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Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries (CMM) ENEWS
Faiths Uniting in Action Since 1966 Massachusetts' Most Comprehensive BULLETIN of Interfaith Learning & Action Opportunities
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Donate to CMM
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Or send checks to:
474 Centre St
Newton, MA 02158
Thanks for your support!
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Dear friends of CMM,
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We have some wonderful news to share with you! CMM was just awarded a significant grant to work alongside you around Earth Week 2012! Our project is called "Going Green Together: A Week of Environmental Service for Eastern Massachusetts and Planet Earth." We will be supporting congregations, organizations, campuses, and community groups in creating local stewardship and eco-justice projects during National Volunteer Week (April 15-22) and Earth Week (April 22-28).
All this will build toward a very special "Healing Earth" Evening and Dinner with acclaimed author/climate activist Bill McKibben," founder of 350.org , on Thursday, April 26 in Cambridge -- featuring an interfaith vigil/rally beside the Charles River at the JFK street bridge at 5:30 pm, a "green march/bikeride" through Harvard Square, and a 7 p.m. interfaith evening celebration with an eco-friendly dinner dialogue, a talk by Bill, and display tables featuring all the good work you do.
In this warm New England winter - with climate and social justice on the minds of many - the call to people of faith and conscience is clear. Many of us united to help defeat (at least for now) the Keystone XL/Tar Sands pipeline proposal this year. As noted in our ACTION ALERTS below, many of us will be taking a "Carbon Fast" for Lent. Many are conscious of the ways that environmental concerns touch questions of race and class, issues CMM has engaged since 1966. Many of us are greening our homes congregations with the help of groups like Mass Interfaith Power & Light, and contacting legislators on behalf of the planet we cherish. There is more to do -- and do not despair -- the work is joyful, full of hope and creativity!
Won't you join us in April, and in planning for these days of service, action, and celebration? If so, please email Alex at akern@coopmet.org. We would love to learn about YOUR current work on interrelated areas of climate advocacy; stewardship of neighborhoods, parks, playgrounds, and green spaces; green job creation; treeplanting and recycling; watershed preservation; preserving our communities' health from toxins; and expanding urban agriculture to enhance our communities' access to healthy locally grown food. Pressing issues of environmental justice and planetary survival are at stake, across the globe and in our own backyards in our own backyards. And...going green makes economic sense! Come join us, and make a difference in 2012!
Are you ready to "Go Green Together" and help "Heal the Earth?" If you have a project underway, or a new one in mind for your congregation, school, workplace, or community group, contact Ellen at intern@coopmet.org or Alex at akern@coopmet.org or call us at 617-244-5323. We are happy to provide information, speakers, and support for your work.
In the meantime, CMM is glad to announce a plethora of other exciting upcoming events and action alerts around interfaith/crosscultural learning and peace/social justice work! Please continue reading below to find out how you can help celebrate Black History Month, end poverty and homelessness, support our Haitian friends in need, oppose 3 Strikes and You're Out, learn from your interfaith neighbors, apply for summer jobs working with CMM's Interfaith Youth Initiative (or nominate teens and college students to come to our IFYYI camp!), and so much more!
All this work happens because of your commitment to a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world, which our faiths describe in terms of Peace, Salaam, Shalom. This vision extends from our Boston backyards to our neighbors abroad, and motivated Dr. King and our founders in 1966. We are proud to consider you members and partners in our shared work To learn more about how to deepen your membership -- or to partner in projects-- please contact Alex Kern at 617-455-5323 or akern@coopmet.org. As always, we rely on your prayers and financial support. Please consider a donation today by clicking here or sending a check to CMM at 474 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02143.
We look forward to working with you, and celebrating our successes this winter and spring!
Peace and Blessings,
Alex Kern, Matt Carriker, Ellen Lagerman,
and the CMM Community
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Thursday, Apr 26: CMM's "Healing Earth" Walk, Dinner and Talk
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CMM's Spring Environmental Event with Bill McKibben! Thursday, April 26 2012
5:30 PM
Rally and Vigil by Chrales River with Interfaith Walk through Harvard Square
7 PM
Eco-Friendly Dinner and Talk with Bill McKibben of 350.org at First Church, Cambridge
11 Garden St, Cambridge MA
Join us as we celebrate the culmination of our Week of Environmental Service for Eastern Massachusetts and Planet Earth with a Rally along the Charles River, and Interfaith walk through Harvard Square, an Eco-Friendly dinner, and environmental activist, author and speaker Bill McKibben of 350.org.
