The Binghamton Women’s Center was founded in 1973 and exists to the present in the form of the Center for Gender, Art, and Culture. In its earliest iteration, the Women’s Center was a multi issue organization with community meetings and a loose committee structure to address issues such as sexual assault, abortion, divorce and displaced homemakers, lesbian … [Read more...] about Feminist History in the Binghamton area
PLOT Leads Protest of Police Treatment of Teens
PLOT (Progessive Leaders of Tomorrow) held a March and Rally to Protest the August 11th incident involving two black teenagers near Rec Park in Binghamton. About 150- 200 people attended chanting "Use Your Body. Use Your Privilege." Kymel Yard, PLOT speaker explained, "We each may have some privilege, as a male, or white... and we need to use that privilege … [Read more...] about PLOT Leads Protest of Police Treatment of Teens
The A.C.A. is a paper tiger, we need Single Payer Health Care
The Affordable Care Act was an improvement in a totally broken national health care system. Among other benefits, it increased access for millions through the expanded Medicaid program. It prevented the denial of coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions. However, it was a “band-aid”. We need a real solution. We need universal health care … [Read more...] about The A.C.A. is a paper tiger, we need Single Payer Health Care
Tiniest Teachers offer the Greatest Lesson
It took me by surprise. I couldn’t see the value of the forest due to the matter of the trees. Recently I’ve been getting compassion fatigue taking a nursing home resident to church with me. I’ve been feeling helpful, and she would always voice her gratitude as we left services, but I couldn’t shake the … [Read more...] about Tiniest Teachers offer the Greatest Lesson
Organizing – Let’s try a little tenderness
Maya Angelou – It is almost impossible to grow up. Most people just get older. Rancor for the ‘other’ has been an effective tool of the Right to mobilize supporters. Many adults, harboring unresolved anger and mistrust look to strong-man saviors. Exploiting fear, these “saviors” maintain most in socio-economic stress and … [Read more...] about Organizing – Let’s try a little tenderness
Nonviolent resistance twice as effective as war
I financially support and post pieces on independent media, because I believe mainstream media is part of how militarism remains entrenched in our society. So when I learned from a recent presentation by Kevin Martin, President of Peace Action National, that The Washington Post published January 18, 2016 an … [Read more...] about Nonviolent resistance twice as effective as war
WANTED: Gardeners not Prisoners
There are more full time prisoners in America than full time farmers according to Bill McKibben in his latest book, Oil and Honey. I want to help change that. The farmer and writer, Masanobu Fukuoka best explains why. “Farming is the cultivation of better human beings.” ‘Better’ to me means being more compassionate, productive and healthy. … [Read more...] about WANTED: Gardeners not Prisoners
I really can’t, I’m no Mahatma Gandhi
June 24, 2012 Do you really know Gandhi or even Martin Luther King, Jr.? You may think you do, but I believe that in some cases, we need to demystify our heroes so that we can more easily support their actions. Recently we at teachpeacenow.org were given a little book, What Gandhi Says About Nonviolence, Resistance And Courage by Norman G. … [Read more...] about I really can’t, I’m no Mahatma Gandhi
MIKE CHECK, MIKE CHECK, MIKE CHECK
Having just returned from Occupy Wall Street - NYC, I have learned much about the capacity of people to cooperate and connect. Finally, I see the end to the tunnel of citizen apathy, diminished expectations and assured mutual self destruction. Finally, I see young, old, able, disabled, fortunate and unfortunate sharing, caring and working in the … [Read more...] about MIKE CHECK, MIKE CHECK, MIKE CHECK
Building bridges for peace, for hope and for justice
A locally developed website, teachpeacenow.org, has for over three years offered educators, parents and students resources for them to create peace at school and in the community. The site provides lesson plans, activities, discussion forums and editorial pieces that encourage hope and social justice. Veteran educators Dr. Joan Koster and Tim Wolcott … [Read more...] about Building bridges for peace, for hope and for justice
