In my last journal [inlink]metalpeter,520[/inlink] I mentioned someone who I went to school with and how they came back to Buffalo. That Article is below. I found in at the Buffalo News web page it is an article in First sunday and I didn't read the dating articles but they are there also. If you get the sunday and you like the article then you may want to look at the pictures.


An Organizer at Heart

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A HARVARD-EDUCATED NATIVE SON RETURNS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By MARK SOMMER

1/1/2006

Aaron Bartley used to be disturbed by the poverty he saw from the window of hisschool bus. Those rides in the late-1980s took him from his home in North Buffalo to City Honors on the East Side.
That trip and the education he received in and outside the classroom left an indelible impression.

"It was educational beyond the 3 Rs," Bartley says. "I got to meet a lot of diverse people who were poor and wealthy, and understood class dynamics even before I knew what they were."

Bartley, a 2001 graduate of Harvard Law School, could have followed the lucrative path of corporate litigation or securities law, as many of his classmates did.

Instead, he cast off the class privilege of a Harvard degree to become a community organizer, rolling up his sleeves to throw in his lot with the city's poor and disenfranchised.

"Buffalo has always been on my mind, and one of my aspirations (after going away to school) had been to do work here," says Bartley. He returned to Buffalo a year ago and directs People United for Sustainable Housing, known by the acronym PUSH. It's a new organization mixing nonprofit development with community activism.

Bartley's plans for Buffalo were recently boosted by a $60,000 fellowship from Echoing Green, a New York City-based non-profit that named him one of the world's "best emerging social change entrepreneurs." The funds include a stipend for Bartley and another staffer.

His "Niagara Community Initiative" was one of 10 applications accepted out of more than 700 requests, says Lara Galinsky, a foundation vice president.

"Aaron is both extraordinarily intelligent and humble, as well as very dedicated and connected to his hometown," says Galinsky. "He is an organizer at heart."

Bartley, 30, lives on the West Side's Plymouth Street, near the Massachusetts Avenue Project, a community-building organization on whose board he sits. He served briefly as its executive director.

PUSH has acquired a building on 19th Street to redevelop into a low-income co-op where poor people ineligible for mortgages can develop equity. He hopes it will become a model for redevelopment elsewhere.

Bartley joined with others outside the Buffalo Convention Center in September to criticize a city-run foreclosure auction. The protesters said low-income homes are often resold to out-of-state buyers looking for a quick profit and not concerned about the community.

"This encourages the speculative market that is highly destructive to neighborhoods," says Bartley, who teaches a course on community organizing in the University at Buffalo's Urban and Regional Planning Department.

PUSH is promoting auction reform that would follow New York City's example and give low-income, first-time home buyers priority in buying homes. It also wants to see larger city grants available to these would-be home buyers.

PUSH held its first community forum in early November with the help of the UB planning department, and about 100 residents attended. They were invited to imagine the kinds of improvements they would like to see on the West Side.

"We did a lot of outreach for the meeting," Bartley says. "We probably knocked on a thousand doors."

"There's a ton of frustration, but that's not bad for the West Side, either. It's warranted when you see things like abandoned houses on every block."

Michael Clarke, program director of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a not-for-profit that works to revitalize distressed neighborhoods, says Bartley's efforts hold promise.

"Aaron is a pretty inventive young guy," says Clarke. "I think he has a lot of really good ideas, and a lot of different ways of approaching some of the problems we see here.

"If he succeeds with this, it could be something that is modeled in other transitional neighborhoods as well."


On the Battle Lines

Bartley grew up in North Buffalo. His mother, Maureen, operates a downtown flower shop, and his father, John, is a computer programmer and former fiddle player in the Happy Richie's Polka Band. His parents divorced when he was 11. He remains close to them, and with a younger sister who is a school teacher in Portland, Ore.

As a law student, Bartley co-founded the Harvard Living Wage Campaign after graduating from Swarthmore College with a political science degree.

The student-led coalition won $10 million in 2001 in annual wage and benefit gains for more than 2,000 janitors, dining service workers and others.

The summer after graduating Swarthmore, Bartley took an internship with the AFL-CIO, assigned to a Denver suburb where striking immigrant janitors were seeking union recognition.

Bartley was cynical at first. "I didn't know that the picket line was anything but an empty symbol."

