Below is a speech that Ms. Olson gave at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Service in May of 2011.
Showing posts with label day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label day. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Family Promise Founder to Speak at Grand Opening of New Day Center in Albuquerque
0Below is a speech that Ms. Olson gave at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Service in May of 2011.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Norbertine Abbey Observers World Day of Peace
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“I encourage the People of God of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe to visit and pray at pilgrimage churches during the Year of Mercy. Pilgrimage is a long-standing and revered practice of the Church, one that produces much fruit in the life of the pilgrim.” Archbishop John C. Wester, Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Today, on the first day of 2016, the abbey will commemorate World Day for Peace and the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God as part of the observance. Pope Francis has called for liturgies of peace on this day. The members of the Norbertine community invites you to join them today for a series of liturgies at the Abbey meditating on mercy, calling for peace, and celebrating the one who bore Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace, to our world.
Here is the schedule:
- Solemn Vespers, 5:30pm
- Prayer for Peace in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament: 6:00pm. We will pray over lamentations and hopes from 2015. There will be opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation during this time as well.
- Abbatial Mass , 7:15pm
- Fellowship, 8:30pm
Friday, May 13, 2016
Monday, May 2, 2016
A Video from Church World Service on World Food Day 2015
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As part of its observance of World Food Day 2015, Church World Service (the organization that brings you the annual CROP Walk), created this video to raise awareness about hunger. By the way, there are five CROP Walks scheduled in New Mexico in the next several weeks, Gallup (Oct. 18), Las Vegas (Oct. 24), Albuquerque (Nov. 1), Carlsbad (Nov. 7), and Los Alamos (Nov. 22). Four Corners (Farmington) held its CROP Walk on Oct. 3 and Curry County (Clovis) on April 26.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Observing International Peace Day
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Although it may seem hopelessly distant, the dream of peace pulses in the lives of people everywhere. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
"Non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups and corporations all have a role to play in fostering social progress, protecting the environment and creating a more just, stable and peaceful world. The value of this collaboration is our theme for the Day: “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All,” said the UN.
Here are excerpts from a speech by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to commemorate this years International Day of Peace, which is held in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the UN.
"I call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire. To them I say: stop the killings and the destruction, and create space for lasting peace. Although it may seem hopelessly distant, the dream of peace pulses in the lives of people everywhere....
We live at a moment of peril – but this is also an era of great promise. In a matter of days, leaders from across the globe will gather at the United Nations to adopt the 2030 agenda, our 15-year plan to achieve sustainable development. This is fundamental to ushering in a life of dignity for all, where poverty is history and peace is paramount.
On the International Day, as we mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, let us seize the opportunity achieve the Organization’s founding purpose: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." Read full address
Day to day Aquaponics
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Day to day handling of fish and plants in the aquaponic system
Introduction
This experiment focuses on the day to day handling of fish and plants in your already established aquaponic system (please carry out experiments 1-3 of this teaching unit first). It gives you useful hints about monitoring the plants, the fish and the system as a whole.Learning goals
- Know what are the daily, weekly and monthly tasks when maintaining an aquaponic system
- Know what is causing stress to fish and what to do about it
- Be able to make a fish health check up by observing different body characteristics
- Know what can make your plants ill and what to do about it
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| Day to day Aquaponics |
Background information
Previous testing of the teaching unit showed that the classroom aquaponic system offers a large potential to arouse interest in food chains, ecosystems, and ecology in general. A model system with living fish and plants in a classroom, combined with the observation and care, can contribute to sensitise pupils to develop an understanding of sustainable systems.The function of the aquaponic system can be combined in context with the entire ecosystem of the earth. Both can only exist, if environmental conditions are present, which allow all involved life forms to optimally thrive and to realize their role in the system. If certain components or entire partial systems were destroyed or arranged incorrectly, the entire system would not react over time as we would wish.
Time requirement
Usually a few minutes per day.Material requirement
See experiments 1-3 of this teaching unit!Lets start
A sound running aquarium has clear water, and the plants and fish are growing well and looking healthy. It is of great importance to compile a list of all the specific tasks and to make the pupils responsible for one or more.Daily tasks
- report time of feeding and amount of feed (daily amount of feed corresponds to 1-2 % of fish body weight).
