Civic Connections

For a peaceful and democratic sense of community it is essential that the various religious communities in New York City connect and build relationships among each other. We help them by offering regular forums and collaborative projects regarding civic topics or institutions. Also, we serve as a consultant to both secular and religious organizations.

Past Events

Queens Courts Roundtable: Families and Family Court

Date: Thursday, May 20th, 2010, 9:00am-11:00am
Location: Queens Family Court, 151-02 Jamaica Ave, Queens, New York 11432 (across from the Rufus King Park)The New York State Unified Court System, the Interfaith Center of New York, and Legal Information for Families Today (LIFT)Invite Queens Religious and Community Leaders to a Queens Roundtable on Family Court. Hundreds of thousands of families turn to the New York City Family Courts each year seeking stability and safety - victims of domestic violence, those paying or seeking child support, foster care, adoption, and families trying to resolve custody or visitation disputes-- and these are just some of the important matters resolved in Family Court. Yet, despite the importance of these issues, Family Court can be a challenging and overwhelming place. This workshop will provide participants with the tools to better empower the families in their communities to successfully navigate the complex Family Court. It will include an overview of the Family Court, including how to begin a case, find a lawyer, and what to expect in the courthouse. In addition, all participants will be provided with a full resource portfolio that they can take back to their communities. LIFT is a non-profit dedicated to empowering those without lawyers to successfully self-advocate in the NYC Family Courts, www.LIFTonline.org. RSVP at (212) 870-3515 or anushavan@interfaithcenter.org  Please leave your name, address, telephone number, and email address

FAMILIES AND FAMILY COURT

Hosted by The New York State Unified Court System and the Interfaith Center of New York, for Manhattan Religious and Community Leaders. This workshop will provide participants with tools to empower families to successfully navigate the complex Family Court. It will include an overview of the Family Court, how to begin a case, find a lawyer, and what to expect in the courthouse. Participants will receive a resource portfolio to take back to their communities. Speakers include Melissa M. Beck, Esq., Chief Executive Officer (LIFT), and Liv Johanson, Coordinator of Communications & Development (LIFT). RSVP at (212) 870-3515 or anushavan@interfaithcenter.org Please leave your name, address, telephone number, and email address. Location: New York City Family Court, 60 Lafayette Street (11th floor) New York, NY 10013 (between Franklin and Leonard Street)

QUARTERLY BREAKFAST: GREEN TOUR OF HARLEM

Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010, Breakfast @ 8:30am, Program @ 9-11am
Location: The Riverside Church (Assembly Hall, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, NY (Enter on Claremont, btwn 120th and 121st)

On Earth Day, April 22, 2010, Faith Leaders for Environmental Justice Invite you to a Green Tour of Harlem.  Colleagues from West Harlem Environmental Action (WeAct) will introduce our newly created Healthy Living Harlem Green Map by leading us on an Earth Day tour of Harlem.  Please RSVP to ssayeed@interfaithcenter.org or (212) 870-3519.  Faith Leaders for Environmental Justice is a diverse collaborative network of faith leaders committed to making deep impact on issues of environmental justice in New  York City through coordinated collective action.

Domestic Violence & Safe Exchange Pilot Project Training

Training Workshop Conducted By CONNECT and Safe Horizon, for Volunteers of the Safe Exchange Pilot Program. This event is made possible by: St. Luke AME Church, Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate; Nicholas Tweed, Presiding Elder; Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor; Rev. Leo Lopez, Hispanic Ministry Development. Co- Sponsored by: The Interfaith Center of New York, CONNECT, New York State Unified Court System, Safe Horizon, The Center for Court Innovation, Crossroad COGIC, Church of The Mediator, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, FOSTERING A LIFE, INC, The Nehemiah Expedition II Inc. and Treat Me Right Inc.

