LEWISTON – The Many and One Coalition adopted bylaws that will allow them to elect a board of directors and seek nonprofit status at a meeting on Aug. 2.

The coalition is the organization responsible for the pro-diversity rally at Bates College in January 2003 that drew nearly 5,000 people who support a diverse community. The response was to counter a white supremacist group that came to Lewiston to recruit members.

In January 2004, the organization hosted Ten Days of Community Diversity and Justice, a celebration of the various cultures in the Lewiston-Auburn area. It was an opportunity for local agencies and nonprofits to educate residents on efforts to make the community a better place to live.

Since January, the coalition, in addition to writing and adopting bylaws, has been active in the community, including the release of its first newsletter.

The Community Building Committee hosts monthly cultural potluck dinners where people can learn how to cook meals from different countries.

The Public Affairs Committee has been working in conjunction with the Center for Community Change on a campaign to promote the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, legislation that would help foreign-born American-raised students attend college.

The Education Committee is working with the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond to bring a training workshop, “Undoing Racism.” Another, larger event for January 2005 is in the planning stages.

The coalition has also received the Watering Can Award from Maine Peace Initiative and was recognized by Peace Action Maine for its efforts in a grassroots campaign to improve the quality of life for residents of the local and state communities.

The coalition is an all-volunteer organization with one part-time staff person. Anyone interested in information on how to volunteer or make a financial contribution should contact Tracy Gregoire at 740-0212 or visit the Web site at www.manyandone.org. The e-mail address is [email protected] and the postal address is P.O. Box 76, Lewiston, ME 04243.