Community Resource Directory

AGENDA Publications

P.O. Box 3624, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, 996-8018

CURRENT NEWS: Now you get a chance to see what AGENDA looks like with 50% advertising. Advertising is up 6% this month and the size of the paper has been reduced 20%, so that every page will be paid for. This s our first concerted effort at breaking even on one issue.

A significant shortage of other revenues has forced us to use advertising as our sole guide in determining the size of the paper. We have cut articles that you would have normally seen this month. For instance, the Alternative Press Sampler was supposed to be one of many subjects within an Alternatives Forum. We'll have to push this month's forum topic to next month and hope we can fit it in, not even considering new articles that will undoubtedly come in. Last month we introduced a new monthly feature, "Honorable Mention." We interviewed the King family of Frog Holler Farm for this month's installment, but we don't have the space to print it. We also promised to publish "Ask Leweeze," but it too must languish in our files. We've received countless "Readers Write" submissions and other news and feature articles that we may never be able to publish due to lack of money. What better argument could you want for supporting AGENDA?

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY: We've been getting a lot of lip since we started asking for a little bit of money for your listing. We are still footing most of the bill for the CRD and are spending a lot of time coordinating it. Just because you are paying something doesn't mean the guidelines can be ignored. The 19th is a firm deadline. Please respect it. Also, each month three-quarters of the listing must be new material.

New Groups: Please call us at 996-8018 and we'll send you the CRD guidelines. Participating groups are required to pay $15 per 2000 characters and 1 cent for each additional character. Each month the character count is listed in parentheses at the end of each listing. Groups will be billed for payment at the end of the month of publication.

INTERNS: AGENDA is seeking student interns to work with all aspects of the paper. We are specifically seeking an intern who is interested in business. School credit can be arranged.

MEETING: NOV 3, 7:30 pm at Dominics, 802 Monroe.

FINANCES: The thermometer above, indicating our present financial status and 1987 budgetary goals, will appear next month for the last time (we think). This could either mean that we're no longer publishing, we're printing substantially smaller papers, or we met our goals.

The black area [$18,426] represents our 1987 revenues to date. The gray area [$21,157] is our expected revenue. The striped area [$28,402] is the difference between our projected intake vs. expenses for 1987, or what we NEED!

Since last month, we've received 20 subscriptions, $120 in donations, and October's advertising was up $305 from expected. So, instead of $7454, we only need $7034, instead of 488 subscriptions, it's 468.

On a more positive note, we want to thank all of you who have subscribed, donated, volunteered time, expertise and material goods. We have had an outpouring of kind words and good wishes. However we're hoping one of you will keep us in mind when you win the lottery!

ACLU of Michigan Washtenaw County Branch 277 E. Liberty Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (662-5189)

PURPOSE: The concept of limiting the majority is part of the genius of the traditional American system, invented 200 years ago. While the rest of the United States Constitution authorizes the government to act, the Bill of Rights sets limits. It describes what the government may not do. Even a democratically elected government is not permitted to take away from the people their inherent rights to freedom of expression, belief and association, to procedural fairness, to equal treatment before the law, to privacy. To protect these rights, to enforce these limits on government, is the sole purpose of the American Civil Liberties Union. Without legal guarantees of individual liberty, even American Democracy can revert to acts of tyranny, to a despotism of the majority. The ACLU exists to make sure this doesn't happen, and to fight back when it does.

CURRENT EVENTS: The Washtenaw County Branch of the ACLU, through its Chair, Jean King, has successfully challenged the University of Michigan policy of sending only male cheerleaders to games away from Ann Arbor. King argued that the practice was a blatant form of sex discrimination. The ACLU Board of Directors generally meets the third Sunday of each month, 7:30 pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1917 Washtenaw. Meetings are open to the public.

CONTACTS: Inquiries should be directed to Jean Ledwith King, Chair of the Branch, 277 East Liberty Plaza, Ann Arbor, Ml 48104 (662-1334). Inquinries for legal assistance should be made in writing to attorney Nancy Francis, Co-chair, ACLU Branch Lawyers' Committee, 201 East Huron, Ann Arbor, Ml 48104. The Lawyers' Committee meets Friday mornings, biweekly, to consider and respond to requests for assistance on civil rights and civil liberties matters. (1876)

