Community Resource Directory

AGENDA Publications

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

CURRENT NEWS: The biggest news is that we will not be publishing a February issue of AGENDA. We will be back on the streets in March with a special edition focused on the affordable housing crisis in Ann Arbor.

A fundraising phon-a-thon will be held Fri. Jan. 29 to Mon. Feb. 1. There will be an organizational meeting Tues. Jan. 12, 7 pm, at Guild House (802 Monroe). All are welcome. AGENDA needs volunteers to do the calling. Individuals may volunteer or groups may take a certain day. We are also seeking organizations' membership phone lists. If you can help, please call Phillis at 764-01 75. If you get called, please donate or subscribe!

Subscriptions: AGENDA is a "free" paper but there is a substantial cost behind each copy. Who pays for it? Right now advertisers.

Advertisers are buying space that could belong to you. Just to give you an idea, 200 new subscribers could buy one whole issue. And a subscriber funded paper would still be available for free to a wider audience than the activist community. So write a check, and send it NOW!

DEADLINES for March edition:

Feb. 13: News/feature first draft

Feb. 15: Calendar

Feb. 19: Community Resource Directory

Bread for the World (BFW)

706 Dwight St., Ypsilanti, Michigan 48198, 487-9058

PURPOSE: Bread for the World (BFW) s a citizens lobbying organization that deals with hunger and health related legislation. It is a national organization with chapters in the local area. Although BFW does not send any direct aid itself, the organization, through its members, has given crucial support to domestic and international hunger programs since being founded in 1971. Members are encouraged to contact their legislators on hunger issues and are kept informed through newsletters, background papers, and informational meetings about pertinent legislation.

MEETINGS: Monthly meetings are held in conjunction with the Interfaith Council for Peace Hunger Task Force. At each meeting of the Hunger Task Force a portion of the time is devoted to BFW concerns, inciuding legislative updates. Meetings are held at the First Baptist Church (Ann Arbor), Chapman Room, 512 E. Huron, 7:30 pm on the third Wed. of each month.

CURRENT NEWS: The program for the January 20th meeting of BFW will be "Addressing Hunger Issues." This program will help people take steps in educating themselves and then acting on hunger issues. Information will be made available on various hunger publications and organizations.

In other legislative action, BFW members are continuing to lobby for increases in funding for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children ( WIC), establishment of a higher minimum wage, and foreign aid targeted at ending hunger. BFW is also urging people to write their Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor H. Con. Res. 189. This resolution condemns atrocities committed by the Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) which is supported by the South African government and has destroyed health care, agricultural, and educational facilities in Mozambique. All topics will be discussed at the monthly meeting to which the public is welcome. ( 1 962)

Gay Liberation

c/o 4117 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, Ml 48109, INFO: 763-4186, HOTLINE: 662-1977

CURRENT NEWS: Our December Current News reported the blatant example of sexist and antilesbian graffiti found on a desktop in Angell Hall. UM Vice President and Chief Financial Officer James Brinkerhoff has issued a thoughtful memorandum deploring all such incidents and requesting the campus community's help in ridding our environment of all such displays of prejudice.

On a related note, we regret learning that eight out of ten mayors and community leaders of small towns in West Germany welcomed the idea of creating an isolation center for people with AIDS in their town. A Bavarian Mayor was quoted as stating, "Protection of the population is dear to me. . . after all, the infected are mostly criminals and homosexuals." The survey was done by Susanne Schneider and Cristoph Guhr of Tempo magazine. On a brighter note, we are glad to report that in November the residents of Boulder, Colorado approved a lesbiangay male civil rights ordinance for Boulder.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) has created political action packets for activists and organizers working on the state level. The packets focus on criminal sexual codes, AIDS, family issues, "hate" crimes, civil rights protection and networking. For the packets, write to NGLTF State Action Lobby, 1517 U Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009(202332-6483).

In a paper submitted to the Presidential Task Force on Adoption, the Lesbian Rights Project (LRP) and NGLTF have requested the Reagan administration to remove obstacles to adoption by lesbians and gay men. The paper addresses commonly held myths about lesbian and gay-male parenting and concludes by stating, "There is no competent social science data developed in the last twenty years which indicates anything other than that homosexuals are as qualified as heterosexuals to parent children. It is crucial that this be understood if society is to avoid relying on prejudice, misunderstanding, and stereotype, to the detriment of not only the homosexual seeking to parent, but more importantly, to the child in need of that parent's love and home." For copies: LRP, 1660 Mission St., 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103(415621-0674).

