For the past few months, the leaders of Birmingham Citizens have worked tirelessly to bring together as many people as possible for the Citizens Assembly.  The Venue was the Great Hall at Birmingham University.

On 25th April, one week before the regional elections on 2nd May, Communities across the membership joined forces to put specific “asks “ directly to:

Andy Street, Conservative candidate for Mayor of the West Midlands

Richard Parker, Labour candidate for Mayor of the West Midlands

Tom Byrne, Conservative candidate for West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner

Simon Foster , Labour candidate for West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

The energy, excitement and atmosphere in the great Hall was wonderful.

The focus was on Housing, Work and Safety. Each “Ask” was preceded by real life stories  and then the candidates were invited to make a commitment.  Each candidate gave a commitment to each “Ask” and promised, if elected, to work with Citizens.

Both schools of our Parish, St Francis’ and St Clare’s took an active part in the proceedings. Many of the  pupils living in poor housing, unemployment of parents and lack of safety know these at first hand. The children then asked us all to take our vote seriously as it was their future in our hands.

It was a wonderful experience of the power of communities working together for the Common Good.