North Dakota Human Rights Coalition
Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights
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North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights |
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~North Dakota Human Rights Coalition~ PAUR Report
Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources
Visit our Website at www.ndhrc.org
October 6, 2004
Hello members and friends of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition!
In this week’s PAUR Report:
Announcements 1) Press Release: Gandhi Peace Month Events Outlined 2) North Dakota Progressive Coalition October 9 Literature Drop 3) PSA: Event to Rally New Voters 5:30 to 7:00 PM October 7th, 2004 4) Boycott for Equality – Friday, October 8, 2004
Newspaper Articles 5) The Forum (Fargo) article regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriage or civil unions in North Dakota 6) The Forum (Fargo), W. Fargo commissioners reject King street name 7) Wahpeton Daily News, Erdrich book honored 8) The Forum (Fargo), Valarie Gengel letter: A statement from Islamic community? 9) The Forum (Fargo), A room divided, Turmoil within Fargo post office leads to court fights 10) The Forum (Fargo), Lewis and Clark re-enactors face anger, protest in South Dakota from American Indians 11) Williston Herald, Disabilities community finds new focus
Events 12) Equality North Dakota Calendar of Events for the “Vote No to Discrimination, the Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment” Campaign 13) ALANA (African, Latino, Asian, Native American) Week Events at UND, October 12 – 16, Grand Forks
Reminders 14) Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, September 15 – October 15 15) Candidate Recruitment & Reminder from Uniting for Equality 16) 2004 NDHRC Conference November 5 & 6, 2004, Bismarck: Brochure and Information Now on NDHRC Web Site 17) Mental Health Professional Conference, October 12 & 13, Mandan 18) Developmental Disabilities Conference, October 8 & 9, Fargo 19) 21st Annual Peace Congress of the ND Peace Coalition, October 8 & 9, Bismarck 20) Message from Equality North Dakota 21) PSA: Volunteers Needed for Get Out and Vote Project 22) Applications Invited for Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Please Note: The NDHRC distributes a weekly PAUR report to inform our members and friends about news, events, and other human rights related information around the state. The opinions expressed within the articles are those of the authors and are not endorsed by the NDHRC.
********************************************* Announcements *********************************************
1.) Press Release: Gandhi Peace Month Events Outlined
September 23, 2004 For more information Contact: Aruna Seth, 223-4234
Bismarck Mayor John Warford has declared October Gandhi Peace Month in Bismarck, North Dakota. The month will be commemorated with a number of events including a dinner and other fundraisers for local charities, peace-related activities at area schools, and a peace walk.
Ten classrooms in the area will be participating in Gandhi Peace Month. As well as learning about Gandhi, human rights and non-violence, some students will be creating peace t-shirt designs; others will design peace-themed posters. The Gandhi Peace Network distributed grants to these schools to allow them to purchase materials encouraging non-violence.
A highlight of month is the 10th annual Gandhi Peace Dinner, Saturday, October 2 at 6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Dinner guests will be treated to a full, authentic Indian dinner, featuring Chicken Vindaloo, prepared by Aruna Seth and a large crew of volunteers (see menu below). This popular event is traditionally sold out so those wanting to attend should make reservations by logging on to www.gandhipeace.org or by calling 223-4234. The cost of the dinner is $25. Carry-out is also available, with reservations, at 5 p.m.
Proceeds from the dinner will be donated to local charities. Food is also being collected at area grocery stores through the 3rd Annual “Pack the Pantry for Peace” campaigning running through October 30. The food will be donated to the local food pantry, Ruth Meiers Hospitality House and the Abused Adult Resource Center.
This year the Gandhi Peace Network of North Dakota is joining with the Abused Adult Resource Center for the Peace Walk/Take Back the Night event at the North Dakota Capitol Grounds starting at 6:30 p.m. on October 4. Walkers should meet at the capitol steps.
The North Dakota Peace Coalition is hosting its 21st annual Peace Congress October 8-9 at United Tribes Technical College, 3315 University Drive, Jack Barden Center (see attachment for more information).
