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Show Utah Residents Form Caucus In Denver (Each state body met to study the possibility of unifying in the localities represented. This is the story of what Utah residents in attendance had to say.) "When a new problem arises we have to start over again. We should keep ourselves organized as a special unit." ''The organization already exists," said another delegate. Citizen participation Discussion in the Utah Caucus about forming local and state coalitions was getting heavy when one Ogden delegate chuckled, "You know Nixon has really brought us together. Perhaps that was true, for underlying the debate, both pro and con, there seemed to rest a consensus that some unified action must be taken. Yet, before finding any general agreement, the Utah delegation chewed on many questions. "Four years ago, we were supposed to organize the people," said one perplexed Salt Lake resident. "What good can we do now?" "We can't worry now about what we should have done before," was the reply. It was added that it was a matter of survival. "The fund cuts and all that are still going to happen - if we organize or not." Another question raised was that some citizen's groups were already in operation and functioning - what about them? "Sure it has been done," said one delegate, "and we want to make sure it keeps going." With too many social action groups, ''issue-organize-move-fa- a of pattern ll back, always seems to appear, contended another delegate. Page 4 has part of the Model Cities process all along, he further said. been ''Citizen participation has neighborhood newspapers and matured, right? Let's use what we have learned." It was emphasized newsletters, local mass media, word of mouth. Developa state coalition: 1 . With local citizen's groups of base broaden your operating, by supporters of a coalition effort that "it would not replace anything now in existence." And that whatever form a coalition might take "it (the coalition) support. 2. Integrate into the state using the same steps outlined for could not say who will be in it." Instead, any social interest group "willing to participate would be invited to do so. It would be up to them." One delegate wondered if the fund cuts weren't "a blessing in local 3. Seek official recognition for the statewide coalition group as the "state social planning council." proposed the following strategy for developing stronger citizen participation. Purpose: To maintain the capability of citizens to have impact on decisions affecting their survival and development. Strategy: Get local citizens groups to unite and integrate into local governmental processes. How? Obtain the recognition of a unified citizen's group by the local city or county as the official citizen's review group. Steps to take: a. Meet with all the groups in your area. with local recognition, formal recognition is not given continue working as a unified citizens review group. 4. Form a permanent (working unit) at the state level. This would assure continuing efforts on behalf of citizens. a. A state coalition group could seek new funding resources and prepare for changing Federal disguise. The job has been pushed back down to us. The federal people gave us funds and now they are gone. We get to see what we have and can do." Finally it was agreed by voice vote that upon returning home a study would be made of the need for coalitions, local and statewide. Wayne Horrocks, a Council member, was nominated as a chairman to start action in the Salt Lake area. Jane Civish, Region VIII Secretary, also a Salt Laker, was nominated temporary secretary to assist Mr. Horrocks. Any information about local coalition activity is available by calling Ms. Civish at temporary Strategy Developed For Stronger Citizen Participation Council As if 328-474- The Region VIII Citizens action. funding programs. b. Align with other planning groups. c. Train members in state processes. Define such problems as the difference between policy law legislation and administrative decisions that are not law. Join a national coalition of local citizen's participation groups. (Groundwork for this strategy has already been laid.) Ted Bryan, Action addresses Council. Jack Hanley, director. Region 8 Citizens Council on right. RESOLUTION OF REGION VIII CITIZENS COUNCIL WHEREAS, the Region VIII Citizens Council (R8CC) is committed to meaningful widespread citizen participation; and WHERE AS, mandated by virtue of our experience to solicit b. Develop a resolution for submittal to local jursdictions for support of all citizens insuring proposed andor pending recognition. c. Seek support from city legislation containing meaningful citizen participation as a basic and county commissioners. Have them present your resolution seeking formal recognition. d. If official recognition is not given continue working as a unified citizen review group. Resources: 1 . Money-groumembership p cornerstone to the total revitalization of our communities; and WHEREAS, it is mandatory that citizens exploit the experience derived from the Model Cities process to promote fees, coops, buying clubs, and advance the cause of solicitations. 2. Staff - volunteers, VISTA, college students. 3. Local government funding - fair share of revenue sharing and local taxes. 4. Communications systems Xerographic copier systems. meaningful -- citizen involvement in the decision making process at all levels of government and to advocate to all that social and economic gains received through the Model Cities program shall continue to expand; and WHEREAS, we strongly support the National Directors Association CDA (Model Cities directors) in their stated position to continue full funding of the entire five (5) year Model Cities program, and in addition support merging the Model Cities program concepts of widespread Citizen Participation be included in all Community Development legislation; and WHEREAS, we urgently direct aggressive efforts toward continuity in funding of all social and economic programs including Manpower, education, youth, Community Action Agency, health and welfare; and WHEREAS, the impoundment of funds as appropriated by Congress to meet the needs of constituencies is totally unjustified; now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, we actively continue to uplift humanity by joining together in common effort to rid our society of fear, disease, unemployment, ignorance and blight by forever burying in the ashes and memories of those who sought to perpetuate and continue the exploitation of all people; now THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, each be unhampered in the quest of their "American Dream." |