For more information or to get involved:
email Ellen at intern@coopmet.org or Alex at akern@coopmet.org
or call 617-244-3650
You can get involved in the environmental movement right now with 350.org! It's time to blow the whistle on Big Oil's corruption in Congress! Check out 350.org's latest action and see how you can get involved: http://act.350.org/survey/refs-in-district-hosts/?akid=1559.566160.daSmd9&rd=1&t=1 |
Sunday Mar 11 and 18: Homelessness Forums
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DATE CHANGE:
8th Annual Forum of
Advocacy Network to End Family Homelessness
How Homelessness Hurts Children's Health - And How You Can Help
Click HERE for Flyer
Sunday, March 11, 3-5PM
Trinity Episcopal Church 81 Elm St., Concord MA
Main Speakers: Dr. Megan Sandel and Robert Pulster of DHCD. SAVE THE DATE: An Interfaith Forum on Ending Homelessness
featuring State Rep. Byron Rushing and other speakersSunday, 18 March, 2:30 pm Wellesley Congregational Church (the Village Church) Sponsored by CMM, the Village Church, Chaplains on the Way, Advocacy Network to End Family Homelessness, and many others. For more information, contact CMM at 617-244-3650 or akern@coopmet.org or George Ebbs at ghebbs@gmail.com |
| Homelessness Advocacy Update |
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Governor Proposes Major Increases to
MRVP, Public Housing, and RAFT
On Monday, Governor Patrick released his budget recommendations for FY2013 (click here to compare the proposal to current funding levels). Initial analysis looks very promising for both homelessness prevention and housing programs.
Governor Patrick has proposed the following:
- An increase to the Massachusetts Rental Voucher (MRVP) of $10 million;
- An increase to public housing operating subsidies of $4 million; and
- An increase in funding to Residential Assistance to Families in Transition (RAFT) from $260,000 to $8.7 million.
Both the EA and HomeBASE line items will require further analysis to fully understand the impact of particular language changes. However, at first glance some striking points regarding the two programs:
Regarding Emergency Assistance (EA, family shelter), the governor has proposed the following:
- The implementation of an 8-month time limit;
- Limiting eligibility for EA to four categories; and
- Requiring a Massachusetts residency for access (though how 'residency' is defined is not clear).
Regarding HomeBASE, the governor proposed the following:
- Reducing the length of time a family can access HomeBASE from three down to two years, barring further access for 12 months to either EA or RAFT and
- Defining that families utilizing HomeBASE should receive stabilization services up to 12 months.
We will continue to analyze the governor's budget and are pleased with the bold investment in both housing and prevention. However, we must not be complacent and assume that the work we have done with the legislature over the past few years will be enough to see these increases through the process.
Additionally, we will be flushing this budget proposal and language in the line items (EA, HomeBASE, and RAFT) out with our various membership committees and will keep you informed about next steps for advocating on behalf of homeless and at-risk families throughout this budget process. Please feel free to contact us to weigh in with your thoughts.
Once again, our collective efforts have proven fruitful, but there is more to be done!
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THINGS YOU CAN DO TO END HOMELESSNESS
From our friend and colleague Sister Linda Bessom SND
Faith Into Action Together (F.I.A.T.) Coordinator for Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
For More Information on advocacy steps you can take to end homelessness, visit www.mahomeless.org and click onto advocacy then "policy alerts" and click on our alert on the Governor's budget (Jan. 26), On p. 5-6 are specific actions under "Take Action" for you to choose from.
Please also register on line to come to the Coalition's Legislative Action Day Wednesday, February 29, or call their legislators on that day. Another link to find your state's legislators is: http://www.malegislature.gov/People/Search. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in taking action to end homelessness by going to www.facebook.com/pages/Massachusetts-Coalition-for-the-Homeless/91348015926!
