Toward Community: Unity in Diversity

"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that": Milwaukee UCC Pastor Keynote Speaker for 19th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

2010-01-11T16:33:00.003-06:00

APPLETON, WIS. - Rev. Wanda J. Washington, the first African-American female member of the United Church of Christ to start a new church in Wisconsin, will deliver the keynote address at the 19th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Monday, Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel in downtown Appleton.

The celebration, presented by Lawrence University and Toward Community: Unity in Diversity, with the support of numerous organizations, individuals and churches throughout the Fox Valley, is free and open to the public. The Appleton Area School District is one of the sponsors. The Post-Crescent and WFRV-TV CBS 5 are media partners for the event.

The theme for this year's celebration - " Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that" - is drawn from King's 1963 book "Strength to Love," a collection of some of his classic sermons on social justice and non-violence.

"Those are more than just words Dr. King delivered, they resonate with me as the true essence of Dr. King and his life's work," said Kathy Flores, the chair of the MLK committee and the intercultural relations coordinator for the city of Appleton. "Dr. King may have died by an act of violence, but he lived by acts of love and light. We hope that Fox Valley residents will join us for the celebration to hear Rev. Washington's message of love conquering hate as we celebrate Dr. King's life and are reminded that his legacy lives on through us."

Pa Lee Moua, Lawrence University assistant dean of students for multicultural affairs, said King's message remains vitally relevant today.

"Although history reflects what has been done in the past, it's still very much a part of our future," said Moua. "Dr. King's mission has and will continue to shape our nation and the lives of our children for many generations to come. Individually, it is our responsibility to continue his legacy by serving our community and striving for equality and social justice for all. As a community we need to stand together, lead by example and inspire others to make a difference."

Washington spent 20 years as a special education teacher working with deaf and blind students in Glen Ellyn, Ill., before pursuing a master's of divinity degree. She will speak on the power of hope, the many positive changes King hoped would occur in the country and the importance of people remaining hopeful in the face of adversity.

After graduating from the Chicago Theological Seminary, Washington served as associate pastor at Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ for more than 10 years. In 2006, she moved to Wisconsin and started Grace United Church of Christ in Milwaukee. The church now serves more than 200 members.

The evening's celebration will include the annual presentation by Toward Community of the organization's Jane LaChapelle McCarty Unity in Diversity Award, which recognizes an area individual who has made great strides in bringing different people in the community together.

The celebration also will feature area students reading their winning essays which focus on King's theme of love triumphing over hate. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Menasha High School Marching Band and Lawrence University singer Sirgourney Tanner.

A sign language interpreter will be present for the program and a reception for all in attendance will be held following the event.

Dr. Martin Luther King Essay Winners

2009-12-23T15:04:00.002-06:00

Hameedallah Amin - Classical School , Appleton (2nd Grade)

Martin Luther King Poem

When I see a person in a wheelchair,
I don’t stop and stare.
When I see different skin,
I don’t point and grin.
Making people feel bad,
makes me really sad.
It’s not even cool
in fact it’s very cruel.
To stop these negative actions
we need to change people’s reactions.
Our world is growing every day.
We must see people in a positive way.
So let’s join hands in this dream
and stop this cycle of being mean.

Emmalea Kenevan - Edison School (2nd Grade)

If someone is mean to you, or somebody you know, be nice to whomever she or he is and they will probably stop because if someone is nice to you, you would stop, right?

I once saw a girl and a boy. The girl had brown skin and the boy had peach skin. They boy had brown eyes and the girl had blue. The girl had freckles and the boy did not. They were different, but still they were still very good friends.

Diana Hernandez - McKinley Elementary School(5th Grade)

“Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that”

If you want people to love you, love one another. Treat them with respect and love. Talk to them, walk with them, or even pray with them. Treat them the way you want to be treated. Stand up for their rights and stand up for yours. Give them things that don’t cost money, like hugs, visits, kisses, and more. Use positive words to those who are sick or disabled. Calm them down with words and not fists. Freedom, peace, love, dreams, respect, and together are all powerful words. Be patient with those who are learning. Be fair, share, and be gentle with them. Let every person in the world be who they want to be and never judge by their color or personalities. Everyone has different thoughts and opinions. Respect their thoughts and opinions, and maybe they’ll respect yours too. And if everyone would hold hands together and be brothers and sisters it would be a much better world. Whenever I see someone hurt, I always ask them if they’re alright. I always think that everyone counts and we are ALL equal. And if you show love to someone every day, you’ll see how much they will thank you some day. Always remember the powerful saying Martin Luther King Jr. once gave out saying “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Hattie Kitzmann-Kelley - Kaleidoscope Academy(8th Grade)