Cinema 100 and Grand Theater are presenting the movie “Armandla!” described as a “revolution in four-part harmony,” October 14 with showings at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The 2003 movie documents the role of music in the apartheid struggle in South Africa. A silent auction for Sherman Brunelle Scholarships for United Tribes Technical College will take place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Grand Theater.
Other events still to be scheduled are Peace Songs at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship with Kristen Kitco and a Peace Pole Rededication at Pioneer School.
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2.) North Dakota Progressive Coalition October 9 Literature Drop
Message from the North Dakota Progressive Coalition:
Progressive
Friends! THANK YOU FOR YOUR
COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE! *********************************************
3.) PSA: Event to Rally New Voters 5:30 to 7:00 PM October 7th, 2004
For
Immediate Release
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4.) Boycott for Equality – Friday, October 8, 2004
BOYCOTT
FOR EQUALITY - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2004 ********************************************* Newspaper Articles *********************************************
5.) The Forum (Fargo) & Bismarck Tribune articles regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriage or civil unions in North Dakota
The NDHRC Board of Directors has established a position on the proposed anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment. The position and proposed amendment is as follows:
The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition opposes the proposed North Dakota constitutional amendment to prevent the recognition of marriage or civil unions for same-sex couples.
The NDHRC supports full civil rights for all residents of North Dakota, including gay/lesbian/transgender/bisexual residents of our state. Neither enshrining discrimination in our Constitution nor stripping families of basic protections would serve our state’s best interest. The North Dakota Constitution protects and ensures equal treatment for all people. It should not be used to single out a group of people for harmful and detrimental treatment.
The information that the NDHRC Board of Directors used to adopt this position is available on the NDHRC web site at http://www.ndhrc.org/Goals/NDHRAct/GayMarriageAmmendmentPosition.htm.
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Presenter argues marriage is not static institution
Arguments to ban same-sex marriage because it is not “traditional” are invalid because marriage is a changing institution, professor Larry Peterson said Wednesday.
“We’ve been so socialized in our country that the 1950s Donna Reed family or ‘Leave it to Beaver’ family was the way it always was,” he said.
Peterson, chairman of North Dakota State University’s history department, spoke to about two dozen people during a presentation at the Fargo Public Library.
While a primary contention of many opponents to gay unions is that they violate the marriage’s tradition, Peterson argues there is no tradition.
He said that “traditional” marriage often viewed women as property, citing “wife sales” in rural England from the 1690s to the 1870s.
“Modern” marriage is a matter of personal choice and a basic human right, he said.
Constitutional amendments to define marriage as a union between a man and woman, including an initiated measure in North Dakota, would limit human rights, he said, while amendments should expand individual freedoms.
“Marriage is a right defined by law, not religion, and those definitions have changed significantly through history,” he said.
<snip>
View full article here
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Attorney general's opinion sought by marriage amendment opponents By the Associated Press Bismarck Tribune – 9/23/2004
FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- Opponents of a proposed state constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman say it could force businesses to withdraw health benefits from some of their workers.
State Rep. Mary Ekstrom, D-Fargo, said she has asked for an opinion from Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem on the potential impact if voters approve the amendment in November.
"This adds discrimination into the state constitution, and I believe that is wrong," Eckstrom said. John Trombley of the North Dakota Family Alliance, the lead group urging a yes vote on the amendment, could not immediately be reached for comment.
North Dakota voters will decide Nov. 2 whether to approve a measure that reads: "Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman. No other domestic union, however enominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect."
Former Fargo Mayor Jon Lindgren, who joined Eckstrom at a news conference Wednesday, said it could bar buinessses from offering domestic partner benefits to unmarried employees in gay or heterosexual relationships.
"We're concerned not only that a lot of people aren't following this closely enough, but that they are not following the meaning of that second sentence," Lindgren said. "It's a wolf in sheep's clothing."
He said 200 Fortune 500 businesses in the country offer domestic partner health benefits, including some of North Dakota's largest employers.
