The People's Summit

In response to the G-20 Summit taking place in Pittsburgh on September 24-25, 2009, a broad partnership of educational institutions and social justice advocacy groups is organizing a People’s Summit to discuss global problems and seek solutions that are informed by the basic principles of genuine democracy and human dignity. We will draw together informed speakers and panels that will discuss problems we face and possible solutions. In addition we will organize interactive workshop discussions.

With the focus on issues of global justice and human development, linking the local, national, and global, the People’s Summit seeks to advance the:

1. elimination of hunger and poverty;
2. end to all forms of racism;
3. rights and dignity of labor;
4. freedom and empowerment of women;
5. education for all, especially for youth;
6. adequate health care as a basic human right;
7. creation of safe and inclusive communities;
8. end to war and to the conditions that cause war;
9. basic human rights of the vulnerable – refugees, immigrants, the disabled, etc.;
10. preservation of the planet’s ecosystem.

The People’s Summit envisions a world where basic rights—freedom of expression, freedom of thought and religion, freedom from fear, and freedom from want—are enjoyed by all people. Across a diversity and plurality of orientations, inspired by mutual respect and the spirit of solidarity, the participants of the People’s Summit give voice to an alternative world vision to the G-20 Summit, to the public officials, to all men and women of good will—a vision that will hopefully generate communal action and participation in Pittsburgh and beyond.

NEXT PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, July 6, 7:00 p.m.
Thomas Merton Center, 5125 Penn Avenue, in Garfield

For more information, contact Paul Le Blanc at 412-760-9716 or leblanp1@laroche.edu.

Giant Yard Sale!

Friendship's biggest ever neighborhood yard sale takes place this Sunday, June 28, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., from South Negley to Winebiddle. More than 30 families will be selling stuff they've accumulated through the years: Antiques, Collectibles, Furniture, Household Items, Art, and More! Pick up a map at Baum Grove (intersection of Fairmount, Roup, Harriet Streets), then look for the balloons. Come out with your family and turn the recession into an opportunity! Learn more by visiting the Friendship website.

Foreclosure Prevention and Credit Counseling

Are you struggling to make mortgage payments or to pay your bills? NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania offers FREE counseling services designed to help you keep your home and repair your credit. Call now to schedule an appointment: 412-281-1100.

"The worst thing you can do... is nothing at all."

Summer Youth Employment Program - Can you help?

Sixty work sites for summer interns are needed by the Bloomfield Garfield Corp. We pick up all the cost and liability!

With the United States in financial crisis the Federal Government has released funding to stimulate our economy. Part of this plan includes helping to increase the work and academic competencies of many young Americans. The City of Pittsburgh has been aiding this effort by designing a program model to give paid internships to young adults within for-profit and non-profit organizations.

This summer the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation (BGC) is working with youths aged 14-21 to engage in meaningful internships that will increase their job readiness skills and career options. All expenses for the youths' time as interns will be paid by the BGC, including all wages, workers compensation, and liability insurance. The only responsibility from the work site will be to provide a quality work experience. Youths will be placed at internship sites for 30 hours a week for 6 weeks from July 6 to August 14, 2009.

The Summer Youth Employment team will work very hard to make your experience as a work site a positive one. We will act as a liaison between you and your intern to ensure that things go smoothly.

If you would like to explore hosting one or more young people, please e-mail us at kateh@bloomfield-garfield.org. We will call you to discuss the program in more detail.

Community-Wide Yard Sale

The Friendship Preservation Group is planning a community-wide yard sale for Sunday, June 28, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Kick in $5 for the advertising and take advantage of the opportunity to get rid of some stuff! To participate, email michele.timon@gmail.com. Restricted to homes between Gross and Negley.

Summer Classes and Workshops at New IF Center

The new Irma Freeman (IF) Center for Imagination is offering summer camps, classes, and workshops, starting June 29 and running through July. Kids and adults alike can dabble in creative activities such as sculpture and puppetry, mosaics, toy making, and building "funky" furniture. There is also a low-cost yoga class fior beginning and intermediate students.

The center, located at 5006 Penn Avenue, is named for a German-born Pittsburgh artist (1903-1994) who created more than 500 works, most after the age of 80. For more information, call 412-924-0634 or email sheiladali@irmafreeman.com. Scholarships are available.

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The Sprout Fund is looking for a few good ideas. Add your voice to the mix at Making Sparks, an event to discover and discuss new ideas for making Pittsburgh a better place for children to live, learn, and play. If you work with or have children or are involved in technology or the arts - or just care about Pittsburgh's future - then you can't miss Making Sparks!

At this one-day event at the Heinz History Center in the Strip District, you and your fellow Pittsburghers will help define and develop new projects that will have a chance to apply for up to $50,000 in funding. Put in your two cents now, and you'll be better positioned to seek funding for your idea.

Attendance includes breakfast, lunch and childcare, plus all-day admission to the Heinz History Center. Registration is limited so sign up today! Go to spark.sproutfund.org or call 412-325-0646. Admission is $10, and childcare is available by request.