Call to Action, December 8, 2017: Support Cambodian Refugees

Sacramento ACT, alongside the faith community, stands against the DHS decision to deport 50 Cambodian refugees and the targeting of refugee communities. We condemn the deportation of refugees and the separation of families. Amidst these uncertainties, it is cruel and inhumane to separate loved ones for any length of time with the uncertainty that they will ever see each other again.

Let us stand in solidarity through advocacy and partnering with grassroots organizations in both the Cambodian and Vietnamese communities whom have been working endlessly in support of families whose loved ones have been detained.

Take the following three actions for Cambodian and Vietnamese Families:

1. Call your members of Congress to denounce these deportations by doing the following:

·      Identify your congressional leaders

·      Here is what you can say: "My name is ____ from (City, State). I am calling Representative/Senator (Name) to ask that he/she take a public stand against the detention and deportation of Southeast Asian refugees to Cambodia and Vietnam. The round up of community members began in October and impacts refugees that came to the U.S. after the Vietnam War. They grew up as lawful permanent residents and have transformed their lives by putting past mistakes behind them, contributing to their communities, and supporting U.S. citizen family members. (Consider inserting a personal story if you have one.) They do not deserve to be torn apart from their loved ones during the holidays. Will you issue a statement or sign onto a letter circulating in Congress denouncing these deportations?

·      If they say yes, notify Katrina@searac.org to follow up.

2.     For Organizations: Letter to DHS Demanding a Stop to Southeast Asian Deportation. Deadline: Wednesday, December 12, 12pm EST.

3.     For Individuals: Sign the following petitions:

·      Stop the deportation of Cambodian Refugees

·      Stop prolonged detention and deportation to Vietnam

Gabby Trejo Named New Executive Director of ACT

Dear Friends,

I am excited to write to you as the new Executive Director for Sacramento ACT. My last 4 ½ years at ACT have helped me developed a deeper and clearer understanding of the special role that faith-based organizing plays in creating a more just and equitable community.                                

A colleague once said, “Organizing is the process of constant confrontation. For every part of yourself you claim, you open another. It’s a process that constantly humbles you, reminds you of all the places you need to grow, and how much power you need to truly protect the people you love”- Kirk Noden.

During my time here at ACT, I have seen how much we have grown as an organization. Given our work together, we have been able to increase and diversify our congregational membership, we have strengthened our relationships with labor and other non-profits through coalition work and have engaged the largest number of low propensity voters in Sacramento in ACT history. It is this great work that can help us lead an expansion of our collective power to disrupt and transform the institutions and policies that are driving the inequalities of our region.  

In 1994, I was in 6th grade when 58% of Californians voted to support Proposition 187. Proposition 187 stated that if you were undocumented you could not have access to non-emergency healthcare, public education or other basic services. I remember being so afraid to be kicked out of school because of my status, I remember the silence in my home when watching the news, and I remember the school walkouts and how empowered I felt. After the 2016 election, I felt just like my 6th grader self, scared of what the uncertain future may hold for all our families.  Then I remembered that proposition 187 was a blessing in disguise. Our state had never seen such large number of naturalized citizens, or large number of voters of color turning out to the polls as we did following Proposition 187.

I believe that the 2016 elections will also change the political landscape of our country moving forward, but this is not only a political fight. We are fighting for the soul of our country. This fight will require that we cast a bold moral vision that continues to respond to this historic moment, while at the same time we heal the gangrene of racism and reimagine justice and radical inclusivity in our communities. The role of faith leaders is critical in leading us through these times.

I am honored to be the new Executive Director of ACT and look forward to working with you!

In Unity,

Gabby Trejo

 

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Letter from Rabbi Mona Alfi

Why am I so upset about the events in Charlottesville? Why does this hit me with such a visceral fear? I can only answer with a date that is forever burned in my memory, June, 18, 1999.As our members know, on June 18, 1999 two white supremacist, rac…

Why am I so upset about the events in Charlottesville? Why does this hit me with such a visceral fear? I can only answer with a date that is forever burned in my memory, June, 18, 1999.

