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FaithAction International House
A Center for Cross-Cultural Learning, Service, & Advocacy
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Remembering MLK Jr and Passing of a Great Friend
Dear Friends and Supporters of FaithAction International House,
Earlier this week we honored a human being who taught us all that what defines a human being is not the color of one’s skin or national origin, economic resources, sexuality or religion, but the content of one’s character.
He helped America come to terms with its shameful past with racism and xenophobia, and challenged all of us to live up to the ideals set forth in our shared constitution - that all men and women are created equal.
Decades later we continue to struggle to get to the mountaintop, and at times it feels as if we’ve take a few steps backwards, but the good news is that Martin Luther King Jr’s spirit continues to live on in the courageous and loving acts of people in Greensboro and the greater Triad region.
In my short time here I’ve seen this spirit live on in multicultural exchanges on Saturdays at the Farmers Market, at interfaith celebrations hosted by our local churches and synagogues, and in the selfless service of our numerous non-profit staff and volunteers who help people in need with food, clothing, education and shelter.
Forty years ago, King also had the insight to recognize that we now live in a global house, that we are all interconnected - what affects one directly affects us all indirectly. Our region certainly reflects this vision with our new religious, ethic and cultural immigrant and refugee diversity. Today, just as over forty years ago, we have a choice to make - will we learn to live together are brothers, or perish together as fools?
Our history has taught us that when we choose to work across lines of faith and culture, and see each other not as a stranger, but as beloved neighbors, that we all take steps toward the mountaintop together.
The spirit of peace, love and understanding was very much with Don Stevenson, a great friend to FaithAction and former board member who sadly passed last week. His amazing spirit and servant's heart are honored below.
Peace,
Rev. David Fraccaro Executive Director
FaithAction Mourns Passing of Great Friend & Former Board Me
 FaithAction is saddened to announce the passing of Rev. Dr. Don Stevenson after a prolonged illness. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Don’s family, congregation and community. At the memorial service Saturday many heartfelt sentiments and memories were shared by his son, brother, and other pastors and colleagues with whom Don worked. Don was the minister of Christ Community Church and cofounder of West End Ministries in High Point. He also served as a proactive and inspirational Board Member of FaithAction. After a full career in the chemical industry, Don was called to ministry by his deep love and compassion for mankind and particularly communities in need. He was an extremely talented and gifted man, yet humble and non-pretentious. He was known for being uniquely and openly honest and himself. He offered spiritual perspective, understanding of the human condition and tirelessly rolled up his sleeves to get the work done. He is truly gone too soon. We were blessed to have him on our board - we will miss him dearly.
FaithAction International House Board
Diversity Forum Breakfast
Seating is limited!
January 24, 2012Time: 7:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (continental breakfast will be served) Location:First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, NC (Redhead Hall - Elm St. side) Cost: $5 collected at the door. Proceeds go to FaithAction International House
Greensboro has recently experienced a tremendous influx of refugee and immigrant diversity, bringing new expressions of culture and faith to our region. Greensboro residents have an important choice to make - will we fear or embrace this new immigrant diversity?
FaithAction International House Executive Director, Rev. David Fraccaro will share stories and best practices for how Greensboro's diverse communities can become a model multicultural and interfaith city at this crucial time of demographic change in the United States.
New Spring 2012 Language Class Schedule!
Classes start this week! Last chance to sign up!In January 2012, we will be offering a new series of foreign language classes for community members interested in improving their ability to communicate across cultures! Each class includes a total of 18 hours of instruction over 12 weeks for a cost of $65. The classes will meet at FaithAction International House. This semester starts January 16th and continues until April 8th.
Intro. to Spanish Part. I- Mon & Wed 12:30- 1:30p Intro. to Spanish Part. II- Mon & Wed 1:45- 2:45p Intermediate Spanish- Thurs 5:30- 7:00p Advanced Spanish- Sun 1:15- 2:45p
Intro. to Arabic- Mon 5:30- 7p Intermediate Arabic- Tues 5:30- 7p Conversational Arabic- Thurs 6:30- 8p
Intro. to French- Tues 7:00- 8:30p Intermediate French- Wed 7:00-8:30p Conversational French- Thurs 7:00- 8:30p
Community Notices & Events:
Racism in Higher Education Event
 A nationally acclaimed lecturer and Master Diversity & Communications Trainer, Lee Mun Wah is a Chinese American community therapist, documentary filmmaker, and author. He is director of the award winning film, "The Color of Fear".
Todd Drake Art Show
 NC A&T State University- University Gallery Dudley Building
"Art defines us as being human. I make art to remind us of our shared humanity."
Citizenship Classes and Legal Services Available!
Through Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program Classes run for 14 week semesters in the Fall, Spring, and Summer Classes offered at a variety of times. Contact us for more details!
