Resource List

At the last meeting of the Steering Committee, we had a lengthy discussion about the relationships and fears that have arisen in some religious groups. In particular, we are concerned about the rising tide of hate that seems to target both Muslims (as a result of 9/11 and concerns about Palestine) and Jews (as a result of anti-Israeli sentiments). Members of the CCSJ Steering Committee all felt that we need to try to address these issues in our community. Our conversation was very preliminary and ideas were just beginning to develop. We would welcome any thoughts or help in this area.

We are also interested in expanding our outreach to organizations and groups that might share our goals and to solicit their participation and membership in CCSJ. Are you a member of a civic group, religious organizations, or other community group that might be interested? Do you know of groups that we should contact? Would you be willing to help?

For either of these: If you have ideas, interest in helping, or want to talk about it, contact Barb Howe, 293-2339 ext. 1155.

Plans for Fall annual meeting

Paul Sheridan, Acting Deputy Attorney General for Civil Rights, and a key member of the Hate Crimes Task Force and other social justice efforts in West Virginia, has agreed to speak at the next CCSJ Annual Meeting in September. Time and place to be announced shortly.

On-going projects

Our website is up and running, although changes are still being made. We have included links to various social and economic justice sources. Check it out: http://www.geocities.com/ccsjwv/index.html . Send suggestions and additions to Mike Attfield.

Progress has been made on developing a resource center at the library for social justice issues. A list of possible resources is currently being reviewed by Morgantown library staff. This will be an on-going project. If you would like to work on it, contact Judy Cohen (292-0072) or Jacqueline Moseley (296-1415).

Substantial progress has also been made by Morgantown City Council on appointments to the Morgantown Human Rights Commission. Teresa Miller is interested in having the Commission help develop a hate crimes ordinance for Morgantown; Charleston recently passed a municipal ordinance like this. CCSJ has agreed to work with the Commission and with WVU's Council on Sexual Orientation on this issue. If you are interested: contact Barb Howe (293-2339 ext. 1155) or Teresa Miller 598-2866.

We are still developing ideas regarding economic inequality and economic justice in the Morgantown area. A recently released "Self Suifficiency Report" shows that many people do not earn sufficient wages to meet reasonable self sufficiency standards in Monongalia County. You can find a copy of this report on the web at: http://www.wvvoices.org/WV%20Combined_Final.pdf. If you want to work with CCSJ on this issue, contact Paul Becker (292-2983) or Tim Hairston (292-0601).

The Steering Committee continues to meet monthly and will be planning events for the Fall over the summer. If you have any ideas, requests, concerns or whatever, please contact Barb Howe (293-2339 ext. 1155).

Events

PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): The local group is meeting on the third Sunday of each month, 1-3 pm. Upcoming meetings are June 16 (Morgantown Unitarian Church basement); July 21 (Westover Park, second pavilion in from DuPont street entrance, at top of hill, beside tennis court and overlooking the lake); August 18 (Unitarian Church basement). PFLAG exists for mutual support among both GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and those questioning) people and those who care about them. It is a place where both GLBTQ people and those close to them can address the issues they face and their feelings about these issues, safely and in confidence. CCSJ contact person is Judy Cohen, 292 0072.

"History and Memory: Recollecting the U.S. Civil Rights Movement" Lecture by Valerie Smith, Woodrow Wilson Professor of Literature and Professor of English and African American Studies at Princeton University. Thursday, June 6; 7:30 pm.; Rhododendron Room, WVU Mountainlair. This lecture is part of a summer seminar on "History and Memory: Recollecting the U.S. Civil Rights Movement," sponsored by the WVU Department of English. For further information, contact Bonnie Anderson.