Author: Co-Directors

  • Come listen to the experiences of four formerly incarnated people

  • 2023 ICPJ Harvest Dinner

    Register Here ~ All Are Welcome!

    During the Harvest Dinner, we will honor community leaders who live the values of ICPJ and work toward our collective vision. Please join us to honor Alex Thomas, Fed Up Ministries, Anna Lemler, Ann Arbor for Public Power, and the Graduate Employees’ Organization.

    Together – with a clear vision toward racial and economic justice, working across generations, on a variety of issues, with multi-dimensional approaches – we are a strong collective voice for the just transformation that our communities and planet urgently need.

    Our gracious emcee for the evening will be Pastor Jeffery Harrold from New Beginnings Community Church

    We will share a delicious meal provided by Shrimp Flavours Indian Cuisine

    As we settle in, we have two amazing artists to share with us…

    Poetry offered by ICPJ Board Member Leslie McGraw

    Musical Artist Baddie Brooks
    Baddie Brooks Facebook

    During the Harvest Dinner, we will honor community leaders who live the values of ICPJ and work toward our collective vision. Please join us to honor Alex Thomas, Fed Up Ministries, Anna Lemler, Ann Arbor for Public Power (A2P2), and the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO).

    2023 Peace & Justice Honoree
    Alex Thomas

    Alex Thomas grew up in West Willow, Ypsilanti Township. As a Community Advocate, Alex supports residents struggling with housing, mental health, and substance use disorder. He also provides thought-provoking leadership and advocacy on critical local policy discussions.

    Peace & Justice Network Organization of the Year
    Fed Up Ministries

    FedUp Ministries serves good, healthy, food truck style food with dignity to communities that are food insecure and economically exploited by unjust racial and economic systems in the United States. Founded by an ELCA pastor, FedUp seeks to blur the lines between faith and food justice.

    Anti-Racist Advocate Award
    Anna Lemler

    In addition to years of community organizing, Anna Lemler served the facilitator and a co-founder for an abolitionist alternative to police program, the first of its kind in Michigan, called Care-Based Safety (CBS). This work included year-long meetings with a group of community leaders, 18 community co-creation sessions with 100 participants, and hiring two co-directors. Anna serves the community as a somatic coach and facilitation consultant.

    Emergent Leader Award
    Ann Arbor for Public Power (A2P2) 

    Ann Arbor for Public Power is a grassroots coalition advocating for Renewable, Reliable, and Affordable Electricity in Ann Arbor.

    Network Weaver Award
    Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO)

    GEO is the union of graduate instructors and staff assistants at the University of Michigan, AFT-3550.

  • Support the Farm Bill!

    Support the Farm Bill!

    It’s a Farm Bill year, which means legislators are diligently working on a bill that impacts what food is grown in the US, how it is produced, the livelihoods of those who grow it, and the health of those who consume it. And you have the power to shape it!

    The House and Senate Agriculture Committees are in the throws of drafting their own versions of the Farm Bill, after which the full House and Senate will vote on the drafts. That means that now is the time to contact your Members of Congress and tell them to vote for a climate forward, racially just, and fair Farm Bill. 

    In case you’re not familiar with it, the Farm Bill is an important piece of legislation that supports: 1) programs for farmers and their production of food, and 2) programs that address hunger and malnutrition in our communities. It is reauthorized roughly every five years. Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow is in the powerful position of chairing the Senate Agriculture Committee.

    HERE ARE TWO WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT 

    RACIAL JUSTICE AND CLIMATE ACTION IN THE FARM BILL

    1. Racial Justice: This bill, called Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act (LASO) (H.R.3955, S.2340) is trying to make funding from an American Rescue Plan Act program permanent in the Farm Bill, which would provide land, capital and market access to beginning and BIPOC farmers. Here’s a quick action you can take to support this bill.

    (NOTE: Lots of specific smaller bills like this will eventually make up the final Farm Bill.)

    2. Climate Action: Email or call your Senators and Representative and ask them to make both increased funding and a climate focus a permanent part of working lands conservation programs. This would be the single most important victory for conservation farming in this Farm Bill if it was included!

    Background/talking points:

    • Last year as part of the IRS, Congress provided a long-overdue infusion of funding for popular working lands conservation programs. This historic investment will mean USDA can begin to meet the huge farmer demand for voluntary conservation, and that sustainable farmers across the country will have a real shot at accessing working lands conservation programs to help them implement conservation practices. We must be sure (1) this isn’t reversed; (2) the same level of funding is allocated in the Farm Bill.
    • This is an unequivocal win for farmers and the planet. Many conservation practices that mitigate greenhouse gasses also help address water quality and wildlife habitat concerns, and can even lead to greater profitability on farms.

