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Opportunity to Engage in Reparations: Upcoming Town Hall on Issues of Racial Justice

clerk@ithacamonthlymeeting.org
 

All these reforms are things I'm supporting personally around issues of racial justice and incarceration. This presentation sounds like a good entry point for those wanting to know more and a good checkpoint for those already involved in supporting these initiatives. See the attached flyer for more info.

Town Hall on Racial Justice and Healing: Voting Rights, HALT Solitary Confinement and Parole Justice
Wednesday, May 19, 7-8:30pm
FREE. Preregistration required.

PDF
Racial Justice & Healing DRAFT.pdf

Re: Mother's Day is really Peace Day

Elizabeth V. Keokosky
 

Wow, this is impressive - and I was just hoping my daughter would call.   



On May 8, 2021, at 9:18 PM, Ruth Yarrow <rmyarrow@...> wrote:


Dear All,
It's worth remembering the original purpose of Mother's day.  Have a happy one!  Ruth


Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day actually started in 1870 in the then ‘not-so-united states of America’. It did not start out as the flowers for Mom, breakfast in bed, a fluffy, sentimental Hallmark card holiday that exists today.

It started out as one woman’s impassioned plea for peace after the carnage of the Civil War.  Julie Ward Howe, an American poet, author, abolitionist and social activist (who wrote the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” in 1861), was so distressed with the bloodshed and loss of life that she issued a proclamation calling on the women of the world to unite in opposing war of any kind.

Keep in mind that the language of this proclamation reflects the society of the historical period in which it was written.

(Courtesy of Dr. Richard Denton, North American co-chair for International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War)


Mother’s Day Proclamation

Again, in the sight of the Christian world, have the skill and power of two great nations exhausted themselves in mutual murder.

Again have the sacred questions of international justice been committed to the fatal mediation of military weapons.

In this day of progress, in this century of light, the ambition of rulers has been allowed to barter the dear interests of domestic life for the bloody exchanges of the battle field.

Thus men have done. Thus men will do. But women need no longer be made a party to proceedings which fill the globe with grief and horror. Despite the assumptions of physical force, the mother has a sacred and commanding word to say to the sons who owe their life to her suffering. That word should now be heard, and answered to as never before.

Arise, then, Christian women of this day !
Arise, all women who have hearts, Whether your baptism be that of water or of tears !

Say firmly : We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies.

Our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.

Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.

We, women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country, to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says: Disarm, disarm!

The sword of murder is not the balance of justice. Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence vindicate possession.

As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of council.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them then solemnly take council with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, man as the brother of man, each bearing after his own kind the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God.

In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women, without limit of nationality, may be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient, and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.

— Julia Ward Howe


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Mother's Day is really Peace Day

Ruth Yarrow
 


Dear All,
It's worth remembering the original purpose of Mother's day.  Have a happy one!  Ruth


Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day actually started in 1870 in the then ‘not-so-united states of America’. It did not start out as the flowers for Mom, breakfast in bed, a fluffy, sentimental Hallmark card holiday that exists today.

It started out as one woman’s impassioned plea for peace after the carnage of the Civil War.  Julie Ward Howe, an American poet, author, abolitionist and social activist (who wrote the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” in 1861), was so distressed with the bloodshed and loss of life that she issued a proclamation calling on the women of the world to unite in opposing war of any kind.

Keep in mind that the language of this proclamation reflects the society of the historical period in which it was written.

(Courtesy of Dr. Richard Denton, North American co-chair for International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War)


Mother’s Day Proclamation

Again, in the sight of the Christian world, have the skill and power of two great nations exhausted themselves in mutual murder.

Again have the sacred questions of international justice been committed to the fatal mediation of military weapons.

In this day of progress, in this century of light, the ambition of rulers has been allowed to barter the dear interests of domestic life for the bloody exchanges of the battle field.

Thus men have done. Thus men will do. But women need no longer be made a party to proceedings which fill the globe with grief and horror. Despite the assumptions of physical force, the mother has a sacred and commanding word to say to the sons who owe their life to her suffering. That word should now be heard, and answered to as never before.

Arise, then, Christian women of this day !
Arise, all women who have hearts, Whether your baptism be that of water or of tears !

Say firmly : We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies.

Our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.

Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.

We, women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country, to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says: Disarm, disarm!

The sword of murder is not the balance of justice. Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence vindicate possession.

As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of council.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them then solemnly take council with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, man as the brother of man, each bearing after his own kind the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God.

In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women, without limit of nationality, may be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient, and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.

— Julia Ward Howe


Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from The World is My Country Team, please click here.






Benefit for Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance

Elizabeth Schneider
 

Just so Friends know --

There is a benefit for the Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance
May 15 at 7:00 PM
Hosted by:
Congregation Tikkun v'or
Virtual Trivia
Suggested donation is $10 per person
All donations benefit the
The Sanctuary Space at First Congregational Church
All are welcome
To register, contact: lauriewillick@...
Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance

Elizabeth Schneider
 

Dear Friends,
Below are the Ithaca Sanctuary Minutes from their April 27 meeting.   Elizabeth Schneider

 

ISA April 2021 Meeting Minutes (via Zoom)


  1. Updates from FCC Sanctuary


  • Meeting with Drucila and potluck--May 16 at FCC 11:30-1:00 outdoor event, thereafter the 1st Sunday of every month similar event--to meet and chat w/ Drucila

  • Sharing the FCC sanctuary experience--encouraging other congregations about sanctuary--Group formed, meeting w/ First Baptist this Sunday

  • Jessie and Summer Camp Rides--4 weeks non-consecutive. Maybe Lime Hollow? Some ideas for making the process as smooth as possible

  • Share a photo to help both the camp coordinators and Jessie know who is picking up and dropping off--ideal is to have same person each day--better, same person all week

  • Volunteers will also get a list of what Jessie takes each day and confirm that it is all returned with Jessie.  

