Daily Archives: August 1, 2017

Aug 1 FEATURE SIDEBAR, Live Local, NEWS & VIEWS No Comments on LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: Remembering and thanking my community for the riches of life

There are obvious pieces: Lysistrata with Picasso illustrations, for example. Or anything signed by one of my heroes. Or really arcane theatre books. But there are books that stop me in my tracks and can absorb entire days of productivityand not because of any perceived monetary value.

A few years ago a large oversized paperback appeared in a box I was unpacking. I had seen another copy of it years earlierbut not another since. Yet, there it was in my hands: Communities Directory. What many people would think of as a commune (in the 60s sense) is described by the 100,000-plus people who live communal lifestyles as Intentional Community. The scale of shared life and possessions runs the gamut, from shared housing to no ownership of possessions, with each community deciding how they can best function. Published by Fellowship for Intentional Community, the book is an international listing guide for communities around the world. Besides such basic information as locationand whether they are open to visitors or notit also answers questions as to structure and focus: Co-housing? Sustainable? Religious?

I flipped through to the letter K. There it was: the listing for the community that took me in and changed my life over a decade earlier.

So, yes, that book went home with me. Periodically, I leaf through it when I need to take a trip down nostalgia lane or remind myself of values and priorities I have embraced and struggled to live for most of my adult life. What I didnt understand at the time was how I really found Utopia. But it was ephemeral, a moment in time I couldnt sustain and had not yet experienced enough of life to truly appreciate.

I lived on a beautiful organic farm on more than 300 acres of land in the Appalachian Mountains, with a greenhouse that covered a third of an acre, five smaller greenhouses, solar power, gravity-fed spring water, buildings as close to zero impact as possibleincluding designs based on Buckminster Fullers work. It was heaven on earth, people searching for something deeper, something more meaningful to belong to.

I left the farm when the land was sold and the dream had run its course. Ive heard myself say a lot of things about the farm out loud over the years:

It was easy to be vegan living on an organic farm, but when I went to college, it just meant eating junk food.

I learned permaculture by living it.

We were as close to off-the-grid and self-sustaining as we could get.

Living in that level of intimacy and honesty with a group of people is much harder than most would think.

I dont think I could go back to it now.

Kate Spring published a piece titled To Grow Love: A Farmers Manifesto in the most recent issue of Taproot magazine. Included was this gem:

Let that love grow a community; self-sufficiency is a myth. Become community sufficient, and you will find space and peace in the strength of many hands; you will have solace and support in the ugly moments.

It started stirring thoughts that had been slowly and quietly fermenting for the last few yearsbringing them to the surface and forming into words. Jock and I try to live centered around doing rather than ordering and putting things on a credit card. If something breaks, we fix itor learn how to. We continue to deepen our relationship with food, and we strive for more and more preparedness and sufficiency.

Years ago Jock impressed upon me that if the world fell apart for usand there were years we played foreclosure roulettethe real capital we had in our lives was not in the bank but among friends and neighbors.

I think I am realizing (though, I left the farm geographically) what really happened is the essence of the farmwhat I needed to learn from itis being lived in a larger geographic area. The intentional community I work with, struggle with and strive with isnt bordered by a mountain-ridge line, a driveway or any survey marker.

Do I still learn permaculture by doing it? Yes, and it will be a lifelong study. Permaculture is a fancy word for intentionally designed sustainable farming. I am slowlyvery slowlyworking on integrating food-producing plants into the landscape design for my house on Market Street. More days and hours than I can count have been devoted to planning, rethinking, replanning, reworking, and observing the yard, to try and develop something with thoughtful harmony as my guiding principal.

