Lancaster SDS

September 13th
Community Mennonite Church
Noon - Two

    Over the past year Lancaster Students for a Democratic Society has been gathering to prepare aid packages for those affected by the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, both civilians in the countries and US servicemen and women.

With the presidential campaigns in full swing we often hear words from the candidates of supporting the soldiers, assisting civilians in war-torn counties, and trying to bring an end to the war. However, we’re never really sure that any of it’s going to happen.  SDS believes that our stance against the war doesn’t just mean talking about it, but acting to help those affected by it.

On Saturday, June 13th we will be gathering at the Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster to create these packages.  If you can join us anytime from noon to 2pm that would be great!

If you would just like to donate items you can call 717.519.9140 or email LancasterSDS@gmail.com or just stop by and drop them off on Saturday afternoon.  Below are all the items we will be collecting, we also take monetary donations to cover the cost of sending the packages (each care package costs $11 to send).

We have received several letters of appreciation from servicemen and women expressing their gratitude, additionally Mennonite Central Committee (the organization we send aid packages to Iraq & Afghanistan though) have told us of the appreciation the civilians show when they receive this aid.  As we stand together to end this war, we must remember the true human cost of militarism.

Thank you for your support! Please pass this information to your friends in your school, workplace, and congregation!

Becca & the rest of Lancaster SDS

Great links to check out: www.LancasterVoice.org, www.ivaw.org, www.couragetoresist.org

For US Soldiers: (please check the expiration dates!)
- Individual packets of crystal light, iced tea or similar drink mix that can be mixed with a canteen of water
- Beef jerky
- Magazines
- Tasty cakes
- Swedish fish
- Paper back books
- CD’s
- DVD’s
- Hard candies
- Chips
- Pretzels
- Any type of packaged cracker
- packaged gummies

For Afghani & Iraqi Civilians: (please only the items listed, we can’t use other items)
School Kits:
- Spiral or perforated notebooks (about 21.5cm x 27cm / 8.5″ x 10.5″ and 70-80 sheets U.S. / 140-160 pages in Canada, more info)
- Unsharpened pencils
- Ruler (flat, flexible plastic; indicating both 30cm and 12″)
- 12 colored pencil pack (in packaging)
- Large pencil eraser

Heath Kits
- 1 toothbrush (adult size; leave in wrapper)
- 1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 130ml / 6oz; leave in box)
- 1 bar soap (110-140g / 4-5oz, in wrapper)
- 1 fingernail clipper
- 1 hand towel (larger than palm, dark color)

 Saturday, July 12th, 1-4pm.

Courts Next to Lancaster Recreation Commission (525 Fairview Avenue)

5 on 5, entry fee per team: $25 

 Prizes will be awarded to each member of the winning team

On July 12th, the Lancaster chapter of Students for a Democratic Society will be holding a basketball tournament to raise money for the Lancaster Threshold Foundation and Dig It! garden. Please help us by spreading the word and contacting businesses who would be willing to donate items for prizes. The flier is above and information on Threshold and SDS is provided below.

The Threshold Foundation is a non-profit organization aiming to promote the sustainable development of Lancaster City. After a number of gang-related, Lancaster City shootings in 1993, the Foundation was started as a prevention/intervention program for at risk youth. Five years ago, the Foundation introduced Dig It!, a community garden. The garden offers workshops, summer programs, and volunteer and employment opportunities for inner-city, low income families. Their goal is to fight hunger, educate youth about organic, sustainable agriculture, and emphasize the importance of proper nutrition. The program also teaches leadership and problem-solving skills. (thresholdpa.org)

Students for a Democratic Society is an organization that believes in promoting sustainability and the active participation of young people in the community. We therefore fully support the Lancaster Threshold Foundation and their attempt to educate and empower the local community (newsds.org/lancaster).

This year the Dig It! garden is expanding rapidly and is in dire needs of funds. On Saturday, July 12 we will have a fundraiser in the form of a basketball tournament. Teams will pay a $25 entry fee and all proceeds will go towards The Lancaster Threshold Foundation. Again, we are asking for your support by helping us to spread the word and contact businesses for donations in the form of prizes or monetary funds for the members of the wining team.

Aid Packages to Those Affected By the War in Iraq & Afghanistan

Over the past three months Lancaster Students for a Democratic Society has been gathering monthly to prepare aid packages for those affected by the war in Iraq & Afghanistan, both civilians in the countries and US servicemen and women.

Recently we received a letter from one of the Soldiers to whom we sent a package. He was extremely grateful for the package, filled with food, candy, books, and magazines. Although many of us are opposed to the war, we do not always feel connected to what is going on. We must continue to remember the extent to which so many are truly affected by this war. We, as Students for a Democratic Society, feel that it is necessary to support all those being affected. We have found that creating these aid packages brings the community together and creates a place where we can all provide tangible support.

