TIAR December 10, 2024

TIAR Board meeting 121024

Present: Roberta Davis, William Spilly, Gaynelle Wethers, Faranza Islam, Tom Perry, Rich Codding

Absent: Barry- away on a Nation magazine adventure

Faranza gave us an excellent report on education in our city. She teaches at Monroe HS  She explained the disciplinary procedures at Monroe  their new innovations like half day school wide activity day, Smart (Athletic focus) and their community involvement as a Community Based School. Wednesday 12/11/24 there is a Zoom sponsored by The Solutions not Suspensions committee in cooperation with Children's Agenda to discuss alternative methods of discipline in our schools

Our treasures reported that we have $3,218 in our savings. There have been no transactions of late.  We do need to again contact our membership to renew their dues, still at $15. A team to include Tom, Richard and Bill will meet in January to send out the Presidents letter, and Brochures with applications. We will review old member lists and Gaynelle volunteered to make phone calls.

Our goal for 2025 is to coordinate with our affiliates which include: RAICA, Poor Peoples Campaign, RASE Committee on Mental Health, Solutions not suspension committee, GRCC ,possibly Metro Justice under new membership, Children’s Agenda and possibly Center for Youth.

Upcoming events: RAICA meeting 12/13/24, GRCC meeting on 12/16/24, Solutions not Suspensions 12/11/14

Our next executive meeting is 1/7/25 on Zoom at 4PM. All Board members and interested General members are invited

TIAR October 15, 2024

TIAR MEETING 101524

Richard opened with a list of events happening this week on Zoom

FCNL a Quaker organization will have a seminar on democracy; voting and elections October 30th code 820 2927 5353

The interfaith Alliance will be having a bus tour” voting is sacred” in all the key voting states the week before elections

Barry suggested we contact national to determine what we are able to distribute to our members regarding voting and issues

NYSUT and RTA sent our endorsements to its members

Roberta spoke of the Poor Peoples Campaign and the extensive activities to get out the vote campaign

Network of sisters has posted Christian values compared to Project 2025

The Children’s agenda will be holding an interfaith weekend focused on children and poverty in our area also on 10/27 24, Spiritus Christi will hold a reception at 121 Fitzhugh St. at 4PM

Roberta spoke about the RASE Commission and its weaknesses concerning Mental health and Policing. She also mentioned the need for a look at the DSS and its workings.

We had a good discussion on Education, Politics, Poverty, Racism and the upcoming election. Please go to Interfaithalliance.org for information on Christian Nationalism and Project 2025.

Next meeting 11/12/24 on Zoom at 1PM

TIAR June 20, 2024

TIAR BOARD MEETING 062024

Invocation by Barry Swan

Approval of April 10th meeting

Financial report Tom Perry we need to decide on our donation policy

Reports

Roberta- there is a new leader of PAB. Ms Leslie Myers.  There is a new president of ROCACTS Rev. Wanda Wilson we need to review the RASE Commission report and follow progress. The Poor Peoples Campaign will have a bus going to DC on June 29th .Rochester may have representation

Richard- there is a new president of GRCC Cary Jensen.  Alan daily will serve as treasurer. GRCC will be showing two films on Christian Nationalism in August and one in the fall.

Roberta- there is confusing policy on Immigration at the Federal Level. States seem to be designing their own policies

Gaynelle- Gaynelle will continue to call members as needed. We are inviting Todd Goddard to our next executive meeting to explain procedures and needs of our web page and Face book. At this meeting Roberta volunteered to serve as our liaison to Todd who will continue as our Web Master

Barry Swan- Barry spoke of possible future speakers for our fall meeting. Anyone is welcome to offer the invocation at our meetings

The speaker today was Rev. Jimmy Reader. He is a retired Baptist minister. He spoke of the dangers of the religious right and the movement “Christian Nationalism” He ha s resources for review on his website https://www.jimmyreader.com/

The talk was recorded and Richard should have it on his Computer

Our next Board meeting will be September 19th on Zoom from 4 to 5:30

TIAR January 11, 2024

TIAR Meeting

January 11, 2024

9:30- 11:00 AM, Zoom

Present: Richard Codding, Roberta Davis, Tom Perry, Mary Sutton, Barry Swan

Absent: Becky Elwell, Gaynelle Wethers

AGENDA

1. 2024 Board Meetings- We will hold the general Board meetings during the months of March, June, September, and December. This is in accordance with the decision to hold four meetings/year.

2. Brochure- we still need to have them printed. Initial price checks were a bit high.

ACTION: Richard will continue to obtain pricing options.

3. Membership- As per our last meeting, we will need to update our information. Tom reported (12/5/23) that many letters came back to us because of the wrong addresses.

     A. Richard will send the list to Gaynelle who will make calls reengaging and updating our

          information.

     B. Roberta will contact Professor Susan Nowak SSJ, Religious Studies Dept., Nazareth College

          to see if any students are interested and available to work with us. Richard will send a

          statement to accompany Roberta’s message.

     C. Barry will contact Dr. Muhammed Shafiq, Religious Studies Dept., Nazareth College to see

          if any students are interested and available to work with us.