MeritCare Health Systems of Fargo has offered benefits to partners in same-sex relationships since 2003, said Harriette McCaul, MeritCare's personnel director.
"If the effect of the law would prevent us from extending those benefits, we would be concerned about that," McCaul said.
<snip>
View full article here
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Marriage amendment challenged
Passage of the North Dakota marriage amendment in November would be bad for business, according to a new citizens group.
Jon Lindgren of Grow Business: Vote No Committee said approval of ballot Measure No. 1 -- to his reading -- would prohibit North Dakota businesses from offering domestic partner benefits to unmarried employees in gay as well as heterosexual relationships.
State Rep. Mary Ekstrom, D-Fargo, who joined Lindgren at a Wednesday morning news conference at the Fargo Public Library, has requested an opinion from North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem on the potential impact of the amendment's passage.
"Remember, this is not just a change to the Century Code. It's something going into the constitution," Ekstrom said. "This adds discrimination into the state constitution, and I believe that is wrong."
Voters will decide Nov. 2 whether: "Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman. No other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect."
North Dakota is among 10 states voting this fall on marriage ballot issues. Utah voters will cast ballots on a constitutional amendment nearly identical to the one being considered in North Dakota.
Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has joined his two opponents in recommending against passage of the amendment. As written, "part two of the proposed amendment would prohibit the Utah Legislature from ever extending even the most basic partnership rights to an unmarried couple, such as rights to hospital visitation, to emergency medical decision-making, and to inheritance," they said in a joint news statement.
Lindgren, a former Fargo mayor, said the second statement in that language could prohibit or dissuade businesses from offering domestic partner benefits to anyone but an employee in a heterosexual marriage. He said some local companies extend benefits to employees with gay or heterosexual partners.
<snip>
View full article here
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Gay marriage ban dialogue is Tuesday
A community dialogue on the proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage and civil unions in North Dakota will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the meeting room of the Fargo Public Library.
It is being sponsored by the Fargo Human Relations Commission.
Representatives from the North Dakota Family Alliance and Equality North Dakota have been invited to present information and respond to questions from the public.
Robert Uebel, chairman of Equality North Dakota, will speak against the amendment.
John Trombley, chairman of the Family Alliance, said the group does not plan to take part in the forum. He has objected to the Fargo Human Relations Commission taking a stand against the amendment.
Plus, he said, Christina Kindel, executive director of the Family Alliance, and Uebel will debate each other for a Prairie Public Television program taped Sept. 29 and airing Oct. 5, 14, 19 and 31.
“There really isn’t any point in us doing the same thing twice,” Trombley said.
For more information on the forum, call Cheryl Bergian at (701) 239-9323.
View online article here
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Gay marriage ruling declined
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem declined to offer his opinion Thursday on a proposed constitutional amendment which would ban same-sex marriage, saying the intent of its backers is unclear.
Rep. Mary Ekstrom, D-Fargo, had requested an opinion on the measure, which North Dakota voters will face Nov. 2.
It reads: "Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman. No other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect."
Ekstrom, who opposes the measure, believes the second sentence is vague, and could prevent private businesses from extending benefits to same-sex couples or cohabitating heterosexual couples.
"If we don't know what it means and what its effect will be, why in the world would we want to pass it?" Ekstrom said.
She is disappointed that Stenehjem did not offer an opinion, but understands his position.
Stenehjem said that text of the measure doesn't answer Ekstrom's question, and the intent of the Family Alliance has not been fleshed out in public debate.
For example, when a proposed amendment comes from the Legislature, Stenehjem can turn to the legislative history and debate to interpret the intent of its drafters.
With initiated measures, he would turn to brochures or newspaper articles to discern the public debate.
In this case, that debate has not yet occurred.
"I think it would be presumptuous of me to tell the sponsors of the measure what they mean," Stenehjem said. "I hope as the debate proceeds, it will be made clear."