Amnesty International (Al) U.S.A. Group 61, Ann Arbor, MI 761-1628 or 761-3639

CURRENT NEWS: Human rights abuses in South Africa will be the topic on Wed., Nov. 11 at 7:30 pm in the Anderson Room of the Michigan Union in a program sponsored by Amnesty International (Al) Group 61 of Ann Arbor. Father Casimir Paulsen, a Detroit native, and Nomgcobo Sanweni, a native South African, will speak about their experiences in South Africa. Paulsen, a Roman Catholic priest, has worked in Southern Africa since 1966. He was detained without trial and tortured in South Africa's so-called homeland of Transkei from December 17 to March 11 of this year. Paulsen had been in Transkei since 1978. In 1971 Paulsen was deported from South Africa because of his anti-apartheid beliefs. He continued working in Zambia until he was admitted to the Transkei homeland in 1978. Sanweni will also speak about human rights abuses she experienced under apartheid rule in Southern Africa.

MEETINGS & MEMBERSHIP: Group 61 meets in the Michigan Union on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm. The next meeting is November 10.

One of several ways in which individuals become involved n AI's activities is to join an adoption group. Among its other activities, an adoption group writes letters and does other work on behalf of individual prisoners whose cases have been researched by AI's International Secretariat. Ann Arbor's adoption group, AIUSA Group 61, is presently working the case of a Soviet woman, Tatyana Velikanova. The highlight of the past year for Group 61 was the acquittal of the Turkish man, Ahmet Isvan, on whose case it had worked for several years. Group 61 expects to be assigned another prisoner of conscience in the near future.

BACKGROUND: To learn more about AIUSA programs, contact the national headquarters at AiUSA, 322 8th Ave., New York, NY 10001, (212) 807-8400. For information about, or to join the AIUSA Urgent Action Network, which concentrates on cases that demand immediate action (such as those in which torture or imminent execution are feared), contact The Urgent Action Network, AIUSA, P.O. Box 1270, Nederland, CO 80466, (303) 440-0913. There is an urgent action group in Ann Arbor which works on Latin American cases; for more information contact Bob Hauert, Ethics and Religion, Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. (2367)

Ann Arbor Citizens for Fair Rents 619 W. Summit #2, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, 665-5950

PURPOSE: Ann Arbor Citizens for Fair Rents exists specifically to place a rent stabilization ordinance on the city election ballot for April 1988. The group formed in reaction to the unreasonable rent increases experienced by Ann Arbor tenants.

CURRENT NEWS: Rising rents are threatening our community and forcing low and middle income people from their homes and the city. In response, a growing number of Ann Arbor citizens are throwing their support behind a proposed ordinance to stabilize rents, tying rent increases to actual cost increases that the landlord experiences. The members of Ann Arbor Citizens for Fair Rent are currently circulating petitions to gain the 5,000 signatures necessary to place the proposed ordinance on the ballot in April, 1988.

Over 60% of Ann Arbors citizens are tenants and nearly all of them are finding they have to tighten their belts because rent increases which average more then double the inflation rate. Landlords claim that they can barely make ends meet without rent stabilization. Yet they will likely pour well over $100,000 in excess profits into a misinformation campaign to stop this proposal for fair rents and fair profits.

MEETINGS: To get involved in the rent stabilization movement come to the community meeting on Mon., Nov. 2, at 7 pm, in the Jackson Auditorium of the First Unitarian Church (1917 Washtenaw Avenue). People are needed to circulate petitions, participate in a fundraising bucket drive on Nov. 13 and 14, and use their imaginations, talents, hands and feet to spread the word. If anyone has or knows of any office space that can be donated or rented cheaply please contact us. Volunteer today! (1842)

Free South Africa Coordinating Committee 4318 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

CURRENT NEWS: FSACC has decided to refocus its goals this semester and work more closely with the United Coalition Against Racism (UCAR). FSACC members feel it is hypocritical as well as defeatist not to draw parallels between the racist policies evident in South Africa with those on this campus and in this country. We have also decided to hold meetings every other Monday night in the West Engineering Bldg., CAAS lounge at 7:30 pm. New members are always welcome.

UCAR has adapted a set of demands, one being the development of a sister school relationship between U-M and the Solomon Malangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) in Tanzania. We feel that this demand is an opportune way to make connections between international issues and those that affect academia. FSACC will be the primary force behind the evolution of this sister school relationship. SOMAFCO was established by the ANC a number of years ago for the benefit of South African refugees. Not only does FSACC hope to have this university construct material aid programs for the further development of this school, but desires to see a student exchange plan come to fruition.