After the union drive succeeded, he gained more organizing experience before returning to Buffalo in 1998 as the Western New York coordinator for Mark Green's unsuccessful U.S. Senate run.

From there it was on to Harvard - where Bartley felt like a fish out of water.

"At Harvard Law School, the career track is very much about fitting into a particular set of 10 law firms that everyone is striving to get into," Bartley says. "There was a small subset of law students - maybe five or 10 per year out of 550 - who were committed to social justice."

He compensated by getting to know Harvard service workers. After discovering the world's wealthiest educational institution was paying them $7 an hour without benefits, with many of the jobs outsourced to low-wage companies, he and two other students began the Harvard Living Wage Campaign.

"We had a simple demand," Bartley says. "Raise the wage to $10.25 and give everybody health care."

The campaign lasted three years, ending four months before his graduation. A 24-day sit-in inside Harvard President Neil Rudenstein's office galvanized the protest. It also led to Bartley receiving a formal censure by the administration, which was later noted in his student records.

The successful labor campaign attracted national attention, as rallies drew thousands and politicians such as Massachusetts senators John F. Kerry and Edward Kennedy, and the Boston Globe lent their support.

The Nation ran an article entitled, "Joe Hill Goes to Harvard," referring to the early 20th-century labor organizer.

After graduation, Bartley worked for the Service Employees International Union's "Justice for Janitors" campaign. It was the first mass mobilization of Latino immigrants.

"The important part of that campaign was getting tens of thousands of brown people - immigrants - visibility and some power and some recognition," says Bartley.

"I learned a lot, especially from Latin Americans who had done a lot of organizing in their home countries," says Bartley.

In the end, 2,000 workers received health care gains and slight wage increases - better than before, if less than organizers hoped for.

The diversity of that janitorial work force is what attracts Bartley to the West Side, given the recent influx of Africans, Central Americans and Asians.

And he is encouraged by new trends in urban planning reflected in the Elmwood strip.

"There is a whole current in American thinking of a New Urbanism - pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods," says Bartley. "It's about refocusing on the quality of life for the neighborhoods and the commercial strips that touch them, and not relying on silver-bullet solutions.

"We want to be a voice in that movement and that process, especially from a low-income perspective."


Mark Sommer is a staff reporter for The News.

Well I got the survey from (e:ladycroft)'s Journal [inlink]ladycroft,154[/inlink] (look below for answers). On a quick side note in today's paper in the first sunday section there articles about dating that I didn't get to read. I did find a very interesting article about some one I know and went to School with named Aaron Bartley. The term for Aaron I guess would be a community activist. Hopefully I will be able to put the article up it will take some time for me to figure out how since I can't find it on line but I have an idea. Ok here is the survey.

Where were you when 2005 began?
My Living Room

Who were you with?
Myself

Where will you be when 2005 ends?
I was at my apartment

Whom will you be with when 2005 ends?
Myself

Was 2005 a good year for you?
Yes it was good. Hockey Returned. I got to meet a bunch of (e:peeps). My job got more enjoyable and I bring in more money. Plus I still go to sporting events, concerts and Movies.

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Not sure really maybe going to The Great American Bash at HSBC Arena.

What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Can't think of anything that is two negative.

Did you keep your New Year resolutions of 2005?
I don't do resolutions, i can't remember if I ever did.

Do you have any New Year resolutions for 2006?
none

Did you fall in love in 2005?
unfortunately or furtunatley for the ladies no.

Did you breakup with anyone in 2005?
N/A

Did you make any new friends in 2005?
Yes

What was your favorite month of 2005?
Not sure sometime in summer since it went so fast.

Did you travel outside of the US in 2005?
Went to Toronto a few times.

How many different states did you travel to in 2005?
I don't think I left NY state except to go to Canada, gotta change that this year.

Did you lose anybody close to you in 2005?
No

Did you miss anybody in the past year?
Not really even sure what missing someone means. I think about all my friends but does that count as missing them?

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2005?
I guess Star Wars Episode III

What was your favorite song from 2005?
To many to even try to pick one

What was your favorite album from 2005?
To many to chose from Was St. Anger 2005?

