From citizens@cscns.com Sat Oct 30 21:58:22 1993 *----------------------------------------------------------------------* | The following is the ASCII version of the Citizens Project Newsletter| | _Freedom_Watch_ for Sept/Oct 1993. | | | | | | The Citizens Project is a Colorado Springs, CO - based group of | | volunteers who seek to prevent extremists from eliminating our | | fundamental freedoms. | | | | | | Slight reorganization of the articles was necessary in order to | | convert this text from a newsletter multi-font format to an | | electronic 80-column one. No alteration of wording was done. | | | | Distribution of this document or portions thereof is strongly | | encouraged under the following conditions: | | | | 1. This material is copyrighted, but may be copied verbatim, | | in part or in entirety, with the condition that Citizens Project l | is properly credited. | | | | 2. There is no profit derived from sale of publications in which | | Citizens Project material is quoted; otherwise, express | | permission is required. | | | | 3. If portions of this newsletter are included in materials | | distributed by any other organization, the price of those | | materials must not be greater due to the addition of the Citizens | | Project materials. | | | | | | Please contact us if you have any comments or questions, | | | | Citizens Project, Doug Triggs & Amy Divine, Coordinators | | PO Box 2085 * Colorado Springs, CO 80901 * 719-520-9899 | | internet email: citizens@cscns.com | | | | "Honoring American Liberties in the Pike's Peak Region" | | | *----------------------------------------------------------------------* *********************************************************************** FREEDOM WATCH The Citizens Project Newsletter Vol 2, No.5 September/October 1993 *********************************************************************** Public Schools and Private Convictions by Michael Shaver Our nations public schools have become the testing grounds for divining the line that separates church and state. These tests come from varied sources: students, parents, community leaders and teachers. Of these groups, teachers are unique, combining public authority and personal convictions in an environment where they have a captive audience. For public school teachers with particularly strong religious convictions, the line of separation, if present at all, can become blurred. Understanding how these teachers see their combined role of professional educator and faithful follower is a vital part of clarifying this line and encouraging a healthy respect for the limitations on teaching religion and values in the classroom. In late July, Citizens Project staff members attended the national conference of the Christian Educators Association, International (CEAI) entitled "Christ-Like In the Classroom." This gathering took place in Colorado Springs, drawing over 250 educators from 32 states. Attending teachers and administrators examined educational issues through the lens of a distinct philosophy; a philosophy dividing the world between the forces of God and the forces of Satan, and maintains that a "spiritual war" rages between these forces for control over the hearts and minds of our children. Their response is a mobilization designed to take back America's classrooms. As one conference speaker, attorney Ken Shaw from the conservative Rutherford Institute, explains, "There's a battle going on. It's not just a battle it's warfare...This is spiritual warfare. The devil is out there and he uses people, uses organizations, uses circumstances." Despite the contemporary sound of their mission, this organization's existence predates the recent controversies over church-state issues surfacing all over the United States. While not representative of all educators who consider themselves Christian, CEAI's conference offered important insight on the complex and controversial issue of applying and teaching one's faith in the classroom. Identifying Familiar Themes The conference featured a mix of topics falling under two broad categories: professional development and ways to reinforce the conservative Christian world view. Supporting this world view entailed an emphasis on the Bible as the sole and inerrant source of moral authority and a belief in the power to solve complex social problems through faith in Jesus Christ. Notions of scriptural inerrancy and faith, independently, are not cause for concern. Rather, it is the application of these principles, especially when coupled with the scriptures' mandate to evangelize, that can create tension between private faith and public behavior. While standards by which to evaluate violations of church-state separation are on shifting ground, problems surface when spiritual convictions are used as an excuse for manufacturing ways to force personal religious views into the classroom. Materials appealing to these spiritual convictions were available throughout the conference, including petitions asking signers to show their support for getting "the Bible and prayer restored in public schools," brochures documenting the evils of the National Education Association and bulletins claiming to shed light on the "militant homosexual agenda." First impressions suggested this organization shared and interest in some of the current hot-button issues of the political Christian right: the myth of church-state separation, homosexuality and sex education curricula. Such impressions proved legitimate. Constitutional Revisionism With workshops like "How to Share Judeo-Christian Values Without Being Sued," "Legal Rights of Parents and Students in the Public Schools," and "Wisely and Legally Presenting Christian Perspectives," it was not hard to see why church-state separation was perceived as a myth, perpetuated by 30-plus years of confused Supreme Court rulings. Workshops went beyond waxing nostalgic about the days of the founding fathers and our Christian heritage. During four days of seminars and workshops, presenters taught what one Gazette Telegraph reporter described as "ways to inject religion into class." Despite the emphasis on Judeo-Christian values, the dominant theme in workshops was far more exclusive, favoring Christianity. In general, participants and workshop presenters shared the belief that the Constitution allows the teaching of Christ's gospel in political and public settings, and school was no exception, although sometimes evasive measures were in order. On the tense issue of prayer at school functions, legal expert John Eidsmoe recommends hiding behind a deliberately constructed cloud of ignorance. Commenting on how to handle a student likely to mention Christ or Christianity at a public function, he offers this advice: "Don't do anything. Don't screen her speech, don't ask her to submit it in advance. Let her say what she wants to say and let her be on her own." He further outlines how the teacher can enlist students to talk about Christ's gospel by contriving situations to make it relevant. "One of the things I suggest is get your Christian students, get them to speak out...You can encourage them to write book reports on a Christian book they've read and if its a good book report get them to read the report to the class." In this workshop as well as others, lectures went beyond notions of Constitutional law into elements of strategy, manipulation and, at moments, blatant deception. Eidsmoe closes his presentation with advice to make Christian teachings topical, offering this admittedly sensational example: "You make it relevant. 'Okay Johnny, what's two plus two?' Four. As an illustration of four, perhaps I can tell you about the four spiritual laws." A Contest of Rights Not all workshops emphasized methods for skirting the Constitution. Ken Shaw, attorney and Vice President of the Rutherford Institute of Ohio, argues that the best way to inject Christ into the classroom is by using the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech. He maintains that students and teachers have free expression rights, and so long as such expression does not compromise the rights of others or undermine classroom discipline, religion ought not be expressly forbidden in the public classroom. For teachers and parents, exercising these rights is crucial. Shaw emphasized the importance of understanding that Christians are now at war, and that the only thing standing between students and Satan are dedicated teachers and parents who are "God-fearing," and willing to take action. The most alarming techniques for discussing Christian principles in the classroom were offered by veteran teachers. Rather than discuss issues of academic freedom or free speech, workshop leaders outlined how curriculum could be used to incorporate specific lessons from the Bible and even provide opportunities for personal witnessing. In one workshop, Joan Tilly, an elementary school teacher from California, reads from a letter she received from a former student commenting on Tilly's death and dying unit: "You often spoke of Christ during our study of death. You have proved to me that Christ can come to a classroom and that it's okay for me too." For many parents, commentary like this is of little concern. But mentioning Christ in the context of death is reasonably seen as exclusionary. Jewish students are unlikely to find common ground in Christ's importance after death. This kind of exclusive application of Christian religion was not atypical. Although the titles and much of the rhetoric suggested the importance of Judeo-Christian values, attitudes like those of Ruth Martson--another teacher and workshop presenter--were the norm: "We're in the public school for the Christian child and the Christian family." This means that teachers must "be identifiable as Christian and to identify the children and family that are there." Some presenters were aggressive about promoting the idea of divine deception as a means of dealing with a world dominated by Satan. "We don't have to believe Satan's lies, that the no trespassing signs are to be honored. Satan's put those trespassing signs up," said Ruth Martson. Joan Tilly told teachers how to use various "hooks" to share the Christian perspective with their students. She wears a pin resembling a fishhook, inscribed with "Matt. 4:19." She'll ask her class "why would that be on a fishhook pin?" After perplexing the students, she will "write [Matt. 4:19] on the blackboard," and invariably, some students recognize the inscription as a Bible quote. She then challenges students to find it in one of the four Bibles located in the library. Naturally, ensuing discussions of the verse ("And He said, 'Follow with me and I will make you fishers of men.'") are conveniently biblical in nature, providing a wealth of opportunities for discussing her personal faith. At the end of each school year, Tilly invites her sister to share her trip to the holy lands with the class adding, "Now, I don't know that my sister is going to share some Bible references and things like that when she shows