BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Spokane Alliance was launched as a public organization in May of 2002 with thirty-two dues-paying members.  Alliance leaders are continuing to recruit new members and plan to reach over 50 participating institutions representing the cultural, religions, racial, economic and geographic diversity of the county.

The Alliance's first "Agenda for the Common Good was formed through conversations with nearly 1,000 people from member institutions.  Currently over 130 people participate in Research Action Teams that are developing concrete action proposals in the following areas:

• Sustainable Jobs
• Heathcare and drug costs
• Tax Equity
• Youth and Education

PRIMARY GOALS

The Spokane Alliance is a countywide organization of diverse religions institutions, education associations, unions and other interested groups rpresenting over 30,000 local residents.  It is driven by the belief that these Mediating Institutions must be strong because they are the cornerstones of a vibrant democratic society and hold the key to mending and reweaving the social fabric essential for strong families, healthy communities and a just world.  The Alliance, therefore, has two primary goals:

• To help strengthen each member organization.  This involves fostering organizational cultures that are Relational, Action-Oriented and Reflective/learning.
• To serve as a vehicle for member groups to act in the public arena with sufficient power for justice and the common good.