Hope in the Cities Council (Photo: Susan Corcoran)
Thirty Richmond community leaders have formed a new Hope in the Cities Council to provide a space for networking, sharing of concerns and insights, and exploration of opportunities for honest conversation on critical issues. One Council member described it as "a committee of conscience for the community."
At its first meeting in April, co-chairs Anjum Ali and Andrew Schoeneman welcome the participants who met over dinner to discuss: What are the "unspeakable issues" which, if addressed, would build trust in the region? Poverty and social/jurisdictional isolation in the Richmond region topped the list of concerns.

In June the Council wrestled with the question: What is the poverty of imagination that keeps us from being willing or able to address the tough issues? Who are some of the people in the region who might be supported to take risks of leadership? The Council will meet quarterly.