Faith Leaders for Environmental Justice-Quarterly Breakfast

Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010, Breakfast @ 8:30am, Program @ 9-11am
Location: The Riverside Church (Assembly Hall, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, NY (Enter on Claremont, btwn 120th and 121st)

Faith Leaders for Environmental Justice is a diverse collaborative network of faith leaders committed to making deep impact on issues of environmental justice in New York City through coordinated collective action. The Interfaith Center is one of several partner organizations involved in steering this initiative.  The First Quarterly Breakfast of 2010 will feature the NYC F.R.E.S.H. Supermarket Program Update and Q & A

The NYC F.R.E.S.H. (Food Retail Expansion to Support Health) Program aims to bring more fresh food to five under-resourced neighborhoods (a.k.a. "food-deserts") in New York City by offering financial and zoning incentives to supermarkets who locate in FRESH target neighborhoods.

Katie Scallon (NYC-EDC FRESH Program Director), Ben Thomases (NYC Food Policy Coordinator) and a representative from The NYC Department of City Planning will bring an update on the status of the F.R.E.S.H. Program. They will also take questions to help faith leaders maximize the program's benefits to their neighborhoods. 

To RSVP contact Sarah Sayeed at ssayeed@interfaithcenter.org or call 212-870-3519.

Interfaith Convocationfor Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 11:30am
Location: The Riverside Church (Assembly Hall, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, NY (Enter on Claremont, btwn 120th and 121st)

The New York State Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform joins with the New York Immigration Coalition and elected officials to call for just and humane comprehensive immigration reform. Religious leaders and New Yorkers concerned about the immigration crisis are welcome to join. RSVP to vargasw@ajc.org  and for additional information, call 212-891-1443. The Interfaith Center of NY is a member of the immigration network. To read more about religious leaders' involvement in immgration, please visit our blog, Interfaith Matters.

23rd Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer Retreat for Social Justice: Building Economic Resilience in Faith Communities

Date: Tuesday, January 12, 4:00pm to Wednesday, 13, 2009, 4:00pm
Location: Stony Point Retreat Center, 17 Crickettown Road, Stony Point, NY

This retreat will explore the impact of the recession on faith communities and connect religious leaders to resources they can use to build resilience in their communities. You will have an opportunity to meet and network with diverse religious leaders from the NY area.  Keynote address by Rev. Patrick Duggan of Abundant Communities Together.  Faith leaders will speak about religious perspectives on wealth, poverty, lending and debt.  Other highlights include the NYC Office of Financial Empowerment, the Federation of Community Credit Unions, the 10% is Enough Campaign, Habitat, SEEDCO, Asian Americans for Equality! You'll have a chance to reflect & envision your resilient faith community.  RSVP by completing the RSVP form and faxing to Sarah Sayeed at fax to (212) 870-3499. Click on "Learn More" to print a PDF of the RSVP form that you can fax. Email ssayeed@interfaithcenter.org to request and electronic version of the form, or call (212) 870-3519.  Learn More.

Consumer Credit Debt and Identity Theft

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 9:00am-10:30am
Location: Queens Supreme Courthouse, Board Room, 5th Floor, 88 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435

This roundtable will discuss the legal aspects of credit card debt and identity theft. It will also explain new credit card law, and your legal rights to prevent getting into bigger credit card debt. There will be Q & A. Speakers include Justice Martin Ritholtz - Supreme Court; Judge Maureen Healy - Civil Court; Christina Hanophy, Esq., - Queens District Attorney's Office; and Jeff Sovern, Professor of Law- St. John's University To RSVP: Contact Anushavan Margaryan at (212) 870-3515 or by e-mail: anushavan@interfaithcenter.org

Directions: Courthouse is located on Sutphin Blvd. between 88th & 89th Aves., approximately 1/4 mile east of Van Wyck Expressway/ Hillside Ave. intersection. Take Hillside Ave. or Jamaica Ave. to Sutphin Blvd.

Transportation: Subway: F, E, J to Sutphin Blvd.; LIRR.  Bus: Numerous buses stop in the vicinity of the courthouse. Call the MTA at (718) 330-1234 for bus information.

COURTS ROUND TABLE: CREDIT CARD AND STUDENT LOAN DEBT

Date: September 30, 2009
Location: Brooklyn Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Rm 1137

This program will discuss the legal aspects of student loan and credit card debt, including what to do if you receive a "summons and complaint" from a credit card or student loan agency.  It will also explain legal rights to prevent getting into bigger debt. Speakers include Winston Thompson, CPA and Colette Burnett, Financial Consultant. RSVP to Anushavan Margaryan at (212) 870-3515 or by email to anushavan@interfaithcenter.org

COURTS ROUND TABLE: HATE CRIME & IMMIGRATION

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Location: New York City Civil Court, 111 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013 (between White and Franklin, enter on White Street).

