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James M. Barrens is a community organizer known primarily for his work in Florida.

Barrens is known primarily for his work in the fields of community organizing, training, interfaith and civic affairs. From 1994-1997 he was the Lead Organizer of Congregations United for Community Action, a coalition of 37 diverse religious congregations committed to social justice in St. Petersburg, Florida. For five and a half years following his position with CUCA, Barrens held the post of Manager of Training Programs and Senior Instructor with Tech Data Education of Clearwater, Florida.

From 2003-2006 he was the the Executive Director of the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, a collaboration of Saint Leo University and the American Jewish Committee. Upon leaving Saint Leo Barrens returned to Pinellas County to coordinates a professional certification program for people working with youth, particularly teen.

Barrens' efforts toward human and civil rights, reconciliation, and interfaith dialogue have been recognized by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Hadassah, and Leadership Florida. He is a prior recipient of the "Best of the Bay Award" for championing ethics in the Tampa Bay community.