As our members know, on June 18, 1999 two white supremacist, racist, radical Christian extremist brothers - Benjamin and Tyler Williams - began a terror spree that began with the burning of Congregation B'nai Israel, Congregation Beth Shalom, and Kenesset Israel Torah Center, continued two weeks later with the firebombing of a health clinic that provided abortions, and ended with the murder in the middle of the night of Gary Matson and Winfield Mowder as they lay asleep in their bed.

The Williams brothers reign of terror awakened me to the very real and present danger of radical Christian extremism in the United States as a terrorist movement in our country. That night forever changed the way I look at my fellow Americans, and my ability to sleep soundly at night.

Over the few years I've watched as white nationalist groups have become emboldenedintheirpublicactsofhateandterror. TheWilliamsbrothersinflicted their terror in the middle of the night. But more and more of their compatriots have felt not only comfortable acting in the bright light of day, but they feel they have the mandate and authority to do so.

Many members of the Sacramento Jewish community, including me, had to have 24 hour police security for months after the 1999 attacks. And even though that was 18 years ago, that summer haunts me still. Periodically, I see my name or my photo on the websites of white supremacists, radical Christian extremists, or the Alt-Right, and I get that same sick feeling in my stomach that I lived with after the synagogue

arsons. It's the same feeling I've had since I turned on the news yesterday morning and watched the horrific events in Charlottesville.

Tonight, I'm going to the west steps of the State Capitol at 7:30 pm to "Stand in Solidarity with Charlottesville" - and offer a prayer for healing and pray for our country to live up to its highest ideals.

I'm doing this because to be silent the face of hate is to be complicit with it. As Elie Wiesel said: "We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."

The event will begin at City Hall at 7:30, with a march to the Capitol for the vigil. For those who would like to carpool to the event at the Capitol, please meet in the B'nai Israel parking lot between 6:30-6:45. This is not an organized carpool, just an opportunity for those who would like to go together with other members of our synagogue to go together.

Shalom,

Rabbi Mona Alfi

Attached are two articles that detail the anti-Semitic nature of the events in Charlottesville:

"Hate in Charlottesville: The day the Nazi called me Shlomo"

"What a Jewish journalist saw in Charlottesville"

Letter from PICO Black Directors after Charlottesville

August 14, 2017
Dear PICO Clergy, Leaders, Colleagues and Staff,

The hoods are off! For years, Klansman have hidden on our city councils and our school boards, in our criminal justice system and in our pews. And, for decades have burned, desecrated and terrorized our sanctuaries and holy spaces, as demonstrated in Charlottesville, VA. As the largest faith-based network in the country, a prophetic voice is needed at the federation, state and national level, calling out the evil of white supremacy! Make no mistake, what is happening in Charlottesville is coming to a town near you! The KKK is rising again in numbers and visibility. Are we prepared to resist, protest, protect and heal?

As Black Directors of PICO, we are grateful to clergy and congregations who spoke and prayed with moral clarity this weekend. Now is the time to move beyond our prayers and preaching. We cannot wait for the next Alt-right/KKK Neo Nazi Aryan Nation Oath keepers rally. We cannot bow our heads or avert our eyes hoping against hope. We must bring radical love and power to the doorsteps of their headquarters and every elected office.

To Multi-faith, Multi-racial Communities of Clergy & Faith Leaders:

We call on leaders of faith and moral courage to engage in the work of racial justice and in dismantling white supremacy through popular education, defense training, public action and policy change.

To Black Clergy & Colleagues:

Add to the prophetic witness and protest OUR CHURCH was birthed, a commitment to deep care that addresses generational trauma, and a commitment to leadership that privileges the voices and leadership of Black women. Let’s take this opportunity to re-connect with millennial youth leaders who are looking for spiritual guidance and comfort, and a place to belong. In essence, let’s heal and make whole our community through these turbulent times.