“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Everybody knows who Martin Luther King, Jr. is, right? I mean, who doesn’t. The man is practically a legend. He gave us some of the most important speeches of all time, including the “I have a dream” speech. Dr. King showed love for all people, even those who hated him. Every day we should try to be more like him; showing love and care through our actions and words. If we all at least try to be more like him this world would be at peace. I know I want to be more like him. The reason I say ‘more’ and not, ‘just like him’ is because in ways I never imagined I am like him. Everybody is! The little things we do for people show love for everyone every day. Whether you smile at someone who is not having a good day or you rake leaves for an incapable neighbor for free. Those simple things we do show love for people who are or aren’t different form us. I remember when my mom’s friend’s daughter died. So my brothers and sisters and I invited her to our school talent show and sang her a song that let her know everything was going to be O.K. And one time when I was in sixth grade I knew a girl who couldn’t talk all that well, so I befriended her and she taught me how to spell my name in sign language. I used to go to Madison Middle School and while I was there I helped out with the disabled kids. I helped them into the school in the morning and smiled at them to let them know that I was their friend. Knowing that I can do something good for another person makes me feel good inside. It lets other people know you care. Just because people are different from us doesn’t mean we should treat them any different; they’re human beings just like us. I can’t imagine what this world would be like without people like Dr. King. If we were to put ourselves in the disable’s shoes there is about an 88% chance we won’t like the outcome. People would treat us different just because we look or act different. Now come on, that’s not right! It’s not right at all. So coming to my conclusion, no matter who they are, what they do, or what they’ve done we can’t just walk away from those who ‘aren’t like us.’ We should love everyone, because we’re all just seeds in God’s hands. Dr. King didn’t do those things for recognition; he did them because when he saw how we were treating each other he wanted to make a difference!

Maria Peeples-Appleton East High School (11th Grade)

My America

Walking lines of color
in an image, trying not to falter
holding identities as our own
as we search to find our place
who
are
you?
Black, White, Latino, Asian,
gray area.
Boy, girl,
gay, straight, bisexual,
gray area.
Who
Am
I?
still marching in the streets
46 years later
struggle is pain
struggle is strength
the courage of those who spoke,
who walked alongside buses,
who dared to go to school

you are the picture of my America

who we should thank,
who we should emulate.
In my America,
injustice fills our history books
with pages screaming we will not
stand by idly and wait
Walk, Talk, Sing, America.
Sing

Dr. Martin Luther King
Harvey Milk
Rosa Parks
you have all created the song
that removes splinters from my soul
with too many of you
dying in the fight for equity,
dying to feel alive, to be free
working for the America
that your children deserved
now I’m asking
what does the world look
like for my someday children?

when I hold their hands
up to the sky in which you now reside,
what laws will protect them,
what language will they hear,
what will the media whisper to
them about their worth as human beings?

Dr. King,
will you help me make their America?

today,
setbacks and tears,
my hopes and my fears
remember your dream
your vision of liberty, of one people
who speak words of hope.

still, words of hatred echo
in the hallways of my school
but the sound of love,
love, love
is ringing free in my heart.
for the children who never
questioned their friendship
based on the color of their skin,
the Catholic and the Atheist
who exchanged vows and hearts,
the two boys who dared to hold hands.

you are my America.

Hate, is still here, Dr. King
but love will still shine brighter
the power of your words
the image of your children,
all children,
God’s children

living free

in our America.

Foods of All Nations

2009-08-24T18:01:00.002-05:00

Join us at the 12th annual Foods of All Nations, a program of the Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center

"Experience the World in the Fox Cities"
Saturday, September 19, 2009, 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Downtown Appleton (corner of Oneida and Washington Streets)

Taste authentic foods from many cultures. Enjoy the music and dance performances. Purchase gifts and interesting items in the multicultural auction.

