On November 16, 2011, over 250 community leaders from throughout Westchester County joined together to launch Westchester United – a new power base for positive social change. This is the culmination of two years of organizing with the Metro Industrial Areas Foundation, an organizing network which helps build independent organizations that have initiated far-reaching strategies on housing, health care, education and other concerns.

Drawing on the proven power of person-to-person organizing, these communities have engaged hundreds of Westchester residents as part of a process that is uncovering public concerns.

Reporting on what was learned, speakers told stories of families unable to afford outrageous mortgage payments, of barriers to educational opportunities, and of a series of specific concerns surrounding safety and mobility – for seniors and others. The next steps for this new organization is to do in depth research about the dynamics surrounding these struggles so as to prepare for effective and meaningful responses.