To White Colleagues:

We need your voice and your physical presence at this moment, protesting and resisting whiteness and white supremacy at every turn; in your homes, churches, neighborhood associations and/or in your local city halls. We need you to organize your communities, congregations, and clergy around a white prophetic voice that dismantles white supremacy and protects Black and Brown lives. Even as we

continue to decenter whiteness and affirm the leadership of black women and men, we call on white leaders in resisting the dragon of white supremacy everywhere.

To Everyone:

We need to prepare for Klan rallies across this nation by:

  1. RESEARCH:WhenisthenextKlanrallynearyou?Where?

  2. PROTECT:Contactyourlocalpolicedepartmenttodiscusstheprotection of black and brown people against white home-grown terrorists.

  3. RESIST:Makeasecurityplan(includingnon-violenttraining)withlocal community groups on how to physically resist Klan rallies. Find a clergy person of color or group to support and follow.

  4. PROTEST:Show-upwithyourtrainedcongregation,standinginthebreach in radical love against white supremacy.

  5. HEAL:Provideanon-goinghealingspacepriortoandafterprotests, specifically targeting black people who for centuries have been terrorized by the KKK.

Right now, our hearts are in Charlottesville with our sisters and brothers on the ground, and we are praying for the family of Heather Heyer, who lost her life fighting against white supremacy. And, we are outraged that expressions of hatred would be protected. We are angered that the police response was slow in protecting peaceful protesters - given our collective experience in Ferguson, Baltimore, etc. Yet, we express gratitude for the courage, sacrifice, and leadership of our siblings.

Ecclesiastes 3:17 “I said to myself, “God will bring into judgement both the righteous and the wicked, for their will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.” Beloved Community, the time is now for activity that calls us into a radical resistance to the rhetoric and evil of hate in our land.

In Power and Love, PICO Black Directors

PS - This Hate Group Map resource from the Southern Poverty Law Center may help you learn about what is in your area.

ACT's Homeless Local Organizing Committee Report, June 9, 2017

On June 9, the Homeless Local Organizing Committee submitted formal policy recommendations to Sacramento County Supervisors. These comments culminate an effort over four months to understand issues and develop recommendations about proposals by the County and City of Sacramento to expand their program funding for homeless people. A major change is the decision to create a limited priority for homeless people to access public housing units (City) or housing choice vouchers (County), which they could not do before due to discriminatory rules. Over the period of three years as many as 1,700 homeless persons could obtain housing as a result of this change. In addition, both County and City decided to fund expansion of supportive services to help these newly housed people to be successful in their new homes. While these are major steps forward, ACT strongly urged both the County and the City at their June 13 hearings to develop a comprehensive plan to house or shelter all homeless people by 2022.    Read complete recommendations here.

Voting for the First Time: Meet Denise Thorne and Catherine Smith

Voting for the First Time:  Meet Denise Thorne and Catherine Smith

“I always thought that my vote didn’t count,” says Catherine Smith, ACT phone banker. “All my life I’ve been told that my vote is not going to matter, that they already have it figured out who and what is going to win,” adds Denise Thorne.  “Through this work I’ve learned that your vote does count.”  Both Catherine and Denise are excited to vote for the first time in their lives.

Call to Action: Support a Sacramento Policing Commission with Power!

Call to Action:  Support a Sacramento Policing Commission with Power!

Sign the petition.  As we endeavor to equip our Sacramento Community Policing Commission with the power needed to ensure the transparency and accountability of law enforcement,  we have provided the City Council with our recommendations for changes to the Sacramento Community Policing Commission.  Read the list of recommendations here.

Statement from ACT Leaders in Ferguson

On Tuesday, Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT) leaders flew to Ferguson Tuesday to bear witness, listen to the cries of the community and assist with community organizing for truth and justice in the killing of Mike Brown.   They have witnessed the pain the community, participated in peaceful demonstrations and encouraged dialogue and reconciliation between law enforcement and the community.  They are a cohort of clergy leaders from the PICO National Network across the country flying into Ferguson to provide support. 