On Saturday, June 7th, we will be gathering at the Lebzeter’s Parking lot on the corner of Queen and Lemon (if there is inclement weather we will be in Momalicious, next to the parking lot at 310 N Queen) to create these packages. If you can join us from noon to 2pm at the parking lot that would be great! If you would just like to donate items we will be having a collection table at First Friday (outside Rainbow Pet Creations at 305 N Queen) or you can drop them off on Saturday afternoon or call 717.519.9140 or email LancasterSDS@gmail.com. Listed below are all the items we will be collecting.

Great links to check out:
www.LancasterVoice.org
www.ivaw.org
www.couragetoresist.org

For US Soldiers: (please check the expiration dates!)
- Individual packets of crystal light, iced tea or similar drink mix that can be mixed with a canteen of water
- Beef jerky
- Magazines
- Tasty cakes
- Swedish fish
- Paper back books
- CD’s
- DVD’s
- Hard candies
- Chips
- Pretzels
- Any type of packaged cracker
- packaged gummies

For Afghani & Iraqi Civilians: (please only the items listed, we can’t use other items)
School Kits:
- Spiral or perforated notebooks (about 21.5cm x 27cm / 8.5″ x 10.5″ and 70-80 sheets U.S. / 140-160 pages in Canada, more info)
- Unsharpened pencils
- Ruler (flat, flexible plastic; indicating both 30cm and 12″)
- 12 colored pencil pack (in packaging)
- Large pencil eraser

Heath Kits
- 1 toothbrush (adult size; leave in wrapper)
- 1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 130ml / 6oz; leave in box)
- 1 bar soap (110-140g / 4-5oz, in wrapper)
- 1 fingernail clipper
- 1 hand towel (larger than palm, dark color)

To raise funds for Students for a Free Tibet

SATURDAY MAY 10TH, 3pm to 11pm
At Simple Gifts Farm
(Take 999 West to the Susquehanna River. Take a left and you’ll see the farm)

Tibet Scholar Thomas C. Laird, author of “The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama”, will speak about the current situation in Tibet and show his slides from his years of living in the Himalayas

Music by:
John Protopapas, Sitar
Lonesome Stragglers
Jordan Rast
The Cultivators
Living Fables
Root and Wing

Silent Auction with contributions from many local businesses including Dosie Dough, Sunrise Healing Arts, Radiance, Evolution Yoga Studio, Massage/Reiki practitioner, Snippers, Himalayan Photographer, Creekside Studio and others

Wraps, Soup, Bread, and Desserts for sale
Free Beverages!!

$10 Suggested Donation/ $5 Students/ 12 and under free

RAIN or SHINE
SUNDAY MAY 11TH AT 1PM
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF LANCASTER
538 West Chestnut St, Lancaster

Thomas C. Laird will speak about the historical events leading up to the current situation in Tibet as well as frankly discuss his experience writing a book with the Dalai Lama

The Story of Tibet, Conversations with the Dalai Lama http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=4wh6vlcab.0.0.96gny8bab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thestoryoftibet.com&id=preview

http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/

Come listen as Thomas Laird, the internationally-recognized authority on Tibet and longtime confidante of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, shares his unique insights into the plight of the Tibetan people and the conflict at the heart of one of the world’s most pressing struggles for human rights. Celebrate the springtime and our own freedom here in Lancaster with an eclectic parade of some of the finest musicians the Pennsylvania countryside has ever produced.

China’s domination of the state of Tibet is at the forefront of the international media cycle as the summer Olympics approach. The world is listening. Join your friends and neighbors for a weekend of peaceful protest, music and fun as we join together to raise our voices as one against the Chinese occupation of the peaceful and autonomous nation of Tibet.

The oppressed people of Tibet have never had a more promising moment in the global spotlight. The world is watching and listening. The opening ceremonies of the Olympics are facing boycotts from European leaders. Pressure is on our president and our elected officials to take a stand, and the degree to which they do so is going to depend on people like us. Speak up and let them hear your voices. Nothing is so blessed as freedom. Few are more deserving than the people of Tibet. Don’t let this precious opportunity pass us by.

