#BringBackOurGirls Event at the Freedom Center

Re-posted from: Freedom Center Blog

#BringBackOurGirls Event Friday: Freedom Center Hosts Free Panel Discussion on Activism and Advocacy related to Nigerian kidnappings

This Friday, join local leaders and activists at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for a discussion of the recent kidnappings in Nigeria and the accompanying worldwide #Bringbackourgirls social media campaign. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of the happenings in Nigeria and the implications for activism in the age of the Internet.

Rebecca Lehman, Coordinator of University of Cincinnati’s Racial Awareness Program, will moderate the discussion. Community partners include Cincinnati League of Women Voters, Cincinnati Junior League, End Slavery Now and Xavier University’s Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice.

This event is free and open to the public.

As an institution dedicated to the abolition of modern day slavery, the Freedom Center wants to serve as a space for the community to discuss nuanced issues like the recent kidnappings, learn about the connections to the wider landscape of human trafficking and reflect on the international community’s response to an instance of human trafficking. Freedom Center President Dr. Clarence G. Newsome recently released a statement on the kidnappings, calling on readers to speak out against actions that threaten the freedom of individuals and cause entire communities to live in fear.

Friday’s discussion will focus on these kidnappings and the international response but will also touch on some of the broader issues of modern day slavery and human trafficking— types of modern day slavery, the causes and effects of modern day slavery and the warning signs of human trafficking.

The conversation will also include the role of women’s education in combating modern day slavery. Women’s education has been one of the most powerful tools in the fight against poverty, infant mortality and violent extremism across the world. Panelists and attendees will be asked to consider the importance of women’s education and empowerment within our own communities.

Lastly, this event will address the importance of responsible social media advocacy and the role of social media in modern activism. The explosive worldwide response through #BringBackOurGirls has raised many questions about the ethics of social media advocacy— in the age of the Internet, how do we engage in the fight for freedom in a way that promotes empathy, solidarity and pluralism?

The event will take place this Friday, June 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Everyday Freedom Hero Gallery.

Look forward to more information and advocacy opportunities from the up-and-coming organization End Slavery Now. You can find them on Twitter @endslaverynow.  Click here for more information.

-Tatum Hunter, Marketing Intern

11th Annual Cincinnati Neighborhood Summit - Feb 16th!

From the Center for Service Learning & Civic Engagement:

Mark your calendars for a big day in Cincinnati! The 11^th annual Neighborhood Summit is calling youth to the table! For the first time the summit is focused on engaging local teens and young adults in a call to action. City officials, community councils, school board members and about 500 neighbors of all ages will be looking to the youth at this summit to hear what ideas and talents they have to offer. Some high schools are offering extra credit in Civic classes. Some colleges are working it into their curriculum. Other groups are making attendance to the summit a service project. It’s a great event for mentors and mentees to learn together. Great for young and mature people feeling disconnected. Great for business and organizations to network. We are seeking teenagers and the young professionals to join in our city’s conversation. It’s a great opportunity to see firsthand how the different pieces of the city work together and how individuals make a real difference in our future. Help us highlight the teenagers and young adults at this year’s Neighborhood Summit Saturday, February 16, 7:30a-3:30p at Cintas Center at Xavier University.

 

Register you and your group of young adults today! We want to flood this summit with young vibrant energy! And we need a head count for the FREE LUNCH! See attachment or follow the link for a list of sessions for the day http://www.investinneighborhoods.com/register.html

ARC International Humanitarian Law Peer Education Program - Applications Due Feb 1st!

From the American Red Cross:


IHL Peer Education Program 2013

What is IHL?
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is the body of law that places basic limits on how war is waged. It
aims to protect human dignity during times of armed conflict, and to prevent or reduce the suffering and
destruction that result from war.

Background
The IHL Peer Education Program is a new initiative from the American Red Cross to
to provide chapters with a model to disseminate IHL through direct outreach to young people, who in
turn will reach out to other young people. This year’s program is a pilot program with only nine other
chapters in the country participated. Through this experiential learning method, the goal is to expand,
broaden and diversify the reach of the ARC in teaching the American public about the laws of war and
why they are important.

