In the Community June 18: World Refugee Day, PRIDE Events, Community Forum

 

In the Community June 18, 2012

A Weekly Calendar of Diversity Events

from The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

 

"If our definition of inclusiveness does not reach beyond the boundaries of our own personal comfort, can we call ourselves truly inclusive?" … Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership.

 

ACEH was founded in Holland in 1999 and is committed to justice, equal opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and appreciation for diversity.  Members and friends work together through programs, advocacy, and social events to make West Michigan a place where all people are welcomed and respected. "In the Community" is also on the ACEH website: www.harmonyalliance.org/Events

 

 Please help support ACEH.  Dues are $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses. You can pay at the website www.harmonyalliance.org/Join with PayPal, or send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007, or sign up at any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! ¡GRACIAS!

 

Mon, June 18, 5:30 to 7 pm:  Reception for exhibition "We Are Art for All," an art program for adults with developmental disabilities.  Exhibition will run through the end of June.  At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

Wed, June 20, 7 pm: Film, "Rain in a Dry Land," to mark World Refugee Day.  Chronicles "the fortunes of two Somali Bantu families transported by relief agencies from years of civil war and refugee life to Springfield, MA, and Atlanta, GA"; the newcomers confront racism, poverty, and 21^st-century culture shock.  The film captures their efforts—with poetry, humor, and amazing resilience--to survive in the U.S. and create a safe haven for their war-torn families.  Free; hosted by West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center and a number of agencies and refugee ministries in West Michigan.  At Wealthy Theater, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Tues, June 26, 7 to 9 pm: Public forum on amending the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for LGBT persons.  Guest speakers with expertise on current nondiscrimination law and related issues.  Sponsored by Michigan Department of Civil Rights in conjunction with the Holland Human Relations Commission.  General public is encouraged to attend and provide testimony on whether the lack of protection in Elliot-Larsen has affected them personally.  Email written comments to calcagnor@michigan.gov  At Holland City Council Chambers, City Hall, 270 South River, Holland.

 

Thurs, June 28, 7, 8, and 9 pm: PRIDE events:

--7 pm: "In Harmony," performance by a choir of gay and straight adults and young people from Grand Rapids.

--8 pm: Award-winning documentary film, "Out at Work": stories of a cook, an auto worker, and a librarian as they seek workplace safety, job security, and benefits for gay and lesbian workers.

--9 pm: Jay Kaplan, staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan's LGBT Project, speaking about the current status of discrimination in the workplace and housing; Q & A to follow.

 

All three events are at Park Theatre, River Avenue between 10^th and 11^th Sts, Holland.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY

Clean your house—help Lakeshore Latino Outreach Center!  LLOC is holding its annual summer fundraising garage sale on Friday, July 13, and Saturday, July 14, and is asking for donations of items.  They can be dropped off at the LLOC office, 162 East 19^th St, Holland, or the agency is willing to pick them up.  Call Poema Weller at 499-4872 or email her at poema.weller@latinooutreach.org  LLOC is a 501C3 organization; contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

Friday, July 13, 6:30 to 8:45 pm (doors open at 6:15).  Community forum, "Destination Education," providing information on resources to help young people find a way to obtain post-secondary education (college or other training).   Learn the four steps to college; Know HOW 2 GO; information will be available in both English and Spanish.

 

--Who should attend: 7^th to 12^th graders, their parents, grandparents, mentors, community activists, friends, and youth-serving organizations.

 

 --Hosts: Presented by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) and these collaborating organizations: Herrick District Library, City of Holland, Latin Americans United for Progress, Lakeshore Latino Outreach Center, TRIO/Upward Bound at Hope College, Center of African American Art and History, Juneteenth, and Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.

 

--Where:  At Herrick District Library Auditorium, 300 South River, Holland.