IAF Community Organizing Wins on Housing, Policy, and Power Building

The Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) is a national network of community organizing groups that teaches people to build power and create change in their neighborhoods. Founded by Saul Alinsky in the 1940s, IAF has helped build over 2,800 affordable homes through the Nehemiah program in New York, with foreclosure rates below 1%. The organization has 50+ affiliates across the US training thousands of leaders to work on housing, immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, and other local issues. IAF uses a model of broad-based organizing that brings together people from different backgrounds - churches, unions, schools - to identify problems and hold politicians accountable for solutions. Recent updates highlight their housing success stories, media recognition of their work, and a historic meeting with Pope Francis where 20 leaders discussed their organizing approach. The organization emphasizes listening to communities, building relationships across differences, and never doing for others what they can do for themselves. IAF groups work at local, state and national levels to win concrete changes that improve people's daily lives through strategic political action.

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The Bigger WeStories of Community Builders Who Weave Neighbors TogetherThis article shares inspiring stories of three community builders from Phoenixville, PA who found ways to connect neighbors and strengthen their town. Maddie Goodwin started PXV Gives after the Women's March to help people find volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits. Julie Miller, an English teacher for immigrants, created a Spanish library and builds bridges between immigrant families and the community. Teresa Haag paints murals that bring beauty to the town and create spaces for neighbors to share stories. These 'weavers' show how regular people can make their communities stronger by building relationships and helping others get involved. Their work demonstrates that lasting change happens when neighbors know and care for each other. The stories are part of a series celebrating everyday people who create positive change in their communities through small but meaningful actions.

The Bigger WeFather Greg Shows How Community Heals Gang ViolenceFather Gregory Boyle runs Homeboy Industries, the world's largest program helping former gang members. He says gang violence comes from having no hope, and nobody who feels hopeful joins a gang. At Homeboy, people get job training, mental health help, and most importantly - hope and belonging. Father Greg believes you don't go to help people in tough situations to save them, but to be saved yourself. Every day starts with a family meeting where everyone feels welcomed. Former gang members learn skills and then help others, breaking the cycle of violence. The program creates a safe space where people feel loved and accepted just for showing up. Father Greg's approach shows that when we treat people with dignity and give them community, they can transform their lives and help others do the same. The story explains how radical love and acceptance can heal deep wounds and create lasting change in communities affected by violence.

The Bigger WeAuthor Sue Monk Kidd on Finding Support to Live Your True SelfFamous author Sue Monk Kidd talks about how we need both personal strength and support from others to live our fullest lives. She wrote bestselling books like 'The Secret Life of Bees' and shares how her own journey from traditional Southern Baptist wife to successful author required both inner work and help from friends. In her latest book 'The Book of Longings,' she tells the story of Ana, who she imagines as Jesus's wife, and how Ana needs her Aunt Yaltha's support to find courage. Kidd believes we can't transform ourselves alone - we need what she calls 'Aunt Yalthas' in our lives, people who believe in us and bless our potential. She says American culture teaches us to be independent, but real growth happens in relationships. During tough times like COVID-19 and racism, we need each other even more. The key is finding people who support your dreams while also being willing to support others. This balance of personal growth and community support helps us become who we're meant to be.

The Bigger WeHow True Listening Creates Stronger Connections Between PeopleNPR journalist and author Celeste Headlee explains how good listening can help people connect better with each other. In her book 'Do Nothing,' she talks about how modern life moves too fast and makes it hard to build real relationships. Headlee says humans became successful not because we're the strongest or smartest, but because we're good at talking and working together. She explains that we even evolved in ways that let us speak better, even though it made us more likely to choke on food. During COVID-19, when people couldn't be close to each other, this became even more important. Headlee teaches that the best way to change someone's mind isn't to argue with them, but to really listen and understand their feelings. She says every person deserves respect, even if we don't agree with their opinions. Good listening doesn't mean you agree with everything someone says. When we truly listen to others, we can build empathy and understanding. This can help heal our divided communities and bring people together, especially during hard times like the pandemic.

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The Bigger WeHow to Listen Better: FAQ GuideThis FAQ guide teaches people how to become better listeners in all areas of life. It explains that listening is the art of helping others think and feel out loud. Good listening helps you connect with people, learn from them, and avoid arguments. The guide covers common questions like what makes someone a good listener, how to show empathy, and why giving advice isn't always helpful. It explains that listening requires paying attention, understanding others, asking questions, and showing care. The guide says anyone can learn to listen better with practice and training. It includes tips for businesses, relationships, and personal growth. The author learned these skills while volunteering at a crisis center and now teaches listening through books and online courses. The guide emphasizes that good listening starts with caring about others and putting their needs first.