An Executive's Executive

Once again our government has failed the basic test of common sense. Admirably and on schedule, President Bush requires all members of the executive branch to provide all documents - including classified documents to his office for his perusal. This typical act that usually takes place in presidential administrations tends to go on without a news story. However, in a post 9/11 world these types of routine acts get scrutinized - and I'm glad it is!

Our Vice President Cheny - the man most believe actually runs 1600 Pennsylvania Ave - has decided not to provide the documents claiming he is not a member of the executive branch! I guess he's a judge now, or maybe a senator? Maybe he forget about his two presidential campaigns?!?!? At any rate, instead of giving the documents in an era that reeks of the aftermath of the Libbey trial and conviction - his former chief of staff, Cheney decides to recommend that the office that requests the documents be abolished.

As bad as this looks for Cheney, the real issue is the fact that this is an executive order from Bush that can only be enforced by Bush. So, it is a repeated cycle of . . . . well. . . . nothing. Once again, the public feels insecure, our leaders feel above the law, and the public and Congress (deadlocked because the public decided to vote a narrow Democratic majority) can do nothing.

Even as a political scientist in training, I can understand why people would disaffect from politics altogether. If this is what they cite as reasons, who could blame them?

US Attorneys Fiasco-A Tangent to Real Concerns

As partisan as I might appear to be to some people, this is an issue that seems daunting to me.

I simply don't get why Democrats and Republicans are spending so much time discussing the firings of 8 US Attorneys. OK, so maybe the Democrats are trying to add another appearence of bad ethics to the Republican side, but - give me a break - it's 8 people!

We have far more pressing issues as a country. If the concern really is someone's job security, how about we discuss unemployment rates, re-negotiate union contracts, pensions, and benefits for people. How about we talk about affirmative action - the job security for many underprivileged in this country!

But please, stop talking about these 8 US Attorneys. Let's spend time fighting homelessnes, child abuse, poor education in our schools, affordable health care and home ownership. There is just so much more important and relevant to our lives than 8 US Attorneys.

Now, all of this is rhetoric unless we all talk action and demand our elected representatives change their course of focus. So, that's my message. I hope to encourage you to press issues of relevance to your elected officials. Only then will government be effective.

GREAT News for HIVers!

Wow.

It cannot be understated the joy of hearing news that scientific research can now add years of survival to HIV patients whose infection has been complicated by a resistance to the current available drugs on the market.

In other words, millions of people will have access to drugs that will add years of life!

Glory be to God!

See the New York Times story here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/28/health/28hiv.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Andrew Young Remark Unacceptable

Most who know me know that I believe self-criticism and valid constructive criticism of my own racial group is a healthy process. Thus, you should not be caught off-guard by this column criticizing former Ambassador and Mayor of Atlanta Andrew Young's comment to a black Los Angeles newspaper, where he used racially and ethnicially insentive language to refer to alleged ownership of stores in urban black communities by Jews, Koreans, and Arabs. His comment is completely unacceptable and I am pleased he found it necessary to resign his role with Wal-Mart as a chairman of a campaign to fix its image.

I just hope African American leaders will join me in condemning this remark, while still looking to Young's past great efforts on behalf of human rights for all for guidance with contemporary pressing issues.

Here's the article in the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/18/business/18walmart.html?ref=us

Evacuations For White Americans

I got to say it. I find it very interested how the United States couldn't find the resources or manpower to safely evacuate Americans from Hurricane Katrina - residents living within the continental United States; yet our country can find immediate means to evacuate American citizens in the worn torn Middle East, where Lebanon and Israel are currently at odds. Not only do Americans, most of whom are white, get evacuated safely, but most by plane, or luxurious cruise ships amidst bombings and chaos. Yet, somehow, a natural disaster that was predicted days before it occurred in a mostly poor and black area concentrated area in the United States can not have had the same effect.

Not only that, but the national news media makes pleas for the American Secretary of State, Ms. Rice, to immediately go to the Middle East to help address the war torn countries' concerns and to ensure the safe evacuation and care of American citizens through the Embassies -- another example of American errogance which suggests we, and only we, have the power of bridge divides in other places.

Does anyone remember the national media -- Anderson Cooper perhaps beside -- making pleas for national leaders to rush to the scene in the midst of Katrina?

Oddly Bush is right, as he articulated is his first ever speech to the NAACP - conveniently after he no longer needs conservative votes for re-election - when he said, racism still exists in this country and his party shares much of the blame for its political participation.

Still a Hometown Boy

Ok, I will keep this brief, because most of you aren't from Toledo and likely won't care. However, the current mayor of the city of Toledo, OH, Carty Finkbeiner, (D), a white man who unseated the city's first black mayor, Jack Ford, (D), last November, recently called the Fire Chief, a black man "King Kong" in a staff meeting. The comment leaked to the press, creating a fiasco because of Mr. Carleton Finkbeiner's previous verbal and physical blunders as the mayor from 1993-2001.

Some might know the Trivial Pursuit board game and be aware of the mayor's former comment suggesting deaf people be moved to the airport?

The Fire Chief made a plea that people not make an issue of it, saying he did not think the mayor meant anything of it. He agreed with the mayor's statement to the press that he meant the comment to refer to his strength and stature as a man.

But, to me, this is another example of blacks being complacent about implicit racial behavior of white public officials and choosing to do nothing about it. I wrote a editorial that was printed in The Blade. See the web address:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060604/OPINION03/606040350&SearchID=73251045005445

You will also notice a woman's letter on the same page whose opinions are contrary to mine on this issue, and in my opinion, her examples are irrelevant. Also, most noticeably is the Mayor's own response -- a great political answer that does not acknowledge fault for the comment.

