Call to Action for all Delta Residents: We need you

JACKSON, MS As a first step in the next phase of the Mid South Delta Initiative (MSDI) work, three work groups - one each on youth, grassroots, and leadership - will be organized in the Delta areas of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. As a member of a work group, Delta residents will be asked to attend a series of meetings over an 18 month time period and develop a plan that:

• Engages people and groups who are often missing from community change efforts, including people who are young, elderly, disabled, or low-income; people of all races; and businesspeople or elected officials
• Supports the values and culture of the region so that new body of work reflects the region's commitment to family, faith, and community
• Promotes activities that have a regional focus, deepen the impact on people and future generations, and expand the positive momentum for change across the region

"The initiative's second phase is designed to help our communities move themselves towards transformation and self-sufficiency," said MSDI Program Director Gloria Dickerson. "We need the people who live, work and play here to both identify needs and solutions."

Residents of the region's 55 counties and parishes are invited to participate in the work by joining a group. A simple application for participation is requested and applications will be accepted through July 3, 2006. Information about the past work of MSDI can be found at www.msdi.org

"Each specific design work group will have approximately 20 members, and participation is open to any interested individual, organization, or community group," said Robert Gates, MSDI Project Manager. "Participants will receive stipends for their full participation in the design process. We are especially excited about the involvement of youth because they represent the future of the Delta."

Additional information about MSDI Phase 2 and the Application for Participation are available at www.msdi.com/LiftingUpTheDelta, or by calling Robert Gates at (601) 944-9535 or by e-mail at robert.gates@wkkf.org.