The Justice and Love in Action Team met on September 2.
We were happy to welcome Kelly Lopez to our team!
Mary Memmott presented us with information about a new organization, Framingham Grows Food, that formed out of Transition Framingham. Their focus will be on helping to create and maintain community gardens in Framingham. There are already a few community gardens in Framingham which they support.
The organization has received a matching grant donation of $10,000, if they can raise $25,000 by October. The JLA team voted to donate $1,000 of their budgeted funds to support this effort.
It was reported that Open Mic Night on August 28, sponsored by Open Spirit, was well attended and raised $600 for CASA.
The Pride History Dinner on August 23 was also a well-attended event with approximately 25 people enjoying a meal together and sharing stories of people who were important in their lives.
Debbie announced that SMOC’s Pathways shelters were closing. In the past few years, our December special offerings have been used to purchase gift cards for the people staying at the shelters. We discussed our next moves for this special offering.
Debbie talked about the “bike ride” to support A Place to Turn. Since we wouldn’t be able to participate in the official ride, we will have our own ride on the Cochituate Rail Trail to raise money for APPT.
Heather mentioned hearing from a friend about the dire needs in Cuba. Heather will get more information about how we might be able to help for our next meeting.
The team discussed the LGBT Asylum Task Force Gala which is October 10. We will again be a sponsor and have an ad in their brochure.
Climate Hope
This team is planning the interfaith climate conference (April 4, 2027). They are trying to broaden the circle of planners to include those most vulnerable to climate change – GEMS, GFCC, Wayland mosque. We will discuss budget and financial model, probably as sponsors, at a later meeting.
JLA Team – Fran Bogle, Noah Cichowlas, Debbie Clark, Martha Coleman, Heather Gonzalez, Peggy Harrison, and Kelly Lopez