Tickets:

Adults (advance) $10, (at the event $12)
Children 6-12 years $5
5 years and under - free.

Tickets available at the Multicultural Center (M-Th 1-4 p.m.), Harmony Cafe (M-W 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Th-Sat 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m.), Goodwill Community Center (M-F 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Please share this information with others who may be interested. Thank you for supporting the Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center and its programs.

Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center
128 North Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 882-4056 fax (920) 882-4060
Office hours: M-Th 1-4 p.m.
contact@foxcitiesmulticultural.org

Find us on Facebook and become a fan: Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center

Diverse book recommendations

2009-08-24T17:55:00.000-05:00

Toward Community held our annual Celebrate Diversity picnic on Aug. 16, 2009. Attendees were asked to write down their favorite books. Though only a minority of folks participated, they came up with an interesting list that reveals diverse ages, backgrounds, and literary tastes. Thanks to TC chair Kamal Varma for compiling and sharing.

Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman
What is the What - the Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng: a novel by Dave Eggers
Blue Sweater: bridging the gap between rich and poor in an interconnected world by Jacqueline Novogratz
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
Drums of War by Edward Marston
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kid
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks
Invisible Man by Herbert George Wells (and Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man is pretty good, too - TD)
Song of Solomon by Tony Morrison
Black like Me by John Howard Griffin
Stuffed Starved by Raj Patel
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
White Teacher by Vivian Gussin Paley

Toward Community Diversity Picnic August 2009

2009-07-06T21:21:00.008-05:00

Toward Community Diversity Picnic:

Dear Members and Friends,

Toward Community: Unity in Diversity hosts its 17th Annual Diversity Picnic on Sunday, August 16th from, 12:00 to 3 p.m. at Sunset Park in Kimberly. It is free and open to public. Bring family and friends and join us in celebrating the Fox Valley's diversity.

Please bring a dish to pass and a lawn chair if you could. Also, share a name of a book that you've read and could recommend to others.

Toward Community will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, Hmong egg rolls and beverages.

Children's peformer Taku Ronsman with join us to play drums and lead activities for children and adults who are young at heart.

Any questions, please contact-

Kamal Varma at 920-731-0834 or email kvarma27@gmail.com

Scott Peeples at 920-993-8905 or email mspeeples@tds.net

No RSVP necessary. Please come and join us to celebrate the rich diversity of the Fox Valley.

Martin Luther King Jr.: Student essay winners

2009-01-19T07:49:00.002-06:00

The Post-Crescent has published the winning essays, which will be read at tonight's MLK service. Read them here.

Prayer

2009-01-19T07:44:00.001-06:00

By The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire

Opening Inaugural Event
Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC
January 18, 2009

Welcome to Washington! The fun is about to begin, but first, please join me in pausing for a moment, to ask God's blessing upon our nation and our next president.

O God of our many understandings, we pray that you will…

Bless us with tears – for a world in which over a billion people exist on less than a dollar a day, where young women from many lands are beaten and raped for wanting an education, and thousands die daily from malnutrition, malaria, and AIDS.

Bless us with anger – at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Bless us with discomfort – at the easy, simplistic "answers" we've preferred to hear from our politicians, instead of the truth, about ourselves and the world, which we need to face if we are going to rise to the challenges of the future.

Bless us with patience – and the knowledge that none of what ails us will be "fixed" anytime soon, and the understanding that our new president is a human being, not a messiah.

Bless us with humility – open to understanding that our own needs must always be balanced with those of the world.

Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance – replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger.

Bless us with compassion and generosity – remembering that every religion's God judges us by the way we care for the most vulnerable in the human community, whether across town or across the world.

And God, we give you thanks for your child Barack, as he assumes the office of President of the United States.

Give him wisdom beyond his years, and inspire him with Lincoln's reconciling leadership style, President Kennedy's ability to enlist our best efforts, and Dr. King's dream of a nation for ALL the people.

Give him a quiet heart, for our Ship of State needs a steady, calm captain in these times.

Give him stirring words, for we will need to be inspired and motivated to make the personal and common sacrifices necessary to facing the challenges ahead.

Make him color-blind, reminding him of his own words that under his leadership, there will be neither red nor blue states, but the United States.

