Events – Community Forum for Economic Justice

Here is something added before.

Events

March 11: NNN hosting informational meeting on County Government

From the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association:

Have you hear about County government leaders making community decisions – about our health department, libraries, portage manor, and other areas that impact our community – and then wondered how it all works anyway?

The NNN, 1st United Methodist, South Bend City Church, and other Faith in St. Joseph County members are encouraging neighbors and community members to learn more about our County government and the role it plays, and the role you can take to share your vision of the County.

We are hosting an informational meeting on Monday, March 11th, at 6:00-7:30 pm at the NNN Community Center, 1013 Portage Ave. This meeting offers background on how the County government is structured, and how we can work together to seek a safe and healthy County for all residents.
Please plan to join us, and all are welcome to attend.

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A meeting of HHR, planned for Thursday, Feb. 1, at 6pm, has been postponed to allow you to attend a meeting about the proposed site of the New Day Intake Center. We hope you will attend!

The City will host a public meeting to share more information about the New Day Intake Center on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. at The Beacon Resource Center, at 4210 Lincoln Way.W.

Click HERE for an important article from today’s South Bend Tribune about plans for the construction of a low-barrier homeless shelter on the northwest side of South Bend.

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38TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION: DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMUNITY SERVICE RECOGNITION BREAKFAST AND DAY OF CELEBRATION, MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2024.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation of St. Joseph County in conjunction with Project Impact and South Bend Heritage are excited to announce the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Recognition Breakfast and Day of Celebration. The 38th Annual Celebration will take place on Monday, January 15, 2024. Activities are held throughout the day beginning with the Annual Community Service Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at the South Bend Century Center.

Breakfast Tickets are $25 and must be must be ordered by Jan. 8 at eventbrite.com under “2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Celebration.” They may also be ordered through Jessica Kitchens at JessicaVKitchens@gmail.com.

The Keynote Address will be given by The Honorable Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams . Judge Adams is serving her third term on the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georiga. Prior to her election, Judge Adams served the citizens of Fulton County as a Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Office of the Fulton County District Attorney where her exceptional commitment to victims and community safety earned her the coveted distinction of Special Unit Trial Attorney of the Year. Judge Adams began her public service career after practicing as an employment attorney with a national labor and employment boutique. Following the Community Service Breakfast, the celebration continues with special programs, workshops, the Traditional Memorial March and Youth Program.

Following the Community Service Breakfast, the celebration continues with special programs, workshops, the Traditional Memorial March and Youth Program. As has been true in the past, the Community Forum for Economic Justice will sponsor an exhibit table between 9 and 4 in the basement level. This has always provided a valuable opportunity for conversations about the programs and projects of the CFEJ and some of the groups with whom we have collaborated. Please, if you can devote a some time to staff this table it will allow all of us to participate in other available activities. email sjc.cfed@gmail.com to offer your assistance.

Additional activities include

∎ Reparatory Justice Commission Forum: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 15. Meet the members of this commission as they share their work and invite feedback and suggestions.

∎ Blood drive: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 15. Sign up in advance at 574-386-4122 or at the Bloodmobile in Century Center. Blood type and blood pressure screenings included. Call 574-234-1157 for alternate locations.

∎ Understand Economic Empowerment: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 15. Learn about opportunities to become a small business owner and how to secure funding and support.

∎ 60th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act: 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 15. Discuss the history and significance of this historic act, as guided by Darryl Heller of IU South Bend’s Civil Rights Heritage Center.

∎ Early Literacy Workshop: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 15. Children, parents and other adults will enjoy storytime with a story about King, geared to ages 0-5, as a way to emphasize the importance of literacy skills.

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Judy Fox has alerted us to the following talk:

Realising the Human Right to Housing? Housing First in Policy and Practice BY
Dr. Damian Collins
Human Geography
ProgramUniversity of Alberta
Canada

At Noon tomorrow, Tuesday, December 12, 2023
You can join the talk via this link. For more information, click HERE.

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September 8: NAACP Hazel B. Hunter Luncheon

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EDUCATIONAL SESSION ABOUT STATE FUNDING FOR THE SJC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The public is invited to an educational session June 26 about the extra state funding that the St. Joseph County Health Department could gain if it opts into it. The session will begin at 6 pm. in the St. Joseph County Main Library’s ballroom, 305 S. Michigan St. South Bend.

The Health Improvement Alliance of St. Joseph County is hosting the event. The Panel of Speakers will include:

Kreg Gruber, CEO of Beacon Health System; Chris Karam, President of Saint Joseph Health System; Rose Meissner. President of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County; and

Trina Robinson, President of the South Bend NAACP.

Note: Changes in leadership of the St. Joseph County Council and Board of Health have resulted in questions about whether our county will opt it to the available funding!

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ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SJC EVICTION COURT-WATCH

Court–watching helps address the fact that we cannot easily see the private side of what it’s like for fellow Hoosiers to be affected by evictions. Members of the HHR Eviction Team have expanded their work to include observation and documentation of St. Joseph County’s Eviction Court. It takes place on Mondays sessions of the County Small Claims Court.

To learn more about this project:

We have scheduled the first “training” meeting for the Eviction Court Watch project. We’ll meet at the Main Street Library, this Thursday morning, June 29th, from 10 a.m. noon. Katherine Wines, a legal navigator for ProBono Indiana, will review Indiana’s eviction process and a member of the HHR Eviction team will explain the purpose and methods used for this project.

Note: If you are able to join us on Thursday, please RSVP to sjc.cfed@gmail.com to ensure that we have a large enough room and sufficient materials for a successful session.

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A message from the South Bend Chapter of the AFL-CIO:

WHAT: Journalists represented by the South Bend News Guild will strike on Monday

WHERE: Rally at St. Joseph County Court House, 101 S. Main, South Bend; march to South Bend Tribune office, 635 S. Lafayette

WHEN: 10 a.m Monday, June 5

WHY: South Bend Tribune Guild members are joining journalists across the U.S. to demand new leadership at parent company Gannett— and a fair first contract at the Tribune.

South Bend Tribune journalists will strike Monday, June 5 to fight for better wages and better news coverage for Northern Indiana/Southwest Michigan.

Tribune workers have not had a raise in 10 years, part of the reason that the staff that reports the news for the South Bend area has plummeted to nearly a third of the size it was just three years ago. Members of the South Bend Tribune Guild, the union that represents journalists at the Tribune, are overworked and underpaid for their jobs as the watchdogs of our community.

Starting at 10 a.m. Monday, Guild members will picket in front of the St. Joseph County Court House, 101 S. Main Street in South Bend, and march to the Tribune offices at 635 S. Lafayette Street. Journalists at the Tribune voted to form a union in 2020, and have been fighting for a first contract while the Tribune’s corporate owners, Gannett, have dragged their feet.

“It is hard for us to step away from the essential work we do for South Bend, Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan, but we feel that if we don’t do anything to fight for better pay and better staffing, our corporate owners in Gannett will just keep cutting away at the newsroom until there’s no one to do the work anyway,” said South Bend News Guild member Gayle Bell.

“We formed a union to make the South Bend Tribune, and our jobs, better. We need a fair contract and leadership that cares about the news that South Bend needs.”

Gannett, the largest newspaper company in the United States, owns some 200 newspapers including the Tribune and the Indianapolis Star. Monday, journalists at two dozen Gannett papers across the country will picket their hometowns, while Guild representatives will speak at Gannett’s annual shareholder meeting.

At issue for Gannett shareholders and the people of Indiana: the failed leadership of Gannett CEO Mike Reed, who has presided over staff cuts and attrition that have gutted newsrooms across the nation— while the company has spent its precious profits buying back its own stock. And that stock has tanked— since Gannett used billions in borrowed money to buy Gatehouse Media just four years ago, Gannett shares have fallen in value by 70%, far worse than other publicly traded newspapers. The NewsGuild, which represents 1,000 workers at 50 Gannett newspapers, has called for a no-confidence vote against Reed at Monday’s shareholder meeting.

“Mike Reed is leading a race to the bottom of the news industry, and he’s taking the South Bend Tribune with him, cut by cut,” said Bell.

“People depend on the South Bend Tribune and the Guild members that put out the paper every day. We can’t give them the news that we need if we don’t have enough reporters to go out into the community to find out what’s happening. We can’t keep reporters when the average salary is $43,000, with health care costs rising each year. We need a fair contract now.”

In Solidarity Forever

Joe Carbone South Bend Chapter President

Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO

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REIA-NCI MEETING
INFORMATION FOR LANDLORDS AND TENANTS
With Guest Speaker Eric Tamashasky
Magistrate, Small Claims Court
Thursday, April 27, 2023
TRC (IGNITION PARK
1165 S FRANKLIN ST
SOUTH BEND, IN

Registration is requested in order to obtain a large-enough venue.
To register and for a flyer about the event, Download REIA MTG 4.27.2023

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PANEL DISCUSSION:

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC/PRIVATE
PARTNERSHIPS IN GENERATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 2-4 pm,
Geddes Hall Coffee House, University of Notre Dame
This event is free and open to the public.
Participation from SJC community members is encouraged.

For information about Geddes Hall and parking, click here.

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THE WAR ON PUBLIC HEALTH
ST. JOE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY,
BALLROOM A & B
MONDAY. APRIL 3, 2023, 6-8 PM

JUST LIKE PORTAGE MANOR, LOCAL
OFFICIALS ARE ATTACKING PUBLIC HEALTH!
YOU ARE INVITED TO LEARN MORE AND
SAVE PUBLIC HEALTH!

PANELISTS:
DR. BOB EINTERZ
DR. DARRYL HELLER
TAYLOR COATS, LCSW
MARLA GODETTE, MA

For a flyer about the event, click here.

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SOUTH BEND SCHOOLS SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT
ON FACILITIES MASTER PLAN

MEETING TWO: THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022, 5-7p.m.
Charles Black Community Center, 3419 W. Washington St., SB
30-minute presentation followed by a community discussion.

This community meeting will provide stakeholders an opportunity to share input on facilities options that were developed based on input received at the March 19 meeting and the online questionnaire. Feedback will help form the recommendations for the long-range facilities plan.
“The input of our stakeholders is crucial to the success of this endeavor,” said Fowler. “This is a vital step toward a more successful district, and we cannot proceed without careful consideration of the current culture—where we are now, where we belong, and how we can enhance and redesign our environment for the success of our students, teachers, families, and the entire South Bend community.”
Changes regarding district facilities consider four components:

Educational Framework
Demographics
Conditions
Funding

WE ALL ARE STAKEHOLDERS IN THE SOUTH BEND SCHOOL CORPORATION, WHETHER OR NOT WE CURRENTLY HAVE CHILDREN IN CORPORATION CLASSROOMS. THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY IS IMPACTED BY THE SUCCESS OF OUR PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM.

Two recent articles in the South Bend Tribune provide additional information about the developing this plan:
What We Know About South Bend School Corp Cost Cutting Measures
Questions raised about transparency in South Bend facility planning

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HHR- Action

Is an organization of housing advocates who understand
that safe and accessible housing is a basic human right.

We believe that housing that requires more than 30% of a family’s income is not accessible to that family.

We believe that housing tainted by lead, mold or other health hazards is not safe for the members of that family.

We believe that families and individuals should not be excluded from apartment buildings, housing developments,
or neighborhoods because of racial, ethnic, or economic discrimination.

PLEASE JOIN US IN OVERCOMING BARRIERS PREVENTING RESIDENTS OF OUR COMMUNITY FROM ACHIEVING THEIR RIGHT TO SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND ACCESSIBLE HOUSING.

Next meeting: Thursday, April 28, 2022, via Zoom
For a link to the meeting: Email sjc.cfed@gmail.com

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The NAACP in Partnership with the South Bend Housing Authority is sponsoring the Small Minority Contractor Conference on Saturday May 21, 2022, at the Charles Black Center from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM

Attendance at the Small Minority Conference will provide many opportunities for Minority Contractors to:
Learn how to gain access to City and Local Grants and Contracts,Increase Business Partnership OpportunitiesIdentify potential training opportunities to increase Management, and Administrative needs of your business;Networking Opportunities for attendees to mix and mingle, form new relationships, and strengthen existing onesReceive information on the certification process for Federal, State and Local certifications that assist small minority businesses including Section 3 Certification
If you are a Small Local Minority Contractor and you are seeking contracting opportunities, in need of business growth assistance or would like to learn how to register for Section 3 Certification or learn about resources through the City of South Bend Office of Diversity Compliance or Inclusion, Please contact Michael Williams to register for the conference. Mr. Williams can be reached by calling (574) 235-9346 Ext. 258

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VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY SERVICES FAIR
Saturday, April 30, 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Main Library, 305 South Michigan Street, South Bend
Community Learning Center – Ballroom (A+B Combined)

Speak with organizations from around St. Joseph County to get involved through volunteer opportunities and learn about the services they provide for our community.

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Tuesday morning November 9:
PUBLIC HEARING ON REDISTRICTING PLAN FOR SJC COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021, 10 AM, 4^TH FLOOR, COUNTY CITY BUILDING
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER MEETING
PUBLIC HEARING ON RESOLUTION R – 28 – C – 2021
CONCERNING REDISTRICTING COMMISSIONER DISTRICTS AND THE
PRESENTATION OF THE REDISTRICTING PLAN.
Note: Public Comments have a 3 minute limit

If your schedule and/or health concerns make it difficult for you to attend in person, you may:
— Attend the meeting via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/92870223627?pwd=a3NXOUd6SGFDWjFvVktjZFQ5S3lYZz09&fbclid=IwAR2tkdLs50VMOxZvA0w1D8LN2HYeKdJ9KD0tlFYRerN5W59ULHyA5H-Uowo#success
— Call (574) 235- 9534 or email the Board of Commissioners at sjccom@sjcindiana.com.

For more information:
“Unlike today’s controversy, current St. Joseph County redistricting had bipartisan praise”
Christian Sheckler
South Bend Tribune
https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2021/11/08/st-joseph-county-indiana-redistricting-maps-draw-controversy-unlike-last-time-south-bend/6315551001/

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Friday, November 12:

PUBLIC HOUSING: A CRITICAL PART OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Public Housing, funded by the federal government, is one of our nation’s main rental assistance programs. Public housing developments provide affordable homes to 1.8 million low-income residents. While the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees the public housing program, it is administered locally by about 2,830 public housing agencies.

