Salam Academy Benefit: Moonlight in Marrakech

Let your senses be overwhelmed and ignited with the scented oil lamps, vibrant fabrics and enchanting music. Relax in the Kasbah and dine on a delectable African inspired dinner created by Chef Ahmed Obo from Jambo Cafe. Enjoy full and rich flavors with every bite. Traditional Moroccan desserts, tea and coffee will be served

Salam Academy invites the public to discover all the magic and intrigue of the mysterious Moroccan city of Marrakech at its benefit dinner on Saturday, November 10, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Pedro NE (NM State Fairgrounds).

This special event will feature a full dinner buffet, catered by Chef Ahmed Obo of Jambo Cafe, a best dressed competition for those who choose to wear traditional attire, live music, a silent auction, free Henna Art by High Desert Henna, Moroccan style souk, and much more. City Councilor Pat Davis is a featured guest speaker. Tickets: Adult $39, Child (ages 10-13) $29  Childcare provided at Salam Academy ages 9 and under. $5 per child. Pizza included   Buy Tickets

An Invitation to the 11th Annual International Village Feast

The Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque cordially invites the public to the 11th International Village Feast on Sunday, October 28, at La Mesa Presbyterian Church (Social Hall), 7401 Copper NE, 4:00 p.m. Enjoy music, drumming, dance and cultural foods, and meet people from several countries. A minimum donation of $20 is requested for adults and $5 for children 5 to 12.

Use Your Feet to Help Rio Grande Food Project Ease Hunger in #ABQ

It's almost time for the  Third Annual Hike to End Hunger and the folks at the Rio Grande Food Project  would love for you to join them!

Participants will be  hiking to increase awareness about hunger in our community and to raise funds to continue to feed hungry Albuquerque families while providing access to community resources that address the causes and effects of food insecurity.


How far should I go?
You have a  choice of how far you want to go.  Hike  or walk a 2, 4 or 6-mile loop (or shorter - you decide!)starting at Boxing Bear Brewing Company map  and heading north along the beautiful Bosque Trail.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Register for Free 
Check in: 9:00am - 9:45am
Hike Starts: 10:00am

Food & drink available for purchase from Boxing Bear and two food trucks following the hike, so feel welcome to stay and hang out with us to celebrate our vision of a community where everyone has access to enough quality food to live healthy lives.

Dogs are welcome on the hiking trail and Boxing Bear patio!

Raising Funds
 Even though there is no fee to walk, this is a fundraising event. So how does it work?

Sponsorships also available starting at only $250!

Additionally, Here is a handy fundraising page.

You can send out just a few quick emails about RGFB's fundraising event! That way we can DOUBLE or even TRIPLE our funds raised. It is easy, fun and since many people wonder how they could help, sending them an email telling them HOW benefits everyone! Follow this link to get started...

P.S. Did you know it only costs us $10 to feed a family of four for an entire WEEK?

An Ocean of Peace-Making Waves

Every wave on the ocean is the whole ocean waving... So, the ocean of being waves every one of us, and we are its waves.  Alan Watts

Photo: Albuquerque Peace and Justice Center

Dozens of ;people, young and old, came together at Johnson Field (University of New Mexico) on the afternoon of September 21, 2018, to create a giant peace sign to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace..

An Invitation to Two Great Fall Events

The public is invited to two great community events, held during the last two weekend of September

Trinity House Catholic Worker 
Harvest Bowl Fundraiser

OffCenter Community Arts Project  
Annual Folk Festival 

• Over 100 Artist Vendors Selling Hand-Made Arts & Crafts
• Giant Puppet Parade – Theme "Bosque Life"
• Live Music, Dance, Magic and Puppet Play Performances
• FREE Art-Making Activities for the whole family in our Giant Art Making Tent
• Food and snacks from some of Albuquerque's favorite food trucks
• Be a part of community art — Carry a puppet, create in the Art tent, buy art from local artists!

