Tuesday, January 22, 2008

It's all right to cry...

I struggle with how to teach my kids that they can and should have and feel their feelings, but also that they can moderate their behavior - that they don't need to have a huge melt down over every little thing, but they don't need to stuff their feelings either.

The old Free To Be You and Me song, It's All Right To Cry (see the youtube video) is a great resource -- beautiful pictures of people young and old crying, with the words "it's all right to cry, crying gets the sad out of you... "

Kate and I recently got another book about Little Rabbit from the library. Why Do You Cry? (Not a Sob Story) by Kate Klise and illustrated by her sister Sarah Klise, features Little Rabbit (from Shall I Knit You a Hat fame, reviewed earlier) on the eve of his 5th birthday. Little Rabbit assertst that he won't cry anymore, once he is 5, and only wants those who don't cry to come to his birthday party. Of course he finds out that all his friends still cry, and comes to see crying in a different way. This is a book we're going to buy.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

A Better World - inspiring coloring pages

A Better World has an incredible number of inspiring and free print-outs around social justice issues.

I printed Martin Luther King Jr. info, an Alice Paul quotation for International Women's Day and some non-violence coloring sheets for a Season of NonViolence.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

UNE MLK Events

From the University of New England

2008 Election Year: "Constructing Democracy"

UNE's Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Features Staff from the Highlander Research and Education Center
As part of the 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the University of New England will host a residency with staff from the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee.

The Highlander Center, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last fall, has a long history of supporting social justice movements, grassroots activism, and bringing individuals and groups together to envision and effect social change. It was one of the leading training centers for many of the country’s best-known activists during the civil rights movement.

All of the Highlander Center’s programs are unified by the common theme of “Constructing Democracy,” which means building a society in which all people can participate in the decisions that affect their lives.

Featured Speakers
Elandria Williams, a youth and community organizer on the Highlander’s Education Team, will be the featured speaker on the University Campus in Biddeford January 22-24th.

Anasa Troutman, a Highlander staff member who uses arts and culture for activist organizing and social change will be the featured speaker on the Westbrook College Campus in Portland January 30-February 1st.

Calendar of Events
University Campus - Biddeford

All MLK, Jr. events on the University Campus in Biddeford will be facilitated by Elandria Williams from the Highlander Center and are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Socrates Café: Racism and Oppression in our Community?
St. Francis Room, Library, UC Campus in Biddeford

Wednesday, January 23 at noon
UC Keynote Address: “Constructing Democracy”
Elandria Williams from the Highlander Center
Multipurpose Rooms, Campus Center, UC Campus, Biddeford
A Service & Community Involvement Fair will be held at the same time and location.

Wednesday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m.

“Leadership for Activism” Workshop
Multipurpose Rooms, Campus Center, UC Campus, Biddeford.
To register for this workshop email ehavu@une.edu

Westbrook College Campus - Portland

All MLK, Jr. Events on the Westbrook College Campus in Portland will be
facilitated by Anasa Troutman from the Highlander Center and are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, January 30 at noon
WCC Keynote Address: “Why We Can’t Wait”
Anasa Troutman from the Highlander Center
Ludcke Auditorium, WCC Campus, Portland

Wednesday, January 30 at 5:00 p.m.
Socrates Café: Racism and Oppression in our Community?
Cahner’s Lounge, Hersey Hall, WCC Campus, Portland

Thursday, January 31 at 1:00 p.m.
“Initiating Conversations: Tools for Change” Workshop
Alexander 07, WCC Campus, Portland

Thursday, January 31 at 6:00 p.m.
“Engaging Communities through the Arts” Workshop
Alexander 07, WCC Campus, Portland

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Talking Openly About Diversity...

The 14th Annual Changing Maine Presents:

"Talking Openly About Diversity, Oppression & Racism in Maine" one day workshop

Saturday, February 9, 2008
Pine Tree State Arboretum
153 Hospital St.
Augusta, ME
9:30 AM - 3: 30 PM

(In case of hazardous driving weather on February 9, the event will be re-scheduled to a later date, same time and location)

*$25 suggested (but any donation is welcome, consider sponsoring a slot for another to attend)

Presented by Cultivating Multicultural Alliances (CMA) of Maine and New England

Developed by a Social Worker in Maine, CMA is a Whole-listic Approach to Multiculturalism Based on Alliances, Equity, Reciprocity and the Elimination of Racism & Tribalism

"Diversity is nothing new, but equity & multiculturalism are."

