The Coalition for Economic and Social Justice (CESJ)

Our goals for Metro East Pride 2010 are outlined as follows:

1.   Embrace diversity in all its forms.  

      Be inclusive of all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity,

      race or ethnic group, or age.  

      (The just-concluded festival was a panorama of this.) 

2.    A vision that includes greater community interaction between the LBGT

      community and Belleville. 

      This involves Pride’s participation in local events and cooperation

      to make this an even better place to live.  It involves dialogue and

      support of local businesses. 

      It involves advance planning with businesses located within the

      Pride Festival perimeters to ensure that any problems are solved

      and that the Festival is advantageous to all parties.

3.    Increased participation as a group in environmental issues, and in helping to alleviate
       poverty in our community.   

      We are all cognizant that festivals are fun. 

      We desire to be recognized as a responsible part of our

       greater community as well.