Dane Smith describes himself as a devout Unitarian ("yes, that's possible" he says) and is both an active member of Unity Church Unitarian in St. Paul, and the President of Growth & Justice, a progressive economic think tank committed to making Minnesota's economy simultaneously more prosperous, fair, and environmentally sustainable.
 
Dane message is "We All Do Better When We ALL Do Better: Bill Gates, Paul Wellstone and the Communitarian Imperative."  Growth & Justice is non-partisan, yet clearly progressive.  Their work focuses on the social justice that naturally flows from increased access for all to economic opportunity.
 
We can see our UU principles reflected in Growth & Justice's values including equal opportunity, interdependence of society and economy, accountable and responsive government, reverence for natural resources, and a collaborative approach that values diverse perspectives and experience.  After his presentation, we will have time for some audience Q & A.
 
Also on the program: update from key ally HIRE Minnesota.  We'll hear form their coordinator (and award-winning Organizer of the Year) Alessandra Williams.  Our work with HIRE helps leverage public investments to create opportunities for low income communities, women, and people of color.
 
Join us for this afternoon exploring UU work for racial, economic and social justice.  Light lunch/snacks will be offered.  We will also conduct a very short business meeting to elect up to 3 new board members and distribute our 2009 annual report.