The IHL Peer Education (“IHL Action Program”)
This program involves IHL Team Mentors which consist of a pair of young people ages 18-25, who
support (2) Team Members or other young people ages 13-17 or to learn about IHL and then to apply their
learning through a project.

Three Upcoming Service Opportunities: College Goal Sunday, OGT Prep, Fight for Air Climb

From the UC Center for Community Engagement:

College Goal Sunday 2013: January 26, February 10 Su Casa was founded in 1997 as a response to the sudden increase in the numbers of immigrants arriving to Cincinnati from Mexico and the rest of Latin America. Su Casa was the first organization in the Cincinnati region to focus on the Latino Community and the influx of immigrants to the area. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is looking for bilingual volunteers (English/ Spanish) to assist high school students completing their Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). When: February 10, 1:00p Where: Su Casa Hispanic Center, 7036 Fairpark Ave., 45216 Volunteer Tasks: Assist high school students completing their Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). A volunteer training workshop is mandatory and it will be held at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College on January 26, 11:30a - 1:00p. Contact: Mario A. Rodríguez, mrodriguez@cincinnatiymca.org, 513-363-9027

OGT Prep at Woodward Career Technical High School: February 2, 9, 16, 23; March 2, 9 The Ohio Graduation Test is critical step toward graduation, and Woodward Career Technical High School is in need of tutors to help students prepare for the OGT. When: Saturdays, February 2 - March 9, 9:00a - 12:00p Where: 7005 Reading Rd, 45237 Volunteer Tasks: Tutoring students in math, science, reading, writing, and social studies. All materials are provided. Contact: Marina Hopkins, 513-363-9382, hopkinm@cpsboe.k12.oh.us or Shamika Hill at Hillsha@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Fight For Air Climb: February 17 American Lung Association works to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The Fight For Air Climb is a stair climb challenge to raise money and awareness to support local lung disease education programs, research and advocacy. Participants of the Climb will climb the 45 flights of stairs up the Carew Tower to fundraise for the organization. When: February 17 Where: Carew Tower, Downtown Cincinnati Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers are needed to help set up, register participants, pass out t-shirts & water, monitor the reception area, assist with the climb events and clean up. Volunteer opportunities for preparation during the weeks leading up to the Climb are also available! Contact: Elizabeth Kelley, ekelley@midlandlung.org, 513-985-3990

Snapshots of RAPP in the City-Wide MLK Events

Despite the cold & snow, Greater Cincinnati came together yet again for the civil rights march on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Although many Bearcats were spread throughout the city doing service through the Crosstown Help Out, the Red & Black were still out in force at the march - including nearly all UC NPHC chapters (the only one not there was also out doing community service!).

Here are a few pictures from the day:

Waiting for the bus to ride down to the march!

We met up with friends in front of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for the start of the march.

Marching to Fountain Square

Many of us joined up with NPHC - and the several RAPPers in their leadership! - for a group photo in  front of Cincinnati Music Hall.

Participate in City-Wide MLK Day Events!

Participate in City-Wide MLK Day Events!
Monday, January 21st

Celebrations of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day occur all over the city on and around MLK Day! Join the events organized by the Cincinnati MLK Coalition with fellow Bearcats - RAPP will help you get there and back!

We'll provide bus tokens for your ride to and from downtown. To get these and ride with a group, meet at 9:35AM at the bus stop in front of Hughes High School (across from the UC Law School, where Calhoun St. runs into Clifton Ave.). You can also meet our group downtown at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center between 10:10 and 10:30AM. Or, meet us at Fountain Square at 11:00AM or Music Hall at 12:00AM.

10:30AM - Commemorative Civil Rights March begins at the Freedom Center

11:00AM - March pauses at Fountain for an Interfaith Prayer Service followed by march to Music Hall

12:00PM - MLK Commemorative Celebration, keynote speaker Honorable Judge Jeffery Hopkins

For more information about the city-wide events, check out the MLK Coalition's site or this flyer.

