During this economic downturn, we have all been hit by the hard times.

However, some people are facing this tough economy in a hostile work and unjust work environment.  For months, Restaurant Opportunities Center, Interfaith Worker’s Justice, and ICPJ have been protesting Andiamo Restaurant in Dearborn for hundreds of thousands of dollars of unpaid wages and workplace discrimination.

As a federal lawsuit against the owner works its way through the courts, we need to continue to show support for the workers.

WHAT: Faith & Civil Rights Vigil in Support of Justice at Andiamo workers

WHEN: Friday, February 19th from 7-8 pm;

WHERE: outside Andiamo Dearborn Restaurant, 21400 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn

WHO: Civil rights songs as well as Sister Cathey DeSantis, Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance & Pastor Bill Wylie-Kellerman, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Detroit. Sponsored by the Restaurant Opportunities Center, Metro Detroit Interfaith Worker Justice, and Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice.

WHY: Learn more about the struggle here.

HOW:  There will be carpools leaving at 5:45 from “The Cube” near Maynard and Jefferson in Ann Arbor. Please let Rick Durance know if you’re going at rdurance@umich.edu so we can know how many people to expect.

Whether you’re feel strongly about workers right, racial or sexual discrimination, economic injustice, or just feel called to help, please come and support the movement for justice at Andiamo.

Update: On Feb. 11th, over 50 community members of different faiths and backgrounds joined us for a screening of Journey into America, a documentary about the current experiences of American Muslims. Following the film, Dawud Walid, Executive Director of CAIR-MI (Council on American-Islamic Relations) spoke about the recent shooting of the Detroit Imam and about current protocols regarding the usage of confidential informants in houses of worship to entice or entrap congregants. Listen to the audio of his presentation here. You can also take action on this issue by writing a letter to your Congresspeople. You can print and sign this sample letter or write your own.

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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.

UPDATE: Since the first event was such a success, we plan to continue discussions based on this book. The next discussion is schedule for March 25 at 7:00 p.m. Check back at www.icpj.net for details.

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

We encourage people to read the book ahead of the event, but you’re still welcome even if you haven’t.

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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://www.flickr.com/photos/nesri/ / CC BY 2.0

Within the next few weeks, our representatives in government will almost certainly vote on legislation to revise the health care insurance system. What form those revisions will take has yet to be decided, but in the current debate, questions of affordability, taxpayer burden, quality of care, and freedom of choice have risen to the forefront.

. . . But are those the areas that should receive our focus?

As people of faith and conscience, how can we structure the discussion in such a way that we keep it true to our principles? How do we make it clear that at its heart the debate about health care shouldn’t simply be a discussion of economic issues or questions of access or type of care given, but an ethical and moral issue that asks all of us to consider our most basic notions of fairness and respect for quality of life?

The health care subcommittee of the Racial and Economic Justice Task Force is asking for your input. We would like you to answer the following question: What, for you, constitutes a health care “bottom line”?  Why is health care a moral issue to you?

How would you frame the debate?

Please respond by leaving a reply below. Thank you!

How has the economic crisis reshaped the “American Dream”?

Join us on Monday, July 6th for The Call in the Darkness: The Economic Crises and the New American Dream — Independence Day Community Discussion and Potluck Dinner!

On Independence Day, we celebrate our country’s heritage, values, and democratic ideals that define the “American Dream”. But as the economic crisis continues to reshape our lives and our plans for the future, how do our visions of the “American Dream” begin to change?

You are invited to this informal community sharing of our hopes, concerns, questions, and insights as we reflect on this unique 4th of July holiday. (Families are welcome!)

Location: Wesley Lounge, Wesley Foundation (shares a building with First United Methodist Ann Arbor: 602 E. Huron, Ann Arbor – on State between Huron and Washington).
Date: Monday, 7/06
Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Please bring a dish to pass. RSVP’s appreciated to gracek@icpj.net, 663-1870.
Co-sponsored by Michigan Peaceworks.