Sources, and the Environment

Purpose

Established by the School of Natural Resources and the Scripps-Howard Foundation in 1982, the Meeman Archive preserves and makes available to the public outstanding newspaper journalism concerning conservation resources, and the environment, lts computerized data base, using over a hundred subject and geographical keywords covering a wide variety of topics and articles from many different newspapers, is available to anyone. It is of particular value to natural resource professionals, environmental groups, teachers, students, journalists, and the public at large.

The Archive receives articles from a variety of sources. The principal source is the national Meeman Awards sponsored by the Scripps-Howard Foundation, which honors outstanding coverage of environmental topics. Articles are selected from other sources as well. New articles on subjects such as hazardous waste, endangered species, energy conservation, water policy, soil erosion, Native Americans, occupational health, transportation, among others, are constantly being added to the Archive, thus expanding the available collection of environmental information.

Community Services

As a nonprofit information service, the Archive responds to information inquiries from all across the country. To find out if the information you need may be found within the Archive, phone, write, or visit. The data base allows us to search for articles, abstracts, or copies of the articles in our files. The only charge for the service is for postage and reproduction costs.

New series of articles added this month are: (1) on the problems of unbridled growth in Florida; (2) on the severe water shortages in Kansas; (3) on the use of California's rivers to supply hydroelectric power; (4) on the Three Mile Island nuclear site, from the accident to the present; (5) on groundwater contamination from TCE in the Tucson, Arizona area.

Note also that the Fall 1986 staff has been selected and is ready to help you in your search for information on conservation and the environment. We are open most of every day except Wednesday, and a message can always be left. Feel free to call, write, or visit.

The staff of the Meeman Archive will be attending a conference in Detroit on Sept. 18 on media reporting of hazardous materials related stories. Information from this event will be available at no charge. Also, the Archive has copies of "Being Heard; A Guide to Media Use in Southeast Michigan" available for $4 (cost). (2692)

Gay Rights

Gay Liberation

4117 Michigan Union

Ann Arbor, Ml 48109

INFO: 763-4816

HOTLINE: 662-1977

Purpose

To provide information, counseling, and related social services for people concerned about sexual orientation: (1) maintain Hotline for crisis intervention, peer counseling, referral; (2) help provide tactual nformation to offset prejudice and misinformation about lesbians and gay men; (3) work to obtain human and civil rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation; (4) help lesbian and gay men's groups organize; (5) link to other community groups.

Meetings

Our meetings vary according to purpose; we do most of our work in subcommittees (counseling, groupwork, education, civil rights). Call for time and place.

Community Services

Hotline: Crisis intervention, peer counseling, referral.

Education: Workshops and conferences on lesbian and gay male concerns, with an emphasis on how people in the helping professions and teaching professions can work positively with lesbian and gay male clients, patients, students.

Speakers Bureau: Call for information.

Human and Civil Rights: Information and referral to help people who are being discriminated against because of their actual or presumed sexual orientation or their presumed "cross-gender" characteristics; lobbying for human and civil rights.

Community Organization: Information and help on organizing groups, setting goals and objectives, addressing conflict, linking to other groups and resources.

Current News

In June, the U.S. Justice Department took the position that federal law does not prohibit prospective employers from refusing to hire people with AIDS if the employer offers in explanation "a fear of contagion whether reasonable or not" (note that AIDS is not transmitted through casual day-to-day contact.)

The ruling is binding on Federal agencies but individual states may, under their own laws, grant broader protection to people with AIDS and related diseases or ailments.

A number of states have, despite the ruling of the Justice Department, adopted policies prohibiting discrimination against people with AIDS. Among such states are: Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

Late in August the Michigan Department of Civil Rights adopted a permanent policy of nondiscrimination covering persons with AIDS. The Department had been working with a temporary policy that the Michigan Civil Rights Commission ultimately approved on a permanent basis. Commission Chairperson Dorothy Haener is quoted as saying "We felt it essential that the Commission make public its position on complaints from people suffering from AIDS."

The law now in force prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, and education.

People with actual or possible complaints or people who would like more information are encouraged to call 763-4186 (leave message if no answer) or 869-MOHR.

October Events

Oct. 28: Comedy Show with Billi Gordon at 11 pm at the Nectarine Ballroom, 520 E. Liberty. Former U-M student and Hopwood Poetry Award winner, now a sought after Hollywood stand-up comic, character model, and author. Sponsored by Gay Liberation. 763-4186.

Oct. 31: Book signing by Billi Gordon at 1 pm at Middle Earth, 1209 S. University. Billi's cookbook, You've Had Worse Things in Your Mouth, has become a camp classic. Sponsored by Gay Liberation. 763-4186.

Nov. 1: Halloween Costume Ball: An Evening in Oz with M.C. Billi Gordon at 9 pm at the U-M Law Lounge, State at S. University. Sponsored by Michigan Gay Union and Gay Liberation. 763-4186. (3950)