Group shot from the 2011 March

Three Great Upcoming Service Opportunities: Crosstown Helpout, Spring Cleaning at CCAC, and Green-Up Day!

From the Center for Community Engagment:

Crosstown Helpout – January 21^st

We know who came out on top at the Crosstown Classic, but the winner of the Crosstown Helpout is our community. This event brings UC and XU students together for a day of service that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and celebrates the connection with our crosstown counterparts. Students will meet at UC in the Stratford Heights Pavilion for a light breakfast then disperse to awesome service projects throughout the city. Transportation, breakfast, and a boxed lunch are provided!

Make MLK Day a day on, not a day off! To register visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/helpout or find the event on Facebook.

Spring Cleaning at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center – March 9^th

Right down Clifton Avenue from campus is one of Cincinnati’s gems: the Clifton Cultural Arts Center. From free events, to classes, to installations and exhibits, it all happens at the CCAC. This spring you’ll get a chance to have a hands-on experience at the CCAC volunteering at the Spring Cleaning project in March. Check out the CCAC website to find out what’s hot: http://www.cliftonculturalarts.org/ (Artifact is this weekend!).

If you’d like to get involved or take a leadership role with the Spring Cleaning project, contact community.engagement@uc.edu indicating your interest.

Green-Up Day – April 13^th

Mark your calendar for April 13^th to get your hands dirty! UC volunteers will be cleaning up Burnet Woods, just across the street from campus. Green-Up Day involves mitigating invasive species, fishing trash out of the pond, laying down mulch and getting the park ready for the entire community to enjoy this spring and summer. Volunteers will get pizza for lunch and a free ticket to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game!

For more information, and to sign up when registration opens visit: http://www.uc.edu/cce/student/GUD.html.

Side-by-Sides Series: P.G. Sittenfeld & Mike Wilson - Jan 10th

From Beyond Civility:

Side-by-Side Series: P.G. Sittenfeld & Mike Wilson

January 10, 2013 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Hebrew Union College Mayerson Hall
Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute of Religion
3101 Clifton Avenue,Cincinnati,OH 45220
USA

Free: Reservations requested. Visit www.beyondcivility.org/reservations

The second occurrence of the Beyond Civility Side-by-Side Series will take place on January 10th and will feature City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld and Mike Wilson.  This event will be hosted by the Hebrew Union College in the Mayerson Hall.  Doors will open at 6:00 pm with refreshments being offered.  The program will begin at 6:30 pm and conclude at 8:00 pm.  Directions to the Hebrew Union College can be found at their website here.  A campus map has been provided for your convenience on the right.

Reservations are requested.  You can do so by clicking on the reservations tab in the menu bar or by clicking here.

Roxanne Qualls and Bill Seitz hug after the first event.

The first event was a huge success with nearly 200 people enjoying a spirited and informative discussion between Vice-Mayor Roxanne Qualls and State Senator Bill Seitz. We hope you will join us for the second Side-by-Side.

It is being co-sponsored by the Hamilton County Republican Party, the Hamilton County Democratic Party, the Charter Committee of Cincinnati, The Cincinnatus Association, The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, the YWCA and the League of Women Voters.  WCET and WVXU are media partners.  

The series will offer an antidote to the contentious and sometimes toxic national political rhetoric that is serving to polarize our society by inviting local political leaders to share their reflections on the people and experiences that helped to form the political beliefs and positions they hold today.

We believe we are less likely to demonize people we know personally, and are pleased to offer this opportunity to get behind the party platforms and political personas of election campaigns and get to know our public officials on a more personal level.

We thank The Seasongood Good Government Foundation and the Cincinnati Bar Foundation for their financial support of the Beyond Civility initiative.

Impressions of Cuba: Women, Religion, & Culture - Feb 17th!

From Grailville:


Join Grail member, Mary Lu Lageman, as she discusses her Cuban connection!