Register Now for the End Hunger Summit

The End Hunger Summit is just a few weeks away. If you are planning to attend and have not yet registered, follow this link.  Register online ($35 Regular, $25 Seniors)  Early Registration Extended to September 24 (from original date of September 9).  The fee after the deadline is $45

7:30—8:30 Registration-Continental Breakfast
8:30—8:50 Welcome —Manuel Casias, Master of Ceremonies
Rep. Jim Trujillo

Sen. Michael Padilla, 2017 Presenter

Opening Remarks—
Tim Keller, Mayor, City of Albuquerque
Tim Armer (NCNMEDD)
8:50—9:00   Posting of Colors/National
9:00—10:30 Plenary Session—Sandia Ballroom

• Carol Pierce, City of Albuquerque Community Services
• Vivian Nava-Schellinger and Lura Barber—NCOA
• Randella Bluehouse– Executive Director of NICOA

10:30—10:45 Break
Plenary Session—Sandia Ballroom
10:45—12:00  

• Interfaith Hunger Coalition –Rep. Sara Maestas Barnes, Carlos Navarro - HM90
• Sandoval County –Anne Ryan -Director of Community Services

12:00—1:30  Lunch
Keynote Dr. Sally Fisher Assistant Clinical Professor UNM School of Medicine
1:30—3:30    Breakout Workshop Sessions
3:45-4:30  Results of Roundtable Discussions 

Themes for breakout sessions
Pair Data & Resources

Tom Scharmen of the NM Community Data Collaborative will show participants how to use the Food Environment Map Gallery, a collection of 25+ interactive maps documenting key issues of food security and access for all NM neighborhoods. See how you can find information on grocery stores, pantries, farmer markets, SNAP, WIC, farm crops and water resources as well as chronic disease statistics, and health and recreation resources. Join a group discussion will explore how data can be used to assess community needs and to plan for programs or policy. Participants are welcome to bring their laptops to follow along. See the Food Environment Map Gallery 

Intergenerational Feeding Programs

Multigenerational Meals, Memories, and other Meaningful Ways to Message the Medicine of Food: A panel presentation among Sandoval County Community Services, KidsCook!, Jemez Valley Youth, Sandoval County Master Gardeners, Sound Seed Productions, and CYFD in discovering creative ways to cultivate community empowerment by leveraging resources at the local level. Using Digital Services to Connect Seniors with Benefits Through a creative, productive, and interactive session, attendees will use elements of design thinking, partner evaluation, and outreach experience and expertise to learn more about the value of digital services, the challenges and successes in connecting with the 65 + population, and form best practices around partnering in a variety of ways to end hunger and food insecurity in New Mexico and across the country.

Collaboration with Schools

New Mexico State University’s ICAN program’s mission is to inspire New Mexico's limited resource youth and adults to make healthy food and lifestyle choices. Come learn about how ICAN is creating a healthier New Mexico through nutrition education, gardens, and collaborations statewide. Attendees will receive information on various free resources available in their community. It is critical that New Mexico children have enough access to food for overall success and wellbeing. Programs and communities across the state are working together to ensure all needs of children are met persistently. NM Public Education Department will highlight existing food programs that are making impact in the classroom and beyond, as well as encourage new partnerships, promote creative projects, and organize collaborative efforts to combat hunger. Come prepared to share your ideas and successes that can be replicated statewide!

Creating Albuquerque's First-Ever Human Peace Sign

The Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice and four other partner organizations invite the public to help create our city's first-ever Human Peace Sign. The United Nations Association, the UNM Peace Studies Program, the GenUN at UNM, and Nonviolence Training are cosponsors.