Across Indiana, there is a shortage of rental homes affordable and available to low-income households. Many of these households are severely cost burdened, spending more than half of their income on housing. Severely cost burdened, poor households are more likely than other renters to sacrifice other necessities like healthy food and healthcare to pay the rent, and to experience unstable housing situations like evictions

          TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 from 6 to 7:30 PM.

“PUBLIC HOUSING: A CRITICAL PART OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING”
          With presentations by
          Dr. Catherine Lamberg, South Bend Housing Authority Director and
          Michael Williams, Resident Services Director

          Sponsors: Community Forum for Economic Justice
                           Civil Rights Heritage Center

This is a virtual event. To register and receive the zoom link, click here.

NEW INFORMATION: The Public Notices for Sunday’s (9/26/20) South Bend Tribune contain a “Request for Proposals” from Developer Partner to participate with the Housing Authority of South Bend in the repositioning of Public Housing opportunities. The RFP will address two initial sites totally 218 units: the Rabbi Shulman Plaza Apartments (127 units) and Monroe Circle Apartments (91 units).

Please join us on Tuesday at 6 pm for this important discussion.

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An Invitation from the
Indiana Coalition for Public Education

NEGATIVE EFFECT OF VOUCHERS ON PUBLIC EDUCATION

We hope you’ll join us for a Webinar Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. to talk about the new study from an IU graduate student that concludes that the long-term negative effect of vouchers on public schools is worse than previously thought.

Our panelists will be :

Dountonia Batts, ICPE Board Member
Yusuf Canbolet, researcher and graduate student
Dr. Christopher Lubienski, professor of education policy at Indiana University
Dr. David Marcotte, executive director of the Indiana Urban Schools Association
Chrissy Smith, a member of the IPS Community Coalition

Read more about the study and find the Zoom link on our blog:

https://www.indianacoalitionforpubliced.org/…/the…/

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Join the event!
Rally for Reproductive Justice in Indiana – South Bend
South Bend, IN
Hosted by the the Michiana Social Justice Coalition and many other local organizations: Gather 10:30-11 am for action stations and entertainment; speakers 11:00-11:40; engagement opportunities until noon. We’ll offer inspiration and action steps for protecting reproductive health access in Indiana. More details and named co-sponsors on our FB event page: https://fb.me/e/1IVmH8fLs
For safety, please wear a mask. Thank you! LocationJon R. Hunt Plaza, South Bend211 N. Michigan StreetSouth Bend, IN 46601TimeSaturday, October 210:30 a.m.HostApril LidinskyDirections:The Jon R. Hunt Plaza is at the intersection of Colfax and Michigan Streets in South Bend. There are several parking garages nearby. https://mapcarta.com/W177509895

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An invitation from the League of Women Voters
Lunch With the League
Zoom, Friday, 7/09/2021
Redistricting Changes and What It Should Look Like

Presenters:  Leigh Morris and Ranjan Rohatgi, our District Two Republican and Democrat members of the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC)
Synopsis: Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) is a group that advocates for redistricting reform in Indiana. It was formed in December 2010 by Common Cause/Indiana, Downs Center for Politics at IPFW, the League of Women Voters of Indiana and AARP Indiana. The ICRC is a diverse and multi-partisan group of Indiana voters composed of nine members: three Republicans, three Democrats and three members who are neither Republican nor Democrat.  We will learn what has gone on until now, what to anticipate from this commission going forward and how we can benefit . . . . . and help!

Speaker bios:
Ranjan Rohatgi teaches in the department of mathematics and computer science at Saint Mary’s College, where he received the Donald R and Nora Barry Fischer Award for teaching excellence in 2020. He has studied and taught classes on gerrymandering from a mathematical point of view. Ranjan is an affiliate of the Institute of Mathematics and Democracy. Mr. Rohatgi has lived in Indiana for ten years. He got my BA in mathematics from Northwestern University and my Ph.D. in mathematics from IU-Bloomington.
Leigh Morris is a native of Hartford City, Indiana, and he received his BS Degree from Ball State University and his Masters degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota. His career path included more than 30 years as a hospital executive and service as Mayor of La Porte, after which he served in several key positions for the State of Indiana.

Morris was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor O’Bannon in 1999 and received the Governor’s Distinguished Service Medal from Governor Daniels in 2012.  He is a former Chairman of the La Porte County Republican Party.

LWV South Bend Area is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: LWV South Bend Area’s Personal Meeting Room
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5427806385

Meeting ID: 542 780 6385
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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ksnRyKXh0

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An invitation from Black Lives Matter

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Sponsored by Sunrise Movement South Bend

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Sponsored by Black Lives Matter South Bend
Michiana Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression
South Bend Branch of the NAACP

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JUNETEENTH, 2001, SOUTH BEND, IN

Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

This year, there will be two Juneteenth Celebrations in South Bend, one will be held in LaSalle Park, from 12 – 6 PM, sponsored by the South Bend Chapter of Indiana Black Expo, Inc. A second celebration will be held in Howard Park, from 2 – 9 PM, sponsored by Black Lives Matter South Bend.

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An invitation from Sunrise South Bend:

Michiana Green New Deal community forum

What is the Green New Deal? There are so many characterizations and mischaracterizations of it. No, it won’t take away hamburgers, commercial flights, or jobs. But it will call for a just transition away from fossil fuels, expansion of public transportation, investments into renewable energy, and many more rapid, society wide mobilizations needed to fight the climate crisis. What is clear is that it will benefit all people— young students, working class adults, and people of color. It will greatly benefit our communities here in Michiana.

Join us on Saturday, January 23, 2021 for a community forum and discussion on how the Green New Deal would benefit Michiana. We will collectively envision as a community what a better world looks like. We’ll imagine what this world would do for young people and the working class. We’ll walk away from this meeting with new energy and inspiration to usher in the decade of the Green New Deal.
Time: Saturday, Jan 23, 2021, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
To register for the event: bit.ly/GNDMichiana

An invitation from the Michiana Social Justice Coalition:

People’s Inauguration: “Making Michiana a Restorative Community”

The 5^th Annual People’s Inauguration will highlight the ways in which Restorative Justice offers all of us a transformative approach to repairing harm in our communities. Featuring Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center Director Dr. Darryl Heller as the M.C., and local Restorative Justice circle-keeper and trainer Dalila Huerta as the keynote speaker, the event welcomes community participation in our five breakout sessions where you can learn from and engage with different organizations doing transformative work in education, mental health, economic justice, public health, and community safety.

Time: Sunday, Jan 24, 2021, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration is required by visiting http://go.iu.edu/PI5.

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THE COMMUNITY FORUM FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE ENCOURAGES YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY EVENTS CELEBRATING MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY, JANUARY 18, 2021.

PRESS RELEASE:
THE 35^TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION GOES VIRTUAL!

            The Martin Luther King Foundation, partnering with South Bend Heritage Foundation, Project Impact and the Civil Rights Heritage Center, welcomes you to join them for the 35^th annual MLK, Jr. Celebration and Day of Service. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the format has been changed to a zoom presentation of the program and a community forum/workshop.

            The theme this year has been taken from the title of Dr. King’s last book: Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? We want to focus on building community.

            On January 18, 2021, at 9 am, there will be the traditional program (without the breakfast, unfortunately). It will include the keynote speech and the giving of awards. Darryl Heller, director of the Civil Rights Heritage Center, will be the keynote speaker. The Drum Major Awards, the Roland Kelly, and the MLK Foundation of St. Joseph County Community Service Awards will be given.

            Directly after the program, around 10:15 am, there will be a workshop: Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy — to make justice a reality for all. Five community members will identify and address issues of race and inequality as well as offering strategies to improve and create a stronger and more equitable community.
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On Thursday, Jan. 14, A ZOOM LINK WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITES OF
The Civil Rights Heritage Center, crhc.iusb.edu and South Bend Heritage, sbheritage.org.

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VACCINE
This morning, Indiana opened up vaccines to those ages 70 and older.
Here is the direct link to register: https://vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov/
You can also access registration by calling 211.

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WE INVITE YOU TO THE PICKET LINE!
PLEASE JOIN US!!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 TH 1:00-2:00 PM
ANTI-RACIST PICKET LINE!
@ The Dollar Tree Store #7394
(4401 Western Ave. near Mayflower)
– RAIN OR SHINE –

The Michiana Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression and Black Lives Matter South Bend invite you to join us on the Picket Line next Saturday afternoon.

Stand with us to protest Racial Profiling, repeated Hate Speech (use of the N-word), false accusations of stealing, threatening behavior, and a fraudulent call to the South Bend Police Dept.

A white, female sales clerk at the Dollar Tree Store on Western Ave targeted and assaulted Ms. Joanna Garner, an honest, dignified, responsible and peaceful Black woman and mother of five. Ms. Garner’s account of what transpired in this racist verbal & psychological attack on her is detailed, specific and backed by a witness who corroborates Joanna’s statements. We have collected the data on this case.

Meanwhile, Dollar Tree refuses to release the store video which would document exactly what took place.

Our Picket Line will be orderly, disciplined, and non-violent.

The Demands of our Picket Line are:
· RELEASE THE VIDEOTAPE FROM STORE # 7394!
· RESPOND TO & RESOLVE JOANNA GARNER’S LEGITIMATE COMPLAINTS
· TRAIN EMPLOYEES TO RESPECT THE DIGNITY & RIGHTS OF CUSTOMERS

· ISSUE A STRONG, PUBLIC STATEMENT IMMEDIATELY

The community of Anti-Racist Activists in South Bend and Michiana is growing every day. Mobilize your network, your contacts, family, friends, and neighbors to join the Picket Line next Saturday, Oct 24.

Bring your voice, your commitment to end racism, and a Picket Sign!
*Add your strength to ours!*

For more information, contact: The Michiana Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression at: michiananaarpr2@gmail.com.

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TRAINING FOR VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) begins October 24.

The Community Forum for Economic Justice supports policies and activities that improve living standards and broaden opportunities for the residents of St. Joseph County. Since 2008 we have supported the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), an IRS program for low-to-moderate income residents. Tax preparers who work with the VITA program receive IRS training and certification and are supervised by IRS representatives. This year we are pleased that the VITA program will be sponsored by Goodwill Industries; we will be working with them to develop and provide a program that can operate safely during our current pandemic.
The goal is to provide free electronic tax filing for as many eligible taxpayers as possible. E-filing is simple, accurate, and leads to rapid processing and to a rapid refund, if one is due. Taxpayers who e-file through a free service can avoid paying large sums of money to paid preparers, and/or to services offering predatory “rapid refund” loans. We want to help taxpayers e-file their taxes and receive their refunds speedily, with no extra expense.
If you would like to learn more about participating in this valuable service program, email sjc.cfed@gmail.com and one of our veteran volunteers will contact you.

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CAFÉ (COMMUNITY ACTION FOR EDUCATION)
meets on the 4^th Wednesday of each month. Their next meeting is Wednesday, October 28, at 6 pm, via Zoom.

Community Action for Education, known simply as CAFE, creates a public space for the community to discuss issues and solve problems to ensure that ALL children have access to a high-quality education. Our mission: protect the PUBLIC in public education.

The September CAFÉ meeting featured a School Board Candidates Forum for the Nov. 3^rd election. If you have not voted, and would like to review the candidates’ responses, a recording of the forum is posted on CAFÉ’s Facebook page.

The topic for discussion at the next meeting is “How does learning from the past inform the present and help us plan the future?” To join the meeting on Oct. 28^th, click here (Meeting ID: 874 5050 3319)

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NEIGHBORHOODS UNITED SOUTH BEND, SUMMIT 2020

Nightly, between October 19 through October 22, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Saturday morning, October 24, 10:30 am- 12:30 pm

GO TO UNITEDSOUTHBEND.COM TO REVIEW DAILY TOPICS
AND TO REGISTER FOR THE SESSIONS YOU PLAN TO ATTEND

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VIEWING EDUCATION THROUGH A RACIAL EQUITY LENS
A Virtual Community Forum.
Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 – 8 PM

PRESENTATION: DR. PATRICIA PAYNE, INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DIRECTOR OF THE IPS RACIAL EQUITY OFFICE

Join from computer or mobile by clicking this link.
The forum will be live streamed on the Facebook page of the
Community Forum for Economic Justice, the sponsor of this event.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1-2 PM
ANTI-RACIST PICKET LINE!
@ The Dollar Tree Store #7394
(4401 Western Ave. near Mayflower)
– RAIN OR SHINE-

The Michiana Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression and Black Lives Matter South Bend invite you to join us on the Picket Line next Saturday afternoon. Stand with us to protest Racial Profiling, repeated Hate Speech, false accusations of stealing, threatening behavior, and a fraudulent call to the South Bend Police Dept.

For more information, contact michiananaarpr2@gmail.com

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CAFÉ meeting to discuss plan to reform student disciplinary practices in SBCSC.

At their June 15 meeting, the SBCSC Board of School Trustees approved a “Master Compliance Plan” that details specific goals and actions that will be taken to end documented racial disparities in student discipline practices in South Bend’s public schools. Our school district continues to be operating under a Department of Justice Consent Degree, initially established in 1981 to desegregate South Bend public schools. In 2018, the corporation agreed, under court order, to ensure non-discrimination in student disciplinary practices. Now, in 2020, the disparities remain.

At 6 pm next Wednesday, June 24, a virtual meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about and comment on the compliance plan.
Presenters include
Dr. Todd Cummings, SBCSC Superintendent of Schools,
Dr. Cheryl Camacho, Chief of the South Bend Empowerment Zone
Tiana Batiste-Waddell, Qualifier for the IDI,
Intercultural Development Inventory.

Access to the meeting:
The meeting will be conducted via Zoom and live-streamed on the facebook page of Community Action for Education.
Topic: CAFE Community Meeting
Time: Jun 24, 2020 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join from computer or mobile:
https://iu.zoom.us/j/99585887673
Meeting ID: 995 8588 7673
Community Action for Education, CAFÉ, is an organization that unites parents, students, educators and their community allies concerned with ensuring that a quality education is available to all South Bend children and youth. CAFÉ meetings are a place to learn about current conditions in our schools, share your experiences, and help to programs community programs that will strengthen public education in South Bend.

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#DefundThePolice: What it means and How to do it (online event)

Saturday, June 20 at 5 PM. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link.

Black Lives Matter–South Bend invites the public to our Webinar, “Defunding the Police: What it means and How to do it.”