To register or more info (see below) contact Larry Dansinger, 525-7776 or rosc@psouth.net.
Changing Maine is sponsored by ROSC (Resources for Organizing and Social Change).


To Contact Cultivating Multicultural Alliances (CMA):
P.O. Box 7831
Portland, Maine 04112
USA
Phone: 207- 232-3092
Web: www.callcma.net (currently under construction until mid Jan)
Email: callcma@gmail.com

CMA is beneficial for all ages, races and ethnicities, including individuals, groups, and organizations.

CMA DID (Dialogues in Diversity) dialogues and Anti- Oppression Peer Education Trainings are especially beneficial for Grades 6-12 and College Students.


Why this day to look at issues of diversity, oppression, and racism in Maine?

Diversity in Maine is nothing new, but multiculturalism and equity are.

Maine and most of New England are currently experiencing growing pains due to increasing international adoptions, international students, refugee resettlements, bi- racial and multiracial families, and relationships.

CMA was established by a social worker in July 2007 after working with numerous individuals, groups and organizations as they struggled with trying to manage these life transitions.

Participants trained in the CMA approach learn to value themselves in relationship with others.

These trainings are especially valuable for educational institutions, NGOs, social workers & grass roots community organizers wanting to organize anti- racism initiatives more affectively across class and racial divides.


Event Schedule

This one day workshop is an introduction to CMA weekend retreats and trainings.
9:00-9:30 am
Registration /Coffee/Tea--PLEASE ARRIVE BY 9 AM SO WE CAN START NO LATER THAN 9:30.

9:30- 10:00 am
An overview & introduction to CMA
Ice Breakers

10:00 -12 Noon
Dialogues in Diversity level I-
The practice of critical cross-cultural engagement in action

Noon-1:30 Potluck Lunch and Reflections
[Please provide food for 8+, keep in mind dietary concerns, e.g., no dairy, no meat, or no pork. Labelling incredients in whatever you bring will help. Potluck allows us to keep the conference cost to a minimum]

1:30- 3:00 pm
"His"- Story, Racism in review and a multicultural society

3- 3:30 closing remarks
CEU certification pending approval by the ACSW licensure board


Registration Form (You can fill out on line and email back)

Cost: $25 per person (but any suggested donation is welcomed, consider sponsoring a slot for another to attend)
Name:
Address:
City/ state/zip
Phone
Email:
Organization (if any)
____I need a ride; contact me re; carpooling
____I can offer a ride
____I need childcare, register by January 26

*Directions and handouts will be sent to pre-registrants. Registration at the door may be available as space permits (call first).

*The location and bathrooms are fully wheelchair accessible. For special needs/requests, please state below:

____I am mailing a check (made out to ROSC) to ROSC, 161 Stovepipe Alley, Monroe, ME 04951

____Hold a space, I will pay at the door:


For event logistics or last-minute questions about weather, contact Larry Dansinger, Resources for Organizing and Social Action, 161 Stovepipe Alley, Monroe, ME 04951, (207) 525-7776 or rosc@psouth.net.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Teen Materialism and Self-Esteem

From Dads and Daughters:

TEEN MATERIALISM LINKED TO SELF-ESTEEM
New research indicates that materialism in children and adolescents is directly connected to their self esteem.
The University of Minnesota’s Deborah Roedder John and University of Illinois’s Lan Nguyen Chaplin found that materialism increases from middle childhood (8 and 9 years old) to early adolescence (12 and 13 years old) but then declines by the end of high school (16 to 18 years old). This mirrors patterns in self-esteem, which instead decreases in early adolescence but increases in late adolescence.

"The level of materialism in teens is directly driven by self-esteem," said John. "When self-esteem drops as children enter adolescence, materialism peaks. Then by late adolescence, when self-esteem rebounds, their materialism drops."

In a second study, John and Chaplin boosted self-esteem by giving children positive information about peer acceptance. In a summer camp setting, children were given paper plates with positive descriptors about them, such as "smart" and "fun," which were provided by their peers. This simple gesture drastically reduced the high levels of materialism found among 12- to 13-year-olds and the moderate levels of materialism found among 16- to 18-year-olds.

