CANTON -- About 60 people from all over the North Country participated in the first “Inequalities Roundtable” held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 3 ½ East Main St. recently.

“We were delighted with the turnout,” said Eileen Raymond, who helped coordinate and moderated the event. “We were especially gratified by the diversity of the participants – it wasn’t just members of our church. We feel it was a great beginning to more community conversations.”

The focus of this roundtable was on housing, energy, and food, with opening comments made by panelists Chris Rediehs from the Department of Social Services, County Planner John Tenbusch, Norma Cary from the SLC Community Development Program, the Potsdam Neighborhood Center’s Daisy Cox, and Maria Corse for GardenShare. A lively discussion followed, including questions, challenges, and ideas for moving forward.

Social Services Commissioner Rediehs noted that “constellations of problems” often occur for many in the North Country -- housing, transportation, food, job, and health issues may compound each other to make challenging situations practically impossible. Cox added that “People are feeling the drain of a long-term economic slump, not yet on the upswing in our county, and the problems compound one another.”

“Help in any of these areas can be transformative,” Rediehs said. “What we can do to help in one area can help in others.”

Ideas were shared for how individuals and groups can help those in need, with an emphasis on the value of having direct, personal contacts with others. Audience members discussed strategies for empowering those who are struggling to help themselves resolve some of their challenges.

“We knew we wouldn’t come up with all the necessary solutions,” said Raymond, “but it was a very good conversation. We will continue to raise more of these issues and learn about how individuals and groups – small and large – can work together to help in various ways. Our growing awareness of the increasing inequality that is at the base of these symptoms must lead to a commitment to citizen advocacy for systemic changes. Working together we can make a difference.”

To learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton, the Social Action Committee, and other church activities and programs, visit www.uucantonny.org.