News from Around
Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition, Inc.
The Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition hosted Southern Poverty Law Center's Mark Potok on his speaking tour in March. Over 70 people gathered on March 31st at the Salish Kootenai College campus for his speech on recent trends of the hate movement.
The group's 9th Annual Culture Fair was held at Two Eagle River School on Saturday, April 15th. It was a great success and featured wonderful food, music, cultural booths, and activities centered around diverse cultures that included Tibetan, Southeast Indian, Italian, Native American, Bolivian, and more.
As we go to press, FRHRC and the college are planning on hosting Eve Malo of Montana Amnesty International and Claire Sinclair of Montana Gathering of Friends on April 30. Time and place are to be announced.
Kalispell
Kalispell hosted Mark Potok on his MHRN-sponsored speaking tour in late March. There's been interest in forming a local group in Kalispell, and the Network has begun talking to some people in the area. Call Paul at (406) 442-5506 to learn how to get involved.
Missoula Advocates for Human Rights
The Missoula Advocates for Social Justice recently changed its name to the Missoula Advocates for Human Rights. On March 10th, MAHR hosted Barry Lynn from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. This event drew over 100 people to listen to this national expert on the religious right.
As part of a regional collaboration, Missoula Advocates participated in a research workshop put on by representatives of the Network and the Northwest Coalition for Human Dignity. The April 14th workshop provided integral tools for Missoula's group in learning how to do local investigating on the far right.
As we go to press, MAHR's is planning a visit with Missoula City Police Chief Pete Lawrenson on May 2. He has been an active participant in previous MHRN activities.
Helena Human Rights Task Force
On March 11th, HHRTF turned out over 80 people for "Politics, Reason, and Religious Faith: A Conference on the Separation of Church and State." Keynote speakers included Barry Lynn from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Barry Ferst from Carroll College, and Kevin Howlett from the Flathead Reservation Tribal Council. Participants also engaged in workshops and a panel discussion on issues surrounding the separation of church and state.
Gallatin Human Rights Task Force
On March 9th, the GHRTF hosted Barry Lynn for an entertaining talk about the religious right. Over 60 people attended the event.
In late February, GHRTF co-sponsored a presentation, "From the
Far East to the Old West," a talk on Chinese immigration in
Montana during the early 1900s. The group sponsored this in
conjunction with the Mansfield Center for Pacific Affairs. Over 40
people attended this informative event.
Great Falls Task Force for Human Rights
In February, the Great Falls Task Force for Human Rights initiated a community project to address poverty in the Great Falls area. The task force has united representatives from different groups that work on poverty in Montana and people from local and statewide government.
GFTFHR hosted Mark Potok on his speaking tour on March 29th. Over 75 people showed up at Heritage Hall to listen to Potok's speech on the recent trends of the hate movement.