Mar. 2: Alternatives to Violence Workshop (Day 1 of 3). 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Friends Neighborhood Guild, 701 N. 8th St. Information for anybody who wants to deal with conflict in constructive, life-giving ways. Cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Registration deadline is Feb 20, 2007. For information, contact Ruth Pauly or Jorge Aráuz, cityquake@aol.com, 215-423-7465.
Mar. 3: Alternatives to Violence Workshop (Day 2 of 3). 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friends Neighborhood Guild, 701 N. 8th St. Information for anybody who wants to deal with conflict in constructive, life-giving ways. Cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Registration deadline is Feb 20, 2007. For information, contact Ruth Pauly or Jorge Aráuz, cityquake@aol.com, 215-423-7465.
Mar. 4: Alternatives to Violence Workshop (Day 3 of 3). 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Friends Neighborhood Guild, 701 N. 8th St. Information for anybody who wants to deal with conflict in constructive, life-giving ways. Cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Registration deadline is Feb 20, 2007. For information, contact Ruth Pauly or Jorge Aráuz, cityquake@aol.com, 215-423-7465.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Friday, February 9, 2007
NEW LAW: Driving in PA
Effective January 29, 2007 all motorists MUST turn on their headlights whenever they use their windshield wipers in inclement weather. This new law applies when wipers are fully on or in intermittent mode. Violators will be fined $25 but fees/other costs will increase the amount to $100!!! Also, motorists will suffer substantial penalties if snow or ice on their vehicle injures or kills someone. This is the first winter this law will be on the books. Spread this information to all PA drivers that you know. (This information was also published in this past Sunday's Inquirer). Don't get a ticket because you were not knowledgeable about this new law. STAY INFORMED! www.penndot.com
NIM Energy Efficiency Workshop this Sunday
NIM’s Energy Efficiency workshop, cosponsored by PennFuture and the Pennsylvania Interfaith Climate Change Campaign, will be held this coming Sunday, February 11th, from 3-5 PM here at NIM headquarters, 7047 Germantown Avenue.
Andy Rudin from the Interfaith Coalition on Energy and Harold Finnigan from the Energy Coordinating Agency will be offering their expertise on how your congregations and households can save money on energy bills while reducing your impact on the environment.
The workshop is free for members of NIM congregations, with a $10 suggested donation for others. Everyone attending will receive a free compact fluorescent lightbulb to begin your savings immediately!
Space is limited! To register, please visit the NIM website at http://nim-phila.org/index.php/Events/e_e_workshop or call me at 215-843-5600, extension 104.
Andy Rudin from the Interfaith Coalition on Energy and Harold Finnigan from the Energy Coordinating Agency will be offering their expertise on how your congregations and households can save money on energy bills while reducing your impact on the environment.
The workshop is free for members of NIM congregations, with a $10 suggested donation for others. Everyone attending will receive a free compact fluorescent lightbulb to begin your savings immediately!
Space is limited! To register, please visit the NIM website at http://nim-phila.org/index.php/Events/e_e_workshop or call me at 215-843-5600, extension 104.
Interfaith Advocates
INTERFAITH ADVOCATES MEETING—
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH 7:15 TO 9 PM
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH 7:15 TO 9 PM
Priorities and People—
The Federal Budget as a Moral Document and the Importance of Faith-Based Advocacy
Andrew Genszler, Director of Domestic Policy
The Federal Budget as a Moral Document and the Importance of Faith-Based Advocacy
Andrew Genszler, Director of Domestic Policy
ELCA Washington, D.C, (National Lutheran Advocacy Office)
And
Annie Lynsen, Director of Grassroots Advocacy and Communications, ELCA
And
Annie Lynsen, Director of Grassroots Advocacy and Communications, ELCA
Opening text study by students from the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
7:15 to 9 PM
At the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia,
Hagan Hall,
7301 Germantown Avenue
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
7:15 to 9 PM
At the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia,
Hagan Hall,
7301 Germantown Avenue
Scholarship Opportunities
Princeton University Summer Journalism Program
Applications must be postmark by February 15, 2007.
Princeton University Summer Journalism Program
10-day all-expenses- paid summer journalism program held in August at Princeton University for students from under resourced financial backgrounds.
All application materials are available at http://www.princeto n.edu/~sjp.
All expenses, including travel costs to and from Princeton , will be paid for. This will be the sixth year of the program, and if this summer is anything like the last five, it will be a great experience. Our last five classes of journalists were taught by writers from The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Miami Herald, and The New Republic; toured The New York Times and ABC News, met with editors and producers; attended and covered Yankees, Mets, Jets and Liberty games; and reported, wrote, edited, designed, and produced a 12-page edition of The Princeton Summer Journal on the program's final day.
