Creighton Center for Service and Justice

Featured Events:

Tarab: An Evening of Classical and Contemporary Arabic Music

LAYAALI is a Massachusetts-based group of talented musicians whose love and dedication to Arabic music have earned them wide acclaim from both ethnomusicologists and audiences at sold-out performances throughout the U.S. and internationally. The ensemble is committed to performing the traditional music of the Arab world and to preserving the rich legacy of Arabic culture through soulful vocals, hypnotic instrumental improvisations, electrifying percussion, and faithful renditions and recordings of master works. LAYAALI’s mission is to increase the awareness of Arabic music and culture through concerts, recordings, workshops and lectures. The musicians, who come from four Arab countries – Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and Morocco – include: Jamal Sinno (qanun and vocals), Muhammed Mejaour (nay), Abdul-Wahab Kayyali (oud), Boujemaa Razgui (violin and vocals), and Michel Moushabeck (tabla, riqq, daff).

The cost is FREE for the Creighton Community, $15 for the general public, and $10 for non-CU students and seniors. This event will be on May 3rd from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Lied Education Center for the Arts, Creighton University. For tickets or questions, please email Naser Alsharif nalshari@creighton.edu or Seif Nasir: seifnasir@creighton.edu.

The 6th Omaha Peace & Justice Expo with Medea Benjamin

6:00-7:00: Exploration of Community Booths

7:00-8:30: Keynote Speaker, Medea Benjamin, Political Activist and Code Pink Co-Founder. Code Pink is a grassroots peace movement initiated by women, http://www.codepink4peace.org/. Listening to her speak is always a real joy, she is extremely passionate about the peace movement and really cares about those who have been affected by violence.

8:30-9:00: Networking and Additional Exploration

This event is on May 1st at UNO in the Milo Bail Student Ctr. Ballroom. For further information on the expo please email peaceexpo@gmail.com or check out our webpage at http://www.peaceexpo.org/

Events this week:
Celebration of Community at Hot Shops
Torchlight Ball Volunteers Needed
2nd Annual St. Baldrick’s Event
Taize – Pine Ridge 2013 Registration Due
2013 Bologna, Italy Symposium on Conflict Prevention, Resolution, and Reconciliation Registration Due
The 6th Omaha Peace & Justice Expo with Medea Benjamin
Tarab: An Evening of Classical and Contemporary Arabic Music
Film Screening: A Place at the Table
Benson Area Refugee Taskforce Clothes Closet

Events More than One Week Away:
The Salvation Army Back to School Backpack Campaign
Binding Wounds Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War Medicine

Service and Justice Opportunities

Saturday, April 27th
Celebration of Community at Hot Shops

Join OTOC for Celebration of Community at Hot Shops located at 13th and Nicholas, Omaha. Enjoy great music, food, silent auction and art galleries and artist studios. Tickets are $20 and support OTOC’s work on housing, employment, immigration and community safety. This event will be from 6:00 – 9:30 pm. Call OTOC at 402-344-4401 to reserve a ticket today.

Torchlight Ball Volunteers Needed

Each year, All About Omaha selects an Omaha-area nonprofit that then benefits from the funds raised at Torchlight. This year, we selected D.R.E.A.M, which stands for Developing Relationships through Education and Mentoring. This organization is dedicated to expanding opportunities for youth and families by providing positive role models, invaluable life experiences and ongoing support. Torchlight Ball proceeds will assist in expanding the mentoring and after school programs, allowing D.R.E.A.M to increase the number of students receiving services.

Volunteers are an integral part of this event and assist in set-up, check in of event attendees, clean-up and managing different areas of the event. If you are able to volunteer, we request that you arrive at 5:15pm to assist with event set-up and be provided with additional volunteer assignments. The event is scheduled to end at 11pm and volunteers are able to wear casual clothing.