her slides, but she does." Respecting Limits While the idea of bending rules was common in workshops, other educators offered positive lessons for everyone, underscoring how Christianity can be a powerful tool for educators. Dr. Kathy Koch, president of Celebrate Kids, led a large group seminar entitled "The Master Method: Teaching and Learning Jesus' Way." She underscored the value of listening, being truthful and understanding. Far from advocating the discussion of religion in the classroom, Dr. Koch stressed the importance of universalizing and personalizing Christian teachings to reach students in need. It was a weighty account of how Christ modeled this behavior to reach others in compassion and understanding. Koch suggested that this behavior was the single best process a teacher could undergo to reach and have an impact on children. Her message emphasized how personal devotion to God could bring out the professional best in educators; a message universal enough to offer in a similar workshop for secular educators. This presentation highlighted the critical difference between living by Christian principles and using the classroom as a pulpit. In an interview after her presentation, she explained the delicate balance that must be maintained whenever dealing with religion in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of "being sensitive to every kid in [the] class." Responding to the technique of deliberately encouraging Christian students to discuss Christian topics she explained, "Some kid who does an excellent book report indicating a philosophy we may not agree with, we give that child an opportunity to share it. We have no business showing favor towards the Christian. Christian teachers need to understand that." Koch is quick to stress the importance of maintaining openness in the classroom, even when it involves personal beliefs. "Teachers have a legal right to talk to kids about who they are and what they do in their spare time. If it's forced, it's inappropriate...I don't think it does us any good to hide the fact. Let's put it on the table." For Koch, this does not translate into an excuse to proselytize, and she urges teachers to be "sensitive to the different cultures and the differences in kids." Citizens Project response: Finding a Balance Unfortunately, Dr. Koch's message and techniques were not the norm. More common was the reminder that these teachers are at war and that someone's value's must reign triumphant. In order to win this war, teachers learned to utilize surreptitious means to skirt Supreme Court rulings and the First Amendment This is not to suggest that these teachers or workshop presenters had malicious intentions; they see their actions as the only just and effective way to stem the rising tide of ills in our nation's schools. Their approach, however, only reinforces the idea of cultural warfare, leaving precious little ground for compromise and discovering shared values and developing shared solutions. Of greater concern than decrying church-state separation are practices which exclude, alienate or belittle children. When religious convictions and spiritual passion threaten to overwhelm respect for individual differences, it's appropriate to call frank attention to these practices. There's a place for discussing religion and values in the classroom, but incorporating differences is a critical component of this process. Hopefully, better understanding the world view of the political Christian conservative is a step in finding common ground and declaring a truce in this warfare mentality. ********************************************************** While the CEAI conference covered a host of topics, the world view of the political Christian right was most glaring in a few key areas. What follows are issue highlights; future editions of Freedom Watch will be expanding on these issues. Sex Education Lines have been drawn between abstinence only advocates and proponents of combining abstinence with other "realistic" elements, which include birth control. Abstinence only advocates contend teaching birth control encourages students to be sexually active. Recommended abstinence only programs included: "TeenAid," "Sex Respect" and "AANCHOR." Programs attacked for encouraging sexual activity were "Straight Talk," and anything from Planned Parenthood or SEICUS. Outcome-Based Education (OBE) OBE, an issue of major import for the political Christian right, is part of a major movement underway in education reform which is opposed by most conservative Christian educators. OBE proposes developing skill lists which must be met before students advance to higher levels. Of central concern: inclusion of critical thinking skills, multiculturalism or other ideas promoting "new age philosophies." Generally, CEAI attendees were advised to prevent implementation of OBE, and secondarily, to carefully monitor the development of curricular "outcomes" by getting involved in curriculum development. Creationism Again forced into the public eye (see "School Board Opens Door for Creationism,"), the idea of teaching divine creation in the classroom is becoming reality. Proponents argue that evolution contains enough theoretical holes to allow the teaching of "creation science" with evolution. The central emphasis is on questioning scientific conclusions, and texts like "Of Pandas and People" are being recommended as supplementary course material designed to buttress the idea of creationism. Homosexuality CEAI workshop presenters expressed