March 2025 Newsbriefs

• Fig Tree Benefits explore need to pass on wisdom - March 8 and 12
• Latter-Day Saints donate food locally
• PJALS Action Conference is March 15
• KYRS presents Latino/Hispanic programs
• Mardi Bras events gather items for women - March 1-14
• Groups host author Sarah Augustine - March 8
• Nonprofit consultant offers training - March 15 and April 11
• Alliance for Media Arts presents two films - March 1
• Hamblen holds 'Everyday Peacemaking' workshop - March 29

Fig Tree Benefits explore need to pass on wisdom

"Sharing Wisdom: Connecting the Generations," the theme for The Fig Tree's 2025 Benefit events emerges from articles in recent issues.

The Benefit Lunch will have more than 40 tables. There is open seating and seating at hosted tables. Guests will hear speakers and celebrate The Fig Tree's 41 years of publishing.

The buffet is open from 11 a.m. to noon and the program is from noon to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 8, at the Hemmingson Center Ballroom at Gonzaga University. The program is also available on gonzaga.edu/livestream.

Those wishing to participate in the Breakfast-Time Benefit can sign up to attend on Zoom from 7:30 to 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 12, to visit and view the speakers and video.

"We filled the space at Cataldo Hall last year with guests at 30 tables and already have hosts for 40 tables. We welcome others who wish to host or just sign up to attend," said editor Mary Stamp. "We appreciate the enthusiasm to support our solutions journalism style of stories that share the faith and values of interviewees."

Four speakers will briefly discuss how The Fig Tree shares wisdom among the generations.

They are Cameron Conner, Fig Tree columnist commenting on people power; Pingala Dhital, who works at Thrive International in Spokane to help refugee women support themselves; Kristine Hoover, who as chair of Gonzaga's master's in leadership studies helped do a documentary on Holocaust survivor Carla Peperzak, and Kassahun Kebede, Eastern Washington University (EWU) Africana studies professor who started a library in Ethiopia.

Hamilton Studio is preparing the mission video that will feature Fig Tree volunteers at work, plus comments from other people who were interviewed.

• Liv Larson Andrews, director for evangelical mission with the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,

• Linda Braune of the Dorothy Day Labor Forum in Spokane,

• Gary Jewell, moderator of The Fig Tree Board,

• Bruce Dentler of Dementia Friendly Spokane,

• Ali Norris, executive director of Mission Community Outreach,

• April Eberhardt, editor of The Black Lens,

• Nikita Habimana, Shadle Park High School student,

• Nick CastroLang of the Spokane Regional Health District,

• Tevita Fakasiieiki, EWU student.

They describe the impact of The Fig Tree on their lives, their work and the community.

To RSVP by March 3, call 535-4112, email event@thefigtree.org or visit secure.givelively.org/donate/the-fig-tree/2025-benefit.

Latter-Day Saints donate food locally

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has donated 4,320 gallons of milk to Second Harvest of the Inland Northwest, and nearly 40,000 pounds of shelf-stable food to The Salvation Army Hope Market for families facing food insecurity.

Freezing temperatures are forcing families to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families, so the donation comes at a crucial time, said Jennifer Hicks, communication director of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

"Need continues to rise, but the overall amount of food that we obtain has stayed about the same, so this extra donation is greatly appreciated," said Eric Williams of Second Harvest. "Ninety percent of food that we distribute is donated, including produce raised on the church's farms in our region."

The Salvation Army Spokane has seen increased demand, serving 220 families in January, up from 175 in November. They distribute about 15,000 pounds of food daily, making the need for donations critical, she said.

Both donations arrived from the church's Welfare Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Welfare Square includes a 178-foot grain silo, a milk and cheese processing plant, a cannery, a bakery and other facilities that serve the poor and needy in the world, regardless of religious affiliation. Church members globally and in the Spokane area,donate to the food program.

For information, call 270-4950, or visit 2-harvest.org and spokane.salvationarmy.org.

PJALS Action Conference is March 15

Peace and Justice Action League (PJALS) is holding its Action Conference, "Empowered Together: Collective Action for a Just Future," for activists in the Inland Northwest to sharpen skills, deepen analysis and strengthen relationships.

It will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 15, at Spokane Public Library Central Branch and on Zoom.

This year's theme invites activists, community organizers and advocates to unite for a transformative experience focused on peace, justice and collective liberation.

The conference is a platform for deepening understanding, enhancing skills and strengthening alliances to build a more just and equitable world, said Liz Moore, executive director of PJALS.