Please contact Sarah Hanify if you are interested in volunteering or have any questions about the event at sarah.hanify@gmail.com or 563-370-6933. Here is the event web site for more info https://allaboutomaha.arbrcms.com/index.php?id=458&eID=&eID

Sunday, April 28th
2nd Annual St. Baldrick’s Event

St. Baldrick’s, a childhood cancer research foundation, will be coming back to Creighton for a second time on Sunday, April 28th. The foundation owes its success to iconic events that raise money via donations and the shaving of participants’ heads. Last year’s event was a huge success with over $8,000 raised and 50 heads shaved. This year, we’re hoping to top those numbers by bringing in more participants. Even if you aren’t planning on shaving your head, still feel free to stop by the KFC patio at 1pm to grab some snacks or enter into one of our many raffles. For those who are planning on having their heads shaved, varying degrees of trimmings are available, and hair donations can be made to Pantene or Locks of Love depending on the length of your hair. You can register or donate at the event or online at http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/creighton. If you have any questions or are looking to get involved, feel free to contact our lead organizer, John Helling at JohnHelling@creighton.edu.

Tuesday, April 30th
Taizé – Pine Ridge 2013 Registration Due

On May 24th through 27th, 2013, a stage in the “pilgrimage of trust on earth” will be held in the “Far West” of the United States. It will take place in Red Shirt, South Dakota, a tiny village at the edge of the Badlands on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The outdoor gathering will include meditative prayer together three times a day, Bible study, workshops, small group sharing, and meals together, provided by the local Lakota people. The event is meant for young people aged 18-35, a voice rarely heard in the church or in society. Registration deadline is April 30th. Please share this information with people here or elsewhere that you think might be interested: http://www.taize.fr/en_article14640.html

Wednesday, May 1st
2013 Bologna, Italy Symposium on Conflict Prevention, Resolution, and Reconciliation Registration Due

From June 15 – July 13, 2013 students can stay at Johns Hopkins University SAIS Bologna Center getting direct training by world leaders in international negotiation, mediation, facilitation, strategic nonviolent action, social entrepreneurship, project planning and design, trauma healing, and more. This is a Graduate-level certificate course with continued training and high-level networking opportunities. There is optional M.A. Credits at Johns Hopkins SAIS offered.Over 800 leaders applied for just 65 available spots last summer, and there are currently only limited spaces remaining for the 2013 class. If you or someone you know would like to train with IPSI this summer, please submit an online application as soon as possible. The final application deadline is May 1st. IPSI’s Selection Committee will make acceptances on a rolling basis. More information can be found at www.ipsinstitute.org/bologna-2013/

The 6th Omaha Peace & Justice Expo with Medea Benjamin

6:00-7:00: Exploration of Community Booths

7:00-8:30: Keynote Speaker, Medea Benjamin, Political Activist and Code Pink Co-Founder. Code Pink is a grassroots peace movement initiated by women, http://www.codepink4peace.org/. Listening to her speak is always a real joy, she is extremely passionate about the peace movement and really cares about those who have been affected by violence.

8:30-9:00: Networking and Additional Exploration

This event is at UNO in the Milo Bail Student Ctr. Ballroom. For further information on the expo please email peaceexpo@gmail.com or check out our webpage at http://www.peaceexpo.org/

Friday, May 3rd
Tarab: An Evening of Classical and Contemporary Arabic Music

LAYAALI is a Massachusetts-based group of talented musicians whose love and dedication to Arabic music have earned them wide acclaim from both ethnomusicologists and audiences at sold-out performances throughout the U.S. and internationally. The ensemble is committed to performing the traditional music of the Arab world and to preserving the rich legacy of Arabic culture through soulful vocals, hypnotic instrumental improvisations, electrifying percussion, and faithful renditions and recordings of master works. LAYAALI’s mission is to increase the awareness of Arabic music and culture through concerts, recordings, workshops and lectures. The musicians, who come from four Arab countries – Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and Morocco – include: Jamal Sinno (qanun and vocals), Muhammed Mejaour (nay), Abdul-Wahab Kayyali (oud), Boujemaa Razgui (violin and vocals), and Michel Moushabeck (tabla, riqq, daff).

The cost is FREE for the Creighton Community, $15 for the general public, and $10 for non-CU students and seniors. This event will be from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Lied Education Center for the Arts, Creighton University. For tickets or questions, please email Naser Alsharif nalshari@creighton.edu or Seif Nasir: seifnasir@creighton.edu.