concern over the increasing "militant homosexual lobby." Presenters contend this lobby is pushing texts which put homosexuality in a positive light, and believe programs like California's "Project 10" are springing up all over the country. Educators expressed concern for protecting Christian students from messages which encourage tolerance for homosexuality. How should schools deal with gay students under duress? Privately, off campus, with therapists not connected with public education. ********************************************************** School Board Opens Door for Teaching Creationism What happens when members of the political Christian right hold a majority on a school board? Sadly, parents with children in the Vista Unified School District (VUSD) in San Diego County are finding out. Since November, 1992, residents of VUSD have been slowly learning just what can happen when the wall of separation between church and state becomes weakened. In mid-August, the Christian right majority of VUSD's school board voted 3-2 to adopt three directives challenging evolution as a valid scientific theory, allowing creationism to be taught in the classroom. The new policy was passed despite a possible violation of California state education guidelines, outraging the local teachers association as well as many parents and students. The board's position will allow teachers to engage in "discussions of divine creation, ultimate purposes, or ultimate causes" including them "at appropriate times in the history-social sciences and/or English-language arts curricula." While the language may appear suitably vague, dissenting board member Linda Rhoades sees trouble ahead. "Make no mistake--teaching creationism is illegal. We are going to get sued." Not so, says supporting board member John Tyndall. "I think people are reading more into this than is really there." Even national observers see cause for concern. "But disingenuous as the board majority tries to be, the goal there and elsewhere is clear. It is to reassert religious dogma in the classroom, incremental piece by incremental piece, and then in the halls of government," writes columnist Hodding Carter. California may be miles away, but with school board elections less than two months off, now is not the time to say, "it can't happen in my school district." School Board Elections are Upon Us Nationally, local school board elections are getting more attention as controversy surrounds issues such as prayer in school, outcome- based education, sex ed curricula and creationism. Our local school board elections may reflect this clash over the classroom as the gulf widens between the world views of the political mainstream and single-issue advocates wishing to promote a religious agenda in public schools. This contest of ideas may encourage some local candidates to utilize the "stealth" campaign strategies recommended by Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition and Bob Simonds' Citizens for Excellence in Education. Stealth campaign tactics include refusing to debate, campaigning in conservative churches and refusing to appear in candidate forums. This November's school board election are the first to be held during the fall rather than the spring, leaving uncertainty over voter turnout (traditionally between five and ten percent for school board elections). If past voter turnout is any indication, a small number of voters could have a profound impact on education policy in El Paso County this fall. Citizens Project will be active in helping you understand and follow this fall's school board elections. Some of our projects include clarifying and publicizing candidate positions and backgrounds and encouraging voter turnout. Thus far, Citizens Project has distributed a candidate survey and will publish the results in October. We also have district-level groups forming to sponsor candidate forums, do research, distribute surveys and informational flyers, and work on "turn out the vote" efforts. District 11 school board candidates will be featured at the first of these forums scheduled for October 19 (please see announcement, Inside Citizens Project), and is being sponsored by the 80918 Neighborhood Group Affiliate. As other forums are announced, Citizen's Project will keep you informed through special mailings. Also, please contact the office with information about other candidate forums. As concerned parents and members of the community, we should not underestimate what might happen if the religious right gained control of our local school boards. If you are interested in working to maintain balanced school boards through informing voters, please call Citizens Project at 520-9899. *********************************************************** Scholarship Winners Named Citizens Project is proud to present the 1993 Arthur Ashe Scholarship to Chandra Cleveland. Chandra, a 1993 graduate of Air Academy High School, proved herself to be a strong leader in promoting understanding of racial issues. Working with other students, she produced a video discussing racism among Colorado Springs youth, she attended the fourth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" Youth Assembly in Philadelphia, and she helped organize a youth workshop on discrimination and prejudice in New Mexico. Citizens Project is also pleased to award a Special Recognition Scholarship to Falcon High School Graduate Jennifer Armbruster. After losing her eyesight, Jennifer conducted community workshops to facilitate understanding