The keynote speaker is Aaron Scott, author of "Bring Back Your People: 10 Ways Regular Folks Can Put a Dent in White Christian Nationalism." He is from the Washington Poor People's Campaign and co-founder of Chaplains on the Harbor.

A second-generation preacher and third-generation organizer, he is a trans father and a Christian who grew up in poverty. He received his master's degree in biblical studies from Union Theological Seminary in 2009 and is a contributing author to the book "We Cry Justice: Reading the Bible with the Poor People's Campaign."

For information on workshops and speakers, visit pjals.org.org/2025conference/#workshops.

Registration is at secure.everyaction.com/XmeH5nklTEOrbIK-TVCBTA2.

KYRS presents Latino/Hispanic programs

KYRS Thin Air Community Radio presents "El Puente: La Voz Latina," a new program to inform, entertain and empower the area Latino/Hispanic community.

Hosted by Rafael Zamora, El Puente is a cultural, informational bridge, addressing needs of a growing yet often underserved population.

"Spokane's Latino community faces a gap in accessible resources, health services and opportunities," said Rafael. "Many newcomers, refugees or migrants don't speak English fluently. El Puente bridges that gap, offering information and fostering cultural belonging."

Airing at 2 p.m., Mondays, on KYRS 88.1 & 92.3 FM live, streaming at kyrs.org and in the archives, El Puente highlights the diversity of Latin American cultures through music, traditions and storytelling.

The program also offers resources on health, education, legal aid, and employment, plus conversations with Latin leaders, activists and artists.

It promotes cross-cultural understanding and inclusivity. Its bilingual format makes it accessible to a wide audience and Spanish-language learning.

"It's a lifeline for many and a platform to amplify underrepresented voices," Rafael said.

KYRS Thin Air Community Radio has served Eastern Washington since 2003, providing a platform for diverse voices and fostering community engagement.

For information, visit kyrs.org.

Mardi Bras events gather items for women

Mardi Bras gathers undergarments and hygiene supplies for more than 700 women, non-binary and transgender people experiencing homelessness through Transitions' Women's Hearth, the Volunteers of America and other community partners.

In 2024, Women's Hearth distributed more than 24,000 items to nearly 5,500 women. These supplies and a shower provide dignity, safety and confidence to help improve lives. Businesses, congregations and nonprofits host parties, gather items, offer donation bins or visit the Drive-Thru event, 4 to 6 p.m., March 14 at Women's Hearth, 906 W. 2nd Ave.

For information, visit help4women.org/spokane-mardi-bras.

Groups host author Sarah Augustine

Westminster United Church of Christ and the Spokane Alliance are hosting "Decolonization in Action: Creating a Posture of Repair" with author Sarah Augustine speaking at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 8, at Westminster, 411 S. Washington.

Sarah, executive director of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, will share how decolonization is a climate justice issue and actions people can take. She has represented the interests of indigenous partners with the United Nations, the World Council of Churches, the World Health Organization and other international bodies.

For information, email mary.l.rupert@gmail.com.

Nonprofit consultant offers training

Nonprofit consultant Nancy Bacon is offering three nonprofit training sessions on boards, budgeting and disaster planning. The first was Tuesday, Feb. 11. The next are noon to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, March 11 and April 15, on Zoom.

Nancy has served in nonprofit roles of executive director, founding program director, board member and volunteer since 1996. She created a portfolio of nonprofit classes and resources for nonprofits. In 2022, she launched the Nonprofit Learning Center so nonprofit leaders anywhere in the country have access to classes.

For information, visit nonprofitlearning.center.

Alliance for Media Arts presents two films

The Alliance for Media Arts + Culture will present two new documentaries at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at the Magic Lantern, 25 W. Main. At 2 p.m., there will be music, art, resource tables and crafts vendors in the lobby. From 5 to 6:30, attendees will connect around tables with food.

• "Borderland | The Line Within" by Pamela Yates and Paco de Onis explores immigrant life and the border-industrial complex. Conversation with the filmmakers on Zoom follows.

• "Acts of Reparation," the 7 p.m. film, shows a conversation between two friends, Selina, who is Black, and Macky, who is white, film-making partners travelling to the South to reckon with their roots as enslaved and enslaver.

For information, visit thealliance.media.

Hamblen holds 'Everyday Peacemaking' workshop

Jer Swigart of Global Immersion will lead a session called "Everyday Peacemaking Workshop" to help people bridge the theological and ideological divides from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 29, at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church, 4102 S. Crestline St. He is author of "Mending the Divides: Creative Love in a Conflicted World."

For information, visit hamblenpres.org.