Author: Dan Hesse

In Our Backyard: Human Trafficking in America and what we can do about it

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Love in action will change the lives of women who are survivors of addiction, prostitution, and human trafficking. Our Sisters and the Institute for Global Education invite you to hear author Nita Belles speak of a way out of exploitation. Ms Belles is the author of In Our Backyard: Human Trafficking in America and What We Can Do to Stop It.
We’re changing location this time only — we’ll meet Monday, May 1 from 7-9 p.m. at Baker Book House, 2768 East Paris Ave SE, in the meeting area at the west end of the building. If anyone would like transportation, please inquire.
You have heard the stories and are aware of the scandal of modern slavery. Would you respond to a woman in severe and chronic distress? Find out about Our Sisters’ project to reach women who want to change their lives.

Fred Van Liew on Restorative Justice

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fred van liew photoFred Van Liew will be speaking in Grand Rapids on restorative justice on November 16, 2016.

The first talk will take place at noon at the Kent County Courthouse and the second will take place at 7:00pm at the Dominican Center at Marywood.

Please see the flyers for more information:

Fred Van Liew – lawyer, mediator, consultant, community organizer, and writer:

“I write about ordinary people and their experiences with the justice system, with the professionals – the police, prosecutors, judges, those who run our jails, prisons and correctional programs, those who defend the accused and, most importantly, those most adversely effected by the system.” from The Justice Diary – An Inquiry into Justice in America by Fred Van Liew

Support Our Rapid Bus Drivers!

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We invite you to our next Talk at a slightly later time, at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Oct. 27 at IGE, 1118 Wealthy SE.
Hear from union bus driver Jay DeShane of ATU Local 836. Why is the Rapid Board (Interurban Transit Partnership) taking over a year to give the bus drivers a contract? Why is the Rapid trying to take away the workers’ pension and downgrade their health insurance? We will hear from union members, riders, and community leaders who are organizing to get a fair contract and social justice for workers in Grand Rapids and the surrounding towns.
Hosted by labor activist Tom Burke.

Freethought Cafe–report back on Jim Crow Museum, Sun. Oct. 9

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Last time, we traveled to the The Jim Crow Museum of Racial Intolerance in Big Rapids.  The intent of the museum is to promote healing, social activism, and the discussion of race and relations.

Since it is difficult to process alone and frankly upsetting, let’s talk about it. Let’s think deeply about better ways and places to live, learning from the ugliness of the past rather than dwelling upon it, while potlucking with coffee and good people.
 
We will be asking:  What has changed in your lifetime?  What did your elders tell you?  Does discrimination alter what we actually, physically, perceive?  Do we live in a police state now?  Are we, or can we be, post-racist?  How does racism compare to sexism, nationalism, immigration or homophobia?  Where does policy and poverty factor in to all of this? What are we hardwired to do and what can we do about it? What are your thoughts on social engineering (for good)?  
If you are white and full of yourself, we might throw peanuts at you! 
Then we will go forth, braver and more buoyant, tummies full (maybe with peanuts). B(us)YOB if it helps!
Freethought Cafe is at Institute for Global Education, 1118 Wealthy St. SE noon – 2 p.m. Sunday Oct. 9
 Oct 16 we will meet at 1819 Oakwood for a special Halloween screening of Arsenic and Old Lace, with “elderberry wine” for everyone!  Coming in costume encouraged!  Cary Grant lookalikes encouraged to attend!
immigrants

Fighting cancer fundraiser for Chester Lowe, showing “Free State of Jones”

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Fighting Cancer Fundraiser for Chester Lowe

Institute for Global Education Office, 1118 Wealthy Street (just west of Wealthy Theater)

showing “Free State of Jones”

offering pizza and beverages   

Sunday Oct 9, 2 PM

Discussion following film. Call IGE at 454 1642 or write to us at email hidden; JavaScript is required