PURPOSE: To provide information, counseling and related social services for people concemed about sexual orientation: (1) maintain Hotline for crisis intervention, peer counseling, referral; (2) help provide factual info. 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 50 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. (3888)

Heart To Heart

604 E. Huron, Ann Arbor, Ml 48104, 663-1870

PURPOSE: On April 9, 1988 the second annual Heart To Heart walk to aid the homeless will be held in Washtenaw County. The walk, designed to raise money for existing and future housing for the homeless, will start from central locations in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and join at a central location. Heart To Heart is also planned as an educational event, focusing on the roots of homelessness.

At the present time, Heart To Heart is conducting organizing sessions, and much help is needed. Activities ranging from walk logistics to educational activities are being planned and volunteers are needed. If you are interested in helping please call 663-1870 in Ann Arbor or 4858730 in Ypsilanti. (751)

Latin American Solidarity Committee

4120 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, Ml 48109, 665-8438

CURRENT ACTIVITIES: LASC members recently convinced city attorney Bruce Laidlaw to further investigate the case of Harold Marcuse. Laidlaw had prematurely dismissed assault charges filed by Marcuse against U-M security guard Robert Patriek, who kneed him in the groin at the Nov. 25 CIA protest. LASC will continue to support Marcuse throughout the legal process as he seeks damages against his attacker and argues for all of our rights to peaceful protest without harassment.

Congressman Carl Pursell recentty voted in favor of allowing President Reagan to solicit financial support for the Contras from other nations, once again contradicting his stated support for the Central American Peace Process and proving that he continues to defy the will of his constituents. Under the terms of the recent federal budget accord, the Administration is expected to submit a large Contra military aid package in early February. Now is the time to write or call Pursell to try to influence his vote on that proposal.

PURPOSE: LASC is a nonprofit group dedicated to supporting the legitimate aspirations of Latin American peoples to self-determination. lts goals are to increase awareness here about contemporary realities in Latin America and the U.S. role in the region. Because current U.S. foreign policy perpetuates violence and injustice, LASC acts as a community of concerned citizens to pressure our government to change its military, political, and economic policies toward Latin America.

MEETINGS: Join us in room 2435 Mason Hall every Wed. at 8 pm for the general LASC meeting. Information about weekly activities can be obtained by visiting or calling the LASC office. The office is normally staffed from 12 to 2 pm on weekdays, and messages can be left on the answering machine at all other times.

COMMUNITY SERVICES: LASC sponsors educational events such as films, slide shows, and speakers. LASC provides speakers for University and high school classes as well as for other groups interested in Latin American issues. If you would like somebody to speak, contact us at 665-8438. The LASC newsletter La Palabra reaches about 800 subscribers. It contains a summary of our activities and updates on the news from Latin America. Beans & rice dinners are held each Wed. at 6 pm at the Guild House, 802 Monroe. A $2 donation buys a great meal and contributes to material aid for the people of Central America. (2538)

Michigan SANE/FREEZE

1416 Hill St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 663-3913

Michigan SANEFREEZE (MI SF) is a newly formed state organization combining SANE, the 30 year old national citizen's lobby organization with the Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign, the grassroots network of local organizations throughout the country working to end the nuclear arms race.

Michigan SANE/FREEZE works to promote strong and active local organizations concerned with ending the arms race and U.S. ntervention in the third world. Ml SF has a professional canvass that reaches thousands of homes each month to recruit sympathetic and concerned citizens' support for the effort to lobby Congress and educate their community.

In 1988, Ml SF has ambitious plans to play an important role in electing progressives to Congress, and to educate the citizens of Michigan about the impact of military spending on Michigan's economy. A statewide conference will be held in March to promote the Congressional Black Caucus Budget which seeks to meet human needs and draw attention to waste and excesses in the Military Budget. This conference will kick off a campaign to relate military spending impact on local economics throughout the state. Call 663-3913 for information or if you would like to help.

The Ann Arbor chapter of SANE/FREEZE will sponsor "Meet your next U.S. Representative," an introduction to two progressive candidates. Dean Baker and Lana Pollack will be at the Bird of Paradise on Sunday, Jan. 17 from 2 to 5 pm. Music from 2:30 to 3:30 will be provided by the Harvey Reed jazz trio. The event is free and open to the public.

January is likely to see the resumption of the Reagan Administration's efforts to approve military aid to the contras working to overthrow the government of Nicaragua. SANE/FREEZE urges readers to express their opposition to further contra aid in any form to Representative Pursell one more time. (1914)

Progressive Students for Social Change

MEETINGS: PSSC meets at 8 pm every Sunday, in the Lounge at Goodison Hall, EMU, Ypsilanti. 4825593.

