B.R.E.A.D.
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Building Responsibility, Equality and Dignity
B.R.E.A.D. was founded by faith leaders, including SFA, from a variety of diverse congregations in the greater Columbus area to empower congregants to advocate for solutions to adversely affected community members.
B.R.E.A.D.'s goals are:1. To identify community problems that network members indicate need to be addressed.
2. To conduct research to find identify workable solutions.
3. To build 'people power' to negotiate with public arenas and officials.
Throughout the year, St. Francis network members meet to work toward these 3 goals. This work culminates in the spring at the annual Nehemiah Action event, which takes place in May. Thousands of congregants and community members, including SFA parishioners, assemble to demonstrate their support to public officials for the workable solutions uncovered in the research process. Since 2020, B.R.E.A.D. network members have negotiated with public officials to increase funding for affordable housing, enact an ordinance to protect mature trees on public lands, implement a violence reduction program in Columbus neighborhoods, and implement restorative practices in the Columbus City Schools.
B.R.E.A.D. Rises!
To get involved, contact the office to reach Helen Anne Sweeney or go directly to the B.R.E.A.D. website linked here.