This is a special invitation for you to attend an important gathering of Detroit community stakeholders and activists.

Together, on October 5 and 6, 2007, Detroit City of Hope and the Detroit Gathering for Justice will host a Detroit “Gathering” at YouthVille, Detroit, 7375 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. The event will take place from 9:00am – 4:30pm, on both days. A tentative agenda is attached to this invitation.

September 17, 2007

Dear Friends,

Detroit City of Hope and Mr. Harry Belafonte’s national “Gathering for Social Justice” have established a collaborative partnership to develop a five year plan around rebuilding our city.

"The Gathering for Justice,” is a social justice organization founded by Mr. Belafonte two years ago in response to the crisis of incarceration facing youth today. In July 2007, Mr. Belafonte met with several area activists to discuss building a multigenerational movement for youth empowerment in Detroit.

Detroit City of Hope is a network of community groups that is launching a five year campaign to support and expand the “from the ground up” rebuilding that is already underway throughout the city.

Friday, October 5 will provide an opportunity for young Detroiters of high school age to voice their hearts and minds. Youth from around the city will lead and actively participate in workshops highlighting issues affecting their lives and place in the city.

Saturday, October 6 will begin with an open discussion, led by Grace Lee Boggs, Ron Scott, Elana Herrada, Will Copeland, and others of ongoing activities in the city that inspire hope. The discussion will engage all attendees on developing our individual and collective visions for Detroit as a City of Hope. Our aim is for everyone to leave the meeting with a deeper commitment to rebuild our city, with concrete ideas on how we can contribute to this campaign. We invite you to attend both days, but hope you can specifically be a part of our work on October 6.

To RSVP for this important event, please submit the below registration form or send an email with your name, contact information, and organizational affiliation to DetroitGathering@gmail.com. Please respond by September 27, 2007. Please note that this invitation is not transferable.

Peace and Love,

DETROIT REGIONAL GATHERING

TENTATIVE AGENDA (Subject to Changes)

FRIDAY OCTOBER 5 (Gathering of the Youth)

9:00-10:00 Welcome (Harry Belafonte/Malia Lazu)

LAMP performance

10:00-11:00 LAMP poetry exercise

11:00-12:00 Workshop round 1 – What is the problem? What are its causes?

12:00-1:00 Lunch (provided)

1:00-2:00 Workshop round 2 – What are possible alternative solutions?

2:00-3:00 Wrap-up, Evaluations & Charge

3:00-4:00 (Optional) Youth networking

Young activists & elders meeting

7:00 – 8:30 Breakfast

9:00-9:30: Introductions and welcome, vision for day (Grace Boggs, Harry Belafonte)

9:30-12:30: Panel-led discussion on individual and collective visions for the city

12:30-1:30: lunch, informal discussions

1:30- 4:30: Break into small groups with facilitators to develop collective vision for Detroit, plan potential next steps around particular issues

4:30-6:00: Reconvene, discuss next steps and develop a covenant for a 5 year campaign/commitment to rebuilding the city.

I accept this invitation to attend the “Detroit Gathering for Justice” at YouthVille Detroit. (Please email to DetroitGathering@gmail.com or mail to “Detroit Gathering,” 300 Riverfront Suite 6E, Detroit, MI 48226. ) Check the dates that apply.

___ October 5, 2007 ___ October 6, 2007

Gathering of the Youth) (Multi-Generational Gathering)

Location for both days: YouthVille Detroit, 7375 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Contact Information

First Name _________________________________ Last Name _________________________________________

Organization (if applicable) _______________________________________________________________________

Phone (_______) ________________________ Cell Phone (_____) _______________________________________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State ________ Zip __________________________________

E-Mail __________________________________________________ Age _____________

Emergency Contact Information

First Name _______________________________ Last Name ____________________________________________

Relationship ______________________________ Email ________________________________________________

Phone (_______) ______________________________ Cell Phone (_____) _________________________________

Special Needs

Meals

Vegetarian

Vegan

Allergies (please explain) ____________________________________________________________________________

Translation

If you need translation services for the Convention, please note it here, including language. All efforts

will be made to accommodate your request, but we cannot guarantee translation services for everyone.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Accessibility - If you have any other specific needs, please explain here:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Planning Committee Members