September Change for Change

ISAIAH’S Impact

by Kathy Haskin

After a year of membership and commitment to ISAIAH, I am impressed by the breadth of ISAIAH’s undertakings as our democracy becomes increasingly threatened. My first involvement was attending the Lighthouse Convention at the Convention Center in Minneapolis. Thousands of people from many different backgrounds and faiths gathered and ultimately created the Peoples’ Agenda: Dignity and Affordability for All. This became a commitment to fight for our democracy so that families can afford to live, our communities have what they need, and everyone may live with dignity. Since then, ISAIAH has worked with Faith in Minnesota to advance these goals.

ISAIAH has focused on lowering costs for families; providing universal, lifelong access to healthcare and to safe, affordable housing; and protecting food assistance and programs that help families afford the basics. ISAIAH is working to build a multiracial democracy that honors every person’s dignity. ISAIAH prioritizes people’s quality of life, the well-being of our communities, and our climate over corporate profits.

These are profound goals, and ISAIAH continues to take steps to achieve them and to help elect political leaders who will commit to them as well. As elections approach, ISAIAH is focusing on healthcare for all as a main priority affecting every American. Childcare for all is a priority as well. ISAIAH is committed to influencing our political leaders through phone banks, voter outreach, showing up at council meetings, speaking out at public events, protesting in numbers at negative venues, and gathering in support to show strength at positive events. I hope members of St. Luke will continue to participate in many of these actions in support of our democracy.