of the visually impaired. The Arthur Ashe scholarship is awarded to students taking the lead in promoting understanding for difference. Congratulations to both of these outstanding women who have made unique contributions to building tolerance. ********************************************************** NEWS BRIEFS Cornerstone Church Sued. Aggrieved parents whose children were baptized without their permission have filed suit against Cornerstone Baptist Church in Colorado Springs. Children were enticed to the church with offers of a candy, prizes and a carnival, only to discover the church's objective was to baptized them. The church remains unapologetic about the unauthorized baptisms. To quote Pastor Dean Miller: "This is obedience to the command of Christ." Focus on Family Reports on Newspapers. Focus on the Family released its study of Amendment 2 coverage in major Colorado newspapers, including the Rocky Mountain News, Denver Post and the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph. The results, said Focus, reveal "a stunning amount of imbalance." Among other findings, Focus noted that newspaper stories had 84 negative characterizations of the religious right, with only 19 positive characterizations determined by meticulous paragraph counting. Side-stepping the their own interests in the Amendment 2 controversy, Focus' Tom Minnery accused the press of losing "the standard for balance it traditionally claims for itself." Representatives for the press mostly backed their coverage of Amendment 2, prompting a GT editor to ask "...could it be that...bias is in the eye of the beholder?" Even the Gazette Telegraph Editorial page staff weighed in, remarking, "It is nonsense, pure and simple, for Focus to suggest that in not measuring up to the scrutiny of its paragraph counting we've abandoned basic journalistic principles of completeness and fairness." Randall Terry Sees Doom for America. Randall Terry outlined his vision for America in a recent interview, explaining "Let me say it clearly, we want a Christian nation. There are only two sides: those who hold their ethical allegiance to the Ten Commandments and those who don't." The price for veering from the path of Christian nationhood is a dear one according to Terry. "We are going to see this country enter into the next millennium in convulsions. Our cities are going to be ravaged...God is slow to wrath, but once he begins to move in judgement, he won't relent." An editorial in the August 5 Rocky Mountain News offered its response: "Randall Terry, when all is said and done, is a crackpot. Any fellow who considers every violent eruption of wind and rain to be a 'judgment of God' is a man well beyond the reach of rational discourse." America For Family Values Forms. Colorado Springs again shows its commitment to family values by spawning America For Family Values (AFV), with CFV co-founder Tony Marco as Executive Director. To quote their press release, AFV will "make available to all concerned Americans" educational resources about Amendment 2. AFV is a political project of Marco's local organization DoveTail Ministries. Making good on AFV's promise to aid groups looking to pass their own Amendment 2, DoveTail is currently working with a Portland, Maine based organization, Concerned Maine Families, to get an anti-gay rights measure on the 1994 ballot. CFV Book Expected Soon. Colorado For Family Values will soon publish Colorado Under Fire, a book detailing its side of the Amendment 2 campaign and the aftermath of the November election. CFV is also preparing a workbook entitled The Colorado Model to show other states how to run an Amendment 2-type campaign, and will release a fictionalized account of gay militancy entitled Colorado: 1998. The Gay Ghost of Pat Robertson Rises. Newsweek and the Washington Post reports that writer Mel White, a past ghost-writer for Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Billy Graham, is gay. White, now the dean of the Cathedral of Hope, a gay congregation in Dallas, plans to fight the religious right, who he says are "rallying their constituents around easy targets: us." Of Robertson, he said: "His program is just an informercial for hate." White explained the difficulties and advantages of challanging his former colleagues, "I know them better than they know themselves. So this war I'm declaring is personal. They're my friends, the enemy." School Vouchers For Everyone. California has on its November ballot a proposal for school vouchers to aid private schools, known as Proposition 174. Prop 174, which would give parents $2,600 per year per child, recently got an unexpected endorsement from the Contra Costa Pagan Association, which is planning its own school for witches if the school voucher proposition passes. A spokesperson for the California Department of Education said that the school could qualify under the school voucher proposal. Policeman Proselytizes While on Duty. A Colorado Springs police officer, a member of Peace Officers For Christ, gave out a Christian religious tract when he answered a disturbance call at a local apartment complex. The Colorado Springs Police Department, which currently has no policy prohibiting officers from distributing religious literature to the public while on duty, is investigating the matter. Deputy City Manager James Munger commented: "There are places for religion to be dealt with and this isn't it." What did residents of Colorado Springs think? A KKTV poll conducted after the story aired reveals 46 percent