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We are inviting members of the community to join our Steering Committee! The Steering Committee is responsible for implementing the vision and values of the Peace & Justice Center. We ensure that the organization's direction continues to organize and engage in initiatives that push forth peace, global justice, and equity for all.
If you are interested, please contact our Steering Committee Representative David Patrick at: david.g.patrick@maine.edu or 207-949-4397. David will be a liaison through this process and can answer any questions you have about the organization, the responsibility of steering committee members, current projects, and mobilization efforts of the Peace & Justice Center.
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During October and November the Peace & Justice Center has been hosting a bookclub focused on The Gatherings: Reimagining Indigenous-Settler Relations.
The first two discussions were well attended with 25-30 people joining via Zoom. During the October 10th discussion breakout rooms were utilized due to the large gathering, and the discussion focused on the authors' experiences navigating Indigenous-settler relations. Conversations were rich and open.
Two of the authors, Shirley Hager and Alma Brooks, joined for the second discussion. Alma is a Maliseet Clan Mother, member of the Maliseet Grand Council of New Brunswick, and a widely renowned environmental activist. Shirley is a non-native, longtime activist and seeker. They both shared their experiences as well as the long history of broken treaties, promises not honored, and genocide perpetuated by European settlers.
Ambassador Maulian Dana will be joining the discussion on November 21st! She will be discussing the status of LD 1626 and the actions which folks can take to support the efforts for Wabanaki sovereignty. This is sure to be a wonderful opportunity. Book discussions will be held via Zoom and are scheduled as follows:
- Nov 7th 6-7:30PM - General discussion (pgs. 183-END)
- Nov 21st 6-7:30PM - Discussion led by Ambassador Maulian Dana
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Rally for Abortion Justice
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Photo Credit: Sam Bullard
Rally attendees stand in Peirce Park while speakers talk about abortion justice (left); Co-Program Director Sam manages the postcard action table at the rally (right).
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On Saturday, October 2nd at 11AM the Peace & Justice Center joined Mabel Wadsworth Center's Rally for Abortion. The rally was empowering and had a spectacular turnout. Speakers from various orgs spoke profound poetry, personal stories, and chants of solidarity. The rally also had actions such as postcard writing to Texas clinics, places to donate, and informative tables.
Here is what Mabel Wadsworth Center has to say about the current situation our country is facing:
The Supreme Court has allowed Texas politicians to ban abortion after six weeks and anti-abortion politicians in other states are eager and ready to do the same. With more than 90 state restrictions enacted so far in 2021, this year is the worst on record for attacks on abortion care.
We envision a world where abortion is there when we need it without barriers based on who you are, where you live or how much money you earn. We won't back down!
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Photo Credit: Sam Bullard
A poster listing clinics in Texas to mail postcards of support.
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The fight for abortion justice doesn't end with rallies. You can write postcards of support to Texas clinics (find their addresses in the image above). You can contact your legislators and telling them to support WHPA and the EACH Act. Maine is often a crucial state for these votes, so use your voice today!
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Last month our Co-Program Director, Sam, spoke in court in support of the proposed Penobscot River mercury clean up in the case Maine People’s Alliance v. HoltraChem Manufacturing Co., LLC.
This is an issue the Peace & Justice Center has been following and fighting for more than 20 years. In that time we have seen valuable fisheries shut down and our environment’s health degraded due to the effects of this mercury contamination. We are allowing our state’s natural integrity to be violated by out of state interests purely out of convenience for them and a disregard for our own lands. At the very least, our state could do better by uphold cases like MPA’s that further protect our ecosystems from harmful chemicals.
This issue also lives at the heart of Maine’s community; so much of Maine is made up of our beautiful rivers, lakes, and other natural resources. These are all incredibly important to the Wabanaki people, who have always been stewards and protectors of the land. With the current levels of pollution permitted in our waters, we are seeing what was once clean drinking and fishing waters turn into toxic landscapes slowly poisoning our wildlife and our communities who depend on these waterways. For far too long the colonial mindset has desecrated and polluted vital parts of ourselves and the world we live in. Allowing such levels of waste into our ecosystems is an attack on the Penobscot Nation, and on all of our community.
We will continue to follow this case as an organization as the courts move closer to a decision. The outlook seems positive right now, but keep an eye out for future actions you can take to help!
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Housing Justice Maine Retreat
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Photo Credit: Sam Bullard
Collaborative activities from the retreat helped us realize our mutual vision for the future of Maine housing.