The building of the peace sign will take place at Johnson Field at the University of New Mexico Campus on Friday, September 21, at 4:00 p.m., culminating a week of events to commemorate ABQ Peace Week. A peace party will follow across the street at the the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, 202 Harvard Dr. SE, at 5:00 p.m. For more info, call (505) 268-9557 or email abqpeaceandjusticecenter@gmail.com

The ABQ Peace Week events are very much in keeping with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, a global plan of action for people, planet and prosperity Goal 16 seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

'Humanity Can Survive Environmental Disaster, But We Must Act Now'

The Kogi, an aboriginal people of Colombia, believe that they know how humanity can survive. The tribe that lives in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta warned the world, through a film, as early as twenty years ago of people destroying the earth. The film was a BBC documentary called From the Heart of the World that was directed by Alan Ereira and attracted a great deal of attention. The documentary was also shown at the UN conference on the environment in Rio de Janeiro. However, the thoughts of the tribe were soon forgotten. Now Ereira makes the concerns of the Kogi visible again, this time in an illustrative form: by showing the global destruction of the environment in miniature. The Kogi travel on the Columbian coast, showing how human actions have changed the cycle of Nature, led to extinction of animal species and affected our everyday lives.

A visit to Albuquerque
Albuquerque is honored to host the Teyuna mamos and zagas, spiritual leaders of the Arhuaco, Kankuamo, Kogii and Wiwi people of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region of Colombia. Known as Guardians of the World, they were featured in several documentaries, including Aluna, which can be viewed online (see trailer below).

For eons these indigenous peoples hardly ventured beyond their homeland. But, now they are concerned for the health of the planet and believe it is critical to speak to the industrial world about climate change and water. The group is touring particular water places in the United States to speak, to pray, to offer healing, and to beg us to act.

Here are details of the group's national tour. This includes a handful of events in Albuquerque.

• Sunday, August 12, Peace and Justice Center, 202 Harvard Dr. NE.  7:00 p,m
• Monday, August 13 First Congregational Church, 2801 Lomas Blvd NE  6:30 p.m. (Free will donations accepted for the first two events)
• Tuesday, August 14, Healings at  St. Thomas of Canterbury, 425 University Blvd. NE,  2:00-4:00 p.m.  (Donations of $50--$100 to $1,000. Contact Swami at 505-842-5697)

Here is the trailer to Aluna.

Sample A Pint of St. Brigid's Brew,,,and Help Catholic Charities

St. Brigid's Brew is a local New Mexican dark chocolate style craft beer formulated by Abbey Brewing and distributed by Admiral Beverage to benefit Catholic Charities' programs. It will be available at Monks' Corner Taproom, 205 Silver Ave. SW, beginning June 10. Join in a special celebration (including food trucks and music) to introduce St. Brigid's Brew at Monks' Corner Taproom, 205 Silver SW G (map), 1:00-4:00 p.m.. For every $5 pint sold, $1 will be donated to Catholic Charities.

Poor People's Campaign to Hold ABQ, Las Cruces, Santa Fe Events

Wednesday, May 9,  Las Cruces
The majority of the Poor People's Campaign events have taken place in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. For residents of Las Cruces and neaby communities in southern New Mexico, here is a chance to learn more abut the campaign. 

The informational and organizing session will take place at Peace Lutheran Church, 1701 Missouri  (between So. Solano and S. Locust (map),  5:30 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, May 10, Albuquerque
Faith Leaders in Albuquerque are invited to join a one-hour comprehensive view of  the campaign at  Second Presbyterian Church (corner of Edith and Lomas) (map), 1:30-2:30 p.m.,. Plentiful parking is available behind the church,

If you can't make it, you can still participate by joining the conference call  712-432-0220 code 4712962#

Monday, May 14, Santa Fe
Join with campaign organizers ar the Roundhouse in Santa Fe (map) for the first of six Moral Fusion Non-violent Direct Actions  Theme for this Action: Child Poverty and Early Education and Seed Sovereignty  (May 14 also marks the date for the launch of the national Poor People's Campaign).

Bring offerings of healthy food items for the Santa Fe Public Schools-affiliated program Adelante (not to be confused with the Albuquerque agency with the same name). The Santa Fe program provides advocacy, tutoring, evening programs and material aid for children, teens and their families...and also plays a crucial role in educating the community about child homelessness.