What do you think?

Black Males in Trouble? . . . .

The March 20, 2006 article in The New York Times "Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn" is a good and bad thing. It's good because it statistically demonstrates the problems of black males in today's society on many fronts: education, employment, income, etc.

But, what's worse is the bad thing. With the NYT being an internationally read paper, it likely does more harm than good, as it may serve as a vehicle for continued discrimination, stereotypes, and stigma for our black male population in the United States.

I believe in the power of mass media, but, I guess, sometimes, I would prefer problems like these to remain "in house" and invite the media in when progress is being made, and the article can carry a serious, but more upbeat tone.

If problems begin at home, they should begin to be fixed at home -- not at major white institutions of higher education, that often times choose to increase the disconnect between their institutions and the community. These problems for the black male have been documented by non-major universities for decades, so it is nothing new (until major white university professors--yes, even people of color at such institutions like myself) begin to study the issue.

It's called applied academics. I'm excited to hear of the work being done. But, it's not new, and the article's title and content could have been more positive--yes, even given the bismal numbers.

We should be in the business of encouragement - - not discouragement.

Us and Illusions - Excellence and Ends in the Vineyard (Excerpt)

One way to avoid going out this Morning with any Illusions or delusions is deliberately paying attention to avenues of devoting distinct deference to divine difference. Paying attention means doing as Dr. King, who dared with dignity and distinction to destroy discrimination! There’s no doubt Dr. King did not let political big wigs nor his personal political opinions, ethnicity, nor his religious adherence stop him from reaching beyond his comfort zones. Obviously, Rev. King knew the truth and wisdom behind the Nigerian proverb: “Fine words do not produce food.” He knew that food was in the fields and vineyards, not in mere words.

When will we start producing food? Yeah, listening to Dr. King’s words is nice. Reading his legendary speeches is fine. Going to King commemoration services yearly in early January - that’s all very good. But, doing just that won’t produce food! Like those annoying sitcom repeats, and the even more annoying pink energizer bunny, we have got to keep going and going and going and doing and doing and doing! As Dr. King says (and I’m quoting): “We’ve got to keep on keeping on, in order to gain freedom. It would be fortunate if the people in power had sense enough to go on and give up, but they don’t do it like that. It is not done voluntarily, but it is done through the pressure that comes from people who are oppressed.”

Therefore, those of us who are unemployed, those of us who are women, those of us who are short, those of us who are ugly, those of us who are not heterosexual, those of us who are poor, those of us who are black, those of us who are Christian, those of us plagued with a disease, infirmity, or disability . . . We’ve got to stop celebrating the past and start doing in the present for the future! I’m convinced! SOMEBODY IS HEARING ECHOES OF DR. KING TODAY! SOMEBODY IN HERE WANTS SOCIAL JUSTICE TO PREVAIL! SOMEBODY WANTS TO BE ASSURED THAT EVERY VOTE IS ACCURATELY COUNTED! SOMEBODY WANTS THE CHURCH TO PAY ATTENTION TO HIS OR HER NEEDS WITHOUT HAVING TO SHOW A W2 (as if the Prophet Malachi – MINISTERS!- was only talking about monetary offerings)! SOMEBODY WANTS TO SHOUT AND NOT BE SILENCED! SOMEBODY WANTS ADEQUATE LEGAL REPRESENTATION WHEN CHARGED WITH AN OFFENSE OR A CRIME!! SOMEBODY WANTS TO GET MARRIED IN THE EYES OF GOD AND NOT THE EYES OF THE GOVERNMENT!!! DON’T GO OUT THIS MORNING WITH ANY ILLUSIONS, ‘CAUSE A LOT OF SOMEBODYS IN HERE WANT TO SING WE HAVE OVERCOME!”

Please Don’t Leave from here this Morning SOS. You know what that stands for? “Stuck on Stupid” – Don’t leave here SOS - with illusions, delusions, feigned ignorance, and misconceptions of reality. Please! for God’s and humanity’s sakes! The multiple teachings of Dr. King caution us, as do I and our scriptural readings today: to BE AWARE, to wake up, and to pay attention. We hopefully have learned from the frustration in the 1950s and 1960s of the leading white Southern ministers like Alfred Dickinson, pastor of First Baptist and John Buchanan of Southside Baptist Church in Birmingham, whose disagreements often resulted from the precarious middle ground between hard-line segregationists and liberal integrationists.

Yet, some of us today still insist on being moderate as a way toward equality and social justice. Would this town be named Providence if Roger Williams had been a compromising moderate? What about other models such as Golda Mier, Mohandas Gandhi, Jane Addams, Patrick Henry, Victoria Mxenge, Jonathan Edwards, Mary Church Terrell, and Henry David Thoreau? Claiming to be in the middle or straddling the fence accomplishes little. As 13th Century Florentine writer and poet Dante Alighieri claims about the Inferno, “the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” If I’m standing on your toes - just say Ouch!

Good News, But Still a Bad Reality

Today, The Associated Press at CNN.com reports " The rate of newly reported HIV cases among blacks has been dropping by about 5 percent a year since 2001, the government said Thursday. But blacks are still eight times more likely than whites to be diagnosed with the AIDS virus."

First, we should stop and be thankful for this reality. Yes, the racial disparity is still prevalent, but a consistent drop since 2001 is good news for a marginalized group who has enough stigma to face on a daily basis.

Second, we should take action, ask questions, join a campaign, press the issue for universal health insurance for American citizens. These steps will increase this good news ten-fold.