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The last Friday of October, Co-Program Directors Anthony and Sam attended the Housing Justice Maine Retreat. This was a six hour workshop in Augusta with various orgs across Maine that are concerned with issues of housing.
The retreat focused on attracting more members to the coalition, deciding on strategic goals for the coalition and prioritizing them, revisiting and renewing community agreements, and outlining the legislative priorities for the upcoming years. It was an inspiring opportunity to network with other activists and listen to the input of those most affected by issues of houselessness. Our directors look forward to taking this experience and its teachings to our community and expanding the movement for housing for all.
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UMA Bangor Community Garden
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Photo Credit: Kati Corlew
Rows of green beans fill the community garden with life.
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The UMA Bangor Community Garden and Labyrinth continues to operate in partnership with the Peace & Justice Center. This beautiful, open space is located on the UMA Bangor Campus, behind the Fitness Center.
This season they have harvested over 450lbs of food, including tomatoes, kale and lettuces, edible flowers, yellow squash, green beans, kidney beans, garlic, onions, and pumpkins. This organic produce has been donated to the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, the Health Equity Aliance pantry, Wabanaki Health and Wellness, the UMA Bangor Food for Thought food pantry, and to community members.
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The garden group is currently putting their plants to bed and prepping for the cold season. Although it may not seem like much right now, this is a crucial time to prepare for the next growing season.
Visit their Facebook Page here to learn more and to sign up to volunteer! No experience is necessary. We are all learners here. |
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Greater Bangor Housing Coalition
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Photo Credit: Sam Bullard and Josh Kauppila
GBHC members and supporters all gather for the "Haunted by the Housing Crisis Rally."
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On October 30th the Greater Bangor Housing Coalition (GBHC) hosted their event, " Haunted by the Housing Crisis." This coincided with GBHC's one year anniversary. This event focused on the housing crisis our community is currently facing and uplifting community members most affected by it. You can read more on the Bangor housing crisis via this Op-Ed Co-Program Director Sam wrote on the topic.
The rally consisted of various speakers from the Greater Housing Coalition emphasizing the dire situation we are facing and the need for action. Breaking down oppressive systems, listening to community voices and their wisdom, and acknowledging how these structures harm marginalized folks most were all focused on in these speeches. The event also promoted supporting Penobscot County Cares, getting out to vote, signing GBHC's bathroom petition, donating to the winter drive, and joining their mutual aid efforts.
Throughout the event there was chalking, chants, food, interactive art, and networking opportunities. The rally ended with some attendees marching over to Bangor City Hall and taking a picture with their signs. |
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GBHC is also in search of physical donations to prep for the cold winter ahead. Some useful donations are listed above. Direct funds are also invaluable. You can donate to GBHC here on their Donorbox or drop off physical donations at their Saturday meetings.
The group meets every Saturday at 1:30PM in Pickering Square, with a rain location at the Unitarian Universalist Church. If you want to be part of this vital work you are welcome to join us. Follow the group’s progress on their Facebook group page. |
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Penobscot County Cares is a collaborative effort of 35 agencies, groups and organizations in Penobscot County. It's focused on raising greater awareness about chronic, worsening problems caused by insufficient mental health care, inadequate substance use disorder treatment, and far too little affordable housing. The coalition is calling on county and municipal officials for use much of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address these needs. Penobscot County is receiving $30 million. The City of Bangor is getting $20 million (as a regional hub community). All other cities and towns in Maine are also receiving smaller amounts, typically $100,000 to $1 million depending on size.
More individuals, agencies, groups and organizations are encouraged to join this effort. Everyone is welcome to attend the Thursday meetings to learn more and hopefully get involved. Penobscot County Cares meets every Thursday at 4PM. To obtain the Zoom link, please e-mail Doug Dunbar at: dougdunbar@yahoo.com or penobscotcountycares@gmail.com. |
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No Penobscot County Jail Expansion
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No Penobscot County Jail Expansion (NPCJE) continues to advocate for a reduction in the number of people jailed, for better treatment of those who are held at PCJ, and for investments in solutions to problems contributing to incarcerations rather than any efforts to expand the size of the jail.
NPCJE's next meeting is Sunday, December 5th @ 4PM. For the Zoom link contact Doug Dunbar at: dougdunbar@yahoo.com or 207-299-5626. For more information on the group, check out their Facebook page, website, or email them at nopenobscotjailexpansion@gmail.com. |
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THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS!
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We will continue to monitor the State of Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and use them to inform our decisions on meetings, gatherings, and any and all safety matters or measures. We request that anyone attending our events continues to wear a face covering.
For more information regarding community and statewide resources, please visit the links below:
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