  • Carseats--might be good to have more than one

ACTION ITEM--Check the dates (see your turn in the cycle below) Confirm with your congregation that you can give a ride.

  • Drucila’s GED work going well--loves math; FCC Sanctuary donating $100/mo. For her classes; working w/ Christian Neilson Palacio to design bracelet promotion materials.

  • Stove upgrade to sanctuary apartment, including hood.  Due to the inconvenience of having to cook two floors down with a 3 year old to attend to, and the problem of smoke when cooking in the apt., FCC is going to install a 20” stove with venting and bank of cabinets.  Probably 3rd week of May. $1500

  • Sunday, May 2 Spring Cleaning at the apartment at 1:30

  • Budget Update--see spreadsheet, but in general the finances for sanctuary are solid at the moment, with additional funds coming in in May with the two fundraisers--see below

Discussion: are the expenses about in line with expectations?  Pretty much--no legal and no medical to speak of.

Question for contemplation--There is so much more need for sanctuary in the area. Given our fundraising success over the past two years and the expenses associated with a sanctuary guest over the past 9 months, could we support TWO sanctuaries in the community?  Some considerations: we have been fortunate that Drucila has not had any significant medical or legal expenses.

ACTION ITEM: Take this question back to your congregations for discussion, reflection

  1. Fundraising

  • FCC Hanging Baskets--fantastic response 200+ orders=$1500+

If you have more orders you haven’t submitted, Could use help unloading truck and helping with the pick-up of the baskets by buyers on May 19;  Send Nancy an email if you can help out.

  • T v'O Trivia Night

May 15--especially encourage youth groups--the multigenerational character of the Oct. 2019 event was really fun! Spread the word with flyer (Laurie W. sent to the ISA list and it is attached to this email as well).  Suggested donation 

ACTION ITEM: Promote, circulate flyer (attached)

  • Open Doors fundraiser success $12000+


  1. Additional items: Young woman living at the Advocacy Center still looking for housing with infant.  Please spread the word and if you have anyone who is interested contact Kristen.


  1. Brief discussion: advocacy and education after Biden's 1st 100 days--misinformation and fear about migration is still pervasive.  Share your stories about working with immigrants and help those who are struggling with the idea of radical welcome understand the reasons why most people migrate to the U.S.

 
Next meeting May 25, 5:30-6:30


Support Rotation--Weeks that Jessie needs a ride to camp are bolded with the camp in parentheses


May 2 St. Catharine’s

May 9 FUSIT/LHF

May 16 St. Paul’s/ Forest Home

May 23 FCC

May 30 First Baptist

June 6 T v’O

June 13 St. Catharine’s

June 20 FUSIT/LHF

June 27 St. Paul’s/ Forest Home

July 4 FCC

July 11 First Baptist (Children’s Garden)

July 18 T v’O (Primitive Pursuits)

July 25 St. Catherine’s

Aug. 1 FUSIT/LHF (Primitive Pursuits)

Aug. 8 St. Paul’s/Forest Home

Aug. 15 FCC (Children’s Garden)

Aug. 2 First Baptist

Aug. 29 T v’O

--
To send an email to this group, address it to IthacaSanctuaryAlliance@....
Support our BEST CHANCE for HEALTH CARE!

Ruth Yarrow
 


Please forgive multiple postings!  Ruth Y

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ruth Yarrow <rmyarrow@...>
Date: Wed, May 5, 2021 at 11:29 AM
Subject: Support our BEST CHANCE for HEALTH CARE!
To:


Dear Friends, Please read and take 10 minutes to act on what Judy Jones has written below.  And pass it on beyond Ithaca!  Thanks!  Ruth Yarrow

I believe you all know that the New York Health Act is on track to pass in the State legislature in June toward the end of this current session.This is possible for the first time because both houses became majority Democratic in the last election.

We are told that the last mile is the hardest, and that what is needed is "diverse and relentless grass roots pressure." You have been faithful supporters for the  many years it has taken to get to this point.I hope you will take part in the last push!

Below first find contact info for the most important sends. Then a list of possible wording - choose what speaks loudest to you, edit one,  or write your own message. Remember your opinion will be a number and likely not read by the addressee. What is needed is a flood of letters, emails and phone calls until the bill passes both houses . Consider repeat sends over the next month. The vote is projected for the second week in June.

Gov. Cuomo

Contact Us By Phone: 

1-518-474-8390 | Office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Contact Us By Mail: 

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

Speaker@...,

  518-455-3791

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins

scousins@...

(518) 455-2585

Assembly Rep Anna Kelles

kellesa@...

518-455-5444

Copy for nyhcampaign

info@...

As governor you have expressed your belief that Health Care is a human right. The ACA cannot be modified to meet that requirement. The single payer system as outlined in the New York Health Act is the only way to replace our current broken, dysfunctional profit driven system with full coverage for all.


The pandemic has revealed a failed private health care system that puts profits ahead of patients.  It has also produced many long haulers who require medical services to regain their health. Pass the NYHA to address these and many other health and economic problems.


