Co-sponsored by
Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Saratoga Peace Alliance
The Peace and Justice Fair showcases the hard work and creative spirit of individuals, social justice groups, peace organizations, faith communities, performers, artists, businesses, and environmental activists who are making the world a better place by non-violent means. The Fair and this resource booklet will help you discover and choose the “right” opportunity in which to become active, and also to discover practical ways to advocate in the daily living of your life.
--Information Booths—
Adirondack Foothills Peace Committee Part of the Peace Center of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls, offering workshops, speakers (Father John Dear in 2010) and peace vigils. Neal Herr - 798-1371
African Reflections Foundation (www.africanreflections.org) Seeks to raise the standard of living in East African communities through increased access to clean drinking water, health care, education and economic stability. Peace Cranes for sale to benefit ARF made by Amy Doern.
Alternatives to Violence Project (www.avpusa.org) Dedicated to reducing violence in our lives, in our homes, in our schools, in our prisons, in our streets and in our society. Workshops build community, improve communication, and draw on that transforming power everyone has within him/her self to change a negative situation into a positive one. Ed Kautz - ekautz@nycap.rr.com
Baltimore Non-violence Center Provides accounting/bookkeeping assistance to progressive groups, does nonviolence trainings and is active in many of Baltimore’s peace and justice campaigns. Max Obuszewki - 410-366-1637
Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace (www.bethlehemforpeace.org) We believe that war is NOT the answer, and that voicing our dissent and helping our government end this disastrous war and avoid future wars are vital and patriotic acts.
Bread for the World (www.bread.org) A collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. Write letters and organize letter-writing campaigns. Presented by Presbyterian Synod of the Northeast, Brooke Newell - 793-3823 - brooke@cjgreen.net
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany (www.rcda.org) REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM provides support to individuals and families who have fled their home countries because of violence and persecution. Seeking partners and volunteers. Marian Comfort - 453-6650
Children and Nature (www.childrenandnaturesaratoga.org) A collaborative project established by The Saratoga Institute to reconnect children and their families to nature. Fair activity: Nature Scavenger Hunt and Bubble Making with twigs.
Contemplative Outreach of the Hudson Valley Information and books about centering prayer. Fair workshop: 12:30 Nolan House. Bruce Gardiner - 325-5546
Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP) www.cropwalk.org Working to end poverty and hunger. Fran Suarez - 587-8612
Curbstone Press (www.curbstone.org) Focuses on creative literature that invites readers to examine social issues, encourages a deeper understanding between cultures, and reflects a commitment to promoting human rights.
Emmaus House – Albany Catholic Worker Provides hospitality for homeless families, usually one at a time and often from outside the U.S. Helps with food, clothing and advocacy to families in the community. Fred Boehrer 482-4966
Heifer Project www.heifer.org Purchase a meaningful gift card to give to a loved one and help families around the world receive animal gifts and training to become self-reliant. Presented by PNECC.
Hippies for Hope A charitable organization aiming to benefit children in hospitals and respite centers by selling tie-dyed t-shirts. Ashlie Busone - HippiesForHope@gmail.com
Kanatsiohareke (www.mohawkcommunity.com) Conducts programs in the culture and traditions of the people; fosters an active accumulation of spoken Mohawk language by members of the community; and continues the oral traditions, stories, songs and dances in the unique spirit of the Mohawk path.
League of Humane Voters (www.nylhv.org) Works to pass animal protection laws, elect humane candidates to office, educate the public on matters of public policy, and hold politicians accountable to their constituents.
League of Women Voters (www.lwvsaratoga.org ) A nonpartisan political organization. Encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Mango Tree Imports (www.magotreeimports.com ) A locally owned and operated business featuring fairly traded art and gifts from around the world. Route 50 north of Ballston Spa.
Ndakinna (www.ndakinna.org ) A not-for-profit Native American educational organization located on the Bruchac Nature Preserve in Greenfield Center, NY. Courses, programs, October festival.
NYS Coalition Against Sexual Assault (www.nyscasa.org) Working to end sexual violence by addressing elements of oppression, human rights violations and social injustices.
Nueva Esperanza del Norte (www.nuevaesperanzadelnorte.org) Dedicated to creating/brokering a range of educational opportunities for the academic and professional development of El Salvadoran students at the high school and college level. Seeking host homes for three women. 623-2144
Olive Branch Olive Oil (www.palestinianfairtrade.pps) Organizes agricultural cooperatives and sells fair trade olive oil. It aims to improve individual’s social and economic situation.