Grail Member Mary Lu Lageman will offer first-hand impressions of our near neighbor to the south.   In the summer of 2012 a small group of Grail members joined other women for a friendly and informative visit to Cuba, made under the auspices of a Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn with longstanding ties to this geographically close, but socio-politically distant country.

Mary Lu will share her stories, pictures and learnings about the history, culture, health and education systems of this country, and especially about the amazing women she met who are involved in many aspects of Cuban life and leadership. Join us for a lively discussion and a day of first hand experiences.

What:
Impressions of Cuba: Women, Religion & Culture

When: 
Sunday, February 17, 2013 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Where: 
Grailville Retreat & Program Center
932 O'Bannonville Rd.
Loveland, OH 45140

Reservations are requested. For those wishing to register without making the suggest donation of $5.00, please email Morgan Lyn, Marketing & Program Associate, to register for this program by clicking here.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade with the Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus - Jan 22nd!

From the Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus:

Save the Date
1-22-13
5:30-7:30 pm

The home of Jane Anderson
2717 Johnstone Place
Cincinnati OH 45206

Let's celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade... And honor our elected women officials and endorsed candidates

The attack on women's health and women's rights reached a new low in 2012 with the proposal of hundreds and passage of dozens of laws in states all around the country including right here in Ohio:  From banning abortion, to requiring trans-vaginal ultrasound, to giving rights to a fertilized egg through personhood amendments.  There won't be any sunshine for women in 2013 either.  As long as legislators get away with attacking women, they will not get down to the true business of America.  They won't make the tough decisions for which they were elected.  This night we will honor our elected women officials and candidates who are on the right side of history on these issues.

Contact: Barbara Myers, 513.321.4063 or bkmyers@fuse.net

Crosstown Help Out: A Joint Service Day between UC & Xavier - Jan 21st/MLK Day!

2013 Crosstown Helpout
Monday, January 21st
8:15AM to 3:00PM
Starting at Stratford Heights - 2634 Stratford Ave, Cincinnati OH 45219

The Crosstown Helpout will be a joint service day between the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. Students from both campuses will be meeting together at Stratford Heights Pavilion, and then groups will be breaking out to different service sites around the city to work on projects. It will be a collaborative event to promote closer affiliation between the two schools in the spirit of community.

To register: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/helpout
**Make sure to do this instead of just RSVPing to the Facebook event!

The event will be on January 21, 2013 (MLK Day). Registration will begin at 8:15am with a light breakfast. Buses will be provided to transport students from Stratford Heights Pavilion to their service site and buses will return to UC around 3:00pm. A boxed lunch will be provided at the service site.

Second Annual Greater Cincinnati Anti-Bullying Summit - February 12th!

From GLSEN Greater Cincinnati:

Join GLSEN Greater Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the Council on Child Abuse, the Human Rights Campaign, Talbert House & the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati as we host the second annual anti-bullying summit:     Improving School Outcomes. Preventing bullying, harrassment & intimidation against students who are(or are percieved to be) gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. February 12th, 2013 Learn effective strategies to prevent bullying, harassment & intimidation and improve school climate, student mental health outcomes & academic performance. Keynotes Include: U.S. Department of Education Research and Policy for Bullying Prevention Initiatives (Dr. Deb Tempkin) Ohio Attorney General’s Office (Jennifer Brumby, Esq.) Human Rights Campaign (Kim Westheimer) Other presentations will include: Creating Safe Spaces by Shawn Jeffers of GLSEN Greater Cincinnati. The summit is free and includes Breakfast and Lunch. Attendees will be granted 5 CEUs. Location: The Red Cross 2111 Dana Ave Cincinnati Ohio 45207 9am-3:30pm February 12th, 2013 RSVP via email or call 513-361-2159. Space is limited. The summit is for all school leaders, councillors, educators and service providers. If you know someone who would benefit from attending, please pass this email along and encourage them to RSVP.

"Journey of the Universe" A Film Screening at Grailville - Jan 27th!

