News From Around
Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance
The Alliance had its booth at the Ravalli County Fair again this year, with its famous "Human Rights Quiz for Chocolate" featuring questions about prisons and criminal justice. In September, BHRA sponsored a presentation on the Cultural and Ethnic Heritage of Brazil. BHRA also lent support this summer to grocery employees in their strike against Kutter's IGA in Stevensville. By taking advantage of community support for a neighborhood store, the owners of the IGA may have effectively busted the union. This will only contribute to more poverty-level wages and jobs lacking benefits in the Bitterroot Valley. BHRA is excited, however, about recent connections made with unions in the valley, along with collaborating with WEEL (Working for Equality and Economic Liberation) on economic justice issues.
Helena Human Rights Task Force
The Task Force co-sponsored a presentation of the play "Should Women be Allowed to Vote" during Bannack Days in July. The play takes an interesting look at the arguments behind the women's suffrage movement.
The Task Force is also gearing up for a couple of its annual activities. It is beginning to plan for its next Martin Luther King celebration and poster and essay contest. It has contacted local schools and community groups for submissions. It has also started planning for the group's Fall Conference to be held in 2004. Keep an eye out for more on these upcoming events.
Also, the Task Force wants to remind people to listen to "In Perspective," the group's program on Carroll College Radio. It features guests and subjects of vital interest to both the human rights community and Helena at large. The show will being airing again in October.
Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition
The Coalition is gearing up for its 12th Annual Culture Fair. It is currently seeking artists, cultural displays, ethnic foods and musicians to participate in the event. The Culture Fair itself is being held on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, at Ronan Elementary School. It will be running from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. For a registration packet or more information, call the Coalition at (406) 676-8444.