Urge Anna Kelles to organize assembly persons to pressure Heastie to bring the NYHA to the floor.

The disparities in COVID-19 death statistics have revealed a large excess for people of color, many of these the essential workers who held our economy together during crisis times. We need the NYHAct to address these and other inequities. Do your part to help the bill pass.
video launch re: Poplar Ridge heat pumps 2 pm Sun 4/18

Margaret McCasland
 

The Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting installed air source heat pumps through HeatSmart CNY, helping them cut their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions and make the space more usable for the community.  We did a very short (~ 5 minutes) little video about the project and are hosting a “video premiere watch party” on YouTube this Sunday at 2 pm.  I’ll be hosting a live chat on the side. Might you be able to join us? Please feel free to share this!

Lindsay

Video Premiere & Watch Party! 

Heat Pumps Help Congregation Care for Creation, Climate, and Community

Sunday, April 18, 2pm

Register here: https://youtu.be/LHVKLOwe9u0

How can congregations reduce their contribution to climate change by decarbonizing their heating system, at the same time cutting operating costs and creating more comfortable spaces for their community to use? This is a live premiere which will allow everyone to watch together, while HeatSmart CNY will host a live chat and answer any questions viewers may have. 

In this video, representatives of the Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting in upstate New York detail their congregation’s journey from fossil fuels to cleaner, efficient heating and cooling. The advantages of installing cold climate air source heat pumps for their meeting house will be discussed, including their efficiency, affordability, and wi-fi control capabilities. Learn about the heating and cooling process, and listen to how the congregation and community’s ability to utilize building spaces has increased due to year-round comfort, and how this long-term investment will ensure this space is warm and welcoming while helping preserve our planet for generations to come.

_________

Lindsay Speer 

Director of Community Programs
Alliance for a Green Economy
Syracuse, NY 

w: 833-315-4328
c: 315-383-7210
Lindsay@...

Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @HeatSmartCNY 
http://heatsmartcny.org
http://allianceforagreeneconomy.org
Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance / Minutes from March Meeting

Elizabeth Schneider
 

Dear Witness List,

If you are interested in supporting ISA through the purchase of flowers, check out the e-mail sent out by Gina to the Witness list and possibly to the Community list.
Below are the minutes from the Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance (ISA) March Meeting. There are a number of abbreviations used in them. Just in case they are confusing:
FCC First Congregational Church (Provider of sanctuary)
FCCI First Congregational Church of Ithaca
TCIRC Tompkins County Immigrant Rights Coalition
TPS Temporary Protected Status
T v'O Tikkun v'Or / Ithaca Reform Temple

I do not attend these meetings, but if you have any questions, I can get an answer for you.
Elizabeth Schneider
3/23/2021 Minutes
via Zoom

  • FCC Sanctuary Updates (Kristen/Andy)
    • Drucila is eager for more companionship--she is feeling more stir crazy as the weather improves and really wants to be more physically active; also seeking conversation/connections with more people her age.
Action Item: Any ideas about meeting Drucila for physical activities in or around the church are welcome. Please inquire with your networks to see if there are young adults interested in connecting with Drucila.
  • Still pondering best options for craft business. She could really use someone to teach her basic accounting, how to keep track of income and expenses. If anyone in your congregation would like to help her with this, please let us know. 

