U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown Discusses Community Organizing in the Valley

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown Discusses Community Organizing in the Valley

Committed to providing the resources necessary to promote comprehensive change

Earlier this year, I met with about a dozen community organizers and local leaders at Pastor Michael Harrison’s Union Baptist Church in Youngstown. For over an hour, I listened to the stories about people working together through the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative (MVOC) – a coalition of churches, unions, and neighborhood groups. MVOC leaders and organizers gave a progress report on recent successes and future plans to empower citizens, develop local leadership, and build neighborhood groups to serve those in need. Because of this inspiring work, your activism and dedication, MVOC is enriching communities across the Mahoning Valley.

MVOC makes a difference every day by fighting for comprehensive health reform with a robust public option, protecting consumers facing foreclosure, cleaning up corner stores and neighborhoods by surveying property in the community - one parcel of land at a time. MVOC recognizes that a vacant lot is more than just an eyesore; it can damage surrounding property values. Vacant lots are blights on the city landscape that lead to further land depreciation, drain city resources, and that present a series of safety concerns and risks. MVOC developed the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation with a vision to protect neighborhoods in the Mahoning Valley. As the Valley’s Senator, I am committed to providing the resources MVOC needs to continue its important work.

In May, Congressman Tim Ryan and I introduced the Community Regeneration, Sustainability and Innovation Act (CRSI) in the U.S. House and Senate. CRSI would enable the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help demolish or establish a new use for abandoned properties. This legislation would provide assistance to city planners and communities to rethink urban planning to ensure our cities are safer and more secure. Through this bill, and MVOC’s hard work, we can turn around our economy, strengthen our neighborhoods, and rebuild our middle class.

A Mississippi civil rights worker some forty years ago once remarked, “Don’t tell me what you believe, show me what you do, and I will tell you what you believe.” Thank you to the MVOC staff, volunteers, and partners for showing all Ohioans what you believe.

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