“By simply increasing self-esteem in teens, we see a decreased focus on material goods that parallels that of young children,” said John. “While peers and marketing can certainly influence teens, materialism is directly connected to self-esteem." Read more

Monday, January 7, 2008

Vigil Update

"CANDLELIGHT" VIGIL NEW TIME AND PLACE:
5:00 P.M. STATE HOUSE HALL OF FLAGS

SEE DETAILS BELOW


Please join us to STOP proposed cuts that hurt:

Victims of domestic violence
People with mental illness
Elders in need of care
People living with HIV/AIDS
Health care for some of Maine's most vulnerable people
Foster children

WHERE AND WHEN:


The vigil will begin at 5:00 pm in the Hall of Flags – 3rd floor of the State House. We expect it will end at approximately 6:30.

DETAILS:

We have reserved Room 105 of the CROSS STATE OFFICE BUILDING (just behind the State House--first floor) beginning at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 9th to gather and make signs.

Signs- If you want to make a sign to hold at the vigil, come to Room 105 of the Cross State Office Building between 4:00 and 4:45 pm. There will be sign-making materials there.

Candles- Since we are now going to be INSIDE, we are NOT able to use real candles. We are planning to have a supply of glow sticks available to represent candles. Please do NOT bring candles.

Parking- There will be parking available in the parking lot behind the Cross State Office Building or in the parking garage across Capitol Street from the State House.

PRESS CONFERENCE AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE REVIEW OF CUTS:

If you also can come for the afternoon of the 9th, there will be a press conference at 12:30 pm just outside of the Health and Human Services Committee Room 209 – in the Cross Office Building. At 1:00 P.M. the Health and Human Services Committee will meet in Room 209 to review the cuts made by the Governor. There is not likely to be opportunity to testify on Wednesday before the Commitee but a strong show of support in the room is important. There will be an opportunity to testify on these cuts at a later date.

We apologize for the last minute change to the time and location for the rally. Changes in the legislative schedule make it far more likely we will get press at this new time. Also, with a forecast for rain we will be warmer and drier indoors

If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call.

Crystal M. Bond
Paralegal/Organizer
Maine Equal Justice Partners
126 Sewall Street, Augusta, Maine 04330
Toll free: 1-866-626-7059 x 205
Local: 626-7058 x 205; Fax: 207 621-8148
cbond@mejp.org
www.mejp.org

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Maine Vigil

Candlelight Vigil--A Circle of HOPE Around the State House in Augusta

Wednesday, January 9th at 6:45 P.M.

Please join us to STOP proposed cuts that hurt:

Victims of domestic violence
People with mental illness
Elders in need of care
People living with HIV/AIDS
Health care for some of Maine's most vulnerable people
Foster children

WHERE AND WHEN:
We will gather in Room 105 of the CROSS STATE OFFICE BUILDING (just behind the State House--first floor) beginning at 6:15 PM on Wednesday, January 9th. The vigil will begin at 6:45 and we will gather outdoors between the State House and the Cross State Office Building.

DETAILS:
Signs- If you want to make a sign to hold at the vigil, come to Room 105 of the Cross State Office Building anytime after 5:00 P.M. There will be sign-making materials there. We are NOT allowed to put signs on stakes on State House grounds, so we will have to hold the signs.

Candles- Please bring a candle if you have one, but if you do not, there will be candles available at the vigil.

Parking- There will be plenty of parking in the parking lot behind the Cross State Office Building or in the parking garage across Capitol Street from the State House.

PRESS CONFERENCE AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE REVIEW OF CUTS: If you also can come for the afternoon of the 9th, there will be a press conference at 1:00 P.M. in the Welcome Center on the first floor of the State House. At 2:00 P.M. the legislature's Health and Human Services Committee will meet in Room 209 of the Cross State Office Building to review the cuts made by the Governor. There may be opportunity for some limited public testimony at that time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call…

Thank you.


Janine Corbett
Maine Equal Justice Partners
Training and Policy Specialist
126 Sewall St.
Augusta, ME 04330-6822
tel 207.626.7058 x207
fax 207.621.8148
jcorbett@mejp.org


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