     D. Both Roberta and Barry will ask if any student would like to work with us as an assistant to

          our webmaster, Rev. Todd Goddard. We are willing to pay $100/semester.

These two contacts were recommended by retired Professor Harry Murray, Nazareth College. All members should continue their efforts to recruit additional members.

4. Website- The purpose of the website is a place where members can go to pursue their interests. Rev Todd Goddard is our web master. He is on the mend and hopes to be back working on the website by February 2024.

5. Financial Report- Tom Perry

We are solvent.

6. Honorary Members

We received an email from Neil Jaschik informing us that he is retiring from TIAR. We extend our deepest gratitude to Neil for his years of service. He becomes one of our honored members in retirement.

ACTION: We need to update this list so that past members are recognized and appreciated.

7. 2024 Legislative Season- Legislators are now back in session until June

  A. Some of the Bills in Progress

       1) 13th Forward- has a constitutional amendment that forbids anyone to be forced to work, including inmates. It also has a bill on fair opportunities that would apply labor laws and fair pay to working incarcerated persons.

       2) Solutions Not Suspensions- this bill hopes to halt the suspension of Pre-K to 3rd Grade students and to bring solutions instead.

       3) End of Qualified Immunity- qualified immunity is the doctrine by the Supreme Court in response to the 1960’s civil rights protests. It allows public officials, including cops, to avoid civil suits. Proponents insist that the rule of law be followed so that there is similar treatment for similar circumstances. A special focus is how this law impacts police officers’ treatment of civilians.

      4) New York Immigration Coalition - NY4All Legislation- All New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, want to lead open lives, participate in their communities, provide for their family, and access health care without intimidation. The New York for All Act offers protections that help make this possible, by prohibiting all local law enforcement and state agencies from conspiring with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) or participating in its cruelty.

     5) New York Immigration Coalition- Coverage4All Legislation- provide state-funded health insurance coverage for 154,000 undocumented New Yorkers who currently do not qualify for any federal- or state-funded comprehensive coverage.

    6) Daniel’s Law- A Rochester initiative that would amend public health law in New York state, establishing mental health response units that are trained to deescalate mental health and substance abuse emergency situations.

    7) Indian Boarding School Act- would establish the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States to the Senate (S. 1723).If passed, the legislation would create the first official commission in U.S. history to investigate and document the long-term impacts of hundreds of federally sponsored Native boarding schools operated by Christian churches, including some Quakers. The Commission may also recommend that the federal government create guidelines to protect student graves and support the repatriation of bodies interred at the schools.

    8) Native American Child Protection Act (H.R.663) If passed, this bill would reauthorize and amend the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. It supports programs related to the prevention, investigation, treatment, and prosecution of family violence, child abuse, and child neglect involving Indian children and families.

B. Legislators- members are reminded to monitor and contact their legislators on all levels of government to assist them as they decide which bills and amendments to support. Richard and a team of her constituents met with Sarah Clarke to discuss environmental concerns.

8. Possible Topics for Board Meetings- please let us know if there were a topic you would like us to address

    A. Racism- its manifestations and infusion into society (Bill Wynd, Poor People’s Campaign)

    B. Water and migration

    C. The impact of Christian Nationalism on our region (Jimmy Reader)

    D. Separation of Church and State

    E. Upcoming Presidential Election

 9. Issues of Interest: With the understanding that racism is the common denominator

A.      Braver Angels- connecting the left and right political extremes

B.      Climate Crisis- RAICA, Climate Accelerator, Climate Solutions, Pachamama, Climate Reality

C.      Criminal Justice- 13th Forward, Daniel’s Law

D.     Education – Solutions Not Suspensions, PARA

E.      Elders and Allies- racial justice

F.       Homelessness- Project Haven, REACH, Person-Centered

G.     Housing- Tenant’s Union (Housing Justice 4 All)

H.     Immigration- NYIC legislative priorities, Coverage4All

I.        Interfaith Relationships- GRCC, Interfaith Alliance

J.        Native American Issues- Child Protection Act, Truth & Reconciliation Commission legislation, 60’s Scoop, MMIWC

K.      NY Renews- is currently organizing around the Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package, a legislative roadmap to rapidly decarbonize New York, make our state healthier and more equitable, ensure a just transition for workers, and help create an accessible green economy for all.

L.       Poor People’s Campaign- State of the State, preparation for June Rally

M.   RASE CARTS- purpose is to enact the RASE Commission recommendations: Mental Health, Policing and Criminal Justice

N.     Separation of Church and State- working with the national Interfaith Alliance

O.     Voting Rights- contact Judy Schwartz

ACTIONS FOR EVERYONE:

1)      Each of us is working on different issues. Please continue to attend the meetings, send any postings to Richard, prepare to report during our meetings.