The roundtable will address the intersection of hate crimes and immigration. It will also discuss how religious leaders can play an important role in their respective communities to address and report hate crimes. To RSVP and for more information, contact Anushavan Margaryan at (212) 870-3515 or by email: anushavan@interfaithcenter.org.

21st RABBI MARSHALL T. MEYER RETREAT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE: IMMIGRATION

Dates: Date: Tuesday, June 16th-Wednesday, June 17th
Location: Stony Point Retreat Center, Stony Point, NY

For additional information or to RSVP, contact Sarah Sayeed at (212)870-3519 or by e-mail: ssayeed@interfaithcenter.org  Bus departs Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Drive on June 16th at 2:00pm, returning June 17th at 5:00pm

HATE CRIMES ROUNDTABLE AT QUEENS HINDU SENIOR CENTER

Date: Monday, June 8, 2009, 6-8pm
Location:  United Hindu Cultural Council Senior Center, 118-09 Sutter Ave. South Ozone Park, NY 11420

Presenters include Mariela Herring (Queens DA’s Office, Chief of Hate Crime and Gang Division); Michael Osgood (NYPD Deputy Inspector, Hate Crimes Task Force); Kathy Bracken (NYC Commission on Human Rights, Queens Director); Chan Jamoona (Founder, Hindu Cultural Council Senior Center). Sponsored by United Hindu Cultural Council in collaboration with Queens Borough President Hon. Helen Marshall; The Interfaith Center of NY; NYC Department of Human Rights, District Attorney’s Office and NYPD.  Take A train to Lefferts, then Q10 bus to Rockaway Ave. Walk one block down Lefferts to Sutter Ave. To RSVP, contact Vidya Jamoona at (718) 323-8900 or email vidyajamoona1@yahoo.com or uhccsc@hotmail.com

Faith Leaders for Environmental Justice Breakfast

Date: May 14, 2009 at 8:30 am
Location: The Interchurch Center, Sockman Lounge, 475 Riverside Drive, NY

Faith Leaders for Environmental Justice is a diverse array of faith leaders committed to making a deep impact on issues of environmental justice in New York City through coordinated collective action. Issues of environmental injustice can be found in every corner of our city.  From food deserts to brown fields, faith leaders are uniting to call for righteous policy changes.  Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer is invited to speak.

RSVP by email to mdunbar@nyfaithjustice.com

The Role of Justice System in Addressing Hate Crime

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 9:00-10:30am
Location: Bronx Supreme Courthouse, 251 East 161st St. (Criminal Division), Room 922, Bronx, NY 10451

Featuring Michael Cooper, Bureau Chief of the Bronx District Attorney's Office, this roundtable, speakers will explain the procedure for reporting hate crimes and what to expect when a hate crime is reported. To RSVP and for more information, contact Anushavan Margaryan at (212) 870-3515 or by email: anushavan@interfaithcenter.org

Peace Making Across Cultural Boundaries: Youth Teaching Youth

March 24th, 26th and April 1st and 2nd, 4:00pm-7:30pm
89-64 163rd Street, Jamaica, NY 11432

In this after-school "train the trainer program," youth leaders (ages 13-17) from diverse faith traditions will learn conflict resolution skills and become  teachers of peacemaking skills.  Participants will receive $50 upon completing the training and an additional $50 for conducting their first youth training.  The program is open to faith communities in Queens.  For more information, or to sign up, please call Michelle M. Leonard, J.D.  (718) 523-6868, ext. 256  Co-sponsored by Community Mediation Services, Inc. & Interfaith Center of New York.   Youth must attend all 4 sessions to receive the stipend.

The Law and Hate Crime

March 4, 2009 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m

Queens Supreme Courthouse, Boardroom , 5th Flr. 88-11 Sutpin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 Visit www.hopstop.com for subway directions.

