The story of Columbus is a modern tale of two cities. We have the strongest economy in Ohio, but 4 out of 5 students in Columbus City Schools live in poverty. We have a socially progressive community but 1 out of 3 black men will be taken to jail or prison in their lifetime. Columbus could live up to its promise of being "America's Opportunity City" though, if we join together to make it a reality
. We believe the ingredients exist in Columbus to be the kind of city where healthy, safe, and economically secure families can grow. Columbus needs broad based organizing that puts everyday people at the table where solutions are crafted and decisions are made. The purpose of Columbus People’s Partnership is to be a powerful vehicle for faith, community, student and labor bases to act collectively toward a more economic and racially equitable Columbus through three core strategic approaches:
Grassroots Community Organizing: Direct grassroots organizing that engages community members and allied institutions in issue campaigns, builds lasting infrastructure for community power, and supports the development of local leaders who drive the strategic vision of lasting systemic change. Public Policy Reform: The development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of policies that address systemic inequities within Columbus for working and low-income families. We focus on changes that can help reduce disparities based on race, class, gender and ability. Civic Engagement: Engaging and mobilizing unlikely voters in the electoral and legislative process. Our programs focus not only on short- term goals related to elections, but on long-term transformational goals related to leadership development, building long-term civic capacity and independent political power.
