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Project Partner Spotlight:
Dorothy Cotton Institute (DCI)
by Laura Branca, DCI Senior Fellow
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The Dorothy Cotton Institute (DCI) has just launched its first major international initiative. As part of its Palestinian/Israeli Nonviolence Project, the DCI led a delegation of leaders from the U.S. Civil Rights movement, both veteran and younger human rights activists, writers and educators to visit Israel and the West Bank. This historic coalition of African Americans, Jews, Christian and Jewish clergy and social justice advocates met with Palestinians and Israelis who are at the forefront of the grassroots nonviolent movement working for justice, democracy, dignity and human rights for all in both Palestine and Israel. The delegation toured the region from October 11-24, moving through a remarkable itinerary planned in partnership with Inter-Faith Peace Builders, an organization that has brought over forty groups to the area.
Throughout our travels, we witnessed and learned more about the realities of Palestinian life under Israeli occupation, including house demolitions, confiscation of Palestinian land, destruction of ancestral olive groves, legalized policies of "separation" (apartheid), severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinians both within the Occupied Territories and beyond, long "administrative" (military) detentions without clear charges or legal representation, and the myriad other traumas and humiliations to which the Palestinian people are subjected daily. We were particularly horrified to learn about the abuses of Palestinian children (some as young as 12 years old) within the Israeli military court system, which have been carefully documented by Israeli and Palestinian human rights attorneys and NGOs. The valid security concerns of the state of Israeli in no way justify the serious violations of human rights and international human rights law that we observed. Sadly, much of what we heard and saw during our travels is frighteningly familiar and similar to injustices and human rights violations in our own country - both past and present.
At the same time, we have been inspired by the many Palestinians and Israelis who are working courageously to end injustice. The Palestinian nonviolent resistance movement -- which has existed for decades -- is not well known in the U.S. At this time it is a small but dedicated movement that is bolstered by the support and direct action of courageous Israeli and international allies. We spoke with many Palestinians and Israelis who are steadfast in their determination to end discrimination, human rights violations and injustice through nonviolent resistance. They were deeply moved and encouraged to have the DCI delegates bear witness, share their own experiences of struggle and express their solidarity with the Palestinians and their Israeli allies.
We saw clearly the central role that the United States plays in supporting these disastrous policies through political support, joint military action, and unconditional economic aid. The DCI delegation will work to bring visibility to the ongoing violations of human rights of Palestinians and help inform people in the U.S. about the situation, with a focus on changing the role of our own country from supporting the status quo to fostering positive change.
Contact Person: DCI Project Fellow, Rabbi Brian Walt, rabbibrianwalt@gmail.com
Learn more about the Dorothy Cotton Institute here.
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Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair, December 1, 2012
For the ninth year in a row, holiday shoppers have a chance to buy gifts that support local charitable organizations. CTA is the fiscal sponsor for the Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair, which offers an opportunity to give charitable donations to non-profit organizations as holiday gifts for friends and relatives. The gifts, which range in price from $5 to an unlimited donation, include items such as healthy meals for school children who may otherwise go without, support for community discussions on racism, shelter for abandoned pets, and many gifts that support at-risk youth and families in our communities. Each gift comes with a free greeting card and an insert about the organization you are supporting. All of the money collected at the Fair goes directly to the 60 participating organizations.
The Fair will be held from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday, December 1, in two locations-- at the First Presbyterian Church, 315 North Cayuga Street and at the First Baptist Church, 309 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca. Over its history, the Fair has earned more than $300,000 and has reduced the impact on the environment of conventional gift-giving.
For two weeks following the event, shoppers who cannot attend the Fair can still purchase gifts online. You can read descriptions of all gifts and the participating organizations here. For more information, contact CTA Director Anke Wessels: 607-255-5027, or email akw7@cornell.edu. |
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News and Events
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On Saturday December 1st the Durland Alternatives Library will hold a book sale at the Space at Greenstar from 10am to 4pm.
Funds from the sale will be used to further develop the library collection, and to support the library's outreach project, Prisoner Express, which provides educational materials to incarcerated individuals throughout the USA. The books for sale are an eclectic mix of authors and subjects, and the prices are reasonable. Come by the sale to either find a great holiday gift, or to find out more about this wonderful resource in the community. For more information visit the library's website or email alt-lib@cornell.edu.
The Vitamin L Project announces the arrival of their new recording: "Sing for Dr. King!--Vitamin L Songs for a Beloved Community"
All of the songs on this fantastic new CD are compatible with the teachings and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They help keep Dr. King's vitally important messages alive. If you have children in your life and believe in the vision of a Beloved Community, visit the Vitamin L website to learn more.
Want to volunteer on a farm and help veterans? The Veterans' Sanctuary Community Farm has open volunteer days every Monday from 9am-5pm. The farm is located at 46 King Street in Trumansburg, NY. Everyone (veterans and non-veterans) welcome at the farm work day. Come for as long as you'd like!
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 The Center for Transformative Action (CTA) helps to create communities that work for everyone. We do this by providing fiscal sponsorship to innovative social change agents in New York State, as well as financial, human resources, and grants management services. CTA is an educational non-profit organization affiliated with Cornell University.
Our Vision
We envision change makers everywhere engaging and strengthening the power of the heart to remake the world.
Our Mission
We are an alliance of individuals and organizations inspired by principles of nonviolence and committed to bold action for justice, sustainability, and peace. CTA supports change makers with the tools to build thriving, inclusive communities that work for everyone. We serve our projects, the public, and Cornell University by offering educational programs and strategic organizational resources.
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New Projects!
| We are pleased to announce the Local Investing Resource Center as one of our newest Project Partners!
Next deadline to apply to become a Project Partner with CTA is January 15. Please see our Fiscal Sponsorship Guidelines if you have or are starting a social change project in New York State that needs a nonprofit umbrella. |
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CTA Staff
| Anke Wessels, Ph.D. Executive Director
117 Anabel Taylor Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-5027
Richard Lansdowne Director of Operations
119 Anabel Taylor Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-6202
Jenny Miller
Accounting Clerk
119 Anabel Taylor Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-6202
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