I still wrestle with food choices; the moral, ethical, political, and health impacts of those choices. Perhaps they frustrate me now more than when I was 17 and had the certainty and absolute convictions of adolescence. I used to be good at giving things up (dairy, sodas, coffee); all forms of denial made me feel like I was somehow achieving or contributing to the betterment of the worldor at the very least my body and life. Now, Im not so sure, and I wrestle, painfully at times. I am so lucky and privileged; there are so many people who would love to have the luxuries I take for granted: ice cream on demand, for example. That sounds foolish. But I am fortunate enough to be able to buy ice cream if I want it at 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., seven days a week. Thats not the case everywhere in the worldor even the country. A few years ago I startled Jock and a few close friends by experimenting with eating meat, something I hadnt done in over a quarter of a century.

Why now? Nini asked.

I just felt a need to revisit these choices that were made by someone who wasnt an adultby a child, reallyand see if they were still valid; if they were still the right choices for me. The unexamined life is not worth living.

One of the issues many communities face is the need for revenue to keep the resources flowing, taxes paid and wolves from the door. Twin Oaks, an incredibly long-lasting community founded in 1967 (inspired by the principals in the book Walden Two by B. F. Skinner), makes and sells hammocks, tempeh, garden plants, and seeds. Their off-shoot community, Acorn, sells seeds and was involved in a lawsuit against Monsanto.

The farm I lived on had no source of revenue that we all participated in. Everyone was responsible for their own finances. Though we contributed labor to the running of the farm (from producing food for everyone to maintaining the physical plant), we did not have a monetary fund to support our future endeavors; to invest in our future and shared growth. That, more than anything else, was what did us in.

I have labored lo these many years for the bookstore, the building and the renovation of the house on Market Street to open as a B&B, and I have felt guilt much of the time. That might be a surprising confession. But every time I say no to someone whose books we dont buy; every time I have to explain if you have an event at the bookstore the sales must go through the register because we have utilities, payroll, taxes, etc.; every time someone asks for a job and I dont have one available or the money to fund a position I feel guilty. Even though we make very little money in gross and rarely a little profit, I feel guilty. It is true. Just learning how to say no to myriad requests that would drain all the resources from the bookstore, bankrupt us and render the entire journey moot was hardvery hard. Sharing is not my problemnot giving away everything to the detriment and impovishment of my loved ones is my problem.

The only way I am able to say no and still get through the day is to realize it isnt about me. I have to say no to protect the interests of the staff who depend upon me for payroll, and a safe working environment, and the taxes paid, and the utilities turned on. There is a web of something bigger than me I am beholden to. But I still crumble a little when I cant say yes.

It is a pretty surprising and wonderful group that weaves in and out of our lives around the bookstore, the Market Street house and Full Belly. Without realizing it, Jock and I have found ourselves in the middle of something very similar to what people search for when they look through the Communities Directory. We live very sustainable lives with remarkably little environmental impact. We try to make choices about all the aspects of our lives: housing, food, transportation, clothing, luxuries, all based on something more than greed and gratifying an immediate want. We give back more than we receive, and in turn live lives of far greater wealth than we ever imagined.

Thank you. Thank you so much for every day.

appalachian mountainsB. F. SkinnerBuckminster FullerCommunities DirectoryFellowship for Intentional CommunityFull Belly ProjectGwenyfar RohlerJock BrandisKate SpringLive Local Live SmallLysistrataTo Grow Love: A Farmers ManifestoTwin OaksWalden Two

BREATHING THE FOURTH DIMENSION: Grey Pascal installs new multimedia show, prepares for performance piece on Friday THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT: Praising big-league intellectual excellence

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LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: Remembering and thanking my community for the riches of life - encore Online

By LISA MARIE PANE and KATE BRUMBACK , Associated Press August 01, 2017 - 2:30 PM

ATLANTA The Trump administration's tough talk on crime and the treatment of suspects has left black police officers worried that efforts to repair the fraught relationship between police and minority communities could be derailed.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday addressed a major black law enforcement group, just days after President Donald Trump said police shouldn't be "nice" to suspects by shielding their heads as they are lowered, handcuffed, into police cars. The comment, now described by the White House as a joke, angered some cops who said it only served to dial back progress they'd made with the people they serve.