of the 2000-plus respondents approve of the on-duty officer's actions. *********************************************************** ANNOUNCEMENTS Broadmoor Site of AIDS Conference. On September 10 the Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation will host a HIV/AIDS conference entitled "Healing in the Age of AIDS" at the Broadmoor International Center. Highlights include a report from Dr. Charles Steinberg on the recent Berlin AIDS Conference, HIV treatment updates, and isolationism and its psychological effects. To sign up, or for more information, call S-CAP, 578-9092. Walk to Fund AIDS Education, Services. Southern Colorado AIDS Project (S-CAP) invites one and all to march under their banner in the sixth annual "From All Walks of Life" pledge walk in Denver on Sunday, September 12, 1993. The walk is the largest AIDS fundraiser in the state, benefitting 29 different agencies, including S-CAP. S-CAP provides direct services to HIV+ clients and their families and loved ones at no charge, and their speakers' bureau gives presentations on HIV/AIDS to community groups. Pledge forms are available at the S-CAP office, 514 S. Tejon. For further information, call S-CAP, 578-9092. Pledge Walk will Benefit "Gift of Choice" Endowment. Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains announces Walkabout, a four-mile pledge walk along Cherry Creek to benefit their program to ensure reproductive rights and health care services for future generations. The walk is slated for September 19, 1993, at 9 a.m.; registration will begin at 7:30. For more information, call Mag Strittmatter, 360-0006. Community Center to Hold Annual Meeting. The Pikes Peak Gay and Lesbian Community Center will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, September 28th, at 7:00 p.m. in Gaylord Hall (Worner Center on the Colorado College campus). The center piece of the meeting will be a talk, "Sitting on the Edge of Chaos," by Laurene LaFontaine, associate pastor at Montview Presbyterian Church in Denver, and Alan Cook, a local licensed psychotherapist. Other activities include brainstorming goals for next year and Community Center Board elections. Duo Uncovers Women's Contributions to Classical Music. Robin Hood Production$ presents a unique performance with Portland flute guitar duo Musica Femina on Friday, October 1, 8:00 p.m. at All Souls Unitarian Church, 730 North Tejon. Musica Femina has captivated international audiences with their concert informance style presentations, which share not only the music, but also the stories of the lives and challenges faced by women composers from the 17th century to today. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Ground Zero; tickets are $7 in advance, $8 at the door and are available from Ground Zero, Abaton Books, and Robin Hood Production$. For more information, call Robin Hood Production$, (303) 477-7131. Forum to Address Adolescent Issues. The Reduce Adolescent Pregnancy Coalition (RAP) and Pikes Peak Children's Advocates present the Seventh Annual Fall Forum, "Just For the Health of It," October 1, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Keynote speaker, Jep Enck, author and youth advocate, will present a powerful message of hope and inspiration using humor and history. Other issues to be addressed include hea lthy abstinence education, gender roles, gangs, HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drugs, eating disorders, instilling positive attitudes, and teenage pregnancy prevention. Questions? Call 475-5407. Colorado Rallies For Equality. The Colorado Unity Rally for Equality (CURE) hopes to "Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado." The celebration takes place October 3, 1993 at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs and promises to bring a number of speakers and performers committed to justice and freedom for all. This event will be an important opportunity for all of us to present a positive image--locally and nationally--highlighting minorities and businesses working together to protect civil rights for everyone. For more information, contact the CURE office at 635-0462. High Profile Panel Discusses Amendment 2. The passage and subsequent legal challenges to Amendment 2 have generated more social and political controversy in Colorado than any other event in recent memory. A panel of high profile players in the Amendment 2 contest will address the central question of whether Amendment 2--in purpose or effect--denies equal protection for lesbians and gays. Speakers include Chuck Green, editorial page Editor for the Denver Post; Michael Norton, former U.S. Attorney for Colorado; Will Perkins, Chairman of Colorado for Family Values; and Gregory Walta, author of a compromise measure to Amendment 2. The discussion, sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association, will be held Thursday, October 7 at 8:00 at LOCATION. Symposium Addresses Civil Rights. The Colorado Alliance to Restore Equality (CARE) will host a symposium on developing national, state, and local strategies for protecting and advancing broad-based civil rights, including gay and lesbian issues. The Denver symposium, entitled "Winning Strategies: Developing a National Approach for Securing Civil Rights," will include presentations on building effective grassroots coalitions, developing political strategy, and understanding the background and strategies of civil rights opponents. Citizens Project's own Doug Triggs will join a slate of nationally known speakers for the event. Dates are October 22-24; registration fee is $200. For more details, call CARE, (303) 592-5333. ********************************************************** INSIDE CITIZENS PROJECT Neighborhood Groups a Huge Success. Five neighborhood groups have met since the General Meeting in July; some several times. Groups are involved in research projects, book reports, schools issues, and social activities. If you would like to join a Neighborhood Group, call the office and get involved! Upcoming meetings: 80904/05 Sunday, September 12, 12:00 Thorndale Park, 24th and Uintah Bring a picnic; barbecue facilities will be available. 