FSACC recently held a rally in conjunction with International Solidarity Day for South African Prisoners. Speakers included a member of the ANC who reminded us that work done in this country for the anti-apartheid movement is not forgotten by the South African people. He also called for further sanctions against the South African government. Reagan's recent condemnation of imposed sanctions is simply unjustifiable if only for the reason that the majority of the oppressed in South Africa want these sanctions imposed on their country. Furthermore, those sanctions were only in effect for a year while Reagan's supposed constructive engagement policy was given a longer experimental time and still failed to create change of any sort. (1976)

Gay Liberation 4117 Mich. Union, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 763-4186, HOTUNE: 662-1977

CURRENT NEWS: Hundreds of thousands of lesbians and gay men and their supporters marched on Washington, D.C. on Oct. 12, sending to our Federal government a message that we are demanding our human and civil rights and that we are a political force to be reckoned with. At least 600 of us were subsequently arrested on the steps of the Supreme Court Building on Oct. 14 during a demonstration against discrimination based on sexual orientation. We are glad that so many Ann Arborites attended these events: let's continue in our struggle for liberation.

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is requesting community input as the basis for a "civil rights agenda" for Michigan in the 1990's. To participate, please answer the following three questions: (1) What are the five most important civil rights issues for the lesbian and gay male community at this time? (2) What are the five most important civil rights issues that Michigan should address on a statewide basis? (3) What are your ideas about responding to these issues, eg. legislation, education, building coalitions, doing surveys, etc.? Please send your answers to MOHR, 17520 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48203. Note that the Dept. of Civil Rights is sponsoring a statewide conference on civil rights in Lansing Nov. 16-18. Call MOHR at 869-MOHR for details.

Need a job? MOHR is looking for an Executive Director and for a Community Center Director. Send resumes to Rick Wallace, Search Committee Chair, MOHR, P.O. Box 20456, Ferndale MI 48220.

Lesbian and Gay Rights on Campus (LaGROC) is continuing to tight for the rights of lesbians and gay men on the U-M campus. You are encouraged to join in this effort: meetings are held every Tuesday at 8:30 pm in the Michigan Union, Room 3100. For information, call 763-4186. David Piontkowsky, past President of MOHR, will be honored for his service in the defense of civil liberties at the Annual Dinner of the Oakland County Branch of the ACLU on Dec. 3. Info from P.O. Box 733, Birmingham MI 48012.

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 factual information 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 vary according to purpose; we do most of our work in subcommittees: Counseling, Groupwork, Education, Civil Rights. Call for time and place. Our group includes U-M students, staff, and faculty, and people from the larger community. We have a President, Vice-president, Secretary, and Treasurer. At present we have approximately fifty members. We're a registered non-profit organization.

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 Organizing: Information and help on organizing groups, setting goals and objectives, addressing conflict, linking to other groups and resources. (3726)

Graduate Employees Organization (GEO) 802 Monroe #3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 995-0221

CURRENT NEWS: Office Hours: Mon. 3-5 pm, Wed. 5-7 pm, Th. 1-5 pm, Fri. 3-5 pm. The GEO has been funded by Vice-President Duderstadt for their Sensitivity Workshop Training Sessions and are still seeking qualified people to run the sessions. People interested please send resumes to GEO office or contact Katherine Tate, 996-0329.

Remember to contact your congressional representatives regarding the changes in the tax law that are meant to take effect Jan. 1, 1988. Those changes, if not voided by Congress, will mean a significant increase in your income taxes next year.

Also remember to keep an accurate log book. If you feel you are over worked and under paid, the log book will be needed to substantiate your claim.

PURPOSE: GEO is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers/Michigan Federation of Teachers Local #3550. GEO's purpose is to represent all Graduate Student Assistants in collective bargaining with the University of Michigan, thus protecting Staff and Teaching Assistants against deterioration in economic compensation, real wages, working conditions. GEO also addresses graduate employees' common concerns, such as: excessive class size, teacher training, reallocation of University funds from administration overhead to actual teaching, and the ideas of non-discrimination and affirmative action.

MEETINGS: There are three membership meetings per term. Although the Winter schedule has not been determined yet, the final Fall meeting will be Thur., Dec. 3, 7:30 pm in the Pond Room of the Union. Announcements for meetings will be posted on GEO bulletin boards and listed in the "University Record" ten days prior to the meetings. (1772)

Guild House 802 Monroe, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 662-5189

GUILD HOUSE MISSION STATEMENT: Guild House is a Campus Ministry that works with students, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan, a ministry deeply rooted in the life and work of the Christian faith and other traditions and groups which share a concern for human fulfillment and a just and humane society. Exodus and resurrection, liberation and transformation, empowerment and change are important paradigms that inform our several religious and spiritual perspectives, and that serve to guide our common ministry. We share with sisters and brothers everywhere a commitment to non-violent action for the rights of the oppressed to a more meaningful and spiritual existence. Like all people and institutions we are not neutral; we stand with those who struggle for human justice and decency.