Also, Check out the MBN Action Plan HERE
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| DUE MARCH 1: IFYI STAFF APPLICATION | |
INTERFAITH YOUTH INITIATIVE (IFYI) SEEKS SUMMER STAFF
AND TEEN PARTICIPANT NOMINEES
SUMMER STAFF:
Do you have gifts for leadership you wish to share with teens, ages 15-18,
or with college students?
Interfaith Youth Initiative (IFYI) is seeking applications from seminarians, graduate
school mentors, and religious leaders for full-time staff positions at our dynamic ten-
day exploration of peacemaking, vocation, interfaith dialogue, spirituality, service,
urban immersion, and leadership training. IFYI focuses on 5 Core Values: Building
Bridges, Training Leaders, Engaging Faith, Making Peace, and Serving Others. IFYI is
a program of Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries, in partnership with Episcopal
Divinity School and Harvard Pluralism Project.
IFYI is scheduled July 7-16, 2012 at Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) on the Theme:
"The Way of Courage and Compassion"
Staff positions require participation in two planning sessions
and a conference call during the Spring.
Staff applications involve a recent resume, two references' contact information,
and a letter or email describing your experiences and interests.
Staff applications are due by March 1st, 2012.
For a full application, please contact Matt Carriker or Ellen Lagerman at:
Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries (CMM), 474 Centre St. Newton, MA 02458,
617-244-3650,intern@coopmet.org or IFYI@coopmet.org,
www.coopmet.org to apply.
IFYI is a uniquely powerful and transformative experience designed for teens (ages 15-18), as
well as college and graduate students serving as mentors and staff. IFYI offers a powerful, fun,
and dynamic mix of community building, workshops, service experiences, and learning trips
which will engage urban and suburban realities. Along with our ten day residential immersion
experience (July 7-16), IFYI offers ongoing opportunities in the academic year for mentoring,
retreats, and support for youth in pursuing their academic and professional dreams.
Participants will learn about their own leadership and peacemaking styles and develop new
skills for transformation in their schools, communities, and congregations. Youth will create film,
art, poetry/spoken word, dance and theological reflections on their visions of justice and peace.
Participants come from diverse religious backgrounds and grow more deeply in their own faith
traditions through dialogue and action with others. Leadership (currently) comes from the
Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Interfaith, and Unitarian Universalist traditions. All are
welcome.
PLEASE ALSO NOMINATE TEENS FOR THE PROGRAM.
We are seeking mature young people (ages 15-18, and college age) curious and passionate about faith, with gifts and energy, who may be exploring an emerging vocation or who are simply open to learning and building community in a supportive faith setting and in the city. Spaces fill fast, so nominate soon by emailing, calling, or writing a note to the IFYI office with contact information for teens, and their parent, guardian, or youth leader. Request information from ifyi@coopmet.org to send
information to yourself or a youth.
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| Lower your energy bills with a Renew Boston upgrade! | |
Or call 617.635.SAVE (7283) to schedule. Please mention that CMM referred you.
Renew Boston will give $50 to CMM if you sign up and receive an energy assessment. Not only do you improve your home and the environment; you support our mission. If you have questions, call 617.635.SAVE (7283) and a Renew Boston representative with Next Step Living can help.
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| Saturday Feb 4: Citizenship Clinic |
Greater Boston Citizenship Initiative
The Greater Boston Citizenship Initiative (GBCI) is a new collaborative project that helps eligible legal permanent residents overcome barriers to naturalization. This initiative was created by the Fish Family Foundation and MIRA Coalition in partnership with six other immigrant, community-based, and direct service organizations to increase naturalization rates in the state.
GBCI partner agencies provide a range of support services for LPRs seeking citizenship, including civics instruction, application assistance, and referrals to legal services and ESOL classes. In addition, GBCI offers FREE clinics providing LPRs the legal guidance, referrals and materials needed to successfully complete their application, pass their citizenship test and become fully integrated members of the United States.
Upcoming Clinics:
ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A CITIZEN?
Come to our next citizenship clinic!
February 4, 2012 * 11am-2pm
SEIU 615
26 West Street, 2nd Floor * Boston, MA 02111
Register Online HERE or Call 617-65READY (617-657-3239)
JOIN US FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
$1360 towards TWO naturalization applications
OR a $500 grocery gift card
Are you eligible for citizenship?
