News From Rural Migrant Ministry

RMM NOTES

(News From Rural & Migrant Ministry)

January 2008

Visit our website for additional information on the following events or the mark your calendar section in this newsletter:

Thank you reception for Luis on 1/31/08 from 4-5:30pm
Justice For ALL Speakers Forum presents Walt Everett
on 2/8/2008 at4pm Hyde Park United Methodist Church
Black Heritage Dinner 2/28/08 at 6:30 pm

Sister Organization Links

Farmworker Legal Services of NY

NYS Labor-Religion Coalition

Justice For All

CONTACT US

Eastern New York

Email: hope@ruralmigrantministry.org

Address:

P.O. Box 4757

Poughkeepsie, NY12602

Phone:

Fax:

Email:

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Mission

Rural and Migrant Ministry works for the creation of a just rural New York State through:

Nurturing leadership
Standing with the disenfranchised, especially, farmworkers and rural workers
Changing unjust systems and structures

Meditation

A reminder for those of us who serve others:

If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time. If you have come here because your liberation is bound up with mine, then say and we can work together.

Lila Watson, Aboriginal Educator

News/Analysis

Rural and Migrant Ministry is reluctant to announce that Luis Torres will be leaving his position as Director of the western office at the end of January.

Luis has brought a remarkable dignity and a clear passion to the work of the Ministry during these past three years. Under his leadersnhip RMM's presence has grown in the rural and farmworking communities of the region. He has been especially effective in bringing the needs, hopes and fears of immigrants to the forefront of the public discourse. Through his quiet but persistent manner, Luis has been a wonderful partner to faith communities and organizations.

The good news is that we are honored that Luis will be joining Rural and Migrant Ministry's board of directors. We will continue to benefit from his commitment to justice and his creativity for envisioning social transformation.

Please join us at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Brockport on January 31st for a THANK YOU LUIS RECEPTION from 4-5:30.

We are also pleased to announce that Ms. Librada Paz will serve as interim Director of the western office of Rural and Migrant Ministry. Librada has long been involved in Rural and Migrant Ministry, most recently serving as Chair of the Western Council of the Board of Directors.

Thanks abound to all the congregations, colleges and individuals who contributed to the annual Christmas Store:

First Prebyterian Wappinger Falls, Katonah Presbyterian, Calvary Presbyterian Newburgh, Freedom Plains Presbyterian Lagrangeville, Smithfield presbyterian Amenia, St James United Methodist Kingston, Moulton Memorial Baptist New Windsor, Vassar College Students, Jordan Wells, Warehouse Outlet Poughkeepsie, Betty Chrystal Freedom Plains Presbysterian, Beacon Reformed Church,Closler Refromed Refomed Church Closler and New Jersey, Church of The Regeneration Pine Plains, Krumville Reformed Church, New Hackensack Reformed Church Wappingers Falls, Trinity Epsicopal Church Fishkill, Christ Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie

Many thanks to New Hurley Reformed Church in Wallkill for hosting RMM's annual toy store.

International Migrants Day

Eight years ago, December 18 was declared to be International Migrants Day. On that day ten years earlier, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, which entered into full force in 2003, when it became a binding international treaty. Countries which ratify the Convention commit to defending the human rights which migrants enjoy under international law, including the right to come together with coworkers to form a union to defend their interests.

Sadly, the United States has not ratified this commitment to basic human rights. Since our federal government has abdicated its responsibility in this area, we in the Justice for Farmworkers movement must step in to answer the call. Together we struggle to end the abuse and rampant exploitation that is the predictable result of excluding migrant people from the basic legal protections of our state and country.

"Breaking the Barriers" Radio Show

The RMM Radio show, "Breaking the Barriers," is written and produced by youth. Made up of a small group of members of the Youth Arts Group---a youth group organized by the Rural and Migrant Ministry, the show works to engage issues that affect our many communities in creative and fun ways. "Breaking the Barriers" is a new show and is still being constructed. It's first pieces will be heard during WJFF's youth radio program Wednesday nights at 10 P.M. starting early 2008.

Action Step

The Justice for Farmworkers campaign needs your congregation's support! We are asking congregations and other organizations to write a memoranda in support of the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act (A7528/S3884) to state legislators. These letters demonstrate the broad support for farmworker equality that exists among New Yorkers of faith. Contact Jordan Wells at farmworkerjustice@gmail.com to get involved!

Mark Your Calendar

Thank You Reception for Luis Torres St Lukes Episcopal Church, Brockport January 31 4-5:30

Justice For All Speakers Forum Presents

Walt Everett

"Not Another Program?!? Restorative Justice: A Path To Healing For Victims"

Sunday February 8, 2008 @ 4pm at Hyde Park United Methodist Church. Walter Everett's son, Scott, was murdered in 1987. Through the principles of restorative justice, he eventually found the path toward healing through forgiveness. He and the offender are good friends today, and frequently speak together at events throughout the northeast and elsewhere.

Walt serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Murder Victims' Families for Human Rights, an international organization of victims who work to abolish the death penalty. Walt also serves on the Board of Directors of Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

He is pastor of St. John's United Methodist Church in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He has previously served churches in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. He is a graduate of DrewUniversity (A.B, M.Div.) For additional information visit www.allforjustice.org

Black Heritage Dinner is scheduled for February 23rd 2008 at 6:30pm at New Hurley Reformed Church Located on Route 208 in Walkill. Live entertainment and a delicious southern meal. Contact Ruth Faircloth at 264-9002 to purchase tickets and for additional information.

JUST US Youth Conference will take place in May 3, 2008.

The main objective of our youth conference is to bring together teens in a positive environment where they can learn and speak about current issues they are concerned about. They will learn how the issues they care about connect to others during Cooperative Group sessions. Every year we have creative workshops that we feel are interesting and educational to our audience. If you want to get involve or have more information about our projects, please contact: Andres Chamorro at 845-485-8627.

We Sure Could Use Your Help!!

The head gasket on one of the Ministry's cars just went - yuch! Do you have a car in great shape, with low mileage you would like to donate to us?????

We are looking for writers who would like to volunteer to help tell RMM's story. Give Richard Witt a call at 845-485-8627

TWO JOB OPENINGS at RMM

Managing Director: (full time- Hudson Valley)
The Managing Director is responsible for managing the administrative, financial, and legal affairs of the organization.

Education Coordinator (part time Hudson Valley

The Education Coordinator will direct and expand a unique education program that brings together rural and migrant peoples and allies who seek to create a more just rural community in New York. For more information please visit our web-site www.ruralmigrantministry.org To apply send resume and cover letter to Richard Witt, PO BOX 4757 Poughkeepsie, NY 12602

Volunteers Needed

RMM is seeking volunteers with website development skills to work with the Justice for Farmworkers campaign and Youth Arts Group in developing an online venue where folks can visit to learn more about and connect with our work. If you are interested please call us at 845-485-8627 or e-mail Jordan at farmworkerjustice@gmail.com.