Kyla

[SYPP] They say youth jail, we say fund education! Forum on May 24th!

May 22, 2012
Help us stop the County from building a new youth jail! Hear from youth, families, and advocates! No New Juvenile Hall in Seattle!!! Washington Hall, 153 14th ave @ Alder 6-8 pm May 24 Should King County raise and spend hundreds of millions of dollars to “rehabilitate” its youth jail? Or should we spend that money on youth and families to prevent them from being criminalized? Does it make sense to spend money locking youth up while we cut funds from education, health care, poverty programs, and other essentials? Seattle’s juvenile punishment system is racist and it harms youth. Let’s stop funding an approach that doesn’t make our communities any safer but does harm youth and families. Come hear from affected youth, community members, activists, and others discussing the racial disparity in the prison system, effective alternatives to youth incarceration, and much more. A new youth jail isn’t inevitable, it isn’t effective, and it isn’t right. Come find out why, and what to do about it. This event is on the second floor of Washington Hall, up a flight of stairs. We’re also planning a follow up event June 23 which will be a film screening and poetry event at Life Enrichment books in Columbia City followed by a noise demo at the youth jail. Please stay tuned! From Dean Spade: Remember that time the city wanted to build a new adult jail and people pushed back in amazing ways and they didn’t build it? That was cool. Well, now the County wants to pass a ballot measure to raise and spend hundreds of millions of dollars to “rehabilitate” the youth jail on Alder and 12th and the court buildings there. Some weeks back they had a public forum about it that was disrupted by activists who questioned the authority of the jail planners, sharing many concerns: the juvenile punishment system in King County is racially targeted against youth of color, especially black and indigenous youth; youth in the jail are people surviving violent racist policing, poverty, and other conditions that the County should be addressing with real solutions, not criminalization; the new jail will be part of gentrification of the Central District, and includes plans for commercial space; communities most impacted by the youth jail were not allowed to participate in the planning process. Rather than listening to community voices, the County jail planners shut down the forum before most people could be heard. I wrote something about this that you can read here. For the past several weeks, community members have been meeting to build a mobilization against the new youth jail. This week, we’re putting on an event where people impacted by criminalization will be talking about what is going on and what we can do about it together. Please come! There is a Facebook page set up for the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/170041046457041/ Dean	Thank you for supporting SYPP this weekend! We had a great time celebrating 20 years of fantastic organizing by and for youth in Seattle. For those of you who made it or supported already THANK YOU! We didn’t quite reach our fundraising goal though. It’s not to late to make a donation to support SYPP moving into the next 20 years! How can YOU support SYPP? - Make a one-time donation - Sign up to be a monthly donor Thank you to our 2011-2012 Funders: Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund Social Justice Fund City of Seattle Technology Matching Fund Satterberg Foundation Abelard Foundation Best Buy Funding Exchange and many amazing individuals! If you would like to sign up to be a monthly sustainer for SYPP please head over to our website! Sign up to be a monthly sustainer
2820 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA www.sypp.org Tel: (206) 860-9606 Email: infoypp.org

We’ll read The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander, and hone our critical understanding of mass incarceration in the U.S. today and its many implications for racism and the movement for racial justice.

Participating in the group raises funds for Life Enrichment Bookstore (LEB). LEB, a Seattle Black-owned bookstore in South Seattle that has hosted CARW’s Organizing Institute and has asked for CARW to step up to support them in keeping their doors open!

Reading group participation is on a sliding scale ($30-$60) and includes a hardcover copy of the book (purchased from LEB)! Our goal is a group of 10 people, as we have 10 books!

When: 3 Tuesday evenings at 6 pm: June 12, June 19 & June 26

Location: TBA (on Beacon Hill or in Mt. Baker, Seattle)

The group will be facilitated by Stina Janssen & Murphy Stack, members of CARW’s Organizing Collective. The group is open to all interested. (Note: we’ll be using CARW’s lens exploring how white anti-racists can be agents for racial justice).

To sign up or ask questions, contact Stina at stinajanssen. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Another key way to support LEB is to support them in their project to send books to prisoners. Currently, only certified bookstores can mail books to people incarcerated, and LEB is one of them. They would like a CARW person or two to create a catalog of their books and set up a system to respond to requests from prisoners (i.e. answering letters and mailing books). To be clear, this is money-generating project for LEB (in line with their values of getting books by Black authors into prisons). After the initial set up, this role would entail doing a couple of hours every week or two. This could all be done by one person, or two people could do it as a team. If you have questions or are interested in this please email scott winn at winnscott.

new jim crow email 2.pdf

Free childcare, free (good) food, prizes/gifts for moms and babies. We have a limited amount of parking flat-rate reimbursements available, as well as bus tickets. This event is meant to be a community conversation about racism’s impact on pregnancy, co-facilitated by both Michelle Sarju from Open Arms Perinatal Services and Amelia Gavin from the School of Social Work at University of Washington. 