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You have had a green card for at least five (5) years OR have held a green card and been married to a US citizen for at least three (3) years.
- You are able to read, write and speak basic English (unless you qualify for test exemption due to age/disability waiver)
- You have had no serious problems with the law
What you need to bring:
- Green card
- Passport
- List of your addresses for the past five (5) years
- List of your employment for the past five (5) years
- If married and/or divorced, all marriage and divorce certificates
- Two passport photos (not required for clinic, required for application filing)
- Money order for $680.00 (not required for clinic, required for application filing)
- Social Security Card (optional)
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| Monday Feb 6: Honoring Rev Fred Shuttlesworth at Harvard | |
Honoring the Legacy and Memory of
The Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth
Monday evening, February 6, 2012
6:00 to 8:00 PM
Harvard University Law School (At The Ames Court)
1563 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
Speakers:
Mrs. Sephira Bailey Shuttlesworth,
Mr. William Lucy, former President, AFSCME
Mr. Norman Hill, A. Phillip Randolph Labor Institute
Mr. Omar Abdul Malik, JFK School, Harvard University
For further information:
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| Tuesday, Feb 7: 9th Annual Interfaith Prayer |
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9th Annual Interfaith Prayer
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"Jews, Christians and Muslims: Together in Prayer"
Tuesday, February 7, 2012CE
Merrimack College, Cascia Hall
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Please come together with us to pray for Shalom, Peace, Salaam. As children of Abraham, we will celebrate the richness of our life and faith - the washing of hands and the blessing and sharing of bread.
Music by MacKapella, under the direction of Dr. Hugh Hinton
Made possible in part by a grant from the
Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation
Refreshments will be served
Prayer space will be available in the Sakowich Campus Center
Please visit our website at
www.merrimack.edu/JCM for more information
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| Tuesday Feb 7: Contours of Common Ground (With CMM Board Pres Latifa Ali!) | |
Contours of Common Ground
Tuesday February 7
5:15 to 7:00pm
Center for the Study of World Religions
42 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.
The Center for the Study of World Religions and The Pluralism Project at Harvard University are collaborating for an exciting interfaith panel during Harvard University's upcoming Interfaith Awareness Week, and they have invited Latifa Turner Ziyad, Board President of Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries, to be involved!
"Contours of Common Ground" will be a discussion panel and public dialogue event. The event will encourage innovative discussion around issues of religious pluralism, religious commonality and difference, and the diverse world of interfaith work.
Key themes of the event include: Within the multivocal, multifaceted world of interfaith work, what is "common ground"? What does it mean to appeal to "common ground" as a foundation for interfaith engagement? How does emphasizing "common ground" impact interfaith organizations' capacity to address major political questions and participate in social movements beyond their own? Is "common ground" a stand-alone goal, or does it imply additional ethical and political commitments?
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Tuesday, Feb 7: Tu B'Shevat Seder
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Tu B'Shevat Seder
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
7:30-9:00pm
Temple Beth Zion, Social Hall (lower level)
1566 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446
The annual holiday of Tu B'Shevat offers us the opportunity to reflect on our relationship to the earth-both local and global-through song, blessing, storytelling, food, and discussion.
Where does our food come from?
This year, our seder (ritual gathering) will focus on food, place, and the agricultural cycles in New England, Israel, and other parts of the world.
In addition to exploring the traditional symbols of the seder (including fruits, nuts, and juices), we will hear from local farmers, activists, and business people involved in producing and distributing sustainable foods.
RSVP: http://www.tbzbrookline.org/community/2121-2/
Co-sponsored by: Hebrew College, Beantown Jewish Gardens, and Temple Beth Zion
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| Friday, Feb 10: Lunchtime Film Discussion with The Pluralism Project | |
"Divided We Fall"
Lunchtime Film Discussion
Friday, February 10
Noon - 1:30pm
The Pluralism Project
2 Arrow Street (4th Floor), Cambridge
In honor of Interfaith Awareness Week, The Pluralism Project at Harvard would like to cordially invite members of the Harvard community to a lunchtime film discussion. We will be screening excerpts of the film "Divided We Fall: Americans in the Aftermath," a documentary produced by Valerie Kaur, a Sikh American college student who traveled the country in the months that followed 9/11 to document the hate crimes against Sikhs and the responses to religious diversity she encountered.