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    FOR MICHIGAN SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES

    Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI), https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/contact, 

    DC Phone: (202) 224-4822
    Senator Gary Peters (MI), https://www.peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary  

    DC Phone: (202) 224-6221
    District 12: Representative Debbie Dingell https://debbiedingell.house.gov/contact/  Ypsilanti Office: (734) 481-1100.

  • Winter 2018 Newsletter

    Cover of ICPJ 2018 Newsletter

    The 2018 ICPJ Winter Newsletter is available for download. Check it out for a report back from the 2018 Facing Race Conference, updates on Congregational Sanctuary, human rights organizing for immigrant youth, and much more.

    2018 Winter Newsletter finalDownload

  • Thank You

    Thank you.

    I am so proudly grateful for what you and the whole ICPJ community do to:

    • Train up the next generation of activists
    • Speak out against injustice
    • Provide sanctuary in the face on unjust deportation orders
    • Change minds, change hearts, and change policies
    • Care for the Earth
    • Bring people together
    • Speak out against Islamophobia

    And so much more.

    Thank you for making the world a better place.

  • Local Man on Life Support, Facing Deportation, Enters Sanctuary

    Mohamed Soumah, a 44-year-old man from the West African former French colony of Guinea-Conakry who has been threatened by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immediate deportation, has taken sanctuary in Ann Arbor Friends Meeting House (Quakers).  Mohamed, who has been living and working in the United States for fifteen years, suffers from a serious, life-threatening disease that requires ongoing medical attention. According to his physician, he is essentially on life support.  His home country lacks adequate facilities for this kind of care, so returning there would be a death sentence.  His mother, who suffered the same hereditary condition, died there due to inadequate treatment.  The average per capita income in Guinea is $825/year, and average life expectancy is 52 years. The United Nations Development Program ranks Guinea 175th of 189 countries included in the Human Development Index rankings.

    Press Release – 31 October 2018

    Press Advisory – 31 October 2018

    How you can help:

    • Volunteer to provide support: A volunteer training will take place on Sunday, November 11 at 1pm at the Ann Arbor Friends Meeting, 1420 Hill Street.
    • Donate to  Washtenaw Congregational Sanctuary to Mohamed and build a sanctuary network for others facing unjust deportations
    • Advocate to the ICE Detroit Field Office to give Mohamed Soumah a stay of removal for medical reasons as the medical facilities in his home country are inadequate to provide him the lifesaving care he needs. Contact  Detroit.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov.
    • Advocate for more humane immigration policies. One way to do that is to submit a public comment opposing President Trump’s proposed change to the Public Charge Rule, will make immigrant families afraid to access essential health, nutrition and shelter programs. Learn more at ProtectingImmigrantFamilies.org

  • ICPJ Statement on Immigration

    Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice unequivocally stands with our immigrant sisters and
    brothers throughout the United States and with our immigrant neighbors in Washtenaw County.
    Our advocacy and our work with immigrants moves us to speak out and act for justice for our
    neighbors:

    There is a U.S. migration policy disaster, not a migration crisis. Contrary to the impression
    created by xenophobic rhetoric, apprehensions of migrants at the southern border were down
    44% in 2017, and net migration from Mexico has been negative since 2008 as more Mexicans
    are leaving the United States than entering. The foreign-born population (documented and
    undocumented) is about 13% in the United States, a smaller proportion than at the peak in 1890
    and less than many other countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and
    Germany. (more…)

  • One Human Family Yard Signs and Banners

    What can we do in the face of the growing anti-Muslim and anti-Refugee rhetoric in the US?  We can speak out for inclusion!

    The Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice and Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County  launched the One Human Family campaign in 2016 to mobilize religious and community voices to say NO to hate and fear-mongering and YES to inclusion and welcoming.

    Show your support by ordering your yard sign or banner here today!

  • LGBTQ rights are human rights policy statement

    The Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice (ICPJ) has issued a statement that clarifies our recognition and support of the human rights of LGBTQ+ people. ICPJ roots our peace and justice work in the belief that all people are deserving of human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom from violence and poverty, and ICPJ therefore believes that it is important to clarify that those rights apply to all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

    As an interfaith coalition organization, ICPJ has always been mindful of the importance of respecting all of our coalition partners so that we can most effectively create change. The policy statement below was developed with feedback from community and congregational leaders from across the ICPJ coalition.