Featuring Martin Ritholtz- Justice of the Supreme Court, Asst. Distric Attorney Mariela Herring- Bureau Chief, Hate Crime and Gang Division, Queens D.A's Office, this roundtable will discuss the role of the "Justice Sytem" in dealing with hate crimes. It will also discuss if how religious and community leaders can play importnat role, in their respective communities, addressing and reporting hate crimes.

RSVP to Anushavan Margaryan at (212) 870-3515 or by e-mail: anushavan@interfaithcenter.org 

The Role of the Justice System in addressing Hate Crime

Feb 11, 2009 from 9:30 to 11:00 am
360 Adams Street Board Room
Brooklyn, New York 11201

Visit www.hopstop.com for subway directions.

Featuring Charles Guria, Chief of the Civil Rights & Policies Integrity Bureau, this roundtable will discuss the role of the "Justice System" in deal;ing with hate crimes. It will also discuss if how religious and community leaders can play important role, in thier respective communities, adressing and reporting hate crimes.

RSVP to Anushavan Margaryan at (212) 870-3515 or by e-mail: anushavan@interfaithcenter.org 

20th Marshall T. Meyer Retreat: Confronting Hate Crimes

January 28, 2009, 4pm-January 29, 2009, 4pm

What is a hate crime? How do we recognize it?  Who is a likely victim, and who is a likely perpetrator? What can religious leaders do, and is religion part of the problem or the solution?   Can our faith be mobilized to respond with both justice and compassion? What about restorative justice? Can we ultimately hope to transform hate?  The retreat is held at Stony Point Center, about 45 minutes outside of NYC.  It is free of charge; bus transportation is $20.  To RSVP, discuss the topic or learn more, contact Sarah Sayeed at (212) 870-3519 or by email: ssayeed@interfaithcenter.org

Courts Program: What To Do If You Receive A "Summons and Complaint" from a Credit Card or Student Loans Debt

December 19, 2008, 9am-10:30am

New York City Civil Court, 12th Flr.( Room 1246), NYC 10013. Visit www.hopstop.com for subway directions.

This roundtable will discuss the legal aspects of credit card and students loan debt. It will also explain some of your legal rights to prevent getting into bigger credit card and student loan debt. There will be Q & A.

RSVP to Anushavan Margaryan at (212) 870-3515 or by e-mail: anushavan@interfaithcenter.org

Courts Program: Foreclosure and Predatory Lending

This roundtable discussion will address the growing concern of foreclosures in the Queens. It also will discuss some alternatives for mortgages and foreclosures. RSVP to Anushavan Margaryan at (212) 870-3515 or by e-mail: anushavan@interfaithcenter.org

The Manhattan Faith Leaders Environmental Justice Collaborative

Please join The Manhattan Faith Leaders Environmental Justice Collaborative for a continued discussion of community-based responses to Environmental Justice Issues.  Learn More.

Making Room at the Table

The eighth annual Interfaith IFTAR Fast Break at Union Theological Seminary brings together diverse men and women to deepen relationships and understandings across faith traditions. At this time of crisis in the world, with increased demonization of immigrants and other minorities across our nation, please join us in our common response, to share our reflections and the delicious dinner together.  Learn More.

Foreclosure and Predatory Lending Roundtable

Directions:  M, N, R to Court St.; 2, 3, 4, 5 to Boro Hall; A, C, F to Jay St./Boro Hall

Date:  Thursday May 29th, 2008
          9:30am to 11:00am

The New York State Unified Court System and the Interfaith Center of New York invite Brooklyn’s Religious and Community Leaders to a Breakfast Seminar. This roundtable discussion addresses the growing concern of foreclosures in Brooklyn.  It also discusses some alternatives for mortgages and foreclosure.

RSVP at (212) 870-3515 or anushavan@interfaithcenter.org

Faith Leaders for Environmental Justice-Quarterly Breakfast

Date: February 18, 2010, Breakfast @ 8:30am

Faith Leaders for Environmental Quarterly Breakfast

Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010, Breakfast @ 8:30am

Faith Leaders for Environmental Justice-Quarterly Breakfast

Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010, Breakfast @ 8:30am