Below is a statement from ACT's Clergy Leader, Pastor Les Simmons of South Sacramento Christian Center on his experience.  He is accompanied by Pastor Kevin Brown of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, and ACT's executive director, Ashlin Malouf Spinden

Year of Encounter—Days of Preparation

(photo: ACT leader Antonio Campos with Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez) 

By Rich Fowler, Staff to Bishop Soto
Diocese of Sacramento

Pope Francis has captured the imagination of the world with his compassionate encounters with people of all walks of life and circumstance, and his insistent reminder that we have organized our economy in a way that undermines family and community life, while excluding whole groups of people seen as “disposable.”

From April 29 to May 1, almost 300 representatives of PICO organizations, parishes, and congregations across the United States gathered at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia in preparation for Pope Francis’s visit to the United States in September. We launched an effort of faith-formation, education and organizing in response to Pope Francis’s leadership.

AB 953 and An Act of God

At the beginning of September, 2015, the Governor’s Office said that it would take “an act of God” for the governor to sign Assembly Bill 953.

On September 2, 2015, Sacramento ACT leaders joined with PICO California leaders from across the state, as well as other organizations, as 1,000 people of faith descended on the State Capitol to urge the California State Assembly to pass AB 953, The Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015.  The bill requires law enforcement to submit to the California Attorney General detailed information on police stops in an effort to end racial profiling by police.

Leaders staged a massive protest and die-in on the Capitol grounds, sharing memories of loved ones killed by law enforcement, stories of racial profiling, and boldly declaring God’s justice over the Capitol building. They occupied the Capitol and Governor Brown’s office, remembering loved ones who were lost to police violence.

Nearly a week later, the Assembly did pass the bill and it moved onto Governor Jerry Brown’s desk for his consideration.  This was one of the only Black Lives Matter police accountability reform measures to make it to the governor’s desk.  The majority of police accountability bills were opposed and defeated by powerful law enforcement unions across the state, including local law enforcement.

Now it was time for the “act of God” that the governor invited.  So ACT and other leaders participated in just that.  They prayed for Governor Brown and held vigils round the clock at the State Capitol beginning on September 26.  Catholic morning prayers were held at the Capitol.  Church bible studies moved to the Capitol. A Shabbat Service was celebrated at the Capitol.  A Jummah prayer service was held at the Capitol.  Pentecostal pastors held a preach and pray-in, and delivered sermons outside of the door to the Governor’s office.

One week later, on October 3, 2015, the prayers of the people were answered and Governor Brown signed AB 953 into law.

View the original video on YouTube

Click here to read the SacBee's coverage

Click here to read ABC10's coverage

Meet Pyerse Dandridge: ACT Leader Profile

Meet Pyerse Dandridge: ACT Leader Profile

Pyerse Dandridge is a leader in ACT’s work to increase the minimum wage.  He has experienced the struggle to live on minimum wage noting that employers want workers with a grown up schedule, work ethic, and experience, but only want to pay them a teenager’s wage.  He believes that when you pay employees a living wage, they have more ownership in the business which works to everyone’s advantage.

Bearing Witness: ACT Leaders Travel to Flint, Michgan

Bearing Witness: ACT Leaders Travel to Flint, Michgan
“This is a humanitarian crisis and no one is being held accountable.”

In early February, 2016, Pastor Les Simmons, ACT leader and Board Member, and Gabby Trejo, ACT organizer, flew to Flint, Michigan to work with other PICO leaders to support the people of Flint as they cope with the city-wide public health crisis created by their poisoned water.  

PICO and its local affiliate, Michigan Faith in Action, are working to ignite people for change and the betterment of the whole community.  Through door-to-door canvases they are assessing water and health needs, as well as inviting Flint residents to be involved in creating strategies to address the water crisis and hold public officials accountable.