In addition, the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration said Saturday in an email to employees that Trump's comments "condoned police misconduct regarding the treatment of individuals placed under arrest by law enforcement." DEA chief Chuck Rosenberg said he thought it important to emphasize the drug agency's operating principles, which include rule of law, respect and compassion and integrity.

Sessions did not directly address the president's comments in his remarks Tuesday, but said police officers need the support of the community as they do a dangerous job.

"You deserve the support and respect of every American, and I'm here today on behalf of President Trump and the Department of Justice to say, 'Thank you.' I am proud to stand with you. The Department of Justice is proud to stand with you," Sessions said, drawing applause from the crowd. "We have your back. We are in this together."

Seattle Assistant Police Chief Perry Tarrant, president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, told reporters Sessions also spoke privately with the organization's leadership. Sessions didn't apologize for the president's comment and said he believes it was made in jest, but said he understands the effect such comments can have and underscored the Department of Justice's commitment to protecting everyone's civil rights, Tarrant said.

When asked if he believes Trump was joking, Tarrant said, "Whether intentional or unintentional, it was heard around the country by the folks, by the very communities that we're trying to build relationships with and I believe it had an impact."

Other conference attendees approached by The Associated Press declined to discuss Trump's comments or Sessions' address.

Black police officers talk of straddling two worlds: the communities where they live, and the police departments where they work. They take seriously their oath to uphold the law and to go after criminals, but they also worry about their own friends, relatives and neighbors who fear the police.

"We live in some of the same communities that are affected by this disparate treatment. We go to church in those neighborhoods. We go to the barbershops. Certain things people don't realize: It's really hard being black and being a police officer when these things happen," said Clarence E. Cox III, former chief of Clayton County Schools in Georgia and incoming president of NOBLE.

Sessions has questioned the federal civil rights investigations that marked the Obama administration's efforts to overhaul troubled police departments, often after high-profile deadly police encounters with black men inflamed tensions and reignited debates over police-community relations.

"We cannot let the politicians and sometimes they do run down the police in communities that are suffering only to see crimes spike in those communities," Sessions said. "In the very neighborhoods that need proactive, community-based policing the most, we don't need to be telling police not to do their job in those communities."

Sessions has said aggressive federal intervention in local law enforcement can malign entire agencies and make officers less effective on the streets, but he has promised to prosecute individual officers who break the law.

Sessions has been traveling the country touting his tough-on-crime agenda. He believes rising violence and the nation's opioid epidemic require a return to tougher tactics, vowing to make fighting ordinary street crime a top priority for a Justice Department.

Tarrant has also expressed concern about Sessions' pledge to dial back civil rights investigations. While some effective interim steps can help address bad departments, he said, "at the end of the day if you have systemic issues in any organization, the Department of Justice has an obligation to intervene."

Trump's remarks came last Friday before law enforcement officers in Suffolk County, New York, during a visit to highlight his administration's efforts to crack down on a street gang known as MS-13.

He spoke dismissively of the practice of shielding the heads of handcuffed suspects as they are placed in patrol cars.

"Don't be too nice," Trump said. "I said, 'You could take the hand away, OK,'" he said.

His remarks were later denounced by the Suffolk County Police Department, which issued a statement saying it has strict rules and procedures about how prisoners should be handled and "we do not and will not tolerate roughing up of prisoners."

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Black police concerned by Trump quips on handling suspects - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Citizens must stand up when its clear by his words and actions that President Donald Trump doesnt share, doesnt understand and doesnt care about this fundamental value of America, exemplified by Seattles adoption of police reforms.

I couldnt believe what I heard Friday from the president of the United States about the rule of law. Perhaps I shouldnt be shocked because of all his previous vulgar, disrespectful and downright harmful comments. Maybe thats his intent, to over time lull the country into stunned silence, a dulled acceptance of his radical, authoritarian mindset.