Questions: eudd@ywcaworks.org

Our CARW ally group is hosting two tables that we’re hoping all of you will help us to fill (or overflow!). Adult tickets are $40, which includes dinner, entertainment (some of it hilarious, I’ve been told), and a chance to win some insanely decadent desserts in the annual “dessert dash.” If you can’t be there, you can still support SYPP by purchasing a ticket for an adult family member ($40) or a youth organizer or youth family member ($20).

We have seats left and need your help! Come yourself, bring friends and partners, and spread the word!

All purchasing and sponsoring info is below; if you and any friends or family will be joining us, drop me an email so I can keep track of the CARW tables.

See you soon and hopefully also at the FamBam!

Diana (206) 498-5949

Because we want to hear your stories and ideas about creating a better world and building a movement that includes all of our generations and communities….

Because we want to feel your applause as we celebrate Seattle’s newest generation of youth organizers and their recent work for Education Justice….

Because with your financial support, Seattle Young People’s Project can keep fostering youth empowerment work for the next 20 years….

Seattle Young People’s Project 20th Anniversary FamBam!
A Dinner and Celebration of the SYPP Family
-Saturday, May 19th, 5:30-8pm-
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church

3001 24th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
Purchase tickets here: http://guestli.st/88986
Please email sunny with your tablemates’ names so we can seat you together!

This year’s FamBam will include a delicious dinner, our adrenaline-pumping dessert dash and a variety of other ways to support our work. It will also feature a film that our Adult Allies have been busily working on, which spotlights stories of SYPP alum experiences and milestones.

Check out the video event invite here: https://vimeo.com/39452885

Sponsor the FamBam to support youth organizing in Seattle!

• Attend the event: Join us either just you or with friends and family! Adult tickets are $40 each and youth tickets are $20 each. They can be purchased at our ticketing website: http://guestlistapp.com/events/88986
• Sponsor youth and/or their adult family members to attend the event: With your help we can ensure that all members of our community can attend the FamBam. This is also a great way to have your organization represent if you can’t personally be there! Click the “I want to help someone attend” box at the bottom of the purchase information for either youth or adult tickets on our ticketing website: http://guestlistapp.com/events/88986

SYPP supporters can also give a one-time or a monthly recurring donation in honor of our 20th Anniversary via our website: http://www.sypp.org/donate.

THANK YOU for believing in the power of youth organizing!

Your friends at SYPP

About Sahngnoksoo: Sahngnoksoo is a Seattle-based organization of Koreans and Korean-Americans creating social change. We work to build political power for the self-determination and liberation of Koreans of all identities including those who are adopted, immigrants, queer, and multiracial. We do this through collective learning, collaboration, solidarity, and organizing. Sahngnoksoo translates to “evergreen” and is a symbol of strength and commitment in Korean movement history.

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Decolonize Jeju and Beyond: Jamu Docu Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Date: May 7th 2012

Time: 7pm – 9pm

Location: The 2100 Building: 2100 24th Ave S, (Board Room) Seattle, WA 98144

Suggested donation: $5-$10 (sliding scale) to support the struggle.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Sahngnoksoo presents the Seattle premiere screening of Jamu Docu, a Korean documentary that chronicles the resistance to the building of a naval base at Ganjeong village on Jeju Island from the perspectives of multiple filmmakers. Screenings of this film already have occurred in New York City and the Bay Area. Seattle is the next city to be a part of the coordinated effort to raise awareness about this struggle.

Currently, the Ganjeong villagers are fighting to save their way of life on Jeju Island–designated as the “Island of Peace” by former ROK president Roh Moo Hyun. The building of the base would have countless disastrous consequences. “Located strategically in the Korea Strait, the island’s potential to become a military target in the event of an armed conflict in this tense region would increase exponentially with the addition of a naval base. The threat this poses to the men, women and children of Jeju Island is unconscionable, and it can be avoided through halting the base construction.” From Save Jeju. The environmental impact would also be deadly–destroying a UNESCO World Natural Heritage designated biosphere site home to dolphins, fish and a rare soft coral reef.

Following the screening will be a discussion with local community organizations about militarism in Korea, in the Asia Pacific and its impacts locally here.

Please join in solidarity with peace activists around the world to support Jeju Island!

Some links to check out for more info:

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/516102.html

http://www.savejejuisland.org/Save_Jeju_Island/Welcome.html

http://nodutdol.org/index.php/news/archives/435/

RSVP via facebook (if you use it): https://www.facebook.com/events/374387445933647/

And even if you cannot volunteer, we’d still love to see you May 1st. See below for details of the march/rally and spread the word. See you May 1st!