Help him remember his own oppression as a minority, drawing on that experience of discrimination, that he might seek to change the lives of those who are still its victims.

Give him the strength to find family time and privacy, and help him remember that even though he is president, a father only gets one shot at his daughters' childhoods.

And please, God, keep him safe. We know we ask too much of our presidents, and we're asking FAR too much of this one. We know the risk he and his wife are taking for all of us, and we implore you, O good and great God, to keep him safe. Hold him in the palm of your hand – that he might do the work we have called him to do, that he might find joy in this impossible calling, and that in the end, he might lead us as a nation to a place of integrity, prosperity and peace.

AMEN.

VSA Arts Display at Appleton Public Library

2009-01-16T16:04:00.000-06:00

VSA Arts of Wisconsin, Paintings and Sculpture will be on display at the Appleton Public Library’s first floor exhibit space from January 2-February 27. This traveling exhibit contains award-winning artwork by Wisconsin adults with disabilities. Admission is free. The exhibit is open to the public during Library business hours.

Contact Reference and Information Services for further information at 920-832-6173

Legislative Advocacy Forum

2009-01-16T15:44:00.002-06:00

Do you ever wonder how bills become law? Do you ever wonder how you can influence the legislation that is proposed? Well, if so, this event is for you!

Legislative Advocacy Forum
January 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
140 S. Green Bay Road, Neenah

The event is sponsored by ESTHER, a Fox Valley Interfaith Justice Organization, Citizen Action Wisconsin and the Association of Retired Americans. Forbes McIntosh, with Government Policy Solutions in Madison, will be our guest speaker and he will describe the legislative process. That will be followed by a panel of four area legislators who will talk about how we should contact them and how we can get to know them. They will then answer questions about legislation.

The Forum is free and open to the public.

Question? Email esther.foxvalley@gmail.com or call Connie Raether at 920-832-8990.

18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Monday, Jan. 19

2009-01-15T16:09:00.001-06:00

APPLETON, WIS. -- A diversity scholar who believes in the power of turning dreams into reality will be the keynote speaker at the Fox Cities annual celebration honoring the man whose own dreams changed the United States.

Bola Delano-Oriaran will examine the question of what is each person's purpose in the world at the 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Monday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lawrence University Memorial Chapel. The theme for this year's event is "Beyond Dr. King's Dream: Next Steps."

The celebration, co-sponsored by Lawrence University and Toward Community: Unity in Diversity, is free and open to the public. The Post-Crescent and WFRV-TV are media partners for the event.

Rev. Roger Bertschausen, who helped found the MLK celebration in 1992 and continues to serve in planning the annual event, calls Delano-Oriaran "someone who has made a real difference in the Fox Cities.

"I am excited to have Bola Delano-Oriaran keynoting this year's event," said Bertschausen, pastor at Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship church. "In her work with students as well as her work with our community, she has promoted and exemplified Dr. King's dream."

An assistant professor of education at St. Norbert College, Delano-Oriaran shares her message of understanding the richness and value of diversity in society in a high-energy presentation. Ever since she organized a fund-raiser for a disabled homeless man as a 13-year-old in her native Nigeria, Delano-Oriaran has advocated the importance of each person's role in building a better community and world.

Delano-Oriaran saw her own dream of a place where all people could gather to celebrate their individual identities and experiences realized with the creation of the Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center in 2004.

Her efforts on behalf of diversity issues and community change have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Rotary Club of Appleton Charles and Patricia Heeter Outstanding Community Leadership Award and the St. Norbert College Bishop Robert F. Morneau Community Service Award. In 2000, the Wisconsin State Human Relations Association presented her with an Outstanding Human Relations Educator Award.

Highlighting the celebration will be the presentation by Toward Community of the annual Jane LaChapelle McCarty Unity in Diversity Award to an area individual who has made great strides in bringing different people in the community together. Delano-Oriaran was a recipient herself of this award in 2004.

"This year's celebration occurs the eve before the inauguration of the first African-American president in U. S. history," said Kathy Flores, chair of the MLK committee and a member of Toward Community. "Not only is this an exciting time, it truly is a realization of Dr. King's dream. I am excited to come together with citizens of the Fox Cities to hear Bola Delano-Oriaran share her vision of how we as a people can move forward together into the future and into the next steps of Dr. King."