But its a big deal when President Donald Trump attacks the rule of law, the principle that we are governed by laws, standards and broadly accepted norms, not the whims of an individual. These attacks reached an alarmingly dangerous new level when Trump said these words to police officers about the arrest of violent subjects:

when you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon you just see them thrown in, rough I said, please dont be too nice. Like when you guys put somebody in the car and youre protecting their head, you know, the way you put their hand over? Like, dont hit their head and theyve just killed somebody dont hit their head. I said, you can take the hand away, OK?

Tim Burgess is an at-large member of the Seattle City Council.

Thats the president encouraging police officers to rough up people they have arrested. Telling police officers not to use their hands to guide an arrestees head into the back seat of a patrol car so it doesnt bang against the door frame. The president was encouraging police misconduct. Shameful.

This on top of his previous attacks on federal judges, the director of the FBI, our intelligence services, the Department of Justice, and his own attorney general. Words matter. Trumps constant barrage of verbal attacks matters. By his words and behavior, Trump is tearing down the rule of law, the fragile standards and mores built up over generations. The presidents scorn, his contempt, is very damaging. Yes, we have serious problems, especially when it comes to criminal justice, but, believe me, these problems will not be correctly addressed by destroying the rule of law.

Fridays comments elevated the danger to a new level. Any elected official, but especially the president, who encourages illegal police violence should be roundly condemned. Trump was wrong, absolutely wrong.

The rule of law and the peace of our communities is only assured when people respect, understand, and welcome the police and the other elements of local government dedicated to keeping us safe. This doesnt happen by chance or automatically; it takes intentional effort. Its hard work building community trust.

Weve experienced this here in Seattle. Since the Department of Justice issued their report in 2012 about use of force, biased policing and mismanagement of the police department, a lot of people have worked diligently to create sustainable reform the elected leaders of the city, Police Chief Kathleen OToole, the Community Police Commission, City Attorney Peter Holmes and his colleagues, civil rights advocates, and, importantly, the women and men of the Seattle Police Department. Excellent progress has been made, as evidenced by the 10 compliance assessments completed by the federal monitor, Merrick Bobb.

Much more remains to be done to make certain the reforms take root and actually change the culture of the police department. For example, we have yet to tackle hiring and promotion standards; how best to structure an in-service leadership academy to prepare future leaders; and how to create a political climate that recognizes the importance of effective policing and civilian oversight, yet doesnt lead to inappropriate interference the kind weve come to expect from the president at the national level.

The rule of law is a revered treasure of our democracy. Its clear by his words and actions that President Trump doesnt share, doesnt understand and doesnt care about this fundamental value of America. Lets stand up and defend the rule of law and condemn those who would tear it down, including the president of the United States.

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What next for rule of law when president calls for police brutality? - Seattle Times

The Vanguard Group has wrapped up its annual All Cans on Deck food drive a key effort of the Vanguard Gives Back Program serving local agencies in Pennsylvania, Arizona, and North Carolina. This year, Vanguard said, it donated 893 tons of food a 63 percent increase from the forecasted goal of 500 tons.

New to the program this year was the ability for Vanguard employees to donate by credit card, which were also eligible for a company match. This advancement to the program came after listening to the needs of our local agencies and taking into account the tremendous buying power many non-profits have.

Dollars go farther when you give them to your partner, said Carra Cote-Ackah, director of Vanguards Community Stewardship efforts. Vanguard has built a legacy of generosity and were looking to become a more intentional steward on behalf of our communities.

In Pennsylvania, Vanguard donated non-perishables and monetary donations to: Philabundance, the Food Bank of Delaware, the Chester County Food Bank, the Food Bank of South Jersey, Community Action Development Commission (CADCOM), Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, Arm in Arm, and the Salvation Army.

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Food donations soar at Vanguard - Daily Local News

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (PBS) announced today that Micheal Cristal was elected International President of the 103 years old community service organization. Effective immediately, Mr. Cristal will become PBS's 35th International President. In this role, Mr. Cristal will lead the organization's 2017-2019 General Board and provide leadership on PBS business strategies, headquarters operations, investments in the membership, branding opportunities and organization decisions.