- observe the fish during feeding (for example: no fish eating / fish eat less than normal / fish eat normally / fish eat aggressively); observe fish that do not feed carefully and try to figure out why (are they too stressed by other fish / are they injured or sick?); maybe you can attract shy fish by feeding at several places at the same time.
- check, if there are any dead or ill fish. This is best done during feeding time, at other times observe swimming behaviour and territorial range. A fish that is hiding has weaknesses.
- check water temperature (it should be between 18-25°C, depending on fish species)
- each second day: measure ammonia (tolerance value: < 0.8 mg/l) and nitrite (should be 0 mg/l at all times)
Some tasks dont have to be done every day but at least once a week:
- plant control for pests (white flies, spider mite, cooties etc.) and disease
- clear away rotten leaves
- replace evaporated water
- measure pH (tolerance value: 6.5 - 8); if you suspect a problem in water quality, measure immediately
- measure nitrate (tolerance value: 10-100 mg/l)
Clean Aquarium thoroughly:
- Suck away sediments from the bottom and between plants using a cleaning tube in a bucket, throw this water away and replace it.
- Remove old and damaged plant leaves.
- Control filter pump; if necessary, disassemble and clean the rotor with a tooth brush.
- Control plant buckets. Important: no clogging of outflows, no anaerobic sludge concentrations, wash bucket completely, removing it from the system. Plant replacement can be done at any time, just not all biomass at once. Never clean all filter buckets at once: you could loose too many helpful bacteria.
Whenever fish are stressed during handling of the system they become vulnerable to injuries and diseases. Therefore, proper care at all times is important.
Cause of stress and how to reduce it
- Poor water quality: Observe pH, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite as explained in Experiment 2. If the values are out of range, stop feeding or change half of the water volume.
- Wrong water temperature: The water temperature of your tank should match the needs of the fish species. Make sure the aquarium isnt exposed to too much sunlight, for it will heaten up. Intensive lighting can cause a daily temperature fluctuation, too.
- Low oxygen concentrations: When the fish start breathing hastily or they even swim to the surface and gasp for air, this is a sign for low oxygen concentration. Note that as the water temperature increases, the amount of dissolved oxygen in water decreases. Check ammonia and nitrite, if they are tolerable, pause feeding for two days and continue feeding on a reduced level. If they are out of range, change half of the water volume.
- Sudden changes in water conditions: Within limits, most fish can adjust to sub-optimal water conditions. However, fish have difficulty adjusting to sudden changes in water chemistry. So try to avoid them whenever you have to dislocate a fish. This is the case when you buy new fish (see Exp. 3 "Establishing fish and plants..."), or when you change the water as a maintenance task.
How do you proceed when changing the water? Only change part of the water, it is better to change more often but lower volumes than 80 % every six months. Over time, the water will get a yellowish/brown touch, indicating that humic acids, a residue of carbon breakdown, have accumulated. So you can take visual observations and smell as guiding criteria how often to change the water. With low fish biomass, it is probably enough to change a third of the water every month or you even might not have to change it at all. With higher stocking, it may be necessary to change a third of the water every week. If not for emergency cases, water change should not be intensified any further.
- Diseases and injuries: Observe fish behaviour and make health check-ups as described below. Sort injured or sick fish out in a separate vessel to provide time to cure. Remember that this vessel needs proper filtering, too! Otherwise you could insert a plastic box into the aquarium, and keep it floating with styropor supports (drill holes into the sides to enable water exchange).
- Stress due to incautious handling of the fish: Make sure not to injure the fish skin because the slime above the scales works as a microbial barrier between the body and the water. Only handle fish with wet nets and wet hands.
- Escapes: Cover basins in a way that fish cant jump out of the aquarium (cover with glass, or better plastic coated metal grids: they are easier to adapt because of backflow water). When handling the fish, always keep them in a net in order to have a controlled grip on them.
- Mixing of different species: Not all species of fish mix well with others. For example, most cichlids will eat smaller tank inhabitants. Peaceful fish will be stressed if kept with aggressive fish that chase them around all day. Ask your pet dealer, and heed his advise about mixing fish species.
- Poor nutrition: Make sure, the diet is balanced and adapted to the fish species as described in experiment 3 ("Establishing fish and plants..."). Take any uneaten food out of the water and make sure not to overfeed the fish!