I hope news like this converts into action for readers

A Statistical Impossibility

Our President, George W. Bush has the lowest approval rating in American history, currently at 35% according to a new CBS News Poll. But even more embarrassing is that Bush has the lowest approval rating in history for an American President by Latin America Elites, according to the US Embassy in Chile:

"Bush continued to be unpopular, with only 25 percent among the elites saying they had a very favorable or somewhat favorable view of him. Still, that represented an improvement. In 2003, Bush's positive rating was 12 percent."

Still, it gets worse. Bush has an approval rating among Blacks in America at 2% according to an NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll from mid-October. With a 3% margin of error, that is a statistical impossibility. It is possible that Bush has -1% approval among African Americans, arguably the country's most mobilizing minority force.

America needs to understand, this is not just an all-time low from him, it's an all-time low ever!
This demonstrates that his policies are not globally liked, or minority liked. Oh and by the way, that's most of the world. People of color make up a majority of the world's population.

I leave it up to you to decide what this means.

Same Game

Does anyone remember when Bush ran on a unifying, moderate Republican platform? Well, I do. I remember such members of his cabinent like Powell and Whitman, that were clearly representative of most Americans in their decisions, yet Bush undermined them for political clout.

Now, we have that same game being played. His new nominee to the Supreme Court simply laughs at any attempt to diversiy the bench that determines the laws that one of the most diverse countries in the world must live by. If confirmed, Alito, will be white man number 7 on the Court of 9 people. Liberal Ginsberg will be the only woman, and Conservative Thomas will be the only minority.

No matter one's qualifications, diversity should be of interest. This is no longer a nation of white men. Some scholars indicate in 2050, persons of Spanish descent (Latinos/Hispanics) will be the majority. Yet, we still have 70% of this critical body representing the good ole' boys network.

We need to wake up. Yes, America is great in many respects, but this lingering fact puts a cloud on the notion of objectivity for our judicial advocates.

A Day to Accurately Remember

The legendary Rosa Parks passed away today. She was 92. This passing represents not only her shift from labor to reward, but the passing of a legend.

No, she was not a legend because she did not give up her seat. The history books need to clarify. She's a legend because of the plans successfully implemented before and after that led to the events concerning the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 382 days in 1955, resulting in the U.S. Supreme Court to consider segregation on busses illegal.

Mrs. Parks is an icon. As a laborer for peace, she worked for the NAACP and was trained how to handle situations such as physical protest safely. Her longevity of life suggests she did that very well.

Rosa Parks should be remembered not as black lady who refused to give up her seat after a hard day's work, as some of our history books claim. Yet, Rosa Parks should be remembered most for her behind the scenes efforts during the Civil Rights Movement. Not giving up your seat was not new when Rosa Parks came along--other women had done so but did not meet the successful, subsequent litigating criteria outlined by the NAACP for what they thought would generate a campaign to end segregation on busses.

If just refusal to give up your seat was all the criteria needed for her great memory, we would be calling several other women the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement." But, perhaps only Rosa Parks deserves that title.

She is a testament to the fact that the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s in the United States was not only about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but that many black women worked behind the scenes during an era of second class gender relations and understandings to get the job done.

Yes, our noted men leaders obviously did their part. But, behind each of them was a determined woman---whether it was a wife, a neighbor, a church member, or a friend. The woman proudly gave her all for the est of us to live better.

Drinking Fiasco

This post will hurt. I don't wish to bring anymore negative light to a precarious situation in the Democratic Governor's nomination race in Ohio, but my impartiality allows me to do so. Today's news in the Toledo Blade (http://www.toledoblade.com), has included an article of Frankie Coleman, the wife of Columbus Mayor and Democratic Governor Contender Michael Coleman. Mrs. Coleman, a possible First Lady of Ohio, was charged with drunk driving after side-swiping a parked truck. Her blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.

This is the second mark of drunkiness on the Coleman Campaign. (http://www.colemanforohio2006.com)

The Colemans are black. Mr. Coleman, a friend of my family's, is running for Governor in a state that in some major cities, like his own of Columbus, and mine of Toledo are just coming around to seeing black executive leadership. He's running for Governor as a black man in the middle of a neo-conservative revolution in a state that is so important on the national scene. His race is not only watched in the state of Ohio, but nationwide. Ohio has voted with the successful Presidential candidate in every election since the 1960s and has 20 electoral votes, one of the largest in the nation. More Presidents have come from Ohio than any other state.

The nation has only seen one black governor, Wilder of Virginia, now Richmond's Mayor.

I hate to say it, but high-profile black candidates must be Angels when running for office in high profile races. Ohio's Governor's race is high profile because you have two black men running for their party's nomination: Secretary of State Blackwell, a Republican, and Coleman, a Democrat, among the usual white candidates. You also have the nationwide Tom Noe scandal and the lowest Governor's approval rating in the nation, bringing national attention to Ohio, the state where Toledo was the site of the "Tube War" of the November 2004 election, where Kerry and Bush spent more more in ads there than in any other market in the nation.

I wish Coleman the best and he does have my vote!! I also wish to work for his efforts, if he should ever call on me. I just hope to God, Ohioans are not fickle and see the campaign for its true face, and not today's news.

Buena Suerte!

Institutionalized Love

In actuality, if we're being real with ourselves---every last one of us, from the oldest to the youngest, the strongest to the weakest, the most mature to the most immature—and everyone right in between---- we are all guilty of being stingy with the gifts and talents God has given us, we are all guilty of holding on to the things God has blessed us with and keeping them to ourselves, we are all guilty of not walking in the blessings God has for us, we are all guilty of saying "I love you" with no feeling, no meaning, no purpose, and not much thought. We've been institutionalized!

