FAST Events 2006

THE ELEVENTH ANNUAL 40-HOUR FAST
America's Broken Promise

Events Across New York State March 15-17, 2005

Albany

Wednesday, March 15
11 AM— Statewide Opening News Conference. Labor-Religion Coalition leaders will address the theme, "America's Broken Promise." The Well, Legislative Office Building, State Street, Albany, NY.

Wednesday, March 15
5 - 7 PM— Candlelight Vigil and Speak-out. Gather at WRGB/ CBS 6 Headquarters, 1400 Balltown Road, Niskayuna in support of NABET-CWA #21 in their fight for a fair contract. Members of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians invite all those who will fast to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the food program of Schenectady Inner City Ministry.

Friday, March 17
Noon— Bread and Soup to Break the FAST. First United Methodist Church, 603 State Street, Schenectady (corner of Lafayette St. ) Fellowship Hall. Light lunch thanks to Roger Markovics and Steve Coffey, Esq., O'Connell& Aronowitz. Brief interfaith service. Parking available behind the church.

Brockport

Tuesday, March 14
6 PM—Pre-FAST Potluck followed by an Ecumenical Service from 7-7:45 PM. Free Methodist Church, 6787 Fourth Section, Brockport. For more information, call Barbara Deming at 585/ 637-8360.

Thursday, March 16
NOON—Breaking of the Fast. Soup and salad luncheon, Newman Catholic Center, 101 Kenyon St.in Brockport.

NOTE: In this community, the 40 hours will begin on Tuesday and end on Thursday.

Buffalo

Friday, March 17
NOON— Join to break the FAST. Network of Religious Communities. News conference before the State Budget Forum at the United Way. Call the Coalition for Economic Justice at 716/ 892-5877 (Or send an e-mail to Allison at allison_duwe@hotmail.com) if you would like to participate in the FAST in any way.

Ithaca

Thursday, March 16
7 PM— Panel Discussion on Immigrants in Tompkins County: Challenges and Contributions. First Presbyterian Church, Dodds Hall, 315 N. Cayuga Street in Ithaca. (Please enter on Court Street.) Come hear a panel of local immigrants speak about their experiences. Learn about new efforts to address immigrant needs locally and find out about current immigration reform legislation.

Sponsored by Religious Task Force of the Tompkins County Living Wage Coalition, Catholic Charities of Tompkins/ Tioga, Tompkins County Immigrant Rights Center, Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, Ithaca Asian American Association and Eleanor Roosevelt Free Loan Fund. For more information call Edie Reagan, Coordinator of Justice and Peace Ministry at Catholic Charities, 607/ 272-5062.

New York City

Thursday, March 16
1 PM—Justice for Security Officers Interfaith Vigil. 34th and 5th Avenue. Led by the Greater New York Labor-Religion Coalition with religious leaders and workers who are participating in the 40-Hour FAST.
Call Rabbi Michael Feinberg for more information: 212/406-2156.

Syracuse
Wednesday, March 15
7:30 PM—Program and Prayer Service to Open the Fast. Greater New Testament Baptist Church, 1121 South Salina St., Syracuse. The service will highlight "America's Broken Promise, " our failure to provide access to the basic necessities of life for everyone. Includes an offering of letters in support of healthcare reform in New York state. For more information about the service: 315/ 422-9777.

Thursday, March 16
NOON— Vigil, Columbus Circle in Syracuse

Friday, March 17
NOON— Closing of the Fast. Light lunch and shared reflections. United Auto Workers, Local 624 Union Hall, 714 W. Manlius Street, East Syracuse, NY. .

Call Rev. Dana Horrell for further information: 315/ 431-4040, ext. 42.

Utica

Friday, March 17
1:30-— Closing of the Fast. Luncheon followed by a closing ceremony at 2 PM. (This timing will allow our Muslim Brothers and Sisters to attend.) Religious and labor leaders will help reaffirm our traditions of standing with those who are denied power or a voice in our society. We will assert our commitment to call for a living wage, affordable housing, healthcare for all, safe and available child care, quality public education and the right to form unions without undue interference by employers. Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Higby Road, Utica. Please call 315/ 735-6101 if you will be attending the luncheon.

White Plains
The Westchester/ Putnam Central Labor Body asks all those who plan to fast to donate non-perishable food to the WPCLB office at 595 West Hartsdale Avenue, White Plains by March 15. For information call 914/ 328-7988.

Please contact us about additional events: info@labor-religion.org