Enriching Recovery, Spiritual, and Social Justice Events in Atlanta

Since this blog addresses spirituality, social justice through feminism, and mental illness, I've included all these events in Atlanta that have to do with these topics. The one I am really looking forward to are the ones about suicide prevention, as that is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I will probably attend the vigil on September 6.

"God calls us to some things we cannot do alone."

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

2. Tapestry of Faith: How Diverse Faith Traditions Inform Nonviolence, Thursday, September 1, 7 p.m., American Friends Service Committee, 60 Walton St Atlanta 30303 . In conjunction with Windows and Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan, an interfaith panel of religious leaders will address the topic of peace and nonviolence from their faith traditions. Panelists include Rev. Timothy McDonald, Senior Pastor of First Iconium Baptist Church , Rev. Michael Ellison, Abbot of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center , Rev. Marti Keller, minister, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, Dr. Rashid Naim, of the Islamic Speakers Bureau and professor at Georgia State University, moderated by Christina Repoley, Atlanta Friends Meeting. The American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization dedicated to peace and nonviolence, sponsors the free exhibit, Windows and Mirrors. For more information, see afsc.org.



4. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Metro Atlanta Chapter is hosting a vigil to remember those lost to suicide as a kick-off for activities for National Suicide Prevention Week. Speakers include GA Representative Stephanie Stuckey-Benfield, Pastoral Counselor Adam Garner, AJC Columnist Jim Osterman, and survivor of her mother and son's suicides, Sherre Yager, and more. Music by Lindsay Rakers. Tuesday, September 6, 8 - 9 p.m. No registration necessary. Take MARTA or park in SAGE parking facility. 50% off coupons for Willy's Mexicana Grill available Piedmont Park at 12th Street Entrance (inside the park) http://www.facebook.com

5. Want to learn why supportive housing is the solution to homelessness in Atlanta ? Want to learn why congregations need to talk with their state legislators about supportive housing? Want to find out more about the November 15 Conference on Supportive Housing sponsored by the Georgia Supportive Housing Association? Then attend the next meeting of the Regional Housing Forum on Wednesday, September 7. Read all about this morning of sought after speakers and important information at Forum. More on supportive housing at www.supportivehousingassociation.com

6. Registration is open for the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Georgia Conference, Together We Can: Looking Back, Moving Forward, September 8-10, at the Macon Conference Center in Macon . Online registration is open until September 1 and daily onsite registration will be available. There is no registration fee for conference participation. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been applied for through UGA’s School of Social Work and the Alcohol & Drug Addiction Certification Board of Georgia. Accommodation information is at www.marriott.com. Submit conference questions via email to RegistrationMHDDAD@dhr.state.ga.us

(Pearl Cleage)

8. All around the world change is happening. A one night only conversation at the Alliance Theatre will feature three women who are changing our world today. Featuring four-time Tony Award® nominee, Tovah Feldshuh, Lois Frank, community volunteer and advocate, and Elizabeth Omilami, Civil Rights activist. The panel discussion will be moderated by author, playwright, and Civil Rights activist, Pearl Cleage. Panel discussion is Monday, September 10, at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, contact the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000 or if you are bringing a group of 10 or more, contact Quidana Bosman at 404-733-4690

11. Put it on your calendar if you are in Cobb County . Cobb Faith Partnership General Meeting - Wednesday, September 28. Join Cobb Faith Partnership at Turner Chapel AME Church , 492 North Marietta Parkway , Marietta . Lunch will start at 11:45 a.m. Don’t miss the fall kickoff and be sure to bring a guest or two. For more information email info@cobbfaithpartnership.org or like CFP on Facebook

12. Author and priest Barbara Brown Taylor will lead a luncheon program on "Everyday Sacraments" Saturday, October 1, at Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church, Clarkesville. The program is sponsored by the parish's Episcopal Church Women, and the Grace-Calvary Cookbook Committee. The Cathedral Book Store will provide books, other publications, and gift items for sale. Tickets are $30. For information call 706-754-2451 .



16. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the Metropolitan Atlanta Violence Prevention Partnership have joined forces with local officials to launch a major initiative to combat violence in six metro Atlanta counties and eventually throughout the state of Georgia. The Peace Plan is aimed at coordinating great programs throughout metro Atlanta under one umbrella to educate and inspire residents. MAVPP and member organizations are soliciting 100,000 individual supporters of the 21st Century Nonviolence Movement Peace Plan by September 30, 2011. To sign up as a supporter, visit http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/thepeaceplan/ “Once again, Atlanta is at the vanguard by leading the nation in the 21st Century version of the nonviolence movement,” said Dr. James P. Griffin, Jr., Research Associate Professor, Morehouse School of Medicine Founder and Convener of the MAVPP.