How many concerts did you see in 2005?
I'm guessing: 9 at least from what I can remember

Did you have a favorite concert in 2005?
Seether was verry good and so Was Trans-siberian Ochestra hard to pick a favorite

Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2005?
No but more then usaul

Did you do drugs in 2005?
no

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Not really, nothing I can think off

What was the worst lie someone told you in 2005?
Can't think of any lies I told to anyone.

Did you treat somebody badly in 2005?
No.

Did somebody treat you badly in 2005?
Not that I recall

What was your proudest moment of 2005?
Tie between Getting the new job position and for meeting new (e:peeps) (really niether was my doing I didn't hire myself that was picked by someone else, even though I was the best choice, and (e:ladycroft) is the one who really got me to meet her and then some other (e:peeps))

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2005?
Can't think of anything embarrassing at this time

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2005 and change something, what would it be?
I would have liked to travel someplace outside of NY or visted NY City, but my summer was still good.

What are your plans for 2006?
No real plans but somethings I would like to do are:
Visit Pitsburgh (home to the Steelers and Penguins)
Go to a PPV wrestling event out side of NY state
Go to NY City
Meet a cool chick who I have fealing for and who isn't taken
Visit a country other than Canada or a major city that isn't toronto
Call my friends (like that will happen, yeah right I can hope)
Have fun at festivals like MIA 06 during the Summer
try to be less lazy at home (don't think that will happen)
Go somewhare I have never been just to take pictures there


I think I may go through pictures as I watch the Bills game and get my mind ready for the sabres game. Sometimes looking through pictures can change your perspective on the year and if it changes any of my answers I may repost but who knows.

I went to see Trans-Siberian Ochestra on wensday night. They where amazing. The music was good plus they put on a great show. Sitting in section 200 I thought I wonder what a Hockey Game would look like from here. Those club level seats are to much for the Sabres. They where the only seat available when I went on line for tickets for tonights game they where around $70. Back to my point. I thought the show was awesome. If they come back next year in support of there new CD I would go again I also met Ladycroft's friends, they seem very nice. I also went to see smackdown last night. I had a lot of fun and there were some really good matchs. I was thinking about going to see Jeff Martin formaly of The Tea Party tonight. But I don't know any of his solo stuff. Plus I want to watch the sabres and wrestling. I really need two TV's in the same room so I can watch both at the same time. I know 3 people from work who are going to the game tonight seperatly one of them won tickets in the 200 club level (not sure what section). But any one in the club level can go to the resturant there and watch the game from there. I have heard they have great food, or atleast differant stuff then at the stands. I still can't decide what I want to do for the ball drop. I would kinda like to see it live it is more fun. But then again when by yourself then you feal more alone. But on TV you can watch all the differant specials and performances. But then again sometimes that can be depressing. A friend of mine that I work with is going to NYC to see the ball drop he left today that should be a blast. He was telling me that some hotel has a Suite that is $2,500 a night and you have a perfect view of the ball drop (he isn't doing that). I don't want to do anything to tiring (well I can think of a couple things I would like to do over and over again that are exhausting, if ya know what I mean) since I have a Sabres game on Sunday to go to. Hope everyone has a great Holiday.

First of all Carey thanks for your comments on the previous post. Secondly I don't know why as soon as I got home I felt this like emptyness or sadness kinda mixed togather. I don't know it is a weird fealing. I know I will have to great nights coming up then on the weekend go to a sabres game, so maybe it is an emotional let down. Maybe it is Holiday stress. Maybe it is needing Some Hatebreed and Rammstein blairing in my ears. maybe there is a dark presance in my apartment. "Hey dragons you are there to protect me, expell it please if that is the case, tigers help the dragons ok. It could also be that I often feal as if I don't have enough time in a day. Who knows maybe I just "need a dirty women, I need a dirty girl" i forget what song that is from but it is a great song. If i don't post again before The New year I hope everyone has a great New Years eve. I may check out Townballroom they are having something hosted by 92.9 Jack'd FM but who knows may stay in.

One thing you do hear about around this time of Year is taxes. I know it is still a little bit to early to think about it. If you keep all your recipts you can deduct how much you give to charity off your taxes. I belive it has to be at least a total of $500 and you can't get anything from it. For example if you give to Public TV and they send you some gift for pledging that would not be tax deductable. Some people who do give and are close to there amount will give during the holidays (before the new year starts) and then beable to take it off there taxes. I don't know exactly how it works. I don't know for example if you give to a Charity that is helping rebukld homes for the Tsunami if that counts or if they have to be US based. But for those that have the extra money giving is an Idea. I also don't know what legally makes someplace a chairty.