  • Drucila feels strongly that she has benefited so much from Open Doors English classes and GED tutoring, that she would like to make a monthly donation. Until now they have been giving her classes at no charge (since she technically has no income). In consultation with the Thursday financial advisory group, the SMT will be making a $400 back payment and contribute $100 each month moving forward. 
  • Adding rides for Jessie to weekly summer responsibilities
Jessie is going to be enrolled in several summer camps in the area and will need rides to and from (beginning in late June).  It would be ideal if the congregation responsible for food in a given week could also provide rides.  This is still more than two months away, but begin those conversations internally. She will be attending Primitive Pursuits for two weeks, The Children’s Garden for two weeks, and the Ithaca Downtown children’s center for the remainder of the time. All three organizations gave her significant scholarships.
Action Item: Figure out whether your congregation can handle the summer camp rides for Jessie internally.
  • Budget update
Andy did not get the numbers from Mary Ellen in time to present at this meeting but there will be a regular budget update at ISA meetings from now on. A monthly budget report will be in all future monthly meetings. Andy W. has one for Jan-March that he can share with you if you are interested. 
  • ISA Support Congregation Updates/Feedback
Everything is going smoothly with respect to the support eff0rts.
  • Expanding ISA membership (both in general and w/i our groups)
The past year has made expanding membership of either the ISA or the sanctuary-focused teams within each member congregation/organization challenging.  Nonetheless, we need to think about adding to our numbers, both in terms of participating congregations and internally.  We should think about our involvement as individuals as “board” members--who would replace us when our “term” is over?  Obviously, there are no term limits, but life sometimes dictates that we have to step away from commitments.
Action Item: Identify one person in your organization/congregation who could join the sanctuary effort; consider other organizations or congregations in Ithaca (or the county) we might reach out to to join our work.
  • ISA-TCIRC collaboration on supporting migrants released from detention (Patricia)
TCIRC (with support of some ISA and Catholic Worker folks) has welcomed to town Juan Carlos, recently released from detention in Batavia and seeking either asylum or TPS.  He is eager to begin English language classes.
The principal support team is applying lessons learned from the experience with the Haitian family to improve communication.  There will likely be additional housing needs for others being released from Batavia in the coming months, so if you or someone you know is willing to provide housing, please contact Patricia.
  • Fundraisers
    • FCC Flower fundraiser (Nancy W.)
FCC is having a hanging basket fundraiser to support the sanctuary ministries.  Gorgeous, long-lasting flowers.  Last year raised over $700 for the youth group.  Please spread the word.  The flyer and form are attached to the email with these minutes.  Best approach is to collect orders from your friends and congregation and then send it to Nancy.  Please contact her for information or clarification.
  1. ISA members should share the Hanging Basket Choices and Photos PDF with all the colorful photos
  2. ISA member should collect the order info on the order form (not to be distributed, only for those selling – like Girl Scout Cookies!)
  3. ISA members can share this info about payment:
Process your payment:
  • Send check payable to FCCI to 309 Highland Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
  • Please write “Hanging Baskets” in the memo line
OR
  • Pay online at https://fccithaca.org/donate/
    • Click "Open the Secure Donation Form" blue button
    • Create a profile if you are new OR log in
    • Enter total amount owed in the "2021 Hanging Basket Fundraiser" field
    • In Donation Frequency choose "One Time" in the drop down
    • Click "Continue" button
  1. ISA members should email/send me a copy of their orders as often as they wish (photo and email, scan and email, drop in my mailbox, etc.)
  2. Any questions, send them my way! nweislogel@...
LAST ORDERS and PAYMENTS DUE: May 8
PICKUP on WED, MAY 19th at FCCI bet 4-6pm
Action Item: Sell flowers! :)
  • T v'O Trivia Night May 15 (Laurie W.)
T v’O will be reprising the delightful trivia night they hosted in October 2019.  Due to public health policies, this year it will be remote, but still lots of fun!  Please save the date and spread the word: May 15--details to come!
  • Open Doors English dinner
A great chance to help out a partner organization that has been indispensable to Drucila.  She’s very excited to help out and will be doing prep with Anna S. to contribute.  Here are the details:
Here's a chance to sample international cuisine and support Open Doors English, Ithaca's non-profit ESL school for adult English language learners.
We're offering "A Door to the World," a take-out dinner to benefit our ESL classes for immigrants, refugees, and other non-native English speakers in our community
Menu:  a choice of vegetarian entrees (Moroccan lentil stew or Iranian herb and chickpea stew) plus rice, naan, Persian cucumber salad, and cookies from Brazil, China and Russia.  
Price:  $20 per meal.
Preorder (REQUIRED!!) by April 2
Order online at opendoorsenglish.org
Pickup will be at the First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga Street

Next Monthly Meeting is April 27 at 5:30 PM

Support Rotation Through May

Apr. 4 St. Paul’s/ Forest Home
Apr. 11 FCC
Apr. 18 First Baptist
Apr. 25 T v’O
May 2 St. Catharine’s
May 9 FUSIT/LHF
May 16 St. Paul’s/ Forest Home
May 23 FCC
May 30 First Baptist
Spring into Spring with beautiful Hanging Baskets to support Sanctuary Ministries!

clerk@ithacamonthlymeeting.org
 

I was asked to share this with Friends.

Gina


Looking forward to gorgeous blooms all summer long? Order hanging baskets now to support the on-going Sanctuary Ministries efforts at First Congregational Church. We ordered two last year and they were in full flower until well into September! If you would like to order, select the varieties from the attached order form and either contact me to place the order. You can pay by check or by using the FCCI donations page and selecting the drop-down option for the hanging baskets fundraiser. All profits will be used to support Drucila and her daughter.
Flowers are coming....
Peace,
Kristen

Spring Fundraiser to Support Sanctuary Ministries

Beautiful Hanging Baskets

 

 

 

 

If you would like to order some BEAUTIFUL hanging baskets, please click on the link below, or open the attachment, and follow the ordering instructions.

 

View the options and Order Now

 

Orders and Payment Due by Saturday, May 8

Pickup at FCCI on Wednesday, May 19 between 4-6pm

Questions? Email Nancy Weislogel at nweislogel@...

 

Thank you!

 

Nancy C. Weislogel

FCCI Sanctuary Ministries – Caring Team Lead

nweislogel@...

Cell: 607-351-2332

 

 

PDF
FCCI Sanctuary Hanging Baskets 2021.pdf

Tonight 3/22/21: Valarie Kaur, author of See No Stranger

Bronwyn Mohlke
 

Friends,

Valarie Kaur, author of See No Stranger, spoke at last year's FGC Gathering, and was very inspiring.  She will be giving a talk tonight at 7:00 pm (via Zoom)

Here is a link to register (no fee)
https://alumni.cornell.edu/snack-bar/see-no-stranger/

Valarie Kaur is an accomplished author, interfaith activist, lawyer, and filmmaker. She founded Groundswell Movement, Faithful Internet, and the Yale Visual Law Project to inspire and equip new generations of advocates. Valarie now leads the Revolutionary Love Project to reclaim love as a force for justice in America. Valarie’s book, SEE NO STRANGER: A Memoir & Manifesto of Revolutionary Love, was released in 2020 and expands on her “blockbuster” TED Talk.

The Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making and Cornell United Religious Work are proud to host an evening with Valarie Kaur as part of the "Into and Out of the Echo Chambers" series, which invites Cornell community members to grapple with the question of how to meet this present moment of profound cultural change.

