregations campaign, developed by their youth leaders, under the rubric of "Voter Virginity,' to attract first time voters. The local ABC News affiliate covered the rally, and featured an interview with the Rev. Dr. Lisa Maxine Goods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPj7Yl8qKJ4&feature=youtu.be
_Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons is the Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at Interfaith Alliance.
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