2)      Poor People’s Campaign- please go onto the website to sign the petition asking Kathy Hochul to defend the poor in NYS at : bit.ly/PPSOS2024 (it’s also on our website, nysppc.org)

10. Parking Lot

      *Climate Accelerator- we need to discuss sponsorship

TIAR August 31, 2023

TIAR EXECUTIVE MEETING 083123

Present: Tom, Richard, Becky, Roberta, Barry

Mary Sutton called. She will be on the Climate march September 15th. I would like to table at that event (Richard).Gaynelle sent an email stating her progress calling old members. Richard will send list to executive committee

We have a possible Board of ten members to be confirmed this includes the present officers. We will have an Annual membership business meeting November 16th to confirm Board Members, Officers and Make Bylaws changes.

The executive Committee will hold meetings every Thursday from 9:30 to 11:00 to plan a Special Presentation on Democracy, Censorship and the current activity of Book Banning. We will seek to form a panel and invite the Ghandi Institute to moderate. We will be asking Metro Justice, GRRC and ROCACTS to join us in this planning. We will also ask current Paid Members to participate. Our proposed date for this undertaking is Saturday September 18th. Place e and Time to be determined.

We had some discussion on the BYLAWS and possible Changes. WE WILL ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AT THE Annual Business meeting on November 16th with all Paid members invited.

Our next discussion was on sending dated to Rev Todd Goddard for Web Page publication. We will need to be precise. Write a short paragraph description of the event with dates and contact information.

Reports were taken from Richard( Climate Accelerator Meeting, meeting with John Pelleto, Becky's proposed BYLAW Changes and meeting with J.Pellito, Roberta( October 14thRocACTS Education Forum) ,Barry spoke of his health, progress and suggestions for our Special Presentation in November and Tom had many ideas on Bylaws, Future Changes, November Presentation and Treasury.

Duties: Richard- Send old  membership list with phone numbers to Executive Committee, Contact Irondequoit Library for possible meetings location, Contact GRCC and Metro Justice for help with Planning, send invitation to paid members ask to help us plan our November Presentation. Send contact Information on Sponsorship of the PCHO convention (October 4th) to Becky ASAP.

Roberta- send a short description on our November 18th Presentation to Richard, contact ROCACTS and ask to offer their assistance with planning and contact specific old Board Members.

Becky- Contact Monroe County Library and ask for potential ideas and for possible panel members for our presentation. Contact specific Old Board members.

Tom- See if First Unitarian Church can offer us space to hold meetings and specifically to hold the Presentation on November 18th. The TIAR Treasury is $3,845.56 as of July31st.

 Gaynelle- Continue calls to former Members and Ask the executive committee to help with calls.

Barry- Get Better!!! Possibly write a brief description of The Urban League /Episcopal Churches Interfaith Celebration (September 19th) for Todd and Richard to publicize.

TIAR August 3, 2023

1. Land Acknowledgements- you saw the email I sent to Gandhi Institute explaining our thoughts about this. They have said yes and will be in contact after the director returns from vacation. (B) We have asked Ginny Fifield to come and speak with us about the needs of Native people in Monroe County and what actions we can take. She has said yes to the 15th and needs it to be by Zoom (C) Geva Theatre has been collaborating with the Haudenosaunee in the area. We would like to know how and to collaborate. Tom Perry is contacting them.

2. Officers- We would like Barry Swan to continue if he is agreeable to this. It will entail looking at the current Bylaws to see if this is approved and if not discussing changes.

3. Committee

     A. New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) recently had a regional meeting. Roberta is awaiting the report from that meeting and will share with the group

     B. RASE Carts- Roberta is participating on the mental health and policing CARTS. RocACTS has a number of members participating on different carts: education, housing. All are invited to join a CART. We will keep TIAR updated.

4. Discussion Question - we would like to devote 15-20 minutes for a discussion of the following question at a future meeting:

Why are you doing this work? 

Submitted by Roberta Davis

Re Geva Land Acknowledgement (and Anti-Racism) positions and actions:

Geva presents their Land Acknowledgement and Anti-Racism work as integral parts of charting an anti-racist path forward for the theater.

Geva’s Anti-Racism Action Plan is detailed here: https://gevatheatre.org/diversity-inclusion/

The Plan has four parts:

1. Disrupting Inaccurate Histories and Exclusions

2. Revising Policies and Practices to Adhere to Anti-Racist Values

3. Creating Greater Equity in our Artistic Process

4. Building Inclusive Community Relationships

Their Land Acknowledgement work is briefly summarized in part 1 on the Diversity & Inclusion page linked above (and in the Playbill at every performance) AND is covered in covered in greater detail in the Geva Journal here: https://gevajournal.wordpress.com/2020/10/14/whose-land-are-we-on/

Comment:  Much of the account is from Native American sources and perspectives. We can be grateful for the work that Geva and their partners have done for the entire Rochester Community. Missing from the Geva accounts are the continuing struggles of the Haudenosaunee peoples to maintain their sovereignty and culture in the present day.

Parts 2-4 document the work that Geva is doing in an on-going examination of their history, policies, and practices to identify where they need to change to become an anti-racist and transformative theater company.

Comment: To their credit, Geva is committing to actions that are measurable.

And following part 4, Geva reports on their Progress with real numbers and honesty about their late start and the long way they have yet to travel.

Comment: Would it be that our own religious and social organizations would follow the example that Geva has set.

Comment: The Progress reported is from 2021. More recent data does not seem to be publicly available.

