Library of Congress

Note: External links, forms and search boxes may not function within this collection

« Back to previous page

minimize

September 11 Web Archive Collection

This is an archived Web site from the Library of Congress

http://www.americas.org/events/events.asp

Archived: 12/16/2001 at 23:27:50

first First (11/05/2001)    previous Previous  #4 of 4  Next next    Last (12/16/2001) last entry

Community

AT THE RESOURCE CENTER OF THE AMERICAS:
COFFEEHOURS / STORYTIMES / MOVIE NIGHTS / BOOK DISCUSSIONS / BOOKSTORE THEME WEEKS / ART EXHIBITS

IN THE TWIN CITIES AREA:
DAY BY DAY / ONGOING / ROAD TRIPS / JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS / OPPORTUNITIES

 HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR LISTING

SATURDAY MORNING COFFEEHOURS 

A weekly talk and discussion with a featured speaker. 10–11:30 a.m. $4 ($3 for members). Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Baked goods and fair-trade coffee for sale at Café of the Americas (coffee refills free). For more information or to give suggestions for speakers, contact Stacy Janisch, sjanisch@americas.org, 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). For a half-hour before and after each coffeehour, join us for an activist letter-writing effort with Resource Center–supplied ideas, background, addresses, stamps and envelopes.

 DECEMBER–JANUARY 2001

 

12/1 THE COMPASSIONATE REBEL: The popular new book The Compassionate Rebel: Energized by Anger, Motivated by Love contains inspiring stories of 50 ordinary people making a difference in the world. Join authors Burt Berlowe, Rebecca Janke and a few of the books “rebels” for discussion and storytelling derived from their unique experiences. Then head upstairs to the Bookstore of the Americas for an autographing and more conversation. A “Compassionate Rebel” video and a CD of original music and poetry will also be available. Presentation in English.

12/8—UNIONIZING DAKOTA PREMIUM:  Harassment, anti-union tactics, unsafe working conditions and rapid line speeds are the workday reality at Dakota Premium Foods, a meat packing plant in South St. Paul where 95% of the workforce is Latino. In June of 2000, workers there held a sit-down strike to protest dangerous line speeds and to ask for basic rights such as bathroom breaks, a safe workplace and better wages and benefits. That July, they voted in favor of unionization and requested the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), Local 789, as their representation. Dakota Premium appealed this election to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)—a federal organization that decides labor disputes—and lost. The company appealed again and lost. They continue to appeal and will not sit down to negotiate with workers. Seventeen months after the union drive began, there has been no progress in the situation, and workers at Dakota Premium are seeing firsthand a legal system that does not help. Rafael Espinosa, from UFCW Local 789, speaks about the workers’ continued struggle with Dakota Premium. Presentation in English.

12/15—COLOMBIA BY CAR:  “Crazier than hell,” is what Dick Bancroft, a professional photographer who knows Colombia well, called Gary Payne’s road trip through Colombia this past August. Colombia is steeped in internal turmoil, due to the conflicts between guerrilla groups, paramilitaries, the army, the government, the U.S. ‘War on Drugs’ and the poor majority of the country. Despite intense hostility toward U.S. citizens, Payne and his son traveled through Colombia by car, mainly on back roads, in an attempt to gain first hand exposure to the reality of the civil and drug wars. Penetrating areas few foreigners have entered in recent years due to the danger, they drove through many small, rural villages as well as numerous army checkpoints. Payne shows slides of the road trip and talks about his experiences in Colombia. Payne—a professor of sociology at Central Lakes College and a Vietnam veteran—has spent the past 10 years documenting environmental destruction and human rights abuses in developing nations affected by U.S. covert activities, including Cuba, Peru and Mexico. Presentation in English.

1/19—IMMIGRATION ISSUES:  New U.S. anti-terrorism laws are making it harder for immigrants, both documented and undocumented, to lead regular lives. They are subject to suspicion and questioning both by authorities and in their everyday lives. A panel of representatives of various organizations dealing with issues surrounding immigration and immigrant rights speak about how the new policies are affecting immigrants and what their organizations are doing to aid and defend immigrants’ rights. Presentation in Spanish.

1/26—THE FIVE UNSPEAKABLES:  Since September 11, decreased civil liberties, stricter immigration laws, expanded presidential power and explosive patriotism have transformed the notion of what it means to be ‘American’ and the consequences of speaking out. Public debate has been extremely limited. Timothy Brennan, author, journalist and University of Minnesota professor of English, Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature, speaks about not only what has been suppressed in media coverage, but about the very notion of whether it is possible to be a dissident today. Brennan refers to what he calls the "five unspeakables:" 1) What the 9-11 attacks revealed about the U.S. economy; 2) Our overemphasis on religious explanations rather than on resistance to globalization; 3) Israel; 4) The connection to the Afghani drug trade; and 5) The role played by the last presidential election in the attack. Presentation in English.

RCTA programs are made possible in part with the support of the Minnesota Humanities Commission, in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Minnesota State Legislature.  
RCTA is also proud of our steady support from over 1600 members and individual contributors.    
In addition, RCTA education programs are specifically supported by grants from the following institutions: Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation, COMPAS, Foldcraft Foundation, General Mills Foundation, The Minneapolis Foundation, The Laura Jane Musser Fund, Pax Christi Parish, The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet, The St Paul Companies, St. Edward’s Parish, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community, St. Luke Presbyterian Church,The Church of St. John Neumann, and Transfiguration Catholic Church.