PACE e BENE (www.paceebene.org) Fostering a just and peaceful world through nonviolent education, community-building, and action. Judith Kelly - silverdove@verizon.net - 703-536-3564
Parvisani (www.june212009.org) Sharing a commitment to encourage, support and work: for the environment; for spirituality without fundamentalism and narrow-mindedness; for peace; and for political justice.
Pennies for Peace (www.penniesforpeace.org) A service-learning program that raises money to build schools in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Students broaden their cultural horizons and learn they can make a difference by promoting peace through education. Presented by Presbyterian – New England Congregational Church.
Pinwheels for Peace (www.pinwheelsforpeace.com) As part of the International Day of Peace, on the corner of Park and Circular, fair-goers will create a visual public statement about peace with pinwheels decorated with thoughts and images of peace.
Presbyterian – New England Congregational Church (www.pnecc.org) A diverse church family is united in the belief that a church that attempts to experience the love of God within its community must also be a church that is socially conscious and actively working for justice.
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship (www.presbypeacefellowship.org) Community of peacemakers who are active in their own communities and around the world. Focuses on nonviolent direct action. Mary Ann Harwell 845-786-6743
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) (www.saratogaquaker.org) Friends believe God’s presence is in each individual and that we can directly experience God within ourselves and each other. All Friends’ practices, witness, and testimonies – simplicity, integrity, equality, and peace – stem from this basic belief.
Rural and Migrant Ministries (www.ruralmigrantministry.org) A multi-faith organization serving rural and migrant people in New York since 1981 through programs of youth empowerment, education, and accompaniment.
Saratoga Coffee Traders (www.saratogacoffeetraders.com) Fair Trade, Organic and Shade Grown Coffee
Saratoga County Interfaith Environmental Coalition (www.nyipl.org/nyipl/sciec.html) Dedicated to being a resource for the residents of Saratoga County and educating the community on our earth's climate crisis and things we can do as a community to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Saratoga Peace Alliance (www.saratogapeacealliance.org) Weekly Saturday vigil for peace, noon to 1 PM in front of the downtown Saratoga Springs Post Office. Sponsors various programs throughout the year that promote peace. Promotes non-violent civil disobedience actions. Fair activity: Origami Peace Cranes with Dana Smith and Kate Gallo.
Schenectady Neighbors for Peace (www.peaceact.net/snp.htm) Serves as an umbrella to those peace activities already happening in Schenectady County, and as a catalyst to stimulate new peace activities in this city and county.
Schenectady Stand Up Guys (www.schenectadystandupguys.org) Raises awareness about men’s violence against women and girls. Promotes gender equality in our community. Education, community projects, activities.
Seeds for Peace (www.seedsforpeace.net) Provides vegetable & flower seeds and tools for weather- and war-ravaged people in many nations so that they can feed themselves, regain human dignity, and work peacefully beside those they once called "enemies".
SERRV (www.serrv.org) Economic self-sufficiency is a key element in strengthening communities and creating a stable economy. Purchase fair trade items to support artisans and farmers worldwide. Presented by PNECC.
Soroptimists International of Saratoga Co. (www.soroptimistsaratoga.org) Focus on increasing awareness of the tragedy of Human Trafficking. Interested in connecting with groups wanting presentations or with new volunteers.
Sustainable Saratoga (www.sustainablesaratoga.com) Working to make the city of Saratoga Springs more sustainable. Diverse volunteer groups addressing issues in transportation, biology, ecology, farming and economic development, among others.
Uganda AIDS Widows Jewelry (www.aoet.org) Purchase items to provide income to Uganda AIDS widows. Information on sponsoring school children who are AIDS orphans. Paul Phillips 584-4625
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga (www.saratoga-uu.org) We aspire to the exploration for truth and to the ideals of compassion and service. Fair Activities: petitions to sign, information about conflict resolution.
Upper Hudson Peace Action Network (www.peaceact.net) For nearly 50 years, Peace Action has worked for an environment where all are free from violence and war.
Veterans For Peace (www.veteransforpeace.org) Seeks other means of conflict resolution since wars are easy to start and hard to stop, and that those hurt are often the innocent. Mike McGraw (mlmceltic@msn.com)
War Crimes Times (www.warcrimestimes.org) “News a press that’s free would print”
Women Against War (www.womenagainstwar.org) Capital District women working for peace through: direct action, educational events on the costs of war and the possibilities of peace. Presenting material from: Code Pink (www.codepink4peace.org) a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into health care, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities.
–WORKSHOP PRESENTERS AND PERFORMERS–
Bob Warren and friends (www.bob-warren.com) is a composer whose writing reflects his love for a variety of musical styles. In addition to songs for his own albums, Bob has written songs for other artists including jazz-pop singer Mallory O'Donnell, songs for musical theater, dance, and most recently, songs of a historical nature. Recent highlights include: Greenwich The Musical (2004), a critically acclaimed portrait of Bob's hometown; JOY (2006), the debut album by singer Mallory O'Donnell which garnished rave reviews from the press; and Only the Message Mattered (2009), a song cycle about the life of Susan B. Anthony.
Children at the Well (www.interfaithstory.org/children-at-the-well.shtm) In 2005, the Interfaith Story Circle of the Tri-City Area (Albany, Schenectady and Troy, NY) launched “Children at the Well: an Interfaith/Intergenerational Storytelling Venture” to involve youth in learning the art of storytelling, and in using this art to:
- Deepen their knowledge and understanding of their own faith tradition and that of others
- Get to know people of other faiths
- Participate in the local Interfaith Story Circle meetings and its community events
- Promote peace and understanding among all peoples
Laura Baboulis & Jeremy Ferguson (www.myspace.com/mothermcreed) are two members of the rock band, Mother Mcrees. Laura is not only a singer, but also an activist. A member of Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, she has protested the war in Iraq from the sidewalks of the Delmar “Four Corners” to the sidewalks of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. She has also advocated for LGBTQ Americans and Autistic children. Laura’s original music has been featured on the MTV reality show, “Two-a-Days,” and she was most recently seen in a Price Chopper House of BBQ commercial with Melvin Sparks. Jeremy is a very gifted guitarist. A die-hard fan for The Grateful Dead, he incorporates Jerry Garcia’s style into his playing. He loves all different kinds of music, ranging from Classic Rock to Metal. Jeremy enjoys playing music whenever and wherever he can, whether it’s onstage at a crowded club or a street corner in Albany.
Chrys Ballerano: Drumming Workshop (www.NYSCASA.org)
Billion Bells for Peace: (www.billionbellsforpeace.org) The Doug and Martha Martin Peace Bell Foundation endeavors to nurture a deeper, wider movement for the appreciation of peace with its project: Peace Bells Along the Hudson. The Hudson River, with its beauty, dynamic character and glorious history, fits in perfectly with mankind’s profound longing for peace. Knowing that peace flows from within and we are even more connected than ever before, bells will be rung throughout the summer as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery of this majestic body of water.
Bruce Gardiner: Centering Prayer Workshop: “To become peacemakers, we must also cultivate inner peace.”
God’s Hands Puppets Ron Williams, Director (qsby15@yahoo.com)
Carol Graser hosts a monthly poetry series at Saratoga Springs legendary Caffe Lena and has performed her work at various events and venues around New York. Her poems have appeared in many literary journals. Foothills Publishing has just published her first book of poetry, The Wild Twist of Their Stems.
Jun-san and the Peace Walkers arrive from Ballston Lake form a circle, then briefly drum and chant. She is a nun of the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order, of which she was ordained in 1977. This order is known for their fasts and for their building peace pagodas around the world. They are a walking, chanting order - using the small hand drums they chant Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo. This chant is at the center of their order and comes from the Lotus Sutra teachings of the Buddha.
Frank Lombardo –The Dances of Universal Peace, a nearly 40-year-old practice, are participatory circle dances that explore the universal messages found in the world's spiritual traditions, through voice, sound and movement. They are taught and then experienced in the moment, each participating at their own level. Frank Lombardo, Certified as a Dance Teacher by Peaceworks/Dances of Universal Peace, NA, is a resident of Saratoga Springs. Contact Frank at 581-0493 or flombar1@nycap.rr.com, or visit www.albanydancecircle.org
Suzanne Lynch: Yoga Workshop (www.saratogaspringsyoga.com) has studied yoga for 20 years and brings enthusiasm and love to her inspiring and playful classes. She is an Anusara-Inspired teacher. In 2003 she began her study of Anusara Yoga and has since trained extensively with its founder, John Friend. Suzanne's teaching is informed by her interest in yoga therapeutics as well as her 14-year practice of meditation and Centering Prayer. In the past Suzanne has worked as a hospital chaplain and was certified by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains in 2001. She now teaches yoga full time in Saratoga Springs and finds she is continually inspired by her awesome students.
Ray Newman: Meditation Workshop (from the Peaceatorium) 248-5809
Kay Olan: Co-director of Kanatsiohareke
Schenectady Neighbors for Peace: Presenting Mark Twain’s War Prayer
Solidarity Singers: We try to lift the spirits of people engaged in struggle and help them to carry on. (jlombard@nycap.rr.com)
–FOOD VENDORS–
Ben & Jerry’s: Peace Pops
Esperanto’s: Pizza, Dough Boys
Funky Fresh Foods: Burritos, Smoothie
Saratoga Coffee Traders: Wraps, coffee