In the Community December 17, 2012
A Weekly Calendar of Diversity Events
From The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony
Have you used "In the Community" to find out about or publicize diversity and multicultural events in West Michigan? If you have, we hope you will consider joining ACEH or renewing your membership. Memberships support this email and all the other ACEH activities. The 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.
It's easy to do—here's how:
--You can pay through the secure Pay Pal system at this updated link http://www.harmonyalliance.org/join.html
--Or you can send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007,
--Or you can sign up any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! GRACIAS!
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, outreach, 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
Pictures from the December 8 ACEH Holiday Potluck and Cultural Sharing Party are posted on our Facebook site: ACEH- Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony.
Tues, Dec 18, 6 pm: Posada. Celebrate and take part in this Christmas tradition. Play Lotería. At Herrick District Library, children's floor, 300 South River, Holland.
Fri, Dec 21, 7 pm: PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meeting: "Life-changing Stories" with speakers Rev. Colleen Squires, pastor of All Souls Community Church, Grand Rapids, and Charley Renee Bower. At Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave, Holland.
Sat, Dec 29, 4 pm to 7 pm: Kwanzaa 2012 Celebration. A family evening for children, teens, adults, and seniors. At Western Theological Seminary, 101 East 13th St, Holland.
Fri, Jan 4, noon: Calvin College January Series: "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide," by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and co-author of three best-selling books Sheryl Wu Dunn. "Half the Sky" focuses on challenges facing women around the globe. In person at Calvin College Covenant Center, 3201 Burton Ave SE, Grand Rapids; via webcast at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd, Holland.
Tues, Jan 8, noon: Calvin College January Series: "Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate," by Jenny Yang, director of advocacy and policy for the Refugee and Immigration Program at World Relief. In person at Calvin College Covenant Center, 3201 Burton Ave SE, Grand Rapids; via webcast at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd, Holland.
Wed, Jan 9, 11:30 am to 1 pm: Lunch and Learn series of Partners for a Racism-Free Community: "Diversity & Inclusion vs. Affirmative Action: different goals…different playbook" by Chris Macon, diversity and inclusion consultant. $25. Register at www.eventbrite.com/org/1842484739 or (616) 466-6187. At Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 East Fulton (off Lakeside Dr NE), Grand Rapids.
Thurs, Jan 10, 6:30 pm: General meeting of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony; film and discussion "Education under Fire: Persecutions of Baha'is in Iran". David Douglas will facilitate the discussion. (Note change of usual date and time.) (616) 335-1686. Location to be announced.
Tues, Jan 15, noon: Calvin College January Series: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," by science writer Rebecca Skloot; her book tells of the "collision between ethics, race, and medicine; scientific discovery and faith healing; a daughter's questions about the mother she never knew; a story inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans."
In person at Calvin College Covenant Center, 3201 Burton Ave SE, Grand Rapids; via webcast at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap, Holland.
Tues, Jan 22, noon: Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) fundraiser centered on immigration and the social justice issues that impact communities and congregations. Short documentary "Jasmine's Story" followed by discussion with Jasmine Franco and Rev. Melanie Carey and presentation by Dr. Stephen Monsma, author of "Healing for a Broken World: Christian Perspectives on Public Policy." Includes lunch (suggested donation $15); register at www.JFONWestMichigan.org or call Mary De Ridder at (616) 399-2161. JFON provides free immigration legal services, education, and advocacy, through clinics in Grand Rapids and Holland. At St. Francis de Sales Church community room, 171 West 13th St, Holland.
Tues, Jan 22, 6:30 pm: Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) fundraiser centered on immigration and the social justice issues that impact communities and congregations. Short documentary "Jasmine's Story" followed by discussion with Jasmine Franco and Rev. Melanie Carey and presentation by Dr. Stephen Monsma, author of "Healing for a Broken World: Christian Perspectives on Public Policy." Catered meal ($20) and silent auction; register at www.JFONWestMichigan.org. JFON provides free immigration legal services, education, and advocacy, through clinics in Grand Rapids and Holland. At Keystone Community Church, Ada (directions on the JFON web site).
Sun, Jan 27, 4 pm: Film, "The Line." 40-minute documentary by Emmy Award-winning producer Linda Midgett that asks viewers to reconsider their stereotypes about people who live in poverty. Discussion follows. At Hope Church, 77 West 11th St, Holland.
Mon, Jan 28, 6 to 9 pm: "Transforming Communities: An Introduction to Community Development," by Jay VanGroningen, executive director of Communities First Association, and Judy Van Dyke, Neighborhood Connections director. Co-hosted by Hope Church's Community Ministry and Good Samaritan's Neighborhood Connections program. A light meal will be served; no charge but contributions to defray costs are welcome. Registration is required; call Hope Church at (616) 392-7947. At Hope Church, 77 West 11th St, Holland.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CLASSES
Wed, Jan 2 – Wed, Feb 6, 6 pm to 8 pm: Six-week class on financial management presented by Community Action House (mastering money management, developing a spending plan, credit and consumer protection, debt reduction, savings and banking basics, insurance, living in a happy, healthy home). Free. Participants must attend all six weeks to earn a certificate; photo ID and income verification for household required. Register online at http://janfeb2013fmclass.eventbrite.com
Questions? Call Gwen Robles (616) 738-1170, ext. 123 or email grobles@communityactionhouse.org
At Macatawa Resource Center, 665 136th Ave, Holland.
EXHIBITS
Through Dec 31: Tenemos una voz ("We have a voice"). Adelante youth art and writings, supported by Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP). At Holland Museum, 31 West 10th, Holland (closed Tuesdays).
Through Feb 3: Land of the Rising Sun: Exhibit by artists working in traditional Japanese techniques and artists inspired by this culture. (269) 637-1041. At South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix St, South Haven.
