This is an archive page from a previous bus tour. Not all links may be operational. Current Nuns on the Bus information can be found at www.nunsonthebus.org.
Traverse City - Town Hall
Town Hall for the 100% - Traverse City Central High School
By Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM
September 27, 2014
Trees were already changing as we drove north to Traverse
City. It was a lovely ride with time to reflect on our earlier breakfast which
served over 500 people in need in Muskegon which was a rich experience for us
all. Although we were a bit delayed because of road work, the crowd was
exuberant as we came off the bus and came into the auditorium. Over 160 people spent the bulk of this
beautiful fall Saturday discussing ways to strengthen democracy.
The format is the same with Simone Campbell, SSS, NETWORK
Executive Director, kicking off the meeting followed by each of us introducing
ourselves and sharing why we were on the bus. On this trip there is Mary Ellen
Gondeck, CSJ, Linda Werthman, RSM, Carol Coston, OP, the first Executive
Director of NETWORK and me, Nancy Sylvester, IHM, the second Executive
Director.
After people buzzed as to when they first voted and to whom;
which person living or dead you most admired; hopes for our country we then spoke
longer about what concerns us and how can we move forward.
Their concerns echoed those we heard among the people of
Lansing and Kalamazoo: wealth disparity, homelessness, an inadequate minimum
wage, climate change, need for caring and personal responsibility. But what was energizing and hopeful were the
multiple voices who raised up the need to find new ways to approach the
problems; thinking outside the box; sitting down and conversing with those who
think differently. Other ways included new approaches to redistricting,
campaign financing, getting the disenfranchised to vote; and engaging young
people.
What cannot be captured that well in words is the hope that
the ‘Nuns on the Bus’ engenders among those gathered. There is something
magical about that “Bus”. When people sign their names to the bus they know they are joining with so many others
who believe in democracy and are willing even with the current dysfunction of our political
system to commit themselves to strengthen our government by the people, with
the people and for the people.
With “I Will Vote” pledge cards in hand and all of us with a
renewed energy we took our leave. As the sun is setting the “Bus” heads down to
Flint.