Police Defunding strategies have been in effect in cities throughout the country and we need South Bend, not just to catch up, but become a leader in establishing trauma-informed care for all residents. Learn about City Bill 12-20, the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), and other facts-based measures that we can take to restore trust and safety to our communities. The event will feature a multi-generational panel of local residents from over-policed communities as well as members of BLM–South Bend and BLM–Indianapolis.

“Defunding” is nothing new and it is a topic of crucial and immediate importance. Come and learn how we can make our city better. The event will include a Q&A session.

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Concerned about housing rights during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Join the Human Rights Commission, Judith Fox, Clinical Professor of Law at Notre Dame Law School, and Mark J. Torma, Executive Director at The Volunteer Lawyer Network, as we discuss this and more on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at 10 am.

Join us by visiting https://tinyurl.com/06232020HRC or call to join the webinar at 574-367-5480 – meeting ID 387 465 909. You may also visit https://tinyurl.com/sbhrc for information about how to join the webinar!

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A message from OSSA — Open Space and Agricultural Alliance

NEXT STEPS in campaign to oppose a controversial 7,200-acre mega industrial park proposed for agricultural land near New Carlisle.

(1) Please send comments opposing the re-zoning petitions to the County Council as soon as you can! Your comments will have the most impact if the council members receive them prior to the June 23 Committee Meeting.

You can send an e-mail to the whole County Council at cocouncil@sjcindiana.com.
You can send a letter to the County Council via the U.S. Postal Service at
            County Council
            227 W Jefferson Boulevard
            South Bend, IN 46601

(2) Please attend the County Council committee meeting on June 23, virtually or in person, to show the Council that the public is paying close attention to this issue. Members of the public can’t speak at this meeting unless a Council member directs a question to them, but it’s still important that they see that the public is watching the way that they are conducting business.

The June 23 meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. It will be held on the 4^th floor of the County-City Building (room not yet announced). You can join the meeting virtually via Zoom or phone.

Here’s how to connect to the meeting virtually.

Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92073716439?pwd=VjlpMEFQK1ZSN3BncUN0SzlqWS9lUT09

Phone Instructions:
Call: 312 -626-6799
Meeting ID: 920 7371 6439
Password: 677746

This connection information can also be found in the agenda for the meeting, which you can access at this url: http://www.sjcindiana.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06232020-983

If you feel safe attending the meeting in person, please wear a mask follow the County’s social distancing protocols!

(3) Please plan to attend the County Council public hearing on July 14 to ask the Council to reject the re-zoning petitions. The formal vote on the petitions will take place at this meeting, so it is crucial that we turn out in large numbers for this public hearing!

The agenda for this meeting has not yet been published, so no details about it are confirmed, and information on how to attend the meeting virtually is not yet available. The standard starting time for County Council meetings is 5:30 p.m. We will send you an update confirming the time and location of the meeting, and sharing virtual connection information if possible, once the agenda is published.

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Healing Justice | Nationwide Viewing Party
Hosted by Civil Rights Heritage Center,
1040 West Washington Street, South Bend
Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 7 -9 PM

Join the Civil Rights Heritage Center along with tens of thousands of viewers across the U.S. for a virtual watch party of the film, “Healing Justice,” followed by conversation about how we can build restorative practices into our justice system.

“Healing Justice” explores the causes and consequences of the current North American justice system and its effect on marginalized communities. The film walks back through the history of violence that has led to our current system, bringing into focus the histories of trauma—on a personal, interpersonal, community, and generational level.

Designed for dialogue, “Healing Justice” prompts questions and open conversations, exploring trauma, justice, and healing: How do our personal and collective histories of trauma affect who is perceived as a ‘perpetrator’ and a ‘victim’ of violence? How can restorative practices, such as restorative justice, be used to shift the way we address crime and violence in our communities to produce safer, healthier, thriving communities for all?

During and after the film, the filmmaker, Dr. Shakti Butler, and other experts in the criminal justice reform will address questions posed by you and thousands across the U.S. via social media.

Additionally, Dr. Susan Sharpe of the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Social Concerns will be on hand to help you learn about the local efforts to bring restorative practices to our justice system, our schools, and other spaces.

This free presentation is made possible by World Trust and Free Speech TV.

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4th Annual People’s Inauguration

The Michiana Social Justice Coalition (MSJC) is currently planning the 4th annual People’s Inauguration community event to take place on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the Islamic Society of Michiana, 3310 Hepler St, South Bend, 4:00–6:00 PM.

This year, our event is subtitled, “Every Voice Counts,” and will feature a keynote speaker on the political impact of the upcoming U.S. Census on marginalized communities and our future democratic process.

The Michiana Social Justice Coalition is a partnership of organizations in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan, centered in the city of South Bend, Indiana. We work cooperatively to move forward our socially-minded missions for positive community change.

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CAFÉ – Community Action for Education

Next meeting: Wednesday, July 24, 2019, 6:30 PM
Civil Rights Heritage Center
1040 West Washington Street, South Bend
PROGRAM: Learn about School Funding, part 2 – South Bend
Presenters: Dr. Todd Cummings, Superintendent of SBCSC
Genice Palmer, Budget Director, SBCSC

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NDSF 2019: Shakespeare in Fremont Park

          WHERE: Fremont Park (July 25-26), Potawatomi Park (July 27)
          WHEN: 7pm
          FREE AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY!

Now in its 3rd year, Shakespeare in Fremont Park returns with a brand-new, devised production directed by local favorite Laurisa LeSure and featuring talent drawn from local neighborhoods.

Featuring stories from South Bend residents interwoven with Shakespeare’s classic works, Shakespeare in Fremont Park promises to be another event to remember.

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets, and get there early for a good spot for these FREE performances.

The Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival (NDSF 2019) is produced in association with Fremont Youth Foundation, Community Wellness Partners, Notre Dame’s Center for Social Concerns, and the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association.

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A Community Conversation with Indiana Senator Eddie Melton and State Superintendent for Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick

Indiana Senator Eddie Melton and State Superintendent for Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick will visit South Bend as part of a statewide listening tour “Hoosier Community Conversations” to discuss the state of education in Indiana and other issues important to Hoosiers.
Friday, July 26, 2019, 6 – 8 PM
United Auto Workers, Local 5
1426 South Main St. South Bend

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Emmett Till: The Story Continues
Saturday, July 27, 2019, 12:30 — 4 pm
Charles Martin Youth Center
802 Lincoln way West, South Bend

          Join Us as we celebrate what would have been Emmett Till’s 64th Birthday. UZIMA – (Dancers and Drummers) kick off the event with music and food. Learn about the horrific tragedy that sparked the Civil Rights Movement as told by Till’s cousin Rev Wheeler Parker Jr. A general topic will be followed by breakout sessions where groups discuss their thoughts on the topic. The community will be charged with a call to action – Solutions for today! There’s something for all – the young and old.
          This event is free and open to the public. Limited Seating Available

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“Thousands Are Targeted as ICE Prepares to Raid Undocumented Migrant Families”

“The raids, which will be conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement over multiple days, will include “collateral” deportations . . . In those deportations, the authorities might detain immigrants who happened to be on the scene, even though they were not targets of the raids.”
— The New York Times, July 11, 2019

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A Message from

La Casa de Amistad
National Immigrant Justice Center
South Bend Community School Corporation

COMMUNITY INFORMATION
MEETING ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS
AND CONCERNS

Saturday, July 13th from 6-8pm
Harrison Elementary (Primary Center) in the school cafeteria.

Receive answers to your questions and concerns from immigration attorneys, community experts, and representatives from the South Bend Community Schools. TOGETHER AS ONE COMMUNITY. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

Obtain information about your rights and resources to help your family and community with immigration concerns and plans to prepare, information on DACA, letters from social security, and possible immigration laws to support.
For more assistance call: La Casa de Amistad: 574-233-2120.

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LIGHTS FOR LIBERTY, SOUTH BEND
PROTEST IMMIGRANT DETENTION CAMPS

July 12, 2019, 7 to 9 PM, Federal Courthouse (204 S Main St. South Bend)

Details
On July 12, across the United States and the world, Lights for Liberty will shine a light on the abuses sanctioned by the Trump administration in human detention camps in the USA.

In this corner of the world, we will gather outside the Federal Courthouse in South Bend, IN.

We will light candles at 9 pm EDT and join the silent sea of protesters at every detention camp in this country, and in cities, towns, and homes around the United States and the world.

SCHEDULE:
7-9 pm: Speakers (to be announced)
9 pm: Vigil

Information about LIGHTS FOR LIBERTY
Our Mission
We are a coalition of people, many of whom are mothers, dedicated to human rights, and the fundamental principle behind democracy that all human beings have a right to life, liberty and dignity.
We are partnering with international, national, regional and local communities and organizations who believe that these fundamental rights are not negotiable and are willing to protect them.
On Friday July 12th, 2019, Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Human Concentration Camps, will bring thousands of people to locations worldwide as well as to concentration camps across the country, into the streets and into their own front yards, to protest the inhumane conditions faced by refugees.

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CAFÉ (COMMUNITY ACTION FOR EDUCATION)

        Next meeting:
        WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019
        CIVIL RIGHTS HERITAGE CENTER
                                6 – 7:30 PM

        Program:
                INDIANA PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING
                — WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
                — HOW CAN IT CHANGE?

CAFÉ, formed in March of 2015, is an organization that unites parents, students, educators and their community allies concerned with ensuring that a quality education is available to all South Bend children and youth.
CAFÉ meetings are a place to learn about current conditions in our schools, share your experiences, and help to programs community programs that will strengthen public education in South Bend.

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
4^TH FLOOR, COUNTY-CITY BUILDING
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 7 PM

On the agenda:
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA SUPPORTING AND ENDORSING A RESTORATIVE JUSTICE INITIATIVE FOR THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND A PROPOSED TIER 1 COMMUNITY PILOT PROGRAM TO IMPLEMENT THE INITIATIVE.

PLEASE ATTEND TO EXPRESS YOUR SUPPORT.

From the resolution:
“Whereas, communities such as South Bend cannot depend on the police department to solve all their problems. By the time the police are called, trauma has already occurred. Proactive strategies are needed to complement the work of police “outreach”; more specifically, there needs to be a plan for “in-reach” to help communities be more concretely involved in helping to prevent violence. Safety depends not only on law enforcement, but also on community cohesion — i.e., a sense of: belonging to something important and larger than oneself; responsibility to each other and for each other’s well-being; and capacity and agency, such that when conflict is escalating, or people have been harmed, there is knowledge of how to solve the problem and repair that harm without further violence; …”

Complete wording of resolution is here

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COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION ON HOMELESSNESS
FOLLOW-UP SESSION, MAY 30, 2019

Earlier this year, the Community Forum for Economic Justice sponsored a Community Listening Session on Homelessness. During the session, participants learned from South Bend’s homeless men and women about their lives and needs. Small groups, each of which included individuals with and without permanent homes, then summarized the presentations in order to begin a discussion of gaps in necessary services.

A second conversation on Homelessness in South Bend is planned for Thursday, May 30, 2019. Once again, we will gather at Our Lady of the Road, 744 South Main Street, from 6 to 8 pm to share a meal and to share our understanding of this critical challenge for our community. Our goal: to unite all that can be united in the righteous task of attending to the needs of those who have no home.

The program will include

short summaries of the table discussions from the Community Listening Session and the final report and policy recommendations of the “South Bend Working Group on Chronic Homelessness,” issued in August 2017,
the latest updates from service providers involved in the proposed Gateway Center, the FUSE project (Oliver St. Apartments), and PSH (permanent supportive housing) programs,
information about model programs and best practices from other cities.

Sponsors:
Community Forum for Economic Justice and South Bend Catholic Worker House
Because we will be sharing a meal, we’re asking that you RSVP to sjc.cfed@gmail.com.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019:
COMMUNITY ACTION FOR EDUCATION (CAFÉ)

CAFÉ is meeting this Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. at the
Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 West Washington Street, SB.

CAFÉ, formed in March of 2015, is an organization that unites parents, students, educators and their community allies concerned with ensuring that a quality education is available to all South Bend children and youth. CAFÉ meetings are a place to learn about current conditions in our schools, share your experiences, and help to programs community programs that will strengthen public education in South Bend.

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Healing Our Broken Health Care System:

Could “Medicare for All” Be the Cure?

Numerous proposals for “Medicare for All” have been introduced into Congress. What will these proposals mean for our communities? How will they affect our health? Join us for a compelling and informative event.

Saturday, Feb. 16th,

3-4:15 pm

Colfax Auditorium,

St. Joseph County

Public Library

304 S. Main St.,

South Bend

Witness new and compelling stories from Honeywell retirees and local residents that reveal the deep levels of health insecurity in our local community.
Learn from our guest speaker, Dr. Jonathon Walker, on the benefits and risks associated with moving to a single-payer health care system
Engage in public deliberation on how we can improve St. Joseph County’s status as #57 out of 92 counties in Indiana in terms of health indicators.

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The People’s Inauguration III will feature a session focused on
the Indiana Bias/Hate Crimes Legislation.

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Quality education for all children is an essential component of a
healthy and thriving community.
COMMUNITY ACTION FOR EDUCATION (CAFE)

The first meeting of 2019 will be on Wednesday, January 23, at 6 pm, at the
Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 West Washington Street, South Bend.

CAFÉ, formed in March of 2015, is an organization that unites parents, students, educators and their community allies concerned with ensuring that a quality education is available to all South Bend children and youth. CAFÉ meetings are a place to learn about current conditions in our schools, share your experiences, and help to programs community programs that will strengthen public education in South Bend.

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PROGRAM ON RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

“What is a community partnership for Restorative Justice in education”
A gathering focused on how schools and community members/neighborhoods can work together toward solid and sustainable restorative justice that serves our children and thus our community.

The session will feature Nancy Riestenberg, who has decades of experience promoting and supporting restorative justice in Minnesota schools.

            Saturday, January 19, 2019 – 8:30 to 11:30 am
            Robinson Community Learning Center
            921 N. Eddy, South Bend, 574-631-8759
            Sponsored by the SBCSC DISTRICT RJE LEADERSHIP TEAM

To register, click here
Space is limited, so do this soon if you’d like to attend.

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The South Bend Common Council
Community Relations Committee
is hosting a public meeting:

DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT DISPLACEMENT
Disarming the Tools of Gentrification

The Racial Wealth Divide Report tells us that in South Bend, 68% of African-Americans live in liquid asset poverty. The African-American poverty rate is 2 times higher than African-Americans across the country.