Tom

TIAR EXECUTIVE/AD HOC MEETING

Date: August 3rd 2023

Present: Tom Perry, Rich Codding, Roberta Davis, Gaynelle Wethers, Becky Elwell, Rev. Bill Spilly and Mary Sutton

We will be meeting every two weeks staring 8/15/23. I have extended our group to include members interested in active participation. We have an Ad Hoc Committee section in our bylaws. I have named this group “The TIAR Action Committee." Our main goal will be to design a TIAR Annual Meeting Agenda. We have as a group decided that our focus will be Race, Book Banning and the effect of Christian Nationalism. We will keep our focus on Local Boards of Education, Library personnel, and Local Community representatives. Roberta has sent an email to the Ghandi  Institute and you should have received this letter and her notes.

Duties:  Richard and Becky will meet to review and organize our current Membership list. Gaynelle with the help of all willing to make calls will call each member on this list and ask them to rejoin.  John Noranha has resigned from the Board and the GRCC representative. Another task for Becky and I will be to sort out the terms of Board members and Officers and recommend a Slate after each Board member and officer is contacted. Barry Swan is recuperating from surgery so his activity will be limited.

Tom Perry gave his report; we have $3,845.56 in our account. Becky reported that we have only 22 paid Memberships.

Roberta reported on the PAB which is alive and well and the ROCACTS which is undergoing reorganization. Mary reported on attending the Phase one and two of the County Climate Plan. Upcoming events include Baden St. Campaign, a Climate Accelerator Meeting on the 24th and our Action Committee Meetings August 15 and 29th. If there are other events please advise Rev. Todd Goddard he is keeping our Web page up to date!

Respectfully Submitted, Rich Codding

Richard Codding / Secretary TIAR

TIAR December 16, 2021

Present: Robert Goldstein, John Noronha, Becky Elwell, Roberta Davis, Anne Kiefer, Richard Codding, Barry Swan, Bill Elwell

Business meeting: John, Becky, Roberta, Richard, Barry

Invocation: Becky

Meeting opened by Barry at 4:15 pm. We approved last Board Meeting Minutes with one change. The November meeting was cancelled and there will be no January meeting. He also mentioned the Elders and Allies recent action.

Finances (Becky): Account balance $3969.54 Paid Membership 69

PABA (Roberta): The PABA supports the PAB (Official City Board). The board will still be hiring and seeks diversity. Richard mentioned the “Perspectives on Policing” presentation featuring Moses Robinson (police Liaison) and Anthony Hall (community organizer).

Homelessness: Becky reported on Homelessness organizations Reach Advocacy and Family Promise for a Greater Rochester. There will be housing in Apartments, Hotels and House of Mercy and Open Door Mission.

Metro Justice (John Noronha): June 18th will be a march and the MJ member Meeting is January 22, 2021. Becky and Rich will try to attend. The recent focus has been on Health Care for all. John also has contacted GRCC. He will present position papers on Voting Rights and Health Care. GRCCmeeting: December 24.

Environment (Richard) NYRENEWS, CCL have December meetings concerning legislation and we will focus on Climate on February 17th Board Presentation.

Presentation: Dr. Robert Goldstein, president of The Rochester area Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Dr. Goldstein gave the history of Separation of Church /State Legislation and spoke about the Med. Excuse from the COVID Vaccine. I would recommend viewing the State of Belief Broadcast “Divided We Stand” as a follow up to Dr. Goldstein’s presentation.

TIAR October 21, 2021

Present: Becky Elwell, Bill Elwell, Gaynelle Wethers, Roberta Davis, John Noronha, Richard Codding, Anne Kiefer, Neil Jaschik, Mary Sutton, Rabbi Katz, Jeanne McElhinny, Gloria Forgione and Jamie Fazio was excused –conflict

Invocation: Barry Swan

Business:

            Minutes of last meeting Moved (Gaynelle) Seconded (Roberta) Comment by John Noronha with reference to visas for Farm Workers

            Finances: (Becky reported) The TIAR has $3,919 in our account.

            Membership (Becky) we need to form a committee to get membership Information out to members by January.

Web Site: Neil will accept information on November updates. Barry suggested that all view the new format for our TIAR WEB Page

PAP: Check the web site, There is still conflict with city council

Immigration: Excluded workers Act passed NY State.  There will be an informational meeting on this topic November 1st, check with Roberta. The Green Light Legislation has also passed.

Environment: NYREHEWS has asked us to sponsor the November 13th Rally for CCIA Legislation.  John Keevert is our contact person. Barry and I attended the Annual Membership Report Meeting for Climate Accelerator with Evan Lowenstein

Presentation: Roberta Davis presented her excellent webinar on the Critical Race Theory. The presentation was well researched and well presented. Thank you, Roberta

Future meeting of the TIAR Board November 18th   4-6PM

We may recap Roberta’s Presentation at our next meeting. Topic TBA

TIAR June 17, 2021

THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER

+People of Faith Working Together For Justice in Public Policy+

Board Meeting Minutes

June 17, 2021

Attendance: Rich Codding, Roberta Davis, Becky Elwell, John Noronha, Barry Swan, Gaynelle

Wethers, Mary Sutton. Excused: Dorothy Barnes

Invocation: The Invocation was given by John Noronha

Minutes: The May Board minutes were approved

Reports: Becky gave the financial and membership report. We have 62 members and a balance of $4,108.54 in our account.

