Welcome to the very first edition of the Local Progress Pennsylvania Download! We’re so excited to share all we’ve been up to, including a rally, a meetup, our national convening contingent, and our first Pennsylvania Progressive Governance Academy. Stay tuned for information about all things LPPA, including future opportunities to get involved as we grow our new Pennsylvania chapter!
🎒 On June 10th, LPPA members joined our partners for a rally in Harrisburg to fight for funding for our schools and defend our public education community against a bill that would allocate $100 million of taxpayer dollars to fund vouchers for private tuition. Speakers included Local Progress members and Philadelphia City Councilmembers Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, Minority Whip Nicolas O’Rourke, Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas, and Jamie Gauthier.
🤝 On June 28th, Pittsburgh-area Local Progress members came together to build community at the first in-person LPPA event! This meetup was attended by more than 20 members and allies, staff, and partner organizations including PA United, One PA, and 412 Justice. Philadelphia City Councilmember Minority Leader Kendra Brooks and Pittsburgh School Board Director Devon Taliaferro co-hosted the meetup and shared their stories of growing their own leadership through Local Progress membership. LP Executive Director Ivan Luevanos-Elms also joined to welcome our Pittsburgh-area community to our growing chapter. Keep an eye out for a Philadelphia meet and greet before the end of this year!Â
💪In July, Local Progress hosted its largest convening to date with over 420 local elected officials and partner organization, include 17 Local Progress Pennsylvania members! The convening provided a transformative opportunity to ground LPPA’s members in the strength of the network and the power of our values. With over 60+ strategy workshops and plenaries, including topics covering collaborative governance strategies, housing opportunities, revenue resources, community responder programs, worker power actions, and more. We can’t wait to see how LPPA’s members bring these invaluable learnings back to PA!
đź“š In August, LPPA, SiX, re:power and LEAD PA joined together to hold our very first Progressive Governance Academy training in Harrisburg, PA. LEAD PA brought their expertise in cultivating elected and civic leaders across Pennsylvania. The PGA was attended by 15 Pennsylvania elected officials who were trained in building power, determining governance style, and implementing self care. Our experienced PGA trainers brought years of knowledge and experience to a unique curriculum, resulting in a transformative experience for attendees. Keep and eye out for the next PA PGA in 2025!
❤️ For members: apply to join the LPPA Organizing Committee!
LPPA’s newly forming Organizing Committee is the governing body that anchors the chapter in our values and shared goals. As we build our chapter, the Organizing Committee will play a key role in setting the agenda for our work together for 2025 and beyond. If you or someone you know would be a good fit for the Organizing Committee, fill out this form as soon as possible. If you need more information about the Organizing Committee, reach out to Devan.
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đź’ť Join a LP Identity Caucus
In the past few years, Local Progress has launched two identity-based community spaces: the Black Caucus, and the Women’s Caucus! A third identity space, Nuestro Caucus, has recently formed to support current and former LP members who identify as part of the Latinx community. These spaces were created by and for LP members to gather and share their lived experiences in governing and leadership positions. Our caucuses will have several opportunities for you to engage in this year. Sign up to join an identity caucus HERE.
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đź‘‹ For partners: Get in touch!Â
Our partner organizations play a critical role in shaping LPPA’s values and priorities. As our chapter grows, our relationships with partners become more important than ever, and we strive to support our partners’ work every day. If you are a leader in an organization that would like to work with LPPA, reach out to Devan.
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🏗 Be Part of our Partner Pipeline!
Are you a 501(c)4, Labor, Political Action Committees, Political Committees and pipeline partners whose work focuses on candidate identification, cultivation and endorsement of local races? We want to talk to you! LP and the Impact Lab are currently conducting an asset mapping to support the movement pipeline from elections to governance. Complete this form today to receive an invitation to our 2025 Partners Pipeline Briefing.Â
ARPA Deadline is Fast Approaching!
Leaders across the Local Progress network seized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronaivrus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) for recovery programs informed by the principles of advancing equity, reimagining public safety and advancing worker’s rights. The deadline for local governments to obligate ARPA SLFRF funds is December 31, 2024. Remember, budgeting is not the same as obligating. For more information about what obligating means, check out this resource.Â
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🌊 Dive into our resources!
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Looking for policy strategies and primers? Check out our library of resources. Wondering what’s up next? See our schedule of upcoming trainings! Are you are a member with a specific policy, strategy or communications question? Reach out to our help desk for one-on-one support!Â
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🦅 Join our next meet and greet!
LPPA’s next meet and greet will take place in October in Philadelphia. If you’re interested in attending as a member or partner, reach out to LPPA coordinator Devan here.
