ST. PETE TOGETHER, A NEW COMMUNITY BASED ACTION GROUP IS SEEKING MEMBERS

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (MAY 10, 2012) - At today's City Council meeting, Council Member Jim Kennedy laid out the recruitment plans for a new community based action group seeking to make St. Petersburg a model city for equality, harmony and unity. "St. Pete Together" is an independent association, and is not part of city government. Membership will include individuals that live or work in the city ofSt. Petersburg who are interested in participating in inclusive dialogue that promotes equality, harmony and unity.

Based on the premise that a community is built on the strength of diversity, membership to the group is open to anyone who lives or works inSt. Petersburg. "Our key issue right now is to recruit as diverse and inclusive a group as is possible to ensure representation of everyone in our city," explains Council Member Kennedy. "We seek to be the leading proactive voice to help maintain our community as a model of civility, understanding, social justice, diversity, equity and harmony. And, in cases where tensions may rise, we want to serve as the voice of reason and effective dialogue."

An application for membership and a copy of the association's Principles of Understanding can be found at the association's website, www.stpetetogether.org or by calling Kewa Wright, administrative aide to Council Member Kennedy at (727) 551-3306. The membership application can be filled out and submitted online or mailed to Kewa Wright,PO Box2842,St. Petersburg,FL33731. Deadline for applications is July 13. The first meeting is expected to be in September of this year.

Recognizing the need for an independent voice for our citizens to address such issues, Council Member Kennedy has been working on the formation of the association over the last year with various members of the community.