Roberta gave her report on PAB, PPC, Immigration and RocActs. City Council approved the PAB budget of Five Million. PPC will have their call for the Third Reconstruction on June 21 st and will March on Washington June 23 rd . The PPC also asks our support for the For the People Act which will guarantee voting rights. For more information, Contact Roberta or Richard.

The new Board for RocActs will be approved July 28 th and Roberta will be our representative. There is steady movement on Immigration: Pathway to Citizenship, Legal Rights and DACA (extended until 2022). The President supports these initiatives.

Richard gave the environment report. He attended the Accelerator advisory committee meeting Just before our TIAR meeting. This group includes members of various environmental and social Justice Groups in a several county area. RAICA has published an environment book list for adults and children and I have this list. Richard also attended a Climate reality meeting with Al Gore. He asks us to support the American Jobs Plan by calling our representatives. NYRENEWS asks for our support. This is a very young and active group working for green Legislation in NYS and at The Federal Level. The Board approved rejoining Climate Accelerator for an annual fee of $50. Also approved was Richard’s Pro Account with ZOOM for $149.90 for the year June 21 to June22.

John gave his report on the GRRC and MJ. He suggests that TIAR write a letter to MJ praising them for their efforts promoting Universal Health Care. He is working closely with GRRC to work with TIAR in endorsing Social Justice Concerns.

New Business: Roberta suggested that we focus on our spiritual development and concerns as people of faith for the next Months. We may want to consider a speaker to lead us perhaps.

Our summer Executive Meetings are 7/1, 7/15.7/29,8/12, 8/26. All Board members are invited of course to share your concerns and insights for the 2021/2022 year. All task Force Leaders are asked to write a description of their Social Justice concerns and the focus of future action, for our web page. Also we hope to have a new TIAR Web Page format very soon.

Finally, Barry led us in a personal discussion of our thoughts on the past Pandemic year and our vision for the future of TIAR. Our group remains strong and committed to Social Justice and promoting Faith based solutions to our many concerns as a Faith based Group.

Perhaps topics for the futures might include the intersection of religion and science in our quest for a more just, fair, diverse and healthy world.

I recommend John Keevert of the United Church of Christ to Speak on their ELM committee and its work in Environmental Justice and Legislative Action. Also we should consider inviting Dr. Sandra Hasenauer of the American Baptist Churches to enlighten us on the recent Summit.

TIAR May 20, 2021

THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER

+People of Faith Working Together For Justice in Public Policy+

Board Meeting Minutes

May 20, 2021

Invocation: Becky Elwell gave our Invocation and the meeting stared after a short open

discussion.

Minutes: The minutes of the April Board Meeting were approved.

Reports: Becky Elwell gave the Financial and Membership Report. We have 63 paid

memberships and 14 surveys were returned.

Roberta Davis reported on the PAB, the Poor People’s Campaign and Immigration/DMV

concerns

We had a discussion on the PAB and especially vocal were Gaynelle and Roberta.

We did not have time for the environment report. Richard will type and attach to this document

(see below). Barry Swan will send his President’s Report to the Board.

PAB Representatives: From 4:15 until 5:30, PAB representatives, Conor Dwyer Reynolds and

chair Shani Wilson presented. Both Connor and Shani spoke about the openness of the PAB and

the differences from the Citizen review Board. The new format will investigate incidents, the

process will be transparent, the community will be updated and the investigation will be timely.

The PAB has researched other city PABs and prepared a budget (Five million requested) that

will be presented to city council.

There were questions about how communities will be involved, one suggestion was to work with

community Service Centers and established neighborhood organization. The conflict with the

police locust Club was mentioned and the need to address the violence in our city promptly.

Our next Executive meeting will be 5/25/21 and the next Board meeting will be June 6/17/21.

All are encouraged to attend if at all possible.

Respectfully,

Richard Codding/Secretary

-----------------

TIAR Board Meeting/ Environment Report

May20th, 2021 (submitted by Rich Codding)

This past week was Laudato Si’ week sponsored by Global Catholic Climate Movement

(GCCM). Pope Francis is asking Christians and interfaith Alliances to support Green energy in

an active way. He will release the Laudato Si’Platform this may 25, 2021. A guidebook will be

available, published January 2021, for all to include Laudato Si’ in liturgies and sermons.

I have sent this information to Jim Tappon of RAICA and to the Catholic Dioceses of Rochester.

Both Jim Tappon and Leslie Barkin of the Dioceses were both interested in the information.

CCL, The Citizens Climate Coalition was quoted in an Earth Beat publication and Catholic

Bishops were quoted in saying that Carbon Tax is ‘eminently doable’. CCL seeks net zero

carbon release by 2050.

John Kerry, the US convoy for climate in the US, met with Pope Francis 5/15/21.