 

HOME / AMERICAS.ORG / CONTACT US
© 1995–2001 Resource Center of the Americas
SIGN UP / YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE / JOIN US!

SATURDAY MORNING STORYTIMES

TOP
A bilingual presentation for children and their parents. The program runs the first and third Saturday of the month. 10:30 a.m. Free. Bookstore of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 612-276-0801.

 

The first Saturday of each month: a story selected for children ages 5–9. Children of all ages welcome.

 

The third Saturday of each month: a story selected for children ages 2–6.  Children of all ages welcome.

 

THURSDAY NIGHT MOVIES

TOP
A weekly bilingual educational video and discussion with a built-in language exchange, enabling both native English and Spanish speakers to teach and learn from one another. Most movies have subtitles, so people at every language level can participate. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis. Come early for dinner in our café, and stop by our letter-writing table to contact government and corporate officials. Questions? Call Stacy Janisch at 612-276-0788 (ext 23). 

     FOOD, FLICKS AND FOREIGN POLICY

 

A weekly educational video and discussion. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls. Contact Stacy Janisch, sjanisch@americas.org, 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). Made possible with funding from the Minnesota Humanities Commission in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Minnesota State Legislature.

12/6—INCIDENT AT OGLALA
On June 26, 1975, two FBI agents die in a shootout with Native Americans on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota.  Of all the men charged in the case, only Leonard Peltier is found guilty.  Serving a life sentence, he insists the conviction was unjust.  This bold documentary explores the case’s disturbing irregularities. Directed by Michael Apted. 90 minutes. 1991. Film and discussion in English.

12/13—CUBA BY BICYCLE
Hopping on a bicycle, Jon Dicus spent last December careening illegally around Eastern Cuba. Dicus filmed his journey and has since turned the footage into a documentary with a broad view of Cuban culture. The film covers such issues as social conditions, art, music, dance, culture, politics, and U.S.-Cuban relations. Interviews with teachers, students, artists, farmers and many others reveal much about the reality of life in Cuba. One prevalent view revealed by Dicus’ footage is that of Cubans saying they care about the American people and know that the American people care about them. In light of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, they say they recognize that the people are not the same as the government in either country. Dicus, an RCTA member, is currently being fined and investigated by the U.S. government for having traveled to Cuba illegally. He tells his story and describes how the U.S. government is going after citizens who break the embargo. Screened at the Minneapolis Fringe Festival in August. Documentary. 46 minutes. 2001. English and Spanish with English subtitles.

1/ 17—BREAD AND ROSES: The Balance Of Power Is About To Change
This award-winning film is based on the real-life struggle of a group of non-union janitors in Los Angeles who made the decision to stand up and demand rights, fairness and a union in their workplace. Their story is told through the eyes of Maya, a quick-witted young Mexican woman who crosses the U.S. border without papers and makes her way to the Los Angeles home of her sister Rosa, who gets Maya a job as a janitor. There Maya and coworkers are subject to a supervisor who fires workers arbitrarily, plays on immigrants’ fears of deportation and enforces unsafe and unjust working conditions. When the local service-workers' union assigns organizer Sam Shapiro to bring its “Justice For Janitors” campaign to Maya’s building, the fireworks begin. With Pilar Padilla and Adrian Brody. Directed by Ken Loach. 110 minutes. 2000.  Film in English and Spanish with English subtitles.  Discussion in English.

1/31—BEFORE NIGHT FALLS
When asked why he writes, Reinaldo Arenas replied cheerfully, "Revenge." From serving prison time for his writing and his homosexuality in Castro’s homophobic Cuba, to becoming stateless and poverty-stricken in New York city, Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas (1943-1990) was an acclaimed artist who led an amazing life. The film is based on Arenas’ posthumously published memoir after his suicide death in 1990. Starting with his impoverished youth, the film follows Arenas as he joins Castro's rebels. By 1964 he is in Havana, where he uses openly gay behavior as a way to spite the government. His writing and homosexuality lead him to trouble and two years in a Cuban prison, where he manages to smuggle out a novel. He befriends Lázaro Gomes Garriles, with whom he lives stateless and in poverty in Manhattan after leaving Cuba in the Mariel boat-lift of 1980. Arenas battles AIDS and dies in 1990.  With Javier Bardem, Olivier Martinez and Johnny Depp. Directed by Julian Schnabel. 133 minutes. 2000. Film in English.

These films are made possible with funding from the Minnesota Humanities Commission in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Minnesota State Legislature.

 
RCTA programs are made possible in part with the support of the Minnesota Humanities Commission, in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Minnesota State Legislature.  
 RCTA is also proud of our steady support from over 1600 members and individual contributors.    
In addition, RCTA education programs are specifically supported by grants from the following institutions:
Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation, COMPAS, Foldcraft Foundation, General Mills Foundation, The Minneapolis Foundation, The Laura Jane Musser Fund, Pax Christi Parish, The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet, The St Paul Companies, St. Edward’s Parish, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community, St. Luke Presbyterian Church, The Church of St. John Neumann, and Transfiguration Catholic Church.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

TOP
Three groups meet monthly for book discussions in the Bookstore of the Americas, 3020 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis. All are free and open to anyone who comes. A group that reads in Spanish meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.; Antonio Martínez facilitates the discussion in Spanish (for more information, call 612-276-0788, ext. 23). The second group, reading in English, meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.; the participants facilitate the discussion, in English, on their own (for more information, call 612-276-0801). The third group meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:45 p.m. to discuss books about globalization (for more information, e-mail sachapeterson@yahoo.com). Purchase books for all groups in advance at the bookstore.

