| Diverse Organizations |
| Building People Power |
| to Achieve Justice |
Working for Social and Economic Justice through Community Organizing
PACT is an interfaith coalition of diverse congregations working together for social and economic justice in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Founded in 1988, PACT seeks to build community power and overcome systemic injustices that affect low- to moderate-income communities. Members of PACT congregations work collectively to address their commonly held community concerns and use the power of their numbers to gain a seat at the table and negotiate regarding the important issues that affect their lives. Since many members of PACT congregations come from Latin America and the Caribbean, portions of PACT's large meetings are held in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. PACT is comprised of 38 congregations, schools and community groups representing more than 100,000 people in Miami-Dade County, making it the largest grassroots organization in South Florida. PACT is also one of more than 20 similar organizations that make up the Direct Action and Research Training (DART) network. DART provides technical assistance and training to PACT leaders and staff.
Building Stronger Communities with Social Capital
At a time when neighborhoods are fragmented and people typically do not even know the family next door, PACT establishes a network of relationships within and between diverse communities. Members of PACT congregations make concerted efforts to learn about each other's concerns and dreams regarding the community. Through a process of one-on-one visits and house meetings, members of PACT congregations share their concerns and dreams regarding the community, build or strengthen relationships, and identify commonly held community concerns.
Finding Solutions and Holding Officials Accountable
PACT does not stop once problems are identified. Congregation leaders engage in extensive research to find solutions to community problems and determine which officials have the power to implement the solutions. PACT then holds a "direct action" meeting at which PACT leaders make requests of the appropriate public officials in front of hundreds of PACT members. By doing so, traditionally voiceless populations exert power in relation to a political system that was previously inaccessible to them. With the power of organized communities and a commitment to justice, PACT has a long history of accomplishments on a wide range of issues.
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