|
Class Action
August 2007 E-news
1. Race/Class Intersections Program Begins
2. Summer Interns in Action and on Air
3. Books & Films of the Month: Sizzling Staff Picks
4. Action of the Month
5. August Survey Question
6. Class Action on the Move
7. Folk Fundraising Concert in the Plans
1. Race/Class Intersections Program Begins
Help us welcome Rhonda Soto, Class Action’s new Race/Class Intersections Program Coordinator. Rhonda knows how important and challenging the work is to build awareness around issues of race and class, specifically what it can mean to a low income person of color. Her long-standing interest in social justice has led her to become a vocal advocate, trainer, and consultant around issues of diversity, including facilitating workshops for teachers who serve a diverse population of students. Read more…
E-mail Rhonda to share your experiences with race/class intersections or call her at 413 585 9709, ext. 206.
2. Summer Interns in Action and on Air
Summer interns Matt Bannish, Rachel Rybaczuk and Zoe Greenberg bring new energy and ideas to Class Action.
The Roosevelt Institution selected the idea Rybaczuk submitted for a Wealth-Blind Admissions Campaign as one of its “25 Ideas for Socio-Economic Diversity in Higher Education.” She encourages pressing higher education institutions to adopt “wealth blind” admissions policies that admit students based on merit, not based on legacy, family wealth, or celebrity status. Rachel is laying the groundwork this summer and Class Action is raising funds to launch this campaign as soon as possible. Click here to read more.
Zoe Greenberg, creator of the film Enough is helping to develop new curriculum to use with the film. Her insightful review of Harry Potter and The Glass Castle may be found in our summer sizzling films and fiction. Her recent media coverage includes the Jewish Exponent and a radio interview with local talk radio host Bill Dwight invited Felice Yeskel and Zoe Greenberg to join him on air.
Fall internships offer opportunities to work on Class Action’s program, fundraising and administration. Contact Sarah Reid for more information.
3. Book of the Month: Staff Picks
Books & Films of the Month: Sizzling Staff Picks
Take in some new perspectives on class while you take a break from the summer heat. Class Action staff suggest a few of our favorites for reading and viewing.
Cool down at the library with a good book, escape into an air-conditioned movie theater or spend an afternoon reading on the beach.
Films
Click on the title below to read the full review.
Spanglish Reviewed by Rhonda Soto, Race/Class Intersections Coordinator
Find in contemporary commentary on race and class – as well as a few laughs – in Spanglish.
Harry Potter Reviewed by Zoe Greenberg, intern and director of Enough
As you travel into the magical world of Muggles and Wizards, consider Greenberg’s take on its class commentary.
Fiction
Saving The World, by Julia Alvarez. Reviewed by Dawn Faucher, Inspiring Action Campaign Coordinator
A page-turner filled with suspense, romance, inspiration, idealism and psychological drama weaving the stories of two Latinas, one an unsung hero from the Spanish expedition of 1803 and the other in the 21st century United States.
You Shall Know Our Velocity! by David Eggers. Reviewed by Matt Bannish, summer intern
A continent-crossing journey to give away $80,000 and to unload a deep sense of guilt.
Memoirs
The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls. Reviewed by Zoe Greenberg, intern and director of Enough
A memoir tracing Walls’ experiences growing up eccentric and poor in working class and desert towns across the U.S. and her eventual travels cross-country and cross-class.
Learning Joy from Dogs Without Collars: A Memoir, by Lauralee Summe. Reviewed by Felice Yeskel, Executive Director
Through expressive prose and a gripping story, Summer chronicles her journey of growing up, sometimes homeless and living in shelters, through her attendance at Harvard on a wrestling scholarship.
You can read more Book of the Month selections in our book corner.
4. August Action Against Classism
August 29th marks the 2-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s disastrous arrival in the United States. Poor government preparation and organization resulted in the displacement of thousands. Those most effected were low-income populations that are still struggling to recover and move on. Learn how you can make a difference today in our August Action of the Month.
5. Share Your Experience: Class and Books
What books or films have expanded your understanding of class?
Let us know at our survey page.
6. Class Action on the Move
Staff and volunteers are working together to prepare Class Action’s new office space. Thank you to Northampton Paint for their generous donation of low-VOC paint, and to volunteers Shaun, Lindsey, Miguel, John, Julie, Dee, Willow, Alex, Jesse, Zoe and Matt for rolling it onto the walls.
We’re still looking for office furniture, and assistance with running telephone and data wires. If you are available to help us move on August 27th, contact Sarah at 413.585.9709 x201 or email her.
7. Folk Fundraising Concert in the Plans
Nationally reknown folk artists Karen Brandow, Charlie King, Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers will be performing a benefit concert for Class Action in early 2008. Join the event committee to help make this event a success. Sell tickets, find advertisers for the program, help with press or volunteer the night of the show. Email Dawn or call her at 413-585-9709, ext. 208.
|