Some of us have old school habits, old beliefs, and out dated opinions, that we know we need to get rid of. Some of us have people in our lives, co-workers, neighbors, friends, family—that we know we don't act right around, who don't mean us good, but we fake like we love them anyway! EVEN, some of us have become so dependant on earthly love and alleged affection from friends, romance, or entertainment sources, that we have allowed ourselves to cheat one another and somebody else----telling somebody it's ok, when it wasn't, telling ourselves, it won't happen again, and it does, telling somebody I'll pray for you, and we don't, or even worse, telling somebody "God be with you," when you know you felt like saying something else.

Institutionalized Love is a love based on habit, based on thoughtlessness, based on words and not action, based on fear and constraints on change. But, we know love without manifestation is not authentic. For those of us not tithing, I'm going to say that again---love without manifestation is not authentic. Our challenge, then, is to keep our love fresh. Sermons, for example, are to speak to the heart, not to bathe in agreement and Amens. There is always a goal with a sermon—the goal is for you to leave better than you came—for your daily walk to be changed by the Word---just like the Bible was never intended to be separated into verses and chapters, sermons are not intended to be a habitual form of practiced concepts.

Fresh love is the opposite of institutionalized love.

Fresh love does a few things: it keeps your mind away from human error of judgment, for example, where we're too stubborn to go to church school because we think we have nothing new to learn. Fresh love keeps our attitude positive, where we recognize "I have only made it this far by God's twins grace and mercy!" Fresh love keeps us in the spirit of learning, understanding that Christianity is a fluid religion that depends on personal growth of its believers to thrive and flourish.

So, admit it, trying to be a Christian is hard, as we learned in the parable of the three servants. We are not yet Christ-like---that's a battle we try to win daily, praying and hoping one day the war we will win also. We don't get the Christian thing right half of the time. We forget that we are holy—that we are set apart from the rest. We forget that going to church is not enough, we forget that saying "I love you Lord" without manifestation doesn't cut it, we for get that spiritual bondage will not break us free. But, we have today, been given an opportunity!

It's time to cash that check of blessings God has waiting for you in His storehouse! It's time to understand God's love is tough---not easy. The glory of the Lord is knowing that His love is authentic. Ja Rule might say pain is love, Usher might say love was here, and the artist Nazareth might say love hurts, love scars, love wounds, but Kanye West says Jesus Rocks! Knowing that He's your bright and morning star, knowing that He's your wonderful counselor, your prince of peace. He's your lilly of the valley---you know that kind of commercial love is not fresh, is not genuine, is not authentic, it is not of God. The true manifestation of love to God and from God is up to you, not the critics.

Database of Social Justice Organizations

NATIONAL

The ACLU is the nation's guardian of liberty. They work daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Their job is to conserve America's original civic values - the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
http://www.aclu.org/
Positions Available: Various

ADC is a grassroots civil rights organization which welcomes people of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities as members. The ADC was founded in Washington, DC by U.S. Senator Jim Abourezk in 1980 Advisory Board members include: Muhammad Ali, Her Majesty Queen Noor, several U.S. Congressmen, Edward Said & Casey Kasem among others ADC has members in all 50 states - and it is the largest Arab American organization of its kind. The three cities with the largest concentrations of Arab Americans are: Los Angeles, Detroit, & New York.
http://www.adc.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

The American Friends Service Committee carries out service, development, social justice, and peace programs throughout the world. Founded by Quakers in 1917 to provide conscientious objectors with an opportunity to aid civilian war victims, AFSC's work attracts the support and partnership of people of many races, religions, and cultures.
http://www.afsc.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

The Anti-Defamation League
The immediate object of the League is to stop, by appeals to reason and conscience and, if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people. Its ultimate purpose is to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens.
http://www.adl.org/adl.asp
Positions Available: Various

Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services is a human services organization committed to the development of the Arab American community in all aspects of its economic and cultural life. Staff and volunteers have joined forces to meet the needs of low income families, to help newly arrived immigrants adapt to life in America, and to foster among Americans a greater understanding of Arab Culture as it exists both here and in the Arab world. To achieve these goals, ACCESS provides a wide range of social, mental health, educational, artistic, employment, legal and medical services. ACCESS is dedicated, in all its efforts, to empowering (enabling) people to lead more informed, productive, and fulfilling lives.
https://www.accesscommunity.org/
Positions Available: Various

Arcus Foundation
The Arcus Foundation seeks to contribute to a pluralistic society that celebrates diversity and dignity, invests in youth and justice, and promotes tolerance and compassion. The foundation was formed in the belief that all individuals have a right and responsibility to full participation in our society and with the conviction that education and knowledge can be an antidote to intolerance and bigotry.
http://www.arcusfoundation.org/pages/home.shtml
Positions Available: Various

Association of Multi-Ethnic Americans, Inc.
AMEA's primary goal is to educate and advocate on behalf of multiethnic individuals and families by collaborating with others to eradicate all forms of discrimination. AMEA believes that every child, every person who is multiethnic/multiracial has the same right as any other person to assert a personal identity that embraces the fullness and integrity of
their actual ancestry, and that every multiethnic/multiracial family, whether biological or adoptive, has the same right to grow and develop as any other, and that our children have the right to love and respect each of their parents equally.
http://www.ameasite.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

CAMBIOS "means "changes" in the Spanish language. It was established in 1997 for the purpose of working with teachers, parents, and youth to address the issue of racism, and work towards its elimination. CAMBIOS has donated 50 multi-cultural books to 25 public and private elementary schools, in Lenawee County, Michigan. The mission of Cambios is to celebrate diversity and eliminate discrimination by providing educational
programs and resources.
http://www.cambios.org/
Positions Available: Various