<snip>
View full article here
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John E. Trombley letter: Alliance scheduled for
debate on TV
I enjoyed the lively "letters" section in the Sept. 12 Forum regarding the North Dakota Family Alliance's stand on the issue of same-sex marriage and our willingness to discuss it in the public arena. The reality is that since approximately Aug. 6, we have had an NDFA representative scheduled to appear on Prairie Public TV on Sept. 29, opposite a representative from Equality North Dakota. We chose that venue because Prairie Public is an objective facilitator. I understand Prairie Public intends to air that broadcast a number of times at their choosing. The Fargo Human Relations Commission is aware of that event as is Equality North Dakota.
For the record and from the beginning, we have approached the issue of homosexual marriage in North Dakota from a sociological perspective as opposed to a moral or spiritual perspective. Furthermore, we believe North Dakotans intuitively understand the difference between someone who wants to exercise their own free will vs. those who seek to force society to choose a new definition of the oldest of all institutions - that being the marriage between one man and one woman. In addition, we are confident that they will show it at the polls in November when they vote in favor of one man, one woman marriage.
John E. Trombley
Chairman
North Dakota Family Alliance
Fargo
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6.) The Forum (Fargo), W. Fargo commissioners reject King street name
W. Fargo commissioners reject King street name
West Fargo city commissioners decided Monday not to rename a street shared with Fargo after civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Commissioners rejected the proposal to rename Ninth Street East south of Interstate 94 as Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. In Fargo, the street is known as 57th Street South.
"This is a major corridor," West Fargo Mayor Rich Mattern said.
"I don't believe we should rename any part of it."
Mattern and other commissioners said they did not intend to be disrespectful to the civil rights leader. It was the street, not the name, they said.
The idea was presented by West Fargo Commissioner Brenda Warren and Fargo Commissioner Thomas Lane. The Fargo Human Relations Commission had approached Lane about renaming a street for King.
Lane and Warren argued that renaming Ninth Street/57th Street with a common name could reduce the chance that emergency response vehicles would be delayed by having dual names for the street.
<snip>
View full article here
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7.) Wahpeton Daily News, Erdrich book honored
Erdrich book honored By Mary Nelson, Daily News Wahpeton Daily News – 09/15/2004
A local author has recently been given several honors establishing her as an accomplished author for young readers.
Lise Erdrich of Wahpeton has written a timely book once again reminding the public of the assistance American Indians gave when North America was in the first stages of exploration.
The book "Sacagawea," received the 2004 Teacher's Choice Award from the International Reading Council, 2004 Carter G. Woodson Award for the most distinguished social science book appropriate for children that depict ethnicity in the United States, 2004 Minnesota Book Awards Finalist, and 2005 Learning Magazine Teachers' Choice Award.
The story is of Sacagawea, a young American Indian from the Shoshone tribe who helped Lewis and Clark in their historic journey of discovery in America. The book combines historical facts in its storytelling and illustrations to keep young readers interested.
Erdrich has been traveling across North Dakota to promote her books and reading itself. She's a great source of encouragement to the students at Circle of Nations School where she works.
"Reading is a stress reliever, it retrains your mind," Erdrich said.
<snip>
View full article here
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8.) The Forum (Fargo), Valarie Gengel letter: A statement from Islamic community?
Valarie Gengel letter: A statement from Islamic
community?
I would like to pose a question to all of the Fargo-Moorhead area. I would like to know if the area's Islamic community has denounced the slaughter of the hundreds of children in Russia by Islamic militants. I feel that the number of terrorist acts committed by Muslims warrants our concern for our community - particularly our children. I know that I, as a mother, would sleep better at night knowing that the members of this "religion of peace" in our community absolutely reject the behavior of the Sept. 11 terrorists as well as the mass murderers in Russia, slaughtering babies and children - on their first day of school - in the name of Allah.
If it had been insane fringe Christians committing these atrocities, I would be the first to tell my community that these people do not represent my values and morals and that I am in no way whatsoever associated with them. I would condemn their behavior immediately as a courtesy to my fellow Americans. I feel it would be incredibly insensitive not to put my community at ease and let them know that I am not, by any means, one of those murderous maniacs.