The program is also designed to give students a taste of what life is like at one of the best colleges in the country - students live on campus and eat in one of the university's cafeterias. Students meet with Princeton University 's president and the school's dean of admissions - people who are able to offer guidance on the difficult decisions about college that high school students face. The program is staffed by young alumni of Princeton, current Princeton students, and students who attended the program in past summers.
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
1) You must be entering your junior or senior year of high school in fall 2007.
2) You must have at least a 3.0 grade point average (out of 4.0).
3) You must have demonstrated an interest in journalism.
4) The combined income of your custodial parent(s) / guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, must not exceed $45,000.
This program is intended for students from under resourced financial backgrounds. If the combined income of your custodial parent(s) / guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, exceeds $45,000 and you still wish to apply, you can attach a note explaining why you believe your family qualifies as financially under resourced.
The application must be postmarked by February 15th. More information and the application materials are available online at http://www.princeto n.edu/~sjp.
If you are a teacher, please distribute these materials to your students and to other teachers at your school. If you are a school board administrator and can have an announcement posted in a newsletter to all high schools, please do so. If you are another type of school administrator, please distribute these materials to anyone who might be interested.
Please direct any inquiries to rinderle@princeton. edu, and include a phone number and an e-mail address where you can be reached.
Applications must be postmark by February 15, 2007.
Princeton University Summer Journalism Program
10-day all-expenses- paid summer journalism program held in August at Princeton University for students from under resourced financial backgrounds.
All application materials are available at http://www.princeto n.edu/~sjp.
All expenses, including travel costs to and from Princeton , will be paid for. This will be the sixth year of the program, and if this summer is anything like the last five, it will be a great experience. Our last five classes of journalists were taught by writers from The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Miami Herald, and The New Republic; toured The New York Times and ABC News, met with editors and producers; attended and covered Yankees, Mets, Jets and Liberty games; and reported, wrote, edited, designed, and produced a 12-page edition of The Princeton Summer Journal on the program's final day.
The program is also designed to give students a taste of what life is like at one of the best colleges in the country - students live on campus and eat in one of the university's cafeterias. Students meet with Princeton University 's president and the school's dean of admissions - people who are able to offer guidance on the difficult decisions about college that high school students face. The program is staffed by young alumni of Princeton, current Princeton students, and students who attended the program in past summers.
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
1) You must be entering your junior or senior year of high school in fall 2007.
2) You must have at least a 3.0 grade point average (out of 4.0).
3) You must have demonstrated an interest in journalism.
4) The combined income of your custodial parent(s) / guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, must not exceed $45,000.
This program is intended for students from under resourced financial backgrounds. If the combined income of your custodial parent(s) / guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, exceeds $45,000 and you still wish to apply, you can attach a note explaining why you believe your family qualifies as financially under resourced.
The application must be postmarked by February 15th. More information and the application materials are available online at http://www.princeto n.edu/~sjp.
If you are a teacher, please distribute these materials to your students and to other teachers at your school. If you are a school board administrator and can have an announcement posted in a newsletter to all high schools, please do so. If you are another type of school administrator, please distribute these materials to anyone who might be interested.
Please direct any inquiries to rinderle@princeton. edu, and include a phone number and an e-mail address where you can be reached.
Job Opportunities
Below are 3 job opportunities please respond only to contact person for specified job
2. VIP job announcement for Spanish Speaking Paralegal
Applicants should send resumes no later than February 14, 2007 to:
Tanya L. Rambert, Director of Administration, Philadelphia VIP, 42 South 15th Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102 or email trambert@phillyvip.org.
3. Residential Assistants Employment Opportunity:
The shelter is located at 111 North 29th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139. Available work shifts are: 12 am ? 8 am; 8 am ? 4 pm; 4 pm to 12 pm.
Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma/equivalent, valid drivers? license, strong oral and written skills, able to negotiate stairs, carry 30lbs, and, pass State Child Abuse/Criminal Background Clearance.
Please forward coverletters/resumes to 267-531-9926 or mfrench@taphilly.org
No Phone Calls Please.