Film Screening: A Place at the Table

Fifty million people in the U.S.—one in four children—don’t know where their next meal is coming from, despite our having the means to provide nutritious, affordable food for all Americans. Directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush examine this issue through the lens of three people who are struggling with food insecurity. Their stories are interwoven with insights from experts including sociologist Janet Poppendieck, author Raj Patel and nutrition policy leader Marion Nestle; ordinary citizens like Pastor Bob Wilson and teachers Leslie Nichols and Odessa Cherry; and activists such as Witness to Hunger’s Mariana Chilton, Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio and Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges. Ultimately, A Place at the Table shows us how hunger poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for our nation, and that it could be solved once and for all, if the American public decides—as they have in the past—that making healthy food available and affordable is in the best interest of us all. This will be shown at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater from Friday, May 3 – Thursday, May 16, 2013. More info at http://www.filmstreams.org/filmstreams_calendar.aspx?ID=1090

Saturday, May 4th
Benson Area Refugee Taskforce Clothes Closet

Benson Area Refugee Taskforce needs volunteers for their upcoming Clothes Closet from 9:00 – 11:00 am. Volunteers are needed 8:00 -12:00 pm to include set up and clean up. The space and prep work will be Thursday May 2nd 4:00 – 7:00 pm. For more information or to sign up contact Shannon Linehan, BART Coordinator, at bensonrefugeetf@gmail.com or (703)244-1143.

Upcoming Events:
The Salvation Army Back to School Backpack Campaign
The Month of April

Help Erase the Need! The Creighton Staff Advisory Council (SAC) is collecting money to purchase erasers during April for local schoolchildren who are in need. Joining us are UNO, College of Saint Mary, Bellevue University and UNMC in the “Collegiate Coalition – In the Spirit of Togetherness.” This campaign helps children go back to school prepared – and more confident – and everyone’s help is needed. Unfortunately, the Salvation Army ran out of backpacks and supplies last year because of the need in the Omaha area. This year’s goal at Creighton is 6,000 erasers. You can donate at any red kettle throughout campus (Harper Center Bookstore, Skutt Student Center Welcome Desk and the Health Sciences Library) or any SAC representative (member listing here). Also, check out the SAC website and “Like” us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with any prizes that will be offered as well as the progress we are making in the campaign. Questions? Contact Sharalyn Steenson at x3776 or SharalynSteenson@creighton.edu.

Binding Wounds Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War Medicine
Thursday, April 18 – Saturday, May 18

Come to the Health Sciences Library at Creighton University to view, “Binding Wounds Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War Medicine.” It will be on display through May 18th. In addition to the exhibit, on the behalf of Nebraska Humanities Council, History Professor Dr. Spencer Davis from Peru State College will be coming to the Health Sciences Library, to speak on Friday, May 10th at 1:30 p.m. His presentation is entitled “African American Troops in the Civil War: Fighting on Two Fronts.” He will describe the challenges that African American troops faced in the Union army as well as those of the Confederate forces.

Many histories have been written about medical care during the American Civil War, but the participation and contributions of African Americans as nurses, surgeons and hospital workers has been overlooked. It looks at the men and women who served as surgeons and nurses and how their service as medical providers challenged the prescribed notions of race and gender, thus pushing the boundaries of the role of African Americans in the United States. For more information about the exhibit please visit http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/bindingwounds/index.html

Featured Events:

Greenbag Lunch with Tom Breiding

Guest Tom Breiding will speak and perform songs that pertain to the history of West Virginia's coal industry, and its social and environmental impact then and now. This event will be at 11:30 in the CCSJ, Harper 3028.

We Matter Walk: Our Climate. Our Future.

Join us for an afternoon of solidarity, community, sustainability as we march together in union to bring awareness for climate change in our world.
The event will start at 3:30 pm on the KFC Lawn with live music. Tom Breiding from Wheeling, WV will perform songs that pertain to the history of WV’s coal industry, and its social and environmental impact then and now. At 5:00 pm all will gather at the KFC Lawn and the walk will begin. We anticipate to be back on campus at 6:00pm.
We hope to see you all there!