The MLK celebration also will include music performances by the Kaukauna High School Concert Choir and Lawrence sophomore Isake Smith. Area students will read their winning essays addressing the question "Beyond Dr. King's Dream: Next Steps" as part of the celebration.

"This celebration is truly another example of how a community, sharing similar yet different cultural values, can come together and pay tribute to a dream, dreamt by many," said Mohammed Bey, acting assistant dean for multicultural affairs at Lawrence. "It is has been inspiring to witness the level of participation from the community for this event."

A sign language interpreter will be present for the program and a reception for all in attendance will follow.

NEW World Cinema - Winter/Spring series

2008-12-20T07:56:00.002-06:00

Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center & Wisconsin Public Radio Present

NEW World Cinema

Fox Cinema Café, 400 Third Street, Menasha
All movies have English subtitles
Tickets: $5, Show Times - 7:00 PM
At each screening, a moderator will introduce the movie and facilitate a discussion at the conclusion of the film.

January 25 & 26
After the Wedding
(Denmark)
2006 120 min Rated R
Director: Susanne Bier
The orphanage which Jacob runs in India is threatened for closure. He receives an offer from a Danish businessman Jørgen, who offers him a donation of four million dollars with conditions that Jacob returns to Denmark and take part in the wedding of Jørgen's daughter. The wedding proves to be the most intense dilemma of Jacob’s life.

Awards:

Academy Awards 2007 (Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film)
Bodil Awards 2007 (Best Supporting Actor)
Festróia - Tróia Int. Film Festival 2007 (Best Director, Best Actor)
Rouen Nordic film Festival 2007 ( Best Actress)
European Film Award 2006 (Nominated for Best Director & Best Actor)

February 22 & 23
Volver
(Spain)
2006 121 min Rated R
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Raimunda (Penelope Cruz in a stunning performance), who lives in Madrid with her daughter and drunk husband, visits her aunt Paula in the village in La Mancha where she lost her parents in a fire years ago. Paula continues to speak about her sister Irene, Raimunda’s mother, as if she were still alive. When the old aunt dies the past returns in a twist of mystery and suspense.

Awards:

Academy Awards 2007 (Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role)
Argentinean Film Critics Association Awards 2007 (Best Foreign Film)
Cinema Writers Circle Awards, Spain 2007 (Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress)
Czech Lions 2007 (Best Foreign Language Film)
BAFTA Awards 2007 (Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role)
Cannes Film Festival 2006 (Best Actress & Best Screenplay)

March 29 & 30
A Good Hearted Daughter-in-law
(Hmong)
2008 116 min Rated NR
Director: Abel Vang
After the death of her husband and two sons, Va Cha returns to the northern lands of her husband’s clan. One daughter-in-law decides to follow her into a marginal village existence in a steeply patriarchal society. Inspired by the biblical story of Ruth, it is a tale of two widows bounded by loss and love.
Note: The Hmong National Development, Inc will hold its 14th Hmong National Conference here in Appleton from April 3-5, 2009. NEW World Cinema is very proud to be a part of it by screening this film at the dawn of this conference.

April 26 & 27, 2009
In the Name of God
(Pakistan)
2007 168 min Rated R
Director: Shoaib Mansoor
Since 9/11 the Muslims are caught up in an unfortunate situation. There is a war going on between the fundamentalists and the liberals Muslims, creating a rift not only between the western world and the Muslims but also within the Muslim community. Educated and modern Muslims, because of their approach towards life, are harassed by the fundamentalists -- and on the other hand, the western world sees them as potential suspects of terrorism.

Awards:

Asian First Film Festival 2008 (Best Cinematography)

ESTHER Advocacy Training

2008-12-18T00:11:00.001-06:00

Make Your Voice Heard!
2nd Annual Advocacy Training

Monday, January 26th; 6:30 - 8:00 pm
St. Mark Lutheran Church
140 South Green Bay Road, Neenah, WI

Join local Representatives and Senators, along with Forbes McIntosh of Government Policy Solutions, in a lively discussion on why it is important for citizens to get involved in the legislative process as well as how to get involved.

