Public Allies is a national movement grounded in the conviction that everyone leads. We believe that everyone can make a difference, and work to inspire more citizens to believe in themselves, step up and act. Throughout our nation's history, lasting social change has always resulted from the courageous acts of many, not just the inspiration of the few. We believe the leadership needed is already resident in communities - it's only a matter of finding, cultivating, and connecting these leaders. We're the ones we've been waiting for.

Public Allies Bridgeport 2010 has chosen to support affordable housing in the South End Bridgeport Community. In collaboration with Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, seven Public Allies from the greater Bridgeport area will be working together to raise awareness and funds for two affordable housing units on Lafayette Street.

The campaign, Buy a Brick - Build a Home, will consist of three major aspects. On April 10th, we will be hosting a Help-Portrait (www.help-portrait.com)-style event calling all community members to come pose for their personal portrait! Pictures will be printed on-site, and community models will sign releases and write a short biographical paragraph for us. The portraits, mixed with scenery shots of the South End, will be displayed gallery style at our major fundraising event. www.bntweb.org

Fundraising will begin mid-February with the sale of personalized bricks to pave the pathway between the two houses.

On May 20th, the campaign will culminate at the Buy a Brick, Build a Home House Party! Join us from 6-9pm for the Who's Your Neighbor portrait gallery, live entertainment, food and drinks! And don't forget to buy your brick before you leave!

Public Allies is a ten month non-profit apprenticeship program affiliated with AmeriCorps that focuses on leadership development. www.publicallies.org

For more information, please contact Public Allies Bridgeport at bridgeportpact@gmail.com.