Events this week:
Igbashike Laughing Through Our Tears: Annual African Student Association Banquet
The Myth of Redemptive Violence: Who Would Jesus Execute?
Clothing Swap
“Los Fantoches” and Feria Sin Fronteras
The Committee on the Status of Women’s Social Justice Series: Sexual Violence
Vatican II Lecture Series: The Constitution of the Church (Lumen Gentium)
Free Screening: Switch
Fordham University Humanitarian Summer Program
The Aryan Jesus in Nazi Germany: The Bible and the Holocaust
Make Fair Trade
A Case Study: Sex Trafficking in the Heartland
Greenbag Lunch with Tom Breiding
We Matter Walk: Our Climate. Our Future.
Celebration of Community at Hot Shops
Torchlight Ball Volunteers Needed
2nd Annual St. Baldrick’s Event

Events More than One Week Away:
CSU Neighborhood Clean-up Opportunity
Taizé – Pine Ridge 2013
2013 Bologna, Italy Symposium on Conflict Prevention, Resolution, and Reconciliation

Service and Justice Opportunities

Saturday, April 20th
Igbashike Laughing Through Our Tears: Annual African Student Association Banquet
Come and join Creighton University’s African Student Association (AFSA) for great African art, cuisine, fashion, and performance. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for general guests. This banquet will be from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm in Skutt Center Ballroom. For more info contact amalbarre@creighton.edu

The Myth of Redemptive Violence, Who Would Jesus Execute?
On April 20 at 4:00 p.m. Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NADP) will sponsor an eye-opening talk at Creighton University’s Harper Auditorium. It will feature three very different people who all share one perspective – that the death penalty is broken, can’t be fixed and should be repealed in Nebraska and elsewhere. Red Letter Christian activist, writer and speaker Shane Claiborne will address, “The Myth of Redemptive Violence, Who Would Jesus Execute?” Curtis McCarty will share the heartbreak of spending 21 years on Death Row for a murder he did not commit. Victoria Coward, whose teenage son was shot to death, will explain why so many murder victims’ family members feel abused by the death penalty system. Admission to the event is free, but since seating is limited please register for tickets at http://www.nadp.net/register. This talk will be at 4:00 pm in Harper Auditorium Creighton University located at 602 N. 20th Street. For info please visit http://nadp.net/the-myth-of-redemptive-violence-who-would-jesus-execute/#more-599

Clothing Swap
Come to Lower Saint John’s from 1:00 – 4:00 pm for a clothing swap. Bring any slightly used clothes to donate and pay $5 for a ticket to pick 2 items of clothing of your choice. All proceeds will be donated to Clinica de Familia La Romana to support a camper’s stay at Campamento Esperanza y Alegria (Camp Hope and Joy). This is a summer camp for children living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. Any left over clothes will be donated.

Monday, April 22nd
“Los Fantoches” and Feria Sin Fronteras
The Spanish Department, Sigma Delta Pi, and Spanish Club are excited to put on a completely FREE event and present the Latin American play “Los Fantoches” and Feria Sin Fronteras (a celebration of Hispanic cultures through food). Los Fantoches is a play by Carlos Solórzano depicting the role of God in life and death. It showcases societal stereotypes though main characters who are fantoches, puppets. The Play will be in Hixon Lied Auditorium in the Harper Center at 6:30 pm. Feria Sin Fronteras will follow the play in Harper 2066. Take the opportunity to travel around the world, experiencing Hispanic cultures through the foods that they eat! Visit Spain, South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.

The Committee on the Status of Women’s Social Justice Series: Sexual Violence
The Committee on the Status of Women’s Social Justice Series is a new initiative intended to bring an open dialogue to campus on topics that impact our the members of our community, especially women at Creighton. Its intent is to promote a thoughtful discussion and to advocate for justice in the Ignatian tradition. Join the Committee on the Status of Women in partnership with the Office of Equity and Inclusion for a panel discussion. The purpose of the program is to raise awareness around the issue of sexual violence, especially on college campuses, and to create a dialogue on sexual violence as a social justice issue. Panelist include: Teresa Holman from Women’s Center for Advancement; Dr. Barb Harris, Faculty Member in the Department of Social Work; Jim Dorsey, Crime Prevention Officer; Dr. Joe Ecklund, Director of Academic Success; and Camie Nitzel, Predoctoral Intern, Student Counseling Services. Feel free to bring your lunch. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. This event will be from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm in Skutt Sudent Center room 104.

