Our country & our communities are at a pivotal point of power. To continue with the status quo at this point is to sink deeper into the crisis of a power structure that refuses to respect & honor life, whether by unprecedented wildfires, police force, or deadly hoarding of wealth by the few. But as close as we are to the brink of destruction, the signs of another system coming forward- one based in relationship, justice, & our Right to Breathe- are unmistakable. 

We in Philly Thrive believe that the path ahead will largely depend on our ability to continue to act with intention together. 

From the national election to the largest redevelopment in Philadelphia since 1682, our commitment to self-determination is a powerful force not to be underestimated. We've seen it first hand with the end to a century & a half of oil refining in South Philadelphia after a growing community of people across race, class, gender, religion, & neighborhood insisted that the will of Black women crying out for their family's health be upheld. It took some disruption as the current system is hard of hearing, but we can say confidently the will of the people can be realized.

Despite what we're told, the resources exist; the science is clear; the technology is available to support a restoration and healing across this traumatized land. Very little logistically stands in our way of creating a dignified job for everyone that wants one, especially those long excluded from employment; to enable the regeneration of people's spirits and our planet's resources; and to hold decision-making power in our lives, neighborhoods, and cities. We can get there if more of us commit to strategic collective action every day.

For the month of October, Philly Thrive invites you to join us in action to advance deep democracy and self-determination. First, make your plan to vote if you haven't already. Second, help Philly Thrive launch our new campaign for the future of the PES refinery land, an area that makes up 2% of Philadelphia:

• 10/14 Meet the Company Redeveloping the PES Refinery Site
• 10/22 Virtual Campaign Launch
• 10/24 Parade Campaign Launch