Leadership and Getting Active

by Brian Dugas

Yesterday, March 8th was International Women’s Day. The theme “For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

Michelle Wu - Mayor of Boston
Jasmine Crockett - Congresswoman from Texas
Alexandria Ocasio - Cortez - Congresswoman from NY
Janet Mills - Governor from Maine

What do they have in common? All are women, 3 of the 4 are minorities, all have been elected to leadership roles where they live - but now there is something more. All four have chosen to take on the role of national leadership in this country's time of need. In this country, great leaders have always emerged in times of crisis. For those of us who were lucky enough to learn and teach about American history, we recognize that it is precisely those times of crisis that we are forced to rise to the challenge, for great leaders to emerge, and for major changes to occur.

This country and the majority of the world has been led and controlled by men throughout history. Stop and think for a minute where this has gotten us - to this very spot we are in right now. I personally feel it is time for a new type of leadership in this country and the world. I believe that we are currently in one of those critical periods and on the verge of great change. I hope that we have the wisdom to support great leadership regardless of race or gender. At this point it seems like it is our only hope.

Now I’d like to share some opportunities for those who want to get involved:
Sunday, March 23rd, after the service - workday at the community garden. We will start clearing and organizing the community garden at Hillside Farms. Everyone is invited to join in the work and to reap the bounty during harvest time. If you want to participate somehow, but the community garden is too much, perhaps you can have a garden at your own home this year. I have learned from personal experience that it is not too difficult, and your property really can support a garden regardless of how small it is. If this is of interest to you, but you don't have the knowledge to feel comfortable with starting your own garden, then speak to one of us. There is a wealth of gardening knowledge right here in our congregation and we would love to share. We can even organize classes if that would help. So get your green thumb on, and get gardening!

Wednesday, March 26th, 6:30PM at Burke Auditorium on King’s College for A Conversation with Attorneys. We have worked with other organizations in the Wyoming Valley to provide people with the latest legal information available on a wide variety of topics. Lawyers from the valley and beyond have offered to speak and answer questions. Their concern about the status of our rights is quite evident through the interactions we have had, and I would urge you to join us at this event for your own benefit, and for those who might need support in the future. There is no fee or registration required, and everyone's invited.

Thursday, April 24th, 10:00 - 3:00, Daryl Lewis, Black Lives Matter, on Wilkes Barre Square, Wellness Fair, Volunteers help with set up, registration, operations etc. The Wellness Fair provides medical assistance and support for a variety of medical issues to the public in collaboration with the City of Wilkes Barre Health Department.