An opportunity to act for justice

Ruth Yarrow
 

A bill in the New York Legislature could significantly help reduce false convictions.  Too often when police detain young people, and a disproportionate number of people of color, they give false information such as "Your fingerprints were found on the crime scene" or false promises such as "If you just admit you were present, you can go home before the trial."  Frightened for their lives, many of these individuals give false confessions.  You can write your NYS legislators, asking them to co-sponsor the Interrogation Bill that would forbid this practice.  Senator Zellnor Myrie introduced the Interrogation Bill S324 in the Senate and Assemblyman Clyde Vanel introduced the identical bill A6570 in the Assembly. 
Ruth Yarrow, for the Peace and Social Justice Committee
Re: HALT Solitary Confinement Act passes NYS Senate!!

Shirley Way
 

Okay, I was a bit premature.  Cuomo has to sign it.  This from Judy Meikle:

Call the Governor at 518-474-8390, and use this sample script or your own words!

I am a New Yorker and I urge you to sign the HALT Solitary Confinement Act into law immediately. Solitary confinement is torture. It causes immense suffering and devastating harm. It makes prisons, jails, and outside communities less safe. It is predominantly inflicted on Black and Latinx New Yorkers. It should have no place in New York State. The people of this state and the legislature have spoken. Sign HALT now to promote racial justice and human rights.

Thanks!
Shirley


On Thu, Mar 18, 2021 at 8:10 PM Shirley Way <shirleyway61@...> wrote:
HALT Solitary Confinement Act passes NYS Senate!!

Shirley Way
 

Fw: Reminder: Reimagining Policing

Ruth Yarrow
 

FYI!

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: angela hopkins <angelaforestglenn@...>
Date: Fri, Mar 12, 2021 at 2:13 PM
Subject: Fw: Reminder: Reimagining Policing


On Friday, March 12, 2021, 11:24 AM, Community Faith Partners <letstalkunity@...> wrote:
REIMAGINING POLICING
MARCH 23, 2021 @ 7:00 PM ET
Reimagining Policing requires honest dialogue between law officers and the community. It cannot occur overnight, but change can and does occur when everyone comes to the table and is heard. Russell said, "So it takes all of us, all of us. And when I say community, I'm talking about everything that makes up a community..." Join us on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, for a candid discussion on Reimagining Policing. 
PANELIST
Lt. Colonel Melvin T. Russell is Chief of the Community Partnership Division, Baltimore Police Department. Russell joined The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) in 1979 as a police cadet and graduated from the BPD academy in 1981 as the first and only African American class valedictorian.
Russell worked both as a uniform patrol and then an undercover officer for 20 years before re-emerging as an Eastern District Lieutenant in 2007. In this position, Russell turned the worse midnight patrol shift in the city to the best in 3 months and was promoted to Major of the Eastern District 11 months later. It was during this time as Major that Russell created the non-profit “Transformation Team” (TTT), a grassroots organization of community shareholders that are committed to working together to make a better Baltimore.
In January 2013, Russell was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and created the Community Partnership Division.
View Russell's Ted talk. Melvin T. Russell Ted Talk.

PANELIST
Elijah Grubb is part of the leadership team at the Vineyard Church of Ithaca. Before moving to the Ithaca area, he served in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic Linguist and subsequently completed degrees in Biblical Languages and Theology. He has been employed as a law enforcement officer since 2014, during which time he has served as a patrolman and most recently as a member of a full-time tactical team.
OUR MODERATOR:
Cal Walker is an Alabama native and has lived in Ithaca, NY for over forty years.
He is a co-founder of the Village at Ithaca whose mission is to advocate for excellence and equity in Ithaca’s public schools. The organization has been recognized locally and statewide for its work in expanding educational opportunity, increasing access, and furthering the cause of social justice in the community.
Cal has been actively involved with many local organizations, including serving on several boards, chairing campaigns, and in various advisory roles. He served as a deacon at his church for nearly 30 years. Cal and Glenda have four biological children, six grands and, over the past 20 years, have welcomed 52 other children into their home as foster parents.

How you can help farmworkers

Ruth Yarrow
 

If you haven't seen it yet, check out the new petition to get access to vaccines for farmworkers, with Mary Jo on DemocracyNow!
New contact phone number

Marilyn Ray
 

Hello Friends,

Please note that my day time phone number has changed FROM 607-539-7778 TO 607-539-7474.  As of Friday, 2/26th at the close of business, I finally retired and shut off  my office phone.  We screen our calls on the home phone, so you will get a message when you call the 539-7474 number and if you speak at the end of the message, if one of us is here, we will answer the phone as quickly as possible.

Peace, Love, and Light...Marilyn
Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance/Minutes from their February Meeting

Elizabeth Schneider
 

Below you will find the minutes from the Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance's February meeting.  I do not attend the meetings, but if you need/want more information, let me know and I will follow up.

