Category Archives: Transforming

Projects that are making a difference, improving lives, and building communities.

DUI and Roadside Shrines – by Micki Peluso

No More Roadside Shrines: So No Parent ever has To Hear The last Words, “Bye Mom” From Their Child.

Makeshift memorials are reminders that we must put an end to drunken driving once and for all. How tired are we, and weary of riding, driving or walking past flowers and wreaths, hung on poles and laid by roadsides. They might be considered pretty, if not serving as reminders of young lives lost to DUI (driving under the influence) accidents and vehicular homicides? These memorials stand as a warning to further deter these senseless deaths and injuries.

Continue reading DUI and Roadside Shrines – by Micki Peluso

Failing and Abusing Children – by Micki Peluso

The problem lies mostly with the boys, but girls, too, are aggressive, prone to bad language and general destructive behavior. Bullying smaller children, fighting among themselves and surliness toward adults is common to both sexes.Yet to all appearances, these children seem normal. Some are deceptively lovable, polite and well-mannered. They smile easily and give the appearance of friendly, gregarious young children of ages from eight to twelve-years-old. Whatever their outward aspect, they are also emotionally distraught, street savvy, proficient liars, thieves and con artists.

Continue reading Failing and Abusing Children – by Micki Peluso

Conversation with Dr. Martin Marty – by Deborah Levine

In the widely-disseminated interview of Rev. Jeremiah Wright by Bill Moyers, Rev. Wright referred several times to the words and teaching of a former professor, Dr. Martin Marty.  I met Dr. Marty when I coordinated the 1990 National Workshop on Christian Jewish Relations in Chicago.  Dr. Marty is a religious scholar who received a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He taught at the University of Chicago Divinity School, held an endowed chair, and now holds emeritus status. He served Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota as Regent, Board Chair, Interim President, and now as Senior Regent. A columnist for The Christian Century magazine since 1956, Marty is the author of more than 5,000 articles and the recipient of the National Book Award and 75 honorary doctorates. 

Continue reading Conversation with Dr. Martin Marty – by Deborah Levine