Vatican II Lecture Series: The Constitution of the Church (Lumen Gentium)
Dr. Wendy Wright will deliver the fourth and final lecture in the Vatican II lecture series on Lumen Gentium -The Constitution of the Church.
“Mother, Sister, Queen: Mary and the Second Vatican Council” This event will be held in the Harper Center, Ahmanson Ballroom at 7:00 pm. For more information please visit http://www.creighton.edu/vaticanii/spring2013events/index.php

Free Screening: Switch
Switch takes us on a spectacular journey through the world’s leading energy sites, from coal to solar, oil to biofuels, as we discover the realities of energy today, investigate the challenge of transitioning to alternatives, and get straight answers from international experts to discover the path to our energy future. Guide Dr. Scott Tinker “brings a visionary understanding of energy and its relationship to economy and environment, and lays out a plan that is both surprisingly and remarkably pragmatic.” This screening will be at 6:30 pm at College of Saint Mary Gross Auditorium located at 7000 Mercy Road. For more information visit http://www.switchenergyproject.com/

Fordham University Humanitarian Summer Program
The course is a 2 week (June 9th -22nd) undergraduate summer program designed specifically for undergraduate students, Introduction to Humanitarian Action: Theory and Application. Led by Alexander van Tulleken, M.D., the course will provide undergraduate students with a practical and theoretical introduction to the study of humanitarian action, and will take place at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus located in the heart of New York City. The course will seek to bridge theory with practice, and will include lectures given by seasoned humanitarian aid professionals. The applications deadline to Monday the 22nd. For more information and to apply visit http://www.fordham.edu/

Tuesday, April 23rd
The Aryan Jesus in Nazi Germany: The Bible and the Holocaust
Susannah Heschel, Dartmouth College’s Eli Black professor of Jewish Studies, an award-winning author, and the daughter of Abraham Joshua Heschel will present this lecture. Sponsored by The Kripke Center for the Study of Religion, Project Interfaith and the Institute for Holocaust Education. This event will be from 7:00 – 8:00 pm in Harper 3023.

Thursday, April 25th
Make Trade Fair
The idea for this event came from an Oxfam International campaign that Chris Martin from Coldplay was the spokesperson for a few years ago. He would paint the words “Make Trade Fair” or “Trade Fairly” on his arms and hands to raise awareness about fair trade. So we are going to imitate this campaign. We will have face paint/markers to write on yourself, signs to take pictures with and free fair trade coffee and chocolate to give away. This event is from 10 am to 1 pm. Sponsored by the Peace and Justice Cooperative.

A Case Study: Sex Trafficking in the Heartland
A series of informative gatherings sponsored by the Social Justice Committee of the Notre Dame Sisters and Associates. This event will be presented by FBI Agent Anna Brewer from 7:00 – 8:30 PM in the Seven Oaks at Notre Dame Dining Room located at 3439 State Street, Omaha. Use west or north parking. Enter on the north by the flagpole. For more information or questions call 402-451-4477.

Friday, April 26th
Greenbag Lunch with Tom Breiding
Guest Tom Breiding will speak and perform songs that pertain to the history of West Virginia’s coal industry, and it’s social and environmental impact then and now. This event will be at 11:30 in the CCSJ, Harper 3028.

We Matter Walk: Our Climate. Our Future.
Join us for an afternoon of solidarity, community, sustainability as we march together in union to bring awareness for climate change in our world.
The event will start at 3:30 pm on the KFC Lawn with Live Music. Tom Breiding from Wheeling WV will perform songs that pertain to the history of WV’s coal industry, and it’s social and environmental impact then and now. At 5:00 pm all will gather at the KFC Lawn and the walk will begin. We anticipate to be back on campus at 6:00 pm.
We hope to see you all there!