Has anyone heard a statement from the Muslims in the area to put our fears to rest? We now have proof that we have a right to know as our lives and more importantly, our children's lives depend on it. If it has already been done, I thank them.
Valarie Gengel
Fargo
<snip>
View full article here
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9.) The Forum (Fargo), A room divided, Turmoil within Fargo post office leads to court fights
A room divided, Turmoil within Fargo post office
leads to court fights
The sorting room in south Fargo's Prairiewood Station Post Office became a miserable place to work.
That much letter carriers on opposite sides of a federal lawsuit seem to agree on when describing their workplace environment.
Some letter carriers say it was much worse.
"For me and some others, it became a very scary place," said Bonnie Jensen, a 20-year letter carrier who filed a lawsuit against the Postal Service and four fellow letter carriers nearly five years ago.
"I had an escape plan in case I needed to get out of there," she said, referring to the threat of workplace violence so commonly associated with the Postal Service. "You wouldn't believe it unless you lived through it."
A jury is expected to decide if Jensen's claims have merit in a federal trial set to begin Dec. 6 in Fargo. Jensen, 56, filed her lawsuit on Nov. 17, 2000, claiming fellow letter carriers Karl Palloch, Gregg Sachow, Larry Ibach and Thomas Greene created a hostile work environment.
The lawsuit says the four carriers harassed Jensen and discriminated against her based on her sex and religious beliefs. Jensen further contends Postal Service managers led an ineffective investigation and failed to stop the workplace abuse despite her repeated complaints.
<snip>
View full article here
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10.) The Forum (Fargo), Lewis and Clark re-enactors face anger, protest in South Dakota from American Indians
Lewis and Clark re-enactors face anger, protest in
South Dakota from American Indians
ST. LOUIS - A group re-enacting the Lewis and Clark expedition were confronted in South Dakota by American Indian leaders who questioned the legacy of the 200-year-old trip and its effects on native culture.
An American Indian delegation greeted the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles over the weekend with protest signs, including one suggesting the original expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led to genocide of their people and destruction of their culture. The re-enactors were asked to go back home.
"I went as a peaceful emissary and asked in a kind way if they would leave," said Alex White Plume, a Lakota from Pine Ridge, S.D., who led the protest. "They should go home and rethink what they did to the native population."
Jon Ruybalid, a spokesman for the re-enactors, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the group expects more dialogue with the American Indians they met Saturday near Chamberlain, S.D. "It wasn't easy listening," Ruybalid said. "What they said was filled with a lot of pain. We are being educated and, in the process, we are a platform for people to express their concerns."
About 20 people taking part in the expedition left St. Charles, Mo., on May 23 on its planned journey along the path of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-06. The expedition is heading up the Missouri River in a replica boat.
Ruybalid said members of several South Dakota tribes planned to take part in bicentennial events this weekend near Pierre, S.D. But White Plume said he was "saddened that some tribes welcome them with open arms."
<snip>
View full article here
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11.) Williston Herald, Disabilities community finds new focus
Disabilities community finds new focus By Rebecca Mayer, Staff Writer Williston Herald – 9/24/2004
The Mayor's Committee on Employment and Advancement of People with Disabilities restarted in April after years without meeting.
"We're active, and we've got goals in mind," said Charlie Robinson, chair of the executive committee.
The executive committee, made up of 11 members, was appointed by the Williston City Commission.
The resolution governing the board states that "not less than six (members) shall be people with a disability, or have an individual with a disability in their immediate family."
General membership is available to anyone willing to volunteer their time. Currently, 39 people are general members of the committee.
Diana Read, a general member, recalls being a part of the Mayor's Committee for Employment of the Handicapped in the late 1980s, though there was probably activity earlier than that. "The main purpose was to find employers to hire people with disabilities," said Read.
But for whatever reason, the committee broke down through much of the 1990s. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed on the federal level in 1990, and the City of Williston received state funding to ensure that its public buildings were accessible to people with disabilities. However, there was no committee during this time. From 1995 through 2000, there was a committee, but there was really no focus, said Robinson.