Monique French, MSW Director of Emergency Services and Program Development Travelers Aid Society of Philadelphia Administrative Offices at the Kirkbride Center 111 North 49th Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 Office Phone: 215-471-9475 ext. 149 Office Fax: 267-531-9926 mfrench@taphilly.org www.taphilly.org
1. Philadelphia Health Management Corporation has two job openings for case managers:
PIRIS Case manager: Full-time position to provide case management for youth who have been the victims of gun violence. Bachelors degree required. Comprehensive benefits package.- Focus on Fathers case manager: Full-time position to conduct individual case management and informal groups for fathers and other male caretakers. Bachelors degree required. Comprehensive benefits package.
2. VIP job announcement for Spanish Speaking Paralegal
- Philadelphia VIP is seeking a full-time paralegal. Spanish fluency required. A graduate of an accredited four-year college or university preferred. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are needed to work with clients, volunteer attorneys and staff.
Applicants should send resumes no later than February 14, 2007 to:
Tanya L. Rambert, Director of Administration, Philadelphia VIP, 42 South 15th Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102 or email trambert@phillyvip.org.
3. Residential Assistants Employment Opportunity:
- TAP Family Shelter Residential Assistant ($9.00 Per Diem/Hourly Compensation)
The shelter is located at 111 North 29th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139. Available work shifts are: 12 am ? 8 am; 8 am ? 4 pm; 4 pm to 12 pm.
Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma/equivalent, valid drivers? license, strong oral and written skills, able to negotiate stairs, carry 30lbs, and, pass State Child Abuse/Criminal Background Clearance.
Please forward coverletters/resumes to 267-531-9926 or mfrench@taphilly.org
No Phone Calls Please.
Monique French, MSW Director of Emergency Services and Program Development Travelers Aid Society of Philadelphia Administrative Offices at the Kirkbride Center 111 North 49th Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 Office Phone: 215-471-9475 ext. 149 Office Fax: 267-531-9926 mfrench@taphilly.org www.taphilly.org
Blood Drive
Dear donor,
The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on
The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on
February 20, 2007
from 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM.
from 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM.
The drive will be held at Lutheran Theological Seminary (Sponsor Code: 5X34), and for your convenience we are offering the ability to schedule your appointment online by clicking here or go to "here'>http://www.membersforlife.org/pennj/schedule/login.php?sponsorcode=5X34">here
4.5 million Americans would die each year without life saving blood transfusions... and your single blood donation could help save up to three lives.
I encourage you to please schedule your donation today.
Thank you,
Theresa Youngblut 215-248-7313
INTERFAITH ADVOCATES: HEARTS FOR HOMES
Please Join Interfaith Advocates (and spread the word) in our "Hearts For Homes" campaign.
Affordable housing is needed now, more than ever. Between 1100 and 1300 children in Philadelphia sleep in shelters every night of the year! Send Valentine cards to our Senators asking them to "have a heart" and increase federal funding for affordable housing.
Pasted below is information on the campaign. This is a great activity for your Sunday Schools and Youth Groups! And let's not forget to ask our adults to write letters, make valentines and phone calls as well ! Set up a table following worship or study sessions.
Interfaith Advocates presents:
Hearts for Homes !
Affordable housing is needed now, more than ever. Between 1100 and 1300 children in Philadelphia sleep in shelters every night of the year! Send Valentine cards to our Senators asking them to "have a heart" and increase federal funding for affordable housing.
Pasted below is information on the campaign. This is a great activity for your Sunday Schools and Youth Groups! And let's not forget to ask our adults to write letters, make valentines and phone calls as well ! Set up a table following worship or study sessions.
Our Interfaith voices do make a difference.
With every good wish,
Rachel Falkove, Executive Director
Interfaith Hospitality Network of NW Philadelphia
Rabbi George Stern, Executive Director
Neighborhood Interfaith Movement (NIM)
Shoshana Bricklin, Advocacy Coordinator
Interfaith Advocates
Anna Guarneri, Council Coordinator
NIM
With every good wish,
Rachel Falkove, Executive Director
Interfaith Hospitality Network of NW Philadelphia
Rabbi George Stern, Executive Director
Neighborhood Interfaith Movement (NIM)
Shoshana Bricklin, Advocacy Coordinator
Interfaith Advocates
Anna Guarneri, Council Coordinator
NIM
Interfaith Advocates presents:
Hearts for Homes !
Send a Valentines Day Message to Senators Specter and Casey, telling them how much we love the idea of funding affordable housing. Ask them to support House Joint Resolution 20, which funds affordable housing programs for 2007, and to support increases for next years budget as well.
