In the Community from ACEH March 15

 "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.  If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality."  … Bishop Desmond Tutu, African spiritual leader and novelist.

 

Herb and Ann

This information is provided by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  If you do not wish to receive it in the future, please contact hpweller@comcast.net or editann@aol.com.  Events List is also posted on the ACEH website, www.harmonyalliance.org.

 

TODAY, Mon, Mar 15: Deadline for people to submit suggestions and make comments on the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, developed by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.  The plan must be delivered to Congress by May 20, 2010.  Go to the new interactive website: www.fsp.uservoice.com

 

Tues, Mar 16, 6 pm: Housing Workshop Series 2010: Foreclosure Issues for Owners and Renters.  To register, call (616) 355-1321.  At Holland City Hall, 270 South River, Holland.

 

Wed, Mar 17, noon: Great Decisions Series: "Russia and the 'Near Abroad': Relations with Former Soviet Republics."  Presented by Curtis Kamman, U.S. ambassador formerly stationed in Moscow.  Free light lunch provided.  At Herrick District Library Auditorium, 300 South River, Holland.

 

Wed, Mar 17, 12:30 pm: Second of three-part video series "Race—The Power of An Illusion," a PBS documentary that looks at the myth of race and the power it has on our society.  Free.  Bring your lunch.  Next one is March 24, also at 12:30 pm.  www.christmemorial.org  At Christ Memorial Church, Jerusalem Room, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland

 

Wed, Mar 17, 4:30 pm: "The Blueberry Children." Discussion of the ABCNews.com investigation of migrant farms and child labor in Michigan and the nation; video followed by interactive discussion presented by Melissa Arreguin. www.gvsu.edu/oma

At 2263 Kirkhof Center, Grand Valley State University, Allendale.

 

Thurs, Mar 18, 11:45 am: Fair Housing Book Club: Discussion of "One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd," by Jim Fergus. Bring a lunch. At Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, 20 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Mar 18, 6:10 pm: Public hearing for City Neighborhood Improvement Strategy, drafted by the (Holland) City Housing Task Force; will include small group discussions.  For a copy of the draft, go to www.cityofholland.cm/Brix?pageID=35

At Holland City Hall, 270 South River, Holland.

 

Thurs, Mar 18, 7 pm: BaFa BaFa Community Reading Project: BaFa BaFa is "an experimental game that gives participants an opportunity to experience life in another culture"; suitable for ages 14 and older.  Registration required at www.gvsu.edu/holland or call 331-3910.  Hosted by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.  At Grand Valley's Meijer Campus, 515 South Waverly, Holland.

 

Mon, Mar 22, 5:30 pm: Public forum on disparities in access to quality health care created by barriers related to race, religion, sex, age, physical and mental disabilities, color, national origin, or marital status.  Hosted by Michigan Civil Rights Commission.  (517) 241-3986. At Capital Area Michigan Works Building, 2110 South Cedar, Lansing.

 

Thurs, Mar 25, 1 pm: "Healing the Heart of Justice"—a workshop for professional counselors, social workers, educators, corporate diversity leaders, and dedicated anti-racism facilitators. Led by Victor Lewis and Ken Taber. $35. Register now at www.prfc-gr.org  At Dominican Center/Marywood, 2025 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids.

 

Fri, Mar 26, 8 am: Partners for a Racism-Free Community annual forum.  Speaker is Victor Lewis: "Lessons Learned from The Color of Fear."  $25.  Register now at www.prfc-gr.org  At Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60^th St, SE, Kentwood. 

 

                                                                                        COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

  

(1) Do you speak some French but want to move ahead in your language skills?  Wanted: Person(s) interested in receiving intermediate/advanced level French language instruction from French exchange student at Hope College one hour per week. Call Greg at

(616) 566-1030.

(2) Are you a minority student (or do you know someone) pursuing a degree in nursing or rehabilitation therapy?  Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is offering a one-year scholarship for education-related expenses; the amount varies depending on individual need.  Applications due April 15.  For details, go to scholarship@maryfreebed.com or call (616) 242-9206; (800) 528-8989, ext. 4404.

 

(3) 2010 Census forms are arriving in mailboxes starting this week!  Make sure to fill yours out and return by April 1.  It benefits your neighborhood, city, and state.