Elizabeth Schneider

ISA Monthly Meeting
2/23/2021 Minutes

via Zoom

  • FCC Sanctuary Updates
Support still going well, taking English, working toward G.E.D., English language practice and other interactions so welcome.
FCC wants to get more information out about Drucila
Drucila wants to start an Etsy business--how to sell her bracelets and other handcrafted items--she is allowed to earn money but needs guidance and help with on-line commerce.  She’s now in a place where she can begin to dream of life after sanctuary.
Tricky part is how to get paid--needs advice about banking security and how to run a home business
Action Item--Help with business planning and Etsy site.  Also spread the word w/i your congregations and networks for market
Looking ahead to the end of the school/daycare year--what are some summer program options for Jessie?  Also, could she get into the ICSD system for pre-school in the fall?  Laurie W. will inquire and also work with D. to help her get connected to Head Start.
Wrist remains a problem.  Need to get it evaluated--does anyone know an orthopedist or wrist specialist who would examine for a reduced fee?
Drucila’s partner coming for a week to recover from knee surgery.  Take out a few times would be welcome--just contact Drucila during the day and see what she’d like.  McDonald’s and Chili’s are favorites
Gatherings with ISA support teams with Drucila--Up to 10 people could meet with her inside or outside.  And she herself is really keen to do this.  Can contact Kristen or Andy if your group wants to schedule a meeting.
  • Reports/Feedback from ISA support congregations
Mary, Jackie, smooth going!  
  • Quick update about Haitian family
Due to a variety of circumstances, they have returned to Florida.  ISA-TCIRC group that was supporting them is debriefing.  There will likely be others needing housing and support as they seek asylum.  To what extent can we help support such migrants?
  • Report on collaboration among migrant/refugee supporting organizations in town
Michael reported on meeting that Doug Stayman of IWR organized among representatives from various migrant/refugee support organizations/groups in Ithaca (ISA, IWR, TCIRC, CFP, CC).  Doug is working on mapping where our work overlaps so we can begin to better capitalize on synergies between organizations.  Greatest need without question is housing, for refugees (quite stringent criteria), people seeking asylum, and more sanctuary.  For the former two it would be great if we could find a big house to buy! Catholic Charities no long a sponsoring organization for refugees coming to Ithaca.
  • Spring fundraising brainstorming
What are the possibilities?  An on-line trivia night was discussed, but there were questions about Zoom fatigue.  Some kind of outdoor food event could be possible in late spring (May maybe?).  
Bill F. asked about fund situation at FCC and Kristen reported the basic details about expenditures over the coming months.  A budget report from FCC will be part of subsequent ISA meetings.
Action Item: Each ISA rep will have a discussion with others in their congregation’s sanctuary team about possibilities
Anne H. suggested that we have break-out rooms at the next meeting to discuss ideas
  • Discussion about how to re-energize ISA congregation conversations about additional sanctuary--it is desperately needed
FCC put together a team a la the Ohio congregation. Bill Abeles is especially interested in presenting something to FB folks about the impact that hosting a sanctuary guest has had on FCCI as a congregation. Testimony from people who were doubters, but are now supportive would be particularly powerful. 
Next Monthly Meeting is March 23 at 5:30 PM

Support Rotation Through mid-May

Feb. 28 FCC
Mar. 7 First Baptist
Mar. 14 T v’O
Mar. 21 St. Catharine’s
Mar. 28 FUSIT/LHF
Apr. 4 St. Paul’s/ Forest Home
Apr. 11 FCC
Apr. 18 First Baptist
Apr. 25 T v’O
May 2 St. Catharine’s
May 9 FUSIT/LHF
May 16 St. Paul’s/ Forest Home
JOIN US: Chicago Leaders to Share Interfaith Perspectives on Loving Our Neighbors

Jim Grant
 

Greetings,

Below is an invitation to a virtual program on Interfaith Perspectives on Loving Our Neighbors, presented by the Parliament of World Religions.  It will be held at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 23rd.  You need to register at the bottom of the message to participate.

The highlighted link Together We Heal  will take you to a comprehensive and wonderful list of resources that can be useful in this process.

Peace,
Jim Grant
Having scrutinized this variety of manifestation, I realize that it does not really exist, in and of itself, and that everything is the undifferentiated Absolute Supreme Being, which is not different from the Self or myself.
                                                                 Ribhu Gita 26:3




---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Parliament Of The World Religions <info@...>
Date: Mon, Feb 22, 2021 at 8:31 PM
Subject: JOIN US: Chicago Leaders to Share Interfaith Perspectives on Loving Our Neighbors
To: JAMES Grant <jag8452@...>


Join the Parliament in a Special Observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week ft. Interfaith Perspectives on Loving Our Neighbors

On Tuesday, February 23rd join the Parliament of the World's Religions for a virtual program in observance of UN World Interfaith Harmony Week on the theme "together we heal".
Tuesday, February 23rd | 2 PM Central

This programs joins others hosted by organizers and community leaders in Chicago as part of the City’s Together We Heal initiative. The initiative aims to build racial healing across Chicago and promote civic unity by encouraging Chicagoans to connect across lines of difference and support a collective conversation about our truth and our promise as a City.

This Spring the Parliament will host a series of virtual programs to foster conversation and share tools on healing and justice from the Chicago interfaith community, the first webinar in the series will focus on highlighting the critical need for our faith communities to foster healing and love for our neighbors.

Faith leaders from around the city are asked to reflect on, “How do we as communities and individuals heal and build better together?”
Featuring:

Janaan Hashim is a co-founder of and civil rights attorney with Amal Law Group, LLC, the nation’s first law firm founded by six Muslim women. Janaan has practiced law since 2006 and is also an adjunct professor at McCormick Theological Seminary where she team-teaches "Religious Pluralism and Ministry.”

Fr. John Pawlikowski is a Servite Friar priest, Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics, and Former Director of the Catholic-Jewish Studies Program, part of The Bernardin Center for Theology and Ministry, at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He is also a Trustee of the Board at the Parliament of the World's Religions.

