Where Do We Go From Here – Chaos or Democracy?
33rd Annual Summit
Workshops
WORKSHOP | Bridging the Divide: Productive DiIalogue in Uncertain Times
In an era of heightened uncertainty, our communities face rising tensions and polarization, especially during moments of significant societal or political change. This workshop equips participants with practical tools and strategies to foster productive dialogue in the face of disagreement. Whether engaging with friends, family, or colleagues, participants will learn to ask effective questions, identify shared values, and cultivate mutual understanding—even when perspectives differ widely.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and role-playing exercises, attendees will develop the skills needed to navigate challenging conversations, manage emotional triggers, and build bridges across divides.
This session is ideal for anyone looking to improve their communication and conflict-resolution skills, particularly in politically or emotionally charged environments.
Presenters:
- Kenneth Cloke (He/Him), Director, Center for Dispute Resolution
- Cheryl L. Epps (She/Her), Executive Director, Kids Managing Conflict
- Anne Sawyer (She/Her), President, Kids Managing Conflict
- Marcie Gilbert (she/her), Executive Director/Co-Founder, Calibrate
WORKSHOP | Project 2025 - Threat or Promise?
Unwrap the Trump Agenda 47 platform and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025’s impact on disaster recovery, human service delivery and public education in the County of Los Angeles.
Disavowed by President Donald Trump, the eventual winner of the November 2024 election, Project 2025 was widely discussed. Many observers believe Project 2025, however, is the implementation strategy for Agenda 47, Trump’s core campaign promises. Learn more about Agenda 47 and Project 2025 – the “playbook” – for “conservative” administration and management of the federal government and its potential effect on disaster relief, public education, health and mental health care delivery, infectious disease prevention and control in Los Angeles County.
Presenters:
- Vincent Harris, Project Director, Empowerment Congress
- Shani Byard, EdD, MSHS (She/Her), Empowerment Coach- Creative Conductor of Human Potential, Legacy Refresh
WORKSHOP | What does Measure A Mean for South LA?
Implications for homelessness funding, affordable housing development, accountability and governance.
The argument for Measure A, the permanent half cent sales tax to increase the supply of affordable housing, was the on-going need for resources to address homelessness and housing insecurity in L.A. County. Learn how Measure A is supposed to remedy the humanitarian crisis of our generation, how funding for affordable housing and homelessness may be impacted by disaster recovery and what residents can do to ensure accountability and resource equity.
Moderator:
- Rhea K. Mac (She/Her), EC Summit 33 Co-Chair & EC Homelessness Working Group Co-Chair, Empowerment Congress
Panelists:
- Al Ballesteros (He/Him), CEO, JWCH
- Dr. Belinda Allen (She/Her), Executive Director, West Angeles CDC
- Reba Stevens (She/Her), Community Advocate
- Veronica Lewis (She/Her), Director, HOPICS
WORKSHOP | What Does Measure G Mean for South LA?
Will Los Angeles County government reform under Measure G produce better representation, resource equity, accountability and access?
Passage of Measure G represents the most profound change in L.A. County government in over 50 years. Explore the potential impact of Measure G on South L.A., including the shift to an elected County CEO, the expansion of the Board of Supervisors from five to nine members, and the establishment of a new Ethics Commission, a new Governance Reform Task Force and a new Charter Review Commission. Obtain insights about how these changes will affect local communities and how residents can engage and advocate for Measure G’s fair and inclusive implementation.
Moderator
- Rev. Eddie L. Anderson, Co-Chair, Empowerment Congress Summit
Panelists:
- Gary Hardie, Jr., EdD (He/Him), Policy & Advocacy Director, Social Justice Learning Institute
- Sara Sadhwani, PhD (She/Her), Assistant Professor of Politics, Pomona College
- Mary M. Lee, Esq. (She/Her), Attorney/Community Advocate
Sponsors
Media Sponsors
Thank you to our 33rd Annual Summit media sponsor, who will broadcast our program to a live, radio audience.
KBLA Talk 1580 LIVE Radio Broadcast
- Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9am – 11am | Listen Live
Event Partners
Event Sponsors
Engagement Sponsors
Grassroots Sponsors