Campus Outreach Opportunity League (COOL)
The mission of COOL (Campus Outreach Opportunity League) is to educate, connect and mobilize college students and their campuses to strengthen communities through service and action
http://www.idealist.org/ioc/
Positions Available: Various

The Center for Community Change is a progressive social justice organization whose central project is to support the emergence of one or more movements for social and economic justice in the U.S. The Center strives to transform the national debate and national politics as well as the institutions, economic systems and policies that affect low-income people and working class people, especially people of color.
http://www.communitychange.org/
Positions Available: Various



Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College
The Center for Corporate Citizenship provides leadership in establishing corporate citizenship as a business essential, so all companies act as economic and social assets to the communities they impact by integrating social interests with other core business objectives. Through its research, executive education, consultation and convenings on issues of corporate citizenship, The Center is the leading organization helping
corporations define their role in the community.
http://www.bc.edu/centers/ccc/index.html
Positions Available: Various

The Center for Economic and Social Justice (CESJ), established in 1984, promotes a free enterprise approach to global economic justice through expanded capital ownership. CESJ is a non-profit, non-partisan, ecumenical, all-volunteer organization with an educational and research mission.
http://www.cesj.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

Center for Healing Racism
With the avowed purpose of healing racism, the Center established the goals that would guide this achievement. These goals call for the creation of a safe and accepting environment in which people can explore issues of racism, recognize manifestations of racism, examine assumptions and beliefs about racism, understand the impact of racism on themselves and others, and receive the support and encouragement to begin the healing process. In addition, the Center recognizes the benefits derived from active coalition building with other groups and associations that share a commitment to racial justice.
http://www.centerhealingracism.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

Civilrights.org
Home to socially-concerned, issue-oriented original audio, video, and written programming, civilrights.org is committed to serving as the online nerve center not only for the struggle against discrimination in all its forms, but also to build the public understanding that it is essential for our nation to continue its journey toward social and economic justice.
http://www.civilrights.org/
Positions Available: Various

Council on American-Islamic Relations
CAIR's vision is to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding. CAIR's mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp
Positions Available: Various

Days of Dialogue
A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to be a catalyst in the community problem solving process by creating dialogue on sensitive social issues among diverse community groups. By facilitating respectful, purposeful conversation on a broad range of public issues and public policies and topics, we foster understanding, and encourage
citizens to improve their quality of life through civic engagement.
http://www.daysofdialogue.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

Facing History
For more than 27 years, Facing History has engaged teachers and students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. By studying the historical development of the Holocaust and other examples of collective violence, students make the essential connection between history and the moral choices they confront in their own lives.
http://www.facing.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers, Research

Families USA is a national nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Working at the national, state, and community levels, we have earned a national reputation as an effective voice for health care consumers for over 20 years.
http://www.familiesusa.org/
Positions Available: Various

Fellowship for Reconciliation (FOR)
FOR seeks to replace violence, war, racism, and economic injustice with nonviolence, peace, and justice. They are an organization committed to active nonviolence as a transforming way of life and as a means of radical change. They educate, train, build coalitions, and engage in nonviolent and compassionate actions locally, nationally, and globally.
http://www.forusa.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

Hope's Voice
Hope's Voice is a national HIV and AIDS organization committed to promoting the education and prevention of HIV and AIDS to young adults. Hope's Voice uses open dialog and peer-to-peer education, through both speaker appearances of young adults living with HIV and AIDS and progressive programs to send a crucial message: HIV and AIDS does not discriminate. Hope's Voice aims to raise awareness and help young adults create the social change that is needed to end this epidemic.
http://www.hopesvoice.org
Positions Available: Speakers, Volunteers

As America's largest gay and lesbian organization, the Human Rights Campaign provides a national voice on gay and lesbian issues. The Human Rights Campaign effectively lobbies Congress; mobilizes grassroots action in diverse communities; invests strategically to elect a fair-minded Congress; and increases public understanding through innovative education and communication strategies. HRC is a bipartisan organization that works to advance equality based on sexual orientation and gender expression and identity, to ensure that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
http://www.hrc.org/


The Institute for Humane Studies was founded in 1961 by Dr. F. A. "Baldy" Harper, a former economics professor at Cornell University. Part of a generation that had lived through two devastating world wars and seen the rise of numerous totalitarian dictatorships, Harper set up an institute devoted to research and education in the conviction that greater understanding of human affairs and freedom would foster peace,
prosperity, and social harmony.
http://theihs.org/
Positions Available: Various

InterAction: American Council for Voluntary International Action "InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. With more than 160 members operating in over 100 countries, we work to overcome poverty, exclusion and suffering by advancing social justice and basic dignity for all.”
http://www.interaction.org/
Positions Available: Various

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
http://www.lambdalegal.org/cgi-bin/iowa/index.html
Positions Available: Various

Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
MALDEF is the leading nonprofit Latino litigation, advocacy and educational outreach institution in the United States. MALDEF's mission is to foster sound public policies, laws and programs to safeguard the civil rights of the 40 million Latinos living in the
United States and to empower the Latino community to fully participate in our society.
http://www.maldef.org/
Positions Available: Various

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
http://www.naacp.org/
Positions Available: Various

The purpose of the National Association for Community Mediation is to support the maintenance and growth of community-based mediation programs and processes, to present a compelling voice in appropriate policy-making, legislative, professional, and other arenas, and to encourage the development and sharing of resources for these efforts.
http://www.nafcm.org/
Positions Available: Interns, Volunteers



The National Civic League (NCL)
America's original advocate for community democracy. It is a non-profit, non-partisan, membership organization dedicated to strengthening citizen democracy by transforming democratic institutions. NCL fosters innovative community building and political reform, assists local governments, and recognizes collaborative community achievement. NCL accomplishes its mission through technical assistance, training, publishing, research, and the All-America City Awards, America's original and most prestigious community recognition program.
http://www.ncl.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

The National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI)
A nonprofit leadership training organization based in Washington, D.C. Since 1984, NCBI has been working to eliminate prejudice and intergroup conflict in communities throughout the world.
http://www.ncbi.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

The National Conference for Community and Justice
NCCJ's purpose is to transform communities to provide fuller opportunity and to be inclusive and just – through institutional change – by empowering leaders. NCCJ's programming facilitates community and interfaith dialogues, provides workplace consultations, youth leadership development, seminarian and educator training. Its nationally recognized research provides data and analysis to the evolving study of intergroup relations; and, its public policy works with government leaders and
advocates policies that reflect understanding and respect.
http://www.nccj.org/
Positions Available: Various

The National Lawyers Guild/Maurice and Jane Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice (a.k.a. Guild Law Center) is a national, non-profit, public interest law center that provides advocacy, representation, legal education and technical support to empower community and workers' rights groups and individuals seeking systemic change toward economic and social justice. The GLC was founded by the National Lawyers Guild to support the principle that economic justice and civil rights are inseparable.
http://www.sugarlaw.org/
Positions Available: Interns

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The Freedom Center offers lessons and reflections on the struggle for freedom in the past, in the present, and for the future. And it helps visitors discover the power of one voice - shared with many - by speaking out about the meaning of freedom.
http://www.freedomcenter.org/
Positions Available: Various

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
A Newark-based urban research and advocacy organization dedicated to the advancement of New Jersey's urban areas and residents. Established in 1999 by the Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein Foundation, the Institute provides a dynamic and independent voice for change necessary to create just, vibrant and inclusive urban communities throughout New Jersey. The Institute was formed in the belief that New Jersey's urban areas hold remarkable potential but also face dramatic challenges. Through thorough and independent analysis of barriers and identification and promotion of advantages, the Institute is committed to the undertaking actions necessary to effect positive change.
http://www.njisj.org/
Positions Available: Various

Nonviolence.org continues to be one of the most highly-visible and visited peace websites, being highly ranked through Gulf War II, the biggest U.S. military action since the web began. This model of independent activist web publishing is still critical and becomes more appreciated every day. The Nonviolence.org mission of featuring the best writing and analysis from a nonviolent viewpoint continues.
http://www.nonviolence.org/
Positions Available: Various

Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)
PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
http://www.pflag.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

The Peace and Justice Studies Association
PJSA works to create a just and peaceful world through: The promotion of peace studies within universities, colleges and K-12 grade levels; The forging of alliances among educators, students, activists, and other peace practitioners in order to enhance each other's work on peace, conflict and non-violence; The creation and nurturing of alternatives to structures of inequality and injustice, war and violence through education, research and action.
http://www.peacejusticestudies.org/index.php
Positions Available: Various


The National Rainbow/PUSH Coalition (RPC) is a multiracial, multi-issue, international membership organization founded by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., working to move the nation and the world toward social, racial and economic justice by uniting people of diverse ethnic, religious, economic and political backgrounds to make America's promise of " liberty and justice for all" a reality.
http://www.rainbowpush.org/
Positions Available: Various

Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute
The central mission is to motivate youth to reach their highest potential. The Institute has designed programs based on Mrs. Parks philosophy of "Quiet Strength" which engages youth in hands-on experiences to build practical day-to-day living skills. by promoting multicultural participation in the program to provide youth with a cross-cultural exposure for nurturing a global and inclusive perspective.
http://www.rosaparks.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

The Social Justice Center
A nonprofit office center cooperatively-owned by Madison Community Co-op, the Tenant Resource Center, Wisconsin Citizen Action Fund and Wisconsin Community Fund. The building houses the offices of the four founding organizations, plus offices of other nonprofits (in the incubator space on the lower level). There is also a community meeting room available for use by the organizations in the building, as well as outside
nonprofits, when sponsored by one of the four member organizations.
http://www.socialjusticecenter.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

The Southern Poverty Law Center was founded in 1971 as a small civil rights law firm. Today, the Center is internationally known for its tolerance education programs, its legal victories against white supremacists and its tracking of hate groups.
http://www.splcenter.org/index.jsp
Positions Available: Various

Swirl
Swirl aims to unite the mixed community by providing support to mixed families, mixed individuals, transracial adoptees, and inter-racial/cultural/faith couples. Through various educational and social events, Swirl is a meeting place for members of the mixed community to celebrate and explore their heritages.
http://www.swirlinc.org/nflash.htm
Positions Available: Volunteers

Triangle Foundation is Michigan's leading organization serving gay, lesbian, transgender, and allied communities.
http://www.tri.org/
Positions Available: Various

The United States Branch of the International Association of Educators for World Peace. IAEWP promotes international understanding and world peace through education and developing new and innovative educational strategies and pedagogies dedicated to the pursuit of peace, social justice concerns, and current challenges to the maintenance and extension of peace around the globe.
http://www.iaewp.us/
Positions Available: Various

The Urban Institute measures effects, compares options, shows which stakeholders get the most and least, tests conventional wisdom, reveals trends, and makes costs, benefits, and risks explicit.
http://www.urban.org/
Positions Available: Research

