IRTF News

“Climate change is the defining issue of our time and now is the defining moment to do something about it.” (António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations).

War and the Environment is a six-week online course that features six core modules, three interactive Zoom sessions, and a strong emphasis on reflective practice, collaborative learning, and community building throughout. As the world races to prevent climate collapse, finding solutions to today’s unprecedented socio-ecological challenges has never been more urgent. While discussions on climate change continue, it is crucial to address the elephant in the room—war. The call to end war is not just about peace and security: it is essential for the survival and flourishing of humanity and the planet.

As wars, preparations for wars, and environmental destruction escalate—and much of the focus remains on human conflict—it is vital to better understand and respond to the far-reaching impacts of war and militarism on people, all living beings, and the planet. This course empowers you to do just that. By doing so, it also addresses a question of central importance to everyone—how can we live together in more sustainable and peaceful ways? This is the most pressing challenge of our time; everything else is secondary.

Join Racial Equity Buddies for a powerful community gathering honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through music, discussion, and action. The program includes live gospel music, a panel on Dr. King’s unfinished work, interactive breakout sessions, and a closing drum circle to inspire collective action. A continental breakfast will be served from 10 - 10:30 AM as part of the program.

Register here: https://sites.google.com/view/racialequitybuddiesofgreatercl/home

Show your support for fair work in Northeast Ohio an attend the annual fundraiser of the Northeast Ohio Worker Center!

Get to know them and learn more about their imporant work. Join them at The Elliot, to enjoy a variety show featuring local talent, a silent auction and drinks available for purchase. 

By attending the event you will be helping to raise funds for the Northeast Ohio Worker Center. The dollars raised for this event will help to pay for things like staff time to conduct wage theft intakes, connect workers to agencies and legal services so that they can get the money they are owed, and conduct community outreach.

Get your Tickets here: https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/neowc-2025-bread-and-roses-variety-show-fundraiser/

The Rochester Committee on Latin America is hosting an interview with S. Brian Willson on March 2.

Willson is a former veteran who changed his political views during his life and became a longtime peace activist. 

Register here: bit.ly/NicaMarch2

Join the Diocese of Cleveland Mission Office and COAR Peace Mission in celebrating the legacy of St. Oscar Romero, along with our brothers and sisters who work to further that legacy at our Cleveland Latin American Mission parishes, at COAR, and beyond.

Ohio Immigrant Alliance is helping to host a community conversation for the grassroots, advocates, and policymakers on February 20 from 12-1:30pm ET, to share how we can advance a more humanizing immigration narrative in Ohio, during a difficult time for everyone.

Hear from Houleye Thiam of the Mauritanian Network for Human Rights; Viles Dorsainvil of the Haitian Community Help & Support Center; Jona Hilario of OPAWL - Building AAPI Feminist Leadership; and Lynn Tramonte of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance about what we know from public opinion research; how immigrants say they want to be seen in the media; and how content creators can help ensure a broader picture comes into focus. The discussion will be moderated by Ohio Voice.

You will leave this webinar with a better understanding about public opinion on immigration, how the current narrative often dehumanizes immigrants, and how it should change — from the perspective of immigrant leaders. You will also be take away key points you can raise in media interviews and letters to the editor, social media posts, and conversations with elected officials — and around the dinner table. 

Register to receive the Zoom information here.