    Statement on Universal Human Rights and Inclusion of Community Partners

    Approved by the ICPJ Board of Directors June 29, 2016

    The Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice strives to bring about greater peace and justice by working across many different faiths and philosophies. Although religions may differ in specific teachings, we believe that all the faith groups ICPJ works with are grounded in an enduring respect for human life and dignity. As such, ICPJ roots our peace and justice work in a commitment to universal application of human rights. We model our understanding on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights established in 1948.

    ICPJ affirms that all human beings are equally entitled to basic human rights including but not limited to: dignity, freedom of expression, freedom from violence and threats of violence, and access to health, education, housing, employment, and commercial goods and services. We recognize that these human rights apply to all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, sex, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, economic status, ability status, religious beliefs, or political beliefs.

    ICPJ celebrates the important work happening in Washtenaw County and beyond to strive towards a vision of greater peace and justice. Although we each may differ in how we seek to achieve this vision, we know that as activists, community organizations, and faith groups, we are stronger together than we are apart. ICPJ will continue to work towards peace and justice with all those who share our enduring, foundational belief in human life and dignity.

  • Area Faith Leaders Issue Forum Statement on Policing and Racial Justice

    Over fifty Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti faith leaders issued a Statement on Policing and Racial Justice below. To sign up use the form at the right, or contact Rev. Jeff Harrold at revharrold@gmail.com, or 734-353-2527.

    Statement on Policing and Racial Justice

    “…What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

    As a county-wide, inter-faith advocacy effort with a faith-inspired platform that fosters mutual respect and effectiveness, we are compelled to mobilize and speak up for justice and equality. In particular, we believe that there is a great need for the leaders of faith to speak to the systemic racial injustice that is experienced by many in our communities. Our obligation is to speak up whenever anyone is treated unjustly for as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said: “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (more…)

  • Practicing Restorative Justice in the Schools

    Coachgoins

    RESTORING JUSTICE

    Making Things Right: Victim-offender Conferencing

    Practicing Restorative Justice in the Schools

    Restoring Justice: Peacemaking Court Project

     

    When the Ypsilanti and Willow Run Community School Districts consolidated on July 1, 2013, the administration and staff made a fundamental commitment to do things differently.  They decided to take a “restorative” approach to discipline and to creating a sense of community.

    In late August staff received training from the International Institute of Restorative Practices to learn how to teach students to own and accept responsibility for what they did wrong, and to be an active part of the solution to make things right. In January Ypsilanti Community Schools became the first school district in the state to take the “Solutions Not Suspensions” pledge to support restorative justice and other positive forms of discipline that keep students in the classroom.

    “We can’t do things the same way and expect different results,” said Justin Jennings, principal of Ypsilanti Community High School. “We need kids who have empathy and care. It doesn’t matter whether they’re black or white. The kids need to hear that we love them.”

    Since 2012 The Dispute Resolution Center, (DRC) which serves Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, has partnered with Ypsilanti Community High School to develop a peer mediation program and provide conflict resolution services the Restorative Center.  The center is a welcoming place where students can develop skills to peacefully resolve conflict. Over 66 days of suspension have been averted at Ypsilanti Community High School from September 2013 through January, 2014 through restorative circles and conferences facilitated by DRC staff and volunteers. (more…)

  • Public Transit

    Help ICPJ Promote Better Public Transit!

    We want to hear from you about the importance of a better public transit system in Washtenaw County! (Read more about  “Why Public Transit?”)

    ICPJ’s Racial and Economic Justice Task Force, in collaboration with Partners for Transit and other local groups, is currently working to promote public transit in Washtenaw County that is sufficient and available for all who need it. Our first step is to collect Transit Testimonials from community members. We want to hear from Washtenaw County residents what you want in a public transit system.

    Take the 2-minute survey to share your Transit Testimonial and help us make better public transit a reality! (You can also download a copy of the survey to print or share with others.) Check back for updates on this campaign!

    UPDATES ON TRANSIT ISSUES:

    • Wed., June 17th, 2009 –Arborland shopping center terminates AATA contract effective July 1st!  CALL TO ACTION – As advocates for a greener and more transit accessible Ann Arbor, we need to tell Arborland owners that this is a step in the wrong direction. Background: AATA and Arborland have been attempting to resolve conflicts over commuters’ parking for a while; now, Arborland has decided to cut the contract. AATA is looking to establish a new stop nearby, but this issue raises a bigger question: How can we work together with the local business community to make Ann Arbor a more pedestrian and transit freindly city where people of all ages, abilities, and incomes can get where they need to go? Read more about this issue at The getDowntown Blog, Arbor Update, and the Ann Arbor News.