The third Monday in January is reserved to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is the only federal holiday formally recognized as a national day of service, “a day on, not a day off.” In the spirit of listening and thinking first, people are warmly encouraged to study the works of King, and to devote time to serious reflection on how we will endeavor toward a healthier, more just world for all. Here are some ways you can learn about and advance his legacy.
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Election Day 2022 – November 8th is upon us! Many of you may have already voted. Here are some resources to help you make the best decisions for you.
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When I think of Juneteenth, I see one hard-won step on a very long journey. May we continue to climb that mountain and reach a higher place. Photo by Hillie Chan on Unsplash
This second official Juneteenth happens to fall on Father’s Day. I find that fitting somehow, as I pause to consider what it means to be a good man and to give gratitude for all who father.
The official site for Juneteenth is here. It commemorates that July 19th day in 1865, 2-1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation and over a month after the last battle of that hard, bloody war, when the last black american slaves in Galveston, TX were finally set free.
The date has been celebrated in black communities for years with street fairs, parades, concerts, and prayer. In 2021 it was finally, recognized as a federal holiday. It is good to see the growing acknowledgment and honoring of its significance among broader communities through events and such. Some are listed here in the LI Press . Others are in this piece from News12 LI.
Of course, being forcibly set free and actually realizing the stated promise of this nation are two different things. Another good way to honor this day is to study history, both before and after that day, and to reflect on how, while Juneteenth itself recalls a moment of triumph worthy of celebration, it was just one hard-won step on an ongoing journey toward “a more perfect union,” and far from the end of disparity in the treatment of human beings.
I am grateful to all who have given their best to advance civil rights and to create a more just world. May we honor ongoing endeavors to more fully realize the acknowledgment and admonishment entailed by our nation’s Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
One local organization focused on just that is ERASE Racism. Here, in their most recent newsletter they ask how folks are celebrating Juneteenth, share some of what they offer and are focused on, and offer a wealth of diverse and broader resources for exploration.
Check it out
Grand Openings of Wonderful Things! Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash
The third Monday in January is reserved to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is the only federal holiday formally recognized as a national day of service, “a day on, not a day off.” In the spirit of listening and thinking first, people are warmly encouraged to study the works of King, and to devote time to serious reflection on how we will endeavor toward a healthier, more just world for all. Here are some ways you can learn about and advance his legacy.
Continue reading
The Fair Media Council “bridges the gap between the news consumer and the news media.” They help us all better understand what good journalism means, and why it’s so important. They are huge advocates for the incredible importance of LOCAL news. Check out some of their upcoming:
LIVE ONLINE WORKSHOP: “Designing Your Marketing Mix” Tues, Nov. 16, 10-11 a.m Featuring Melissa Connolly, Vice President, University Relations, Hofstra University
FMC FAST CHATS: “Be in the know in 30 minutes.” Ask Your Questions. These are fantastic….They’re only a year old and they’ve already earned two awards. Here are the upcoming:
Political Polarization: Can’t We All Just Get Along? Fri, Nov. 19, 10am Featuring Renowned Expert Peter T. Coleman, Ph.D., Director, Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation & Conflict Resolution Columbia University
America’s Internet Addiction: What Now? Tues, Nov. 30, 2pm Featuring Dr. David Greenfield, founder, The Center for Internet & Technology Addiction
JOB ALERT: Freelance Guest Booker FMC seeks an experienced guest booker for podcasts and events. News background a plus. Send inquiries to info@fairmediacouncil.org
LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE: to their informative YouTube Channel and Newsletter.
BECOME A MEMBER: The cause is really important. The privileges are fantastic.
They’re also looking for speakers, sponsors and folks who want to get involved and/or bring FMC programming into their organization: Email info@fairmediacouncil.org to inquire. Leaders in media and business who would apply to be a guest on FMC Fast Chat should inquiries to bookings@fairmediacouncil.org
Photo of Gus with Eagle Scouts from Syosset Troop 205 by Katheryn Laible
Speaking of Veteran Testimonials…we remain eternally grateful for getting to document this one. Over and again we read it, realizing something new each time. We miss you, Gus.
There will be more about Gus when the website launches. We also look forward to being able to once again share a timeless and invaluable piece by another favorite veteran, Dave Vollmer, Lt Col USAF (ret,), PhD, on what it means to be a good leader.
Can’t say it enough: These in-depth interviews hosted by Eric Alexander featuring a broad range of local leaders are fantastic. Learn and get inspired by these amazing Long Island community members….We do!
Honestly, like they always seem to, the good folks of Vision Long Island have done an incredible job of turning the challenges of the COVID-19 era into new opportunities to highlight people making a huge difference in our communities, and generally helping those folks wrap their heads around the challenges and opportunities of today.
Still. We’ve REALLY missed being able to see these folks in person. We are so excited that the Smart Growth Summit is being held November 17-19, 2021 and will have an in-person component on the final day!
Check out their website for details and get on their email list!
The 2020 Census affects how much federal dollars our region will receive for the next decade. Long Island already pays a lot more in taxes to the Federal Government than it gets back. Undercounts make that worse!!! Plus, this impacts all sorts of planning, at all levels. PLEASE GET COUNTED AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE EXPLAINING WHY, Especially with folks who reach folks in traditionally undercounted demographics..
A simple message the Health and Welfare Council of LI hopes you will share is this:
You may also share the Health & Welfare Council’s Long Island Counts video,
To track your community’s response rate, you can visit the following map.
This is really important. The pandemic makes the work to help make sure it happens a lot harder. Your support helps! Thank you!
Photo by Rinck Content Studio on Unsplash
“To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.” ~Phyllis Theroux
Truthfully, ever since Sandy we have had a special fondness for the mailman. At that time, we weren’t sure how ANYTHING could EVER get down a road blocked on both sides with trees. STILL the US Mail came, exceeding expectations of the old credo, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
Still, we must admit it: Holiday time is overwhelming. We struggle to send traditional cards. We just about gave up this year.
Then, an amazing local artist made us realize we were letting something really valuable go. We are committed to starting earlier next year.
Now, even more, we are remembering the deep joy of the U. S. Postal service — How special is it that we can send our handwritten love just by putting a stickered envelope in the box outside our door?
Ordering online, we remember the beauty and meaning of stamps. We’re thinking of adding to old collections!
as our children send cards of love and little treats
dear friends mail us beautiful, handmade masks
care packages come from a Mom
and beautiful, locally crafted cards fly home.