Senator Arlen Specter Senator Robert Casey
600 Arch Street Harrisburg Office
Suite 9400 555 Walnut Street, First Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106 Harrisburg, PA 17101
Be creative and have fun! Hearts, flowers, ribbons, lace, poems, giant group projects and tiny individual cards?..We'll hand deliver them to our Senators with a box of chocolates to make a sweet impression!
Please bring all cards to Interfaith Advocates c/o NIM and NPIHN at 7047 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19119 by Monday February 12th
Please see background information and sample messages below.
Dear Senator Specter:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Vote for Affordable Housing
And I’ll love you !
Love,
Sarah
…..congregation
….address
Dear Senator Casey:
Be my Valentine! I know a family that has no home. Please make sure that every family in PA, and in our nation, has a home. Between 1100 and 1300 children in my city sleep in shelters each night.
Please Vote for HJ 20.
Love, Jesse
Dear Senator:
“Home is where the heart is”. All people need a place to call “home.”
VOTE for a budget that funds more affordable housing (HJ20).
Please share the love in your heart with ALL people !
Thanks !!!
Love, Max
Senator Arlen Specter Senator Robert Casey
600 Arch Street Harrisburg Office
Suite 9400 555 Walnut Street, First Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106 Harrisburg, PA 17101
Be creative and have fun! Hearts, flowers, ribbons, lace, poems, giant group projects and tiny individual cards?..We'll hand deliver them to our Senators with a box of chocolates to make a sweet impression!
Please bring all cards to Interfaith Advocates c/o NIM and NPIHN at 7047 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19119 by Monday February 12th
Please see background information and sample messages below.
Dear Senator Specter:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Vote for Affordable Housing
And I’ll love you !
Love,
Sarah
…..congregation
….address
Dear Senator Casey:
Be my Valentine! I know a family that has no home. Please make sure that every family in PA, and in our nation, has a home. Between 1100 and 1300 children in my city sleep in shelters each night.
Please Vote for HJ 20.
Love, Jesse
Dear Senator:
“Home is where the heart is”. All people need a place to call “home.”
VOTE for a budget that funds more affordable housing (HJ20).
Please share the love in your heart with ALL people !
Thanks !!!
Love, Max
ACTION ALERT!! February 6, 2007
Tell our Senators “have a heart” and support funds for affordable housing!
On January 31 the US House of Representatives voted 286-140 to pass H.J. Res. 20, the Fiscal Year 2007 (FY07) joint funding resolution. The resolution provides appropriations for all programs covered by the nine spending bills left unfinished by the last Congress, including much needed funding for affordable housing.
The Senate is expected to take up the resolution either late in the week of February 5 or early in the week of February 12. The House version of H.J. Res. 20 increases funding for affordable housing. If passed by the Senate, funding levels would increase on many important affordable housing programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers, Project Based Section 8, Public Housing and Homeless Assistance Grants. Other programs that had been slated for reductions by last year’s Congress such as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Supportive Housing for the Elderly and Lead Hazard Reduction, would not happen.
To forestall the possibility of amendments, Senate leadership may wait until close to February 15, when the current continuing resolution expires. If any amendments to the resolution are adopted, the resolution would have to go to a conference committee to work out differences with the House bill.
Action is needed NOW!!
Call, fax or e-mail Senators Specter and Casey and ask them, in time for Valentines Day to “have a heart” and
Support House Joint Resolution 20 which funds affordable housing programs for this year.
Also let Senators Specter and Casey know that housing funding for low-income and homeless families must be adequately funded in the Fiscal Year 2008 budget!
Senator Arlen Specter
600 Arch Street
Tell our Senators “have a heart” and support funds for affordable housing!
On January 31 the US House of Representatives voted 286-140 to pass H.J. Res. 20, the Fiscal Year 2007 (FY07) joint funding resolution. The resolution provides appropriations for all programs covered by the nine spending bills left unfinished by the last Congress, including much needed funding for affordable housing.
The Senate is expected to take up the resolution either late in the week of February 5 or early in the week of February 12. The House version of H.J. Res. 20 increases funding for affordable housing. If passed by the Senate, funding levels would increase on many important affordable housing programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers, Project Based Section 8, Public Housing and Homeless Assistance Grants. Other programs that had been slated for reductions by last year’s Congress such as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Supportive Housing for the Elderly and Lead Hazard Reduction, would not happen.
To forestall the possibility of amendments, Senate leadership may wait until close to February 15, when the current continuing resolution expires. If any amendments to the resolution are adopted, the resolution would have to go to a conference committee to work out differences with the House bill.
Action is needed NOW!!