Aquaponics, ækw??p?n?ks, pisciponics http://aquaponics-commercial-backyard.blogspot.com.es/
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Pope Francis Invokes Abraham Lincoln Martin Luther King Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton in Address to Congress
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Here is a quote from Pope Francis in his address to Congress on Sept. 24.
And this is how our friend Richard Wood, a professor of sociology at the University of New Mexico, tweeted the quote.
Precisely what Pope Francis will say to America will be revealed only when he steps on our shores. But his visit seems likely to spotlight how the Catholic Church works on multiple levels like no other human agency in the world: with deep roots in local communities and people’s concrete lives; guided by a coherent set of teachings about human life and meaning; driven by transcendent values and Gospel teachings; and capable of worldwide coordination under Spirit-inspired leadership.
Read Full Post
"A nation can be considered great when it defends liberty as Lincoln did, when it fosters a culture which enables people to dream of full rights for all their brothers and sisters, as Martin Luther King sought to do; when it strives for justice and the cause of the oppressed, as Dorothy Day did by her tireless work, the fruit of a faith which becomes dialogue and sows peace in the contemplative style of Thomas Merton."Here is the full text of the popes address to Congress.
And this is how our friend Richard Wood, a professor of sociology at the University of New Mexico, tweeted the quote.
Francis: Calling us all to our best selves: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton pic.twitter.com/ILnk8LX0j7— Richard Wood (@RichWoodUNM) September 24, 2015Prof. Wood, who traveled to Washington and Philadelphia for the popes visit, wrote a blog piece in anticipation of the pontiffs trip to our country. Here is an excerpt:Precisely what Pope Francis will say to America will be revealed only when he steps on our shores. But his visit seems likely to spotlight how the Catholic Church works on multiple levels like no other human agency in the world: with deep roots in local communities and people’s concrete lives; guided by a coherent set of teachings about human life and meaning; driven by transcendent values and Gospel teachings; and capable of worldwide coordination under Spirit-inspired leadership.
Read Full Post
Monday, April 4, 2016
Pax Christi Advent Reflection for International Human Rights Day
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Isaiah 41:13-20 | Matthew 11:11-15 “The afflicted and the needy seek water in vain,their tongues are parched with thirst.” (Is 41:17)
Our concern must lead us to use natural resources in a sustainable way. Our concern must lead us to share, protect and save the sources of water. We need water to live; most of the body is made of water. Having access to drinkable water is a human right. Taking care of God’s creation is a human duty! -Nelson Araque, Catholic Climate Ambassador (via Pax Christi)
Sunday, March 20, 2016
A Brief and very Abbreviated Account of World Food Day Commemorations in Albuquerque
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"Millions of poor people face hunger and poverty this year and next because of droughts and erratic rains as global temperatures reach new records, and because of the onset of a powerful El Niño – the climate phenomenon that develops in the tropical Pacific and brings extreme weather to several regions of the world." -from Oxfam America briefing note (published on Oct. 1, 2015) entitled "Entering Unchartered Waters"
World Food Day has been observed in Albuquerque every October 16 in one way or another over at least the past couple of decades. The commemoration was created by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979, and the first observance took place globally in 1981.
There was once a local group of volunteers that planned an event around a national telecast featuring a panel of experts. The event, which coincided with the national events held by the U.S.-Canada World Food Day organization, was usually held at the Technical Vocational Institute (TVI), which is now Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), or at the University of New Mexico. The event also included local speakers, panel discussions and special recognition for anti-hunger efforts. For example, organizers in 2006 recognized the efforts of the (now-defunct) New Mexico Task Force to End Hunger to convince mayors of 103 communities to commit to end hunger.
At about the same time that the momentum to hold the event faded locally, the local volunteers for New Mexico Oxfam Action Corps stepped in to hold their own commemoration of World Food Day on the Saturday closest to October 16. Over the past three years, St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church and First Congregational Church have opened their doors for the event, which has featured a Hunger Banquet, a discussion on how to support local farmers by buying food locally, the importance of women farmers, and much more.
An Invitation to the 2015 Commemoration
The fourth annual World Food Day commemoration sponsored by New Mexico Oxfam Action Corps will be held on Saturday, October 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Albuquerque Mennonite Church, 1300 Girard Blvd. NE (map) in Albuquerque. Enjoy a free locally sourced community dinner and live entertainment, but please RSVP online via this link.