GUILD HOUSE HAD ITS BEGINNINGS in the church's concern for the life of persons in the University and for the role of the University in our society. Now mainly supported by a number of religious denominations and their congregations, Guild House continues to foster a concern for the life and role of the University within these religious bodies. It also tries to foster this concern among individuals in the University, both those associated with a religious community and those who are not. Thus Guild House calls those within the religious and the University communities to examine their own values and to grow in their own faith and commitment. Rooted in a University community of students, faculty, staff, campus labor, and administrators, Guild House is committed to raising questions that make explicit the values which guide the policies and practices of the University. We seek to criticize and change those programs and structures which are oppressive or which impede human fulfillment. Guild House supports and encourages the development of programs and structures in higher education that are responsive to human needs and social justice. (2024)

Housing Bureau for Seniors, Inc. 1010 Wall St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 763-0970

ANNUAL MEETING: The Housing Bureau for Seniors, an affiliate of Turner Geriatric Services and the U-M Medical Center, will hold its annual meeting at 2 pm, Nov. 5, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. The meeting is open to the public and will feature speakers on the issue of rent stabilizafion. We look forward to hearing from both sides of the topic and welcome all who would like to learn about this controversial subject. A business meeting will begin at 2 pm, and the program will begin at 2:30 pm.

BACKGROUND: The Housing Bureau for Seniors is a housing referral and information agency serving senior citizens and their families who have housing related questions. We also operate a HomeShare program which matches senior citizens with others to share a home. Many of these matches are intergenerational and can be anywhere in Washtenaw County. You can make an appointment to speak with a housing counselor by calling the Bureau at 763-0970. Though donations are welcome, Bureau services are free. (1042)

Latin American Solidarity Committee 4120 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor Ml 48109, 665-8438

PURPOSE: LASC is a non-profit group dedicated to supporting the legitimate aspirations of Latin American peoples to self-determination. Its goals are to increase awareness here about contemporary realities in Latin America and the U.S. role in perpetuating these, and to pressure our government to change its military, political, and economic policies toward Latin America.

MEETINGS: Meetings are every Wed. at 8 pm in 2435 Mason Hall. We encourage new members to attend. The office is staffed from 12 to 2 pm on weekdays and messages can be left on the answering machine at all other times.

CURRENT NEWS: So far this semester, LASC has sponsored several educational programs including a debate over U.S. policy in Central America, talks by Dr. David Linder and Dr. Juan Almendares of Honduras, and a video presentation about the media and El Salvador. A continuation of educational programs and protest over U.S. policy in Central America is planned for upcoming months. At present, we are working to pressure U.S. compliance with the Central America Peace Accord, specifically entailing an end to aid to the contra terrorists. We welcome anyone interested to come to our meetings and present ideas.

COMMUNITY SERVICES: LASC sponsors educational events such as films and speakers. The outreach committee provides speakers for University and high school classes as well as for other groups interested in Latin American issues. The LASC newsletter, "La Palabra" is sent to about 800 subscribers. It contains a summary of our activities and updates on the news from Latin America. To receive "La Palabra" and any other special announcements from LASC, sign in at any Wed. night meeting or leave your name and address on the phone answering machine. (1860)

SPARK 3909 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, Ml 48109

PURPOSE: We live in a world of bitter contradictions: the biggest U.S. buildup since WWII in the Persian Gulf; an erratic Stock Market posting incredible gains one day and crashing the next; the starvation of 45,000 people every day while U.S. agribusiness burns tons of grain to keep prices up; the bulldozing of 100 acres of rainforest every minute unbalancing the world's ecosystem; subhuman work conditions for millions of South Africans, Southeast Asians, South Americans, who are violently attacked when they try to protest; everywhere racism and sexism strangling human potential. These absurdities don't affect only a few people somewhere far away. They affect all of us . . . if you are draft age, a woman, or non-white; if you hope to get a good job someday; if you breathe air. And these problems are not independent issues. They are part of a trend - part of the capitalist system, on a collision course with self-destruction.

