Buy Local at Friends for a Non-Violent World boutique

“Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he/she is good at doing.” – Quincy Jones
“Can’t you feel a brand new day?…Everybody look up And feel the hope that we’ve been waiting for…Because our silent fear and dread is gone… Can’t you feel a brand new day?” – A brand new day (The Wiz, Diane Ross)

Hello Monitor readers,
Happy grateful month of November. As of this writing, the elections are still a few days away so I don’t know the outcome; however, I’m optimistic and hopeful that the American people voted in the same joyful and responsible manner as the folks of Minnes. Were you happy with your vote? Do you feel it made a difference? Please send your thoughts and comments to our editor (tesha@monitorsaintpaul.com).
With the elections over, we can really start reflecting on the leap year and our 2024 resolutions: did we/you achieve our personal and/or collective goals? What do we/you need to re-commit to pursuing? What went well or not, what would we/you do different or not do at all? Now is the time for us to make our 2025 resolutions while we are in the season of Thanksgiving and moving into the month of Giving and Accepting Universal Love, Light, and Energy of the World. One of my collective 2025 resolutions is that we as a nation start finding common-ground-based respectful solutions and let go of divisiveness fearfulness. One of my personal resolutions is re-committing to look on the bright side and continue to cultivate being optimistic within myself regardless of natural or human-made challenges that cross my path.
This year I’ve had so much fun participating with wonderful, pro-active, and courageous people in both old and new adventures of working and playing together in our efforts to bend the arc of justice forward. Although, there has been much stress, confusion, and frustration, there were also more spaces for patience, understanding, and celebrations of achieving mutual work and goals. For example, I’m hopeful, that we are learning to keep our balance when transitioning from “drill, baby, drill” to “think and act green.” Our future is as bright as we grow, teach, and prepare our children. I am very grateful for the lessons I have learned from my family, friends, educators, faith leaders, and ancestors. I am also thankful for being able to share with others in the Midway Monitor.

BUY LOCAL, SUPPORT NON-VIOLENCE GROUP
This month, I want to share about an excellent way to do some of your holiday shopping.
From Jim Lovestar:
“Have you ever considered where your money goes when you buy something for the holidays? What does that money support? Much of what is sold in this country comes from The People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC is an autocratic regime that routinely abuses its workers to produce what we consume. Yet, picking up that thing we want without regard to its true cost is so seductive.
Are there alternatives to this painful scenario? I can name one. A wonderful one. Are you ready? Okay, it is the Friends for a Non-Violent World (FNVW) Holiday Fair on Dec. 13 (1-9 p.m.) and 14 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).
http://www.fnvw.org/holidayfair 
Where you say? Why, at the Friends School of Minnesota, 1365 Englewood Avenue in Saint Paul. https://fsmn.org/
“How is that a viable alternative?” you may ask. There will be many people, local people from our communities, offering their wares for your pleasure. Handmade ceramics (the potter is usually there), organic preserves, homemade jewelry (again, the artist is there most of the time for personal connection), bargain-priced gift certificates to local merchants, artwork, antique treasures, a simple foods cafe if you are hungry, and, yes, live music! Wait, I forgot to mention the books, gently used, you know. So many delightful books at such low prices. Invite someone who will tell you what he/she wants for Christmas and perhaps dance with you to the live music.
If you buy something at the Holiday Fair this is what your money will support:
• Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) provides experiential conflict resolution workshops for youth and adults in schools, prisons, jails and communities. AVP empowers people to lead nonviolent lives through affirmation, respect for all, building and enhancing of community, cooperation, and trust.
• People Camp is a week-long intergenerational experience of cooperation, community living, peacemaking, and the exploration of ideas and issues. This is a summer camp experience for the whole family and for anyone who enjoys warm, supportive community, challenging workshops and lots of recreation in a camp setting.
• Everyday Nonviolence is our podcast that highlights people using nonviolence to transform themselves and the world around them. Their stories deepen our understanding of the impact of violence and the many ways nonviolence can be used for healing and social change.
• Advocacy and outreach initiatives include hosting community dialogues, actions and workshops on topics such as public safety, active nonviolence, and protecting and expanding our democracy. We also build power for social change through relational organizing and by working in coalition with other groups.
You can find more information here: http://www.fnvw.org/ 
Top off your adventure with a delicious meal in the Friendly Cafe where you can enjoy hot meals with vegetarian and meat options, a warm drink, and homemade sweet treats. Check the serving times when you arrive so you can plan a pleasant time with your companion.” Thank you, Jimbo!
Have a great Thanksgiving and stay optimistic and get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions.
May Peace Be In the Rondo, Frogtown, Hamline/Midway, Como, and Surrounding Communities... May Peace Be In Our Homes and Communities… May Peace Prevail On Earth (MPPOE).