The event will celebrate small farmers, locally and globally, but will again place an emphasis on the impact of climate change on food production. This connection between global warming and hunger has been a common theme for local World Food Day celebrations, including the one that the previous organizing group held at UNM in 2008.
There was once a local group of volunteers that planned an event around a national telecast featuring a panel of experts. The event, which coincided with the national events held by the U.S.-Canada World Food Day organization, was usually held at the Technical Vocational Institute (TVI), which is now Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), or at the University of New Mexico. The event also included local speakers, panel discussions and special recognition for anti-hunger efforts. For example, organizers in 2006 recognized the efforts of the (now-defunct) New Mexico Task Force to End Hunger to convince mayors of 103 communities to commit to end hunger.
At about the same time that the momentum to hold the event faded locally, the local volunteers for New Mexico Oxfam Action Corps stepped in to hold their own commemoration of World Food Day on the Saturday closest to October 16. Over the past three years, St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church and First Congregational Church have opened their doors for the event, which has featured a Hunger Banquet, a discussion on how to support local farmers by buying food locally, the importance of women farmers, and much more.
The fourth annual World Food Day commemoration sponsored by New Mexico Oxfam Action Corps will be held on Saturday, October 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Albuquerque Mennonite Church, 1300 Girard Blvd. NE (map) in Albuquerque. Enjoy a free locally sourced community dinner and live entertainment, but please RSVP online via this link.
The event will celebrate small farmers, locally and globally, but will again place an emphasis on the impact of climate change on food production. This connection between global warming and hunger has been a common theme for local World Food Day celebrations, including the one that the previous organizing group held at UNM in 2008.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Dorothy Day A Model for All Catholics
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During his address to the US Congress on Sept. 24, Pope Francis cited Dorothy Day as a model for all Catholics. Who was this remarkable woman, who brought community to so many in need?
Dorothy Day asks us: Isn’t this love the sacred center we seek in prayer, celebrate in the Eucharist, try to express in community outreach to those in need? If we are hospitable, will we not make everyone feel welcome, especially the stranger and even our enemies? If we have differences, can we not simply talk to one another? Don’t we all hunger for respect within the community and for meaningful, purposeful lives? If we expose our common vulnerabilities and shared sufferings, will we not, as occasion arises, practice the corporal works of mercy for one another? If we start small, do what we can where we are, will not the circle of our concern expand gracefully and naturally?
Read full article by Patrick Marrin in Celebration Publications
Celebrating International Day of the Girl by Promoting Gender Equity in Childhood Education
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Just two years ago, the UN declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to raise awareness about all issues concerning gender inequality around the world. "This is a day when activist groups come together under the same goal to highlight, discuss, and take action to advance rights and opportunities for girls everywhere," said the official U.S. Web site created to promote this day.
What the Millennium Development Goals Achieved
That is only modest progress, and significantly more remains to be done in the area of ensuring that all girls around the world are able to have access to primary and secondary education. Two big obstacles remain in the way: poverty and war/conflict. According to the MDGs, In the developing regions, children in the poorest households are four times as likely to be out of school as those in the richest households. In countries affected by conflict, the proportion of out-of-school children increased from 30 percent in 1999 to 36 percent in 2012.
A third obstacle is cultural attitudes. One of the biggest promoters of universal childhood education is Malala Yousafza, who was shot and almost killed by Taliban militants in Pakistan on her way home from school. Yet, her survival only made her a greater global advocate for universal education.
Following Through with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development
The Global Goals for Sustainable Development, which replaced the MDGs in 2015, continue to place a high priority on childhood education for all girls and boys around the world. Goal 4 (Quality Education) states some important targets to be achieved by 2030.
Beyond Education
While promoting education remains the most important way to uphold the rights of girls around the world, Goal 5 (Gender Equality) of the Global Goals also lists some important steps that individual countries and the global community must promote between now and 2015.
Following Through with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development
- Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes
- Ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education
- Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
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| CAREs Atlanta Celebration (Photo: Kristi York Wooten) |
While promoting education remains the most important way to uphold the rights of girls around the world, Goal 5 (Gender Equality) of the Global Goals also lists some important steps that individual countries and the global community must promote between now and 2015.
- End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
- Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Oxfam at UNM Invites You to Celebrate International Womens Day
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New Mexico Oxfam Action Corps and Oxfam at UNM invite you to celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing attention on the areas requiring further action.