From Grailville:

Journey of the Universe:

A Film Screening

Sunday, January 27, 2013

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm  

Grailville continues its inquiry into the meeting of science and spirituality with Journey of the Universe, an award winning documentary by cosmologist Brian Swimme and scholar Mary Evelyn Tucker that considers the human connection to Earth and Cosmos and the 13.7 Billion year journey that brought us here. Through their engaging and thoughtful observations we will encounter anew the profound role we play in this intricate web of life.

Following the screening a 9-part study and discussion series will follow on Sundays at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm from February 3 - April 28.

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required. For more information or to register, click here or contact (513) 683-2340. 

GLSEN Greater Cincinnati Youth Group Celebrates Its First Year!

From GLSEN Greater Cincinnati:

Youth Group is one year old this month!

It brings us much joy to say that GLSEN Greater Cincinnati Youth Group has been up and running for one year. It's been an exciting and rewarding process to get Youth Group off the ground and this year has been full of success, support, and the creation of a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allies. 

It has been a very special opportunity and privilege to witness the youth we serve grow as individuals, gain confidence, find social networks, and work through difficult life situations together. Throughout the year we've fostered an open and welcoming space for them to call their own. We've offered a wide range of programming ranging from “what does the Bible say about LGBTQ people” to a “transgender coming out panel.” We participated in GLSEN events like prom and walking in the Pride parade. 

Over the year the youth have reached out and offered their friendship to new group members embodying true acceptance. It has become evident throughout this year that safe spaces, like Youth Group, for LGBTQ youth and their allies are a vital resource that the Greater Cincinnati area needs. We look forward to the continued success and growth of Youth Group for many years to come!

Anne Delano Steinert and Kyle Holsinger-Johnson
Youth Group Co-Facilitators

Youth Group so far has:

Served almost 100 different youth,
averaged about 15 youth per meeting,
and served youth from more than 20 different schools in the area

Youth Group meets every Sunday at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian, 103 Wm. Howard Taft Road, from 3:00-5:30pm. It's open to all high school age youth.

 

Winter Day of Quiet at Grailville - Jan 26th!

From Grailville:

Winter Day of Quiet

Saturday, January 26, 2013

10:00 am - 3:00 pm  

 

Experience Grailville as a space of quiet prayer and reflection. During this self-directed day, Grailville will provide quiet space and a simple contemplative framework for participants. Grailville is the perfect place to enjoy a day of rest and renewal. While you are here we encourage you to take advantage of our hiking trails, outdoor labyrinth and peaceful environment.

 

For those who wish to also participate in  Mandalas for the New Year, may attend our Winter Day of Quiet for just $15.  

 

The fee is $20, which includes lunch. Reservations are required. Some scholarships may be available. For more information or to register, click here or contact (513) 683-2340. 

UC Grad Student's Award-Winning Thesis Focuses on Walking Tours in Cincinnati

From UC News:

Grad Student’s Award-Winning Thesis Focuses on Walking Tours in Cincinnati

Art education graduate student and photographer Chris Luessen integrated student- and community-developed urban walking tours of Cincinnati into his recent thesis, which is the first-ever winner of UC’s Robert L. Russell Research Award.

Date: 11/29/2012
By: M.B. Reilly
Phone: (513) 556-1824
Photos By: Provided by Chris Luessen

As a fine art photographer, recent University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) graduate Chris Luessen often walked the city’s urban neighborhoods capturing shots of both objects, traces and architecture.

Chris Luessen on Orchard Street in Over-the-Rhine.

In order to share the experience of walking and seeing – the finding of visual gems, Luessen created a template and asked undergraduate students and community members to create walking tours of their favorite neighborhoods and locales. In all, he collected 25 such tours, and then, ultimately selected ten of those to include in his recent (2012) art education graduate thesis. The community- and student-developed walking tours ultimately included in his thesis and screen printed into a self-contained booklet included Brighton (off of Central Parkway), Burnet Woods, Clifton’s Ludlow Business District, Downtown Cincinnati, Mt. Airy, Northside, Over-the-Rhine in the area bordered by Liberty and 15th streets and several other areas.