Learn the basics of the legislative process
Find out who you need to contact about issues of concern
Discover methods to get your voice heard to create lasting change

State and federal laws affect and protect us all. Join us for this training.
Event is free and open to the public. Questions? Contact us: esther.foxvalley@gmail.com

Directions: Take Highway 41 to Winneconne Exit into Neenah. Turn left onto S. Green Bay Road.St. Mark's Lutheran Church will be on your right.

Advocacy program sponsored by ESTHER, an interfaith social justice organization in the Fox Valley, Alliance for Retired Americans ensure social and economic justice and full civil rights for all citizens, and Citizen Action of Wisconsin, organizing people to make Wisconsin a better place to live and work.

Please feel free to pass this information out to the general public.

Stephanie Gyldenvand
ESTHER Organizer
(920) 216-0891

Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center Open House

2008-11-26T13:32:00.002-06:00

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008
6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center
128 North Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54911

Highlights

Honor Roll of Donors
Honor Roll of Volunteers
Meet our Upward Bound Program Family with Craig Baker
Visit the American Indian Center with Lisa Hurst
Enjoy delightful conversations with Harmony Café Staff & Shannon Kenevan
Meet & Greet our member organizations
Experience community dialogue with various individuals
Refreshments….

For more information, please contact Aditee Shet.

NEW Wolrd Cinema - Joyeux Noël

2008-11-26T07:57:00.004-06:00

France 2005 Director: Christian Carion, rated PG-13
November 30 & December 1, 2008, 7:00 PM
Fox Cinema, 400 3rd Street, Menasha
Ticket $5

In 1914, World War I, the bloodiest war was well under way. However on Christmas Eve, numerous sections of the Western Front called an informal, and unauthorized, truce where the various front-line soldiers of the conflict peacefully met each other in No Man's Land to share a precious pause in the carnage with a fleeting brotherhood. This film dramatizes one such section as the French, British and German sides partake in the unique event, even though they are aware that their superiors will not tolerate its occurrence.

Thia film was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award in 2006.

What do the reviewers say …

“The story speaks to universal human emotions that transcend country and culture”. – Robert Butler (Kansas City Star)
“Today's audience might find it hard to believe soldiers could shoot each other one day and play soccer together the next. Alas, this happened and Carion's screenplay is smart enough to make us believe ... even in the 21st century”. – Forrest Hartman (Reno Gazette)
“A remarkable episode in the bloody history of what is still referred to - with increasingly sickening irony -- as the war to end all wars.'” – John Beifuss (Commercial appeal, Memphis)
“It's a marvelously entertaining history lesson -- glossy, emotional and touching” – Roger Moore (Orlando Sentinel)

Hmong New Year celebration

2008-11-26T07:52:00.000-06:00

when: Saturday, November 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
where: Appleton East High School.

Stop over and watch some of the festivities. It’s a great event to drop in on and catch what you can. Stay for 30 minutes or the whole day ... you won't regret it.

For more information, contact Jennifer Gaines Bates, Refugee Youth Coordinator, Hmong-American Partnership Fox Valley, Inc. at jennygbates@hotmail.com

Transgender Day of Remembrance

2008-11-23T18:37:00.001-06:00

Holiday Party

2008-11-21T13:35:00.001-06:00

Date: Tuesday, December 30

Time: 6-9 PM

Place: India Darbar Restaurant, 2333 W Wisconsin Ave, Appleton. We will have a private room.

Cost: $10 per person. Toward Community will pay $3 toward every meal so the cost for Toward Community members, including children and family members, will be $7 per person.

Scott Peeples and Tony Gonzalez will provide recorded music. You are all encouraged to bring a favorite reading or poem to share with the group.

RSVP:To Scott Peeples at peeplesscott@aasd.k12.wi.us or 993-8905

2009 Jane LaChapelle McCarty Unity in Diversity Award

2008-11-20T14:31:00.003-06:00

PLEASE SUBMIT NOMINATIONS:

The 2009 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee is accepting nominations for the 2009 Jane LaChapelle McCarty Unity in Diversity Award. This honor will be awarded to an individual in our community who has made great strides in bringing different people in the community together in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The award will be announced at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lawrence University Memorial Chapel in Appleton. The keynote speaker is Dr. Bola Delano-Oriaran, Assistant Professor at St. Norbert College in De Pere and 2004 recipient of this award. You will be inspired as she presents Beyond Dr. King’s Dream: Next Steps.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY:
Mail or email by Friday, January 2, 2009. Nomination must be one page.