That’s where we are. How did we get here?

Learn how Aggressive Code Enforcement leads to loss of assets and displacement of people of color and low income residents.

Hear how the City of South Bend is making a change.

Panel Discussion including:

Judy Fox, Notre Dame Law Clinic
Regina Williams-Preston, SB Common Council
Residents impacted by code enforcement

Tuesday, October 9, 2018
6:00 – 8:00pm
WUBS 702 Lincoln Way West

For a flyer on the event, Download Disarming_Tools_of_Gentrification_Flyer.

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IN SUPPORT OF THE HONEYWELL WORKERS AND RETIREES

At their meeting on Tuesday, October 9th, members of the St. Joseph County Council will consider Bill no. 72-18,
Resolution of the St. Joseph County Council calling on United States President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and the Indiana Congressional/Senatorial delegation who represent our area to work with Honeywell to stop offshoring jobs and abandoning commitments made to retirees Petitioner: Councilor Diana Hess, District E

Tuesday October 9, 2018, 6:00pm
County-City Building 227 w. Jefferson South Bend
Council Chambers on the 4th Floor

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2018 CANDIDATE DEBATES AND FORUMS
School Board Candidate Forum – South Bend Community School Corporation
Event Date:
Sep 25 2018 – 6:00pm
Event location:
1001 Wiekamp Hall – Indiana University South Bend
Candidates:
District 1: John Pinter, Ruth Warren
District 2: Oletha Jones, Stan Wruble
District 5: Stuart Green

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Debate (Indiana)
Event Date:
Sep 27 2018 – 7:00pm
Event location:
IU South Bend – 158 Northside Hall
Candidates: Paul Jonas (R), Bill Redman (D)

Please arrive before 7:00 P.M. as this event will be aired live.

Candidate Debates: St. Joseph County Council

Event Date:
Oct 2 2018 – 6:00pm
Event location:
1001 Wiekamp Hall – Indiana University South Bend
Candidates: District C Candidates: Cindy Kilgore (D), Dick Pfeil (R)
District H Candidates: Joe Canarecci (D), Brian Pawlowski (R)

Commissioner Debate – St Joseph County (IN)

Event Date:
Oct 11 2018 – 6:00pm
Event location:
1001 Wiekamp Hall – Indiana University South Bend
Candidates: Andy Kostielney (R), Tim Swager (D).

Probate Judge Candidate Debate (St. Joseph County, IN)

Event Date:
Oct 23 2018 – 6:00pm
Event location:
1001 Wiekamp Hall – Indiana University South Bend
Candidates: Jason Cichowicz (D), Jim Fox (R)

THESE EVENTS ARE SPONSORED BY THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE SOUTH BEND AREA AND CO-HOSTED BY THE IU SOUTH BEND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY PROJECT AND THE IU SOUTH BEND POLITICAL SCIENCE CLUB

Candidate event restrictions: Please do not wear clothing or accessories supporting a specific party, candidate or campaign. Such clothing will not be allowed inside the auditorium per sponsor rules. This does not apply to candidates.
Candidate event sponsoring organizations are non-partisan. We co-host candidate events for high-profile contested races.
These events feature candidates who have filed with the state/county and are running a serious campaign (e.g. headquarters, fundraising, volunteer base, media coverage, and visible campaign activities). Questions? Call 520-4128.
Wiekamp Hall is located on Mishawaka Avenue, just west of 20th Street. A connected parking garage is located at the corner of Mishawaka Avenue and 20th Street.

A light reception follows. Please join us! Event end time includes time to attend the reception.

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ATTENTION HEALTH CARE VOTERS:

A Moderated Health Care Forum:

What is at Stake for Health Care

in the 2018 Elections?

Sunday, Sept 9, 2018

2:30 pm Bendix Theater

Century Center, South Bend

Moderators: Taurean Small and Jess Arnold of ABC 57

Confirmed Speakers: Congressional Candidate Mel Hall and Staff Representative for United States Senator Joe Donnelly

Invited but not Confirmed: Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, Senate Candidate Mike Braun **Please call Rep. Walorski (574) 204- 2645 and Mr. Braun (317) 732-8893 and ask them to attend!

We are suffering a public health crisis in Northern Indiana!

Indiana is the 9th most unhealthy state in the country.
Joseph County is the 57th least healthy county out of 92 counties in Indiana.
400,000 people in Indiana and 63,000 people in IN-02 (8.3% of our population) got health insurance when the PPACA (Obamacare) was passed.
30% of non-elderly adults in Indiana have pre-existing conditions.
In 2016, 623 Indiana babies died before their first birthdays.
Infant mortality in St. Joseph County is nearly 40% higher than the national rate.
In 2016, 1600 people in Indiana died of drug overdoses, nearly half due to opiods.

How is government responding? When the Trump administration failed to repeal the consumer protection law regulating health insurers (the ACA or Obamacare), they began a vicious campaign to sabotage the law:

Getting rid of the penalty for remaining uninsured
Cutting the ACA enrollment period and funding for enrollment help
Suspending their financial support for insurers with the sickest patients
Increasing restrictions that can kick people off Medicaid
Expanding “junk” plans that circumvent protections on pre-existing conditions
Going to court to eliminate protections for people with pre-existing conditions

Our VOTES on November 6 will determine the outcome of this crisis!

Come to the Health Care Voter Forum to find out where the Indiana District 2 Congressional and Indiana Senate candidates stand on these life or death issues. Get equipped to vote and talk to other health care voters. This will be a peaceful, educational event. The candidates will have all questions ahead of time and will be given equal time to educate voters on their views.

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Saturday, August 11: Put on your boogie shoes and get downtown to Studebaker Plaza for the coolest event of the summer!

Get down to the sounds of the 70s with classic rock, soul, and funk classics by DJ Gino J and local sensation SOUL FUNKSHUN!

Join in the Drumming Circle with Nicole Williams and One Love Community Drumming.

In addition to music and fun we’ll celebrate new opportunities and learn about critical issues and new initiatives in South Bend, including:

– City grants and other local initiatives to help homeowners with repairs;

– Reducing Violence by Building Peace – using circles to build community in home, schools, and neighborhoods;

– The “Not in Our Community” Initiative that’s educating citizens on how to save our children;

– The Race for School Board – three seats for the Board will be up for election in November, Districts 1, 2 and 5. Learn where these districts are located, which candidates have filed for election and why this race is so important;

– You also can register to vote and/or check the status of your registration.

JOIN US!
When: SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2 to 5 PM
Where: 201 N Michigan St, South Bend
Host: Regina Williams Preston, Common Council, District 2

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Did you enjoy Romeo and Juliet last summer?
This year’s production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Shakespeare in Fremont Park
Shakespeare in Fremont Park is a seven-week program involving community based organizations in South Bend. Focused on the city’s west side, the effort will allow young people to work directly with adults to create, rehearse, and perform a theatre production inspired by Shakespeare. Working and rehearsing indoors, Shakespeare in Fremont Park will perform outside at Fremont Park (1800 Fremont St. at W. Hamilton St.).

2018 Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
FREE performances: July 26 & 27 at 7:00pm.
Emerging from the mission of the Fremont Park Foundation, which seeks to provide positive activities for young people and adults alike, the community wishes to build on its recent successes (a new splash pad, playground equipment, and new basketball courts), with an offering open to all, which residents can enjoy whether on stage, behind it, or even simply enjoying a show from a blanket or lawn chair.

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   KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER AND FREE!

There is a rally in South Bend on June 30th from 2 – 4 pm “Keeping Families Together and Free” in response to the immigration policies that separated families without any plan to reunite them. This event is hosted by Indivisible District 2 in coordination with MoveOn.org. The Community Forum for Economic Justice is a supporter of this event. Join us at the rally.

          WHEN: SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2018, 2 – 4 pm
          WHERE: MARYCREST BUILDING
                             2015 W. Western Avenue, South Bend

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An invitation from NICCHI, the Northern Indiana Coalition for Health Care….

“Is Medical Care a Human Right? Religious Faith Perspectives”
          Sunday, July 8th at 3 p.m. at Sinai Synagogue,
          1102 E. LaSalle Ave., South Bend

To revive a civil and productive discussion on healthcare, we must first consider the goals and visions we have for the system. This involves a consideration of our moral and ethical values regarding the role of the community in the health of the individual. One question of particular relevance is whether access to healthcare a basic human right.

Please join religious leaders from our community as they describe how their faith informs them on this issue. Participating in the forum are: Pastor Rick Jackson (Olivet AME Church), Father Fidelis Olokunboro (Notre Dame), Imam Mohammad Sirajuddin (Islamic Society of Michiana), Reverend James Miller (Sunnyside Presbyterian Church) and Rabbi Michael Friedland (Sinai Synagogue).
Please RSVP by going to the BrownPaperTickets websitehttps://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3474343… to get a FREE ticket.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENT NETWORK OF NORTHERN INDIANA
Concerning the development of a plan for a mega-industrial complex

Consultants for the county Economic Development Office are currently drafting a master plan for an “Industrial Logistics Center” or “Industrial Megaplex” that would open 15,000 acres of land in northwestern Saint Joseph County for industrial development.

Due to the primary election, the next meeting of the St. Joseph County Council has been moved to WEDNESDAY, May 9^th at 6:00 p.m. at the County City Building 4th Floor, Council Chambers, 227 West Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601. At this meeting, we will request

that environmental care, smart sustainable development, transparency, accountability and inclusion be a part of the planning process for the mega-industrial complex.

Your presence is incredibly important to show the county council that we care about this place we call home, St. Joe County! You do not need to speak, even your presence is wonderful. However, we will take the opportunity to use ‘privilege of the floor’ (in which each speaker receives 3 minutes) to touch on the following topics and ask some questions:

Sensitive aquifer
Floodplains & fragile wetlands
Potential loss of rich agricultural land & agricultural tradition
Fiscal accountability: How much money has already been spent attracting development? What kind of development?
2002 Comprehensive County Land Use Plan: is this being used as a guide?
Return on investment: tax break/job ratio; TIF District impact – loss of revenue to local governments + increase in demand for government services + loss of funding for schools
Dangers of insufficiently considered plan (ex. South Shore rerouting)
Need for smart economic development (alternative to rolling the dice on attracting huge manufacturing plants)
Big picture of sustainable community
Millennial generation perspective: search for a “forever home” with good quality of life
Personal experiences & concerns (residents of affected areas and others – multiple speakers with personal remarks would be great!)
More transparency & opportunities for public involvement in planning process; enthusiasm for more

We hope to end each remark with a refrain for:

Smart Sustainable Economic Development
Environmental and Community Values recognized in the 2002 Comprehensive Plan – Let’s keep those!
Importance of Public Involvement

If you are willing to speak on one of these topics, please let us know. We will also have some prepared remarks you can use as a guide. It can be as simple as standing up and saying your name, address and that you care. This is POWERFUL!

For any questions: please contact Chris Cobb ccobb@saintmarys.edu or Jennifer Betz jen.a.betz@gmail.com

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AN INVITATION FROM THE HIGGINS LABOR PROGRAM AT NOTRE DAME

Dear friends — May Day comes early to Notre Dame this year! Please join the Higgins Labor Program for its annual May Day Movie this Sunday, April 22, 3 pm, at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center (at the corner of Angela and Eddy at the southern edge of the Notre Dame campus)

Come to watch At the River I Stand, the powerful, hour-long documentary chronicling Martin Luther King’s final campaign, the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike. Tickets are free and walk ups are fine, but sign up hereto put your name on the coveted Higgins guest list (and help us plan for enough popcorn!).

Parking is free in the lots around the Center on weekends, so you should not have a problem finding a spot nearby.

Enjoy the complimentary concessions provided by the Higgins Labor Program and its cosponsors.
Stay to engage a panel of community members, including:
Debra Ward (SB Schools bus driver, president of AFSCME #686)
Regina Williams-Preston (SB Schools teacher, leader of NEA-SB, and member of SB city council)
Taurean Small (reporter for ABC57, grandson of one of the Memphis sanitation workers)
Go out and carry on the fight for economic, racial, and social justice.

All are welcome, and the show is free.

See you Sunday! Dan Graff, Director, Higgins Labor Program

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MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM
Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.
St. Joseph County Public Library, Humphreys Room.
304 South Main Street, South Bend.

ATTENTION ST. JOSEPH COUNTY VOTERS:
MEET THE CANDIDATES ON YOUR BALLOT!
Democrat? Republican? Undecided?
Meet them all. CAST AN INFORMED VOTE.

Hosted by American Democracy Project of IU South Bend

and St. Joseph County Public Library

This event will feature the Second Congressional District candidates, county sheriff candidates, assessor candidates, and other candidates on your St. Joseph County ballots! Grab a neighbor and JOIN US. KNOW before you GO (to the polls).

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From Community Wellness Partners:

SMOKE FREE ST. JOE EXPOSES DECEPTIVE TOBACCO MARKETING TOWARDS LOCAL YOUTH

Smoke Free St. Joe Coalition hosts an informative panel “Blowing Smoke” discussing the deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry towards youth in our community at the St Joseph County Public Library, Main Branch, Colfax Auditorium, on Tuesday, April 24 from 6:00-7:00pm.

Moderated by WNDU-TV host & reporter Joshua Short, a panel of local youth advocates, healthcare providers, and community experts examines tobacco point-of-sale marketing tactics and suggests solution strategies.

In Indiana, the tobacco industry spends $284.5 million dollars per year on tobacco marketing; 90-95% spent on point-of-sale marketing. Between 2016-2017, Smoke Free St. Joe Coalition partners and volunteers participated point-of-sale marketing surveys of tobacco retailers in St. Joseph County.

Presenting the results of these assessments is Anita W. Gaillard, M.S.P.H., director of Community Programs for the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission of the Indiana State Department of Health.

There is no cost to attend. Event sponsors Anthem and Centier Bank will provide light refreshments.

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THREE NOTICES FROM ALKEYNA ALDRIDGE

Director of Engagement & Economic Empowerment

Department of Community Investment

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The Department of Community Investment has partnered with Community Wellness Partners to conduct a study exploring resident perspectives of housing and neighborhood development. In doing so, Community Wellness Partners will be conducting open interviews for part-time data collectors on March 15th from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. See the flyer below for more details.