Rabbi Michael Balinsky is a Trustee of the Parliament of the World's Religions and served as the Executive Vice President of the Chicago Board of Rabbis, an organization representing two hundred rabbis of all denominations. He is a member of the Jewish Catholic Scholars Dialogue in Chicago and serves as a member of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago.

Sharan Kaur Singh is a Business Consultant and a Program Manager.  Currently, she works at SALDEF (the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) a national Sikh organization based in Washington DC. Sharan organizes and develops programs that help to educate, inspire and empower the Sikh community.

Syda Segovia Taylor is the founder/executive director for Organic Oneness and has 25 years of nonprofit experience working with Black and Latino youth and families in Chicago. She prides herself on being a social justice advocate by promoting racial and environmental justice, physical and spiritual health, and the oneness of humankind and religion. Segovia Taylor also serves as a representative of the Chicago Baha'i community.
Moderated By:

Rev. Stephen Avino, COO of the Parliament of the World's Religions.

Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake St., Suite 230
Chicago, IL 60601
United States
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[TC SURJ] Fw: Save the Cayuga SHARE Farm

Nancy Riffer
 

Many of us acknowledge that we live and worship on stolen land. How much are we willing to pay in reparations? 

The Cayuga's need our help now to retain the small amount of land they still own. They owe $116,000 for 14 years of back taxes which they had not been made aware of until very recently. The deadline is April 16, 2021.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: 'Kim Knight' via Tompkins County SURJ Discussion/Resource <tc-surj@...>
Date: Thu, Feb 11, 2021 at 5:16 PM
Subject: [TC SURJ] Fw: Save the Cayuga SHARE Farm
To: Tburg Antiracism <tburgantiracism@...>, Tc-surj <tc-surj@...>


Please contribute whatever you can to this.




----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Elizabeth Gabriel <elizabeth@...>
To: Talkingcirc Alum <talking-circle-alumni@...>
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 04:18:43 PM EST
Subject: [Talking Circle Alum] Save the Cayuga SHARE Farm


The Cayuga SHARE Farm needs to raise $120,000 before April 16th or they will lose the land forever.  

Please share this campaign widely with your networks. 


Visit the Cayuga SHARE Farm website  

This fundraiser supports saving the Cayuga SHARE Farm in the interest of the traditional people of Cayuga (Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ- People of the Pipe), a sovereign nation of the Haudenosaunee confederacy. It is an urgent need to ensure that Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ traditional leadership of chiefs and clan mothers can keep SHARE Farm, the only land which they currently have stewardship rights to within their people’s homeland. Donations made through Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming will be used to ensure the farm continues to be a place of education, healing, and Haudenosaunee culture.

New York State still will not recognize Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ sovereignty and the Bureau of Indian Affairs names Clint Halftown (who performed acts of terrorism against his own people last year, during the time when he destroyed their businesses, schoolhouse, and gardens) as the Cayuga Nation “tribal representative”. Because of NYS and BIA’s refusals to recognize Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ as a sovereign people, Cayuga County is claiming, in spite of treaty law, 14 years of unpaid property taxes against the Cayuga SHARE Farm without notifying the traditional chiefs and clan mothers. The total amount demanded by the county is $116,000. The deadline to raise funds in order to keep the farm is April 16th, 2021. Your monetary gift will be used for the purpose of supporting the education, cultural survival, and community development of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ traditional people.

Since the farm resides in a NYS-determined “reservation area”, the traditional leadership can and will use legal means to prevent the county’s tax claims in the future. But there is no future for the SHARE Farm if we don’t raise $116,000 by April 16th. If the SHARE Farm is taken, Halftown could consolidate more power while the traditional people lose educational and cultural opportunities through another separation from their land. Indigenous sovereignty and government needs a homeland in order to function. Raising funds to pay off Cayuga County’s tax claim- which is actually not legally defensible, as taxing Haudenosaunee nations is against treaty law- on the Farm is currently the only viable means to keep the farm. Having land is important for the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ traditional leaders' continued efforts to gain recognition of their people's treaty rights by NYS and the US, and the security of their cultural freedom as a sovereign nation.

Our total goal is $120.000 to cover associated taxes and fees.

This fundraiser’s fiscal sponsor is Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming! Groundswell is a 501c3 not for profit. Your donation to support this fundraiser the Cayuga SHARE Farm is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. 

Elizabeth
Executive Director
*In person programming is cancelled until further notice and our office is not open to the public at this time*

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Sorry but I still need your help

Marilyn Ray
 

 Friends...I hope I have selected the correct list serve for the message below.  Since Meeting has agreed to be involved with the Sanctuary movement, I thought members would be interested in the message below.  I hope I am not offending anyone by cluttering up the wrong list.  This is still all a great mystery to me, but with Nancy Riffer's assistance, I'm still trying to figure it all out. ..Marilyn


-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Call Congress to Free Immigrant Leaders Living in Sanctuary Churches
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 2021 19:25:07 +0000 (UTC)
From: Free Migration Project via ActionNetwork.org <david.bennion@...>
Reply-To: david.bennion@...
To: mlr17@...


ICE is defying President Biden’s instructions, urge Congress members to to intervene and Free the Sanctuary Leaders

Call Congress to Free Immigrant Leaders Living in Sanctuary Churches

*Español abajo*

Today we are asking for your help to free immigrant leaders living in Sanctuary churches so they can safely return to their homes and communities. ICE is ignoring President Biden’s instructions to grant Sanctuary Leaders legal protection from deportation, so they are still trapped in Sanctuary churches around the country. We need your help! PLEASE CALL these four members of Congress and urge them to intervene with ICE to free the Sanctuary Leaders.