May 1st March and Rally
for Immigrant and Workers Rights
Tuesday, May 1st
Rally at 3:30pm
March begins at 5pm

St. Mary’s Church/Judkins Park
611 20th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98114

Organized by the May 1st Action Coalition and

El Comite Pro-Reforma Migratoria Y Justicia Social

Why do we march?

We demand an immediate end to the “secure communities” program, the most recent addition to a policy which has caused the deportation of more than a million immigrants and left more than 10 thousand dead at our borders.

Immigration Reform Now!

We demand human rights, labor rights, and access to education for everyone!

*Spanish/English downloadable flyers available at: http://elcomitewa.wordpress.com/m1ac-outreach-page/may-1-fliers/

Building Community to End Environmental Racism: Learn, Connect, Flourish
Saturday, May 12th, 2012
Registration 8:00am, Conference 9:00am-5:00pm
Seattle University, Pigott Hall

The Seattle Race Conference serves as a hub to unite organizations and individuals in a cohesive movement to eliminate racism, the culture of white supremacy, and other systems of oppression. We normalize discussion and action in opposition to racism and other forms of oppression. We support, showcase, and assist in the growth of individuals and organizations to create community based on equity and justice.

Keynote address by Yalonda Sinde, Executive Director of the Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs
Playnote presentation by New Wilderness Project
Capstone address by Jourdan Keith, Founder and Director of Urban Wilderness Project

Workshops Include…

Track 1: Where We’re At: The Environment We Live In

Burning Wood for Electricity in the City: Another Example of Environmental Injustice

Presented by Toby Thaler, Mike Smith, and Gretchen Nicholas, Washington Citizens for Clean Energy

As it becomes increasingly clear that the era of cheap fossil fuels for energy is coming to an end, alternatives are being sought. One is to burn wood to make electricity, but doing so produces more pollution than burning oil or gas. Are the impacts of burning wood for electricity in the urban environment being considered from the perspective of public health impacts? What can be done to make sure such impacts are properly considered?

White Folks in the Environmental Justice Movement

Presented by The Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites (CARW)

This workshop will briefly introduce the topic of institutional racism and white privilege, elucidate the role of white privilege in the environmental movement, and then contrast environmental organizing strategies and approaches that do or do not center on race. Workshop participants will explore how centering on race and racism changes the focus and activities of an organization, and come away with a deeper understanding of organizational accountability between majority white environmental organizations and communities of color. This workshop is primarily designed for white people who are interested in approaching eco-organizing from a racial justice perspective.

Environmental Justice and the Law

Presented by Clifford Villa, U.S. EPA Region 10

This presentation will define “environmental justice,” describe legal responsibilities pertaining to environmental justice, and discuss environmental justice policies, tools, activities, and case studies. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Housing, Health and Disparities

Presented by Aileen Gagney, The American Lung Association

This workshop will evaluate the connection between poor housing and the health of low income, immigrant and communities of color residents. We will discuss the City of Seattle’s Master Home Environmentalist Program and how the program is assisting the City’s most vulnerable residents to organize efforts around landlord/tenant advocacy, asthma disparities, air pollution and poor housing stock.

Local/Regional Environmental Justice (EJ) Issues and How King County Agencies are Responding

Presented by Ngozi Oleru, Betty Gulledge-Bennett, Cristina Gonzalez & Richard Gelb, King County

This session will use a case study approach to describe local/regional EJ concerns and how King County agencies are tackling disproportionate environmental burdens and fairness in access to environmental benefits. We will engage participants in dialogue about additional concerns and opportunities to address environmental racism.

Cross Cultural Communication – Who Gets Heard at the Table?
Presented by Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee, Seattle Girls’ School
Cross cultural communication theories help explain communication differences across cultures, and yet they lack full definition of the deep influence of power and privilege in US mainstream culture. Whose cultural values, norms, and codes are the “acceptable ones” that determine professional, intellectual, and “polite” discourse in the United States? Examine the intersection of culture and race in communication so that we can ensure everyone is heard at the table, no matter who they are.

White Male Supremacy & White Privilege/Oppression 101

Presented by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr.

This interactive, informational, challenging and energetic session examines and explores white male supremacy and white privilege/oppression and it’s impact on the environments we live in. Participants will leave with some skills and knowledge necessary to begin addressing issues of white male supremacy and white privilege/oppression individually and institutionally.

Local Environmental Justice Issues & Community Based Solutions

Panel mediated by Yalonda Sinde

Amy Bates, Solutions for Humanity, Community and Environment, Christina Ghallegos, Community Coalition for Environmental Justice and other local environmental justice leaders address the questions: What are the primary EJ issues facing your community? How have you worked to address these issues? What can people do to support your organization and environmental justice?

Track 2: Strategies for Change: The Environment that Supports Us

Community EE: Connecting Environmental Education to Action Around Quality of Life Issues

Presented by Akiima Price, EECapacity

EECapacity is working on a set of Community Environmental Education Guidelines that make statements about the process of educating communities around environmental issues that end in action around quality of life issues. This workshop will collect the input of participants and contribute to the development of a nationally recognized set of Community Environmental Education Guidelines.

