Structure

SCIPUP is a consensus-run group, with a primary facilitator responsible for calling meetings, keeping the group to its agreed-upon plan of self-education and action, and reminding members of their commitments.

Semester Agenda

SCIPUP will change areas/topics/policies as community needs and the legislative agenda changes, thus altering our activities and sites.

This semester (and most likely continuing through next semester) we plan to work on the Municipal Living Wage. Within our examination of and action on that policy, we will be researching the history of the Living Wage here in New Haven, the policy’s effects on the city, its employees, businesses and residents, and the policies crafted and implemented in other cities around the country; bringing relevant speakers to the group meetings and discussions; meeting with various city and community leaders; talking to city employees and residents; and coordinating with other groups and institutions in the city who are interested in and/or working on the Living Wage over the next few months (such as the Federation of Hospital and University Employees). Based on the problem as demonstrated by these investigations and conversations, we will take action – which could take many different forms including but not limited to organizing the effected communities around the issues and meeting with city elected officials and administrators – especially those working on the Living Wage Commission – to discuss the current problems and potential policy solutions.

Commitment to New Haven Residents

Regardless of the path taken by SCIPUP, our primary focus will be to ensure that our programs and ideas are those favored by New Haven residents. As students, we have an obligation to ensure that our goals are those of the community.