Nominations are to be submitted to:
JLM Unity Award
Attention: Roger Bertschausen
PO BOX 1791 Appleton, WI 54912
or email fvuufmin@new.rr.com

Yearly Report of Toward Community 2008

2008-11-19T11:20:00.000-06:00

Submitted on November 16th

Regular Executive committee and General meetings-

January 15th M L K Celebration
February 28th – General Membership Meeting
June 17th - Executive Board Meeting
Annual Diversity Picnic - July 20th
August 16th - Booth at Farmer’s Market and General Membership Meeting
November 20th – General Membership Meeting
December – Holiday Party

Participation in Community Activities -

Healthy Day- YMCA
Meeting with Kaukauna School Superintendent
Participating in Planning of Hmong Association Conference of 2009
Participating in planning of Seed folks Project with area schools and Appleton Library
Participated in Multicultural Center’s program - Foods of All Nations

Financial Support to Different Organizations -

Donation to NEWCA (Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association) $100
Donation to FCRMC towards their loan payment - $500
Donation to Harmony Café - $250

Toward Community meeting THURSDAY

2008-11-19T08:08:00.002-06:00

From: PEEPLES, SCOTT <PEEPLESSCOTT@aasd.k12.wi.us>

Dear Toward Community,

Please join us this Thursday, November 20th at the Appleton library at 6:30 p.m. As you know, we are only meeting quarterly this year so this is one of the few chances for all our members to come together.

We will meet in the lower level of the library.

Thursday, November 20^th, 2008-Toward Community Meeting Agenda

6:30 p.m.

I. Approval of Minutes of August 16 meeting (1 minute)

II. Toward Community Membership for 2009, mailing (5 minutes)

III. Treasurer's Report (4 minutes)

6:40 p.m.

IV. Holiday Party – date and venue (5 minutes)

V. Yearly report of the programs done by TC (10 minutes)

6:55 p.m.

VI. Future TC presence at Downtown Appleton Farmer's Market (5 minutes)

VII. 2009 Martin Luther King Celebration at Lawrence University (8 minutes)

VII. Planning next year's meeting dates (7 minutes)

7:15 p.m.

VIII. Topic for Discussion – "Election proves 'we the people' includes African-Americans," by Leonard J. Pitts Jr. 11/5/'08 (30 to 45 minutes)

VIII. Adjourn by 8 p.m

2009 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest Announced

2008-11-06T14:24:00.002-06:00

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Young people who are inspired by Dr. King’s vision of a society free of racial prejudice are invited to enter the 2009 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest.

Essay contest winners will be invited to read their essays at the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration to be held on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lawrence University Memorial Chapel on College Avenue in Appleton. Winners in four brackets will be awarded $25 from Toward Community: Unity in Diversity and $25 from IndUS of the Fox Valley.

Contest categories by grade are: 2nd and 3rd, 4th through 6th, 7th through 9th, and 10th through 12th. Submissions may be in essay or poetry form and should not exceed one page. Writers should relate their essays to the theme of this year’s community celebration, “Beyond Dr. King’s Dream: Next Steps.” Dr. King’s dream for our world was that all people would learn to live together in harmony. Student entries should attempt to describe the responsibility young people have in advancing Dr. King’s message of equality and harmony among people of all races and all backgrounds. A panel of judges will critique the essays. Originality will be a critical factor in the judging process.

The deadline to enter the contest is 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2008. A sheet separate from the essay should contain the writer’s name, address, telephone number, school, and grade. Do not write names on essays. Please do not use staples to attach name and essay sheets. Send entries to: Toward Community: Unity in Diversity, 128 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI 54911. Call Gayle Hardt at (920) 954-7211 with questions or if you need to arrange for drop off of an essay before 4:30 p.m. on December 5th. Winners will be notified by phone.

The keynote speaker for the 2009 celebration is Dr. Bola Delano-Oriaran, Assistant Professor of Education, at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. In addition, the Kaukauna High School Choir will perform.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is an interfaith, multicultural event sponsored by Toward Community: Unity in Diversity, Lawrence University, and a number of area churches, religious organizations, businesses, and social service agencies. The King Celebration has been a unifying tradition in the Fox Valley since 1992. It is free and open to the public.

