Fierce Urgency of Now: Faith-Based Leadership and Organizing in the Birmingham Region

Birmingham Faith in Action is an organization grounded in shared values, and has strong leaders in congregations of all denominations. Faith in Action is not limited to religious congregations, but includes schools and community groups, which are often the only stable civic gathering places in many neighborhoods. As a result, we are able to  engage hundreds of people and sustain long-term campaigns to bring about change. We believe that our faith unites us, rather than divides us.

Faith in Action is multi-issue.  Rather than bring people together simply based on common issues like housing or education, the faith-based or broad-based organizing model makes values and relationships the glue that holds organizations together.  

Faith in Action helps congregations and members identify and solve local neighborhood issues as well as addressing broader issues at a city, state or national level. As a result Faith in Action makes organizing deeply rooted in our congregations.

Faith in Action provides intensive leadership training that teaches people how to use the tools of democracy to improve their communities. As a result, Faith in Action is led by ordinary people who have learned to successfully act on their values in the public area to bring resources and political attention to their communities.

Faith in Action brings people together based on faith and values not just issues or anger. As a result, Faith in Action has the ability to act on a comprehensive vision for communities, the city and region.

Faith in Action teaches the art of compromise and negotiation. As a result, Faith in Action leaders find common ground with public officials who are both Republican and Democrat, conservative and liberal, to bring needed changes to communities.