Then in 2001, Mayor Ward Koeser agreed to have his keys taken away for a day as part of an exercise in handicapped accessibility, and in 2002, he agreed to wear an eyepatch for a day. This prompted Koeser to the importance of restarting the committee.
<snip>
View full article here
********************************************* Events *********************************************
A calendar of events for October is available on the NDHRC web site here.
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12.) Equality North Dakota Calendar of Events for the “Vote No to Discrimination, the Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment” Campaign
Sunday, October 3, 3:00
- 5:00 p.m. "Reception for Equality" fundraising and organizing event with representatives of Equality North Dakota, the "Vote No on Measure #1" committee and the Human Rights Campaign
Tuesday, October 5,
7:00 p.m. First broadcast of the "Face-to-Face" debate on Measure #1 between Equality North Dakota and the North Dakota Family Alliance
Monday, October 11,
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. "Coming Out for Equality" fundraiser for the "Vote No on Measure #1" campaign, with live bands! Poster in PDF Format
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13.) ALANA (African, Latino, Asian, Native American) Week Events at UND, October 12 – 16, Grand Forks
ALANA (African, Latino, Asian, Native American) week events Presented by UND Multicultural Student Services
Tuesday, October 12: 10:00am-2:00 pm Minority Children Foster Care Opportunities Presented by Lisa Piche from Northeast Human Services at the Era Bell Thompson Cultural Center
Thursday, October 14: 12noon-1:30pm “Freedom of Expression” Interactive Audio Conference at the Memorial Union Pembina Room
6:30pm-8:00pm Speaker: Bobby Gonzalez “Red, Black and Brown: The Native American/African American/Latin American Connection” at the Memorial Union River Valley Room
Friday, October 15: 10:00am-11:00am Speaker: Bobby Gonzalez “The Tainos: The Native Americans Who Discovered Columbus” at the International Center
11:30am-1:00pm Bobby Gonzalez Reception at the Era Bell Thompson Cultural Center (Lunch Provided)
3:30pm-7:00pm Annual ALANA Family Reunion Feast at the Era Bell Thompson Cultural Center
Saturday, October 16: 5:00pm-6:30pm Poetry Reading: Bobby Gonzalez at the Memorial Union Loading Dock
Please call Multicultural Student Services at 701-777-4259 with any questions.
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14.) Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, September 15 – October 15
Sept. 6 –Oct. 12Registration for Coloring, Drawing, and Writing Contest 1st-3rd Grades Coloring Contest 4th-7th Grades Drawing Contest 8th-12th Grades Writing Contest Adult Writing ContestWinners announced October 17
Oct. 12Coloring Drawing and Writing Contest Due
Oct. 15
“Coming of Age: 15th Birthday Quinceanera for Mujeres
Unidas”
Oct. 15-17Film Festival at Fargo Theatre“What if 12 Million Mexicans Vanished”The film depicts what might happen in the nations richest and most-populous state if Hispanics suddenly vanished. 1:00-5:00 pm Reception with Food and EntertainmentShow time is 7:00 pmAll shows are $5.00 including matineesFilm will run Oct. 15-17th
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15.) Candidate Recruitment & Reminder from Uniting for Equality
Message from Uniting For Equality:
Greetings
Collaborative Members and Supporters, *********************************************
16.) 2004 NDHRC Conference November 5 & 6, 2004, Bismarck: Brochure and Information Now on NDHRC Web Site
The second annual North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Conference, “Human Rights: Economic Impact of Discrimination,” will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, November 5 and close at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, November 6, 2004. The conference will be held at the Best Western, Ramkota Hotel, 800 South Third Street, Bismarck, ND.
The conference brochure and registration form are now available on the NDHRC website at http://ndhrc.org/Events/2004%20NDHRC%20Conf/2004ConfBrochure&Reg.htm.
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17.) Mental Health Professional Conference, October 12 & 13, Mandan
The Mental Health Association in North Dakota is sponsoring a professional conference in Mandan on October 12 and 13. The theme is “Stress Related Disorders: Children, Families, Military”.
