Shelly Heideman | Community Organizer Genealogy Project

Shelly Heideman

Videos

This person has no videos.

Links

Faith Coalition for the Common Good

Current employer/director

Work History

Start Year	End Year	Organization	Position
2008		Faith Coalition for the Common Good	Lead Organizer Director Founder

Organizer Profile

What brought you into the work?:

Herb Reisinger was the first person who suggested that I consider working as a community organizer. He recommended that I attend week long leadership training offered through the Gamaliel Foundation. I wrote a grant to cover my expenses and attended the training in August 2007. After that, I quit my job in social services and started organizing in Springfield, IL.

Share 3 lessons you have learned through your work in organizing.:

1. It's all about relationships - building new relationships and deepening existing relationships
2. Community organizing gives life and energy to those who take part in the process
3. It is hard work, but the successes are sweet!

Who has inspired you in your organizing?:

Herb Reisinger - former director of UCM - United Congregations of Metro East St. Louis

Greg Galluzzo - Director of the Gamaliel Foundation

Juan Soto - Director of PILSEN Neighbor's Community Council and Gamaliel of IL

What movements or political moments have most influenced your organizing career?:

Before attending Gamaliel leadership training, I participated in the JUST FAITH program on Catholic social teaching, which was transformational.

Share an accomplishment or list accomplishments from your career in organizing.:

I created a new organization in Springfield, IL
We currently have 13 institutional members
We are working on 4 key issue areas: Immigration, Transportation and Jobs,
Safety (city services) and Education.

What are the barriers to successful community organizing in this country? How can we overcome these barriers?:

Right now, community organizing is a dirty word in the conservative media vocabulary.
It is difficult to respond to so much negativity. White/middle class churches often do not see the need for their congregations to participate in the efforts of community organizing because their members are not directly affected by racism and poverty.

Successful campaigns will bring more churches to the organization, energy and enthusiasm.

Are you still in organizing? If not, in what other fields have you worked? What are you doing now?:

I left the field of social service/charity work to do the work of community organizing. It is my vocation!

Genealogy

Visualize Shelly Heideman's organizational relations

Shelly Heideman's Trainers

Who developed and/or trained you as an organizer?

Person	Organization
Galluzzo, Greg	Gamaliel Foundation
Soto, Juan	Gamaliel Foundation

Shelly Heideman's Coaches

Who has mentored, coached, or consulted with you in your organizing career?

Person	Organization
Barrett, Laura	Gamaliel Foundation
Galluzzo, Greg	Gamaliel Foundation
Soto, Juan	Gamaliel Foundation

Shelly Heideman's Peers

Which of your peers influenced your development as an organizer?

Person	Organization
Aud, Ken	United Congregations of Metro East St. Louis
Carrillo, Ignacio	Gamaliel of Metro Chicago

Shelly Heideman's Trainees

Whom have you developed or trained as an organizer? (Please list people who have stayed in the field or a related field for at least three years.)

Shelly Heideman's Coachees

Who did you mentor, coach, or consult with you in your organizing career? (Please list people who have stayed in the field or a related field for at least 3 years.)