We the collective residents of the City of Philadelphia-representing all ages, races, belief systems, income levels and other defining characteristics...deserve better. We understand that it is our responsibility to be heard, to be seen, and to guide our leaders to better serve us with integrity. We realize that we all have a role to play. And that ours is to begin to participate in communicating the kind of Philadelphia we need. Philadelphia is like a frosted mirror. We can all see into it-the picture of the future that is possible. But that future for many residents is clouded and block by poor access to information, opportunities, gatekeeping and selective community support. We see this in who receives information about opportunities, funding, and the "unspoken" rules of engagement.  All we need to do is hold that mirror up. To hold our heads up- and collectively agree that we all want better. Each of us deserves to reach our full potential, enjoy recreational activities regardless of what part of the city we reside in. To teach, to learn, to laugh, to love- to make a living in the best way we can. We don't do this for likes. Not for power. Not for followers. But because the alternative is to continue to accept what has been. 

To address these issues, we call upon the people to step up and take greater responsibility for our city. To sign OUR census...to show the unheard, unseen, and unspoken  Philadelphia. To learn more about how our government works, the role of our leaders, and how to assess their performance.  How to create our own solutions for problems and work together. To donate, volunteer, and participate organizations that are unseen, unheard, unspoken. To grow our network, grow our businesses, to fully see our collective dreams become a reality. 

Lawanda Horton, MS

Mission Incorporated/Mission Forward