Conference begins Tuesday, October 12th, 2004 at 1:30pm until 4:30pm and continues Wednesday October 13th, 2004 from 8:30am until 4:30pm at the Best Western Seven Seas Inn 2611 Old Red Trail, I-94 at Exit 152 Mandan, ND 58554, 1-800-597-7327.
CEUs pending for Social Workers, Counselors, etc. For More Information Call: 1-800-472-2911 or mentalhealth5@juno.com.
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18.) Developmental Disabilities Conference, October 8 & 9, Fargo
“Focus on Developmental Disabilities in North Dakota” a public policy conference will be at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo on October 8 and 9. This conference is sponsored by the Arc, Upper Valley of Grand Forks.
At the conference you will learn from the experts and leaders in disability advocacy about hot issues in public policy. Learn more about the role of government in family related activities. Train in legislative advocacy related to developmental disabilities and health care issues, Meet people interested in public policy and developmental disability.
Watch for details and registration materials to arrive soon or contact The Arc, Upper Valley at 701-772-6191 or e-mail thearc@arcuv.com.
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19.) 21st Annual Peace Congress of the ND Peace Coalition, October 8 & 9, Bismarck
Americans Deserve Democracy, Too! Celebrating 21 Years of the North Dakota Peace Coalition!
On the beautiful campus of the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, ND
Program:
Friday, October 8 – Gathering and Arts Celebration – Music, Poetry and Movement United Tribes Technical College, Jack Barden Center (southeast corner of campus) 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Registration and Reception 8:00 p.m. – Music, Poetry and Movement - Kris Kitko, singer/songwriter will perform new songs for peace and justice. Dragon Jane, duo Bonnie Torrance and Karen Van Fossan, will perform creative poetry & dance. Mixed media artwork will be displayed by artist Jane Peterson.
Saturday, October 9 – Congress United Tribes Technical College, Jack Barden Center 8:00 a.m. – Registration and Continental Breakfast 9:00 a.m. – Opening Celebration and Greetings Acting President's Report by Acting President Brian Palecek 10:00 a.m. – Keynote Address by Amy Goodman: “Working for Democracy in the Media: Democracy Now!” 12:00 – Lunch and tour of United Tribes Art Gallery of traditional and contemporary arts 1:30 p.m. – Strengthening the Statewide Peace Organization Annual Meeting to select Steering Committee for 2004-2005 Discussion on Empowerment through Local and Statewide Activism, which will include a panel of current Steering Committee Members 2:45 p.m. – Making Connections Panel North Dakota activists make connections between their work and the ongoing challenge of peace and justice work of standing up to the Military, Industrial, Congressional, Energy (Media?) MICE Complex. Representatives of human rights, veterans, environmental, educational, arts, and women's advocacy organizations will share their views and insights. 4:00 p.m. – Fundraising Auction and Hoopla for Hope. Please bring an auction item to share. 5:00 p.m. – Adjournment of Congress
Supper of Celebration United Tribes Cafeteria, Bldg 72 - South side of campus along Ft. Berthold Ave. Saturday, October 9 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Banquet honoring Tom Disselhorst, our Prairie Peacemaker for 2004. The Supper of Celebration is co-hosted and co-sponsored with United Tribes Technical College to honor Tom.
For registration and information contact the North Dakota Peace Coalition, P.O. Box 2547, Bismarck, ND 58502, 701-258-8495 or register via email to Steve Merrill at merrils@btinet.net .
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20.) Message from Equality North Dakota
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE
FREELY AND WIDELY!
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21.) PSA: Volunteers Needed for Get Out and Vote Project
For
Immediate Release People
Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP), Centro Cultural De Fargo Moorhead, and several
other Community based groups are teaming up to participate in non-partisan,
community-wide Voter Education and Registration drives.
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22.) Applications Invited for Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Deadline:
November 1, 2004 *********************************************
***Member Reminder*** Please keep us in mind for your group or church social action/social justice meetings! We’d be happy to provide a presentation at a meeting or provide newsletter articles for your organizations.
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