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Zimmerman/Volk & Associates will share their findings regarding South Bend’s market potential for residential housing development. There are two opportunities for the public to engage where the final report “An Analysis of Residential Market Potential” will be presented. Please see the flyer below for details. See you there!

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There will be a one day conference in honor of our friend, neighbor and colleague Dr. Stuart Greene who will retire in May. The conference is free and open to the public. Students, community members, faculty, and staff are welcome. Community members are especially encouraged to attend. The conference will run all day on March 23rd in the Eck Visitors Center. We will end with a reception honoring Stuart for his 20 years of service to Notre Dame. Registration for the conference closes on March 16th.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 4 PM

Celebrate a year of resilience and join us in renewing our commitment to change

People’s Inauguration II: The State of Our Union
Date: January 20th
Time: 4-6:30pm
Location: Islamic Society of Michiana
Address: 3310 E Hepler St, South Bend, IN 46635

Presented by the Michiana Social Justice Coalition: https://www.michianasjc.org/

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 6 PM

Next meeting of CAFE, Community Action for Education
at the Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W Washington St., South Bend

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018

JANUARY MOVIE AT THE CIVIL RIGHTS HERITAGE CENTER

“THE BORINQUENEERS” A DOCUMENTARY ON THE ALL-PUERTO RICAN 65TH INFANTRY REGIMENT The crhc:film series returns in 2018 for a new season of films and discussions about issues that matter.
“The Borinqueneers” is the first major documentary to chronicle the story of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, the only all-Hispanic unit in U.S. Army history—exploring stories of courage, triumph and struggle through rare archival materials and compelling interviews with veterans, commanding officers and historians.

Narrated by Hector Elizondo, it reveals how the 65th Infantry Regiment served meritoriously in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, even as they faced discrimination within the Army.

This free film event and discussion is the first in our Spring 2018 crhc:film series. For more information, visit http://borinqueneers.com/

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15:

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ATTORNEY TO VISIT SOUTH BEND

Attorney Veronica Percia of the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Educational Opportunities Section, will visit South Bend next week. The purpose of her visit is to assess the District’s Compliance with Plan Z and the operative court orders in the South Bend desegregation case. Plan Z is the School Corporation’s School Choice Policy.

Attorney Percia will be gathering information, and would like to give community members the opportunity to share their experiences in the SBCSC and their concerns as they relate to desegregation in the District. She will be the guest of CAFÉ (Community Action for Education) and the South Bend Branch of the NAACP at a public forum to be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the

Civil Rights Heritage Center, located at 1040 W. Avenue, South Bend. The event will begin at 6 pm.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16:

CITY OF SOUTH BEND & PROSPERITY NOW LAUNCH

“PARTNERSHIP FOR AN INCLUSIVE ECONOMY”

Earlier this month, the South Bend Office for Diversity and Inclusion held a public “kick-off” meeting that featured a presentation by Dedrick Asante-Muhammed, a Senior Fellow at Prosperity Now, a national nonprofit that researches financial equity in American cities.

His research focused on South Bend and documented the economic insecurity challenging households of color. According to the research findings, “these households are significantly more likely than their White counterparts to be burdened by their housing costs, to live in liquid asset poverty and to be unemployed.” For his full report; https://prosperitynow.org/files/resources/Racial%20Wealth%20Divide%20in%20South%20Bend_ProsperityNow_RWDI.pdf

NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING: Thursday, November 16^th, 6 pm.

Harrison Primary Center

3302 W. Washington Avenue

At this meeting, the South Bend Office for Diversity and Inclusion will unroll their Plan for an Inclusive Economy (PIE). Attendees will also be trained how to undertake community asset mapping, which compiles a holistic view of the talents, skills, and experience of a community.

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“A BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION: HOW WE CAN END LEAD POISONING IN 5 YEARS”
A presentation by Ruth Ann Norton, President and CEO, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative

Monday, November 13, 2017, 6:00 PM
at the Near Northwest Neighborhood Community Center
1013 Portage Avenue, South Bend
Sponsor: Eck Institute for Global Health

For a flyer on the event, Download Ending Lead Poisoning

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Wednesday, October 25

DEFEND DACA RALLY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 – 7:30 AM TO 8:30 AM

CONGESSWOMAN JACKIE WALORSKI’S MISHAWAKA OFFICE

CORNER OF LINCOLNWAY AND UNION STREET

Sponsored by:

INDIVISIBLE INDIANA DISTRICT 2

THE COMMUNITY COALITION FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM

We will rally for Jackie Walorski’s support of a

“CLEAN” DREAM Act that DOES NOT:

Include funding for a southern border wall

Restrict family-based migration

Crack down on asylum seekers

Require local officials to hand over information that ICE requests about an immigrant in custody

BRING SIGNS

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From Indivisible Indiana District 2:

Housing and Economic Development Forum: Racial Injustice in South Bend

Thursday, October 12, 6-8 PM

St. Joseph County Main Library, 304 S Main Street, Colfax Auditorium

Join us for this crucial panel discussion about housing policies affecting the west side of South Bend, including predatory code enforcement, and the lack of opportunities for economic development.

Speakers include Judy Fox, Notre Dame law professor; Jose Arevalo, Community Forum for Economic Justice; Regina Williams-Preston, South Bend Common Councilmember; David Hurley, community organizer; and Jorden Giger, Indivisible Indiana District 2.

This forum will be moderated by Nate Levin-Aspenson (Indivisible Indiana District 2), and it is sponsored by South Bend Common Council member Regina Williams-Preston, the Far Northwest Neighborhood Association, and Indivisible Indiana District 2.

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OPEN HOUSE FOR THE VITA PROGRAM

Thursday, October 12, 6-7:30 PM

United Way, 3517 E. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Income Tax Preparation

Greeters and Screeners

Interpreters

Site Coordinators, and more!

The Community Forum for Economic Justice supports VITA – the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program that provides free, electronic tax filing for low-to-moderate income taxpayers. VITA’s goal is to provide free electronic tax filing for as many residents as possible and to help eligible taxpayers file for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC provides extra money to workers who earn low incomes, particularly if they are supporting children.

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SEPT 14 and 15: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND NATIVE AMERICANS
Ian Zabarte, “Head Man,” Western Shoshone
Thursday, Sept 14, 6 PM, 320 Malloy Hall, University of Notre Dame
Friday, Sept 15, 5:15 PM, 320 Malloy Hall, University of Notre Dame
For a flyer about the event, click here.
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SEPT 17: SALT OF THE EARTH The Higgins Labor Program’s Fall Film Classic Sunday, Sep. 17, 3 PM, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Notre Dame Join us for this rare screening of the most notorious blacklisted movie in American history. Released in 1954, this Cold War labor classic provides a fascinating counterpart to On the Waterfront (the Oscar winner that year). To be followed by a panel discussion. For a flyer about the event, click here.
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SEPT 19: NAACP GAME CHANGERS
Tuesday, Sept 19, 5:30 – 7:00 PM, The Kroc Center, 900 Western Avenue, South Bend
An Informational Community Forum addressing the major areas of inequality facing African Americans that are the focus of the NAACP’s work.
For a flyer about the event, click here.
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SEPT 20: MEETING OF CAFE, COMMUNITY ACTION FOR EDUCATION
Wednesday, Sept 20, 6 PM, Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W Washington St, SB
CAFÉ was organized in February of 2015 with a mission of uniting efforts by parents, teachers and community allies to oppose practices and policies that support the pipeline from school to prison. CAFE meets monthly to support and expand the growing movement for educational equity.
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SEPT 21: TODAY’S STRUGGLE FOR RACIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
Thursday, Sept 21, 6 PM, Eck Visitor Center, ND (next to Bookstore on Notre Dame Avenue)
35th McBride Lecture, Sponsored by the Higgins Labor Program and the United Steelworkers
Fred Redmond, International Vice-President (Human Relations), United Steelworkers
The signature event of the Higgins season, this timely talk will be immediately followed by a public reception.
For a flyer about the event, click here.
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SEPT 22: FIGHTING RACISM IN SOUTH BEND
Friday, Sept 22, 6 – 8 PM, Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W Washington St, SB
Sponsored by the Black Student Union at IU South Bend
A forum in response to the White Nationalist March in Charlottesville, VA. There will be a panel presentation, followed by an open discussion between the five panelists and the audience on how to fight racism here in South Bend. Everyone is free to come regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, etc. Open to any and all opinions.

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Aug. 26: LaSalle Park Summer Fest

Come together and celebrate community unity.
The LaSalle Park Summer Fest is a celebration of community and culture in South Bend. Enjoy an afternoon of family friendly activities including food vendors, a bouncy house, rock climbing wall, music, and dance.

This free event is made possible with the support of many community organizations including La Casa de Amistad, South Bend Venues Parks & Arts, City of South Bend – Municipal Government, Latin American Chamber of Commerce, South Bend Community School Corporation, LTIA, South Bend Police Athletic League, University of Notre Dame Community Relations, 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend, and the Lasalle Park-Alliance.

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Aug 26: Celebrating Michiana Women Leaders
Honoring Women ● Preserving History
Women’s Equality Day
August 26, 2017 – 6:00 – 8:00pm
Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center
1040 West Washington Street
South Bend, Indiana

You can find complete information about honorees, sponsors, etc., if you Download Invitation to Event – CMWL – 2017

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WORKSHOP ON THE CITY BUDGET PROCESS
Register now for the July 8^th Neighborhood Leadership Academy sponsored interactive workshop on the City Budget process featuring City of SB CFO, John Murphy and City Controller, Jennifer Hockenhull. To register, email nrcneighbors@gmail.com or call 287.0425.

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STATE HISTORIC MARKER FOR BETTER HOMES SOUTH BEND
The unveiling of the marker, with Mayor Pete Buttigieg, will take place on Saturday, July 8, at 11 AM at 1702 N. Elmer Street.
The marker recognizes a group of Studebaker workers in the 1950s who formed Better Homes of South Bend, the first African-American housing co-op in Indiana. After a long struggle, they managed to build 22 homes in the 1700 and 1800 block of N. Elmer Street. The marker celebrates their courage and persistence in standing up against segregation and racism.
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PRIDE SOUTH BEND
The Block Party will start on July 8 at 3pm and close at 6pm on Michigan Avenue between Wayne and Washington Streets. The day will end with a 21+ after party at Woochi sushi bar from 10pm-1am where you can toast to making Pride South Bend a success.
For a flyer about the event, Download Pride South Bend
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In a recent press release, the City of South Bend has announced that the budget input meeting on May 15 will be held at Ivy Tech Community College.
The City’s press release:

The City of South Bend invites residents to attend an upcoming public meeting on Monday, May 15^th, 2017 at 6:00pm, at Ivy Tech Community College (220 Dean Johnson Blvd, South Bend, IN), to discuss the 2018 City budget. The public meeting will give individuals an opportunity to provide input, learn about the budget process and talk to City officials prior to the kickoff of the 2018 budget season.

Event details:

Who: Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Common Council Members and City staff
What: Resident Budget Input Meeting
When: Monday, May 15, 2017 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: Ivy Tech Community College – 220 Dean Johnson Blvd, South Bend, IN

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COMMUNITY ACTION FOR EDUCATION (CAFE) will meet
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 AT 6:P.M. (Anniversary Date for Brown vs. Board of Education).
Civil Rights Heritage Center
1040 W Washington St., SB

This will be the last opportunity to meet before the last School Board meeting before the end of school.

We want to encourage a significant turn out for the School Board meeting Monday, May 22, 2017, 5:30 p.m. at the Administration Building downtown.

Our Good Friend Stuart Greene wrote an excellent letter in which he will read a portion at this Board Meeting, however, we will need at least two more activist to read a portion as it is longer than the 3 minutes allowed at the Podium.

We would also like to take this opportunity to strategize on our work moving forward into the summer.

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SOUTH BEND MARCH FOR SCIENCE – SATURDAY, APRIL 22

South Bend is marching… for science. Local community members have come together to organize a March for Science in Downtown South Bend on Earth Day, April 22nd. The event is scheduled to begin at 2 pm in Howard Park, followed by a march to the Jon R. Hunt Memorial Plaza in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center. A committee of scientists and concerned citizens organized the march, due to recent government policies preventing federal science agencies from sharing their findings as well as decreases in funding for scientific and educational programs.

The march organizers hope to raise awareness of the ways in which federal policy is relevant on the community level. “Government policies have real consequences on people’s lives, on the country’s future,” notes retired molecular geneticist Elliot Rosen, one of the organizers of the South Bend march. “Policymakers need to make their decisions using the best available empirical evidence, rather than ideology or biased information from vested interests.”

The March for Science South Bend is one of over 428 satellite marches occurring globally on Earth Day, alongside the march on the National Mall in Washington D.C. on the same day. The mission of March for Science South Bend is to develop awareness of the need for scientific funding, of science education in our local schools, and to foster communication between the public, scientists, and local businesses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://marchforsciencesb.com/

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A MESSAGE FROM CHERYL ASHE ON INDIANA SENATE BILL 9,

Which specifies that Indiana elects to opt out of the federal law prohibiting individuals convicted of certain drug offenses from receiving supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) assistance.

SB 9 did not get a hearing in the House. The bill is dead. The reason the House did not have a hearing was Republican leadership told the committee’s chairperson not to give the bill a hearing.

Republican leadership wants to concentrate on drug treatment and prevention. I sent Republican leadership info on the relationship between relapse prevention and good nutrition. Will be back next year to fight for the bill. Thanks for all your help, Cheryl

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Message from the Northern Indiana Community Coalition on Health Care:

With the demise of the Trump/Ryan health “plan,” some District 2 folks may erroneously assume that we can relax, that the benefits of the ACA are protected, that the town hall is off, and that there is no need to continue our energetic movement. Below is a statement that will be released on social media and to the press. Please circulate widely, “like” when you see it posted, and ensure that everyone knows the town hall is on! Sunday, April 9, Century Center in South Bend, from 3-5 pm, doors open at 2.

ACTION ITEM – WHERE’S WALORSKI WEDNESDAY: MORE URGENT THAN EVER

The failure of the Trump/Ryan health care bill has created more questions than answers in District 2: Why did Congresswoman Jackie Walorski endorse a bill that dropped essential benefits like maternity care and cut Medicaid, when other lawmakers –both Democrat and Republican—ran from the bill? What’s next for fixing Hoosier health care? Why has the congresswoman still not met with her constituents? For these reasons, the April 9 town hall meeting will still proceed as planned from 3-5PM at the Century Center. Concerned citizens of District 2 who joined together in the Northern Indiana Community Coalition for Health Care have raised funds from other concerned citizens and have respectfully and repeatedly requested the Jackie Walorski attend. The urgency of health care reform did not die with the bill, and we worry about losing benefits that are critical to our lives. Please, Congresswoman, come talk with us.

