Hi everyone!
If you've come across this site in search of historical materials related to the Occupy Wall Street movement in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, you've come to a good place.
Here, I maintain the primary-source materials related to Occupy Portland, in particular, the group that I organized: Interfaith Guild of Chaplains (later renamed Interfaith Solidarity Cascadia, and then Lightspark Commons). The IGC was inspired by the Protest Chaplains group in Boston, which was organized by several seminary students.
During the 39-day "occupation" of three downtown Portland parks (Chapman Square, Lownsdale Square, and Terry Schrunk Plaza), we have conducted 20 different faith-based and interfaith events, in addition to providing a chaplaincy service to respond to various challenging scenarios. IGC was supported by a number of current and retired ministers.
All the materials herein are maintained here unedited since 2014 (except to change dead links to ones on Archive.org or Archive.today if archived copies are available) and shown as-is.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Four years later
Hello world,
I am taking this opportunity to briefly update this site. Needless to say, we are no longer an active organization, and this site is kept solely as a heritage site. I have lost contact with most of the original IGC members, most of whom no longer reside in Portland area. I am also contemplating a relocation out of Portland after 18-plus years, due to increasing cost. I have invested close to four years of my life in political activism but I no longer have any interest in that. I have lost my spirituality and faith as activism became my idol. I am slowly rebuilding my life after many years of unhealthy involvement in the activist scene even as increasingly I became painfully aware of myself no longer in good conscience support much of the ideologies. I benefited both emotionally and materially however from being in a community of some sort and gaining social capital that I never had before. But beyond that, I gained nothing and lost a lot. So I decided to move on with life. I am still trying to remember and recover the groove that I once had. It's hard. Occupy was a bit like a cult in that sense. It was hard for me to leave it behind, and after that, I could not simply go back to "normal" life.
"Occupy Portland" ceased to exist on December 11, 2013. The last General Assembly was convened for the sole purpose of voting itself out of existence. Friends of Occupy Portland, Inc., a non-profit corporation, subsequently assumed its role as the successor legal entity for "Occupy Portland" until May 19, 2015. At that point the corporation was in debt and could not legally continue its existence. The articles of incorporation required that any funds must first go to service any and all outstanding debts. Because of the debt it was unable to pay the state the annual fee to renew corporation, or to file the required annual report as a charitable organization. I served as a member of the board for the said failed corporation since September 2013, and despite my best efforts, it simply could not financially survive.
By accident of history, I became one among the last of the Occupiers, who maintained a continuous involvement in the movement except for a 3-week break in the spring of 2012. I saw and experienced first hand the rise and fall of this movement, now a colorful footnote of Portland's history. I decided to keep this website as a primary source testimony to that history, as well as a commemoration of one of the most significant periods of my life.
I am a living history of this movement, and I am still planning on writing and publishing a memoir.
I am taking this opportunity to briefly update this site. Needless to say, we are no longer an active organization, and this site is kept solely as a heritage site. I have lost contact with most of the original IGC members, most of whom no longer reside in Portland area. I am also contemplating a relocation out of Portland after 18-plus years, due to increasing cost. I have invested close to four years of my life in political activism but I no longer have any interest in that. I have lost my spirituality and faith as activism became my idol. I am slowly rebuilding my life after many years of unhealthy involvement in the activist scene even as increasingly I became painfully aware of myself no longer in good conscience support much of the ideologies. I benefited both emotionally and materially however from being in a community of some sort and gaining social capital that I never had before. But beyond that, I gained nothing and lost a lot. So I decided to move on with life. I am still trying to remember and recover the groove that I once had. It's hard. Occupy was a bit like a cult in that sense. It was hard for me to leave it behind, and after that, I could not simply go back to "normal" life.
"Occupy Portland" ceased to exist on December 11, 2013. The last General Assembly was convened for the sole purpose of voting itself out of existence. Friends of Occupy Portland, Inc., a non-profit corporation, subsequently assumed its role as the successor legal entity for "Occupy Portland" until May 19, 2015. At that point the corporation was in debt and could not legally continue its existence. The articles of incorporation required that any funds must first go to service any and all outstanding debts. Because of the debt it was unable to pay the state the annual fee to renew corporation, or to file the required annual report as a charitable organization. I served as a member of the board for the said failed corporation since September 2013, and despite my best efforts, it simply could not financially survive.