Luessen’s thesis effort, titled “Locating an Other City: Critical Engagement and Every Day Intervention through Art Education,” recently won him DAAP’s first-ever Robert L. Russell Research Award, named after long-time art education faculty member Robert Russell. Luessen received the award this fall, before an audience consisting of this year’s new master’s of art education students.

Community- and student-developed walking tours collected by Luessen.

He said, “It meant a lot that the faculty valued the work I had done and was doing. It was certainly a reward for choosing a program as challenging as that housed in DAAP.”

Luessen’s community-based art was, in part, inspired by DAAP’s Art in the Market program, which guides local teens in the creating of public art in Over-the-Rhine. However, he was also motivated by “my own urban explorations. I wanted to share the experience of walking in the city.”

He displayed all 25 walking tour submissions and distributed all 100 collected tour booklets during his thesis exhibit at DAAPWorks.

“I’ve had some feedback that people are using the walking tours. The one walking tour of Mt. Airy, titled ‘Mt. Airy Twin Tunnels and Magic Fall,’ included a hidden swimming hole. One user of the walking tours took photos that he sent me once he located the spot. He even told me how his dog loved swimming there,” stated Luessen, who is currently the art teacher at St. Antoninus Elementary School in Western Hills, as well as a volunteer at Literacy Center West in Price Hill.

He will soon participate in an experimental walking tour set for Dec. 1 in Over-the-Rhine, starting at Findlay Market: “Administrators of the online group called Over-the-Rhine Matters and myself are set to sponsor at-least one walking event, sort of like a walking tour of Over-the-Rhine but without a guide or set destination. Everyone involved will be invited to engage with their surroundings and share the experience through map making, sketching, taking photos or creatively sharing the experience via any other form.”

For more information, check out the OTR Matters Facebook page at facebook.com/otrmatters

One user of the walking tour booklet took this photo in Mt. Airy Forest.

Volunteer for Sustainability at Bengals Tailgate - Dec 9th!

From UC Sustainability:

Volunteer Opportunity: Bengals Tailgate

Cincinnati’s Office of Environmental Quality has partnered with Rumpke Recycling and the Cincinnati Bengals to conduct recycling in key fan tailgating areas.

Volunteers are needed to help with this effort between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, December 9^th.  Volunteers will help hand out recycling bags, administer recycling stations, and tour the lot aisles to accept recyclables.

Please email christian.huelsman@cincinnati-oh.gov for more information.

 

 

Married Schmarried - Nov 26th!

From Sexy Cincinnati:

Married Schmarried
Monday, November 26th
6PM-8PM
Rohs Street Cafe

An uncensored discussion of human sexuality with married couples. 
Couple #1: 45 yrs married, Tantra Coaches, grand/parents with an exciting sex life!
Couple #2: 23 yrs married, 2 kids, polyamorous.

Greater Cincinnati Transgender Day of Remembrance - Nov 14th!

Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 14, 2012
7:30PM Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church
103 William Howard Taft Rd. Cincinnati OH 45219

Let’s come together as a community in observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Throughout the world, people gather every year to pay respect to transgender and gender-variant victims who are needlessly killed by hate crimes, and to call attention to the threats of violence they face.

For more information, please contact Vicky at vblum31@zoomtown.com or Rebecca at 513.546.8221.

Sponsored by Crossport, Greater Cincinnati Human Rights Campaign, and Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church.
www.transgenderdor.org

Asili Museum & Institute presents Dr. umar Johnson's Education of the Black Child - Nov 17th!

From the Asili Museum & Institute:

Asili Museum & Institute
presents
Dr. Umar Johnson
Education of the Black Child

Join us for this dynamic fund raising lecture for the Asili Museum.

Place: Asili Museum 2621 Victory Parkway
When: Saturday, November 17th, 2012
Time: 2PM-4PM

Tickets available in Asili Gift Shop
Advance Tickets $22.00
At the Door $25.00

For more information contact us at 513.365-7463