The Just Power Alliance retreat, held November 10–12, brought together faith-based organizing networks from across the country to deepen our collective work and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

This gathering was designed to help us clarify our shared identity, discern what we can accomplish together, and understand what our network needs to be most effective. We opened with a presentation from Dr. Stephanie Luce, co-author of "Practical Radicals" whose research on different forms of power provided a valuable foundation for the discussions that followed.

Over two days, we engaged in:

• Power Analysis & Strategic Mapping: We examined our internal organizational strengths and explored how local power can translate to national impact. 
• Faith-Based Narrative Strategy: We delved into how our faith traditions can inform and strengthen our organizing narratives, particularly around immigrant organizing and collective care.
• Key Issue Areas: Through breakout sessions, we explored collaborative work on labor organizing, housing justice, healthcare access, and immigrant rights 
• Capacity Building: We discussed organizer recruitment, retention, and development

What This Means for CONECT

Our participation in Just Power Alliance strengthens our local organizing by connecting us to national networks, shared resources, and strategic opportunities we couldn't access alone. The relationships and strategies developed at this retreat will inform our work in Connecticut and open doors for greater impact.

Jackie Seawright 

More than 275 members of the greater New Haven community gathered on November
11 for a conversation with Eric K. Ward, a nationally recognized authority on
authoritarian movements and hate violence. His address, “We Who Believe in Freedom
Cannot Rest,” emphasized the need for collective action to safeguard a multiracial,
multifaith democracy. The event, co-hosted by CONECT and Congregation Mishkan
Israel (CMI), took place in CMI’s sanctuary.

Welcoming remarks by Daniel Schaefer, Rabbi of CMI, and Rev. Dr. Philippe Andal,
Senior Pastor of Community Baptist Church and Co-chair of CONECT, highlighted the
rise of hatred—including antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and bigotry—alongside
threats to democracy. Rabbi Schaefer noted CMI’s longstanding commitment to social
justice, emphasizing the importance of coalition and mutual understanding. Reverend
Andal observed that authoritarian movements exploit fear by promoting division and
scapegoating.

Mr. Ward called for courage, solidarity, and a return to the “democratic muscle memory”
of previous generations. He stressed that an attack on any group is an attack on all, and
that community building requires accountability and constructive dialogue. He

advocated for universal belonging and equal rights, achieved through collective
reflection and action.

Practical steps included: attending community events to foster solidarity, supporting
local initiatives for social justice, and making visible commitments to inclusion and
democracy. Consistent engagement in these actions, Ward suggested, is essential for
building a more inclusive society.

Special thank you to all the volunteers, community sponsors, generous donors, and staff at CONECT and Congregation Mishkan Israel. 

Nancy C. Yedlin

Mark McNulty, Senior Communications Director from The Housing Collective, and Alex Kolokotronis, Community Organizer with Naugatuck Valley Project emphasized how storytelling and data can shift public opinion on affordable housing. 

Building Momentum for Affordable Housing

Governor Lamont signed the Housing Bill HB8002 on November 27th just before Thanksgiving. The Housing Team is pleased that this bill will:

• Establish more Fair Rental Commissions across the state
• Lessen costly parking spot mandates for new housing 
• Incentivize towns to build housing in transit oriented districts
• Give employers tax benefits for contributing to first time home buyer accounts 

"YES IN GOD'S BACKYARD/YIGBY Legislation"

The Housing Team is finalizing a draft of YIGBY legislation that would enable faith communities to be a part of the solution to our housing crisis - by building affordable housing on their property. YIGBY would assure that a faith community's application to build housing would follow a predictable and time bound review process in every CT town. If a faith community comes to the sacred decision to use its property to build housing, a YIGBY law will make sure that our institutions aren't tied up indefinitely by red tape. This common sense policy would enable us to live into our values as land stewards and people of faith.

If you’re passionate about housing justice, please consider volunteering with us —your voice matters! Contact our co-chairs Jacque Paige or Susan Ray
Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Connecticut!

As we honor outgoing leaders and welcome new leadership, we recommit to building internal strength that fuels external action and strengthens democracy in New Haven and Fairfield counties. 

CONECT relies on NO government funding; its activities are possible through the support of member dues, local foundations, and donor contributions

CONECT greatly appreciates donations on our website: as well as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs, contributions from Donor Advised Funds, and gifts of appreciated stock. Please reach out to info@weconect.org for more details.

So that contributions can be processed in this calendar year, the deadline for donations is December 29.

Thank you! We’re grateful for your time, talent, and generosity in making 2025 such a success! In just a few days 2026 begins, we reflect on the year past and the connections that sustained us. Here’s to a New Year of hope, understanding, and growing together in our interfaith community.

Sent by Congregations Organized For A New Connecticut Inc

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