By accident of history, I became one among the last of the Occupiers, who maintained a continuous involvement in the movement except for a 3-week break in the spring of 2012. I saw and experienced first hand the rise and fall of this movement, now a colorful footnote of Portland's history. I decided to keep this website as a primary source testimony to that history, as well as a commemoration of one of the most significant periods of my life.
I am a living history of this movement, and I am still planning on writing and publishing a memoir.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Lightspark Commons/Interfaith Guild of Chaplains archive ebook! Download a piece of history.
 |
| Occupy Portland, October 21, 2011 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Now you can get a piece of history: the full archive of this blog from the very first day!
- PDF version: https://db.tt/F1hJIMUJ
- EPUB version: https://db.tt/17htgjrc
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
De-activated, but not disbanded
Hello,
This is Sarah A. Morrigan, the founder and organizer of Lightspark Commons (formerly known as the Interfaith Solidarity Cascadia, originally the Interfaith Guild of Chaplains). Since we have not been posting anything here for a long time, I thought it is appropriate to state briefly what's happening with this group.
Lightspark Commons is currently deactivated. This means there is no ongoing activities or plans for the near future. Though we had tried to adapt this group to the realities of the post-Occupy era, simply there is no pressing need for this group to remain active at this time. However, this goes with a caveat that we may at some future day decide to reactivate this group to provide the types of services we provided to the community, if the context of the time necessitates it.
In the mean time I have been posting occasionally on our Facebook page and will continue to do so to keep people informed.
Personally, I have been busy on several fronts and I am not much able to devote my time on Lightspark Commons. So I foresee that in case of reactivation some other people might step in to assist in leadership.
Sarah
This is Sarah A. Morrigan, the founder and organizer of Lightspark Commons (formerly known as the Interfaith Solidarity Cascadia, originally the Interfaith Guild of Chaplains). Since we have not been posting anything here for a long time, I thought it is appropriate to state briefly what's happening with this group.
Lightspark Commons is currently deactivated. This means there is no ongoing activities or plans for the near future. Though we had tried to adapt this group to the realities of the post-Occupy era, simply there is no pressing need for this group to remain active at this time. However, this goes with a caveat that we may at some future day decide to reactivate this group to provide the types of services we provided to the community, if the context of the time necessitates it.
In the mean time I have been posting occasionally on our Facebook page and will continue to do so to keep people informed.
Personally, I have been busy on several fronts and I am not much able to devote my time on Lightspark Commons. So I foresee that in case of reactivation some other people might step in to assist in leadership.
Sarah
Thursday, October 24, 2013
a look at our history through site statistics
Total pageviews since the first post to date: 9,804
Monthly pageviews:
November 2011: 2,347December 2011: 1,480
October 2011: 975
April 2013: 577
May 2012: 488
February 2012: 372
January 2012: 305
All-time top articles:
Our invitation to #OccupyThanksgivingPDX (Nov. 17, 2011): 563 pageviewsAnnouncing #OccupyChristmasPDX (Dec. 19, 2011): 530 pageviews
End the anti-homeless hate, prejudice (Nov. 11, 2011): 191 pageviews
May Day events information (April 26, 2012): 162 pageviews
Feb. 2: Celebrate light and healing (Jan. 22, 2012): 120 pageviews
Visitors (pageviews) by country:
USA: 7005Russia (!): 494
China, People's Republic of (!): 373
Germany: 329
Israel: 120
Ireland, Republic of: 112
Ukraine (!): 82
United Kingdom: 81
France: 69
Romania: 50
The present state of Occupy Portland and how you as a person of faith can make a big difference
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| English: Occupy Portland, November 2, 2011 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
LC founder/organizer/general manager
Time flies and it's already two years since the beginning of Occupy Portland as well as that of then-Interfaith Guild of Chaplains. Many people who were at the encampment have moved out of town, moved on with their own lives, and honestly, many people left disillusioned by the inefficient, dysfunctional and aimless "movement."