 

1/2—No hay grupo de discusión de libros español en enero. (No book group in Spanish in January.)

 

1/3—No book group in English in January.

 

1/16—THE NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO GLOBALIZATION. By Wayne Ellwood. 2001. Verso Books. $10. English.

 

2/6—ANDAMIOS.  This novel about an exile returning to his country after a 12-year absence deals with his need to reconcile his memories and hopes with the reality he finds. The story is filled with autobiographical elements. By Mario Benedetti. 1997. Santillana Publishing. $17.95. Spanish.

 

2/7—IN THE TIME OF THE BUTTERFLIES:  An extraordinary historical novel about the four Mirabel sisters, "Las Mariposas" or "The Butterflies," who in their varied ways tell both their own stories and the everyday horrors of life under the dictator Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. A brilliantly compelling and haunting novel. By Julia Alvarez. 1995. Plume Books. $12.95. English.

 

 

 

PAST BOOKS READ BY DISCUSSION GROUP IN SPANISH :

 

EL ALQUIMISTA: UNA FABULA PARA SEGUIR TUS SUEÑOS por Paulo Coelho

LA CASA EN MANGO STREET por Sandra Cisneros

CIUDAD REAL por Rosario Castellanos

NUESTRA SEÑORA DE SOLEDAD por Marcela Serrano

JUAN PÉREZ JOLOTE por Ricardo Pozas

CUENTOS MEXICANOS: ANTOLOGÍA por Sealtiel Alatriste

CARMEN LA COJA por Ana Castillo

SANTITOS por María Amparo Escandón

UN VIEJO QUE LÉIA NOVELAS DE AMOR por Luis Sepúlveda

 

PAST BOOKS READ BY DISCUSSION GROUP IN ENGLISH :

 

LAST STANDING WOMAN by Winona LaDuke

 A PLACE CALLED MILAGRO DE LA PAZ by Manlio Argueta (El Salvador)

 THE FARMING OF BONES by EdwidgeDanticat (Haiti)

 THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS by Rosario Castellanos (Mexico)

 PRISON WRITINGS: MY LIFE IS MY SUN DANCE by Leonard Peltier

 THE TREE OF RED STARS by Tessa Brida (Uruguay)

 SO FAR FROM GOD by Ana Castillo (Latina)

 THE HOUSE ON THE LAGOON by Rosario Ferré (Puerto Rico)

 THE LADIES' GALLERY by Irene Vilar (Puerto Rico)

 THE ALMANAC OF THE DEAD by Leslie Marmon Silko

 BLOOD OF REQUITED LOVE by Manuel Puig (Argentina)

 THE JAGUAR SMILE: A NICARAGUAN JOURNEY by Salman Rushdie (Nicaragua)

 THE PRESIDENT by Miguel Asturias (Guatemala)

BOOKSTORE THEME WEEKS

TOP
The Water Wars: Protests and Martial Law in Bolivia

4/2 – 4/28   Farmworkers’ Contribution to Chicana/o History

 

April is Chicana/o History Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and struggles of Chicanos and Chicanas, or people of Mexican descent born and/or living most their lives in the U.S.

One definitive element of the Chicana/o struggle over the last half century has been the struggle for farmworkers’ rights, which reached its peak of popularity in the 60’s-70’s, and carries on today. April also hosts the birth of Dolores Huerta (April 10, 1930) and the death of César Chávez, (April 23, 1993) two of the most prominent leaders of the farmworkers’ movement, and the anniversary of the United Farm Workers’ (UFW) strike on April 13, 1967, after growers signed an agreement with Teamsters.

4/30 – 5/12  Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Cinco de mayo (May 5th) commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in 1862 in which the Mexican army defeated invading French forces. While the battle was certainly a symbolic and moral victory, it was not the decisive battle in the war. In fact, Mexico did not defeat the French until 5 years later, in 1867. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday that pales in comparison with the September 16th Independence Day celebration. In the United States, many Mexican-Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo without knowledge of its historical significance, although some Mexican-Americans (Chicanos) have dedicated Cinco de Mayo as a time to celebrate and reaffirm the continuing struggle against all forms of discrimination, injustice and equality.

 

 

ART

TOP

Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Exhibits shown in basement and on second floor. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23) for more info.

11/30/01–2/5/02—Photo Exhibit: AT THE BARRICADES: IMAGES OF DISSENT
Christian Derdoski, Parker Haeg
A collection of photographs from international and local demonstrations against social injustice and globalization. Features more than 50 photographs (color and black and white). Focuses especially on the FTAA demonstrations in Quebec City, April 2001, as well as the KKK counter-rally in St. Paul, August 2001 and the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, August 2000.
(Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m.–4p.m.). 
 
HOME / AMERICAS.ORG / CONTACT US
© 1995–2001 Resource Center of the Americas
SIGN UP / YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE / JOIN US!