The Urban League is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream.
http://www.nul.org/
Positions Available: Various

Volunteer.Gov/Gov consolidates volunteer opportunities available in the public sector, including: the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of New York Division of Veterans Affairs. This online service lets prospective volunteers match their interests and abilities with available opportunities nationwide through searches based on volunteer activity, location of opportunity, effective date of the opportunity, the sponsoring partner and by keyword search. In the future, Volunteer.Gov/Gov will expand to include other channels for volunteer service to all levels of government.
http://volunteer.gov/gov
Positions Available: Volunteers

Women Organized to Make Abuse Nonexistent, Inc. (W.O.M.A.N., Inc.)
A community-based, multi-service agency, was created in 1978 as a two bedroom shelter for battered women. The organization quickly realized that additional options were needed by women who, for many reasons, did not want to enter shelters. In 1979, the Crisis-Line was created, and immediately began receiving approximately 25-30 calls per month -- we now receive over 18,000 a year! Soon after the Crisis-Line was instituted,
the agency also began providing individual counseling and support groups.
http://www.womaninc.org/
Positions Available: Various

The Young Politicians of America is a service-learning movement composed of young Americans aged 14-22 working together to revive political discourse and awareness by establishing nonpartisan civic clubs in high schools and colleges. They deliver their services and spread their mission through an innovative Service-Chapter program.
http://www.ypa.org/
Positions Available: Various

GLOBAL

African Counseling Association
A network of counsellors and counsellor educators with an interest in counselling in Africa. Develop counselling theory and practice that is appropriate for the African context. Form working relationships with counselling organizations both in and outside of Africa. Disseminate information on counselling, counsellor education and counsellor supervision. Recognize the achievement of African counsellors.
http://www.geocities.com/kim1122a/
Positions Available: Volunteers

Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. AIís vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.
http://www.amnesty.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

The Centre for Social Justice is an advocacy organization that seeks to strengthen the struggle for social justice, committed to working for change in partnership with various social movements and recognize that effective change requires the active participation of all sectors of our community. Based in Ontario, CSJ work increasingly extends across Canada and into the international arena.
http://www.socialjustice.org/
Positions Available: Various

CorpWatch counters corporate-led globalization through education, network-building and activism. They work to foster democratic control over corporations by building grassroots globalization a diverse movement for human rights and dignity, labor rights and environmental justice.
http://www.corpwatch.org/index.php
Positions Available: Various

The Ford Foundation is a resource for innovative people and institutions worldwide. Our goals are to: Strengthen democratic values, Reduce poverty and injustice, Promote international cooperation and Advance human achievement. This has been our purpose for more than half a century. Created with gifts and bequests by Henry and Edsel Ford, the Foundation is an independent organization, with its own board, and is entirely separate from the Ford Motor Company.
http://www.fordfound.org/
Positions Available: Various





The Global Justice Movement (GJM) seeks to present well thought out alternatives to traditional globalization efforts. GJM emphasis is on inclusiveness and abundance for all, rather than a continuance of outmoded thinking and institutions. In particular, GJM examines and presents alternatives to the present money system.
http://www.globaljusticemovement.org/
Positions Available: Various

Jubilee USA Network consists of over 60 organizations including labor, churches, religious communities and institutions, AIDS activists, trade campaigners and over 9,000 individuals are active members of the Jubilee USA Network. Jubilee is a strong, diverse and growing network dedicated to working for a world free of debt for billions of people.
http://www.jubileeusa.org/
Positions Available: Various

The Social Justice Committee of Montreal
The mission of the Social Justice Committee is to: Analyze the underlying structural and global causes of poverty, human rights violations and other social injustices ; Contribute to informed popular participation in eliminating these injustices ; Work in solidarity to transform our world into a just society.
http://www.s-j-c.net/Main.htm
Positions Available: Volunteers

UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. That makes us unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young.
http://www.unicef.org/
Positions Available: Various

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
Founded in 1915 during World War I, with Jane Addams as its first president. WILPF works to achieve through peaceful means world disarmament, full rights for women, racial and economic justice, an end to all forms of violence, and to establish those political, social, and psychological conditions which can assure peace, freedom, and justice for all. WILPF works to create an environment of political, economic, social and psychological freedom for all members of the human community, so that true peace can be enjoyed by all.
http://www.wilpf.org/
Positions Available: Various


Southeast Michigan

The Ann Arbor Area Committee for Peace was formed shortly after September 11, 2001, to promote peaceful solutions to international conflicts and to protect civil rights and civil liberties. The Ann Arbor Area Committee for Peace (formerly Ann Arbor Ad Hoc Committee for Peace) was founded by a small group of concerned residents desiring to carve out the space for principled dissent, promote nonviolent solutions to international conflicts, and advance friendship and understanding between people of all faiths and nationalities.
http://justpeaceinfo.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

Avalon Housing is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and managing permanent rental housing for people with extremely low incomes in Washtenaw County. Avalon owns and operates 143 units of housing, scattered at a dozen sites throughout Ann Arbor. Rents are structured to be affordable to people with incomes at or below 30% of the area median income, and the majority of tenants include people who were homeless and who have a mental or physical disability. Support services are available to all tenants in order to assist them in maintaining their housing stability and enhance their quality of life.
http://www.avalonhousing.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers

Focus: HOPE
A nationally recognized civil and human rights organization in Detroit, Michigan. Our mission is to use intelligent and practical action to fight racism, poverty and injustice. Achievements include: A food program for eligible mothers, children, and senior citizens, Education and training in manufacturing, engineering, and information technology, Arts
programs to increase understanding of different cultures, Children's day care and education, A manufacturing operation that gives students hands-on work experience Conference facilities Volunteer and outreach initiatives
http://www.focushope.edu/
Positions Available: Various

Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger and address its root causes in our community by: reducing food waste through the rescue and distribution of perishable and non perishable food; coordinating with other hunger relief providers; educating the public about hunger; and developing new food resources.
http://www.foodgatherers.org/
Positions Available: Volunteers


Ginsberg Center
Through programs, initiatives and publications, the Ginsberg Center strives to engage students, faculty members, university staff, and community partners in a process which combines community service and academic learning in order to promote civic participation, build community capacity, and enhance the educational process.
http://www.umich.edu/~mserve/
Positions Available: Volunteers

SOS Community Services
We are a 501(c)3, non-profit organization that serves homeless families and children and others in crisis in Washtenaw County. Founded in 1970 by students at Eastern Michigan University, SOS has evolved from its roots as a peer-counseling program into an agency whose comprehensive services assist families in their move from homelessness to self-sufficiency and permanent, stable housing. Today, SOS occupies four program and administrative sites in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
http://comnet.org/local/orgs/sos/
Positions Available: Volunteers

Foreign Country Intersexuals

I don’t think it is easy for American students to label other countries' cultural practices, which they inherently label as below the “American” standard, with the possibility of it being something positive that Americans could learn from. This points to a “cockiness” attitude about American intelligence and superiority that I don’t think most are willing to admit that we are socialized to think accordingly.

There appears to be this notion that Americas have nothing left to learn from and that if we haven’t found the proper way to handle the situation, then it isn’t out there. This is true as you compare Canadian and American prescription drug availability and costs. The FDA argues that Canada’s policies would pose a risk to us, when in reality there is no evidence to suggest that claim is true, and the real setback and delay with cheaper drug costs is governmental bureaucratic interests.

I have always found it very odd that we all claim a child's birth in a nature and/or God-intended event; yet attempt to change its course when it doesn’t meet our socialized guidelines for normalcy and doesn't pose an “acceptable” future matriculation in society. It’s as though we are admitting as parents, that we choose not to raise a child naturally born unique from others due to a social pressure we create.

While I think parents should be able to choose whatever they wish to do as a result of being informed of a possible intersexed child, I do think that decision should be made alone, with the parents, and the child, without medical, family, and other social influences. I think this because in the end, it is only the parents and the child who need to be content and comfortable with the decision being made. The doctor will be forgotten and any real, trustworthy, loving family members will be content as long as the parents and child are happy with the choice.

I speak from lived experience, which I think can relate to this idea. I was born premature, weighing 1 pound, 15 ounces in 1982. Against medical advice and odds, my Mother choose to touch me every night nearly for 6-8 months while I was hospitalized before I could go home. She would pick me up from my incubator, sing, and nurture me while in the hospital. My Mother knew the importance of human touch well before the medical profession and the higher education profession would accept the reality. If it were not for her choice, I likely would have died from medical advice and ignorant socialization of the times from family member suggestions.The same applies to parents facing intersexed children unexpectantly at birth. Loving your child is more important that loving your social system.

Toledo Mayoral Debate Questions

1).Who/What is to blame for the multi million deficit inherited by Mayor Jack Ford when he assumed office in 2001?

2). We have heard use of the party labels Demorcat and Republican by each of the candidates on stage. Please describe what makes you a member of either party, and your definition of being such a member.In other words, How/Why are you a Democrat? What makes you a Democrat? The same for the Republican Party candidates.

3). With the image of neighboring Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick on the line, with national news media like Time Magazine calling him one of America's Worst Mayors and criticizing his "hip hop" image, how important do you think the image of the Mayor of Toledo is to the broader community, state and federal officials?

4).What state and federal connections and relationships do you have and with whom? Toledoans understand much of the City's funding for various projects comes from state and federal sources. How/Whom can you lobby on the state and federal level to work on behalf of Toledo.

An Article I'd Read

Dear The Blade:

Please consider this idea from an avid-daily online reader:

I strongly believe The Blade should do a long article on "What Makes You a Democrat?" for the Democratic candidates for Mayor, and "What Makes You a Republican? for Mr. Ludeman, before the Primary.Toledoans know there are three candidates that claim they are Democrats.

However, The Blade may consider asking each candidate in an article (not debate forum, because the opportunity to answer in depth is not there). What makes them a Democrat? Why are they Democrats?How are your policies (in action) or planned, Democratic policies? With both national parties redefining themselves over the last several years, a local highlight of this nature is appropriate.

The same should be asked of Mr. Ludeman. In a tense political election, I think it will prove significant the differences the candidates draw when they response to these are similar questions.

Parochial Change

Wilkowski was right during his mayoral primary campaign about the need for change in Toledo. However, the type of change is still under question. Change occurs with the constituents, the voters. When less than a majority of voters (and worse only 22%) of citizens vote in an election--whether primary or general, Toledo can never expect to grow. This suggests, no matter who is elected, a majority of voters do not care and likely during that elected official's term, he will be criticized by the majority--those non-voting citizens.

It is not the Mayor's or Council's job to take charge in Toledo--they only represent what we want. Toledoans should be embarrassed. To talk about change is one thing (which Toledoans have done for decades), but to foster change is another, and the only way to do that is by voting.

This recent primary is a sad day for any true lovers of representative government, whether your candidates made it through or not.

A Serious Question

Question for 11/1/05 Toledo, OH Mayoral Debate

What makes you a Democrat? How have you and do you plan to use that party affliation with the state and national party to benefit the City?