BACKGROUND: Progressive Students for Social Change (PSSC) is a political-action group working for peace with social and environmental justice. During the semesters of 1986-87, PSSC helped with the passing of Ypsilanti's Proposal A which condemned U.S. intervention in Central America. Working with local organizers, PSSC helped distribute literature to thousands of voters in the community. We also wrote many letters to Eastern Michigan University's paper, the Echo, regarding the proposal. To everyone's delight, Proposal A passed with the majority of students voting "yes." As a result, Ypsilanti is now one of the many communities that have come out against Reagan's agenda in Central America. In addition, a peace monument will be erected sometime in 1988. Keep a lookout for various fundraisers that will help finance the monument.

In Nov., PSSC had a rally for Peace in Central America to raise awareness around campus about the issue. Ann Arbor's second district congressional candidate Dean Baker, was one of the speakers.

We feel as a group and as individuals that we have the power to change the situation in Central America. Many people, unfortunately, think that it is a pipe dream to believe that we who unite are being heard. We will be heard!

As a newly founded group at EMU, it is essential that we build a firm foundation so that PSSC will last as long as we are needed. We need fundraising ideas and/or cash as well as literature to distribute around campus. (1669)

Radical Men's Journal

1402 Hill St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 994-4937

We are a newly forming group coming together to create a newspaper which contributes to the struggle against patriarchy. Men's violence against women is a major problem in our society. The women's movement has pushed the many forms of men's violence against women, from the most overt to the most subtle in form, into popular consciousness and public debate. These forms of violence reinforce our society's domination of men over women.

Men's domination and women's oppression is based within, and reinforced by, a broad range of social structures, from the most intimate of sexual relations to the organization of economic and political life. We wish to create a forum for challenging the oppressive reality of patriarchal, authoritarian, class society.

We recognize that changes in our own lives are intertwined with social change. Both the production of newspaper and the arteles in it will promote an environment which fosters the personal strength and security necessary to allow men to make fundamental personal changes, and to confront patriarchal oppression in society at large.

We seek radical structural change in society's institutions, and accompanying cultural changes. We wish to create cooperative and non-hierarchical relations in place of competitive forms of work, play and literature. The radical men's newspaper will explore such concepts by reporting on alternatives that men can get involved with. We will include poetry, fiction, and other artistic expression as a means of conveying these concepts.

Of course, the biggest part of this project right now is getting men together to make it happen. We need to decide: How large will the newspaper be? How often will we publish? How can we be supportive together while working together? What will the Journal be called? Many questions need to be answered. Those of us who are initiating this project are quite excited about creating a community Journal that draws together radical men.

We will hold our first meeting Monday night, January 1 1th, at 7:30 pm at Heiwa House 1402 Hill. Please cali Mark at 994-4937 for more info. or if you can't make it to the meeting and wish to get involved. (2286)

SPARK

3909 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, Ml 481 09

PURPOSE: Are you concerned about poverty, homelessness, starvation, nuclear weapons, U.S. intervention in Central America or the Persian Gulf, racism and sexism, abuse of the environment, crime, preparation for WWIII? Are you worried about what the future holds for you?

Without a doubt, we are living during a very frightening time in history, when our lives and even our planet are being threatened. Yet the problems are much less overwhelming when we recognize that they do have a common source: the system we live under. It is this system, capitalism, that puts the profits of big banks and multinational corporations ahead of human needs. This is the fundamental problem.

So what can we do? Is all the agony and destruction that is caused by this system inevitable? No, it is not. In fact, this system is decaying before our very eyes; it's begging to be replaced. As a result, we of this generation could really make a new and better society a reality .

We are revolutionary communists. We want to see a socialist society and world. Why? Because a socialist world would have no need for huge nuclear arsenals, intervention in other countries, racism, sexism, poverty, environmental abuse, crime, or WWIII. Instead, medical care, clean water and air, housing, education, and human dignity would be accepted priorities. Since no government in the world today - whether so-called "democratic" or socalled "communist" - is trying to create this world, it is up to us. It won't be easy. In order to even have a chance of succeeding, we must be organized; we must build a revolutionary organization.

HOW TO FIND US: Do these ideas make sense to you? Are you someone who would like to seriously consider what we can actually do to change the suicidal course that we are currently following? If so, get in touch with us. Come check out our Revolutionary History Series, Tuesdays 7 to 8 pm in B116 MLB. Or find us around campus, in the Union, the Fishbowl. We can also be contacted through the address above. (2060)

WAND

Washtenaw County Women's Action for Nuclear Disarmament, Inc.

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: Meetings are held the second Sunday night of the month at the First Baptist Church, 512 E. Huron, Ann Arbor. Call our Information Hotline at 761-1718 for a message announcing important lobbying information, meeting times, and up-coming 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: WAND will have small group discussions for the January meeting. What makes a woman active? What stops her? These questions will be discussed, as well as empowerment in the Reagan era, women and their visions, and how to survive the long haul. Please join us and share your views and deas. The meeting will be held on Sun., Jan. 10, at the First Baptist Church, 512 E. Huron, Ann Arbor. New members are always welcome. Doors open at 7 pm and the meeting begins at 7:30 pm.

