The second, was to foster the nascent bonds formed by these meetings on specific projects and collaborative actions. We formed two separate groups . The first of these groups, a smaller Working Group, has met monthly throughout the year. This group, comprised of pastors, Penn faculty and staff, public school administrators, and community organizers, has been responsible for the primary shaping and guidance of the project. The Advisory Group has met twice this year, together with our Working Group and academic interns.
Students serving as academic interns represent the third part of our infrastructure.
They engage in individual projects which target specific areas of community concern, drawing upon members from the four groups to guide and participate in their work. Our regular meetings have provided a forum for our members to get to know one another and to air issues of general concern for their communities. Strong relationships across our membership have formed during the year. There is clear evidence of growing trust and eagerness to engage in joint effort. Many of our members, both with our direction and spontaneously, have met privately to address issues of mutual concern and interest.