The Nehemiah Action is the main event for RISC’s year-long community organizing. RISC – Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities – is made up of congregations from Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield. St. Elizabeth is a member.
Last year, RISC members voted to focus on two very important issues: increasing affordable housing and decreasing gun violence. Throughout the year, RISC members met with city officials. We came to our meetings prepared. We conducted research and often brought in experts. We presented proven solutions to the housing and violence problems exasperated by the pandemic. We listened as city leaders told us their opinions on these two problems. They made commitments and promises.
The Nehemiah Action is where hundreds gather to ask public officials if they will commit to funding proven solutions to the issues plaguing our city. City leaders are told our demands ahead of time. They come prepared with their responses. RISC identifies leaders who will speak for our members. Members are instructed to be respectful and respond collectively and appropriately. We put pressure on our leaders to decide if they will take a RISK. Usually we hold the rally at a church. Over 500 people attend which makes an impression on our city leaders. For 2021, for everyone’s safety, RISC will host The Nehemiah Action on Zoom. We hope we will have 1000 people log in and watch.
You can join The Nehemiah Action on Tuesday, March 23, by logging on at 6:30 pm. You did not have to attend any other RISC meetings. Nor be a resident of the city. There is no cost to attend. For many people, The Nehemiah Action is their first meeting with RISC. After you see how RISC empowers your voice, you will probably want to be more involved.
Nehemiah Action is the culmination of the hard-work by the members of RISC. We could use your voice on Tuesday, March 23, at 6:30 pm.
At past Nehemiah Actions, RISC city leaders to commit to funding programs that RISC felt would deal with an important issue for the city. Did this pressure bring long-lasting change? RISC says “YES.” Emily Small, RISC Lead Organizer, shares the success of RISC’s pressure on politicians.
You can join The Nehemiah Action on Tuesday, March 23, by logging on at 6:30 pm. You did not have to attend any other RISC meetings. Nor be a resident of the city. There is no cost to attend. For many people, The Nehemiah Action is their first meeting with RISC. After you see how RISC empowers your voice, you will probably want to be more involved.
To prepare for the 2021 Nehemiah Action, here is a summary of our research and progress on our two issues of increasing affordable housing and decreasing gun violence.