"I am honored to serve as Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 35th International President," said Mr. Cristal, Vice President of Merchandising, Kroger Corporation. "I believe in the power of our brotherhood, our brands, our values and our commitment to serve the communities where our chapters exist, he added. "Phi Beta Sigma is transforming to be a faster-growing, more intentional brotherhood of conscious men. I am committed to the strategies we will employ, and look forward to leading the talented cadre of General Board members and our headquarters staff to drive growth, engage our sponsors, foster our Sigma Beta Clubs activities and create value to our brotherhood and the communities we serve," he emphasized.

Cristal, who was PBS' immediate past International First Vice President, delivered four (4) consecutive years of record membership growth, averaging 30% growth over the four years. Cristal is a proven leader who has the experience and track record of delivering results. He has a keen understanding of PBS' business, external and internal structures, having served in several leadership roles in the organization. He has helped charter many chapters nationally and assisted in growing the Southwestern Region to be one of the largest regions in the fraternity. He was also instrumental in introducing and rolling out PBS' revised Membership Intake Process.

Since 2013, Mr. Cristal has worked with the Honorable Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., 34th International President of PBS, administration to transform the organization. Working closely with Mr. Mason over the last four years on the organization's strategy to strengthen and focus PBS' brotherhood, business partnerships and brand portfolio, the organization experienced a transformation.Cristal is well positioned to continue to lead the most comprehensive transformation in the venerable organization's recent history. PBS is a more focused and balanced organization of conscious college educated men, who are fathers, husbands, brothers,uncles and community leaders. Cristal's leadership team is committed to serving communities globally and creating value for the brotherhood. He plans on strengthening PBS' brand and headquarters operation, while streamlining the organization's cost structure to deliver improved results. He is also committed to sharpening PBS' strategies and lead the execution of the next important phase of building a better Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

About Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is an international organization comprised of college and professional men, predominantly of African American origin, open from its inception to men of all race, religion, class and national origin. The Fraternity holds as its motto, "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity." With over 175,000 alumni and collegiate members, located in more than 500 chapters throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, the organization has its international headquarters in Washington, DC. It conducts national programs in the areas of Education, Social Action and Bigger & Better Business, a youth mentorship program of Sigma Beta Clubs for young men from 8 to 18, and a Sigma Wellness program in partnership with the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes and national Centre for Disease Control. It has worked in partnership with St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.

Members include James Weldon Johnson, George Washington Carver, Congressman John Lewis (GA), Former Congressman Edolphus Towns (NY), Former Mayor Harold Washington, African Presidents: Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Knamdi Azikiwe (Nigeria) and William Tolbert (Liberia), Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, Hines Ward, President Bill Clinton, Reverend Al Sharpton, Al Roker, Terrence Howard, Hon. Demetrius C. Newton, Esq. among others.

CONTACT: Ron Carter (626) 345-1413 - office (323) 864-7092 cell rel="nofollow">ron@thecarteragency.com

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/micheal-cristal-elected-35th-international-president-of-phi-beta-sigma-fraternity-inc-300497384.html

SOURCE Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

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Micheal Cristal Elected 35th International President Of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. - Markets Insider

The kickoff for the trainingWhy We Play InSideOut Teambegins Wednesday, August 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis, and is the first phase of a year-long commitment being made by the partners to educate school athletic administrators on skill development to implement the initiative with leaders, coaches and students in their communities. In this first phase of training, the group will meet from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For sports to provide students with a place to belong, moral character development, and accountability to established expectations, our culture must move beyond defining the value of sports by the scoreboard and create space in the culture for a higher purpose, said MSHSL Associate Director Jody Redman, and co-founder of the InSideOut Initiative. It is one that guides school communities into reframing the purpose of sports and that focuses on the development of the social and emotional well-being of every student-athlete.