Sample Script: “My name is __________. I’m calling to ask the [Representative / Senator] to urgently intervene with ICE to free the Sanctuary Leaders across the U.S. ICE is ignoring instructions from the Biden administration to grant legal protections from deportation to undocumented immigrants. People living in Sanctuary churches clearly qualify for these protections. We are asking your office to demand that ICE apply the new rules correctly to allow the Sanctuary Leaders to leave the churches without fear of arrest or deportation.”

(Please have patience while the system connects you to each office.)

People living in Sanctuary churches fled from violence and persecution in their countries of birth to seek safety in the U.S. Some of these Sanctuary Leaders have built lives here over decades, and have U.S.-citizen children and spouses. Over the past several years, Sanctuary Leaders have taken refuge in houses of worship to keep their families safe and together.

On President Biden’s first day in office, the administration issued instructions to ICE to exempt broad categories of people from arrest, detention, and deportation. Separately, the administration issued a 100-day moratorium on deportations. Soon after, a federal judge in Texas put the moratorium on hold. However, the other “enforcement priorities” guidance remained intact and went into effect on February 1, 2021. But ICE is defying President Biden’s instructions. After the new guidelines came into effect last week, ICE denied requests for protection for multiple Sanctuary Leaders.

We are now asking for your help to ask Members of Congress to hold ICE accountable to the new enforcement guidelines. Please call these members of Congress and urge them to intervene with ICE to Free the Sanctuary Leaders. Congress has oversight authority over DHS’s funding and operations, and Members of Congress in the president’s party now have more influence over ICE’s behavior than they did under President Trump. We believe key members of Congress can push ICE to Free the Sanctuary Leaders if they hear from the public that it is a priority.

Take action today!

Thank you,

David Bennion, Free Migration Project

On behalf of the National Sanctuary Collective - Colectivo Santuario

The National Sanctuary Collective (Colectivo Santuario) is composed of immigrants in Sanctuary, immigrant organizers, attorneys, and allies in faith communities spanning multiple states.

*************************

Llame a estos miembros del Congreso para liberar a los Líderes Inmigrantes que viven en iglesias Santuario


Hoy pedimos su ayuda para liberar a los líderes inmigrantes que viven en iglesias Santuario para que puedan regresar a sus hogares y comunidades de manera segura. ICE está ignorando las instrucciones del presidente Biden que otorga a los líderes del santuario protección legal contra la deportación, por lo que todavía están atrapados en iglesias santuario en todo el país. ¡Necesitamos su ayuda! POR FAVOR LLAME a estos cuatro miembros del Congreso e inste a que intervengan con ICE para liberar a los Líderes del Santuario.

Ejemplo de guión: “Mi nombre es __________. Llamo para pedirle al [Representante / Senador] que intervenga urgentemente con ICE para liberar a los Líderes del Santuario en los EE. UU. ICE está ignorando las instrucciones de la administración Biden de otorgar protecciones legales contra la deportación a inmigrantes indocumentados. Las personas que viven en iglesias Santuario claramente cualifican para estas protecciones. Le pedimos a su oficina que exija que ICE aplique las nuevas reglas correctamente para permitir que los líderes del santuario abandonen las iglesias sin temor a ser arrestados o deportados ”.

(Tenga paciencia mientras el sistema telefónico le conecta con cada oficina).

Las personas que viven en las iglesias del Santuario huyeron de la violencia y la persecución en sus países de nacimiento para buscar seguridad en los EE. UU. Algunos de estos Líderes de Santuario han construido vidas aquí durante décadas y tienen hijos y cónyuges ciudadanos de los EE. UU. Durante los últimos años, los líderes del santuario se han refugiado en lugares de culto para mantener a sus familias seguras y unidas.

El primer día en el cargo del presidente Biden, la administración emitió instrucciones a ICE para eximir a amplias categorías de personas de arresto, detención y deportación. Por separado, la administración emitió una moratoria de 100 días sobre las deportaciones. Poco después, un juez federal de Texas suspendió la moratoria. Sin embargo, las instrucciones de otras "prioridades de aplicación" permaneció intacta y entró en vigor el 1 de febrero de 2021. Pero ICE está desafiando las instrucciones del presidente Biden. Después de que las nuevas pautas entraron en vigencia la semana pasada, ICE denegó las solicitudes de protección para varios líderes del santuario.

Ahora estamos pidiendo su ayuda para pedir a los miembros del Congreso que responsabilicen a ICE de las nuevas pautas de aplicación. Llame a estos miembros del Congreso e inste a que intervengan con ICE para liberar a los líderes del santuario. El Congreso tiene autoridad de supervisión sobre el financiamiento y las operaciones del DHS, y los miembros del Congreso en el partido del presidente ahora tienen más influencia sobre el comportamiento de ICE que la que tenían bajo el presidente Trump. Creemos que los miembros clave del Congreso pueden presionar a ICE para que libere a los líderes del santuario si escuchan del público que es una prioridad.

¡Actúe hoy!

Gracias y saludos,

David Bennion, Free Migration Project

Por parte del Colectivo Santuario

El Colectivo Santuario está compuesto por inmigrantes en Santuario, organizadores de inmigrantes, abogados y aliados en comunidades de fe que abarcan varios estados.
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