Prison Justice Resources
- Saturday, May 21, 2016 (10am-12n) Letter-writing to people in prison, and Sheila Clever will speak again on the “Pipeline to Prison Learning Tour” at First Presbyterian Church, Allentown.
- The Fair Housing Act – Finding a place to live can be difficult for people with arrest records. Now it may be easier for convicted felons to rent a home under the protection of the Fair Housing Act which is being interpreted to include discrimination against returning citizens. See this NPR story for details.
Anti-Racism Resources
- The 30-min. video excerpt, “RACE – THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION: The Genesis of Discriminatory Housing Policies” is available on Vimeo at: https://vimeo.com/133506632
- Critical Cultural Competency Workshop – June 11, 2016 (9am-5pm) at Grace Episcopal Church, 108 N. 5th St. For details, contact Kara Bender, 412-513-9648, kara@crossroadsantiracism.org.
Kara Bender is a national organizer/trainer with Crossroads Anti-Racism Organizing & Training (see crossroadsantiracism.org )
Pennsylvania Legislative Redistricting
- Changing the redistricting process in Pennsylvania requires a Constitutional Amendment. Companion bills SB-484 and HB-1835 would create an impartial, independent citizens redistricting commission with rules ensuring fairness and transparency.
Fair Districts PA has a petition asking our legislators to pass these constitutional amendments to restore accountable government that is of, by and for the people. (See www.fairdistrictspa.com )
Ecumenical Advocacy Days: “Lift Every Voice! – Racism, Class & Power”
- April 15-18, 2016 (Fri. evening – Mon.) Washington, DC area
Legislative ask (2-part):
- Supporting the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015 (S. 1659/H.R. 2867) as a substantial legislative step to restoring and strengthening the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and
- Defeating the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement that deepens inequality and prioritizes corporate interests over both God’s creation and people, especially vulnerable communities in the U.S. and abroad.
For details, see www.advocacydays.org