I participated in a call-in action to NY legislators and sent emails to legislative environment

committee members to sponsor the CCIA (Climate Community Improvement Act).

I am following Climate news from NY Renews, CCL, Climate Accelerator and RAICA. I also

received a letter from Joe Morelle stating he has co-sponsored climate legislation to reduce our

carbon footprint and transition to clean energy.

Community Solar Update from Jim Tappon. Ampion has four (4) solar fields. Citizens on RGE

may switch to Solar by sign up via ampion.net/RAICA

Questions call Jim at 585 255 0362 or Bill Bross 585 924 5164 and Ampion 866 244 7294.

Evan Lowenstein reported Climate Accelerator news. Save Thursday 6/24/21 members picnic,

May 20 th Greenhouse Assessment Presentation, Evan asked us to keep them informed of

volunteer needs. They may be able to help! Finally our Dues of $50 have been requested. I sent

this request to Becky Elwell.

TIAR March 30, 2021

TIAR AD HOC MEETING March 30th, 2021

Attending: Barry, Roberta, Becky, Richard, John, Gaynelle, Neil and guest Todd Goddard

Our Topic and main discussion was communication to our members via our Web page and Face book page.

Neil is our gatekeeper and Todd is our expert and keeper of the Web. Todd suggested we have other names on the Web License. We suggested Neil and Barry at this time.

Our assignment is to review the web page and offer suggestions to update and streamline this page. Neil revised his review of our Web Page and offered a very comprehensive plan for updating our web Page. The annual fee for keeping the page open is $180 per year.

Gaynelle will contact James Fazio to investigate the possibility of having students contribute to our web page. John suggested calling the Catholic Diocese and other faith organizations to investigate other social justice groups that may be interested in contributing. He will also write a position paper. Our president also wrote a letter inviting our membership to become more involved and highlighted our mission.

We do have an issue of attendance at our Board meetings. I suggest we call all board members and remind them of our next meeting (April15th). Also it was suggested that we contact all members (I will get a list of paid members list from Becky) and invite them to our Zoom meeting. Neil can send letter to membership and the board asking all to respond to interest areas. I would like to advertise upcoming Climate events in April on our Face book page/or web home page. April has been designated as Climate awareness month and Earth day is 4/22/21. I will send information to all!

Our next communications Ad Hoc committee will meet April 27th 2021

RC

TIAR March 21, 2021

THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER
+People of Faith Working Together For Justice in Public Policy+

Board Meeting Minutes
March 21, 2021

Attending:  Gaynelle, Virginia, Richard, Barry, Becky, Neil, Roberta, John, and Guest Speaker -  Bill Elwell

Invocation: Rich Codding

Reports:  Roberta – The Poor Peoples Coalition has moral Mondays.  We all are welcome; they continue to work on various aspects concerning the poor.

Police Accountability Board - Myra Brown made a statement recently from Spritus Christy on recent police shooting. There is a reform package #203 in NYS. City Council had a forum on this topic 3/18/21. We had some discussion on this ongoing problem. There is legislation: Daniel’s Law in NYS, and George Floyd legislation in Federal Government. Please review the Mayor’s proposals on Police Reform for later Discussion. There is a proposal from Metro Justice, we will discuss at our next Executive meeting.

John – reported on meeting of Metro Justice. He will continue to attend these ZOOM Meetings.

Barry - presented a new position for TIAR Communications and Public Relations Officer. We nominate Gaynelle Wethers. All approved other Actions: The Board approved the Meetings of the February meeting and placing Neil’s commentary on  Paul Bryer in the newsletter. We will be updating the web page and Newsletter. This work is assigned to the AD HOC COMMITTEE ON MEMBERSHIP.

Our speaker Bill Elwell:  Gave an excellent presentation on the “Social Dilemma”
And a vibrant discussion followed!

Roberta gave a summary of the recent action at the ROC ACTS Meeting. The Director/Organizer has resigned and ROC ACTS will use Faith in Action as a model and move forward.

Next Executive meeting is 3/30/21

TIAR June 18, 2020

THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER

+People of Faith Working Together+

Board Meeting of June 18,2020

Held on line as a virtual Zoom Meeting due to Covid-19

Attending:  R.Codding, R.Davis, B.Elwell, J.Fazio, , V.Fifield, B.Hancock, R.Herman, M.Howden, F.Islam, E.Lemon,Jr., J.NoronhaB.Swan,  and G.Wethers,  .

1.     Welcome and Check in- R. Davis initially presided until G.Wethers was able to connect via Zoom (A number of attendees encountered some difficulties in connecting.)

2.     Board  Minutes-  Motion by R.Codding; seconded by M.Howden to approve the minutes of the 1/16/20 board meeting.  Approved unanimously.

3.     Endorse Actions by the Treasurer-   Motion by B.Elwell; seconded by M.Howden to endorse the following payments on behalf of TIAR: $100 to Covenant United Methodist Church in appreciation of so generously  providing us with a physical home; $300. to ROC-ACTS; $145 for a professional Zoom account and $50 to Rochester People’s Climate Coalition (RPCC).  Approved unanimously.