Popcorn will be provided! Bring a bag lunch, if you'd like. For more information about the film,
please visit http://www.dwf-film.com/ .
Sponsored by The Pluralism Project.
For more information, contact The Pluralism Project at 617-496-2481 or staff@pluralism.org .
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| Saturday, Feb 11: HUNGERally | | HUNGERally
Saturday, February 11
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Boston University's College of Arts & Sciences Building,
725 Commonwealth Avenue (Room B12)
Several colleges in the greater Boston area have been working together to plan HUNGERally, an interfaith event to raise awareness of and provide education about the issues of hunger and homelessness here in Boston. A rally against hunger that will feature speakers including hunger-relief activists and community faith leaders, as well as college students representing a wide range of religious and non-religious traditions, this event is a first of its kind. Though many Boston-area colleges have groups dedicated to the rapidly growing interfaith movement, this will be the first time they have worked in collaboration to bring their students together over interfaith dialogue and service to others.
Sponsored by Values in Action at the Humanist Community Project, the Harvard Interfaith Collaborative, Boston University Interfaith, and representatives from MIT, Fisher College, Brandeis University, Tufts University, and Gordon College.
For more information, contact Abigail Clauhs at aclauhs@bu.edu
or Chris Stedman at cdstedman@gmail.com.
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Saturday Feb 11: Celebrate Black History Month with Discover Roxbury
| Roxbury's Black History trolley tour
Saturday, February 11 1pm-3pm
Trolley pickups:
12:30 Roxbury Heritage State Park, 183 Roxbury Street
12:50 Hotel 140, 140 Clarendon Street
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217392
Take an informative (heated if needed) trolley tour with as it
travels through three centuries of Boston's historic Black neighborhoods. Follow the progression of the Black churches, gain an appreciation for the importance of the arts, learn about the struggles during the civil rights movement, and become more familiar with the movers, shakers, and strivers in Roxbury's Black history.
Speaker Series: The High Notes of Jazz Roxbury
Wednesday, February 15 7-9pm
The fourth installment of this multipart discussion and exploration of the intersection of jazz and its connection to the Civil Rights Movement in Roxbury during the 1950s. Co-presented by Haley House Bakery Cafe. In collaboration with JazzBoston. Free and open to the public, with seating on a first come, first served basis. Dinner is available for purchase beginning at 5pm.
Questions? Contact us at info@discoverroxbury.org or 617-427-1006.
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| Tuesday, Feb 14: Call-in Day for Homeless Yout |
Have a Heart: Help End Unaccompanied Youth Homelessness!
Please call House Ways and Means at 617-722-2380 anytime during the day on Tuesday, February 14th to express your strong support for House Bill 3838. House Ways and Means is led by Chairman Brian Dempsey of Haverhill (office number: 617-722-2990). To see if your Representative is on the House Ways and Means Committee, please click here. If so, please contact your Representative as well. Here is a sample script to help you with your calls:
"Hi, my name is ______________________. * I am calling to strongly urge Chairman Dempsey and the House Ways and Means Committee to give a favorable report to House Bill 3838, An Act Providing Housing and Support Services for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth.
It is vital for House Ways and Means to swiftly pass House Bill 3838 because:
- The bill would increase housing options and holistic support services for the thousands of unaccompanied youth and young adults ages 14-22 who are experiencing homelessness across Massachusetts.
- The bill also would establish a special commission made up of key stakeholders that will focus on improving access to housing and services for unaccompanied youth.
Now is the time for the Commonwealth to take action to end unaccompanied youth homelessness. House Bill 3838 will provide a much needed investment of time and resources to move towards this goal. Thank you!"
(*If you do live or work in the district of Chairman Dempsey or another member of the House Ways and Means Committee, be sure to mention that when you call.)
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| The Journey of the Universe Awaits You! |
The Journey of the Universe: Our Awakening Consciousness
A Six Part Study and Discussion Group
Sponsored by the New Story Group of the Friends Meeting at Cambridge
Wednesday Evenings 7:00 - 9:00 *(2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11)Cambridge Friends Meeting House
5 Longfellow Park, right outside of Harvard Square.
The fee for the series is $30.
On February 29th (Leap Day!), we will watch Brian Swimme's new film
based on the New Story, Journey of the Universe, and then launch a six
part discussion on its many profound implications. Our hope is to build on
the sense of wonder and awe in the film to name and explore the inherent
spirituality of the New Story, and, drawing on the works of other thinkers,
poets, and scholars, to identify ways to go forward in this critical time in
earth's history.
For background, please visit: journeyoftheuniverse.org
For Information and Registration:
Juliet Carey
julietcarey@comcast.net
617-270-4242
For info after 2/9/12, contact:
mccoelho@comcast.net
617-876-1669.
"We are part of an immense universe...And this changes everything." -B. Swimme
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| Wednesday Feb 29: Legislative Action Day | |
Leap into Action to End Homelessness!
Legislative Action Day
Wednesday, February 29th (Leap Day!)
Great Hall of the State House
Registration will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a morning session at 9:30 a.m., and appointments with State Representatives and State Senators from noon to 3 p.m.
Each year, the Coalition asks our members to come to the State House to call for more resources to prevent and end homelessness. We will have exciting and engaging series of speakers including legislators, religious leaders, providers, and youth who have experienced homelessness. Then in the afternoon session, everyone can have an opportunity to meet with the legislators and aides to talk about homelessness and the various campaigns that the Coalition is working on.
You also can download the registration form here and then mail, fax, or call in your response.
If you need further information or would like to volunteer to help out at the event or to prepare for the event, please call Kelly Turley at 781-595-7570 x17 or Kat Chapman at 781-595-7570 x24
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| Monday March 19: Feminist Sexual Ethics Project |
DISRUPTING THE SCRIPT:
RAISING SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON BLACK WOMEN TO LEGAL CONSCIOUSNESS
Convened by Anita F. Hill and Bernadette J. Brooten
Monday, March 19, 2012
12:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Levin Ballroom
Brandeis University
Sponsored by the Feminist Sexual Ethics Project
Funded by the Ford Foundation
Free and open to the public
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In Speaking Truth to Power, Anita Hill highlighted the particular hurdles Black rape survivors face in U.S. criminal justice system. Together, Anita Hill and Bernadette Brooten seek to enhance public discussion of this problem in order to promote both social and legal change. The conference will draw upon theater, religion, law, history, and public policy to help participants become agents for change.
We will begin with award-winning actor Vanessa Adams-Harris's "Who Will Sing for Lena?" a dramatic representation of a woman's response to a rape. Panelists will then offer insights from their respective disciplines.
The Brandeis Feminist Sexual Ethics Project commissioned two meta-analyses of legal and social-scientific research confirming that Black rape survivors face greater hurdles than do those of European origin. The research found that societal myths about race and sexuality combine to play a significant role in responses to sexual assault-from the victim's reaction to an assault, to a prosecutor or judge's confidence in the validity of her story, to the credibility members of the jury give to her testimony and their willingness to accept the act described as a sexual violation.
Because these responses are societal and cultural, we recognize that any effort to address them must go beyond the legal system itself, to the larger society. Please join us in this interdisciplinary conversation.
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Conference Schedule
12:00 Welcome
President Frederick Lawrence, Brandeis University
Introductions
Professor Anita F. Hill and Professor Bernadette J. Brooten, Brandeis University
12:30 "Who Will Sing for Lena?"
performed by Vanessa Adams-Harris (written by Janice L. Liddell)
1:30 Break
1:45 Panel I: Raising Sexual Assaults on Black Women to Legal Consciousness
Chaired by Prof. Aliyyah Abdur-Rahman (English), Brandeis University
- Prof. Intisar Rabb (Islamic law, criminal law), Boston College
- Prof. Jennifer Nash (American Studies, Women's Studies), George Washington University
- Prof. Gail Wyatt (Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, and Biomedical Sciences), University of California, Los Angeles
3:30 Panel II: Disrupting the Script Chaired by Professor Faith Smith (English, African and African American Studies) Brandeis University - Ms. Vanessa Adams-Harris (Performance)
- Prof. Karen Baker-Fletcher (Systematic Theology; Womanist, Feminist, and Mujerista Theologies), Southern Methodist University
- Prof. Régine Jean-Charles (African and African Diaspora Studies, Romance Languages and Literatures), Boston College
- Prof. Adrienne Davis (Private Law, Feminist Legal Theory, Theories of Justice and Reparations), Washington University
5:00 Concluding remarks Provost Steve Goldstein, Professor Anita Hill, and Professor Bernadette Brooten, Brandeis University |
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Feminist Sexual Ethics Project
Bernadette Brooten Robert and Myra Kraft and Jacob Hiatt Professor of Christian Studies Professor of Classical Studies, of Women's and Gender Studies, and of Religious Studies Director, Feminist Sexual Ethics Project Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Mandel Humanities Center 113, MS 092 Brandeis University P.O. Box 9110 Waltham, MA 02454-9110, U.S.A. FAX Visit the Feminist Sexual Ethics Web site at |
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| Lenten Carbon Fast | |
Make Lent an opportunity to enter into a spiritual discipline
of fasting from carbon.
Last year, over 6,000,000 people in every state and 14 countries participated in a daily invitation to fast from carbon as their Lenten discipline. Initiated by the UCC in 2011 and endorsed by Episcopalians in 2012 and promoted in countless places the world over, here's our hope: SIGN UP and:
- email this invitation to the people in your congregation, tell them you'll be participating, AND
- convene a weekly Lenten discussion focusing on the Carbon Fast. MAKE THIS YOUR LENTEN PROGRAM!
- And if you're part of a local clergy association, email it to your colleagues, too.
If you are a denominational leader - SIGN UP... and:
- email this invitation to the pastors in your region, AND
- email this invitation to your regional colleagues who lead other denominations.
AND FOR ALL WHO MAY PARTICIPATE:
For hundreds of years, Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2012) marks the beginning of a time when many people of faith engage in spiritual disciplines involving repentance, fasting, prayer, study and works of love. Living as we are at a time when our actions - along with the actions of only a few generations - have threatened creation as we know it by the excessive burning of fossil fuel, it is fitting to engage in a spiritual discipline of fasting from carbon.
Click here to join us as we commit to fasting from carbon during Lent.
or paste this link into your browser:
http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=lawauneab&p=oi&m=1104263796747
Here's how it works:
Beginning Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, participants will receive a daily email with the day's suggested carbon-reducing activity. When possible, this will include a quantitative measure of the carbon reduction resulting from the activity.
Organize an opportunity within your congregation for members to meet each week during Lent to discuss their own experience with this fast, AND specifically to discuss the weekly themes which focuson how your congregation can engage this issue.
MASS IP&L Speakers Bureau
Are you concerned about climate change or energy efficiency and looking for a way to generate some energy in your congregation? MIP&L's Speaker's Bureau has speakers to address most aspects of the issue. And we'll tell you the truth.
- Trying to understand the science of climate change? We have scientists and science educators who can help you cut to the heart of the matter.
- Want to make your house of worship the most energy-efficient one in town? Learn how from a nationally known expert on congregational energy efficiency!
- Thinking about putting a solar panel on your house of worship? We can talk about that.
- Do you think climate change is an important moral issue, but others in your congregation aren't talking about it? We have experienced preachers, who can give a sermon or make a presentation after service. For more information, contact Vince Maraventano vince@MIPandL.org.
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Go BIG in 2012
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You say you want a resolution and a stronger community? As a Big Brother, your friendship, supported by our team will help keep a kid on the path for good, forever! By sharing a couple of hours, a couple of times a month, you can make a huge difference in a boy's life -- just by hanging out and catching up over a meal, a walk to a park, campus or museum. We provide lots of ideas and opportunities every step of the way. Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters impact and options by calling 617-956-0281 or visiting www.BostonBigs.org
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| Take Action Today- Violence Against Women Act | |
Exciting times for the Violence Against Women Act:
Advocates across the country need to reach out to Congress and ask for sponsorship and support for VAWA. We will use meetings, phones, letters, online advocacy and social media - and anything else that helps us clarify the problem and promote the programs and issues that are important to us in our determination to stop sexual and domestic violence. If you have questions or want to report back about your efforts or results, please email ReauthorizeVAWA@gmail.com.
Check out our new website and let us know what more we can include to make this site a great resource: www.4vawa.org
TAKE ACTION TODAY!
Email Senator Scott Brown at http://www.scottbrown.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme with this message:
"VAWA reauthorization legislation, S. 1925 by Senators Leahy and Crapo, was developed with the input of advocates from around the country and from all walks of life and addresses the real and most important needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. It is responsive, streamlined and constitutionally and fiscally sound while providing strong accountability measures and appropriate federal government oversight. This legislation represents our voices-the voices of victims and advocates. I ask you to wholeheartedly support the swift passage of S. 1925.
Ask him to join Senators Leahy and Crapo as a co-sponsor of the bill."
Maureen L. Gallagher
Policy Director
Jane Doe Inc.
14 Beacon Street, Suite 507, Boston, MA 02108
617-557-1808
Become a voice for change. Help create a world free of fear and violence.
www.JaneDoe.org
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Sign on to Help Our Friends in Haiti
| Help our friends from Haiti!
Over two years ago, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti. Many of our brothers and sisters lost their lives, families and belongings. After the tragedy, many Haitian immigrants came to the US. Now, our friend, Haitian-American Massachusetts State Rep. Dorcena Forry, has launched a petition campaign to President Obama urging a creation of a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program.
This program would extend humanitarian parole to Haitians with pending family-based visa petitions.
We respectfully ask you to join us by asking President Obama to Establish a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program Now! Join the many Haitians, Haitian-Americans, and friends of Haiti across the United States in this call to action by adding your name to the petition.
Several members of the Massachusetts Delegation have already expressed support for this initiative including United States Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, U. S. Representatives Michael Capuano, Barney Frank, James McGovern, Edward Markey, John Olver, and Stephen Lynch. Governor Deval Patrick also recently submitted a letter urging Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, to implement a HFRPP. Additionally, members of the Massachusetts State Legislature including the entire Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus have sent letters requesting such a program.
It takes just a minute to read and sign; here it is http://lindadorcenaforry.org/haiti-action-updates/
In solidarity,
MIRA Coalition team
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Action Alert on Three Strikes Bill
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From CMM's friends at UUMass Action, and in response to a call from our allies at the Black Ministerial Alliance and Boston Ten Point Coalition, CMM shares the following. Please consider joining congregations across Massachusetts in taking a stand for restorative justice, and contact your legislators:
The 2005 UUA Statement of Conscience addressing Criminal Justice and Prison Reform states, in part:
"Our corrections system is increasingly rife with inequitable sentencing, longer terms of detention, racial and ethnic profiling, and deplorable jail and prison conditions and treatment . The magnitude of injustice and inequity in this system stands in stark contrast to the values that our nation-and our faith-proclaim. We are compelled to witness this dissonance between what America proclaims for criminal justice and what America practices. We offer an alternative moral vision of a justice system that operates in harmonious accord with our values as a community of faith."
The Habitual Offender, or Three Strikes Bill, which is currently in conference committee after being passed by both the Massachusetts House and Senate flies directly in the face of this ideal. The bill dramatically increases the number of crimes that can land an individual in prison with no chance of parole and takes away any discretion for judges to set sentences based on actual severity of the crime. At the same time it will fill up our jails at a tremendous cost to tax payers, which will take resources away from schools, and other preventative programs that we know keep people out of prison.
The Black Ministerial Alliance has called on their fellow clergy to speak out against the 3 strikes bill. The Ten Point Coalition, Partakers and many other organizations have spoken out against this legislation and are calling on the State House to let the bill die in conference committee.
Please join UUA President Rev. Peter Morales, UU Urban Ministry Senior Minister Rev. Catherine Senghas and myself in calling on our elected officials to stop this inhumane and unjust bill from passing out of conference committee. Join us in this fight.
In Faith & Justice,
Jesse Jaeger
Executive Director - UUMassAction
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