I had a bunch of thoughts I wanted to get down but some of them passed on my walk up to walgreens to get my pictures printed. But one that remained is about fealings. Oh I can't belive I just wrote that; I am about to write more about them. Am I only one who has met someone and thought they where really cool, and a great person, plus thought they are hot, but there just isn't that spark? I know it sounds kinda weird. It like you wish there was that excelerated heart beat or atleast something and there just isn't. But the fact that there isn't kinda bothers ya. Maybe I'm just really messed up and just don't know it.

Hope everyone had a fun christmas. I still have no idea what I'm doing for New Years eve. New Years day I have a Sabres game to go to. In any event (I know it is a little early) I hope everyone has a great time on New Years Eve and has a great 2006.



Below are some random Pictures from the holidays.

I had a nice Christmas. I was able to sleep in. Last night I watched Phantom Of the Opera (on hbo) and A christmas story and plus I got to see the Bills win and went to Dave and Busters for about an Hour played some games including skiball then went to Wendy's. After the family openend gifts we went to our friends house and had lots of food there. I will try and catch the end of the Football game and I think there might be a night game on also. In terms of gifts I got stuff I wanted and needed. I may be going to Media Play on monday since they are going out of business might be a good time to get movies or DVD/VCR depending on what they have left. If not a may go to the movies. I know there is Sabres game on I think at 7pm from home. This week I get to see Smackdown and Trans-Siberian Ochestra (Thanks to ladycroft, I will rock out for you the best I can). I may go to another concert on friday we shall see. Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday

Here are a couple pictures Hopefully I wil put up more of them I could tell that not all 5 are going to show up but enjoy the ones that do.

This is what I had to eat at Cozumel. I think it is called the south western club or something like that. It is on there lunch Menu. It was verry good.
(Picture came out as only an red X so I will try again later when I have more time)


I also Saw Narnia it was verry good. It wasn't graffic since it is PG or PG-13 not sure of the rating but not R. I don't want to give anything away for those who don't know the story. Not sure what time but my sister is paying to go to Dave and Buster that should be fun. I will get to see some of the bills game at least. The Sabres where kinda depressing last night but hopefully tonight they will do better. I will listen to some of the game then watch Wrestling, I'm preaty sure the game with the tampa bay is tonight, well of to wrap gifts.




[I got the picture to work I just wish I knew why it didn't work the first time, Merry Christmas to everyone or what ever other holiday you celebrate or don't celebrate]

I was thinking about puting up a history of christmas about how it was pagen holiday and all that kind of stuff, but what would be the point. I just wanted to wish Everyone a Merry Christmas (or what ever other holiday they celebrate and for the Witnesses of Jahovia have a nice long weekend). With My Birthday and Christmas Eve and Football and Christmas I may not make it to the site. Even though I have no Idea what I'm doing and most likely have time to do go on the site, but you never know. Does anyone know if they still Have the festival Of lights in Niagara Falls? I don't think it is going to happen but I did want to visit Niagara Falls during the winter. The main Reason was to take pictures of Niagara falls during winter. I don't think I ever posted my pictures of Niagara Falls. If you are interested in seeing them you can go to webshots.com and look up Peterdunn under search for user I think I have them listed under my links also. In any event I hope everyone enjoys there holidays.

First of all I hope I din't put up any pictures twice If I did then I'm sorry. Secondly I Have to thank (e:paul). He figured out a way for me to add my pictures to my Journal. Hopefully next time I take pictures I woun't have a problem but if I do, now I know how to fix it or work around it. I hope you all enjoy the pics.

Season Tickets to any mayor sport are so expensive. I can only afforid Bandits tickets those games are so fun. I wish I could afforid Bills, Bisons, and Sabres that would be awesome plus that would mean I could afforid to own a house or rent a loft. If I had a loft and it was clean I would invite you all over. Well I got go and missing the sabres. On another Note (e:ladycroft) hope you feal better, (e:Beast) it was nice to meet you, sorry It only took me two hours to relise it was you and sorry I didn't have much to say your posts have allways been one of my favorites back in the old days, also sorry to (e:carey) for not being talkative I did enjoy myself.