Call, fax or e-mail Senators Specter and Casey and ask them, in time for Valentines Day to “have a heart” and
Support House Joint Resolution 20 which funds affordable housing programs for this year.
Also let Senators Specter and Casey know that housing funding for low-income and homeless families must be adequately funded in the Fiscal Year 2008 budget!
Senator Arlen Specter
600 Arch Street
Suite 9400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tel: 215-597-7200
Fax: 215-597-0406
OR—e-mail him by going to his website at:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/webreturn/?url=http://specter.senate.gov
and follow the link to “Contact Form” (under Contact Information).
OR—e-mail him by going to his website at:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/webreturn/?url=http://specter.senate.gov
and follow the link to “Contact Form” (under Contact Information).
Senator Robert Casey
555 Walnut Street, First Floor
555 Walnut Street, First Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-231-7540
Fax: 717-231-7542
OR—e-mail him by going to his website at:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/webreturn/?url=http://casey.senate.gov
and follow the link to “Contact.”
Join our coalition of caring community members, congregants and the homeless and formerly homeless, working to bring about positive social change on behalf of low income families.
OR—e-mail him by going to his website at:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/webreturn/?url=http://casey.senate.gov
and follow the link to “Contact.”
Join our coalition of caring community members, congregants and the homeless and formerly homeless, working to bring about positive social change on behalf of low income families.
For more information, call: 215-247-4663 x 142 or e-mail: shoshana@philashelter.org. Interfaith Advocates is a cooperative program of, the Neighborhood Interfaith Movement (NIM) and the Interfaith Hospitality Network of NW Philadelphia.
- FAST FACTS FOR YOUR “VALENTINE” ON THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES AND FY07 FUNDING RESOLUTION
(sources: US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Housing Alliance of PA and the National Low Income Housing Coalition)
· The fastest growing homeless group in the U.S. is families with children.
· Lack of affordable housing and the limited scale of housing assistance programs are the primary causes of homelessness. The growing gap between the number of affordable housing units and the number of people needing them has created a housing crisis for poor people.
· Rents are beyond reach of working Pennsylvanians: A full-time worker in PA must earn $13.09 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent. In Philadelphia this cost rises to $17.15 per hour needed.
· Housing assistance can make the difference between stable housing, precarious housing, or no housing at all—but most poor families and individuals seeking housing assistance are placed on long waiting lists.
· 26.3% of all households in Pennsylvania spend more than thirty percent of their income on housing and 10.9% of Pennsylvania households spend more than fifty percent of their income on housing.
· On any given night in Philadelphia, between 1100 and 1300 children are homeless.
· The FY07 joint funding resolution will provide each housing authority with sufficient funds to renew all of their housing vouchers.
· Without the housing voucher increase, another 70,000 vouchers will be lost in FY07.
· The joint resolution increases funding for public housing operations by $300 million over the FY06 level. Without this increase, housing authorities will be funded at 76% of what HUD knows they need to operate their 1.2 million units.
· The joint resolution increases funding for homeless assistance programs by $115 million over the FY06 level. Without this increase, thousands of homeless people, who be housed otherwise, will remain homeless in FY07.
Advocacy Opportunities
Beloved Community gathering this Saturday
This Saturday's gathering at Cookman United Methodist Church on the Beloved Community, featuring several veterans of social-change efforts from around the country.
Saturday, February 10, 10:00 to 4:00
Cookman United Methodist Church
12th and Lehigh in North Philadelphia
Featuring:- Grace Lee Boggs: a long-time civil rights activist who had done tremendous work in Detroit.
- Rev. Nelson Johnson: a pastor and activist who runs the Beloved Community Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- Rachel Harding: a writer and historian working on issues of faith, culture and activism in contemporary social justice movements.
- John Maguire: A colleague of Dr. King with who has been involved in community organizing and democratic renewal.and others.
We will be gathering from 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. Obviously, you might not be able to come for the whole day. We envision two different times for discussion: 10:00 a.m. to noon, and again 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
You would be welcome to either of these.
We will be discussing a range of issues, particularly as they affect youth and young adults ages 14-26, including public education, housing, liveable wage jobs, violence reduction/peacemaking, and healing.
The goal of our reflection will be to learn how we can be better organizers, and how we can be more strategic and effective in identifying issues in Philadelphia and working, separately or collectively, to make a difference on those issues. We feel your presence at this gathering would be a tremendous asset to our common vision of social change in Philadelphia.
We hope you can make it. For more information on the Beloved Community Network, see www.belovedcommunitiesnet.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