During the past two years, Occupy Portland underwent a succession of organic changes. The once-vocal extreme radical-left factions had left, after realizing that they would never get what they wanted. The homeless rights activism continued with the city hall vigil for over 600 days (making it the longest continuing physical occupation in the world), but now with their own internal problems they are largely joining efforts with the more structured Right2Survive and their fight for Right2Dream Too.
With two of the most visible and vocal manifestations of Occupy Portland gone, the movement and everyday work appears forgotten. But they are there. The most functional and longest-running working groups are still continuing with their work, but they are the least visible and are under-appreciated (for example, Occupy Solutions and the Elder Caucus). Friends of Occupy Portland recently (and finally) got their corporate paperwork problems straightened out, and with a smaller budget it still operates the office space as a resource to the community.
These are natural processes that occur to most mass movements I know in history. Soundclip-worthy public visibility brings attention of TV stations, but it is the behind-the-stage hard work and persistence by a small number of committed citizens that make the real difference.
As I see it, this is a fertile time for the work that began with Occupy Portland -- a work that is truly for the 99 percent. This movement became distracted and became inefficient when the radicals took control and attention, and became overly focused on the extremely marginalized population (chronic homeless, among others) very few could understand or relate to. The movement of the 99 percent became a movement of the 0.5 percent, and the initial supporters of Occupy no longer felt that their voices were represented by the continuing show of anarchists in black outfit and dishevelled homeless taking their anger at businesses, all businesses, never mind that small- and mid-sized businesses support a lion's share of our economy, revitalize the neighborhoods, and create jobs. Contrast this with the first two weeks, the glorious golden days of Occupy Portland, where the camp and the movement were friendly to families with children and were supported by local small/mid-sized business owners.
Much of the problem has to do with Occupy Portland's inability (unwillingness) to connect to existing and established groups and work together. When the Pacific Green Party came, we pissed them off. When the Working Families Party came, we treated them as though it was an infiltrator. When MoveOn came with its huge roster of supporters, we rejected them. Unlike the Tea Party, we failed to connect where the power to effect changes was. The Tea Party (unfortunately) succeeded in hijacking Congress and local/state politics, but Occupy did not. We might have been the biggest Occupy on earth at one time, but we never got our sh*t together (there are the ones who did, like the ones in New York and Hong Kong).
In 2013, the core Occupy Portland organization (that is, the FOOP, the information team, and the outreach) has been re-envisioning itself as the connector, a nexus of information and groups. During the August capacity-building conference, this theme of building authentic connections has come up repeatedly and was identified as the main challenge to overcome.
And this is where I feel that the Lightspark Commons, as a group of people with roots in faith-based communities, can make a huge difference. In American history, churches and religious-based groups were fundamental units of community organizing. The Civil Rights movement, the temperance movement, the anti-slavery movement, and just about every movement that made a lasting mark in the U.S. history, organized around churches and church membership. If Occupy were to ever go back to the initial level of support and strength, it can only do so by re-engaging and galvanizing the middle class. The middle class is the only part of the 99 percent that has sufficient capacity, influence, education, and financial means to get things done. The truth about our local politics is that the elected politicians only listen to business owners and business leaders. Whether we like it or not, this is how the city, county, and state politics work here. Other "community organizers" and "activists" are usually only seen as convenient background noises and are never taken seriously, unless their message aligns with pre-existing political agenda of an elected official (to advance his or her own political ambition, of course). Those who are barely surviving with three jobs just to feed themselves and their kids do not have time or energy. The faith-based perspectives also moderate the extremism that comes with the radical-left organizing.
On a more practical level, there are much that must be done and there are specific areas you can get involved.
- Strike Debt is a faith-based project that started in New York and Occupy Portland has been a sponsor of the local chapter.
- Occupy Portland outreach has been present at many street fairs and Sunday Parkways events this summer, and this was instrumental in creating visibility and re-engaging people. The outreach must necessarily move indoors during winter months and church-based community events (such as "mindful holiday gifts bazaar" or Christmas fairs) can be good outreach opportunities.
