Thank you for joining us! Over 50 community members representing over 30 local congregations attended ICPJ’s Congregational Liaison Meeting on February 1st, discussing responses to local needs related to hunger, the economy, and multiculturalism. You can read Notes from Small Group Discussions here.

And remember that ICPJ is a great resource for your congregation to learn more and get involved on pressing social issues. Read about our workshop offerings and library resources, current events, or contact us directly at (734) 663-1870 or info@icpj.net.

Join a discussion of "Uprooting Racism" on Thursday, Feb 25 at 7:00 p.m.

We’re launching a racial justice book discussion group, and I hope you’ll be part of it.

Celebrate Black History Month by joining ICPJ for the first of our Racial Justice Book Group as we discuss Paul Kivel’s Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice. This is a chance to go deeper to explore issues of race, racism, and how to make a more just society.

When: Thursday, February 25, 7:00pm

Where: St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 1679 Broadway Street, Ann Arbor (map)

Childcare available – RSVP suggested.

Details: 734-663-1870, chuck@icpj.net

Continue Reading »

On Tuesday, January 26, join a viewing and discussion of "Rethink Afghanistan"

• Why have we been in Afghanistan for the past nine years?
• Who are the Taliban and why are we fighting them?
• Why are we also paying them money to protect supply caravans?
• What are the official reasons for sending in 30,000 more US soldiers?
• What are the reasons for why we should leave?
• How well do these reasons stand up to scrutiny?

If these are burning questions you want to discuss, please come join us in seeing Rethink Afghanistan, a 75 minute documentary focusing on the key issues surrounding this war and participate in a post film discussion about questions like the above and more.

Light refreshments provided

• Why have we been in Afghanistan for the past nine years?
• Who are the Taliban and why are we fighting them?
• Why are we also paying them money to protect supply caravans?
• What are the official reasons for sending in 30,000 more US soldiers?
• What are the reasons for why we should leave?
• How well do these reasons stand up to scrutiny?

If these are burning questions you want to discuss, please come join us in seeing Rethink Afghanistan, a 75 minute documentary focusing on the key issues surrounding this war and participate in a post film discussion about questions like the above and more.

A light meal and beverages provided (food contributions welcome).

When: Tuesday, January 26, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Where: Social Hall, St Clare/Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

For additional information call 734.663.1870 or email info@icpj.net.

C0-sponsored by the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice and the Social Action Committee of St. Clare’s Episcopal Church.

The event is free and open to the public.

When: Tuesday, January 26, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Where: Social Hall, St Clare/Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

For additional information call 734.663.1870 or email info@icpj.net.

C0-sponsored by the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice and the Social Action Committee of St. Clare’s Episcopal Church.

The event is free and open to the public.

ICPJ hosts its Annual Congregational Liaison Meeting and Dessert Reception, this year with a focus on, “Responding to Local Needs”.

Join in a gathering for community members of all faith traditions and backgrounds who share your passion for peace and justice!

Hear about how congregations are responding to:
Local hunger
Tough economic times
Local challenges of multiculturalism

Share how your congregation is responding to  local needs and connect with others working on similar issues

Enjoy our dessert reception!

WHEN: Monday, February 1st, 2010; 7-9pm

WHERE: Vineyard Church (2275 Platt Rd., Ann Arbor, 48104, on Platt btwn Washtenaw and S. Huron Pkwy)

RSVP’s (appreciated): 734-663-1870 or gracek@icpj.net

One year ago the peace movement was jubilant at the election of a new administration. One year after a new administration came to office, where does the peace movement see itself?

A panel of community leaders and peace activists from ICPJ task forces will discuss the policies and actions of the administration of the past year and the effect on the peace movement. Panelists will focus on ICPJ’s issue areas including climate change, Latin America, hunger, Israel/Palestine, war and disarmament, and racial & economic justice.

Date: Wednesday, January 20th
Time: 6:30-8:30pm. Join us for dessert and coffee/tea at 6:30pm, followed by panel speakers and discussion.
Location: Church of the Good Shepherd (2145 Independence Blvd., Ann Arbor). 

For more information, call (734) 663-1870 or email info@icpj.net.  Free and open to the public. Join us!

Download the poster to help spread the word. Continue Reading »

http://mejdi.net/diplomacy/

ICPJ’s Common Ground group is considering a tour to Palestine and Israel potentially in May 2010 and is inviting you to be a part of this process. The tour would be led by Arab and Jewish partners equally, and is designed to accomplish three goals at once:

1. Educate tour participants in two narratives equally as they seek to understand and play a constructive role as global citizen diplomats and peacemakers.
2. Support local, fair-wage businesses in the marketplaces we will visit.
3. Network with local peacemaking organizations to determine the most effective way for participants to assist in the promotion of peace in the area.
4. Return to our community with a renewed ability to engage in effective action for peace on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

These tours have been co-created by Rabbi Dr. Marc Gopin, a recognized figure in conflict resolution, and Aziz Abu Sarah, a leading Palestinian peacemaker. Dr. Gopin was one of the three main speakers at the Morikawa Conference in Ann Arbor a year ago. Their organization, The Middle East Justice and Development Initiative will conduct the tour. For more information see www.mejdi.net/diplomacy.

We envision the tour as a way to unite a diverse interfaith team by sharing a powerful experience with the hope that, through this experience, team members will develop mutual understanding and build common ground.  We look forward to releasing a renewed energy and a sense of how to better engage our respective communities in common action in support of a just and mutually beneficial peace in Israel/Palestine.

Would you like to be involved in this effort? Please review the options below, and contact Grace Kotre – email gracek@icpj.net or call (734) 663-1870 – to let us know how you’d like to be a part of this effort!

1 — Attending the trip - able to cover costs on your own (or with your own personal fundraising). Timing and trip itinerary will be determined by those attending.

2 — Attending the trip – NOT able to cover costs on your own (will need support in fundraising and possible scholarship). We cannot guarantee there will be any scholarships, but it is something we will continue to look into together.

3 — Sending us contact information for people you know who might have interest in this trip. (This is a great way to help out if you can’t go yourself!)

4 — Helping to provide funding for the trip. If you or your organization is able to offer funds in any amount for this special trip opportunity (outside of any regular giving to ICPJ), it would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if this is something you’d consider to allow others to attend.

Thanks so much for your support and interest in making this important work possible.