Requirement: You must have your green card in order to enroll in a class. A Placement Exam is conducted before classes start. You must also submit a Registration form.
- With citizenship you may fully participate in American life, by voting in elections and running for public office. - For many, citizenship is a symbol of true acceptance in their new country. The Naturalization Specialist at CWS can help you apply for citizenship. - CWS will offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced level ESL/Civics classes for free. We prepare you to pass the citizenship exam!
Contact Information : For classes contact: Kelly Dent - Teacher (336) 210-5092 kdent@churchworldservice.org For legal services contact: Kelly White, Esq. (speaks Spanish) (336) 676-4223 kwhite@churchworldservice.org OFFICE 620 S. Elm Street Suite 315 Greensboro, NC 27406 cwsgreensboro.org/immigration
Peace & Justice: New Choices Pre-Employment Program
What: New Choices Pre-Employment Program
Where: Women’s Resource Center, 628 Summit Ave.
When: January 31 – February 16, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30AM-2:00PM
Classes include resume building, interviewing skills, networking, budgeting, self-esteem, women’s health and more.
The classes that will educate and encourage women as they enter or re-enter the job market.
Registration Deadline: January 25
For More Information: Contact Lucy Wellmaker at 275-6090
Culture of Color Celebrations 2012!
 The Greensboro Children’s Museum is looking for organizations, individuals, or families that might be interested in participating in our Saturday Celebrations for Culture of Color starting in Jan 2012. Culture of Color strives to explore, celebrate and support Greensboro’s diverse community through people, patience and play. By providing children and families with opportunities to learn more about the cultures and people that make up the triad area, we hope to bridge communities. We are looking for opportunities to share cultural traditions such as dance, food, music, art, and storytelling.
Transition Greensboro Potluck!
 What: Transition Greensboro's next community potluck gathering will feature a TED talk by Jaime Lerner titled
"Sing a Song of Sustainable Cities."
When: Sunday, January 22nd from 6-8:00 pm. Please note the change in time*
Where: Presbyterian Church of the Covenant Fellowship Hall 501 S. Mendenall (enter through back of church)
Sponsored by: Transition Greensboro and and co-hosted by Epiphany Presbyterian New Church.
Contact: TransitionGreensboro@gmail.com or Transition Greensboro.Ning.com or contactKblatham@aol.com
Details: Lerner was instrumental in making significant changes to the sustainability and resilience of Curitiba, Brazil. An urban planner, Lerner believes that "cities can make significant changes in three years." The film will feature systems design and urban planning including rapid transit, bus systems, and sustainability in education reforms. (We will do a little singing ourselves!) Small group discussion will follow.
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Special Days this Week
Monday, January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day (USA) This day commemorates the leader of the "Civil Rights" movement in the US. Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and prominent advocate of non-violent protest. He was assassinated on April 4th, 1968.
- Kitchen God Celebration (China)
Tuesday, January 17
Wednesday, January 18 - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Christian) First celebrated in 1908, the 18th- 25th of January were originally chosen because they covered the days between the feast of St. Peter and of St. Paul.
Thursday, January 19 - Timkat/ Theophany (Christian Orthodox) The Eastern Orthodox church associate Theophany with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.
- Sultan (Baha'i) The first day of the seventeenth Bahai month. Translates to Sovereignty in Arabic.
Friday, January 20 - Martyrs' Memorial Day (Azerbaijan)
Saturday, January 21 - St. Agnes (Christian) Patron saint of girls, martyred at the age of 13.
Sunday, January 22
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About FaithAction
FaithAction International House is a nonprofit center for cross-cultural learning, service and advocacy. We work to form a community of many cultures - one people.
We provide many opportunities for cross-cultural learning, celebration of diversity, and service to one's neighbors from around the world. We also advocate for the fair treatment of all people regardless of their race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation or citizenship.
We are supported by donations from individuals, religious congregations, and others who share our desire for a just, inclusive, and equitable community.
Our staff, volunteers and contributors come from Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim faith traditions.
We invite you to join us if you share our desire to live in a society that values human beings and works to achieve equity and full inclusion.
Click the button to visit the FaithAction website:
DONATE NOW
WE are in great need of donations now!
We depend on the donations of those who share our dream of living in a community of many cultures - one people!
Please
click here to visit our website to learn more about FaithAction.
Click here to make an on-line donation or set up a monthly or quarterly donation.
We also are in need of $25 grocery store gift cards for emergency use by our clients.
We and our partners at Center for New North Carolinian's "Thriving at Three" women's program need disposable diapers in all sizes, especially in larger sizes.
Donations of non-perishable foods for the International Pantry may be dropped off at the International House during normal office hours.
VOLUNTEERS
We are seeking volunteers for our language programs, immigrant assistance center, and multi-cultural interfaith community building events.
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