- Friend of Occupy Portland, the legal/corporate entity for the service of the Occupy Portland community, could use a few good, committed volunteers in board, administrative and non-board positions, as well as in (perhaps most importantly) helping with planning fundraisers.
So we are not dead yet -- just new opportunities.
Sarah
Nov. 5, 2013: Two year reunion mixer!
In this context, the Interfaith Guild of Chaplains was born to meet the spiritual needs of the community and to explore and question what it is to be part of a faith-based community, not just a faith-based institution.
It has been two years.
This is a casual two-year reunion/mixer to get back in touch with one another, as well as to find out what is new with the Occupy movement 2013-14 and how you can be part of the action in various ways.
Both old-timers and new people are greatly welcome!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013, 6:15 (ish) pm-8:45 (ish) pm
Friends of Occupy Portland, Inc.
1131 SE Oak St #12
https://www.facebook.com/events/539835066101076/
Sunday, May 26, 2013
(Re-)Launching Lightspark Commons!
As it was officially announced at the May 23 Occupy Portland General Assembly, Interfaith Solidarity Cascadia is "rebooted" as Lightspark Commons. For more about this, refer to the "Reboot/Transition" page.
In this world today we need more lightworkers, bearers and keepers of light. Mystics and theologians have long said that the "sparks of the Divine" resides within each of us. We hope to build a community that facilitates the sharing and aggregation of the lightsparks for the good of our communities and for the transformation and healing of the world.
We have used the color wheel in our branding symbol, as all colors are but different facets and reflections of the pure light -- and when all colors are combined it becomes a pure light. It symbolizes both unity in diversity and diversity in unity, and is an apt metaphor for a multi-religious, multi-modal, and multi-cultural community organization.
Please note: the old website address intersol.alleycatmews.info no longer works. Replace with lightsparkcommons.alleycatmews.info. This site may also be reached via either lightsparkcommons.tk or interfaithsolidaritycascadia.tk.
Changes to Twitter: @pdxintersol is now @lightsparkcomm.
Changes to email address: replace pdxintersol with lightsparkcommons
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
A brief open letter to the community
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| English: Magnolia × soulangeana Français : Magnolia × soulangeana (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Dear members and friends of Interfaith Solidarity Cascadia,
Last summer, we have had discussions over re-envisioning and re-structuring this group, formerly known as the Interfaith Guild of Chaplains. We are a group born and emerged out of the heydays of the Occupy Movement and continues our alliance with Occupy Portland and potentially all remaining Occupy-based groups in the Pacific Northwest.
The reality is, however, this group has ceased to function as an active community organization, and I note that even announcements I post in our internal communications Facebook group appear to be rarely read by anyone any more.
Just as Occupy has evolved and continues to evolve into various shapes, I feel that last summer's re-envisioning plan is no longer relevant or suited to the current situation. From what I see is that of all surviving former Occupy Portland groups, only those that are growing and still active have one thing in common: a building of an alternative community -- a new way of being a community, something I was strongly drawn to when I spent over a month at the original Occupy Portland encampment. Certainly, there are those who view this trend as a repeat of the mistakes the Baby Boomers made back in the 1970s. Back then many people who were politically active and militant became withdrawn, "dropped out" and created counter-cultural movement and communes, while both neo-conservatives such as Ronald Reagan and the Religious Right movement gained in the absence of the organized social justice movement. I, too, am concerned by this. Will we as a movement become more effective, or become yet another forgotten chapter in history?
Having said this, however, we simply cannot be effective or even exist without a vibrant community. People do come and go, and that is natural. The last thing we should be doing is to be attached to the glorious legacy of the past and fooling ourselves that we are still the same as the "good old days."
As it is pretty clear at this moment that I am the only remaining active member of ISC, I am taking the prerogative -- like the very day I put out a call to organize this group during the first week of Occupation -- to release all the inactive members from our roster and re-initiate this group from the scratch. This means if you have been inactive and would like to maintain membership you would have to re-join after the new roster is created; otherwise by default you will be removed from membership.