80909 Friday, September 10, 6:00 Bring a picnic if you like Call Gordon, 473-3128, for location and details 80918 Gary will call Sunday PM with details to add... 80919 September 21, 7:00 830 Vindicator Manitou Springs September 26, 7:00, location TBA and Ute Pass call Ken or Jennifer Farmer for further information, 685-4634 Monument, Briargate, September 19, 3:00 and Black Forest Shoney's, I25 and North Academy Start Your Own Neighborhood Group! If you are ready to take the lead, or even if you're not, but you know someone has to, you can make a real difference by starting a Citizens Project Neighborhood Group Affiliate. Call the office to get your Neighborhood Group Handbook, which includes the who's, what's, where's and why's of activism on a local level. We'll help you every step of the way, and remember, if the followers lead, then the leaders will follow. D-11 School Board Candidate Forum. The 80919 Neighborhood Group Affiliate is hosting a candidate forum for school board candidates on October 19 at 7 p.m.. The forum will take place at the Garden Ranch YMCA located at 2380 Montebello Drive near the intersection at Academy. Watch for our special mailings when future school board candidate forums are scheduled. Associate Director Hired. Citizens Project welcomes Dorothy Becker as our part-time Associate Director. Dorothy, a graduate of Trinity University with a BA in European Studies, was with the CIA for the last several years before moving to Colorado Springs a year ago. Desperately Seeking... Citizens Project has worked in donated space for the past five months, but unfortunately may have to relocate sooner than expected. If you, your company, or any of your friends or acquaintances have 1,000-1,500 square feet of office space to donate, please call. Talk to us about tax deductibility. We also need a small refrigerator and a bookshelf. Events Coordinators Needed. Citizens Project needs a few good planners to put together seminars, fund raising events, festivals, and General Meetings. The job requires a few hours each week and the ability to work miracles with an extremely limited budget. The benefits include free entry to the events, the knowledge that you helped keep our city safe from tyrrany, and a share of the leftover popcorn. If you are interested, call Dorothy at the office, 520-9899. Equipment Repair. Do you know anything about computer hardware? We are always in search of people we can contact when our computers don't behave or when our printer makes unseemly noises. If you think you might be able to help, please call the office and get on our PC Reserves list. Did You Get the call? We are thrilled by the overwhelming response from people wanting to help. Right now the volunteer committee is attempting to call every person who filled out a volunteer sheet, but there are so many, we fear that some may have been missed. If you have filled out a sheet noting that you would like to volunteer, but have not been contacted, please call the office at 520-9899. If you have not filled out a sheet and would like to, call and we will send you a form right away. Citizens Project is growing and there is lots to do. We need your help, so please call today! Moving? Please call and inform us when your address changes. The post office charges us big bucks for address corrections, and you may miss an issue of Freedom Watch. Credit Card Service Now Available. We can now charge donations, sustainer contributions, and sales to your Mastercard or Visa. Call the office for details. ******************************************************** WORTH REPEATING " Intolerance is a beautiful thing...There are people that are politically correct that want to say the cardinal sin of the hour is intolerance and I think that is a bunch of junk." --Randal Terry, Operation Rescue "Rank discrimination is not part of our nation's culture. Tolerance is...This country is great because of its accommodation of diversity." --Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg "You say, 'You're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that and the other thing'---nonsense! I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the anti-Christ! I can love the people who hold false opinions, but I don't have to be nice to them." -- Rev. Pat Robertson, Christian Coaltion "The richness of the diversity of this country is a treasure and it's a constant challenge, too, to remain tolerant and respectful to one another." --Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ************************************************************ CITIZENS PROJECT Box 2085 Colorado Springs, CO 80901 (719) 520-9899 Doug Triggs & Michael Shaver Editors Dennis Ritchie Layout Citizens Project is a grassroots organization in the Pikes Peak Region dedicated to upholding the traditional American values of pluralism, freedom of religion annd separation of church and state.