4.     Board Resignations- The following resignations from the board were received with regret and appreciation for their service: H.Robert Herman from the Board and as Secretary, effective June 30, 2020 and Mary Morich.

5.     Annual Meeting Date-  The date for the Annual meeting was set for October 15, 2020 at 4 PM.  The place, and whether or not it will be held at a physical location or a virtual meeting via Zoom, are to be determined.  A planning committee will be appointed.

6.     Nominating Committee Report- B. Elwell reported the following slate of officers for 2020-2021:  President- Barry Swan; Vice-President- Roberta Davis; Treasurer-Becky Elwell and Secretary- Richard Codding.  These titles and duties may change as the result of. Proposed by-laws amendments which are planned to be presented at the Annual Meeting.  An additional office will also be proposed- Public Relations and Communications Officer- to which Gaynelle Wethers has been nominated.  Board members nominated for 2020-2021 are Heide Parreño, Barry Swan, Mary Sutton, Jamie Fazio, Ernest Flagler, Rev.Burnice Green and Farzana Islam.  The class assigned to each to be set out.

7.     Police Accountability Alliance- Betty Hancock and Roberta Davis who already serve on the Police AccountabilityAlliance will also represent TIAR, but will not have additional votes as a result.

8.     Proposed Amendments to the By-Laws-  These will be distributed as separate documents to the board via email and presented at the Annual Meeting.

9.     Honoring the recent deaths and memories of Rev. Paul Hammer, a founder, past president and board member of TIAR and Peter, Mott, MD, a member for so many years.  Each has been a major contributor to positive change in the world in every way. We can not do justice in words to all that they have accomplished.

TIAR January 16, 2020

 THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER

+People of Faith Working Together For Justice in Public Policy+

January 16, 2020

Held at Covenant United Methodist Church

Board Meeting

Attending: R.Herman, R.Codding, B.Elwell, D.Bird, G.Wethers, N.Goodwin, M.Howden, M.Morich, W.Spilly, G.Strother, B.Swan, M.Sutton* and R.Davis .

       * call in

1.     Reflection- G.Wethers 

2.     Board  Minutes-  Motion by R.Codding; seconded by M.Morich to approve the minutes of the 10/17/19 board meeting.  Approved unanimously.

3.     Endorse Executive Committee Actions on 9/10/192-     Motion by W.Spilly; seconded by R.Davis to endorse the actions on 9/10/19 of the Executive Committee to approve a 1/4 page ad for the ROC/ACTS ad book at $90. and to approve a $100 contribution to the Rochester Police Accountability Alliance.  Approved unanimously.

4.     Endorse Executive Committee Action on 12/3/19-  Motion by M.Morich; seconded by M.Howden to endorse the Executive Committee’s decision to oppose the Department of Immigrations new list of increased fees via a letter signed by our president.  Approved unanimously

5.     Board Resignations- The following resignations from the board were received with regret and appreciation for their service: Carolyne Garmin, Gloria Lawton and Peter Peters.

6.     Board Replacements- Motion by M.Morich; seconded by M.Howden to replace G.Lawton with Betty Hancock and P.Peters with Virginia Fifield to serve until the next annual meeting as permitted by our by-laws.  The position held by C.Garmin remains open at this time.

7.     Some Goals for 2020-  Programs and Addressing Anti-Semitism, Climate Change, Racism and Safety in our Places of Worship.

8.     Eastern Service Workers Association- The remaining portion of the meeting was devoted to a presentation by Benjamin Lee, Operations Manager, and Beverly Usher, both of the Eastern Service Workers Association (ESWA) defining the roles, activities and needs of the ESWA and its members.

TIAR October 17, 2019

 THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER

+People of Faith Working Together For Justice in Public Policy+

Board Meeting Minutes

October 17, 2019

Attending: D.Bird, R.Codding, R.Davis, B.Elwell, R.Herman, E.Lemon, G.Strother, B.Swan and G.Wethers.

1.     Board Minutes-  Motion by R.Codding; seconded by R.Davis to approve the minutes of the April and May 2019 board meetings.  Approved unanimously.

2.The remaining portion of the meeting was devoted to a presentation by Bruce Popper, retired labor leader, presenting “Workers’ Rights in the 21st Century”.

TIAR, May 16, 2019

THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER

+People of Faith Working Together For Justice in Public Policy+

Board Meeting Minutes

May 16, 2019

Attending:  R.Codding, R.Davis, B.Elwell, R.Herman, M.Howden, N.Jaschik, and E.Johnson.  B.Elwell presided in the absence of the President

In the absence of a Quorum no official business took place.    

1.     The meeting was devoted to an informal   discussion related to the June 20, 2019 Board and Annual Meeting.

2.  The meeting was adjourned at 5:20.

TIAR, April 25, 2019

THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER

+People of Faith Working Together For Justice in Public Policy+

Board Meeting Minutes

April 25, 2019

Attending: M.Bashir, D.Bird, R.Codding, R.Davis, B.Elwell, R.Herman, N.Jaschik, G.Lawton, E.Lemon, and M.Morich.

