Make a Difference This Summer
Brenda Hammond
This summer, Schweitzer Mountain will be ringing with the sounds of harmony and the celebration of diversity. The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force is planning an intergenerational human rights conference to be held on the mountain from August 8 - 11, 2001. This will be the first of what we hope will become an annual event. The event is being called:
Making a Difference:
Empowering Individuals to Build
Inclusive Communities
This year's theme is "Privilege: Reality & Responsibility." The speakers, workshops and activities will be aimed at heightening awareness of many types of privilege: racial, economic, gender-based, heterosexual, ethnic, religious and able-bodied.
Launching the conference on Wednesday evening will be Loretta Ross, the Executive Director of the Center for Human Rights Education in Atlanta, Georgia. As well as speaking directly to the concept of privilege, she will talk about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the discrepancies that exist between those accepted ideas and the actual status of many individuals in our country at this time.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning there will be plenary speakers and workshops covering the topics of economic justice, tribal sovereignty, white nationalism, the biological basis of homosexuality, gender bias, and issues of privilege related to religion. There will be activities and interactive events as well as opportunities to take advantage of the recreational possibilities provided by our uniquely beautiful setting.
A night at the Festival at Sandpoint will be an option for conference participants on Thursday, and will offer a concert with a world music theme. Friday night on the mountain will be enlivened by the presence of local musicians.
There will be a variety of accommodations available on the mountain, ranging from tent and RV camping, at no charge, to reduced rates at condos. Day care will be available as well as a peace camp program for younger children. The intention is that families as well as individuals will be able to attend -- with something for everyone.
Preceding the intergenerational conference will be four days of youth programming. This Youth Leadership Institute is being co-sponsored by the Northwest Coalition for Human Dignity and will be the Seventh Annual youth event for young people from grades 8 - 12 in the six state region of Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Washington. Idaho and Wyoming. Youth will be selected to participate in a five day camp designed to enhance leadership skills, team building activities and to create a better understanding of the impacts of individual actions and inactions. The framework of the experience will be the impact individuals have made in the struggle for human rights.
A special mailing to all Task Force members will offer the opportunity for advance registration for both the Youth Leadership Institute and the "Make a Difference" conference. It is our vision that this event will be exciting, fun, enlightening and will inspire everyone who attends to act with new understanding and confidence to initiate positive change and help build communities respectful of the rights of all.
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Black History Month
Marian Breckenridge
There is so much happening during the month of February that we sometimes need to be reminded to set aside this time to observe the important history of Americans of African descent. In her opening editorial in the Daily Bee, Teri Maurice set the theme for the month, which is "It's Our History." She pointed out that although whites have been emphasized in history and black contributions have often been neglected, in fact, we share the same history. We all lived it together. There is still much to be learned. To facilitate this learning, we have had a daily column in the Daily Bee about important, though not well-enough-known Americans of African descent. The Bee has been generous in allowing us this space, and I hope you have all used the column to learn more.
In keeping with the "It's Our History" theme, the Friends of the Library has created a display entitled "Portraits in Black Courage ? American Heroes." Hopefully you will have an opportunity to see this and to reflect on its importance.
By far the most dramatic of this month's theme events was having The Rev. Percy "Happy" Watkins, pastor of Spokane's New Hope Baptist Church, speak to two Sandpoint High School assemblies. Rev. Watkins motivated the students by giving examples from the lives of Martine Luther King, Jr. and other leaders in overcoming obstacles to achieve high goals. He told the students that each of them is unique and special and that they should "set their goals and set them high; set their goals and reach the sky." Several times, he had them repeat with him, "If it is to be, it's up to me." He also reminded them to respect and help their parents (to make their own beds unless they have maids) and to use their teachers, counselors and coaches as resources for success.
Rev. Watkins recited the famous "I Have a Dream" speech, which the students had read, but generally had not heard. He had it easy to see how that dream, as universal as it is, relates to us, right here in Sandpoint.
His talk reminded me of that verse from the Famous African-American port, Langston Hughes: "A life without dreams is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." It has been a good month, and I thank all of you who participated in making it so.
