NYC 2018 Fall Newsletter
Since summer, many gatherings provided opportunities for building friendships, sharing knowledge, and advocating for human rights and dignity.
Advocating for human rights and dignity: The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, 2018.
This year, four delegates - Salehe Seif (Tanzania), Patrick Matara (Kenya), Kim Cook (Boston), and Stacy White (New York) - inspired us all through their commitment and messages.All the messages can be viewed here, including the one shared by the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres. Many thanks go to Rosa Almanzar from Boston and Fatoumata Cisse from New York who were masters of ceremony at the commemoration. A huge thanks to everyone who welcomed our delegates this year, especially Zena Grimes for her delicious meal! During the reception, ATD Fourth World members reflected on the day and shared their thoughts and feelings. Here are some excerpts of what this day and the messages meant for us in New York:
“One thing really touched me today was you two [Kim Cook and Stacy White]. I’ve been there, I’ve been there! When you were talking about the shelter in Boston, I felt like you were talking for me, like we were in Boston together! I felt like we were talking about the shelter I was in 20 years ago. That’s what really touched me. I was like God, just keep talking; I was like, is that me up there talking? Is she just a white version of me?” ~ Activist from New York
“Today was the first time I’ve been inside the UN. When I heard Salehe’s message it was humbling and hopeful. We’ve been around ATD for two years, but going to the UN was still a little overwhelming. It was gratifying to see the amount of people that were there. I didn’t realize how big of a voice this entire thing has, until I looked back and I saw cameras and people running! When I’m listening I am picking things out. One of the things I heard a couple of times was ‘self-worth’. To be a human being is self-worth; but we have politicians, police, governments, even our jobs - the companies we work for, even in our neighborhoods, for some reason or another, we allowed someone else to put a price or worth on us...We’ve allowed someone else to put a price on our life, our labor, on what we love, on our talent. Time is the only thing we have in this world and for someone else to take the little bit of time we have and put a price on it without my consent is aggravating… I got to thank ATD Fourth World because these are feelings that I’ve had for a long time, and to be around a bunch of people that think the same way I do is really gratifying. It’s nice to hear people say some of the things that I think, because I was like, damn, am I nuts, am I the only one who believes we shouldn’t be treated like this?” ~ Activist from New York
UN special dialogue
October 17 offered yet another new opportunity: a special dialogue between the delegates and the ambassadors, which can be viewed here. As noted by Genevieve Tardieu:
‘‘We shared the commemoration together, had a beautiful time at the stone, but afterwards we had this special dialogue which was closed—a conference with the speakers and the UN officials as well. It was a wonderful opportunity to go more in depth into what you have shared publicly. We had less people and more time to continue discussing. The man facilitating the meeting was the director of the High Commission for Human Rights at the United Nations. This guy was really outstanding! He is the person in charge of human rights at the United Nations, and he has a very deep understanding of the link between poverty and the violation of human rights. He has listened to all of you in such a profound way; I was amazed by his ability to go back to each of your presentations to say precisely what rights were violated. That was absolutely impressive. Then after that he really forced the UN officials to react to what you said. That was a real dialogue; honestly I’ve never seen such a profound interaction during meeting at the UN!’’
Building friendship: the Annual Picnic at the Generation X Garden
On September 15, old and new friends joined together for barbecue and a movie night at the Generation X Garden on East 4th Street, where ATD Fourth World actions began in the 60’s. Mr. Albert Santana, the manager of the Garden, suggested displaying a banner to commemorate the years of collaboration between ATD Fourth World and the community, and to strengthen the idea that the garden needs to stay as an open space for all. During the evening, Mr. Santana recalled how the space has evolved from an abandoned lot, where he first met ATD Fourth World as a youth, to an example of a community space to grow food, rest, and connect to nature.The kids helped plant a young peach tree that was donated. The dirt was mixed with the soil from Brownsville that the Story Garden children dug on the same day, which symbolized the connection between our past and the future. Then, with popcorn and early dusk, we enjoyed the film the Lorax that is based on the Dr. Seuss story to save the trees. Many thanks to those who contributed delicious treats to the potluck and Westside Market for their generous donation.
Building knowledge: Fourth World People’s University Planning Session
For the next three FWPU semesters, the Prep Team proposed to involve other ATD Fourth World members in choosing themes. In small groups we explored the topics that should be addressed during People’s University, starting from concerns and hopes we have for our own life, the life of the people around us, our city, and the world. Participants were very enthusiastic about deciding the themes together. Three themes were chosen: Mental Health, Youth, Social Media. The first semester is on Mental Health.On November 16, we will continue the preparation process for Fourth World People’s University with invited guests to attend on December 1. Members who feel connected to any of these topics and themes are invited to join the FWPU Prep Team to share their knowledge and ideas! Please ask to join FWPU Prep meetings that are held before and after the FWPU sessions to develop the themes and workshop activities. Contact Marcia Kresge at mkresge@4thworldmovement.org or call (212) 228-1339.
Building community: Story Garden
Story Garden children continue make new friends through art projects, group games, and reading together each week. For the new school year, our goal is to reach out to children we have not met yet and to get to know the community better. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Virginie Charvon at vcharvon@4thworldmovement.org
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
All of these meetings will be held at 172 First Avenue in Manhattan
Friday, November 16, 5:30 to 7:30 FWPU Second Preparation Meeting
Saturday, December 1, 3:30 to 5:30 FWPU with invited guests
Saturday, December 15, 3:30 to 7:00 Annual Holiday Gathering