I have two plans for this group:
(1) A much heavier emphasis on community-building rather than "just" activism or "just" chaplaincy. In fact, the group's role as providers of spiritual support probably would diminish although we aim for creating a visible presence within the movement and beyond.
(2) A rebranding -- "Interfaith Solidarity" sounded too abstract, too sterile, and too political. "Interfaith Guild of Chaplains" sounded too exclusive and limiting. The word "interfaith" especially for those who are not members of Abrahamic faith traditions often evokes negative feelings (as most "interfaith" organizations only include mainline Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish denominations) and also too "institutional" and even "elitist." Although "Interfaith Solidarity" was chosen last summer as a self-explanatory moniker, it did not quite work. I am looking for something that is more welcoming, fosters a sense of belonging and community, and at the same time clearly communicates the group's history and visions.
I would love to continue and maintain honest dialogues on this topic, both from those who were part of this group and those who weren't.
Blessings,
Sarah Morrigan
ISC general manager
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
An interfaith mandala-icon
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| The Celestial Compass (2013) by Sarah-Andrea Morrigan |
The art was inspired by many symbolic elements common in a wide variety of spiritual and faith traditions around the world, and depicts the cosmos and its various levels of manifestations. As a salute to the Occupy movement's history, there are two tabernacles/tents, one red (symbolizing the south) and one north (symbolizing the north). The west and east are symbolized by a willow and an oak respectively.
Friday, April 19, 2013
4/26: A community dialogue on violence
This week has been challenging for America.
We are dedicating the scheduled first Fremont Room meet-and-greet on Friday, April 26Saturday, April 20 to conversations on how we as a community, especially as people of spirituality and faith, counter the culture of violence and life-denial so pervasive in American society, from mass shooting incidents to indiscriminate IED bombing to knee-jerk reactions by politicians and public officials that inevitably follow such events.
America is morally bankrupt -- but not in a way self-styled conservatives and value-voters think it is. It is morally bankrupt because the national psyche glorifies violence at all levels, from "getting tough on petty criminals" to our preemptive "war on terror," while our elected officials divert more taxpayer dollars to military and prisons while denying children food and healthcare. Both America's foreign policy and domestic ethos are strongly attached to violence and death, even as some of our politicians continue to make abortions a hot-button issue to win more votes.
All things are connected, and all things are manifestations of our collective thoughts and choices we make. Violent video games and grotesque Hollywood movies desensitize us from the evil of intentionally inflicting sufferings on others, while a collective sadism and thirst for bloody vengeance becomes our social obsession. "Life" gets subverted and turns into tyranny, "justice" became mob rules of our legislature, bully pulpits of our politicians, and a court-sanctioned lynching of our courts. "Love" became a euphemism for abuse, objectification and control, while "peace, order, and safety" became a call for an astronomical military expenditure abroad and destruction of liberties and human rights at home.
We need a fundamental cultural shift, now.
This is our time to reignite our passion and to resume our work that was started on that October day of 2011 in a humble downtown Portland park.
You are invited to this time of dialogue.
https://www.facebook.com/events/546067235416511/
4-5:45 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2013
10 - 11:30 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2013
Fremont Room (Occupy Portland Information Center)
1131 SE Oak Street Suite 12
Portland, Oregon 97214
We are dedicating the scheduled first Fremont Room meet-and-greet on Friday, April 26
America is morally bankrupt -- but not in a way self-styled conservatives and value-voters think it is. It is morally bankrupt because the national psyche glorifies violence at all levels, from "getting tough on petty criminals" to our preemptive "war on terror," while our elected officials divert more taxpayer dollars to military and prisons while denying children food and healthcare. Both America's foreign policy and domestic ethos are strongly attached to violence and death, even as some of our politicians continue to make abortions a hot-button issue to win more votes.
All things are connected, and all things are manifestations of our collective thoughts and choices we make. Violent video games and grotesque Hollywood movies desensitize us from the evil of intentionally inflicting sufferings on others, while a collective sadism and thirst for bloody vengeance becomes our social obsession. "Life" gets subverted and turns into tyranny, "justice" became mob rules of our legislature, bully pulpits of our politicians, and a court-sanctioned lynching of our courts. "Love" became a euphemism for abuse, objectification and control, while "peace, order, and safety" became a call for an astronomical military expenditure abroad and destruction of liberties and human rights at home.