Is there a way out of the senseless waste, destruction and misery? Yes, there is. We can get rid of the system that spawns these problems. And we can build a new system that puts human needs ahead of corporate interests: socialism. A socialist system uses available technology and resources rationally, not to enrich a tiny minority, but to benefit all of humanity. Those in power today would have us believe that a better world is only a pipedream; the schools, the media, the churches all tell us that there is essentially nothing we can do ... the "experts" have it all under control!

WHO WE ARE: We are revolutionary communists, and we want to see a better society and world. But relying on the so-called experts won't bring it about. It's going to take people who are willing and ready to help build it. So if you also want to change things, if these ideas make some sense, get in touch with us. Look for us, and our literature tables, around campus. Contact us at the address above. Or come check out our Revolutionary History Series, Tuesdays 7 to 8 pm in 116 MLB. (2069)

United Coalition Against Racism (UCAR) 3909 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 747-6412 or 763-2851

BACKGROUND: The United Coalition Against Racism is a multi-racial coalition of progressive organizations and individuals which was formed last spring following a series of racist attacks against people of color on the University of Michigan campus. By binding together, we present a united front to confront both institutional and attitudinal racism on campus, in the community, nationally and internationally.

OBJECTIVES: This fall, UCAR will pursuit two main focuses: 1) Reassertion, in a confrontational manner, of the anti-racist demands that were presented to the University administration last spring but have yet to be met; 2) Education of ourselves, other students and community members on anti-racist issues.

UPCOMING EVENTS: On Nov. 19, 1987 UCAR will present A. Sivanandan, director of the London Institute of Race Relations and the editor of "Race and Class ." He will be speaking on "The Politics of Racism and Anti-Racist Struggle in the 1980's, from the U.S. to Britain." The event will take place in the Kuenzel Room of the Michigan Union at 8 pm. All are welcome.

WEEKLY MEETINGS: UCAR holds weekly meetings on Thursdays at 6 pm in the Michigan Union. Room assignment can be obtained from the CIC desk. For more info. contact Tracye Matthews, 747-6412; Kim Smith, 763-2851. (1410)

Washtenaw County Women's Action for Nuclear Disarmament, Inc. (WAND) P.O. Box 1815, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1815, 761-1718

PURPOSE: WAND's goals are to educate ourselves and the public about the dangers of continued nuclear arms buildup, to influence our congressional representatives by informed lobbying, and to empower people, especially women, personally and politically.

MEETINGS & MEMBERSHIP: WAND's monthly general meeting is held the 2nd Sunday night of the month at the First Baptist Church, 512 E. Huron. Call our Information Hotline at 761-1718 for a message announcing important lobbying information, meeting times, and upcoming events. Our Speaker's Bureau provides trained speakers who will address groups, classes, and public forums and rallies on a variety of issues. Contact Tobi Hanna-Davies at 662-7869.

CURRENT NEWS: Fay Kelle, past lobbyist of National WAND, will speak to the November general meeting of WAND (see above). She was the legislative Field Director of WAND on the national level, with an office in Washington D.C. She will speak about how to lobby Congress effectively on arms control issues. As a lobbyist she will describe how bills pass through Congress and how a grassroots organization like WAND can make a difference. She will also give her perspective on how we can be effective in the upcoming 1988 elections. For more info. about the November meeting or WAND call 761-1718. (1430)

World Hunger Education-Action Committee (WHE-AC) 4202 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 663-4301 or 761-7594

PURPOSE: WHE-AC is a campus based organization which focuses its work on both domestic and international hunger issues. Our goals are to educate ourselves and the community about the social, political and economic forces which cause and maintain hunger in the world. WHE-AC works closely with Oxfam America and the Institute for Development Policy (Food First). We also encourage ourselves and community members to do volunteer work in the numerous Ann Arbor shelters and meal programs. In addition to educational work, we raise funds through the annual Oxfam America sponsored fast. Money raised is divided between Oxfam projects and local hunger relief organizations in Ann Arbor and Detroit.

MEETINGS & MEMBERSHIP: We meet every Tuesday at 6 pm in room 4202 of the Michigan Union. All are welcome!

CURRENT NEWS: WHE-AC is currently organizing the annual Oxfam America Fast which will take place Thursday the 19th of November. People living in dorms, sororities, fraternities, coops and private homes will have the opportunity to skip a meal on the 19th and have the proceeds go to local hunger relief and to Oxfam America projects. Anyone interested in helping to organize the Fast or would like more information please contact WHE-AC. We need your help! (contact: 663-4301 or 761-7594). (1420)