The People's Summit

In response to the G-20 Summit taking place in Pittsburgh on September 24-25, 2009, a broad partnership of educational institutions and social justice advocacy groups is organizing a People’s Summit to discuss global problems and seek solutions that are informed by the basic principles of genuine democracy and human dignity. We will draw together informed speakers and panels that will discuss problems we face and possible solutions. In addition we will organize interactive workshop discussions.

With the focus on issues of global justice and human development, linking the local, national, and global, the People’s Summit seeks to advance the:

1. elimination of hunger and poverty;
2. end to all forms of racism;
3. rights and dignity of labor;
4. freedom and empowerment of women;
5. education for all, especially for youth;
6. adequate health care as a basic human right;
7. creation of safe and inclusive communities;
8. end to war and to the conditions that cause war;
9. basic human rights of the vulnerable – refugees, immigrants, the disabled, etc.;
10. preservation of the planet’s ecosystem.

The People’s Summit envisions a world where basic rights—freedom of expression, freedom of thought and religion, freedom from fear, and freedom from want—are enjoyed by all people. Across a diversity and plurality of orientations, inspired by mutual respect and the spirit of solidarity, the participants of the People’s Summit give voice to an alternative world vision to the G-20 Summit, to the public officials, to all men and women of good will—a vision that will hopefully generate communal action and participation in Pittsburgh and beyond.

NEXT PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, July 6, 7:00 p.m.
Thomas Merton Center, 5125 Penn Avenue, in Garfield

For more information, contact Paul Le Blanc at 412-760-9716 or leblanp1@laroche.edu.