DAY BY DAY

TOP
Community Events

THURSDAY 12/13

RALLY-CANDLELIGHT MARCH PEACE: Students Against War holds a march for everyone committed to nonviolence. Muslim, Christian, nonbeliever, Jewish, etc. Meet at University of Minnesota West Bank Plaza for a short rally and share ideas from the diverse groups represented, and continue with a candlelight march though the surrounding community. 4:30 p.m. studentsagainstwar@yahoo.com. www.geocities.com/studentsagainstwar/index.html

FILM-CUBA BY BICYCLE: Hopping on a bicycle, Jon Dicus spent December 2000 careening around eastern Cuba. He filmed his journey and has turned the footage into a documentary with a broad view of Cuban culture. The film covers social conditions, art, music, dance, culture, politics, U.S.-Cuban relations and more. Interviews with teachers, students, artists, farmers and many others reveal much about Cuban life. Dicus, a Resource Center of the Americas member, faces a fine and investigation by the federal government for defying a U.S. ban on traveling to Cuba. He tells his story and screens the film, which debuted at the Minneapolis Fringe Festival in August. Documentary. 46 minutes. 2001. English and Spanish with English subtitles. This event continues a weekly Resource Center series of bilingual educational videos and discussions. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Come early for dinner in our café, and stop by our letter-writing table to contact government and corporate officials. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). sjanisch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

MEETING-MINNESOTA SOA WATCH: Some 200 Minnesotans were among 10,000 people who converged November 17-18 in Columbus, Georgia, calling for the closing of the Defense Department's Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, formerly known as the U.S. Army School of the Americas, which has trained thousands of human rights abusers. A U.S. House bill called HR1810 would close the school. Contact your representative through the Congressional switchboard, 202-224-3121, and ask him or her to join a list of 91 cosponsors. For more information, contact School of the Americas Watch at 202-234-3440 or www.soaw.org. Not yet on the cosponsor list are three Minnesota representatives: Gil Gutknecht (R) of Rochester, 202-225-2472, 507-252-9841, 800-862-8632, gil@mail.house.gov; Mark Kennedy (R) of Watertown, 202-225-2331, 800-453-9392, mark.kennedy@mail.house.gov; Jim Ramstad (R) of Minnetonka; 202-225-2871, 612-881-4600, mn03@mail.house.gov. Gutknecht and Ramstad have cosponsored past bills to close the school. The local group holds its monthly meeting tonight. 7 p.m. Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 612-276-0788 (ext. 12). www.circlevision.org/mnsoaw/nationalactions/soa2001/soa2001index.html.

SATURDAY 12/15

SLIDESHOW-COLOMBIA BY CAR: "Crazier than hell" is what photographer Dick Bancroft calls Gary Payne's August road trip through Colombia, a nation steeped in violent conflicts between guerrilla groups, paramilitaries, an official army, the U.S. war on drugs and Colombia's poor majority. Despite hostility toward U.S. citizens, Payne and his son Sayer drove 1,600 miles, mainly on back roads, for a firsthand look at the war. They saw what few foreigners have seen in recent years, visiting isolated villages and passing through numerous checkpoints. Payne, a sociologist at Central Lakes College in Brainerd and a Vietnam veteran, has spent 10 years documenting environmental destruction and human rights abuses in developing nations affected by U.S. covert activities, including Cuba, Peru and Mexico. He authored the cover story of this month's Connection to the Americas, the Resource Center of the Americas magazine. This morning he shows slides from the Colombia trip and recounts the experience. Presentation in English. This event continues the Resource Center "coffeehour" series, a presentation and discussion every Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m., at 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. $4 ($3 members). Free refills on fair-trade coffee. Join us a half-hour before and after each coffeehour for our activist letter-writing effort. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). sjanisch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

TALK-BILINGUAL STORYTIME: A presentation for children and their parents. On the first Saturday of the month, a story for ages 5-9 especially. On the third Saturday of the month, a story for ages 2-6. All ages welcome. 10:30 a.m. Free. Bookstore of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.

RALLY-STOP WAR ON AFGHANISTAN: Remind holiday shoppers of the U.S. war. Banners, antiwar Christmas carols and antiwar toys for kids. Coalition Against the War. Noon. Library Plaza, Lagoon and Hennepin Avenues in south Minneapolis. 612-872-0944, 612-827-5364

MONDAY 12/17

CELEBRATION-SUPPORT MINNESOTA MIGRANT FARMWORKERS: After traveling more than 1,500 miles from their winter homes in south Texas and northern Mexico, seven farmworkers return to Minnesota to give testimony to the National Labor Relations Board about how Chiquita Processed Foods in Owatanna intimidated and refused to rehire them after they organized for better working and living conditions, including higher salaries, hot water in housing units, a storm shelter and child-care facilities. This event, sponsored by Centro Campesino and the Centro de Derechos Laborales, shows support for justice and fairness for Minnesota's working families. Bring three sentences of support (handwritten or typed, Spanish or English) to say or deliver tonight. Donations to cover travel expenses and lawsuit costs gratefully accepted; make checks to Centro Campesino with "Worker Justice Fund" in the memo line. 7-8:15 p.m., Café of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Victor Contreras or Kathryn Gilje, 507-446-9599. migrante@rconnect.com.

WEDNESDAY 12/19

CONCERT-CARLOS DIAZ ENSEMBLE: "Songs of Urgency." Singer-songwriter Carlos Diaz is a classical guitar master who combines Latin American sound with jazz sensibility and a passion for social justice. Backed by some of area's most accomplished musicians. Diverse and meaningful songs in English and Spanish. $10. 9:30 p.m. Bryant-Lake Bowl, 810 W. Lake St., Minneapolis. www.bryantlakebowl.com.

SATURDAY 1/5

TALK-BILINGUAL STORYTIME: A presentation for children and their parents. On the first Saturday of the month, a story for ages 5-9 especially. On the third Saturday of the month, a story for ages 2-6 especially. All ages welcome. 10:30 a.m. Free. Bookstore of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.

FRIDAY 1/11

TALK-LIVING BETWEEN WORLDS: The Upper Pasión kingdom straddled the area between the resource-rich Guatemalan highlands and the powerful kingdoms of the Petén. Rulers of its dynasty, spanning the early to late classic periods, took advantage of its strategic position and became rich traders. Present investigations at Cancuen have uncovered one of the largest palaces in the Maya world and one of the only jade workshops in Mesoamerica. Brent Woodfill, a graduate student and field researcher at Vanderbilt University, speaks. Maya Society of Minnesota. Free. 7:30 p.m. Room 100E, Giddens Learning Center, Hamline University (corner of Snelling and Hewitt avenues), St. Paul. 651-523-2416, leven@gw.hamline.edu, www.angelfire.com/mn/MayaMN2. See 1/12.

SATURDAY 1/12

TALK-RITUAL AND POWER IN THE UPPER PASION KINGDOM: Woodfill (see 1/11) shares the excitement and challenge of the Upper Pasion Archaeological Cave Survey. A cluster of unlooted pyramidal hill-caves appears to have been a major ritual center, hosting pilgrimages from as far away as Tikal. Free to students, $10 for members, $20 for nonmembers. Coffee, juice and pastries. 9 a.m.-noon. Anthropology Lab (Room 6S, downstairs), Giddens.

WEDNESDAY 1/16

DISCUSSION-THE NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO GLOBALIZATION. By Wayne Ellwood. 2001. Verso. $10. The program continues a series of three monthly book discussions. A group that reads in Spanish meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. (Antonio Martínez facilitates their discussions, in Spanish). The second group, reading in English, meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. (the participants facilitate the discussion, in English, on their own). The third group, focusing on globalization, meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:45 p.m. (for more information, e-mail sachapeterson@yahoo.com). Purchase books in advance at Bookstore of the Americas. 3020 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis. Free. 612-276-0801.

THURSDAY 1/17

FILM-BREAD AND ROSES: This award-winning film, subtitled "The Balance of Power Is About to Change," is based on the real-life struggle of a group of unorganized Los Angeles janitors who decide to stand up and demand rights, fairness and a union in their workplace. Their story is told through the eyes of Maya, a quick-witted young Mexican immigrant who crosses the U.S. border without papers and makes her way to the Los Angeles home of her sister Rosa, who gets Maya a job as a janitor. Maya and coworkers struggle with a supervisor who fires workers arbitrarily, plays on deportation fears and enforces unsafe and unjust working conditions. When the Service Employees International Union assigns an organizer to bring the "Justice For Janitors" campaign to Maya's building, the fireworks begin. With Pilar Padilla and Adrian Brody. Directed by Ken Loach. 110 minutes. 2000. Film in English and Spanish with subtitles in both languages. Discussion in Spanish. This event continues a weekly Resource Center of the Americas series of bilingual educational videos and discussions. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Come early for dinner in our café, and stop by our letter-writing table to contact government and corporate officials. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). sjanisch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

SATURDAY 1/19

PANEL-ASUNTOS DE INMIGRACION: Las nuevas leyes antiterrorismo de Los Estados Unidos hace difícil la situación de los inmigrantes, tanto documentados como indocumentados, para llevar una vida regular. Estas personas son objeto de sospecha y son interrogados por las autoridades durante su vida diaria. Un panel de representantes de organizaciones que tratan el asunto concerniente a la inmigración y a los derechos de los inmigrantes, hablan acerca de cómo las nuevas normas afectan a los inmigrantes, y qué es lo que sus organizaciones están haciendo para ayudar y defender sus derechos. Presentación en español. IMMIGRATION ISSUES: New U.S. antiterrorism laws make it harder for immigrants, both documented and undocumented, to lead regular lives. Immigrants are subject to suspicion and questioning by authorities and others in their everyday lives. Representatives of organizations working for immigrant rights speak on how the new policies are affecting immigrants and what's happening in the community to defend immigrant rights. Presentation in Spanish. This event continues the Resource Center of the Americas "coffeehour" series, a presentation and discussion every Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m., at 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. $4 ($3 members). Free refills on fair-trade coffee. Join us a half-hour before and after each coffeehour for our activist letter-writing effort. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). sjanisch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

TALK-BILINGUAL STORYTIME: A presentation for children and their parents. On the first Saturday of the month, a story for ages 5-9 especially. On the third Saturday of the month, a story for ages 2-6 especially. All ages welcome. 10:30 a.m. Free. Bookstore of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.

THURSDAY 1/24

FILM-AMORES PERROS: Rejecting the civilities of society and living a beast-like existence with his dogs, among the ruins of civilization, El Chivo ("the Goat") mediates three stories. One takes place in the Mexican underclass, where survival depends on "illegal economies" such as dog-fighting and bank robbing, where bright young women are stifled and degraded by thoughtless pregnancies and brutal marriages, and where single mothers try to depend on shiftless sons for subsistence. The second story is the mirror opposite, the world of the media, celebrity, models, magazine editors, daytime TV, perfume advertising campaigns and bright apartments. El Chivo left one of these worlds for the other, but still negotiates the two through his search for a daughter he left as a toddler. With Emilio Echevarría and Gael García Bernal. Directed by Alejandro González Inarritu. 153 minutes. 2000. Film in Spanish with English subtitles. Discussion in Spanish. This event continues a weekly Resource Center of the Americas series of bilingual educational videos and discussions. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Come early for dinner in our café, and stop by our letter-writing table to contact government and corporate officials. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). sjanisch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

SATURDAY 1/26

TALK-THE FIVE UNSPEAKABLES: Since September 11, eroded civil liberties, stricter immigration controls, expanded presidential power and explosive patriotism have transformed what it means to be "American" and the consequences of speaking out. Public debate has been extremely limited. Timothy Brennan, a University of Minnesota professor of English, Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature, speaks on what has been suppressed in media coverage and on whether it's possible to be a dissident today. His "five unspeakables" include (1) what the September 11 attacks revealed about the U.S. economy, (2) an overemphasis on religious explanations rather than resistance to globalization, (3) Israel, (4) a connection to the Afghani drug trade and (5) the role of the last presidential election. Presentation in English. This event continues the Resource Center of the Americas "coffeehour" series, a presentation and discussion every Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m., at 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. $4 ($3 members). Free refills on fair-trade coffee. Join us a half-hour before and after each coffeehour for our activist letter-writing effort. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). sjanisch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

THURSDAY 1/31

FILM-BEFORE NIGHT FALLS: Asked why he writes, Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas replied cheerfully, "Revenge." The feeling came from serving two years in prison for his writing and his homosexuality in Fidel Castro's Cuba and from becoming stateless and poverty-stricken in New York City. The film is based on his posthumously published memoir after his AIDS battle and 1990 suicide. Starting with his impoverished youth, the film follows him as he joins Castro's rebels. By 1964 he is in Havana, using openly gay behavior to spite the government. In prison, he manages to smuggle out a novel. He befriends Lázaro Gomes Garriles, with whom he lives in Manhattan after leaving Cuba in the Mariel boat lift of 1980. With Javier Bardem, Olivier Martínez and Johnny Depp. Directed by Julian Schnabel. 133 minutes. 2000. Film and discussion in English. This event continues a weekly Resource Center of the Americas series of bilingual educational videos and discussions. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Come early for dinner in our café, and stop by our letter-writing table to contact government and corporate officials. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). sjanisch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

SATURDAY 2/2

TALK-COFFEEHOUR: This event continues the Resource Center of the Americas "coffeehour" series, a presentation and discussion every Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m., at 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. $4 ($3 members). Free refills on fair-trade coffee. Join us a half-hour before and after each coffeehour for our activist letter-writing effort. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). sjanisch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

TALK-BILINGUAL STORYTIME: A presentation for children and their parents. On the first Saturday of the month, a story for ages 5-9 especially. On the third Saturday of the month, a story for ages 2-6 especially. All ages welcome. 10:30 a.m. Free. Bookstore of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.

WEDNESDAY 2/6

DISCUSSION-ANDAMIOS. By Mario Benedetti. 1997. Santillana Publishing. $17.95. Spanish. The program continues a series of three monthly book discussions. A group that reads in Spanish meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. (Antonio Martínez facilitates their discussions, in Spanish). The second group, reading in English, meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. (the participants facilitate the discussion, in English, on their own). The third group, focusing on globalization, meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:45 p.m. (for more information, sachapeterson@yahoo.com). Purchase books in advance at Bookstore of the Americas. 3020 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis. Free. 612-276-0801.

THURSDAY 2/7

FILM: This event continues a weekly Resource Center of the Americas series of bilingual educational videos and discussions. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Come early for dinner in our café, and stop by our letter-writing table to contact government and corporate officials. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). sjanisch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

DISCUSSION-IN THE TIME OF THE BUTTERFLIES: An extraordinary historical novel about the four Mirabel sisters, "Las Mariposas" or "The Butterflies," who in their varied ways tell both their own stories and the everyday horrors of life under the dictator Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. A brilliantly compelling and haunting novel. By Julia Alvarez. 1995. Plume Books. $12.95. English. The program continues a series of three monthly book discussions. A group that reads in Spanish meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. (Antonio Martínez facilitates their discussions, in Spanish). The second group, reading in English, meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. (the participants facilitate the discussion, in English, on their own). The third group, focusing on globalization, meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:45 p.m. (for more information, e-mail sachapeterson@yahoo.com). Purchase books in advance at Bookstore of the Americas. 3020 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis. Free. 612-276-0801.

ONGOING

CLASSES-ESL FOR LATINO IMMIGRANT WORKERS: Centro de Derechos Laborales begins 10-week courses January 14. Beginners on Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. Intermediate on Monday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Saturday, 12-2 p.m. We also offer a drop-in class for students of any level Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. All classes free for Latino immigrant workers referred by Resource Center of the Americas members, unions, churches or community organizations. To register call Teresa Ortiz or Jorge Flores, 612-276-0788 (ext. 22 or 28). El curso de invierno de Inglés (ESL) para trabajadores latinos del Centro de Derechos Laborales, comenzará el 15 de enero con duración de 10 semanas. El horario de la clase de principiantes es lunes 6:30 a 8:30 p.m. y sábado 12 a 2 p.m. El horario de la clase de intermedio es miércoles 6:30 a 8:30 p.m. y sábado 12 a 2. Ofrecemos también una clase informal para alumnos de cualquier nivel los miércoles 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. Todas las clases son gratuitas para trabajadores latinos referidos por miembros del Centro de las Americas, de uniones o sindicatos, iglesias u organizaciones comunitarias. Para información e inscripción: llamar Teresa Ortiz o Jorge Flores al 612-276-0788 (ext. 22 o 28).