Deadline to enter is 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2008

2009 UW-Fox Valley Ethnic Reading Seminar

2008-11-04T11:48:00.001-06:00

This seminar is a unique opportunity to discuss experiences and thoughts on issues of ethnicity, identity, citizenship and society, by coming together in a shared reading experience.

This year's seminar will focus on "Lan Samantha Chang and the Immigrant Experience." Her stories set in the past and the present, in China and the US, depict intimate portrayals of individuals who long for so much, but above all, for connection, in an environment that is at once alienating and enticing. Hunger includes a novella and five short stories that explore the vulnerabilities of individuals and their relationships as they navigate the dislocations brought by immigration. Her novel Inheritance illustrates the complexity of the interaction between identity and heritage, memory and history.

"Sometimes I wonder if I would have become a writer if I had been raised in a larger, more diverse community ... My childhood in Appleton [WI] prepared me for writing -- for observing and recording -- because I grew up feeling like an outsider ... I can not remember a time when I was not conscious of being different from the majority of people around me."

Lan Samantha Chang has published short stories in Atlantic Monthly and Best American Short Stories Collection. She has been awarded numerous fellowships awards, including the PEN Beyond Margins Award in 2005 for Inheritance and a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2008. She currently directs the Iowa Writer’s Workshop at the University of Iowa. She will be speaking at UW-Fox Valley April 17^th.

The seminar is open to at no charge to members of the Fox Valley community. Sessions will take place from noon until 1:00 p.m. at the UW-Fox Valley campus on February 17, February 24, March 10, April 14 and April 21. The sessions will be in a discussion format.

There is no cost to participate. Participants may keep the books as part of their involvement in the seminar.

If you are interested in participating please contact: Jeff Kuepper: jeff.kuepper@uwc.edu . If possible, please try to respond by Thursday, November 6^th.

Toward Community November Meeting

2008-11-04T11:25:00.000-06:00

Toward Community Meeting Agenda
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008
6:30 p.m., Appleton Library, lower level

Approval of minutes of Aug. 16 meeting, 1 min.
T.C. membership for 2009, mailing, 5 min.
Treasurer's report, 4 min.
Holiday Party, date and venue, 5 min.
Yearly report of TC programs, 10 min.
Future TC presence at Downtown appleton Farmer's Market, 5 min.
2009 Martin Luther King Celebration at Lawrence, 8 min.
Planning next year's meeting dates, 7 min.
(Should start at about 7:15) Topic for discussion; Bringing the country together after the Nov. 4 election -- based on article Scott Peeples will present. 30-45 min.

Adjourn by 8:00 p.m.

Current Community Conversation: Energy Challenges

2008-10-06T23:13:00.003-05:00

The Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center is having its second Current Community Conversation...

Topic: Energy Challenges at home and abroad

Panelists:

Paul Linzmeyer, General Partner, Innovative Sustainability for Organizations, Inc.
Leslie Taylor, Coordinator for Sustainable Fox Valley Initiative

Wednesday, October 15th
5:00 to 6:30 PM
Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center
128 N. Oneida St., Appleton

For more information:
Kamal Varma 920.731.0834

Mexican Consulate in Appleton

2008-09-26T16:02:00.003-05:00

En Español / Spanish version

The Mobile Mexican Consulate will be visiting the City of Appleton to process the following documents for Mexican citizens (by birth or naturalization):

Passports (Cost: $ 101 for 6 years or $74 for 3 years)
Consular Matriculas (Cost: $ 27)

Payment must be in cash.

YOU MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT CALL : (920) 968-6880
Appointment Scheduling the week of September 22 - 26
Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 12:00pm and 4:00-7:30pm

Appointments made for the following hours:

Thursday, October 2, 2008: 12 – 6 pm
Friday, October 3, 2008: 9 am – 2 pm
Saturday, October 4, 2008: 9 am – 2 pm
Sunday, October 5, 2008: 9 am – 2 pm

Location: Appleton Public Library
225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI 54911

Parking in the East Ramp (Cost: $1)

For more information about the requirements to obtain a matricula or Mexican passport contact: 312-855-1380 or www.consulmexchicago.com