Special Event in #ABQ to Feature Enneagram Master Russ Hudson

The Enneagram is one of the most powerful and insightful tools for understanding ourselves and others. At its core, the Enneagram helps us to see ourselves at a deeper, more objective level and can be of invaluable assistance on our path to self-knowledge. — Adapted from The Enneagram Institute

Trinity House Catholic Worker presents 

An Evening with

Enneagram Master Teacher

Russ Hudson

Thursday, May 10, 2018, 

7:00–9:00 p.m.

Trinity House Catholic Worker is delighted to host a basic Enneagram mini course with globally recognized Enneagram Master Teacher Russ Hudson, in the chapel of the Abbey of Santa Maria de la Vid, Norbertine Community,5825 Coors Blvd SW (map). The cost to attend this special two-hour event, a fundraiser for Trinity House, is $50/person. (Seating is limited!)

Russ Hudson, co-founder of the Enneagram Institute, is one of the principal scholars and innovative thinkers in the Enneagram world today. He is also the executive director of Enneagram Personality Types, Inc. He has been co-teaching the Enneagram Professional Training Programs since 1991, and is a founding director and former vice president of the International Enneagram Association. He is the co-author of The Wisdom of the Enneagram, Personality Types, Understanding the Enneagram, and Discovering Your Personality Type.

To register and to pay the $50 event fee, visit the Trinity House website, then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the “Donate” button.

(Please do not contact Trinity House Catholic Worker or the Norbertine Community).

Refugee Choir to Perform on Saturday, April 21

South African Orion Duet and Matunda Ya Yesu African Childrens Choir.

South African Orion Duet Ministries, the Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque (IIRVA) and New Mexico Women's Global Pathways (NMWGP) cordially invite the public to a concert featuring traditional African inspiring and uplifting songs, drumming and movement. The performers from Congo, Burundi, Mozambique, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda range in age from 12 to 68.  

Saturday, April 21
Rio Rancho Seventh Day Adventist Church, 
1351 Westside Blvd. in Rio Rancho (map).   
Suggested Donation $20

Proceeds will benefit Matunda Ya Yesu African Choir, the IRRVA, and its flagship program, NMGWP. 

For more information contact Nkazi Sinandile, womensglobalpathways@gmail. com or (505) 435-5741

Award-Winning Journalist-Activist Chris Hedges to Speak in #ABQ

Sunday, April 15 1:30 to 4:30 pm Central United Methodist Church University and Central Ave. in Albuquerque This is a strategy event for Faith Leaders, Advocates, Activists and Community Organizers. Space is limited. Reservations required ($10 Donation) For more information contact   Rev. Holly Beaumont (hbeaumont@iwj.org)  Interfaith Worker Justice-New Mexico Register Here

Reclaiming and Restoring

New Mexico

from Sacrifice Zone

to the Land of Enchantment

with

Chris Hedges

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and activist,

graduate Harvard Divinity School,

ordained Presbyterian minister,

former professor at Princeton University,

author of 11 books, including New York Times best-seller “Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt” (2012). 

There are corners of this country (like New Mexico) where Americans are trapped in endless cycles of poverty, powerlessness, and despair

as a direct result of capitalistic greed.

 Journalist Chris Hedges calls these places “Sacrifice Zones.”

“These are areas that have been destroyed for quarterly profit. We’re talking

about environmentally destroyed, communities destroyed,

human beings destroyed, families destroyed.”

Catholic Charities to Hold Crafty Garage Sale in #ABQ on Saturday

Over the past few months, Catholic Charities of  Central New Mexico has received boxes and boxes of new crafting materials and holiday decorations. The agency is putting the surplus items to good use by offering the public a  one-time-only opportunity to obtain bargain crafting supplies and support our families that continue to struggle with poverty.  The items will be available for purchase at its In-Kind Donation Center, located at the Osuna Business Center, 3600 Osuna Blvd. NE #622 (map), on Saturday, February 3, 8:30 a.m. until Noon.

This flyer has more information.

An Inspiring Story of Survival and Success

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe and Catholic Relief Services cordially invite the public to a series of conversations with Thomas Awiapo.