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Education Committee on New Ground
Hal H. Hargreaves
Since our last membership meeting, the education committee has entered new territory. The Board directed us to pursue the project of writing and introducing a Kalispel component for use in the schools of Bonner County.
No one realized just how much this was needed until we discovered that students, presently, are not informed of the Kalispel presence in the region of Lake Pend d'Oreille and the river basin, unless the teacher has a special interest in the topic.
Their centuries' long history and indigenous culture is seldom reviewed, and the white cultures' participation in their near demise is hardly mentioned in the history books. It is a story that needs to be told so that we can chart new directions in human relationships.
The remarkable response by almost everyone contacted to work on the project, says that it is the right time to bring it to fruition. The challenge is to forge strong relations with the tribe and the school districts, do a responsible job in gathering materials, and presenting them to the schools through in-services for teachers, and, in general, fostering a climate of understanding and learning.
With the people already at work, I am confident the Task Force will facilitate a program worthy of Bonner County. Students will experience a vital part of this region's heritage and be far more prepared to confront cultural diversity if we succeed.
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Positive Response to Hate: An Update
Gary Payton
In the last newsletter, I described our response to the November 2000 hate mailing from the 11th Hour Remnant Messenger. In a Guest Opinion in the Bonner County Daily Bee, the Task Force announced our Human Rights conferences of August 5-11, 2001 and told people that if they were offended by the mailing, they could donate any sum to the Education Fund of the BCHRTF to support scholarships for youth at the upcoming conferences. And, for each donation we would mail a post card to the 11th Hour informing them that a donation had been made in response to their mailing.
The community response was extraordinary! We received dozens of letters from across North Idaho, and as far away as Independence, Missouri to the east and Seattle, Washington, to the west. Over $2,400 was donated for youth scholarships! We mailed ninety postcards in response to the individual gifts received.
Simply put, the community demonstrated once more that they reject the racist mailings of the 11th Hour Remnant Messenger and that there is widespread support for the positive, educational programs of the Task Force. Thank you!
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Building a Bridge Between Cultures
Gary Payton
Even as the Task Force moves forward on the joint curriculum development project with the Kalispel Tribe, Bonner County residents have a special opportunity to understand and appreciate the power and beauty of Native American storytelling. On Friday, February 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Panida Theater, Sandpoint, The Idaho Mythweaver will present "Legends of the Animal People."
Traditional Native American storytellers Pauline Fleet, Spokane Tribe, Felix Aripa, Coeur d'Alene Tribe, and Loretta Watt, Colville Confederated Tribes, will give life to the legends of those who first peopled the Inland Northwest.
Tickets are available at the Lyman Gallery, Monarch Mountain Coffee, and at the door: General Admission is $8.00 and children under 12 are $5.00.
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Ben Kosse Memorial
Gary Payton
Our community was deeply saddened to learn in December of the death of Ben Kosse, the son of Ray and Dee Kosse of Sandpoint. Ben lived a life of richness and energy and was passionate about respect for dignity among all human beings. The Board of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force was humbled to learn of Ray and Dee's decision to name the Task Force as a receiver of memorial gifts for Ben.
To date, over $1,400 has been received to support the summer conferencing. We will work closely with Ray and Dee to use the gifts in a manner appropriate to Ben's life and beliefs.
Gretchen Albrecht-Hellar
For the third year in a row, the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force is pleased to be able to announce a scholarship to be awarded to a student who demonstrates an commitment to social justice, human rights, and human dignity. This $1000 scholarship is open to any Bonner County student whether they attend public school, private school, or are home schooled. If you know of a worthy student please encourage them to apply. Details will be available at all schools and at the library in the next few weeks. Watch the papers for the press release.
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Remember. Celebrate. Act.
Deborah McShane
The Sandpoint High School human rights club, re-named the Coalition for Justice and Dignity, hosted the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Diversity Dinner and Celebration on January 15 at the school commons. The event was well received and involved the efforts of many students and community members.
Co-chairs Kelly Carlson and Jillian Sturm helped organize the community potluck and celebration
program, with the assistance of their adviser Deborah McShane. Participants shared a great variety of ethnic dishes, from Arabic and Middle Eastern salads and entrees to homemade Chinese fortune cookies, which featured quotations from Martin Luther King Jr. as the fortunes. Monarch Mountain Coffee generously donated coffee, and the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force underwrote other expenses for the dinner.