B.Elwell presided in the absence of the President

Guest : Nina Goodwin    

1.     Opening Reflection-  Period of silent meditation. 

 2.    Interfaith Climate Summit on 5/19/19-  Motion to approve and endorse the decision of the Executive Committee for TIAR to cosponsor by M.Morich; seconded by R.Codding; Approved unanimously.

3.     Rochester People’s Climate Coalition (RPCC)-  Motion by R.Codding; seconded by M.Morich to join RPCC at the $50 level.  Approved unanimously.

4.     Member Interest Area-Report- G.Lawton and R.Davis reported-  The lists were reviewed and need to be updated.  A substantial portion of the June Annual meeting will be designated for member involvement to relate this to ROC/Acts core groups.

TIAR, March 21, 2019

 THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER

+People of Faith Working Together For Justice in Public Policy+

March 21, 2019 Board Meeting

Attending: D.Bird, R.Codding, R.Davis, B.Elwell, R.Herman, M.Howden, N.Jaschik, M.Morich, W.Spilly, G.Strother, B.Swan, and G.Wethers,

Guest Speaker: Sr Phyllis Tierney    

 1.     Opening Reflection-  by R.Davis for G.Lawton who was ill.

 2.    February 21, 2019 Board Minutes-  Motion to approve by R.Herman; seconded by G.Wethers; Approved unanimously.

3.     Police Accountability-  R.Davis reported.  Now in the hands of City Council.

4.     Environmental- R.Codding reported.    The website of Interfaith Impact of NY State (IINYS) was recommended. It will be disseminated to the TIAR Board.  IINYS includes lobbying in Albany as a progressive organization for and against appropriate legislation including climate change issues.

5.     Greenlight legislation support- R.Davis reported. Still actively supporting.  She was in Albany for that purpose.

6.     Letter to the Islamic Center of Rochester-  Motion by R.Codding; seconded by W.Spilly for the TIAR send an appropriate letter of condolence and support to the Islamic Center of Rochester concerning the New Zealand attack on Muslims.

7.     Guest Speaker-  Sr. Phyllis Tierney spoke about her experience as a volunteer for two weeks at Annunciation House, El Paso, Texas working with asylum seekers and about the asylum process.  (Annunciation House web site:  https://annunciationhouse.org )

8.     Adjournment- The meeting was adjourned at 5:43.

TIAR, February 21, 2019

THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER

February 21, 2019

Board Meeting

ATTENDANCE: D. Byrd, R. Codding, R. Davis, B. Elwell, C. Garman, M. Howden, E. Johnson, G. Lawton, M. Morich, P. Peters, W. Spilly, and G.Wethers.

GUESTS:  Betty Hancock, Nina Goodwin

SPEAKER:  Betty Hancock Lead Organizer of ROC ACTS spoke about her organization. The Criminal Justice Task Force is working on the adoption of a Police Accountability Board in Rochester and the elimination of solitary confinement in prison.  The Poverty-Jobs Task Force is working on housing issues. The Education Task Force has surveyed parents regarding school needs.  Bullying, transportation and nutrition were top issues.  There is also a Faith Leaders Caucus. There was a discussion following Betty’s presentation.

REACH:  Peter reported that REACH has received a $50,000 award as a result of submitting the idea of building tiny homes for the homeless. The plan is to build a tiny house on a block of land on St. Paul St. in collaboration with Youth Build.  REACH is now known as REACH Advocacy Inc.

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY ALLIANCE:  A forum to be held on February 25 at 6:00 PM.

POOR PEOPLES’ CAMPAIGN:  A Free Day of Action in Albany on February 27.

GREENLIGHT:  Lobbying in Albany on March 12.

ENVIRONMENT: Interfaith Impact of NYS will present Dr.Sandra Steingraber on March 17 at Asbury First United Methodist Church.  The topic will be “God’s Own Junkyard”.  Richard may attend a Citizens Climate Lobby Conference on March 29.

TIAR, January 17, 2019

THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF ROCHESTER
+People of Faith Working Together For Justice in Public Policy+

Board Meeting Minutes

January 17, 2019

Attending: D.Bird, R.Codding, R.Davis, E.Flagler, R.Herman, M.Howden, E.Johnson, G.Lawton, M.Morich, G.Strother, B.Swan, and G.Wethers.
Guest Member: Nina Goodwin  

1. Opening Reflection- by Board members.   

2. November 15, 2018 Board Minutes-  Motion to approve by R.Codding; seconded by E.Flagler; Approved unanimously.

3. December 20,2018 BoardMinutes-  Motion to approve by M.Morich; seconded by E.Johnson;  Approved unanimously.

4. Annual Meeting- Motion by R.Herman; seconded by E.Johnson to move the Annual Meeting date , place and time to coincide with the date place and time of the June 20,2019 4 PM Board meeting at Covenant United Methodist Church and that the program would include the opportunity of TIAR members to express and discuss their opinions concerning the future direction for TIAR; seconded by E.Johnson; Approved unanimously.

5. Speaker at February 21, 2019 Board Meeting- Betty Hancock, the newly appointed organizer for ROCACTS.

6. Nominating Committee- G.Lawton reported on the status of her committee.