Saturday, March 5
2:30pm- 4:00 pm
Student Union Building Atrium
University of New Mexico
For more information, contact New Mexico Oxfam Action Corps (newmexico@oxfamactioncorps.org)
Oxfam America Invites You to Send an ECard
Here is another way to commemorate International Womens Day,. Oxfam America invites you celebrate this occasion by sending an eCard to friends and family, spreading the word on social media, or honoring a woman who is making a difference in your community. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sending a powerful message about the role of women as a force for change. Oxfam America Invites You to Send an ECard
Fourth Annual New Mexico Food and Farms Day Scheduled for Wednesday February 3 in Santa Fe
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"New Mexico has a vibrant food and farming culture that is significant to our rural economy and provides employment opportunities on farm; in direct, wholesale, and retail opportunities; in food processing, distribution, value-added businesses," said Pam Roy, coordinator of the NMFAC and Farm to Table.
"As a broad based group of partners and participants, were highlighting the Farm to School movement in New Mexico and the many schools that buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers, school food service who care about providing meals with New Mexico grown produce, and most important, students who learn to incorporate fresh produce in their diets and enjoy experiential learning through programs like Cooking with Kids, Kids Cook, school gardens and more," added Roy. "Our children have the opportunity to enjoy New Mexico grown fresh fruits and vegetables in school meals and snack programs."
8:00 - 9:00am
Education Through Advocacy, room 324 at the State Capital - Participants will get a brief overview of the New Mexico legislative process before launching into a morning of fast paced activities. By Invite Only
8:30 - 11:00am
In the East Wing of the Capital (next to the Rotunda), organizations and agencies will share information and educate the public about their programs and their relationship to each other and the goals and purpose of the Day and beyond.
9:00 - 9:45am
Celebrate the 1st Annual Farm to School Award Ceremony and Press Conference. At the Rotunda, this special awards ceremony will recognize key individuals and their organizations for their work in creating educational programs in schools for children to learn about the world of food and gardening; food service and food entrepreneurs who have, through innovation and policy, changed the rules to be able to partner with local farmers to buy the freshest local produce for school meals; and, farmers who have been on the front lines for change by building partnerships with schools to purchase locally grown produce and paving the path for others. This will be the first on many occasions to honor leaders, risk takers, innovators, and believers.
10:00 - 12 noon
The New Mexico Legislature will honor New Mexico Food ad Farms Day, New Mexico School Nutrition Day, and Cooking with Kids Day in both the House and Senate Chambers. Policymakers will highlight the importance of these events and most importantly will recognize individuals and organizations for their efforts in building an important aspect of food, farming, and health initiatives in New Mexico.
12:30 - 3:00pm
Round Table celebration, discussion, and next steps by all of the groups and individuals involved. We ask ourselves what we learned, how it builds relationships and coordination, and what we commit to doing moving forward. Our discussion includes providing lunch. Venue TBD (more information forthcoming)
The organizations joining in the celebration include: New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council, Farm to Table, New Mexico School Nutrition Association, Siete Del Norte, Cooking with Kids, Mid Rio Grande Council of Governments, New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico Dietetics Association, New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association, Santa Fe Food Policy Council, FoodCorps, Community Outreach Patient Empowerment (COPE - a Navajo Nation Coalition and youth group NCHO), Dine Food Sovereignty Alliance, and more.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Members of Albuquerque Synagogues Serve Meals at Homeless Shelters on Christmas Day
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For the past four years, members of several Jewish synagogues in Albuquerque; Congregation Nahalat Shalom, Temple Albert and B’nai Israel, have been preparing and serving breakfast meals to homeless people in our community on Christmas day and Easter Sunday. Volunteers from many different faith communities in Albuquerque also participate.
This year, Nahalat Shalom hosted the meal at the Good Shepherd Center and Congregation Albert prepared and served breakfast at St. Martins Hospitality (in much of the same manner as on Christmas Day, 2014)
We are also participating in the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, a Hebrew term defined as ‘acts of kindness through human actions that help to repair the world’. Through these actions we seek to transform our broken world so that it reflect the divine values of justice and compassion.
The challenges of hunger, homelessness and poverty are huge issues that must involve all of us- from different faith communities and belief systems—in fact from every aspect of society.
We are grateful to be part of these efforts within our community as well as the many social justice projects affecting our world today.
The author is a member of Nahalat Shalom and a participant in the Interfaith Hunger Coalition.