Where’s Walorski Wednesday will also proceed as planned – again at 12:30PM at her Mishawaka office (3/29 and 4/5). Bring your old sign or create a new one reflecting the continued urgency of the health care issue and the need for Walorski to give us the courtesy of a reply.

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April 2, 2017: Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic speech

Finding Common Ground: Linking the Struggles against Poverty, Racism and War

“Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence”
4-6 PM on Apr 2, 2017
Charles Martin Center,
802 Lincolnway West, SB
Download King – Beyond Vietnam – 4-2-2017 for a flyer about the program.

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April 7, 2017: Prayer Vigil and Protest at the Gary-Chicago Airport

#NoBanNoWall
PRAYER VIGIL & PROTEST

APRIL 7, 2017 10:30AM- NOON
Airport Road. off Cline Avenue, Gary, IN
All the deportations from the greater Chicago area leave from the Gary-Chicago airport. They have for 11 years. The NWI Resistance has organized an Interfaith Vigil for April 7th to protest the deportations, the bans, the walls.

According to reports from he Sisters of Mercy who have met with the detainees for 11 years, not a single one has committed a serious crime. A few were charged with drugs or traffic violations but the vast majority have been criminalized for trying to reunite with their families here.

Download Airport Flyer 7 Apr 2017 for a flyer about the event.

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April 9, 2017: A Moderated TOWN HALL on Health Care

What Will Happen If We Lose the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

Invited: Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-2)
Sunday April 9th
3:00PM ~ 5:00PM (doors open 2PM)
Century Center, South Bend
Sponsored by: Northern Indiana Community Coalition for Health Care (NICCHC)* and Community Wellness Partners
Download Town Hall April 9 for a flier on the event.

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April 15, 2017: 7th Annual Black Barbershop Health Initiative

from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Health screenings will be given at 6 neighborhood barbershops in South Bend, Indiana
Volunteers needed! To sign up, visit
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c4ea8ac23aaf49-7thannual
Download 7th Annual Black Barbershop Health Initiative for a flier on the event.

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Jan 21 and Feb 9: Public Meetings about Lead Exposure

Lead impacts all neighborhoods with housing built prior to 1978 (60% of South Bend)
Over 30% of children tested in Census Tract 6 (west of Portage, north of Lincoln Way West) had elevated lead levels

· Lead exposure can seriously impact child development and health
What is your experience? What are our resources?
What can we do? What can the city and county do?

Informational Forum
Saturday, January 21, 10 am – 12 noon
Information from County Health Department
Q & A with Mayor Buttigieg and other officials

NNN Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, Feb 9, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Hearing stories from neighbors
What do we want? What do we need?
What will we do together?

Both events at the Near Northwest Neighborhood
Community Center
1013 Portage Ave, South Bend, IN
574.232.9182
www.nearnorthwest.org

Please call 574-232-9182 or email nnndirector@nearnorthwest.org if you have a story, a question, an idea, or want to help address this issue in our neighborhood and city

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VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Program begins Jan 23, continues through April 15
For taxpayers who made $64,000 or less in 2016
Make an appointment: Call 211 or sign up at www.unitedwaytaxhelp.org
Do your own taxes for free at www.myfreetaxes.com
Download VITA for a flyer about the VITA program

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Jan 25: CAFE Meeting
6-7:30 PM: Civil Rights Heritage Center
1040 West Washington St, SB
CAFE: COMMUNITY ACTION FOR EDUCATION
CAFE is a collective voice that provides a venue for conversation in order to gain knowledge and understanding about the issues we face in education. We unite parents, educators, and the community at large in order to help provide options of opportunity and strategies of education for all children.

For more information, contact communityactionforeducation@gmail.com

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Jan 20: People’s Inauguration
12 PM: Press Conference
    Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W. Washington, SB
4-6:30 PM: Voices for Justice and Inclusion
    Islamic Society of Michiana, 3310 Hepler St, SB
7-10 PM: Inaugural Ball
    Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W. Washington, SB
Download Peoples Inauguration for a flyer on the event.
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Jan 21: Women’s March
3:30 PM: Rally with very brief speakers at John R. Hunt Plaza, followed by a short march through downtown South Bend
4:15 Dance celebration at Vegetable Buddies, followed by food and drink and convivial networking
Download Womens March for a flyer on the event.

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Jan 22: Creating Community with New Americans: Refugees Thank Michiana
1-3 PM: Robinson Community Learning Center
921 N. Eddy St., SB
1:30 PM: Welcome and stories
1:55 PM: What’s Next for Refugee Resettlement in South Bend?
2:00: Enjoy food and meet guests
View this photo for a flyer on the event.

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FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS/ LUNCH WITH THE LEAGUE

K-12 Indiana Public Education: Impact of High Stakes Testing & Vouchers
Friday, December 9 at noon, South Bend Chocolate Café (122 S. Michigan St., SB)
This event is free and open to the public. Speaker begins at noon. Come as early as 11:30 to purchase lunch.

The League of Women Voters of Indiana has taken this formal position on public education: “The League of Women Voters of Indiana supports a free, publicly funded, nonsectarian system of schools serving all the state’s children from pre-school through 12th grade.”

At the December Lunch with the League, members Aladean DeRose and Anne Montgomery, who serve on the LWV Indiana Education Study Committee, will present the results of the Committee’s local and statewide findings and lead an initial discussion of the League’s concurrence questions about high stakes K-12 testing — purposes, ideal frequency, the test -selecting body, acceptable time and dollar expenditures, as well as the current status of vouchers in Indiana. For more information, visit http://www.lwvsouthbend.org/

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

On Saturday December 10, 2016 the St Joseph Valley Project Jobs with Justice with our community allies will be hosting our 17th Annual Community Celebration of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Theme for this Year’s Celebration is: Building a Community I want to Live In.” The event will take place in Room 1001 in Wiekamp Hall on the Campus of Indiana University South Bend.

This year we will focus on Articles 2, 11, and 18 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 2, which identifies the human rights that fall within the scope of the Declaration, will be summarized by April Lidinsky, of the IUSB Woman and Gender Center. Darryl Heller, Director of the IUSB Civil Rights Heritage Center, will discuss Article 11 (the right to a trial) and Imam Muhammed Sirajuddin, from the Islamic Society of Michiana will discuss Article 18 (Religious Freedom).

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg will present a human rights proclamation from the City of South Bend, followed by remarks from Lonnie Douglas, Director of the South Bend Human Rights Commission. The program will end with a Call to Action by Gerrie Casey of IUSB Labor Studies.

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Panel on housing and low-income families

The Community Forum for Economic Justice will not sponsor a public forum during November. Instead we encourage you to attend the PANEL ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, part of a discussion series on Flourishing Communities. It will be held
Wednesday, November 16 at 7pm
Carey Auditorium (located in the Hesburgh Library at the University of Notre Dame).

Panel members:

Diana Hess, Neighborhood Resource Connection

Karen White, South Bend Common Council, Chair of the Residential Neighborhood Committee

Gladys Mohammed, South Bend Heritage Foundation

Stuart Greene, Department of Africana Studies at the University of Notre Dame

Adam Moeller, University of Notre Dame

The panel will examine the extent to which policy and law have supported the flourishing of low-income under-served families since the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968 with a special emphasis on the west side of South Bend.

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NAACP Annual Education Summit

to be held in South Bend this year!

When: Saturday, August 27, from 9 am to 3 pm

Where: Indiana University South Bend School of Education

Topic this year: THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE

Keynote speaker: Zakiya Sankara-Jabar, Executive Director of

Racial Justice NOW!

For more information about the program, Download Final Ed. Summit flyer.

This event is open to the public.

Attendance is limited to the first 100 registered.

There is a $15. fee for Advance pre-registered (deadline: August 19th)

Registration includes summit, breakfast and lunch. Student registration is $10.

Please make payments by check or money order to:

ISC NAACP,

Attention: Education Summit

P.O.Box 64798, Gary, Indiana 46401-0798.

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Celebrating Michiana Women Leaders

Women’s Equality Day, August 26th, from 5:30 to 7:30

Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 West Washington Street, South Bend

An exhibit celebrating women who have blazed new trails, have been relentless advocates, have guided the community through change, have supported the arts and other cultural assets, or have dedicated their lives to caring for or educating others. The exhibit highlights both women whose leadership is widely recognized and those who lead quietly behind the scenes, perhaps not known by the community at large. It is a partnership of the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area and the Michiana Women Leaders Project. For more information, Download Celebrating Michiana Women Leaders Invitation 2016

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A Teach-in

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
and the War in Vietnam:
A Time to Break the Silence

January 21, 2016

6:00pm – 7:30pm

Civil Rights Heritage Center

1040 W. Washington St.

Join us for a teach-in on one of Dr. King’s most radical and profound speeches. Hear Dr. King in his own words and discuss with others its significance in his time and its meaning for today’s struggle for peace and justice.

“A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. On one hand, we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside, but that will only be an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.

Martin Luther King

Sponsored by:

South Bend Anti-War History Committee Community for Peace and Nonviolence

St. Joseph Valley Jobs with Justice Civil Rights Heritage Center

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A Little Taste of Peace

In celebration of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday
and a kick-off for the study circles on race

Saturday, January 16, 2016
6:15PM-9:15PM
Program Starts at 6:30PM
The Beacon
4210 Lincolnway West, South Bend
Participants should enter through Door A off the big parking lot on the West side of the building. Door C on the East side of the building is handicap accessible.

Please join us

Please bring a dessert or other finger food to share (Please No Pork), participate in a conversation on current problems and solutions that can help to build Dr. King’s dream
We invite people from all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds.

Please RSVP to Amanda at The YWCA
574-233-9491 Ext. 316 or www.ywcancin.org by January 14, 2016 at 5:00PM
Please give names of all who will be attending, a phone number or email, and race/ethnicity and religion so that we can assure a good mixture at each table.

Sponsored by: AARP, American Association of University Women (AAUW), The Baha’i Faith, The Beacon, Bridges out of Poverty, Catholic Social Teaching Ministry at St. Pius X, Center for Social Concerns (CSC), Center for Women’s Intercul-tural Leadership of St. Mary’s College (CWIL), Community for Peace and Nonviolence (CPNV), Community Forum for Economic Justice (CFEJ), Human Rights Commission of South Bend (HRC), Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA), Indiana Health Center, Islamic Society of Michiana, IUSB Civil Rights Heritage Center, League of Women Voters (LWV), Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Men’s Club, Michiana Peace and Jus-tice Coalition (MPJC), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Neighborhood Resources Connection (NRC), Real Estate Investors Association (REIA), St. Joseph Valley Project Jobs with Justice (JWJ), St. Vincent de Paul Society, The United Religious Community, YWCA of North Central Indiana (YWCA).

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TUESDAY NOV 10 — FIGHT FOR $15

From our friends at the North Central Indiana AFL-CIO Council:

Join us on Tuesday November 10 at 11:30am to send off a delegation from our community headed to the rally at the State House in Indianapolis to tell our lawmakers that it is time to Raise the Wage.

The Fight for $15 is underway across the nation. Join the millions of workers in communities large and small who know that you Can’t Survive on $7.25.

We will rally and hold a press conference at 11:30am at Studebaker Plaza, Jefferson and Michigan, in downtown South Bend.

When corporations are paying 42% of working people less than $15 an hour, it means the economy is way out of balance.

One year from Election Day, we are standing up as voters to say we’re with the ‘42%.’ We will vote to make our government and our community work for everyone, not just the rich.

We have to put politicians on notice that the time to Raise the Wage is NOW.

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Friday, Oct. 2nd, 11:30 am — South Bend Century Center, Discovery Hall

PURSUING LIBERTY IN THE FACE OF INJUSTICE

The South Bend Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is proud to host our 35th Hazel B. Hunter Fundraiser Luncheon. We are excited about this ongoing tribute and cordially extend this special invitation for you to join us in celebrating our accomplishments and our continued struggle for civil rights for all our citizens. As a nonprofit organization, we operate solely from memberships and financial contributions. This fundraiser will support our local scholarship and community programming.

The luncheon will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at the South Bend Century Center, located at 120 South St. Joseph Street, South Bend, Indiana. To coincide with our national organization, we have chosen “Pursuing liberty in the face of injustice” as our theme. This year’s speaker is J. Douglas Harris, CEO of The Kaleidoscope Group – Chicago, a dynamic speaker and passionate practitioner of diversity and inclusion. For more information on Doug Harris, please visit http://kgdiversity.com/doug-harris/

To register for tickets visit www.naacpsouthbend.org

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It’s a hootenany (actually two)!

Two opportunities to engage Appalachian folk musicians next week

CONCERT

Next Tuesday, Sep. 22, at 7 pm, at Washington Hall on Notre Dame’s campus, the Higgins Labor Program is cosponsoring an Appalachian Music Concert featuring Tom Breiding of The Appalachian Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University and The Emancipators, an acoustic ensemble based in east Tennessee specializing in original and cover tunes that promote peace, joy, love, social and Earth justice. Their music is informed by struggles for justice in Appalachia and beyond. It ranges from the political to the personal, traditional to contemporary, with a common concern for building the beloved community through music. They invite folks to sing along and believe singing together for peace and justice is a subversive act. The concert is a program of the Center for Social Concerns’ Appalachia seminar, an immersive-experience course that sends ND students each fall and spring breaks to learn about the struggles of rural American communities for decent housing, health care, food security, and economic development. It is free and open to the public.

CONVERSATION

The

night before the concert,

on Monday, Sep. 21, at 7 pm, at the Chicory Cafe in downtown South Bend, the Higgins Labor Program will introduce Tom Breiding to the South Bend community. Tom is eager to

share his experiences as a songwriter, community activist, and transmitter of obscure stories of the origins of the UMWA (United Mine Workers of America).

And with guitar nearby, I’m sure

he’ll

also

play a song or two.

All are welcome to this casual event.

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The Civil Rights Heritage Center and the Center for a Sustainable Future present…

A CELEBRATION OF BETTER HOMES OF SOUTH BEND: AN AMERICAN STORY OF COURAGE

How a group of Studebaker workers in the 1950’s won out over segregation.