Using the Creative Cycle for Change

Presented by New Wilderness Project

Through a series of dynamic, small and large group engagements New Wilderness Project (NWP) will guide participants on a journey that will build on personal connections and the diversity of the community to create a foundation for action. We will follow the New Wilderness Project Creative Cycle™ which details a process for effectively integrating creative expression and metaphor to create a space for learning and building community. We will explore and share personal and professional stories in small groups, reflect on our practice, and in doing so, experience the Creative Cycle™ and understand how it works to develop culturally responsive learning communities. This session will flow from theory to practice to provide a solid foundation for the personal journey toward social justice and equity.

The Role of Listening and Emotional Healing in Building Community to End Environmental Racism

Presented by Teresa Enrico, Eleta Wright, & Su Thieda, United to End Racism (UER)

United to End Racism (UER) will teach the listening processes and emotional healing skills as developed in Re-evaluation Counseling that can enable us to recover from the hurts of racism and environmental racism. These processes and skills will support our organizing efforts to stop the inequitable targeting and polluting of communities targeted by racism, genocide, and colonization as well as build healthier and more human communities for everyone. The workshop will also include practice and information about how to take the skills and information that participants learn back to their families, communities, and organizations especially in dealing with discouragement, burnout, internalized conflicts, and leadership challenges.

Partnership and Justice- Building Strength by Welcoming Allies
Presented by Jill Mangaliman, Washington Toxics Coalition, Jessie Dye, Earth Ministry, & Alberto Rodriguez, Duwamish River Clean-up Coalition
Enviromental justice and toxic clean-up requires broad partnerships to be effective. The Washington Toxics Coalition, Earth Ministry, and the Duwamish River Clean-up Coalition have been leaders in welcoming allies beyond the usual suspects. Learn how these three organizations have reached out and worked effectively in coalition.

Institutional Racism and the Process of Change

Presented by Toi Woo, New Directions Consulting and Tilman Smith

Using the “Continuum On Becoming a Multi-Cultural and Anti-Racist Organization” by Crossroad Anti-Racist Organizing and Training’s tool, this workshop will shine a light on the internal transformation process of critical structural changes that are needed to be a multi-cultural/multi-racial environmental justice agency. The Continuum will be examined in order to give participants opportunities how to apply the framework to their respective organizations.

The N!gga (er) Word: Is There a Message in The Madness?

Presented by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr.

The session will take a look at the history of the n!gga (er) word by challenging participants to examine their personal and professional histories with the n!gga (er) word, examine when and/or how they were first introduced to the word, and explore the pictures and different feelings associated with the word. We will look at how current events, media, popular music and movies have used the n!gga (er) word over the years and if the word has had any impact or influence on the millennial generation.

Building a Culture of Inclusion: Removing Racism from Organizational Culture

Presented by Tom Nesby, Nesby + Associates, Inc. and Effenus Henderson, Chief Diversity Officer of Weyerhaeuser Inc.

This workshop features a roundtable panel discussion involving corporate and organizational executives and leaders. The panel will respond to common and complex scenarios and questions regarding racism, racial dynamics, and diversity in corporate settings and how they impact a culture of inclusion. Discussions will take place between the panel members and conference attendees.

Bridging Community Needs with Tools and Resources for Action

Presented by Running Grass, Sheryl Stohs, Ph.D. Gabriela Carvalho, Rochelle Labiosa, Ph.D. and Gretchen Stewart, U.S. EPA

This is a highly interactive session designed to identify and develop skills that racially and ethnically diverse communities can use to better compete in the funding process. Learning EPA’s GIS mapping and Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) tools and resources will allow users to position relevant projects, designed to help understand and address exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks for communities of color. This opportunity for collaboration, will explore partnerships and leadership strategies specifically focused on the Environmental Justice Small Grants.

A Diet for Social Justice:Eating Local & Organic is a Race Issue

Presented by Chilan Ta and Michelle Kleisath, Consider This

By comparing the social justice costs to the monetary costs of staple American foods, we will show how food is a racial justice issue and share our personal strategies for a social justice diet on a monthly food budget of $330.

Please forward widely

SAVE THE DATE:

TUESDAY MAY 1, 2012
4PM Judkins Park

12th Annual
MAY DAY MARCH AND RALLY
For Immigrant and Worker Rights

JOIN THE MAY 1ST ACTION COALITION AND EL COMITÉ PRO-REFORMA MIGRATORIA Y JUSTICIA SOCIAL TO MAKE THE 2012 MAY DAY MARCH THE LARGEST ONE YET!

Please see the message below from “Showing Up for Racial Justice”, a national network of white folks doing racial justice work.