Focus Areas > Social Justice > Bohm Social Justice Initiative > CAP

Community Against Poverty

On Sunday, March 30, 2008, over 150 people participated in St. Louis’s first ever interfaith, interracial social justice volunteer opportunity fair. Community Against Poverty (CAP), convened by the JCRC and co-sponsored by 12 other organizations, raised awareness about the different aspects of poverty and brought together approximately 30 social service agencies dedicated to alleviating poverty. Participants were able to visit with representatives from these organizations to find the volunteer positions just right for them.

St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley attended CAP and issued a proclamation declaring March 30, 2008 “Community Against Poverty Day” in St. Louis County.  Missouri State Representative Rachel Storch also attended and issued a similar proclamation from the Missouri General Assembly.  Introductory speakers on poverty included Kathleen Logan Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Coalition for the Environment and Christine Woody, Chapter and Task Force Coordinator for the Missouri Association for Social Welfare.

Upper Left: St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, CAP Planning Committee Chair Phyllis Markus and JCRC President Leonard Frankel Lower Left: Potential volunteers sign up to work with Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls, one of approximately 30 groups with tables at CAP Below: Margy Weisman (left) visits with Nancy Weigley of the National Council of Jewish Women—St. Louis Section to learn about volunteer opportunities

For those who could not attend on March 30, click here for the list of organizations
sponsoring tables at CAP.  These agencies can be contacted directly for more information about their volunteer opportunities. 

Contact Gail Wechsler of the JCRC at 314-442-3894 or gwechsler@jcrcstl.org for further information.