Saturday, September 26, at 3 pm, Wiekamp Auditorium, IUSB

A SB 150 Event — Everybody Welcome

Co-sponsors of this event include:

Community Forum for Economic Justice Far Northwest Neighborhood Association

Grace United Methodist Church Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Men’s Club

Pilgrim Baptist Church South Bend Heritage Foundation

South Bend Human Rights Commission

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LAST SATURDAY, THE COMMUNITY FORUM FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE JOINED WITH 19 OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO SPONSOR A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL FORUM: “BREAK THE SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE.” YOU’LL HEAR MORE ABOUT THE OUTCOMES FROM THAT FORUM IN THE NEAR FUTURE. TODAY, WE’RE SHARING UPCOMING EVENTS SPONSORED BY SOME OF THOSE 19 COMMUNITY PARTNERS.

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TOMORROW: Thursday, September 17th, 6:00 – 7:30 pm — Civil Rights Heritage Center – Constitution Day Lecture Additional Sponsors: IUSB Political Science Club and the IUSB American Democracy Project

RFRA, KIM DAVIS & THE DEBATE OVER RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Featuring a presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Bennion, Professor of Political Science at IU South Bend

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Monday, September 21st, INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE AND THE NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR MURDER VICTIMS

Sponsors include the Community for Peace and Nonviolence, Mamas Against Violence and the Michiana Peace and Justice Coalition

The day will have two parts:

1. 11:00am-4:00pm Reflection space on the first floor of the City County Building, remembering loved ones lost to violence and the international call for peace. The space will include photos of persons lost to violence, inspiration for the day, and the first launch of the SB150 Stories of Peace project website, showcasing stories of peace from South Bend.

2. 5:30pm – 6:30pm Community vigil at the Jon Hunt Plaza (in front of the Morris). This will be a time we can come together for peace and remember those lost to violence in our community.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have a picture or other memory item of a loved one you have lost that you would like to contribute to the reflection space, please drop it off at the Charles Martin Youth Center from 10a-2:30pm any day this week (Mon-Fri), or reply to this email.

All are welcome! The facebook event is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/564420727023445/?fref=ts

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Wednesday, September 23rd, 6:00 – 7:30 pm — Dickinson Room of the St. Joseph County Library on Main Street, South Bend

At a meeting of CAFÉ (Community Action for Education) you can CONTINUE LEARNING, DISCUSSING, AND MOBILIZING ABOUT THE SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE. CAFÉ is an organization for parents, educators, and their community allies, uniting to achieve quality education for all of our children. You are invited to attend, whether or not you attended last Saturday’s forum.

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Thursday, September 24th, 6 pm —Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W Washington St.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES FROM WITHIN AND WITHOUT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

The IU South Bend Civil Rights Center and the IU Department of Psychology invite you to a community conversation on domestic and intimate partner violence in the African American Community, featuring a presentation by Dr. Oliver Williams, Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota, in St. Paul. His presentation will go beyond an analysis of the problem to offer case studies that are providing positive solutions. Free DVDs highlighting Dr. Williams’ work will be provided. Reception and Refreshments to follow.

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Friday, October 2nd, 11:30 am — South Bend Century Center, Discovery Hall

PURSUING LIBERTY IN THE FACE OF INJUSTICE

The South Bend Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is proud to host our 35th Hazel B. Hunter Fundraiser Luncheon. We are excited about this ongoing tribute and cordially extend this special invitation for you to join us in celebrating our accomplishments and our continued struggle for civil rights for all our citizens. As a nonprofit organization, we operate solely from memberships and financial contributions. This fundraiser will support our local scholarship and community programming.

The luncheon will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at the South Bend Century Center, located at 120 South St. Joseph Street, South Bend, Indiana. To coincide with our national organization, we have chosen “Pursuing liberty in the face of injustice” as our theme. This year’s speaker is J. Douglas Harris, CEO of The Kaleidoscope Group – Chicago, a dynamic speaker and passionate practitioner of diversity and inclusion. For more information on Doug Harris, please visit http://kgdiversity.com/doug-harris/

To register for tickets visit www.naacpsouthbend.org

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Sept 11: A COMMUNITY FORUM AND DISCUSSION: “SCHOOLING VS. EDUCATION”

Sponsored by The Civil Rights Heritage Center and the School of Education at IU South Bend

Featuring a presentation by Dr. David Stovall, Associate Professor of Educational Policy Studies and African-American Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

Friday, September 11 at 6:00 pm at the Civil Rights Heritage Center (1040 W. Washington Street)

Open to the Public, refreshments and reception to follow.

Dr. David Stovall, a nationally renown educator and scholar on critical race theory, will discuss the historic social and economic inequalities that give rise to adverse schooling conditions for our society’s most dispossessed youth. He will also address the relationship between schools and community stakeholders in education. His presentation will respond boldly to the question: If the goal of education in our society is to provide an education that is critically affirming, then what are the terms and conditions for providing that in various places and spaces?

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Sept 11: Lunch with the League
Laura Baker, Executive Direct of Reading for Life
“Changing Perspectives: The Counter Culture of Reading for Life.”

Friday, September 11 at Noon at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe 122 S. Michigan St. South Bend
Event begins at noon. Come as early as 11:30 to order lunch. This event is free and open to the public.

Laura has been the Executive Director of Reading for Life since October 2014. Laura comes to RFL from the non-profit sector, most recently working as a Development Director in St. Joseph County. “I am very proud to represent and work for this pro-active, successful organization. Reading for Life challenges the status quo by offering restorative options for juveniles from low-to-high risk of offense and we are making an incredible difference. It is the perfect time for us to be exploring options of advancing this curriculum and affording as many children as possible the option to change their lives”. In July of this year, “Reading for Life” was one of only three programs aimed at helping disadvantaged youth that received national recognition by the White House.

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Women’s Equality Day Celebration

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 – 5:30pm

Celebrating South Bend Women:
150 Years of Leadership, Service and Achievement

The League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area, The South Bend (IN) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in partnership with the YWCA North Central Indiana, the Michiana Women Leaders Project and the Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center, will host Celebrating South Bend Women: 150 Years of Leadership, Service and Achievement on Women’s Equality Day, August 26, 2015 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center on 1040 West Washington in South Bend.

The event will celebrate SB150, the 95th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th amendment, and the 95th anniversary of the League of Women Voters.

Showcasing twenty-one area women, both living and deceased,the event will feature photographs and written biographical narratives gleaned from personal interviews and/or historical records. In creating the educational exhibit, the organizations strived to identify women who have contributed in some significant way to the past, present and future of South Bend: Women who have blazed new trails, have been relentless advocates, have guided the community through change, have supported the arts and other cultural assets, or have dedicated their lives to caring for or educating others

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CAFÉ MEETING ON THURSDAY, AUG. 27

“COMMUNITY ACTION FOR EDUCATION”

St. Joseph County Main Library, Dickinson Room

Thursday, August 27, 2015, 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Meet Dr. Darryl Heller, the new director of the IU South Bend’s Civil Rights Heritage Center, based in the former city natatorium on West Washington Street. He will discuss the need for high-quality public education for all children in the context of the continuing struggle for Civil Rights.

June 13, 2015: The South Bend Chapter of Indiana Black Expo is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Selma March

Gather at 2:00 pm at the St. Joseph County Courthouse located at 101 So. Main Street in downtown South Bend. Starting at 2:30 pm there is a march to the St. Joseph County Public Main Library located at 304 S. Main Street. At 3:00 pm Civil Right songs will be performed in the library’s Colfax Auditorium. In case of rain, meet at St. Joseph County Public Library Colfax Auditorium at3:oo pm. Selma Remembered is sponsored by South Bend Chapter Indiana Black Expo and African American Coalition against Tobacco: 1-800-Quit-Now. For more information contact Cheryl 574-231-8890, email clashe1952@hotmail.com or Craig at 574-339-3272

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June 7, 2015: A Forum with Erin Polley

AN INVITATION FROM JASON SHENK, MORAL MONDAYS ACTIVIST FROM ELKHART

Forums with Erin Polley of American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Indianapolis

South Bend Friends Meeting and the Elkhart Quaker Worship group invite you to join them in conversation with Erin Polley of AFSC Indianapolis on June 7 at Noon (South Bend) or 6:15pm (Elkhart). Erin serves as Program Coordinator of AFSC’s Indiana Peacebuilding Program and will lead discussion based on her work, including:

– Indiana Moral Mondays, a broad and diverse statewide coalition that is inspired by the North Carolina Moral Mondays Movement and committed to making change TOGETHER in Indiana.

– Organizing in relation to the Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)

RSVP to southbendfriends@gmail.com or on Facebook (http://bit.do/IMMandRFRA) requested but not required.

South Bend Lunch Carry-In and Conversation

Sunday, June 7 at Noon

Colfax Campus Gallery
914 Lincoln Way W, South Bend

South Bend Friends will provide the main dish for this potluck lunch. You are also welcome to join Quaker Meeting for Worship here at 10:30am.

Elkhart Dinner Carry-In and Conversation

Sunday, June 7 at 6:15pm

1721 Prairie St, Elkhart

Come and join us for this potluck dinner and conversation. You are also welcome to join Quaker Meeting for Worship here at 5:00pm.

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April 28, 2015: SPEAK OUT FOR SAFE JOBS

WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY 2015

You are invited to join working families from our community for the annual Workers’ Memorial Day Ceremony at the

Workers’ Memorial Site

South Bend’s Howard Park (Jefferson and St. Louis, at the river)

Tuesday, April 28th, at 4 pm

This event is sponsored by the AFL-CIO of North Central Indiana, held in conjunction with the United Way of St. Joseph County. This is a day when we Mourn for the Dead and commit ourselves to Fight for the Living. We will recognize those from our community who lost their lives at their work and we will raise our voices to advocate for Safe Jobs and Safe Work Places.

Workers’ Memorial Day is held on the anniversary of the passage of the Occupational Health and Safety Act—the Federal law that made safe workplaces the right of all workers.

For more information call 574-289-6414.

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April 29. 2015: COMMUNITY ACTION FOR EDUCATION

C.A.F.É. SOUTH BEND

Continue the discussion of the School to Prison Pipeline.

Hot Topics for discussion: What’s up with Special Education?

Do practices and policies for special needs students feed the pipeline?

WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 2015

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Main Library Downtown South Bend

Dickinson Room

304 South Main Street, South Bend

For more information please email your questions to CAFÉ at communityactionforeducation@gmail.com

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April 30, 2015: FIVE MYTHS ABOUT IMMIGRATION AND WHY WE NEED

DEFERRED ACTION FOR THE PARENTS OF AMERICANS (DAPA)

Preview of the acclaimed film, The Hand that Feeds

Panel discussion featuring

Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend

Sam Centellas, Director of La Casa de Amistad

Tony Flora, VP Indiana AFL-CIO

Fred Everett, Diocese of Fort Wayne/South Bend

Question and answer period moderated by

Joe Carbone, St. Joseph Valley Project-Jobs with Justice

WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 2015

5:30 p.m.

WHERE: St. Joseph County Public Library

Humphreys Room

304 South Main Street, South Bend

For more information call Joe Carbone 574.292.8137 or email josephcarbone@yahoo.com

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April 25, 2015: A Community fundraiser for The Eating Well

Bendix Building, 401 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend

Saturday, 3:30 – 6:00 PM

Download a flyer about the event: View this photo

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April 7, 2015: 7 PM WNIT – POLITICALLY SPEAKING

ELKHART & SOUTH BEND MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Join us 7 pm Thursday, April 9, as WNIT presents a special edition of Politically Speaking. Elizabeth Bennion interviews the Elkhart and South Bend mayoral candidates. From Elkhart: We’ll hear from Republican Dan Boecher, Democrat Dick Moore, Republican Tim Neese, and Democrat Caleb Owens. The South Bend candidates include Democrats Pete Buttigieg and Henry Davis Junior, and Republican Kelly Jones. This program will be re-broadcast 7 pm Thursday, April 23. This is a pre-recorded broadcast.

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April 10, 2015: LUNCH WITH THE LEAGUE – Friday at Noon

Karen Sommers, United Way’s New Focus on Poverty

United Way of St. Joseph County recently announced it will shift its emphasis to working toward the reduction of poverty by focusing on education, income, health and basic needs. Karen Sommers, Vice President Community Investment, will share the process and decision for United Way to transition to the issue focus of poverty. Karen will share next steps on how United Way will invest resources to collectively reduce poverty in our community.

South Bend Chocolate Cafe -122 S. Michigan Street, South Bend. Speaker begins at noon. Come as early as 11:30 to purchase lunch. This event is free and open to the public.

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April 14, 2015: INCLUSIVE SOUTH BEND: ONE ORGANIZATION AT A TIME

Kaleidoscope Group LLC

Sponsored by the South Bend NAACP

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from 8:30 – 10:30 am

National College, 1030 East Jefferson, SB — Room#101

For more information and to RSVP: http://goo.gl/S9vLmE

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Feb 9, 2015: Talk by Michelle Alexander

Michelle Alexander, author of the best-selling book, The New Jim Crow,

will speak at Saint Mary’s College’s O’Laughlin Auditorium at 7 p.m.

on Monday, February 9th.

The lecture is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.

Visit MoreauCenter.com or call the box office at (574) 284-4626

The sub-title of Ms. Alexander’s book is “Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.”

She writes in the book’s preface:

“This book is not for everyone. I have a specific audience in mind –people who care deeply about racial justice but who, for any number of reasons, do not yet appreciate the magnitude of the crisis faced by communities of color as a result of mass incarceration.”

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Jan. 10, 2015: A message from the Community for Peace and Nonviolence

On Saturday, January 10, from 10am-12noon at the First Unitarian Church (801 E Washington St, South Bend), area peace groups will come together to share about their work and consider opportunities for collaboration. Confirmed groups include: Michiana Peace and Justice Coalition, Mamas Against Violence, Catholic Peace Fellowship, Group Violence Intervention, restorative justice initiatives, gun violence prevention efforts, and CPNV. Please join us and spread the word to other friends you think should be there! The gathering will include a potluck brunch, so feel free to bring some finger food to share.

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Jan. 17, 2015: A Little Taste of Peace

In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday

and a kick-off for the study circles on race

Saturday, January 17, 2015

6:15PM-9:15PM

Program Starts at 6:30PM

St. Adalbert’s School Cafeteria

2505 W. Grace Street, South Bend

Please join us

Please bring a dessert or other finger food to share (Please No Pork), participate in a conversation on current problems and solutions that can help to build Dr. King’s dream.

