Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice 202 Harvard SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-268-9557   Updated: 28 February 2010 Newsletter March 2010
March 2010 Newsletter Contents Peace Center Noticias Membership Application	ACP&J Noticias Welcome new PAJOLA group Rain Cloud Off Reservation Local Collaborative 17 (Rain Cloud): Rain Cloud is a collaborative that began in 2005 as a result of New Mexico's behavioral health transformation initiative. Rain Cloud represents the off-reservation Indian community in Albuquerque. The Rain Cloud is the universal symbol for potential, growth, nurturance, and life sustainability. Indian people in New Mexico are 11% of the population. An estimated 60,000 Indian people live in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Rain Cloud finds culturally appropriate alternatives to medication and incarceration for persons with behavioral health issues. Racism, poverty, unemployment, homelessness, alcohol and substance abuse, and violence -- along with a lack of resources and the absence of a united community -- have had a disastrous impact on Indians in Albuquerque. But we focus on positive tools that we need in order to become strong, to challenge the systems that keep us down, to develop an educated membership, and to create well-being in the whole community. Contact: 262-6561.
ACP&J appreciates all volunteers … who bring their skills, energy and love to make it possible for this community space to be what it is! In addition to the experienced people who work with us either on a regular basis or in specific projects, we are happy to say that lately we have had an influx of new young people eager to learn from us and provide their grain of sand. These treasured youth include several UNM Peace Studies interns, a South Valley Academy Service Learning student, and other university and high-school-aged volunteers, allowing our co-coordinators to hone their mentoring skills. We also particularly want to thank Steve Mills for all of his technical assistance in many areas: audio, visual, and computer, etc. Any time he is called upon, he goes above and beyond the request. Also, Johnny Fishburn put on a mameluco and replaced the kitchen's faucet. It is not only looking snazzy but there are no more leaks! Ampersand's Natural Building and Sustainable Living Internship May 10 -- June 7 Unplug: Time to explore, reflect, and connect with the natural environment - this program will allow you to receive guided instruction in natural building and sustainable living. Interns are expected to contribute 20 to 25 hours a week towards the building of this summer's project, the community bathroom, which includes earth building, a composting toilet, passive solar design, rainwater use, and a grey water system. Ampersand is also looking for a "camp host" who would live in a straw bale cottage, and have use of the 16 foot yurt (library and living space) and the outdoor kitchen. Four hours a week of work (maintaining the area and helping with ongoing projects) and a monthly fee are expected of the center camp host. Ampersand is in a gorgeous, wild location within walking distance of Madrid, NM. Please inquire at 505-780-0535 or www.ampersandproject.org .
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