- The fiesta in November, meeting friends, food and fun.
- Human rights work and work on Colombia.
- Certain staff members like Pam Costain and Rosita Balch.
- The camaraderie of the fiestas and celebrations in the Newman basement, as well as the sadness and the resolve to change things in Central America.
- Services to immigrants. These were outstanding. RCTA became a ‘home’ away from home for many people, especially new immigrants and families…sort of a community service center.
- Visiting the early RCTA offices on my annual visit to the Twin Cities from Mexico.
- Connecting with activists in Mexico for whom the work of RCTA was so important.
- Guatemala solidarity committee…such a strong, small group with good inner workings amidst such diverse opinions and approaches.
- Protesting the Central American wars at Durenberger’s office and donating blood!
- Collating newsletters in the basement of the Lutheran Center, making friends and talking about what’s going on in the world.
- Mary Swenson, a staff member always there, always active. She was the embodiment of the Resource Center’s mission from the beginning.
- Coming into RCTA (only beginning after 2005) and feeling the safety, the “rational” involvement. By that I mean not psychologically dysfunctional and not politically “nuts,” the lovely Latino folk, reading the Connection, tutoring sessions.
- Discovering that RCTA existed. That gave me hope that white America was working for justice and (non-white, non-superiority) solidarity.
- The RCTA building—a place where I felt that I could be a part of working for and honoring others, especially the people of Latin America.
- It gives me hope to see older people working for justice. I didn’t have any role models for that in my life.
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- The thrill for the Guatemala solidarity committee when the National Educator Association passed a resolution for our government to stop funding Guatemala’s military
- Saturday morning coffee hours, especially Nicaraguan speakers.
- The amazing people I met at the Resource Center, the lectures and movies, the web site news.
- Working with Mary and Meredith on the Education Advisory Committee, a year on the board of directors, volunteering and helping to serve food at the festival.
- Mary Swenson and all who worked with such passion, grace and skill to make the Resource Center a unique place to learn and organize.
- Nancy Svien’s delight in helping to set up the autumn sales.
- Taking Spanish with other seekers of a just world and hearing my student give a coffeehour.
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| Other messages… |
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- I have been studying at the RCTA since it was in the basement of a church near the University. I was so happy when RCTA moved to my neighborhood. It was one of a kind and I believe irreplaceable. I will greatly miss the bookstore, intercambios, and Spanish teachers. Just knowing you were here was comforting.
- I’ve been a volunteer at the RCTA for about 20 years and have seen many changes. One constant has bee the passion, intelligence and energy and loyalty to the mission on the part of the staff and supporters. As a get-together place, it couldn’t be beat—the flow of information, plans and support for projects and discussion of issues was invigorating and life affirming.
- I like how RCTA activities consider the humanity of people, as evidenced by today’s reflection and remembering (Nov. 3, 2007)
- Sorry to see this good resource and exchange of culture end so abruptly. I hope it comes back. - Bill Bryant
- Thanks.
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