We need a fundamental cultural shift, now.
This is our time to reignite our passion and to resume our work that was started on that October day of 2011 in a humble downtown Portland park.
You are invited to this time of dialogue.
https://www.facebook.com/events/546067235416511/
4-5:45 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2013
Fremont Room (Occupy Portland Information Center)
1131 SE Oak Street Suite 12
Portland, Oregon 97214
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Friday, April 26: Fremont Room meet and greet
Interfaith Solidarity Cascadia invites you to a little meet and greet at the new home of its communal altar. The altar is essentially a miniature of the giant sukkah Occupy Portland had at its original encampment (Lownsdale Square/Beta Camp), incorporating pieces from there and established when Occupy Portland moved into its previous home, the Che Room.
The new (the "third incarnation of the Sacred Space!") altar is slightly smaller and shares a multipurpose footprint. A design for a more permanent one is under way, to be unveiled at a new OPDX headquarters which may open within the next two months.
Learn what is happening now with ISC, and what plans we have for spring and summer.
At this event we will also be dedicating a new "universal interfaith icon" of a sort, as the altar conspicuously lacked a focal sacred object. Its creation is commissioned to a certain local artist whose work is also now on display at a gallery within the walking distance, so you are also invited to a tour of that show after this event is over.
When: Friday, April 26, 4-5:45 p.m.Saturday, April 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Fremont Room, 1131 SE Oak St, Portland, Oregon 97214-1344
(Use the Oak Street doors - unlocked at 3:30 p.m.9:30 a.m.; if locked call 971-256-1006)
The new (the "third incarnation of the Sacred Space!") altar is slightly smaller and shares a multipurpose footprint. A design for a more permanent one is under way, to be unveiled at a new OPDX headquarters which may open within the next two months.
Learn what is happening now with ISC, and what plans we have for spring and summer.
At this event we will also be dedicating a new "universal interfaith icon" of a sort, as the altar conspicuously lacked a focal sacred object. Its creation is commissioned to a certain local artist whose work is also now on display at a gallery within the walking distance, so you are also invited to a tour of that show after this event is over.
When: Friday, April 26, 4-5:45 p.m.
Where: Fremont Room, 1131 SE Oak St, Portland, Oregon 97214-1344
(Use the Oak Street doors - unlocked at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Moving days!
As you may know already, the Friends of Occupy Portland information office is moving this weekend from the Che Room (Room 5) to the smaller Fremont Room (Room 12). Our community altar is slightly downsized to fit the smaller footprint.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Interfaith Solidarity: Open-ended conversations and brainstorming
There has been some resurgence of interests in Interfaith Solidarity Cascadia, while most of the original members have pretty much moved on. This is an opportunity for conversations and for those earlier ISC (IGC) members, a time for reunion.
Contact: Sarah 503-427-8269 email: http://ur1.ca/ctjhb
Friday, February 22, 2013, 7-9:30 p.m.
Che Room, 1131 SE Oak Street, Portland, Oregon 97214
https://www.facebook.com/events/165364090280923/
Contact: Sarah 503-427-8269 email: http://ur1.ca/ctjhb
Friday, February 22, 2013, 7-9:30 p.m.
Che Room, 1131 SE Oak Street, Portland, Oregon 97214
https://www.facebook.com/events/165364090280923/
Friday, January 18, 2013
Important announcement regarding women's spirituality and social change group
Thursday, January 18, 2013
Due to low enrollment the Women's Spirituality and Social Change group, previously scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 20, will be rescheduled to begin on Sunday, February 3. Location may change due to the planned relocation of the Occupy Portland meeting room in the near future, however, it will be held at the Che Room (1131 SE Oak St. #5) as long as the Occupy Portland remains at that location.
To ensure a meaningful, consistent discussion in a safe environment, we request advance registration (free). Please email if you would like to be part of this group.
Due to low enrollment the Women's Spirituality and Social Change group, previously scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 20, will be rescheduled to begin on Sunday, February 3. Location may change due to the planned relocation of the Occupy Portland meeting room in the near future, however, it will be held at the Che Room (1131 SE Oak St. #5) as long as the Occupy Portland remains at that location.
To ensure a meaningful, consistent discussion in a safe environment, we request advance registration (free). Please email if you would like to be part of this group.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year, and January events
Interfaith Solidarity Cascadia wishes you a happy new year in peace and blessings.
January events:
Open forum: From culture of death to life
Friday, Jan. 11, 4-6 p.m. > Tuesday, Jan. 15, 7-8:45 p.m.
Che Room, 1131 SE Oak Street, Portland, Oregon
An open-ended community forum on examining the “culture of death” in American collective psyche and how it relates to recent incidents of mass active shootings.
Group: Women's spirituality and social change
Three Sundays, Jan. 20, 27, and Feb. 3, 6-8 p.m.
Che Room, 1131 SE Oak Street, Portland, Oregon
An open-ended and nonsectarian discussion and study group on women’s spirituality and its contribution to social and cultural transformation. This is a three-week series (initially; may be extended by demand) on Sundays 6-8 p.m. In order to keep the group consistent and small enough for an in-depth discussion and shared experiences, pre-registration is requested by no later than Wednesday, Jan. 16. The second and third meeting build on the previous ones.
Information/Registration (free): email pdxintersol=pacificwest.com (replace = symbol appropriately). You will receive confirmation by email if you are officially signed up.
January events:
Open forum: From culture of death to life
Che Room, 1131 SE Oak Street, Portland, Oregon
An open-ended community forum on examining the “culture of death” in American collective psyche and how it relates to recent incidents of mass active shootings.
Group: Women's spirituality and social change
Three Sundays, Jan. 20, 27, and Feb. 3, 6-8 p.m.
Che Room, 1131 SE Oak Street, Portland, Oregon
An open-ended and nonsectarian discussion and study group on women’s spirituality and its contribution to social and cultural transformation. This is a three-week series (initially; may be extended by demand) on Sundays 6-8 p.m. In order to keep the group consistent and small enough for an in-depth discussion and shared experiences, pre-registration is requested by no later than Wednesday, Jan. 16. The second and third meeting build on the previous ones.
Information/Registration (free): email pdxintersol=pacificwest.com (replace = symbol appropriately). You will receive confirmation by email if you are officially signed up.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
I know it's not even Black Friday yet...
But it is about time to start thinking about some holiday season events! Time can fly fast.
- Occupy Christmas PDX 2: Along with Thanksgiving Day, December 24 and 25 are often the worst days of the year if you are unhoused, single, or a college student who cannot afford traveling back home. Last year we coordinated a home-matching program of sorts and placed several people with local Occupiers' homes. This year it could be similar or different, but we should keep our minds on the needs.
- Nightly Hanukkah light (hanukiyah) lighting at St. Francis Park
- Interfaith Forums during Advent/Hanukah weeks: A series of weekly forums and conversations. One of the forums will feature the Catholics for social justice, most likely including parishioners from St. Francis of Assisi parish.
- Anything else?
Friday, November 16, 2012
What’s Next in Faith Based Community Organizing: A Rolling Jubilee
Occupy Faith and partners are launching a Rolling Jubilee, a people’s bailout to help eliminate debt—and make a stand in the face of our moral crisis of money, debt, and power. Rolling Jubilee may signal an important, and long needed, shift in how we do faith-based community organizing: one that might save not only the people, but also the church.
Read more
Read more
Smaller, leaner organization
Beginning today, this website is the home of the combined Interfaith Solidarity Cascadia. We are adapting to the current reality of the organization and community needs.
Our new address is www.interfaithsolidaritycascadia.tk.
Our new address is www.interfaithsolidaritycascadia.tk.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Seed for world change #16
November 11, 2012
Unfathomable as the sea, wondrously ending only to begin again, informing all creation without being exhausted, the Tao of the perfect man is spontaneous in its operation.
- Zhuangzi
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