Saturday, April 27th
Celebration of Community at Hot Shops
Join OTOC for Celebration of Community at Hot Shops located at 13th and Nicholas, Omaha. Enjoy great music, food, silent auction and art galleries and artist studios. Tickets are $20 and support OTOC’s work on housing, employment, immigration and community safety. This event will be from 6:00 – 9:30 pm. Call OTOC at 402-344-4401 to reserve a ticket today.

Torchlight Ball Volunteers Needed
Each year, All About Omaha selects an Omaha-area nonprofit that then benefits from the funds raised at Torchlight. This year, we selected D.R.E.A.M, which stands for Developing Relationships through Education and Mentoring. This organization is dedicated to expanding opportunities for youth and families by providing positive role models, invaluable life experiences and ongoing support. Torchlight Ball proceeds will assist in expanding the mentoring and after school programs, allowing D.R.E.A.M to increase the number of students receiving services.
Volunteers are an integral part of this event and assist in set-up, check in of event attendees, clean-up and managing different areas of the event. If you are able to volunteer, we request that you arrive at 5:15pm to assist with event set-up and be provided with additional volunteer assignments. The event is scheduled to end at 11pm and volunteers are able to wear casual clothing.
Please contact Sarah Hanify if you are interested in volunteering or have any questions about the event at sarah.hanify@gmail.com or 563-370-6933. Here is the event web site for more info https://allaboutomaha.arbrcms.com/index.php?id=458&eID=&eID

Sunday, April 28th
2nd Annual St. Baldrick’s Event
St. Baldrick’s, a childhood cancer research foundation, will be coming back to Creighton for a second time on Sunday, April 28th. The foundation owes its success to iconic events that raise money via donations and the shaving of participants’ heads. Last year’s event was a huge success with over $8,000 raised and 50 heads shaved. This year, we’re hoping to top those numbers by bringing in more participants. Even if you aren’t planning on shaving your head, still feel free to stop by the KFC patio at 1 pm to grab some snacks or enter into one of our many raffles. For those who are planning on having their heads shaved, varying degrees of trimmings are available, and hair donations can be made to Pantene or Locks of Love depending on the length of your hair. You can register or donate at the event or online at http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/creighton. If you have any questions or are looking to get involved, feel free to contact our lead organizer, John Helling at JohnHelling@creighton.edu.

Upcoming Events:
CSU Neighborhood Clean-up Opportunity
Saturday, April 27th
Creighton Students Union is looking for students to help with a neighborhood cleanup that will take place on April 27th from 8AM to 3PM. Feel free to stay for the entire duration or for a smaller shift. Shifts will be coordinated by CSU. Please send any availability or questions to Tommy Backe at csuevp@creighton.edu by Friday, April 19th.

Taizé – Pine Ridge 2013
May 24th – 27th
On May 24th through 27th, 2013, a stage in the “pilgrimage of trust on earth” will be held in the “Far West” of the United States. It will take place in Red Shirt, South Dakota, a tiny village at the edge of the Badlands on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The outdoor gathering will include meditative prayer together three times a day, Bible study, workshops, small group sharing, and meals together, provided by the local Lakota people. The event is meant for young people aged 18-35, a voice rarely heard in the church or in society. Registration deadline is April 30th. Please share this information with people here or elsewhere that you think might be interested: http://www.taize.fr/en_article14640.html

2013 Bologna, Italy Symposium on Conflict Prevention, Resolution, and Reconciliation
June 15th – July 13th
From June 15 – July 13, 2013 students can stay at Johns Hopkins University SAIS Bologna Center getting direct training by world leaders in international negotiation, mediation, facilitation, strategic nonviolent action, social entrepreneurship, project planning and design, trauma healing, and more. This is a Graduate-level certificate course with continued training and high-level networking opportunities. There is optional M.A. Credits at Johns Hopkins SAIS offered. Over 800 leaders applied for just 65 available spots last summer, and there are currently only limited spaces remaining for the 2013 class. If you or someone you know would like to train with IPSI this summer, please submit an online application as soon as possible. The final application deadline is Monday, May 1st. IPSI’s Selection Committee will make acceptances on a rolling basis. More information can be found at www.ipsinstitute.org/bologna-2013/