Atlanta, Georgia—a city known for its progressiveness and superb Southern hospitality—has earned another peach on its tree with the US Social Forum drawing thousands of participants from around the world to congregate and network about social issues affecting people in the United States and internationally.

The goals of the presenters and organizers of this forum proved successful as many flooded the streets of downtown Atlanta, working their way to and from venues eager to meet starting time deadlines and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the presenters.

Some of the workshops offered dealt with race, gender, and poverty: Organizing for the Human Right to Housing, Homeless People Organizing for Justice and Progressive Policy: Prioritize for 2008. Youth groups were also present, and led workshops titled Funding Our Communities to Create Unity and Strength, and So You Think You Want to Work with Youth.

Joining as a unified force, San Francisco’s Coalition on Homelessness, Los Angeles’ LACAN, New York City’s Picture the Homeless, Atlanta’s Task Force for the Homeless, and Detroit- and Chicago-based organizations received an explosive round of applause and standing ovations as each individual speaker addressed the state of homelessness from her or his experience and perspective.

The organized segments of information exchange, personal story-telling, and the recapping of victories won and struggles still in progress created such a powerful expression of compassion and commitment that any observer would have been able to see the energy releasing itself from the body of every speaker, or see the struggle for composure as voices started to crack and emotions persisted in wreaking fascinating emotional havoc.

What stood in the large room of the Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless were the spirits of pioneers—spirits that were meant to be there in that room and at that precise time representing their cause and themselves with a power that could not be duplicated.

There was no pretending, no ego commanding, “It’s all about me time.” This group of leaders was all about the I will, I believe, I achieve, I endure attitude.

The entire five days of the Forum were very gratifying and handled well, given the magnitude of the event. In fact, the enthusiasm was so contagious the only fault that could I can imagine is that the event didn’t extend past the five-day limit.

The profound effect the Forum had could not be mistaken for anything other than progress in action. Though highly appreciated and respected by organizers, it would have been foolish for any one person or group to think the glory was theirs and theirs alone. The commitment and participation social groups, organizations, and attendees gave demand that all participating organizations receive a piece of the glory.

The entrepreneurial spirit was in high gear at Atlanta’s Civic Center, where outside tents were set up for the conducting of more workshops, performances, and the sale of educational materials, creative arts and crafts, T-shirts, and anything else representing cultures and the event. It was unbelievable; it was great.

Lexicographers will have to add new definitions to the words customer service and professionalism, thanks to the outstanding service the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Atlanta gave the Coalition on Homelessness and others who stayed there. Thanks, also, to Joseph, the manager of the Atlanta Hostel, for his incredible managerial expertise and for having us as guests at the dwelling on last minute’s notice.

In conclusion, a note of recognition goes out to all the language interpreters who shared their skills in many workshops, ensuring everyone’s understanding. One female interpreter’s style of relating was so soothing it felt like being a part of a symphony.

You go, Atlanta!

Chanel

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