May 3rd – 12:00 to 2:00
Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster (328 W Orange)

As more soldiers are diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, and more civilians are displaced throughout the Middle East, we, as Students for a Democratic Society, feel that supporting all those affected by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan is necessary

Visit www.newsds.org/lancaster for information on how to help out
If you cannot attend the day your donations of items or money (for shipping) would still be greatly appreciated – Call 717.519.1940 or email LancasterSDS@gmail.com

For US Soldiers: (please check the expiration dates!)
- individual packets of crystal light, iced tea or similar drink mix that can be mixed with a canteen of water
- beef jerky
-magazines
- tasty cakes
- Swedish fish
- paper back books
- cd’s
- dvd’s
- hard candies
- chips
- pretzels
- any type of packaged cracker
- packaged gummies

For Afghani & Iraqi Civilians:
School Kits:
- spiral or perforated notebooks (about 21.5cm x 27cm / 8.5″ x 10.5″ and 70-80 sheets U.S. / 140-160 pages in Canada, more info)
- unsharpened pencils
- ruler (flat, flexible plastic; indicating both 30cm and 12″)
- 12 colored pencil pack (in packaging)
- large pencil eraser

Heath Kits
- 1 toothbrush (adult size; leave in wrapper)
- 1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 130ml / 6oz; leave in box)
- 1 bar soap (110-140g / 4-5oz, in wrapper)
- 1 fingernail clipper
- 1 hand towel (larger than fingertip, dark color)

April 19th-Earth Day Trash Clean Up and Picnic
County Park at the Five Sense Garden, 1pm.
Come celebrate Earth Day with Lancaster SDS! We’ll be cleaning up County Park and having a picnic afterwards.

April 20th-Earth Day Forum
Community Mennonite Church, 1:30pm-3:00.
Ben Weiss will be speaking on Urban Agriculture and Christina Miller will share about her Radical Jewelry Makeover project. Come learn about how you can help protect our environment in creative and sustainable ways!

April 5th – 12:00 to 2:00
Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster (328 W Orange)
If you cannot attend the day your donations of items or money (for shipping) would still be greatly appreciated – Call Becca at 717.519.9140 or email LancasterSDS@gmail.com

For US Soldiers: (please make sure the expiration dates are good!)
- individual packets of crystal light, iced tea or similar drink mix that can be mixed with a canteen of water
- beef jerky
-magazines
- tasty cakes
- Swedish fish
- paper back books
- cd’s
- dvd’s
- hard candies
- chips
- pretzels
- any type of packaged cracker
- packaged gummies

For Iraqi and Afghani Civilians:

Heath Kits:
- 1 toothbrush (adult size; leave in wrapper)
- 1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 130ml / 6oz; leave in box)
- 1 bar soap (110-140g / 4-5oz, in wrapper)
- 1 fingernail clipper
- 1 hand towel (larger than fingertip, dark color)

School Kits:
- spiral or perforated notebooks (about 21.5cm x 27cm / 8.5″ x 10.5″ and 70-80 sheets U.S. / 140-160 pages in Canada, more info)
- unsharpened pencils
- ruler (flat, flexible plastic; indicating both 30cm and 12″)
- 12 colored pencil pack (in packaging)
- large pencil eraser

STUDENTS ORGANIZE EVENT IN SUPPORT OF U.S. SOLDIERS, IRAQI AND AGHANI CIVILIANS

Lancaster Citizens Send Aid Packages to U.S. Soldiers and Civilians

LANCASTER, PA- No matter what position one has on the war, the toll on those involved cannot be denied. On April 5th from Noon to 2pm, concerned citizens will come together at the Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster (328 W Orange) to pack and mail relief kits for Iraqi and Afghani civilians, individualized kits for civilian school children meaning, and care packages for U.S. soldiers. Sponsored by the Lancaster Students for a Democratic Society, this event aims to send aid to those in need while also bringing the community together in a united cause.

The Lancaster Chapter of Students for a Democratic Society has participated in numerous events calling for support of the troops in bringing them home from Iraq and now seeks to support the troops in another way. With the death toll of U.S. soldiers in Iraq now above 4,000, concern for the troops in Iraq and the civilians in war-torn areas is rising. The recent rally in downtown Lancaster marking the 5th year anniversary of the Iraq war demonstrated such concern, drawing out approximately 700 people. For this event, however, people from all sides of this issue are encouraged to participate and help out those most affected by the conflict. Besides hands to pack and mail the kits, donations of specific items or simply money for shipping is encouraged. For more information, visit www.newsds.org/lancaster.

April 5th- Care Packages Day
Community Mennonite Church, 12-3pm.
We will be maing care packages for US soldiers in Iraq and civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan. Details above on items to collect and how you can help!

April 19th-Earth Day Trash Clean Up and Picnic
County Park at the Five Sense Garden, 1pm.
Come celebrate Earth Day with Lancaster SDS! We’ll be cleaning up County Park and having a picnic afterwards.

April 20th-Earth Day Forum
Community Mennonite Church, 1:30pm-3:00.
Ben Weiss will be speaking on Urban Agriculture and Christina Miller will share about her Radical Jewelry Makeover project. Come learn about how you can help protect our environment in creative and sustainable ways!

May 3 – Youth For Change!
Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster – 12 to 2 pm
Gathering of all local youth social change groups to share organizing skills and discuss future coordination between Lancaster youth and students.
Contact LancasterSDS@gmail.com for more info.