Christian Communities in Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
by Anya Arndt, Citizens Project Intern
On June 12th, 2012, the "Evangelical Statement of Principles for Immigration Reform," was launched with signatures from over 150 prominent leaders, including Focus on the Family president, Jim Daly. The statement calls for comprehensive immigration reform, meaning an easier path to citizenship for people coming into the country as well as for immigrants that are already here. This statement has created interesting responses; not only are members of the Evangelical movement from both ends of the political spectrum signing on, but the Catholic community has also pronounced its approval of the Statement. This recent action begs the question: why has the Christian community chosen to make this move now?
Christians are often divided amongst denominations on different political questions these denominations are standing together on this particular issue. The Evangelical Statement of Principles for Immigration Reform calls for a solution that: "respects the God-given dignity of every person, protects the unity of the immediate family, respects the rule of law, guarantees secure national borders, ensures fairness to taxpayers, and establishes a path toward legal status and/or citizenship for those who qualify and wish to become permanent residents." In addition to voicing their support for these principles, American Christian communities have individually developed reports concerning their reasons for supporting this statement and released these to the public.
Despite the insistence of church leadership on the salience of these points, one must wonder why the church has not taken this stance earlier and why many groups are still not extending these same principles of acceptance to other minority groups in the United States. read more
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In this year's general election, you'll be asked to vote on local and state measures and elect representatives from County Commissioner to President, so you won't want to miss your opportunity to make your voice heard at the ballot box.
Important steps and opportunities: - Check your registration status or register to vote online before the October 9 deadline at GoVoteColorado.com.
- Encourage your friends to do the same! On September 25, 2012, Citizens Project and other local organizations are teaming up with the Colorado Participation Project to register voters! Drop by our office at 322 N Tejon, Suite 225 between 10-2 on this day and we will have resources onsite to get you registered. If you're interested in volunteering on this day, please let us know!
- Are you a fair voting hero? Be an election judge or a poll monitor! Contact Caitlin for details.
- The Pikes Peak Equality Coalition (PPEC) is hosting two Get-Out-The-Vote events to ensure every voice is heard on election day: On October 4 at 5pm at Inside/Out, we will be canvassing; and on October 11 at 5:30pm at Inside/Out, we will be writing postcards. We need YOUR help to make these events successful, so let us know if you can help today!
- Stay on top of local news and events by visiting our election page regularly!
- Attend our candidate and issue forum on October 16 at Stargazers Theater from 5:00-7:00pm to meet candidates for local office and ballot measure advocates.
- Check out our nonpartisan Freedom Watch Voter Guide, which will be published in the Colorado Springs Independent and available on our website on October 17 and features unedited responses from candidates for local office.
- If you or someone you know has problems voting, visit Just Vote Colorado for resources to help you make your voice heard!
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It's official-Citizens Project has moved to downtown Colorado Springs! After a week spent sorting boxes and moving heavy furniture, we are all settled into our new office space located above Poor Richard's (322 N. Tejon St. Suite 225). We are now back at work doing what we do best-promoting equality, diversity and religious freedom throughout the Colorado Springs community.
We are hosting an open house Wednesday September 26th from 5:30-7PM at the new office. We are so excited to share our new space with you, and look forward to sharing ways that YOU can make a difference with Citizens Project. We recognize that September 26 is also Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Jewish communities. If you cannot attend our open house due to faith observances but would like to see our space, we invite you to email Executive Director Kristy Milligan for a personal tour on a different day.
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Get Involved
2012 Citizens' College
El Paso County's enrollment for the 2012 Citizen's College is in full swing. This year's College will take place on consecutive Saturdays, October 13 and 20, with classes beginning 8 a.m. and concluding at or before 5 p.m. both days. Citizens' College provides participants the opportunity to learn in a classroom-style, accelerated-education environment about the multi-faceted, statutory functions and services that El Paso County provides to its residents. To learn more and to apply before September 28, please visit http://www.elpasoco.com/citizenscollege.
City seeks four volunteers to serve on the Human Relations Commission
The City of Colorado Springs is seeking applicants with a commitment to ensuring equal treatment and equal opportunity for all City residents to fill vacated seats on the Human Relations Commission (HRC). Commissioners will represent a diverse cross-section of the City's population, have experience with advocacy and reconciliation, especially among less privileged and minority communities, and work well with conflicting groups and interests. Commissioners must be able to commit to about five hours per week on HRC-related duties.
Send letters of interest and resumes no later than Friday, September 28, 2012 to [email protected] or mail to City Council; Attention Marti Devine Sletta; P.O. Box 1575; Colorado Springs, CO 80901. Or, fill out the Application for Appointment to a City Board, Committee or Commission, which can be found at www.SpringsGov.com by clicking on "Commissions and Committees" on the homepage. (The application cannot be submitted online at this time. Please send to the e-mail or
physical address above.) For questions or more information, please call (719) 385-5453.
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Who is Simply Divine? You tell us!
Nominate someone deserving for the 2013 Divine Award!
Citizens Project invites you to submit nominations for this prestigious award that recognizes a person in the Pikes Peak region who has worked tirelessly to create a vibrant democracy in which equal rights are protected, individual freedoms are secure, differences are respected and people fully participate in civic life.
Tell us in 300 words or fewer why your nominee should be recognized. Please provide specific information about your nominee's roles in the community - both officially and informally - and how you believe your nominee has made a lasting impact on the community. Please include your name and daytime phone number with your nomination. Email nominations to [email protected] by November 1.
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Articles of Interest
Don't Ask Don't Tell: Furor fades a year after military's gay ban lifted
September 17, 2012
Huffington Post
Pueblo City Council reveals its cynicism
September 12, 2012
The Gazette
Want to serve on a public board? Pick your poison
September 7, 2012
Colorado Springs Business Journal
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Recent CP Blog PostsJoin the Conversation
Citizens Project & Story Project on KRCC
Citizens Project's 20th Anniversary Bash
Citizens Project: 20 Year Retrospective
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Upcoming Events
Citizens Project & Concrete Couch Shooks Run Renewal
September 21
1-4pm
Middle Shooks Run Park
Troy Davis Memorial Event
presented by NAACP and Coloradans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty September 21
6:30pm
Acacia Park
more information
LGBT People's Caucus 2012
presented by ONE Colorado
September 22-23
UCCS campus
more information
Register to Vote Day
presented in partnership with the Colorado Participation Project September 25
10am-2pm
Citizens Project's office will be open for voter registration
322 N. Tejon, #225
more information
Beyond Repair: A Death Penalty Policy Discussion
presented by NAACP and Coloradans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty September 25
noon
Tutt Science Building, Colorado College Campus, 1112 Nevada Ave
more information
Women's Issues 2012: The Affordable Care Act & You
October 1
5:30-8:00pm
Penrose Library, Carnegie Room
more information
Exploring Diversity Issues Brown Bag
October 5
12-2pm
Division J, 270 South Tejon, Courtroom 270 West
more information
March & Rally for Women's Rights
October 6
1-5pm Civic Center Park, Denver
NAACP Colorado Montana Wyoming State Conference
October 19-20 Colorado Springs more information
Iron Jawed Angels: A special screening
October 23
5:30pm
Penrose Library, Carnegie Room
more information
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Happy Anniversary, Citizens Project!
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