CALC October Newsletter

When asked to join the CALC board last spring, I did not hesitate, because I believe in CALC's mission and support all of its programs. CALC is the kind of multi-faceted peace and social justice organization that maintains an eye towards human rights for all with integrity and inclusiveness. I was proud to be part of CALC when, without compromise, the staff respectfully stood by the "Shared Communities/Mixed Identities" photo exhibit while working with school staff and families in efforts to get to a place of understanding. Difficult conversations are not endings, but necessary for our community to grow. And in the case of CALC,
the challenges of the photo exhibit became a reason to celebrate and come together in a show of unity and love.

CALC's long-standing record of anti-war and peace activism continues to be a cornerstone of CALC's efforts, yet the organization has the capacity to address other issues like identity politics, youth issues and homelessness. The breadth and scope of CALC's work is something to be lauded and celebrated (see you all on October 24th for Cornucopia!!!) and only highlights the need to continue to build networks and relationships with other organizations because we cannot do it all or alone.

I see my role as a board member supporting CALC's efforts to work creatively with our community partners and other human rights advocates. We live in a unique time because last year's presidential election brought huge waves of hope, yet also unmasked fear, prejudice and bias: Swastikas hang freely, crosses continue to be burned, and membership in supremacy groups rises. While this may make some worry with fear (an understandable reaction), I take some relief in knowing that CALC and all of its programs, staff, volunteers and alliances take notice of the atrocities (small and large) that exist. In all of the ugliness that abounds, CALC breathes hope.

Remie Calalang, CALC Board of Directors

Lions and Ice Cream and Trips to the Coast, Oh My!

This year's Cornucopia, October 24th, 2009, will be as magical as the Emerald City in our NEW venue at the Hilton (free parking courtesy of the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. Enter lot from 6th or Olive). Doors open at 6:30PM. ASL interpreted and wheelchair accessible.

Indeed, we have "lions," in the form of the Caba Lion Dancers, as well as student performers from ACTSO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics), Yujin Gakuen Taiko Drummers, high school singers Angel Torres-Mann and Ulises Perez, and Native American Grass Dancer Tony Aaron Fuller. Our SILENT AUCTION will surely entice you--trips to the coast, tickets to the ballet, dinner with the mayor, goods by local artisans and more. If you're looking for gift items for winter holidays, what a great way to shop--supporting local artists and businesses and CALC, while you get

great deals. Of course there's free ice cream from Prince Puckler's and this year Coconut Bliss too (for all you vegans and non-dairy eaters). We have community tables galore -- find out what's happening in our community. Hang out with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy. AND NOW YOU CAN PRE-REGISTER (pre-pay or will call)--avoid waiting in lines. Make sure to come say hello to us at this year's awesome Cornucopia!

B2B: An Autumn Afternoon with CALC's Photo Exhibits

Enjoy Back to Back's photo exhibits as they circulate around our communities in October. "Shared Community/Mixed Identities," about the experience of people in Lane County who have mixed racial or ethnic heritage, is on display in the gallery at the Exhibit