Boogie down to the music of Mad Cat Ruth's blues and rock band, Mad Cat's Pressure Cooker with your sweetheart at the annual Give Peace a Dance on Sat., Feb. 13. Joe Tiboni will emcee this dance at the Michigan Union Ballroom trom 8:30 pm to 12:30 am. What a great way to celebrate the Valentine's Day weekend. Tickets ($8 in advance, $10 at the door) are available at PJ's Records, Schoolkids Records and Ticketworld. All are invited to attend. Proceeds will go toward WAND and the Peace and Justice Center. Keep posted for more information. For more information about the January meeting or WAND call 761 -1 71 8. ( 1 920)

Women's Crisis Center (WCC)

306 N. Division, Ann Arbor, Ml, 48104, HOTLINE: 994-9100; Business Une: 761-9475

PURPOSE: Women's Crisis Center works to help women and their families help themselves gain control and dignity in their lives. Volunteers provide crisis intervention, information, support and do community organizing.

CURRENT NEWS: Hey, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area folksl Thank you! WCC appreciates all the community support we received in our November fundraising phone-a-thon. Each volunteer, donor, and group that let us use their phones helped raise $9,600 in pledges. We've received almost $7,000 and are looking forward to getting the rest in.

WCC had a great 1987. A few highlights include: providing crisis intervention and support for thousands of women who contacted us; celebrating the removal of the sexist Black Velvet billboard; starting free women's words, a bi-monthly news journal; hiring a second full-time coordinator; sponsoring a free women's music festival; and more. We look forward to a great '88.

We are able to continue providing free services for women while the community continues supporting our work. The next phone counselor training is the last two weekends in January. We especially need women to cover morning shifts (10 am to 2 pm) during the week. Please attend one of the following Volunteer Information Sessions to learn more about WCC, trainings, and expectations: Jan. 6, 4 to 5:30 pm or 7 to 8:30 pm; Jan. 7, 1 1 :30 am to 1 pm; Jan. 8, 10 to 1 1 :30 am; Jan. 9, 4 to 5:30 pm; Jan. 10, 1 to 2:30 pm; Jan 11, 7:30 to 9 pm; Jan 12,7 to 8:30pm.

WCC got a grant from the Michigan Sexual Assault Information Network for a Sexual Assault Prevention Program and for the Court Accompaniment Program. Look for community classes, workshops, and a volunteer training in the months to come.

Women are always welcome to drop by WCC to check us out, look at our library, and see what's up. There's always something happening or about to happen around here. The AGENDA calendar announces WCC workshops and events. (We really appreciate the space and networking Agenda makes available. Thanks!) (2198)

(WHE-AC)

World Hunger Education-Action Committee, 4202 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, Ml 48109, 663-4301 or 761-7594

PURPOSE: WHE-AC is a campus based organization which focuses 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 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 Tues. at 6 pm in room 4202 of the Michigan Union. Our first meeting in January will be on the 12th. All are welcome!

CURRENT NEWS: WHE-AC will be donating some of the money raised through our fundraising efforts to SOS Community Crisis Center, Peace Neighborhood Center and Ann Arbor Hunger Coalition. In January, we will be looking at other organizations in need of donations. Please let us know of any organizations that we may be able to support. All the best in the New Year! (1324)

Ypsilanti Food Co-op

312 North River Street, Ypsilanti, Ml, 48198, 483-1520

PURPOSE: The Ypsilanti Food Co-op is a nonprofit community business that has been in Ypsilanti since 1975, The Co-op sells nutritious, wholesome food in small quantities and bulk at the lowest possible price. The Co-op is open to the public seven days a week (call the store for hours), with new members and shoppers always welcome.

MEMBERSHIP: The core of the Ypsilanti Food Coop is its members, who for a small initial fee can obtain greater food discounts. Members who do volunteer work at the Co-op receive an even greater food discount. More importantly, members are part owners of the Co-op and are eligible to vote for directors and on other issues that affect the Co-op. In addition, regular membership and board meetings, along with a monthly newsletter, keep the membership informed.

EVENTS: The Co-op will hold a general membership meeting on Jan. 17 at 305 Oak Street, Ypsilanti starting at 6 pm. The next board meeting will be held on Jan. 25 at 7:30 pm. For details call the Co-op during business hours.

Also, the Co-op continues to offer the freshest produce in Ypsilanti and now offers organic produce flown in from California so as to keep a constant supply of your favorite items. For those who have not visited the Co-op lately, the store has an expanded floor plan with new produce coolers, along with many new products.(1435)