Come listen to Awiapo's inspiring story of survival and success. Orphaned before the age of ten, Awiapo endured bleak poverty and hunger in his small African village until The Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl program saved his life through a food program at a school started by CRS.

He eventually won scholarships to attend college and later earned a Master’s degree from California State University. Today, Awiapo works for CRS training community leaders throughout Ghana, where he lives with his wife and four children.

His story of initiative and his joyful presence has brought inspiration to thousands of people in the U.S. Awaiapo is visiting the U.S. to speak at schools and parishes during Lent and to thank U.S. Catholics for participating in CRS Rice Bowl.

There are five opportunities to meet Awaipo on Jan 29-31, 2018.

Monday, January 29

• 9:30-11:00 am, St. Michael’s High School, 100 Siringo Rd, Santa Fe (map). Please check in at school office. 
• 1:45-2:45 pm, St. Therese School, 311 Shropshire Pl. NW Albuquerque (map). Please check in at school office. 

Tuesday, January 30

• 1:00-2:00 pm, St. Pius X, St. Cecilia Fine Arts Center, 5301 St. Joseph’s Pl NW, Albuquerque (map).
• 6:00-8:00 pm, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Parish Hall, 9502 Fourth Street NW, Albuquerque (map).

Wednesday, January 31

• 12-1:00 pm, Catholic Center Sandia Room, 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl NW, Albuquerque (map).

For more info, contact the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Social Justice and Respect Life 505-831-8167 or justice@archdiosf.org

Poor People's Campaign to Launch 2018 Efforts in New Mexico

The rally and mass revival for the Poor People's Campaign made a big impact in Albuquerque last August. Central United Methodist was packed to capacity, and the energy and sense of commitment was very palpable that evening. In 2017 over 1200 New Mexican's marched and gathered to support this campaign. The reasonable question is "what comes next?"

Here is the answer.  Organizers of the Poor People's Campaign in New Mexico are planning a big event to launch activities for 2018 in Albuquerque and elsewhere in New Mexico on Sunday, January 14, at Congregation Nahalat Shalom, 3606 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (map), 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The date coincides with the celebration of  Dr. Martin Luther King's 91st birthday as well as the 50th year of his death. 

The Albuquerque event, which is part of a series of similar rallies around the country, will feature speakers, local music and more. A Facebook event has been created for the occasion. "Bring your friends and your family. Everyone is invited to attend as the issues being addressed affect us all," say the organizers of the campaign. Let's do this together!"

"Rev. Dr. King lived and died championing the cause of justice for all and striving to bring good news of a brighter day for the poor and vulnerable people of the world," said the organizers, "We are holding this national revival gathering to call on the nation to enlist in the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. We call on all people of moral conscience to join us in 40 days of direct action in over half the states to challenge extremism in state and national politics."

#ABQ Martin Luther King Jr. Events Set for Jan. 13 & Jan 15

Photo MLK Commission

Several events are planned in New Mexico to commemorate the birthday of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  There are two important events.

The New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission invites the public to a march and commemoration ceremony on Saturday, January 13. The march starts at 11:00 a.m. on the corner of University Blvd & Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. and proceeds to downtown. The commemoration ceremony will take place at Civic Plaza at 1:00 p.m.

On Monday, January 15, the Martin Luther King Multicultural Council will hold its annual celebration at Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Ave., from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The council will honor community members who have made significant contributions to the world and represent the legacy of Dr. King.

La Mesa Presbyterian Church's 18th Annual Summer Soiree on Aug. 26

La Mesa Presbyterian Church cordially invites the public to its 18th annual Summer Soiree, an auction benefiting community ventures in the La Mesa Neighborhood. "This is an evening of music, gourmet food, a huge silent auction with art, jewelry, and entertainment packages, and more,," Trey Hammond, pastor of La Mesa, said of last year's event. "It is a delightful late summer party and provides resources for the church's community work, like the la Mesa Arts Academy, community garden, Thanksgiving Feast of Hope, and more! As well, the evening is a great value with only a requested donation of $10 at the door. Do come and brings friends for a fun evening and serves the community!"  See Facebook Event

