JUSTICE GROUP - MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 10, 2018

Dear Friends in Justice,

Our last meeting was held on Thursday, MAY 10^th.  Fourteen members attended the meeting which was facilitated by Kate Neville.  This meeting focused largely on justice issues related to gun violence.  

Information/Reports:

  1.  Pittsburgh after King (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Intersections Event): Glenn and others reported that this public meeting was very informative with a key takeaway being how the Pittsburgh’s Hill District has never recovered following the riots of the late 1960’s. Other speakers included a youth who addressed current race issues in Pittsburgh and a representative of the Steel Street Ministries.  The event was by Tony Norman of the Post-Gazette.

  2.  Justice subgroup Police Chief Meeting: The subgroup reported a very informative meeting was held on May 2^nd with participation by Chief David DiSanti (McCandless), Chief Bryan Kelly (Shaler), Chief Thomas Vulakovich (Hampton).  The overall tone of the meeting was very positive and engaging.  While many topics were covered, the focal points were: the emphasis placed by police on close community relations, the opioid crisis and activities undertaken to mitigate “active shooter” risks.  These officers were highly engaging professionals who demonstrated sincere empathy for many they interact with.  They also communicated deep insights into potential long-term solutions for some of our most urgent issues.  One example was the importance that Tom Vulakovich places on effective counseling in the school systems to address the infirmities of school shooters.  Future meetings with the police departments will be planned.   Current members of the “partnering with police” subgroup are Glenn Smith, Bill Sadler, Jeff Sterling and Michael DiMonte.

    

 3.   Progress PA Guest Speaker (Upcoming Primary Elections): Ms. Carolyn Gibb presented on the Progress PA organization.  She spoke about how the results of out last presidential election caused her to be fearful for her Jewish son’s (she is Presbyterian and her husband Jewish) which led to her becoming politically active.  She also provided information about the local Democratic party, planned meetings and various grassroots activities.  Handout copies are available.

       4.   League of Women Voters (Information): Nancy Naragon presented an overview of local activities of the League of Women Voters (LWV) with an emphasis on how to judge a candidate.  She also provided internet-based resources to gather objective information on candidates for the May 15, 2018 primary elections.  Selected key websites are as follows.

·         http://www.vote411.org/  Enter your address to find your polling place, build your ballot with our online voters' guide and much more. Sponsored by the LWV.

·         http://www.vote411.org/state_guide?state_id=Pennsylvania#.Wvee8cKWyCg  Supplements the home 411 site and is specific to PA.

       5.  St. Paul’s Summer Intern:  Jeff Sterling reported that Rev. Innis Miller has been selected as our church summer intern.  Innis is from Liberia and will be arriving in mid-June.  A few families have offered to host Innis during the summer but additional housing and transportation volunteers are needed.

Suggestions:
1.  Peace with Justice Sunday (May 27, 2018):  Jeff reminded that May 27^th will be Peace with Justice Sunday for the UMC.  A special offering will be received that day and communications from our group could be timely around that date.
2  The UMC General Board of Church and Society:  Dara Sterling provided, after the formal meeting time, some introductory information on this UMC level board.  It is dedicated to the work of living faith, seeking justice, and pursuing peace.  The board is called to seek the implementation of the Social Principles and other policy statements of the General Conference on Christian social concerns.  A link to the organizations’ site follows.  Please investigate this important site at your convenience.

·         https://www.umcjustice.org/ 

Participants:

Kate Neville, Glenn Smith, Julie McKnight, Nancy McKnight, Jeanne DiMonte, Michael DiMonte, Nancy Naragon, Don Naragon, Bill Sadler, Susy Monroe, Jeff Sterling, Dara Sterling, Linda Cox, Mary Rishel and guest Carolyn Gibbs.

Respectfully submitted:

Michael DiMonte