Advocacy Training January 25th

Join us for an advocacy training session, Jan. 25, 12:15-2:00 p.m. in the Plymouth Fireside room.

All are welcome to take their activism to the next level by attending training at Plymouth by local organizers on how to be an effective messenger on social justice legislation. We'll learn effective techniques and strategies to get our voices heard in the political arena.

Then take your training and message to your legislators at the State Capitol on Feb. 3 for the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition Day on the Hill. You'll be among thousands of faith-based activists speaking out on social justice issues. Register at www.jrlc.org

Join these Advocacy events and plug into a network of people transforming our community. Plymouth Advocacy links our faith with action by organizing for the common good. We're non-partisan, seeing furthering justice as a realization of the Kingdom of God.

Outreach Board Retreat

This past weekend the Outreach Board held a retreat focused around the purpose of Outreach and some strategic planning for the board. We reflected on why we particpate in outreach and what is means to us, why Plymouth is such a strong vehicle for outreach. We then looked at some strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and focused on some issues. We then came up with some actions and resources needed to address key issues. All of this will information will be put together and we will have a vision for the future of the Outreach Board. We will continue to post on this vision as it comes into focus.

Got campaign withdrawl? Is your inner activist craving action? Explore activism at Plymouth!

What is your burning concern for your community today? Clean water? Access to health care? Education? Host a letter writing table at Plymouth and invite folks in Guild Hall. Ask people to Take Five minutes to be a voice for justice in your area of concern. For all the steps needed to host a Take Five letter writing table, find the "Take Five Steps for Success" tips here.

On Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 5:30PM the Plymouth advocacy working group meets over dinner to consider what is possible for faith-based, grassroots organizing at Plymouth. Hear about Day on the Hill when faith communities advocate legislation to policy makers. Brainstorm for a Coffee and Conversation series on activism and policy shaping. What ideas do you have? Join us! Email stephanieowenlyons@gmail.com for more information.

Simpson Men’s Shelter Dinner -November 13, 2008

We had a great group of 12 volunteers to prepare and serve the dinner. A few of us arrived by 5pm so we could get the lasagna in the oven. By 6 o'clock a large group from Rosemount United Methodist Church arrived to also serve dinner. It was totally our fault for not confirming the date and time with the Simspon coordinator.

After a short time negotiating in a very friendly manner... thanks to all of our volunteers... we were able to come to a solution. They left some of the food, took some back, and donated some to Plymouth for the Third Sunday Meal. I have since sent an apology and offered to help them when they reschedule. They responded kindly to say they appreciated our offer but had pletny of volunteers.

Menu
Lasagna with meat
Baguette Bread and butter
Salad with Salami, olives, cheese, etc.
Apple pie with ice cream
(We scooped the ice cream into small paper cups, placed them on trays put them in freezer)
Apple juice - we heated it and made a hot cider (not much was used)
Milk
Bags of oranges for the following morning's breakfast
Macaroni and Cheese from Rosemount Methodist
Bars and Cookies from Rosemount

Our budget was $574. We spent a total of $425.46

Clean up took longer than expected, as the dishwasher was not operating properly. So, thanks to the hearty group who stayed until the end to get it all clean and put away. I think a lot of the groups use disposable plates, etc. We had about 2 pans of extra lasagna and a couple of extra pies. We left the remaining food and I was told it was put to good use.

I welcome any feedback as to how this event could be improved upon.

--Sandy Klapperich

Caring for Creation - September Field Trip

In September, Caring for Creation members and guests gathered at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Bloomington. It was a wonderful to discover such a precious resource practically in our back yard!

The visitor center had a great view of the Minnesota River Valley, and a number of thought provoking exhibits. During the presentations in the auditorium, it was noted that the National Wildlife Refuge system plays a vital role in providing habitat for migrating species. Then, we were off into the valley for a two hour field trip. Here are a few photos from the event:

Afterwards, we met to discuss a number of new projects.

Highlights from the Meeting

Energy Audit - Plymouth is now on the waiting list for a free and comprehensive Energy Audit. On August 19, Dave Hanson, the Plymouth Property Manager, made arrangements with RETAP. We are hopeful that they will assign 2 or 3 retired engineers to the project within a couple months.

Constitutional Amendment - We started by watching a DVD which Ed Crozier created in support of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. An article on the constitutional amendment is scheduled to appear in an October issue of the Flame. We will also staff an information table in Jones Commons and/or Guild Hall. Lawn signs are available.

Environmental Tips of the week - A sub-group is putting together a list of tips to help us live more sustainably, for publication in the Bulletin, and elsewhere.

Wildflower / Rain Garden - We are looking into adding signage and developing some education materials related to Plymouth's wildflower / rain garden.

Note to Katie: I created this new posting, as the blog wouldn't allow me to post photos when commenting on your post. --Tim

Outreach Opportunities in October!

There are many events this October for Outreach!
Check out the Opportunity page at plymouth.org go to volunteer then click Outreach.
SSCO Fall Clean Sweep Oct 4, 10 - noon (more info here)
Plymouth School Volunteers training by MN Literacy Council 1 - 4:00
SSCO Fall Festival Oct 18, noon - 3:00 (more info here)
Third Sunday Meal Oct 19, 4:30 - 6:30
Downtown Congregations furniture drive Oct 25, 9 - noon
Restorative Justice discussion Oct 25, 10 - noon
PCNF Art fundraiser Oct 25, 4 - 8:00
--Connie Marty