Enjoy Pupusas in #ABQ and Help a Youth Project in El Salvador

“All we want are these masa-heavy treats smothered in the red salsa and pickiled cabbage.” Review on Yelp

Best place to get homemade pupusas I've been conning here since 5 years ago:) they are freaking awesome I would tell everyone to go give this place a try if you never gone.  Review on Facebook

The man waiting on us, I believe he is the owner, was very nice and helpful. We had never eaten Salvadoran food before so had some questions. We ordered a variety of pupusas. When our drink order came he brought us a special drink to try, he said it was made of marañon but couldn't explain what that was in English. A bit later he comes with his iPad and shows us a picture explaining what marañon is, it's the fruit that the cashew grows out of. I never knew cashews grew like that! All in all it was a great experience, the food was delicious and the man who waited on us was great! i will definitely be back for some more pupusas!  Review on Zomato

A pupusa is a thick corn tortilla stuffed with a savory filling, typically accompanied by curtido spicy coleslaw. According to the online site Recetas Salvadoreñas, the traditional recipe called for a filling of cheese and beans. Over the years, the recipe evolved to include other fillings like chicharrón, pork, chicken, green chiles and loroco (an edible flower found in El Salvador and Guatemala).

At Pupuseria y Restaurant Salvadoreño in Albuquerque, there is a wide choice of pupusa fillings. In addition to cheese, chicharrón, loroco and green chile, diners are given the choice of salami, pepperoni, calabacitas (squash), ground beef, ham and cheese, chicken, spinach, fish and other ingredients. 

Fundraiser for Safe House for Students in El Salvador
On Monday, July 17, you have the opportunity to sample some of the pupusa options and help the  Friends of the Children of El Salvador (FOCES) raise funds to furnish a new safe house residence for scholarship students attending college in San Salvador. The students come from poor families and need a place to stay while completing their studies in San Salvador.  Here is more information.

 FOCES provides provides financial support and encouragement to APRODENHI, the San Salvador-based Association for the Promotion of the Human Rights of the Children of El Salvador.

Monday's fundraiser will be held at Pupuseria y Restaurant Salvadoreño, 1701 Bridge SW (corner of Bridge and Goff).  See map  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. There will be two seatings for the fundraiser: one at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Or if you prefer, you can get your food to go (but you will miss fellowship with fellow supporters of FOCES and APROHENI and the music of Gabriel Fuentes).

Please let Donna Bruzzeze  (bruzzese.donna@gmail.com) know if you plan to purchase your tickets at the door and whether you will be coming to the 5:30 or the 6:30 seating. FOCES has also set up a Go Fund Me page if you would like to donate to the project directly.

Fifth Annual Kids Count Conference Scheduled for June 26

CHI St. Joseph's Children and New Mexico Voices for Children cordially invite you to the

Fifth Annual Kids Count Conference
Monday, June 26, 
7:15 AM-3:15 PM 
Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North, 
5151 San Francisco NE (off I-25)

Featured speakers include Nick Johnson, Senior Vice President at Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, and Dennis Campa, Associate Director, State Policy Reform and Advocacy, External Affairs at The Annie E.CaseyFoundation.

This year's conference will examine linkages between women's economic security and the well-being of children, and how to advance opportunities for New Mexico's children, women and families in a new political era.  NewMexicoWomen.org will present its report on gender justice, and three panels will address the issue: 

• Heart of Gender Justice: Intersectionality, Economic Security, Health Equity 
• Women’s Economic Security in NM & Child Well ‐ Being
• Policy Solutions for Women and Child Well ‐ being in New Mexico

Several individuals will be honored with the Amy Biehl Youth Spirit. Alice King, Polly and Patty Citizen Advocate and Spirit of Hope awards.

A number of state legislators are scheduled to take part in panel discussions, including Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, Sen. Mimi Stewart, Rep. Georgene Louis, Rep. Christine Trujillo, and Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton.

See full schedule

Registration (including lunch) is $75 for individuals and $1,000 for a table  Register here