The evening's program featured "In His Own Words," a number of short excerpts from the speeches and writings of Dr. King, presented by members of the senior class. Kayla Ireland read a biographical sketch of King, and Betsy Dalessio presented King's speech delivered at Morehouse College entitled "On Education." Piper Trulock and Lindsey Braun enacted an original skit dealing with diversity and peer pressure.
The group had requested that Gary Payton, president of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, deliver the keynote. Payton spoke on the topic of "Remembrance. Celebrating. Acting." With great conviction, a sense of perspective, and humor, Payton recalled his own youth and the moments in history that helped shape his world view. He called on members of the audience to act for the cause of justice and humanity.
Jon Brownell's SHS Mixed Choir sang "One Small Step," violinist Melani Carboni played "Wizard's Walk," as a tribute to Dr. King, and soloist Kristine Hale sang "Children of the World."
The Coalition for Justice and Dignity plans to continue the tradition of hosting the King Day Celebration, and has joined the ranks of the Do Something Foundation, which is coordinated by family members of Dr. King.
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Tax Status Notice
Marian Breckenridge
The Human Rights Task Force has been and is designated as a 501(c)4 organization. This has permitted us to do many things in the political field, but not everything that we now find necessary.
Therefore, the Finance Committee is in the process of filing papers to create a 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization, which will required a new board and a new name. It will probably be called something like The Human Rights Educational Foundation.
The old status and board will not be eliminated, rather, the new one is being added. This gives us the opportunity to do a number of things that we couldn't do before mow. Most important of these is to receive tax-exempt financial contributions plus bequests, endowments, grants, stocks and bonds, and property.
We will definitely have an event to celebrate this new capability, and you will all be informed with that happens. It is really something to celebrate!
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Northwest Coalition Update
The Northwest Coalition for Human Dignity has recently undergone funding changes. We are pleased that their commitment for the Sandpoint youth conference is in place, and are confident the reorganized Coalition will secure new funding. We are happy that long-time helper to our Task Force, Eric Ward, is on board to run the organization through this time.
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PFLAG Sandpoint
Barbara Hansen
PFLAG is a needed presence in Sandpoint! As a community-based organization, PFLAG Sandpoint Chapter is the only local organization with a focus on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered issues. Our
mission is to educate the public and dispel negative myths about GLBT people; to advocate for basic human rights for all people; and our primary function is to provide support for our GLBT family members and friends. We are a national, grassroots, chapter-based organization with 450 affiliates in every state with over 77,000 registered households.
We invite you to become a member of PFLAG Sandpoint! Even if you prefer not to attend monthly meetings, or the numerous socials we host, your membership will show support for GLBT persons and for our mission of support, education, and advocacy. Yearly membership is $25 for individuals and $35 for a family (scholarships are available for the asking) and donations of any amount are gratefully accepted.
PFLAG Sandpoint is one year old and growing! We have hosted pot luck suppers and summer picnics; participated in two Adopt A Road Clean Up Days and luncheons; marched in the July 4th parade; offered an educational event for the public; and facilitated the formation of a Gay Men's Monthly Gathering as well as a Lesbian Women's Monthly Pot Luck.
Plans are underway for our first annual Spring Fling - Saturday April 28th.....A Concert and Contra Dance at the Sandpoint Community Hall at 7:30 pm. Our star entertainers will be Beth Pedersen and Kathy Colton followed by Contra Dancing with the Mad Dogs in the Marsh and caller Vikki Marrin. Contra Dancing is fun dancing, easily taught by the caller and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. We hope you will mark your calendar for April 28th and join us for an evening of fun and frolic for the whole family!
Our calendar of events include a Pot Luck following the March 11th meeting; an Annual Members' Meeting and election following the April 8th meting; Adopt A Road Clean Up followed by free lunch April 21st; marching in the July 4th parade and the 3rd Annual Picnic on Sunday, August 19th.
We welcome you to join us!
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