Author name: Peg Johnston

The Gandhi Festival March – Sun. Oct. 1, 2017 at 4 pm, gathering at the M.L. King Statue on the Riverwalk, near Court St. Bridge.

The Gandhi Project was launched in 2015, to focus attention on the potential of “ordinary people” to work for the common good.  Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948) came to be called “Mahatma” (great soul) because of his ever-deepening social awareness, and his ability to teach others—through personal example—about a force more effective than violence.  Calling upon the power of “truth” (the Sanskrit word is “satya”) to transform unjust situations, Gandhi’s followers achieved the independence of India from the world’s preeminent colonial power.  Satyagraha (truth force) challenged India’s caste system as well, and has become an instrument of social transformation in societies around the globe—using respectful, courageous, and disciplined human power, rather than violence, to liberate humanity.

As we move toward Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary (Oct. 2, 2019) we call attention to ahimsa, non-violence, as a creative energy—validated by experience—to mobilize moral energy and challenge the indifference and selfishness expressed in racism, sexism, xenophobia, heterosexism, and apathy about poverty and injustice.

The Gandhi Project in New York’s Southern Tier has announced a “3-H Campaign” to address Health Care for All, Housing for All, and Hospitality for All:

Health In one of the world’s wealthiest nations a significant number are still deprived of a passport to heath care:  medical insurance.  Americans pay more, but receive less effective care, than other developed nations.  Our system is burdened by needless administrative costs and profiteering.  A clear, comprehensive system of  “Improved Medicare for All”— would make medical care a human right.  All would be covered through their life-spans.  Equitable taxes would cover the cost.  The Gandhi Project, with a majority of Americans, believes this is a moral imperative. 

Housing More people than we can imagine spend their nights—wintertime and summertime—not under sheets in a warm bed, but under bridges or in abandoned warehouses.  A great number of these are veterans, traumatized in ways beyond imagining.  Providing adequate shelter for individuals and families on the streets of America has proved difficult.  It will require serious investment.  We think people are worth it.  To care for those in greatest distress is the mark of a humane, mature society.

Hospitality At our best, Americans have learned to appreciate diversity as a great strength.  Many times, indigenous Americans extended hospitality.  Colonists did not always reciprocate.  In some moments, Americans acted generously.  At others, not so much.  Our Statue of Liberty has long proclaimed freedom to immigrants, but at times we have reneged on the promise.  When demagogues rouse fear, we can renew the American dream of welcome and hospitality.  We can lift one another.

Your Invitation  This introduction to The Gandhi Project is your invitation to join with us:  imagining, planning, walking, celebrating … embodying the dream of harmony and justice.

Resources  Here are some places to start:

Health Care for All: Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) is a non-profit research and     education organization of 20,000 physicians, medical students and health        professionals who support single-payer national health insurance. See their web site: http://www.pnhp.org/ .   On May 5, 2016, an esteemed group of physicians unveiled a detailed plan for single-payer health care in the U.S. To read the proposal, please visit:        pnhp.org/nhi.

Bernie Sanders’ just-published book:  Guide to Political Revolution  (Henry Holt and Co.,NY, 2017) has an excellent chapter entitled “Health Care for All” (p. 81 ff.)

Housing for All: Lack of income makes housing unaffordable for many.  Look at the Sanders book (see       above) for thoughts about guaranteeing livable wages. Many local organizations address housing issues, and work in different ways to expand housing opportunities.  You might contact one or more of the following:

First Ward Action Council, Binghamton, community-based developer and provider of   housing and housing services:  http://www.firstwardaction.org/ .  Reach the Council            by telephone (607) 772-2850 or e-mail at fwac-admin@stny.rr.com. It office is located          in a historic building it renovated at 167 Clinton Street in Binghamton, New York.

Broome Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.  It          partners with families in need of decent housing to build affordable homes.  See:www.broomehabitat.org or e-mail:  info@broomehabitat.org.  Phone:  239-4783

Search online for “Broome County Homeless Housing Resources” and you’ll find a PDF     file listing numerous resource groups that provide services.

Hospitality for All: The American Civic Association assists refugees to find housing and welcome in the         Binghamton area.  Local churches and other groups assist in this process from time to   time.  Contact the ACA at:  americancivic@stny.rr.com  or phone:  607-723-9419. 

To learn more about The Gandhi Project and/or non-violence resources, please contact: gary@doupe.com .  You can also be added to our e-mail list to receive updates and meeting notifications.  Download flyer below.