CPL Spotlight: Donna Johnson-Bullock   Location: Philadelphia Program: 2006 Pennsylvania Fellow (Alumni) Profession: Community Legal Services Fellowship Track:  Future Candidate

What personal values most shape your political beliefs?  

I value community service and giving back at a very grassroots or personal level.

I love nothing more than working with a small community group in North Philadelphia to address issues like nuisance bars or gentrification. 

What does “progressive” mean to you?  

Progressive is someone that is open to change, open to moving forward, open to movign beyond the status quo.  It doesn't mean democratic or republican, liberal or conservative.  It is some who is willing to think outside the box

What motivates you to be involved in public service?    

As a child, my mother , grandmother  and I frequented a local soup kitchen, but not as volunteers.  Instead, our daily visits to the soup kitchen were to receive our daily meals.  In order to help her family and to supplement public assistance grants, my mother eventually began caring for children in our home.  She provided such childcare services mostly for single mothers who were either working or seeking education or job training.  When my mother’s childcare service was in business, it provided a stable family income and allowed my grandmother and I  to return to the soup kitchen as volunteers , helping to prepare and serve the meals . 

My grandmother became the volunteer coordinator.  I later became the first "former client" to  serve a board member  for the organization .   After my grandmother died, her commitment was honored when the soup kitchen named their first volunteer of the year award after her.  Its an honor for me to present this award every year.  My family’s economic struggles and my lifetime commitment to Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen, are the backbone to my public service career goals.   But it also prepared me for dealing with people.  Even after attending law school, I am comfortable talking to people from all walks of life and value everyone's opinion.

What current leadership positions do you hold? 

I am a staff attorney and the intake supervisor at Community Legal Services.  In the community, I also serve on the board of United Block Captains Association, West Philadelphia Child Care Network (President), and Family Care Solutions.  I was elected as a community representative to represent neighborhoods in Central North Philadelphia at the Mayor's Office of Community Service.  I am active in or serve as legal counsel to many other community organizations or coalitions.

What advice do you have for other emerging progressive leaders?  

Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about yourself and don't be afraid to face what is in store for you. 

...and about the Center for Progressive Leadership:

What did you get out of the Fellowship? 

I have a new sense of confidence and I began to accept the idea that I can be succssful in politics sooner than I thought.  Before I avoided addressing the possibility of me running for office or becoming otherwise politically involved by referring to the idea has some long term goal or distant dream.  Now I am actually starting to put my plan in to action and hope to be more politically involved in the near future. 

What have you been doing since you finished the Fellowship?  

I took on more leadership roles at work and in community organizations.  I have been building my networks, starting and strengthening relationships with mentors.  I also volunteered on political campaigns. 

Do you still keep in touch with any other Fellows? If so, how?   

All the time.  We have a very tight support group and we support each others projects and events.  I see at least one fellow or more every week.   

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