Live the Pledge

Birmingham Pledge Teen Conference
The Teen Conference is an annual event co-sponsored by the Birmingham Pledge and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. This event brings approximately four high school students from each of the eleven school districts in the Birmingham metropolitan area together for a daylong conference and workshop to discuss diversity issues and solutions. Led by facilitators, the workshops provide students with the mediation and reconciliation skills and tools they need to resolve racial problems in their schools.

Corporate Pledge Drives
Companies in the Birmingham region and throughout Alabama are encouraged to promote the Birmingham Pledge through internal newsletters and employee activities. Many corporations have already sponsored successful Pledge drives. The Pledge Foundation endeavors to work with these supporters to develop initiatives that address diversity issues in the workplace and build closer interpersonal relationships.

Faith Community
A City of Roots and Wings, a survey conducted by The Birmingham Pledge Foundation, indicated leaders of the faith community were the most likely force (above business, civic and education leaders) to fully improve race relations through the by creation of better awareness, increased sensitivity and more effective communication in our diverse community. Recent studies on segregation at Harvard University indicated communities of faith are the most promising agents of change.

The Birmingham Pledge Foundation receives support from the Episcopalian and Catholic churches and is assembling a list of area and regional churches and faith organizations in order to sponsor Pledge drives and increase understanding and cooperation among the diverse religious communities and organizations.

Alabama Faith Council
The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, the Greater Birmingham Ministries and Alabama Arise work with many other organizations and faiths from around the state to form a network of faith communities to encourage, inform and enact the best practices for the people of Alabama, especially those whose needs are the greatest and whose resources are the least. Growing out of the Urban Ministries/Public Policy Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, the work of forming the Alabama Faith Council quickly grew to include 12 organizations from around the state and expanded to 21 various faith groups, including most Protestant denominations, Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Unitarian, Quaker, Conservative and Reform Judaism and Muslim communities.

In June, 2005 the group working to form the Council made a presentation to a gathering of faith leaders from across the state at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s words echoed through the church once again as the call was heard to join together to build a society where all shall see “justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” The Alabama Faith Council is rooted in the belief that every aspect of life is sacred to people of God, and all people are thereby inherently equal in their humanity, worth and dignity. Everyone deserves the compassionate support of faith communities willing to listening to the voices of the poor and vulnerable.

The immediate goals of the Alabama Faith Council are to:
1. Build relationships to establish a state-wide network of interfaith leadership committed to a stronger, safer and more equitable state.
2. Broaden our understanding and appreciation of the diversity within our communities and state.
3. Enhance our knowledge on issues of mutual concern.
4. Speak with a united voice on issues affecting people in need.
5. Provide statements to the media, as agreed upon by the council leadership.


The Birmingham Pledge is represented on the Alabama Faith Council’s preliminary Steering Committee. The Committee is developing the organizational structure, by-laws and non-profit status for the Council under the guidance and review of the state-wide members of the faith community.

Neighborhoods and Communities
The Pledge Foundation endeavors to work with area mayors, citizen advisory boards and neighborhood associations to eliminate barriers and divisive issues. The leadership provided by elected officials and community leaders are vital in developing an increased awareness and value of the increasingly diverse communities in Alabama.

The Birmingham Pledge: Support It
Join the more than 100,000 supporters on every continent by adding your name to the list of those committed to honor the Birmingham Pledge. The world will be a better place because of you effort.

Study Circles
Study Circles are a great communication and training opportunity for schools, churches, city governments and corporations. Each study circle involves participants who reflect the diversity of today's community taking part in structured discussions and interaction.
Click here to find out how to establish a Study Circle…

Birmingham Plege Week 2006
Don't miss Birmingham Pledge Week 2006 coming in September. For more information on these programs as they develop, please return to our website throughout the year! For information about Birmingham Pledge Week sponsorships, contact the Birmingham Pledge Foundation, at ( 205) 254-3022.

Athletes for the Birmingham Pledge
NASCAR
Colin Braun and Brad Coleman of Team 16 publicly signed the Pledge at the Porsche 250 race held at Barber Motor Speedway, as part of their commitment to spread its values throughout the NASCAR racing world.

The Iron Bowl Challenge
Legendary Auburn and Alabama athletes Randy Campbell and Jeremiah Castille publicly signed the Pledge at the Iron Bowl Challenge. The annual event, which has officially endorsed the Pledge, features legendary athletes from the two universities and each year during the week preceding the Iron Bowl.