THEATER-A PUEBLO CHRISTMAS: Raúl Ramos, adapter and director of Teatro del Pueblo’s classic La Posada, is back with a new Latino holiday hit, a fresh look into immigrant challenges. Pancho must leave his fiancé Rosa in Mexico to go work in the United States. He promises to return a richer man. Then comes miscommunication, family pressure, stereotypes and myths surrounding “el Norte,” the effect of money has on an individual. One of Rosa’s Mexican admirers, meanwhile, takes advantage of the confusion and woos her. English with Spanish intermingling. December 14, 15, 16, 22, 23; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. $17 adults, $14 students, $10 children and seniors. Tickets: 612-343-3390. Information: 651-224-8806. E.M. Pearson Theater, Concordia College, 312 N. Hamline Ave. (near I-94), St. Paul.

FILM-LIFE AND DEBT: A powerful documentary views globalized Jamaica, a country devastated by transnational corporations and “free trade” policies. Workers toil under unthinkable conditions for less than a dollar a day. Film merges political acuteness with artful technique. Winner of Best Documentary at L.A. Film Festival. Opened a Human Rights Watch Film Festival in New York. Directed by Stephanie Black with narration written by Jamaica Kincaid, based on her book A Small Place. $7 ($4.50 for students and seniors). January 11-17. 7:30 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. Resource Center of the Americas staffs a table at the screenings on Friday and Saturday. Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St. SE., Minneapolis. 612-331-3134. 612-276-0788 (ext. 31).

CLASSES-SPANISH, PORTUGUESE, MORE: Beginning in mid-January, eight levels of Spanish for adults, Spanish for preschoolers, Spanish for ages 6-10, Intermediate Portuguese, two levels of Latin dance, Chiapas for Beginners, Sustainable Living, Spanish for Health Care Workers, Many Faces of Mexico and Creating Tile Mosaics. In the mosaic class, taught by two of the artists who led our mural project this summer, participants will create their own mosaic. Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. If you haven’t received a class brochure in the mail, call 612-276-0788 or visit www.americas.org.

PROTEST-AFTER ANY U.S. MILITARY ESCALATION: Women Against Military Madness (612-827-5364) and the Anti-War Committee (612-872-0944) protest nonviolently at the Federal Building in downtown Minneapolis at 4th Street and 4th Avenue. The escalation might include a mobilization of regular ground troops or the war’s expansion to another nation. If the news arrives before noon, the protest occurs that day at 4:30 p.m.; if the news comes later, the protest occurs the next day at 4:30 p.m. 612-827-5364. www.worldwidewamm.org.

SALE-BOOKS AND FAIR-TRADE CRAFTS: The annual Bookstore of the Americas sale of books (English, Spanish and bilingual) and fair-trade crafts, including quilts, arpilleras, copper work, wood carvings, pottery and more, from countries across the hemisphere. Plus holiday cards and 2002 calendars. Proceeds support the artists and human rights work. Through December 30 (closed Sundays and December 25). Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; December 24 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.

THEATER-LA BEFANA: The beloved tale of the Italian gift giver and her journey in search of the holy child returns, using big and little puppets, a live musical ensemble, dozens of local artists and neighborhood children. Directed by Sandy Spieler. Through December 23. Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $17 adults; $12 children. In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, 1500 E. Lake St., Minneapolis. 612-721-2535. www.hobt.org.

PROTEST-TWIN CITIES COALITION TO LIFT THE SANCTIONS (ON IRAQ): Protest every Wednesday, 5-6 p.m., on the bridge connecting Lake Street and Marshall Avenue.

VIGIL-MINNESOTA JEWS FOR A JUST PEACE: Nonviolent U.S. response every Friday, 5-6 p.m., at Summit and Snelling avenues in St. Paul.

VIGIL-ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS: Alliant Action protests every Wednesday, 7-8 a.m., at this military weapons producer. Alliant Techsystems, 5050 Lincoln Drive, Edina. 651-698-9352. www.circlevision.org.

EXHIBIT-AT THE BARRICADES: IMAGES OF DISSENT: Twin Cities photographers Christian Derdoski and Parker Haeg are exhibiting at the Resource Center of the Americas through December. The collection includes images from international and local protests against globalization and social injustice, from the Summit of the Americas in Quebec in April, to the counter-KKK rally in St. Paul and the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, both in August. Through December. (Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Resource Center, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 612-276-0788. www.americas.org.

MEETING-SPANISH-SPEAKING TOASTMASTERS: Club meets on the second, third and fourth Saturday of the month. Guests welcome. Improve your Spanish. Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 651-415-0791.

EXHIBIT-SALUDOS PARA TI: An art show features serene plazas, cool colonial fountains, prominent arches and vibrant cobblestone streets in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Through December 14. Monday-Friday, 3-5 p.m. Centro Inc., 1915 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis. A portion of the sales go to Centro Inc., a nonprofit organization providing health and social services to the Latino community. www.saludosparati.com.

ROAD TRIPS

None.

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

RETHINKING SCHOOLS: Managing editor of the nation’s leading progressive educational periodical. Apply by December 15 to 1001 E. Keefe Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212, 414-964-9646, rsonline@execpc.com. www.rethinkingschools.org.

SOA WATCH: School of the Americas Watch seeks full-time legislative director for national office in Washington D.C. Résumé and letter by January 4 to SOA Watch LD Search Committee, P.O. Box 4566, Washington D.C. 20017.

OPPORTUNITIES

RESOURCE CENTER BOARD: The Resource Center of the Americas seeks candidates for its board of directors. Only a few seats open for new terms beginning in late January. Two-year commitment. Board members play an active and essential role in the organization, taking responsibility for fiscal and policy decisions. Especially seeking people with financial and organizational management skills and people with strong links to the Latino community. Contact Pam Costain, 612-276-0788, pcostain@americas.org. www.americas.org.

CAFÉ OF THE AMERICAS: Seeks a compact-disc player to replace a disc-eating monster and we need a laptop computer capable of processing spreadsheets and e-mail. Donations of new or used equipment count as charitable contributions on tax forms. Call 612-276-0803.

ESL VOLUNTEERS: Help teach English to adult immigrants and refugees. Locations throughout Minnesota. Training provided. 1-800-222-1990. www.themlc.org.

SAVE NATURE, NOT THE STOCK MARKET: Organic seed gardens to restore and defend the health, natural food and medicinal herbs in South America. Creative folks wanted for unique efforts. Leave a brief note with contact information with Resource Center of the Americas staff member Rosita Balch, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis.

MISSED AMY GOODMAN? The host of Pacifica Radio’s “Democracy Now!” delivered a riveting speech June 9 to a packed house at First Unitarian Society to benefit the Resource Center of the Americas. Hear a RealAudio version of the talk at http://twincities.indymedia.org (search for “Goodman”).

VOLUNTEER TRANSLATORS NEEDED: Minnesota Friends of the Orphans, a nonprofit fundraiser for orphan homes in Mexico and Latin America, needs volunteers to translate letters from sponsors for Spanish-speaking children. The letters provide emotional support for the children and are great practice for advanced Spanish students. Translate at home and mail or e-mail the work. Tamara Downs, tdowns@friendsmn.org, 651-482-1703.

BIG BROTHERS AND SISTERS: Volunteer at La Oportunidad as a big brother or big sister to a Latino child. La Oportunidad works with Latino families and children who've experienced domestic abuse. Michael Juárez, 612-381-2675, mjuarez@bbbsmpls.org.

STORY READERS NEEDED: Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library seeks bilingual individuals to conduct weekly children's story times at branch libraries. Compensation available. Katherine J. Werner, 651-690-2419.

ENCUENTRO LATINO: The Resource Center of the Americas has updated its Encuentro Latino program, which introduces high school and college students to the area’s rapidly growing Spanish-speaking population, including talks with immigrant community leaders. We especially recommend it for Spanish language classes. To schedule one, contact Rosita, 612-276-0788 (ext. 10), rbalch@americas.org. www.americas.org.

YOUTH FOR UNDERSTANDING: Since its 1951 founding, more than 200,000 high school students have taken part in a global experience. Program offerings in 37 countries include academic year, semester and summer programs. Students live with a host family. Nonprofit. Students interested in traveling, and adults interested in hosting a YFU international student, call 1-800-872-0200. www.youthforunderstanding.org.

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS: The Resource Center of the Americas’ Penny Lernoux Library needs help making duplicates of videos unavailable for purchase anywhere. Mary Swenson, 612-276-0788 (ext. 12), mswenson@americas.org.

MINNESOTA MEN OF COLOR: The group celebrates cultural and sexual identities, serving as a unified social and political voice, and providing STD risk-reduction education, street and environmental outreach, resource referrals, community-building resources, and coordination of volunteer and internship efforts to men of color, including Chicanos and Latinos, who have sex with men or identify as gay, bisexual or transgender. To get involved, contact Brandon Lacy Campos, 612-871-1788.

.

 

TOP
Community Events

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Resource Center of the Americas publicizes community announcements (events, job postings, travel opportunities, etc.) through AMERICAS.ORG, our monthly magazine Connection to the Americas, a monthly e-mail publication to 600 local subscribers and a monthly fax broadcast to 80 local groups and media outlets.

We print roughly 2,200 copies of each Connection. Of these, 1,500 go in the mail to the households and organizations that constitute our membership. Most of these are in the Twin Cities. The Connection arrives near the beginning of the month that appears on the top of each page.

We reserve the space for nonprofit organizations consistent with our human rights mission. We prioritize items addressing Latin America, the Caribbean, U.S. Latinos, immigration, human rights, sweatshops, the global economy, mutually beneficial travel and child labor. We prioritize one-time and ongoing events in the Twin Cities area. We often have room, additionally, to announce jobs, internships, travel opportunities, volunteer opportunities, out-of-town events and events requiring advance notice.

The deadline is the 20th of the month preceding each edition. We publish the newsletter 10 times a year (monthly except for combined editions in July-August and December-January). Examples: The deadline for the November edition is October 20, and the deadline for the December-January edition is November 20.

E-mail up to 100 words to calendar@americas.org. If that’s not possible, fax the information to the “Calendar Editor” at 612-276-0898, or snail mail it to “Calendar Editor,” Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406. We do not charge for publishing a listing.

To illustrate the text, we often have room in the Connection for an image such as a photograph. We prefer digital images over prints. E-mail a JPEG of at least 300 dots per inch to calendar@americas.org. Make sure the file has the appropriate extension (*.JPG). Include the photographer’s name and any details necessary for a caption.

Thanks.

 

 
 
HOME / AMERICAS.ORG / CONTACT US
© 1995–2001 Resource Center of the Americas
SIGN UP / YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE / JOIN US!