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CFED Newsletter: July 2012

Booker, Robinson to Headline ALC 2012

As the dog days of summer near, CFED Staff are busy at work finalizing speakers for the 2012 Assets Learning Conference. We’re pleased to announce two high-profile keynote speakers who will share their unique insights into the asset-building world. Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, and Eugene Robinson, Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post columnist, will headline this year’s Conference.

Booker’s keynote address at the Assets Learning Conference symbolizes recognition of the important work he and the City of Newark are doing to improve the long-term financial security of City residents. For years, Booker has been an important figure in sending a signal nationally about the integral role municipalities should play in asset building and we are excited that he will share his remarks at the Conference.

Robinson’s closing keynote, during the “Call to Action” plenary, will examine how the burgeoning wealth gap will play into the 2012 presidential elections. Revered for his coverage of President Obama’s 2008 candidacy and appearing as a regular political commentator on a variety of national television programs, Robinson’s invitation to the ALC recognizes his fluency on issues of poverty and politics.

More exciting speakers are being added to the program and we couldn’t be more excited. We hope you will find their remarks at the ALC both interesting and insightful.

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Sign Up Today for Capitol Hill Visits

One of the many reasons we choose Washington to be the home of the Assets Learning Conference is to give participants the opportunity to speak with their lawmakers about the asset-building policies that matter most in their states. This opportunity – Capitol Hill Visits – will take place on Friday, September 21 from 3 – 5 pm at the end of the Conference. Be sure to make your travel arrangements accordingly so you can have the chance to speak with your Senators’ staff.

While Capitol Hill Visits are open to all ALC participants, it is important that we know in advance who wants to participate. Therefore, in order to participate, you must register by August 31. To do so, click here and fill out the brief, six-question survey. This will allow us to schedule your visit with Hill Staffers in advance and ensure a smooth trip to the Capitol.

Members of CFED’s Federal Policy Team are happy to assist you with any questions you may have and will also help you prepare for your advocacy meeting with a webinar and training session during the ALC. For more information, please contact Inemesit Imoh.

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Submit Your Photos for the American Dream Photo Contest

This summer, CFED wants to know what Americans are saving for. As part of the Assets Learning Conference, we are running a photo challenge aimed at rewarding those with a praiseworthy savings goal. Savers are being asked to take a photo of what they're saving for – be it a new car, home or even a university they’d like to attend – and include a 100-word description of why they’re saving for this item and why they consider it an asset.

From July 1 through August 1, we’ll be accepting entries. The first place will receive $500 toward their savings goal and the two runners up will receive $100 toward their savings goal. The top three photos – along with other entries – will be featured on our website, social media sites and will be on display at the conference photo gallery.

To participate, either Tweet us your photo using hashtag #savingsphoto or send it via email to photocontest@cfed.org by August 1. A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on composition, originality and overall appeal and winners will be announced at the Assets Learning Conference in September.

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Save the Date: Second Annual National Poverty Summit

Immediately after the Assets Learning Conference you can join the second annual national Poverty Summit, bringing together national leaders, local experts, practitioners, volunteers, advocates, academics and others to advance the work that needs to be done to reduce poverty in America and in our world. The Poverty Summit, first held in 2011 in conjunction with the Catholic Charities Annual Conference, will build on the ideas and strategies of the first Poverty Summit and leverage the 2012 Assets Learning Conference to expand the poverty discussion. The Poverty Summit will begin in the afternoon on Friday, September 21 and run throughout the day on Saturday, September 22.

The Poverty Summit strives to:

• Inspire active participation in a national movement to reduce poverty in America.
• Re-imagine the way America addresses poverty.
• Strategically identify, design and implement innovative and measureable tactics towards the common goal of reducing poverty in America.

With your Assets Learning Conference registration, you will receive a complimentary registration to the 2012 Poverty Summit. If you have already registered for the ALC and would like to modify your registration to include the Poverty Summit, click "Modify Registration" on the left side bar of the ALC homepage. If you haven't yet registered, don't forget to include the Poverty Summit in your Registration.

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Upcoming Events

Extended ALC Early Bird Deadline
Friday, July 13, 2012 | Midnight EDT

Webinar: Credit Building is Asset Building
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 | 1 – 2 pm EDT

2012 Assets Learning Conference
Wednesday – Friday, September 19 – 21, 2012

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CFED gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the 2012 Assets Learning Conference Sponsors: