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May 2010 - Letter to WVIA in response to a show on the Shenandoah.

As I watched the broadcast “Are we all Shenandoah” I was aghast when the program became the very image the town was protesting – an image of a bigoted community.

I feel the program placed the minority members of the panel in the position of accountability for their group. The host allowed inaccurate stereotypes and inaccurate statements to go unchallenged. I feel the host lost control.

Although she did correct the use of the phrase “you people” in regard to the minorities, the repeated quote, “We came in the right or legal way and followed the rules,” belies the fact that there were no restrictions except for health reasons or for being Chinese in the 19th or early 20th centuries. I have enclosed an article in support of this and other immigration regulations.

The questions about taxes are always another issue raised when speaking of immigrants. There is a specific code for reporting income. Social security taxes are paid as well as state, local, and taxes on goods purchased. Those with payrolls not reported have no recourse when they are underpaid or cheated out of overtime. Who do they report this to? And at what cost to them?

Language is another area where myth sometimes overrides the truth. German papers were in the forefront in Pennsylvania's early days and German-speaking children sometimes learned English in school. Children were also translators for their parents and grandparents. All did not come here conversing in English. The Berwick ACF finally held English classes because of so many accidents and failure to follow instructions because of the language barrier.

Social and church gatherings were often times ethnically divided. Sections of neighborhoods had clear racial and cultural demarcations.

I am usually proud to say that I am a WVIA supporter. Not on this occasion. What could have been a dialogue between the parties and an opportunity to learn about a different culture turned into an accusatory assault on an ethnic group and the two minority panel members in particular.

As an African American, my ancestors did not come here the right way as so many boast. The rules did not always apply to them, but there is great pride in their contributions and great pride in their willingness to love a country that did not always love them back or recognize them.

It was therefore a missed opportunity for Shenandoah to declare itself open to its strengths and weakness and WVIA to be supportive in that effort.

Isabel Tarr
Bloomsburg

May 2010 - A Conundrum: What's it mean to “be white”?

From the desk of Doug Sturm…

On the recent US Census form, Barrack Obama checked off “Black” as his racial/ethnic identity; I checked off “White.” But, I confess, I was miserably uncertain about what I had done. What does it mean to “be white”? I don't know whether Obama had any hesitation or, if he did, why.

For those wishing to pursue the complexities of “whiteness” as a category of identity, I recommend a brief article by Kelefa Sanneh, “Beyond the Pale: Is white the new black?” in the April 12 issue of The New Yorker (pp. 69-74). The article draws on a series of recent books and one film (see list below) to demonstrate the instability of that designation.

From David R. Roediger, she quotes, “It is not merely that whiteness is oppressive and false; it is that whiteness is nothing but oppressive and false.” Again, from another text by Roediger, she draws the story of an encounter between a British businessman and a “white domestic worker” in the US. When he asks to speak with her master, she remarks, “I have no master. I'd have you know, man, that I am no sarvant; none but negers are sarvants.”

Sanneh refers to Nell Irvin Painter's judgment that white identity is shifting: being white these days is not what it used to be, partly because a number of nonwhites have joined the cultural and (more important) economic elite. Does being “white” mean to be among the “elite”?

She herself remarks, “Yes, whiteness is a social construct, and not (as race scientists used to think) a biological essence — but then so, too, is every collective identity… [I]t's getting easier to imagine an American whiteness that is less exceptional, less dominant, less imperial, and more conspicuous, an ethnicity more like the others.” Yet, “it doesn't mean that whiteness is innocent of history — you can't tell the story of whiteness (or, for that matter, blackness) without talking about racism.”

What does it mean, then, to be “white” or “black” or “yellow” or “red”?

Texts reviewed:

April 2, 2010 - State of Black America 2010

From the Desk of Doug Sturm: Jobs: Responding to the Crisis

The National Urban League (NUL, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has released its annual report on The State of Black America, focusing especially on the current economic crisis as it impacts millions of minority citizens.

The report's Executive Summary (available online at www.nul.com) opens by declaring "the devastation caused by near-record high unemployment for African-Americans…threatens to push an already struggling community deeper into poverty and despair." Black unemployment is nearly twice that of white Americans.

Employing NUL's intricately designed Equality Index to compare the relative status of White, Black, and (this year for the first time) Hispanic Americans through 2009, the report concludes that, using the status of White Americans as a norm, the status of Black Americans stands at 71.8 percent, and the status of Hispanic Americans stands at 75.5 percent.

These figures are derived from measurements taken along five categories: economics, health, education, social justice, and civic engagement.

In response to the present-day economic crisis as it affects minority groups, the report presents a "comprehensive and bold six-point" NUL Plan for Putting America Back to Work including:

Question: Should CARE adopt this plan or something similar to ask current candidates for public office if they would support proposals of this sort? Get the report, study the plan, tell us what you think.

March 25, 2010 - Letter from Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. to Dave Ambrose Treasurer of CARE

Re: Issue of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell”

Dear Mr. Ambrose:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about the military policy referred to as “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” and its effect on the armed services and our national security. I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.

In 1993, a compromise was reached regarding the controversial issue of gay and lesbian Americans serving in the United States military. Referred to as “Don't Ask, Don't Tell”, the policy dictates that members of the Armed Forces are not to be asked about nor allowed to discuss their sexual orientation. In the years since “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” has been implemented, over 13,000 service members have been discharged under the policy. While there have been numerous challenges to the constitutionality of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the policy has remained in effect.

On February 2, 2010, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the Senate Committee on Armed Services regarding “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” For the first time, the Defense Secretary and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff unveiled a plan for the eventual repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” Secretary Gates reported that the Pentagon has initiated a year-long study to review how best to implement a repeal of this policy. In the weeks following Secretary Gates' and Admiral Mullen's testimony, other respected military officials, both active and retired, have expressed their support for repeal, including General Colin Powell, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Upon carefully reviewing the impact of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on our military, speaking with members of the Armed Forces and weighing the recommendations of Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen, I believe the time has come to end this policy. With our Armed Forces engaged in two wars, our national security depends on a strong and talented military. Moreover, any qualified American willing to risk his or her life for their country should be permitted to serve free of discriminatory treatment. There is also evidence that lifting bans on openly gay service improved morale by putting the focus on mission rather than identity.

“Don't Ask, Don't Tell” was created by an act of Congress, and it will require an act of Congress to repeal it. On March 3, 2010, S. 3065, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, of which I am a cosponsor, was introduced in the Senate. S. 3065 repeals “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” and establishes a nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation in the Armed Forces. It codifies the review process initiated by the Pentagon and ensures that “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” is repealed consistent with the recommendations of top military officials. S. 3065 is currently being considered by the Committee on Armed Services, of which I am not a member. Please be assured that should this legislation come before the full Senate for consideration, I will have your views in mind.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of importance to you.

If you have access to the Internet, I encourage you to visit my web site, http://casey.senate.gov. I invite you to use this online office as a comprehensive resource to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington, request assistance from my office or share with me your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and to Pennsylvania.

Sincerely,
Bob Casey

Febraury 26, 2010 - From the Desk of Doug Sturm

Persisting Economic Disparities in America: United for a Fair Economy

Recently, United for a Fair Economy, a Boston based movement created to struggle against the grossly uneven distribution of economic resources in the US, released it annual “State of the Dream” report, subtitled “Drained: Jobless and Foreclosed in Communities of Color.”

The 32 page report is available on line through UFE's website faireconomy.org. Clearly composed and accompanied with well-designed graphs, the report concludes with a range of sensible policy recommendations, including special attention to federal tax policies.

Inspired by this timely report, I composed a letter to the editor of The Daily Item (published on the editorial page February 26) reprinted below:

As we enter these final days of African American History Month, I am reminded that the larger purpose of this special month is to remind us that, whatever our racial and ethnic identities, we are all participants in a society that promises liberty and justice for all.

The cruel fact is that this promise has not been kept. In its annual report on the current economic status of minorities in America released last month, United for a Fair Economy summarizes significant disparities in employment, income, and wealth among White Americans, African Americans, and Latinos.

So, for instance, in employment as of December, given official figures, 16.2% of Blacks and 12.9% of Latinos were unemployed, but only 9% of Whites.

In income, the ratio is similar. Compared to every dollar earned by Whites, Blacks receive only 62 cents, Latinos only 68 cents.

In wealth, where the median value of assets owned by white families with assets was $39,500; that of families of color was only $5,500.

If it is true, as I believe, that in a democratic society we belong together and that we are ‘our brothers’ (and sisters’) keepers’. we should, especially during this time of deep and persisting economic crisis seek ways to overcome such disparities as we make an effort to resolve the overall crisis.

As Martin Luther King, Jr., was fond of insisting, the inseparable twin of racial injustice is economic injustice. In this land we must, if we are serious about our proclaimed national promise, collaborate in creating a community of equals. Until we do so, our proclaimed commitment to democratic principles is but a sham.

February 2010 - NAACP: UNSUNG HEROES OF BLACK HISTORY Project

The following letter was distributed to members and supporters of the NAACP on first of February, announcing its new “Unsung Heroes of Black History” project. The project invites anyone and everyone to submit stories (and photos) to add to the project. The website to access a set of such “Unsung Heroes” and to learn how to submit additional nominations is: http://naacp-unsung-heroes.tumblr.com/.

The letter is from Ben Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP:

Every February, we celebrate the triumphs and accomplishments of African-Americans as families, classrooms, and libraries across the nation commemorate Black History Month. It is a time to recognize the giants of our struggle, from Harriet Tubman to Martin Luther King, Frederick Douglass to Barack Obama.

But history is more than just a collection of famous people and major dates. Indeed, it is a multi-layered narrative in which individual decisions lead to collective movements, where context, timing and personalities combine to create the space for social change to occur.

Without question, the Montgomery Bus Boycott needed a Rosa Parks to take her legendary stand, but it also depended on the thousands of individuals making the courageous decision morning after morning to risk their jobs, their health and their safety to bring a measure of justice to the Jim Crow South. Each of these participants deserves our recognition too.

Every organizer who fought against workplace inequality, every neighbor who registered his or her block to vote, is an unsung hero of black history.

This month, the NAACP has launched "Unsung Heroes of Black History Month," a new interactive web-based feature celebrating these little known black history heroes. NAACP members and supporters around the country will have the opportunity to upload a photo and tell the story of their favorite unsung hero to be published on our website. Viewers will be able to read, learn and comment on their stories.

The world-changing advances made by African-Americans were neither pre-ordained nor inevitable. They are the product of thousands of individuals who changed the world with small decisions every day.

When you share a story of an unsung hero, we can expand our understanding of the narrative of black history, one hero at a time. Thank you.

January 2010 - News from the PA Progressive Summit

For 2010, the Freedom To Marry Rally for Harrisburg has exploded into a whole slew of events designed to educate and demonstrate that marriage equality is a civil right and religious liberty issue. Events include:

For all the Rally details, see http://FreedomToMarryPA.org or join the Facebook group "Freedom To Marry Rally - Harrisburg PA"

For more on the PA Progressive Summit; a separate and equally exciting event from the Marriage Equality events, go to www.paprogressivesummit.org!

November 2009 - Political Action

In addition to the Health Care debate featured in the news; Congress is taking up a number of issues affecting our communities. In particular:

September 2009 - In Support of HB 300

House Bill 300 is just, fair legislation that would end discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Pennsylvania. It would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the commonwealth's civil rights law, to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression" as protected classes. Right now, it is legal in many parts of Pennsylvania to fire someone simply for being gay.

Anti-gay extremists have been hammering the offices of state representatives with phone calls and especially emails. Most representatives have received nearly 1,000 emails from the anti-gay forces.

Unfortunately, those who think LGBT Pennsylvanians should be second-class citizens have had some success. Numerous representatives have been intimidated by this vocal minority, including some co-sponsors who have removed their names from the bill.

It's time for those of us who oppose discrimination to fight back. If we expect to win in this important struggle, the ACLU of PA and our allies need you to take action.

Here are some things you can do:

To learn more: www.endlegaldiscrimination.org

ACLU of PA · P.O. Box 40008 · Philadelphia, PA 19106
aclupa@aclupa.org · 215-592-1513 x122 · www.aclupa.org

June 2009

An Impassioned Speech About Gay Rights From Obama's Employment Chief John Berry, President Obama's openly gay Office of Personnel Management director, gave an impassioned speech on anti-gay discrimination this week at the Departmentof Justice's (DoJ) awards ceremony celebrating Gay Pride Month, as reported by Government Executive. Berry, who has been a major player in employment policy before he entered the job, offered a particularly pointed criticism of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy:

A good friend of mine was a colonel who honorably served in the Middle East. His sacrifice and risk of life was no less dear than anyone. I ask America, where do you stand — with this honorable service or with those who would make him lie to do so?

The Bush administration had stopped the DoJ celebration from 2003 to 2007, before Attorney General Michael Mukasey resumed it in 2008.

Berry drew on his own experiences — among them, seeing his partner of 10 years lose a battle with AIDS — to make a forceful case against gay discrimination. He challenged those in attendance again before he was done: Again, I ask: where do you stand? Honoring love as precious and true wherever you find it, or with those who would demean or deny it?

Obama has said he wants to overturn Don't Ask, Don't Tell, but he has yet to do so. His relationship with gays has been slightly strained since he took office; they saw hope in his candidacy, but there's a sense that he's yet to deliver. Don't Ask, Don't Tell, domestic partner benefits (or, preferably, federal civil unions), hate crimes (which the Senate will reportedly address), and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act are pieces of their agenda.

Berry's significance, I'm told, is partly symbolic. He's the government's highest-ranking openly gay official, and he happens to be in charge of human resources. There's a notion of the federal government as a "model employer," sending signals to the private sector on issues like diversity.

The signal of Berry's speech Wednesday was loud and clear — albeit one that was not widely attended by media or widely publicized.

10 Myths Brochures Available

At the Stop the Hate Rally in September, CARE promised a brochure entitled Ten Myths about Gay Sexuality… and their Corrections. The brochure is now ready and lists facts that disprove 10 common myths about gay sexuality. If you would like copies, feel free to contact us.

The brochure is being disseminated in cafes, churches and other public places. People have also asked to use the brochure in workshops being offered to school nurses, guidance counselors and other professionals.

Diversity Resources Directory

CARE is beginning work on a directory of services to benefit diverse populations in the Valley. Included will be professionals who are known to be knowledgeable about the needs of specific groups, such as lawyers, doctors, teachers, business owners, clergy, and counselors. If you know of a person or group that you think should be included in our directory please let us know.

Martin Luther King Celebration

CARE and the Donald Heiter Center Collaborate on Plans for Martin Luther King Celebration which will be held at the Donald Heiter Center. Babbette Rose-Faison, along with others from CARE's Task Force for African American concerns will help with the planning and the cooking.

September 25, 2007 - CARE Leads Off Stop The Hate Rally

Lois Passi, Co-chairperson, spoke to a crowd of approximately 200 Bucknell University students, staff persons and community members in Hufnagle Park at the Unity Jam - Stop the Hate Rally. After a kind and generous introduction by the Director of Bucknell University's Multicultural Center, Jessica Hess, Passi took the stage other Steering Committee Members and members of the Clergy Roundtable. Passi highlighted CARE's commitment to equality for all people and reminded audience members that CARE respond not only to individual incidents of discrimination but also to public matters concerning diversity. She cited the recent cancellation of a Lewisburg High School Marching Band trip to Knoebel's Grove on the same day that a Gay Pride picnic was being held in the amusement park as an indication of how much work needs to be done to insure respect and equality for people of all sexual orientations in the Susquehanna Valley.

Passi announced CARE's launching of a 10 Myths Campaign in mid-November as one step toward addressing fear of gays among the people of the Susquehanna Valley. CARE will disseminate a brochure that lists 10 myths about GLBTs, the truth. She asked audience members to help by giving a 10 Myths brochure to a friend, relative, coworker or neighbor that may not have accurate information about GLBTs. In addition, she said that brochures would be made available to local businesses and churches. Passi noted that CARE members would make newspapers and radio stations aware of this campaign. Passi ended her speech with a poignant anecdote about the Vietnamese Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hahn.

Following Passi's speech. Melissa Ferrick, played guitar and sang. Ferrick is a musician from Massachusetts who has opened for Ani DeFranco the past few weeks on tour. Attorney Chris Sabas spoke about inalienable human rights in the context of the Hazelton backlash against Latinos. Erica Lopatofsky, a Bucknell University graduate student, and Lee Saville-Andree performed two songs. Marissa Calhoun, a Bucknell student, invited community members as well as students to join her activism efforts. Peggy Cronin, from the Bucknell Writing Center, introduced the crowd to the two parts of the America Project, the second of which is Sekou Sundiata's upcoming 51st (dream) state. Following a song by Voices of Praise and thanks by Ms. Hess, the crowd marched by candlelight onto Market Street, down 4th Street and back to Hufnagle Park in Lewisburg.

Milton Area Homework Club Ready to Go

The Milton Area Homework Club, co-sponsored by CARE, the YMCA of Milton and the Milton Area School District, is set up and ready to go! Fifteen tutors volunteered to tutor students on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Transportation from the schools to the YMCA was arranged by the school district, and teachers are now aware of the program. All of the money was successfully raised by Milton Area businesses.

September 2007 - CARE joins the No Hate in Our Town Campaign.

On September 1, 2007, while supporters of the Hazelton mayor's anti-immigration ordinance held a rally in Harrisburg to breed more fear and distrust of immigrants, No Hate in Our Town held a press conference in Harrisburg to speak out against hate and in support of all workers. No Hate in Our Town is a joint venture of six statewide organizations (including the Pennsylvania Network of Unity Coalitions in which CARE participates). It is an effort to unite Pennsylvanians in support of fair and inclusive communities. In the face of divisiveness caused by discriminatory local anti-immigration ordinances and other forms of scapegoating, the coalition calls for unity in addressing the root causes of economic, health and public safety issues in our state. As a show of support, the photo below was taken on Sunday, September 2, 2007 in Lewisburg by Mary Hague, who initiated the event. Across the back row: Helen Nunn, unidentified mother & daughter in arms, Alex Wilce, Doug Sturm, Kerry Walters, Kim Daubman. Middle row: Adrian Levin, Margie Sturm,Caroll Bloom, Cindy Peltier. Front row: two unidentified children.

For more information about this campaign, please contact mhague@bucknell.edu.

June 3, 2007 Interfaith Service Celebrates Gay Pride Month

I have a dream for all humanity that we may know truth and dignity; peace on earth, and that one day we'll stand arm in arm, hand in hand.

- Mary Donnelly

Interfaith Service

I Have a Dream was one of the songs sung by The Buffalo Valley Singers and choir members of St. John's United Church of Christ in Lewisburg where the area's first interfaith service was held to honor gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents of Susquehanna Valley. The service was held on Sunday, June 3rd at 7:00 PM. Approximately 120 people attended. The event was co-sponsored by The Community Alliance for Respect and Equality (CARE).

Ten local clergy from 5 different religious traditions participated in the service. Other local clergy came to show their support as well.

A litany of celebration was led by Rev. Brian Vasey of Beaver Memorial United Methodist Church. The call went out to the religious communities for support and equality and celebration. It has taken time, and there are too few, but slowly arms are being extended in welcome and blessing, he read.

The Rev. Ann Keeler Evans read from material she wrote herself for the service. Three short homilies were offered by the Rev. Robin Jarrell of Christ Episcopal Church in Milton, Rabbi Nina Mandel of Congregation Beth-El in Sunbury, and Rev. Barry Stopfel of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Susquehanna Valley in Point Township. Each spoke of the need to understand sexuality as part of our spirituality, and to be accepting of all sexual orientations. Is there such an abundance of love in the world that you can throw some away because it doesn't look like the love you know?, asked Rev. Stopfel.

Rev. Karl Polm-Faudre, a Tibetan Buddhist priest, offered a Buddhist prayer. Rev. Allen Fluent spoke of our lives and our love as an offering to God, and Rabbi Serena Fujita offered a benediction in which she spoke of the need to stop hate and violence directed toward gays. She stated that hate crimes against gays are the fastest growing form of hate crime.

Many of the congregants expressed thanks to the communities of faith for having a service to honor gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people. The mood in the room was optimistic. Rev. Stopfel summed it up well in his closing words: My brothers and sisters, our song of freedom and pride will prevail. Our faith, our love and our courage will make it so. Blessed be.

January 20, 2007 - Progressive Summit Held

A meeting of approximately 25 progressive non-profit groups was held on Saturday at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Lewisburg. The meeting was organized by Rev. Kerry Walters and run by Jordi Comas, head of Central Susquehanna Citizens for Change (CSCC).

Topics discussed included common problems we all face as non-profits and ways that we can collaborate with one another. Two important considerations were the establishment of an umbrella non-profit group (a parent organization) as well as the establishment of a website in which all the member groups could keep one community calendar. This would help each of us know what the others are up to and keep us from accidentally scheduling two events on the same date.

We at CARE extend our thanks and congratulations to Jordi Comas and to Rev. Kerry Walters for organizing the meeting.

January 15, 2007 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Celebration

The Donald Heiter Community Center (lewisburg, PA) hosted a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s (MLK,Jr.) birthday celebration on Monday. The Community Center Staff, sponsored the annual event along with CARE, to promote community service and positive community action.

A delicious dinner followed afternoon activities for children. The highlight of the evening was a performance by Selinsgrove High School's Tolerance Troupe, under the direction of Mr. Harvey Edwards. The Troupe promotes the values that Dr. King embraced throughout his life.

January 14, 2007 - Martin Luther King Celebrations

St. Paul AME Church (Milton, PA) holds an annual remembrance program to honor Reverend Martin Luther King. The highlight of this year's program was poetry and song by the Gaspipe Theatre Company of Lewisburg.

The Daily Item reported that Danielle Scott, Derek Scott, Denise Guinn-Bailey and Lisa Johnson read the poems, composed by Derek Scott, before a full house. At times, the audience clapped in time with the songs, and occasional exclamations of That's right and Uh-huh from the audience gave something of a revival meeting atmosphere to the presentation.

Ed Nelson, the mayor of Milton, made some brief remarks thanking those who attended and Donnie Spiller read a short excerpt from Dr. King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail."

According to the Item, Reverend Donald Spiller said in closing If this country could come together as we do tonight, we could make all things right. It's a battle that has to be fought, and we must make the sacrifices. It makes a big difference in my mind and heart.

Frances Spiller, a member of CARE, served as the master of ceremonies and was delighted with the turnout. People filled the church for the celebration.

May - June, 2006 - Co-sponsor: Latino Culture In-Service Training

CARE teamed up with the Milton Area School District and Bucknell University to present two workshops, one for elementary school teachers and the other for High School teachers, about Latino literature. Snacks from various ethnic groups were donated from various restaurants, and CARE donated many books to the libraries of the Milton Area School District. This group will continue to work with the Milton Area School District to supplement their multicultural books in their libraries.

May, 2006 - Speech by Dr. Ghayda Al Ali

Dr. Ghayda Al Ali, a local Iraqi citizen living in Lewisburg for one year, and a Bucknell professor of Arabic, spoke to a small group about her perspective on the situation in Iraq. A lively discussion followed.

Spring, 2006 - Multi-cultural books in Milton Area School District

Lois Passi began a project to increase the number of multi-cultural books in the Milton area schools. After a review of the card catalog for the Middle school, four Latino books were donated, and other books identified for other cultures. Lois is currently seeking donors for these books, as the budget in the schools is very small.

Spring, 2006 - Libros en Espanol

Claudia Wilshusen, a Lewisburg resident, brokered the establishment of the first Spanish language section of an area public library, Priestly Library in Northumberland, PA. Pam Ross, the librarian, re-organized the library to accommodate 30 Spanish language books and additional magazines. Many CARE donations paid for the books, along with a discount on each book provided by the proprietor of Page After Page in Lewisburg.

April, 2006 - Panel: What Role Should Education about Religions Play in the Public Schools?

Held on Palm Sunday, this afternoon event began with an hour long presentation by three panelists: Lois Passi, co-chair of CARE and chair of the religious diversity committee; Kathy Hummel of the CSIU; and Joe Burroughs of West Perry, a teacher of World Cultures. A 45-minute discussion followed. Approximately 25 people attended this event.

March, 2006 - Co-sponsor: Speech by Dr. Signe Waller

CARE co-sponsored Dr. Signe Waller, who spoke about the Willingboro murders and use of a truth commission to facilitate healing years later. This event was held at Bucknell University.

February, 2006 - Co-sponsor: Presentation of Briars in the Cotton Patch

CARE, under the direction of Cindy Peltier, co-sponsored a movie entitled Briars in the Cotton Patch which was shown at the Campus Theater to an audience of approximately 300. This 1 hour long documentary chronicles the history of the Koinonia movement in Georgia. Brian Johnson led a discussion following the movie. This event was co-sponsored with the Center for Non-Violent Living and Union-Snyder Habitat for Humanity.

January, 2006 - Co-sponsor: Martin Luther King Celebration

CARE co-sponsored the Martin Luther King celebration held at the Donald Heiter Center in Lewisburg. Featured were a multicultural display provided by CARE, a timeline of the Civil Rights movement, a gospel choir, a potluck dinner, and a speech by Babette Faison of Lewisburg. Approximately 100 people attended this event.

December, 2005 - Candlelight Vigil

In early fall, several parents and children discovered a burned cross at their bus stop in Milton. CARE organized a candlelight vigil entitled Replacing a Flame of Hate with a Flame of Love in response to this cross burning. Approximately 50 people attended. Brian Johnson, a Milton resident and chair of Multicultural Affairs at Susquehanna University, gave a speech. Additionally, Lois Passi spoke for CARE, Oscar Guerrero and Chris Acosta spoke for Latinos (with speeches given in both English and Spanish), and Mayor Ed Nelson also spoke.

Fall, 2005 - Essay Contest

An essay contest was launched at the Peace and Justice Festival. The title of the essay was How will YOU make the world a better place? The Daily Item sponsored the contest with $550 prize money. There were three categories: ages 4-7, 8-12, and 13-17 with first, second and third prizes in each category. Winning essays were published in the Daily Item. Each winner received their prize check and a book. Additionally, each of the 109 entrants received a personal letter with a certificate thanking them for making the world a better place and specific feedback about their essay.

October, 2005 - Friends around the World: A Multicultural Event For the Whole Family

This first-ever multicultural event was held on October 1 at RiverWoods, Marlow Hall, Lewisburg. It was free and open to the public. A large room was divided into continents. Each continent area held displays, artifacts, food samples, and crafts from various cultures. Additionally, there were games, a storytelling tent sporting stories from around the world, a "religions" section, and a "garden table" highlighting the beauty of diversity. Shoba Kumar, a resident of Selinsgrove, performed classical Indian dance. The River Road Whistlepigs played international music. The Susquehanna Valley International Folk Dancers taught us dances from around the world. Approximately 100 people attended this event.

October, 2005 - Peace and Justice Festival (co-sponsor)

CARE marched in the Peace and Justice Festival held annually with Bucknell University. Featured speaker was Floyd Cochran, previous member of the Aryan Nation turned human rights activist.

August, 2005 - Diversity Picnic

Our annual diversity picnic was held at St. Mary's Park in Lewisburg. While those attending enjoyed good food and fellowship, attendance was poor. Causes were identified and rectified for future programming.

July, 2005 - Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting was held at Peking Garden Restaurant in Lewisburg. A presentation was offered by Lois Passi in which we began to explore the possibility of establishing a board of directors in the future. We also discussed the possibility of an expanded development program.