The MSHSL will provide athletic administrators with training and curriculum, developed by the InSideOut Initiative, for coaches during the 2017-18 school year and for students participating in those school communities during the 2018-19 school year.

We know sports engage more people in a shared experience than any other cultural activity, organization or religionand we have the opportunity through Super Bowl LII to make a tremendous impact this year, said Dana Nelson, Vice President of the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee. Were honored to partner with the MSHSL and InSideOut Initiative to support the kickoff of this important year-long educational opportunity to improve the sports experience for studentsand proud of our home state of Minnesota for championing the movement.

One of the areas of concentration will be on the mental health crisis that faces todays youth.

In the book Hardwired to Connect, a commissioned-study by a panel of leading doctors, research scientists and youth service professionals, describes for the nation new strategies to reduce the currently high numbers of U.S. children who are suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, and thoughts of suicide.

Findings of the study identified a lack of connectedness as the root of this significant issue. The commission defined three fundamental needs of every child: The need to belong and be affirmed of inherent value and worth, the need for moral character development and a belief system, and the need to be a part of an authentic community that holds individuals accountable to a set of defined expectations.

The study states, enduring attachments to other people for moral development is the best way to ensure a childs healthy development. School athletic programs are one of the potential solutions that meet these fundamental needs if the adults who provide them are intentional about this significant role.

Why We Play, developed in 2012 by the Minnesota State High School League, is a statewide program created to reclaim the educational purpose of sports. The Why We Play curriculum was founded on the philosophy and four questions contained in Joe Ehrmanns book InSideOut Coaching; How Sports Transforms Lives. In 2015, a partnership was formed between Joe Ehrmann and Jody Redman and the InSideOut Initiative was launched.

The InSideOut Initiative is funded by the National Football League Foundation, and catalyzes partnerships with educational leaders, state athletic associations and local NFL teams to address the brokenness of the sports culture, and engages stakeholders in strategic conversations to re-define the role of interscholastic sports in the lives of students and communities. The InSideOut Initiative is currently engaged with 12 NFL markets in nine states

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Minnesota High Schools make commitment to transform the Win-at-all-Costs sports culture - Detroit Lakes Online

$1.6 Million Grant focuses on family success and upward mobility

NASHVILLE The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has partnered with United Way of Metropolitan Nashville (UWMN) providing a 2-year, $1.6 million grant designed to provide intensive case management for families living in poverty. The partnership illustrates TDHS 2G for Tennessee or two-generation (2Gen) approach focused on creating multi-generational progress for low-income families. The 2Gen approach has a laser focus on providing intentional services and supports to both parents and children that create a solid foundation for the family to build on.

UWMN will work with community partners such as Fannie Battle Day Home for Children and The McGruder Family Resource Center to implement the Family Empowerment pilot program through July 2019. The pilot program will use an intensive case management service model integrated into the community to engage, assess, and assist up to 140 families over the next two years.

The two-generation approach ties together components essential for community impact: education, economic supports, health and well-being, and social capital. These components, paired with intentional case management will have a lasting, positive influence on participating families and the communities they are making stronger, said Danielle W. Barnes, TDHS Commissioner.

United Way of Metropolitan Nashville is excited about the two-generation partnership. We look forward to working alongside TDHS as we work to solve some of Nashvilles most complex problems. Through partnerships like this, we know we can make an impact in the lives of Nashville families, said Erica Mitchell, Sr. Director of Community Impact at United Way of Metropolitan Nashville.

TDHS and UWMN initiated discussions for the partnership in fall 2016. Since then, they have worked together to co-design a program with an intentional focus on education, upward economic mobility, health indicators, community engagement, workforce readiness, and financial literacy.

To learn more about 2G for Tennessee and the two-generation approach, visit http://tn.gov/humanservices/topic/2gen-approach.

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Tennessee Department of Human Services & United Way of Metropolitan Nashville join for new pilot program - Winchester Herald Chronicle