Events

Pruning is something of a mystery to most people, and it can seem scary to the uninitiated. Stoneleigh Director Ethan Kauffman and Lead Horticulturist Jason Wirtz will demonstrate proper techniques to help you take care of your plants.

The Friends Committee on National Legislation will soon be revising The World We Seek, last revised in 2013, FCNL’s legislative policy statement. It provides the framework within which its priorities are set and around which its lobby work is centered.

The Peace and Social Action Committee is sponsoring a Courageous Conversation at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 24. The theme of our Courageous Conversation will be the Green New Deal and Public Banking. Some members of the Committee suggested that FCNL study these issues in order to include policy statements about them in the revised The World We Seek.

As many of us know, climate scientists recently warned that there is much less time than previously   projected for reducing carbon emissions to avoid a global climate catastrophe. The World We Seek already embraces many of the Green New Deal proposals. Yet it is silent about the need for financial reform – which is one of its central element, and includes public banking, viewed by its proponents as essential to support the rest of a Green New Deal.

The World We Seek also already calls for “economic policies that are environmentally sustainable.” Yet there’s currently no shared understanding of the kind of policies that are needed. This is why the Collaborative wants the Policy Committee to establish a process to discern the economic policies that FCNL needs to promote. It’s also why the Collaborative wants FCNL staff to investigate a possible role of public banking in a sustainable economy, even though it’s not yet included in The World We Seek.

Our invited guest for the Courageous Conversation is Walter McRee, one of our nation’s leading advocates for public banking. We will discuss the current financial system and why the proponents of public banking see it as an important way to address many of the concerns about the financial system.

This special monthly meal will focus on Black History 101 and will be held in the Mobile Museum of Congregation Ohev Shalom.

Founded by Khalid el-Hakim, the Black History 101 Mobile Museum is an award-winning collection of over 7,000 original artifacts of Black memorabilia dating from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era to hip-hop culture. Khalid has been called the “Schomburg of the Hip-Hop generation” because of his passionate commitment to carry on the rich tradition of the Black Museum Movement.

We are not serving a meal at this event.

Life, Animated is a 2016 American documentary by director Roger Ross Williams. It is co-produced by Williams with Julie Goldman, Carolyn Hepburn and Christopher Clements. Based on journalist Ron Suskind’s 2014 book Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism, which tells the story of his son, Owen Suskind who struggled with autism and learned how to communicate with the outside world through his love of Disney films.

Media Fellowship House’s Film Speaks series presents moving and provocative films from our area and around the country by renowned and emerging film makers.

A Q&A will follow the screening.
Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to all!

On Sunday afternoon, March 31st, from 3-5 PM, Swarthmore Friends Meeting will be presenting a free screening of the documentary, “Paris To Pittsburgh“. Produced by National Geographic, the film is informative, upbeat and inspiring. It illustrates the efforts of individuals, cities and states in our country who are responding to the threat of global warming by coming together in innovative and often joyful ways.

Paris to Pittsburgh—a new film produced by Bloomberg Philanthropies and RadicalMedia, and distributed by National Geographic Documentary Films—features the voices of some of these forward-thinking leaders, including NRDC president Rhea Suh, along with the stories of everyday Americans who have been on the front lines of the climate crisis. From the former coal town of Pittsburgh to America’s breadbasket of Iowa to the island of Puerto Rico, the film takes you through climate change–fueled disasters in numerous communities, as well as their recovery, resiliency, and tireless efforts to inspire homegrown change.

Mayors, governors, community groups, businesses, and others are stepping up, embracing solutions like renewable energy and reaping benefits like cleaner air, job growth, and cost-cutting—all close to home, where it matters most. And this movement of our innovative citizens, cities, states, and businesses could change the course of our future and ensure that the United States remains a global leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions—and protecting our planet, health, and future generations.

Come see the film and discover what you might be moved to do with a little help from your friends. Discussion will follow the screening.

Swarthmore Meeting is located on Whittier Place, one of the entrances to Swarthmore College, off Elm Ave between Cedar Ave and Walnut Ln. While there is a small parking lot in front of the Meetinghouse, please park in the larger lot at the end of Whittier Place (except for handicapped parking).

Join with Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT) on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm.

After five years of action by Earth Quaker Action Team, PNC announced today a shift in its policy that will effectively cease its financing of mountaintop removal coal mining in Appalachia.

Together we have shifted the policy of the seventh largest U.S. bank! This marks a major turnaround for PNC, who for years refused to budge on this issue. After more than 125 actions, their desire to continue business as usual proved no match for EQAT and our allies.

As more and more banks stop financing mountaintop removal, we expect it to become increasingly difficult over the next few years for mountaintop removal coal companies to secure financing for their destructive operations. So, join us in thanking the people of Appalachia who continue to inspire us and take bold action.

Celebrate and share this news widely. Together we have shown that strategic nonviolent direct action makes a difference. EQAT will continue to keep an eye on PNC to be sure that it follows through with this policy change. We will be looking forward to the next campaign.

There is something unique about going to the movies. We come together in a darkened theater to feel the thrill of emotion and adventure that we have little access to in our normal lives. Independent films from a diverse group of filmmakers and cultures, like those selected for the Media Film Festival, remind us that whether we are watching an animated film from Iran or a comedy made right here in Delaware County, we share common ground as human beings.

By presenting a variety of short films  narrative, documentary, animation and experimental  the goal is to build a greater appreciation of artists and filmmakers within our community and beyond.

The 2019 Media Film Festival, scheduled for April 4th, 5th, and 6th, will include short films from our community and around the world. The films will be shown at the iconic Media Theatre on State Street in the Borough of Media.

Our hope for our monthly meals is that they continue to create a sense of community amongst the FUSE network and new participants. The “Courageous Conversations” series is the staple of our monthly meals where we continue to discuss issues such as racism, bridge building between communities and other topics that are important to our communities. By sharing food and conversation in a safe space, and learning together we believe existing relationships will be strengthened and new relationships will be formed. These meals highlight the importance of diversity and understanding each other’s cultures in building relationships. Though dinner is on us, we would be most appreciative if you would like to bring a dish to share, perhaps a side or a desert.