COMMITTEES
Civil and Civic Engagement Committee
Chairman
Civil engagement or civic participation are St Louis Clergy Coalition members who desire to address issues of public concern. Clergy leaders who feel called to protest peacefully, civil disobedience, protect public values or make a change or difference in the community. Members of the Civil and Civic Committee work together in both political and non-political actions. The goal of this Committee to address public concerns and promote the quality of the community.
This Committee serves as a liaison between other St. Louis Metropolitan civic organizations. That is, it keeps the Coalition apprise of what other civic organizations are doing in St Louis to address issues of public concern. This Committee is responsible for working with organizations such as Urban League, NAACP, etc. in order to be able to appropriately partner with voter registration efforts, immigration, etc. this committee should be visible at government leadership meetings at the local and state level (aldermanic, county council).It is expected that those who are vying for political office be vetted with scrutiny before a position statement be generated for the community.
Report monthly any relevant civil or civic engagement or activities.
Economic Development Committee
Chairman
The Economic Development committee is to promote the growth of entrepreneurship among African Americans in the St. Louis Metropolitan area and increase employment opportunities with private and public entities. The Economic Development Committee shall implement local efforts and support regional programs to preserve and expand economic empowerment among African Americans and other communities of color in the St Louis Metropolitan area. This Committee is responsible for working with the department of economic development in the surrounding municipalities. This will keep the coalition abreast of hiring trends, minority participation in order to be in position to advocate appropriately. In addition, this committee should work closely with the Unbanked Taskforce and build relationships with financial institutions in the region.
Education Committee
Chairman
The education committee is focused on policy, issues and programs in the areas of K-12 and higher education within the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area advocating on behalf of minority students and the minority workforce. The Committee works very closely the Superintendents of St. Louis City Schools and selected Superintendents of St. Louis County. The Committee is responsible for serving as the liaison for the Coalition in maintaining a working relationship with the school districts in metropolitan St Louis. Attending appropriate public forums and board meetings is an expected function in order to remain abreast of current challenges and concerns. Over time it is anticipated that advocacy can be practiced at the state level with the department of education and elected officials.
Family/Youth Development Committee
Chairman
The mission of this Committee is to promote the positive development of children and youth in families, in schools, among peers and in the community. The group also serves as an advisory group by providing guidance and recommendations as it relates to health, wellness, parent education and student achievement.
A coordinated approach to school health will be utilized to address the physical, social and emotional health of the school and broader community, which includes students, families, staff and community.
Public Health and Safety Committee
Chairman
The Health Committee focuses on health disparities among St. Louis poor and minorities and keeps St. Louis Clergy Coalition members abreast of current health trends regarding opioids epidemic, HIV etc. The Health Committee shall: 1. Work to promote, protect and maintain the health of the poor and African-Americans Assess the health needs of the community 2. Advocate for equal access to health education, care, treatment and research for all Americans 3. Sponsor health-related activities such as health forums, 4. Assist churches with fairs and workshops highlighting issues of importance to the poor and people of color 5. Support health initiatives of the Association. The Committee is responsible for working closely with the office of Public Health/Safety in the surrounding municipalities. As a result a working relationship with first responders can be maintained. This includes but not limited to law enforcement, but also the aligned health departments in order to be in the best position to advocate and support.
Law and Order Committee
Chairman
This committee consist of a group of private citizens, NAACP, and clergy members who seek to “challenge or question” law and order where they considered governmental structures to be inadequate. The committee seeks to protect against excessive force or safeguard due process. The mission of this Committees is to review, evaluate and make recommendations to change the existing Law & Order Code and ordinances of the St. Louis Metropolitan Communities.
For example the Missouri law, known as SB5, which went into effect after the Department of Justice found that the county's municipal court system had a revenue collection model that promoted police abuse of minorities.
Membership Committee
Chairman: Ron E. Stephens
The Membership committee promotes membership within St Louis Clergy Coalition. This committee is responsible for the recruitment of new members and the retention of current members through a variety of activities. The Membership Committee is responsible for welcoming newcomers to the Coalition; ensuring the are properly added to the database and mailing list; and, working with other committees to strengthen the involvement of everyone in the Clergy Coalition.
Communications and Public Relations Committee
Chairman
The Communication and Marketing committee's purpose lies in deciding how to get the word out and how to combine a cause with a marketing message that resonates with coalition members. The purpose of the Communications and Marketing Committee is to create, collect, disseminate, and archive information that is important to the St. Louis Clergy Coalition members. The Committee will ensure that members are notified of all meetings. The Committee will be responsible for managing the St. Louis Coalition's website and the St. Louis Coalition newsletter), Facebook, mailings and e-mail communications. (via email, text, robot calls etc.). This Committee is responsible for all written statements in response to the media and public statements in general. This includes but not limited to: newsletters, web management, press releases and all social media platforms available. This committee is the editing authority of the Coalition.
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Chairman
The purpose of the Political Action Committee is to raise and spend money to elect and defeat candidates. The PAC represents individuals whose ideological interests are in the best interest of the St Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition. PACs raises funds to help a candidate committee per election (primary, general or special). PAC will also make recommendations to the St. Louis Clergy Coalition as to which candidate the best suited for endorsement by the Coalition.
Project Clergy C.A.R.E.S
Chairman: Rev. Earl Nance
St. Louis Clergy Coalition entered into a partnership with the United Way called Project Clergy C.A.R.E.S. The project has been championed by Rev. Earl Nance. C.A.R.E.S. (Coordination, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support) is a proven effective strength-based and family-centered program model that safely diverts entry into the mental health, juvenile justice and child welfare system by strategically reaching families before stressors they experience lead to child abuse and neglect. Research shows C.A.R.E.S. works! For more information about this Committee see Rev. Earl Nance.
The mission of Project Clergy C.A.R.E.S is to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness among clergy, staff, lay leaders, and members of faith communities. The Committee seeks develop partnership with organizations that desires to educate professionals, family members, and the general public about simple things that can help someone struggling with a mental illness, including their spirituality/faith. The Committee seek to partner with organizations that effectively develop and nurture supportive environments for persons dealing with mental illnesses..