We invite people from all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds.

Please RSVP to Amanda at The YWCA

574-233-9491 Ext. 316 or www.ywcancin.org by January 15, 2015 at 5:00PM

Please give names of all who will be attending, a phone number or email, and race/ethnicity and religion so that we can assure a good mixture at each table.

Sponsored by: AARP, American Association of University Women (AAUW), The Baha’i Faith, Bridges out of Pov-erty, Catholic Social Teaching Ministry at St. Pius X, Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership of St. Mary’s Col-lege (CWIL), Community for Peace and Nonviolence (CPNV), Community Forum for Economic Justice, Human Rights Commission of South Bend (HRC), Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA), Indiana Health Center, Islamic Society of Michiana, League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area (LWVSBA), Let’s MOVE Michiana, Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Men’s Club, Michiana Peace and Justice Coalition (MPJC), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Neighborhood Resources Connection (NRC), Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns (NDCSC), Radio Sabor Latino 93.5, Real Estate Investors Association (REIA), St. Joseph Valley Project Jobs with Justice (JWJ), YWCA of North Central Indiana (YWCA).

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Dec. 10, 2014: Celebration of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Community Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, focusing this year on Article 25.

Article 25

(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and

well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing

and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in

the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other

l lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All

children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social

protection.

The program will include a panel discussion addressing the question: Should Minimum Wage Provide for An Adequate Standard of Living? Panel presenters include Paul Mishler, IUSB Labor Studies Professor, Matt Harrington, President and CEO of United Way of St. Joseph County, Marty Wolfson, Emeritus Professor of Economics, University of Notre Dame and Merle Ratner, Program Director of the International Commission for Labor Rights.

Wednesday, December 10, 6 pm at the St. Joseph County Library Main Branch, 304 South Main St., South Bend.

Sponsored by the St. Joseph Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, the St. Joseph Valley Project – Jobs with Justice, the North Central Indiana AFL-CIO and other community organizations.

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Dec. 12, 2014: Lunch with the League

Bill Odell will speak on Human Trafficking – Friday, December 12 at noon, South Bend Chocolate Cafe, 122 S. Michigan, South Bend. Come as early as 11:30 to purchase lunch. Event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area.

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Dec. 13, 2014: Gun Violence: Finding Real Solutions

A community forum on Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm at St Paul Bethel Baptist Church 621 Lindsey Street, South Bend.The program will highlight a number of area initiatives to curb gun violence, provide facts about gun violence and a chance to hear survivors’ stories. This program is part of the Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend, organized in remembrance of all victims and survivors of gun violence, on the anniversary of the death of 26 children and teachers from Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012.

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North-Central Indiana Moral Mondays meeting – Monday, December 15 at 5:30 pm at First Unitarian Church, 801 E. Washington St. Save the date; more details to follow.

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Nov 8, 2014: AN INVITATION FROM THE COMMUNITY FOR PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE

Join us for a discussion on the impact of the 1033 program in our local law enforcement and in the security and safety of our community. The 1033 program allows for local law enforcement agencies to acquire excess military equipment from the department of defense. St Joseph County Police Department Assistant Chief Bill Thompson will be present for discussion along with area faith leaders.

Is this a militarization of the police force? Is it a necessary security measure? How accurate is the media’s portrayal of the program, and what’s happening in our own neighborhoods? Come to learn and to discuss concerns about this very important issue in our community.

Saturday, November 8
11am – 1pm
St Paul Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
621 Lindsey St, South Bend

*We’ll join St Paul for their weekly hot meal provided at 11am, then adjourn to a neighboring room for our program at 11:30.

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Nov. 10: TIF Realignment Hearing

WILL THE REALIGNMENT OF SOUTH BEND’S TIF (Tax Increment Financing) DISTRICTS AFFECT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROPOSED CHANGES?

The South Bend Redevelopment Commission will conduct a

TIF REALIGNMENT PUBLIC HEARING

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014

9:30 a.m. — RECITAL HALL, CENTURY CENTER (120 S. St. Joseph St. SB)

This is a regular meeting of the Redevelopment Commission (rescheduled from the usual Thursday meeting day).

The public hearing on the TIF realignment is the first item on the agenda.

Parking is available without charge in the Century Center lot.

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Nov. 13, 2014: League of Women Voters “Friend-Raiser”

PLEASE SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE WORK OF THIS IMPORTANT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION!

Because Democracy is not a Spectator Sport

The LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government.

It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

November 13, 2014 – LWV South Bend’s 4th Annual Fall Friend-Raiser

6:00pm – 8:00pm Temple Beth-El 305 W. Madison South Bend, IN

Light refreshments, Beverages including wine, Music, Silent Auction
Presentation of the Making Democracy Work Award

Interested in donating an auction item to support your local league? Please contact Lisa at lisa.plencer@comcast.net or 574-532-8121.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014

IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE

Goodwill Center– 1805 W. Western Av—SB

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Unique opportunity for St. Joe County, IN

· A time to review the Criminal Justice System.

· Process and Dialogue guided by Kay Pranis.

Kay is a national leader in restorative justice, specializing in peacemaking Circles. Kay has conducted Circle training in a diverse range of communities— from schools to prisons to work places to churches, from rural farm towns in Minnesota to Chicago’s South Side.

At the end of the “Circles – in Pursuit of Justice Day”, the small groups will offer their gathered opinions. Hopefully, these will lead to deeper meanings and guided values for restorative justice and action.

Email reservations to lmjep21@aol.com

Call 574-282-2397 /ex 4 (Rev. Jepson)

Fax to 574-282-8014

COST : $12.00

(SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST)

COVERS MEAL, COFFEE AND

PRESENTERS HONORAIUM

PAYABLE AT THE DOOR!

Sponsored by Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns

August 24: Blood Drive

The Community Forum for Economic Development has actively supported the Urban Garden Market since it was organized in September of 2008. Many of our members and participants volunteer at the Market and many more are regular customers each Saturday morning.

This year we are excited about the new location on LWW and about the new Market sponsor, the St. Joseph County Minority Health Coalition.

On August 24, the two groups will be sponsoring a “Blood Drive,” working with the South Bend Medical Foundation. Will you participate? In addition to providing blood that could help save lives, donors will also receive $10 in Market Bucks to spend on fresh produce, delicious baked goods and other Market offerings.

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July 6: This week at the Urban Garden Market

We’ll have live music this week! Kathleen Jerrell and Linda Hulse, from Walkerton, are market favorites and are sure to delight all with their dulcimer music this week.

The blueberries are ripe! And we’ll still have sweet cherries for sale. Lots of vegetables: tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, salad greens, etc.

As usual: home-baked goods, barbecue, flavored popcorn, honey, eggs, etc. etc.

The Urban Garden Market is an open-air farmers’ market located at 2806 Lincoln Way West, in the St. Joseph Minority Health Coalition building parking lot. We’re open from 9 am to 1 pm.

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June 22: Kidney Early Evaluation Program

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, KIDNEY EARLY EVALUATION PROGRAM (KEEP)

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE? IS THERE KIDNEY DISEASE IN YOUR FAMILY? DO YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

COME TO THE SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY MINORITY HEALTH COALITION THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 22 BETWEEN 11 AM AND 3 PM. SEE INFO BELOW.

APPROXIMATELY 200 COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE SCREENED EACH YEAR. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH OTHERS WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED.

VOLUNTEERS — BOTH MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL — ARE STILL NEEDED. CALL 574-232-4234 TO VOLUNTEER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP)

Saint Joseph County Minority Health Coalition

Date: Saturday, June 22, 2013

Location: Saint Joseph Health Coalition

Address: 2806 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, Indiana 46628

Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

KEEP is a free kidney health screening program designed to raise awareness about kidney disease among high risk individuals and provide free testing and educational information, so that kidney disease and its complications can be prevented or delayed.

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May 27: Immigration Reform March

The Community Coalition for Immigration Reform will march in

South Bend’s West Side Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 27

Demands of the Coalition include:

* Pathway for Citizenship NOW

* End Cruel Immigration Enforcement

* Protect rights of ALL Workers

* Better System for Future Immigrants

The Community Coalition for Immigration Reform is Entry Number 49. The Staging Area for the Memorial Day Parade is in the Belleville Shopping Center at Western Ave. and Summit in South Bend. Staging begins at 7:00 am and the Parade Kicks Off promptly at 8:15. The route of the Parade is along Ford Street and ends at Olive Street. You can park your car at the Parade end (Olive St. and Ford St. area) and Transpo is providing a free Trolly service to the Parade Staging area.

Member organizations of the Community Coalition for Immigration Reform include Americans for Democratic Action, North Central Indiana AFL-CIO, St. Joseph Valley Project Jobs with Justice, Transforming Action through Power (TAP), Let’s Move Michiana, MoveOn.Org Michiana, Community Forum for Economic Development, League of Women Voters, Sabor Latino 93.5/106.5 FM, LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), La Casa de Amistad, West Side Democratic Club.

Whether or not you march on Monday, please support Immigration Reform Now

Call

*Senator Coats202-224-5623

*Senator Donnelly202-224-4814

*Congresswoman Jackie Walorski202-225-3915.

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Nov. 19: A 2nd Chance – An Untapped Workforce

Hosted by the North Central Indiana Business Advisory Council and the Society for Human Resource Managers, Moderated by Lt. Cindy Kilgore, CrimeStoppers
A panel will discuss the roles of former offenders in the Michiana community and the workforce. Topics will include: recidivism, benefits to employment for the employer, the former offender and the community. We will introduce the North Central Indiana Business Advisory Counsel to the area and the benefits of joining!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012
5:30 PM—7:00 PM
The St. Joseph County Public Library
The Colfax Auditorium
304 S. Main St., South Bend, IN

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Nov. 10: A Vegetarian Feast!

Hosted by Judith Rubleske, this fundraiser will benefit the Kankakee Wetlands Organic Garden (formerly the Butternut Squash Garden), a community garden located in South Bend’s West Side.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

6:00 — 9:00 PM

The Oaks at Southpaw Forum

16323 Roosevelt Road (Just west of 331/Bremen Hwy)

Mishawaka, IN

For more information and/or to purchase tickets online see

http://www.fiddlershearth.com/pdfs/KWOGFeast.pdf

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Oct 29: South Bend Council Special Meeting on Budget

6 P.M. – COUNTY-CITY BUILDING – 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend

Public hearing and Council vote on the 2013 Budget for the City of South Bend

The 2013 Budget Department Summary for the Economic Development Income Tax fund, a source of revenue for projects of particular interest for participants in the Community Forum for Economic Development, is here: Download EconDevelopIncomeTaxFund_408

Note the section on the bottom of the summary, that describes significant revenue, expenditure and staffing changes. For example, the “2013 proposed grants and subsidies include DTSB ($250,000), successor Project Future organization ($110,000), Chamber of Commerce ($65,000), NNRO ($75,000), and others. The 2013 budget proposes $1,000,000 for code demolitions and $66,136 for the diversity compliance officer contract.”

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Sept 27: From the League of Women Voters …..

St. Joseph County Probate Judge Election Debate

Candidates: Jim Fox (R) and Andre Gammage (D)

Thursday, September 27, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

TO SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR CONSIDERATION please send an email with your question to: ebennion@iusb.edu.

-and-

St. Joseph County Commissioner Candidate Debate

Candidates: Marsha McClure (R) and Marv Moore (D)

Tuesday, October 2, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Both events at Indiana University South Bend in the University Grill

Sponsored by the American Democracy Project, the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area,

the IUSB Political Science Club, and the St. Joseph County Bar Association

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Sept 27: From the Prosperity Building Tax Team….

Open House for volunteers and potential volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program

Thursday, Sept 27, 2012, 6 – 8 p.m.

At the offices of the United Way of St. Joseph County, 3517 E. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend

For more information, v

isit the United Way of St. Joseph County website for the VITA program at http://www.uwsjc.org/get-involved/volunteer/2013-vita-volunteers.html.

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Oct 3: From the Higgins Labor Studies Program at the University of Notre Dame

33rd Annual McBride Lecture, Jared Bernstein, Senior Fellow at the Center on Budget & Public Policy

“Rebuilding the American Dream — The Economic Issues at Stake in the Presidential Election”

Watch the presidential debate on domestic policy immediately following the lecture.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Carey Auditorium, Hesburgh Library, University of Notre Dame

(Free parking in the lot directly east of the library)

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Oct 9: From the NAACP…..

SBCSC School Board Candidate Forum

Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 5:30 PM

At the Kroc Center, 900 W. Western Avenue, South Bend,

The public is invited to attend a forum with the South Bend Community School Board candidates for At-large, plus Districts 3 & 4. The location is the Kroc Center, 900 W. Western Avenue, South Bend. The School Board mission is to provide quality education, so the best qualified candidate should be chosen to protect the interest of the children. This is your opportunity to ask questions and hear the candidates’ views and plans.

This forum is presented by the South Bend Branch of the NAACP. Co-sponsors include: NEA, MLK Jr. Senior Men, Teamsters, Kappa Alpha Psi, Delta Sigma Theta, We Care and the Community Forum for Economic Development. For additional information, please contact: Reverend T. Jackson at 574-289-2123

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IF YOU HAVEN’T YET VISITED THE URBAN GARDEN MARKET ON SOUTH BEND’S WEST SIDE, YOU STILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO.

THE MARKET WILL BE OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS, FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M., THROUGH OCTOBER 22.

IT IS LOCATED AT 1025 N. BENDIX DRIVE, ONE BLOCK SOUTH OF LINCOLN WAY WEST.

THIS OPEN-AIR FARMERS MARKET HAS RESULTED FROM COMMUNITY EFFORTS TO BRING FRESH PRODUCE (BAKED GOODS AND MORE) TO THIS UNDER-SERVED AREA OF SOUTH BEND. COME FOR THE FOOD — AND ALSO FOR THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY YOU’LL FIND THERE.

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Oct 15: Sustainability Lecture Series

Curious about sustainability & innovation? Smart Growth? Eco-Justice? Biomimicry? Learn about these hot topics in sustainability and find out what is going on in Michiana.

Third Mondays of October, November, February, and April
7:00-8:30pm
IU South Bend Alumni Room

Full details on all the lectures here: