Baltimore Activist Alert - Part 4

51] Love for Wind – Feb. 13


52] Ash Wednesday – Feb. 13

53] 'The Challenges of Violence in American Society Today' – Feb. 13

54] Annual Law and the City Panel – Feb. 13

55] “Behind The Kitchen Door” – Feb. 13

56] Anti-torture dinner – Feb. 13

57] Film “Tears of Gaza” – Feb. 13

58] One Billion Rising – Feb. 14

59] Get signatures on letter to cut military spending – Feb. 14

60] Death Penalty hearings – Feb. 14

61] “Where Should the Birds Fly?” – Feb. 14

62] One Billion Rising – Feb. 14

63] “Five Myths About Nuclear Weapons” – Feb. 14

64] Evening with Cornel West - Feb. 14

65] Erskine Bowles in Baltimore – Feb. 14

66] MUPJ Conference – Apr. 12 & 13, 2013

67] Support Red Emma’s in its move

68] Fellowship position available

69] Do you possess any Tom Lewis artwork?

70] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

71] Join Fund Our Communities

72] Submit articles to Indypendent Reader

73] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

74] Do you need any book shelves?

75] Join Global Zero campaign

76] Digital Information and the Criminal Justice System

77] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale

78] Click on The Hunger Site

79] Fire & Faith

80] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil



51] – On Wed., Feb. 13 from 11 AM to noon in Lawyer's Mall, Maryland State House, 100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401, show your Love for Wind. February is a time for love, and why not share the love for wind this Valentine's Day!! It is because of Marylanders like you that our state is closer than ever to being in the forefront of a new offshore wind power industry. Support Governor O’Malley, and let's make sure the Maryland General Assembly hears the voices loud and clear -- and passes the 2013 offshore wind power bill.

The Maryland Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on the offshore wind power bill (SB 275) in the afternoon the same day, and will likely vote on the legislation in the next few weeks. The bill is co-sponsored by a majority of the committee members, as well as a majority of the entire senate. But we can't rest on our laurels -- we need to make sure a strong bill passes the finish line without any amendments that weaken it.

The wind blowing off Maryland's Atlantic Coast is a vast, untapped energy source. It has the power to provide clean energy, create local jobs, and produce the equivalent of two-thirds of Maryland's current electricity needs. Go to https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/423/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=79304. Email Brenda Loya at BLoya@psr.org.

52] – Join an Ash Wednesday Witness of Repentance at the White House on Feb. 13 from noon to 1 PM - "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel." (Mk.1:15). Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time for personal and societal repentance, a time for radical conversion, renewal and transformation. Living under the brutal occupation of the Roman Empire, Jesus declared: "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel." (Mk.1:15). Living in the U.S. Empire, which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described as "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world," we need to heed Jesus' proclamation now more than ever.



Join a prayer service in front of the White House to call for repentance and conversion of ourselves, our society and our churches to the Gospel way of justice, nonviolence and a reverence for all life and creation. We call for an end to all war and the elimination of all weapons--from guns, to drones, to nuclear weapons. We call, too, for an end to corporate domination, justice for the poor and all immigrants, and for the conversion of our war-based economy to one centered on serving the common good, alleviating poverty and protecting the environment. Ashes will be blessed and distributed. Contact Art Laffin of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: 202-360-6416 or artlaffin@hotmail.com.



53] – The Social Science Department of the Community College of Baltimore County presents its first forum in 'The Challenges of Violence in American Society Today' series. The host Sheri Parks, Ph.D is an associate professor of American Studies at University of Maryland, College Park and the author of "Fierce Angels: The Strong Black Woman in American Life and Culture." The first forum takes place on Feb. 13 at 3 PM at Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus, 800 S. Rolling Road. Call 410-455-6050.



54] – Participate in Loyola University Maryland's Annual Law and the City Panel on Feb. 13 at 6:30 PM at Loyola College. 4501 N. Charles St. Call 410-617-5025. Go to http://www.loyola.edu.

55] – A “Behind The Kitchen Door” book release party is happening on Wed., Feb. 13 from 6:30 to 8 PM at Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW. The book is an inside look at the restaurant industry from worker and small business stories, compiled by ROC co-founder Saru Jayaraman. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/525072270848990/.

56] – The National Religious Campaign Against Torture cordially invites you to a dinner introducing its 2013 agenda. It will feature remarks by Rep. Rush D. Holt, Jr., Rep. Keith Ellison (Invited) and others. The dinner will take place at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Maqsood Chaudhry, 855 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, VA 22101 on Wed., Feb. 13 at 7 PM. RSVP to Susan Ross at events@nrcat.org.

57] – See the film “Tears of Gaza,” hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine, on Wed., Feb. 13 from 8 to 10 PM at American Univ., Ward 1, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW. In a rough style, by way of unique footage, the brutal consequences of modern wars are exposed. The film also depicts the ability of women and children to handle their everyday life after a dramatic war experience. Many of them live in tents or in ruins without walls or roofs. They are all in need of money, food, water and electricity. Others have lost family members, or are left with seriously injured children. The film follows three children through the war and the period after the ceasefire. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/120737554771113/.

58] – According to the UN, 1 in 3 women will experience rape or violence in her lifetime. That's over One Billion Women! Join CODEPINK and over 10,000 other organizations in 193 countries around the world for One Billion Rising, a global day of action on Thurs., Feb. 14 to strike, dance, and rise to end rape and gender violence!



In recent years alone, massive numbers of women and girls – and sometimes men and boys – have suffered not only the physical trauma of rape and gender violence in war and other conflict situations, but also the shame and stigma that often leaves survivors suffering in silence. It's time to stop the violence and end the silence! Go to http://www.onebillionrising.org/.



Join Eve Ensler, V-Day, CODEPINK and communities around the world to Rise, Strike and Dance to end rape and violence! Be in Farragut Square NW in Washington D.C. on Feb. 14 from noon to 2 PM. Join the dance party and rise for Violence Against Women Act! Speakers at the event include Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Terry O’Neill, president of NOW, and many more!



59] – We need to go visit senators and delegates in Annapolis to try to get signatures on the Fund Our Communities sequestration letter. The best times to do this are mid-morning of week days and Monday evenings. Jean Athey will go on Thurs., Feb. 14 at 11 AM. Can you join her? She will also go on Mon., Feb. 18 in the evening. Contact Jean at jeanathey at verizon.net, and she will give you all the instructions you might need, along with talking points.



60] – Consider attending the Maryland State House and State Senate hearings on the death penalty on Thurs., Feb. 14. The hearings are scheduled for 1 PM, but you are urged to get there at 12:30 PM to get through security. Go to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing room, 2 East Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen St., Annapolis 21401-1991 or House Judiciary Committee hearing room, Room 100, House Office Building, 6 Bladen St., Annapolis 21401-1991.



Parking is hard to come by in Annapolis. Consider using Gott’s Court Parking Garage, 25 Calvert St., Annapolis 21401. Cost will be around $11.00. Call 301-779-5230 or email info@mdcase.org.

61] – See the film “Where Should the Birds Fly?” on Thurs., Feb. 14 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at The Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW. The film documents the lives of two courageous young Palestinian women, survivors of Israel's massive 23 day attack on Gaza that began on December 28, 2008. It is the compelling and moving story of these remarkable young women, the future of Palestine, who personify the struggle to maintain humanity, humor and hope, to find some degree of normality in the brutal abnormality that has been imposed on them. Mona Samouni is an 11 year old girl of remarkable wisdom. Her family died under Israeli rockets. Fida Qishta, the filmmaker, is a 27 year old journalist. With her Palestinian crew she has documented the lives of the people of Gaza.

Go to http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/contactus. Contact The Jerusalem Fund at 202-338-1958 or info@thejerusalemfund.org.

62] – 1 Billion Rising is a temporary monument to survivors of rape and abuse. The gathering is taking place on Thurs., Feb. 14 from 2 to 4 PM at the Reflecting Pool, National Mall, Washington, D.C. Volunteers and activists will be creating a temporary monument to survivors of rape and abuse as a call to create a permanent national monument. A group of creative enthusiasts, will carry and hold up giant 8-ft tall Styrofoam letters (don’t worry they’re super light-weight) to spell the poem “I can’t forget what happened, but no one else remembers.” The poem, written by a survivor, highlights the isolating and silencing experience of rape in the United States. Building a national monument to survivors is building a country that holds public and supportive space for survivors to heal. Building a national monument is building a country that truly believes rape can and must end. Email volunteers@upsettingrapeculture.com.

63] – On Thurs., Feb. 14 from 3:30 to 5 PM, Ward Wilson will discuss his book “Five Myths About Nuclear Weapons” at American Univ., School of International Service Beacon Conference Room, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC. Go to https://www.american.edu/calendar/?id=4312702.

64] – Enjoy an Evening with Cornel West on Thurs., Feb. 14 at 6 PM at the Grand Ballroom, the STAMP @ UMD College Park. VOICES of Social Change invites you to a lecture and Q&A on poverty, race and politics with one of the most well known activists, Dr. Cornel West. West, professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Princeton University, is a prominent and provocative democratic intellectual who has written and edited over 20 books on issues of race, culture, and religion in America like 'Race Matters'. He appears frequently on the Bill Maher Show & Colbert Report. Go to http://thestamp.umd.edu/student_involvement/lcsl/events/voices_of_social_change.

65] – The Baltimore Speakers Series hosts Erskine Bowles, co-chair of the bi-partisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, will speak about his experience, world views, and ideas on Thurs., Feb. 14 at 8 PM at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Call 410-783-8000. Go to http://www.bsomusic.org.





66] – The 28th Annual Maryland Peace, Justice and the Environment Conference [www.mupj.org] will take place Fri., Apr. 12 and Sat., Apr. 13 at the Turner Memorial AME Church, 7201 16th Place, Hyattsville. Save these dates. Email paulette.d.hammond@questdiagnostics.com.



67] – Red Emma's is in the process of closing down the location at 800 St. Paul St., and reopening in a much larger new space on North Avenue in the fall. The collective is seeking your help. It's time to reinvent the project started in 2004 to build a self-sustaining progressive space in Baltimore, committed to providing a daily reminder that another world was possible and that there were people working in the city to build it.



Here's how you can help: donate money, buy books at the current store, provide skilled help, and share these needs. Email john@redemmas.org or go to http://indiegogo.com/redemmas2.



68] – There is an Advocacy and Policy Fellowship for a person to work on global justice issues and gain valuable advocacy, research and professional experience? Jubilee USA Network is a coalition of over 75 faith communities, environmental organizations and a variety of other groups, working towards expanded debt cancellation and responsible lending and borrowing to impoverished countries.



Some of the responsibilities would be creating literature and fact sheets about debt and representing Jubilee at planning meetings, appointments with Congress members and public events and conducting research as needed to respond to new information or events that pertain to Jubilee's work. Some requirements would be a strong passion for economic justice and right relationships among people, excellent verbal and written communications skills, and a familiarity with general government and/or foreign policy issues. The position is a year-long commitment from August to August. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and 1-2 page writing sample to Jennifer Tong, Communications and Development Coordinator at jennifer(at)jubileeusa.org.



69] – Stephen Kobasa is hoping to do an exhibit of the work of Tom Lewis opening in May 2013 in New Haven, CT. It would include a variety of his paintings, drawings, silkscreen prints, book illustrations, posters, banners and sketchbooks. This would not only be a display of objects on a gallery wall, but would also involve events which would return Tom's art to the streets where it was originally meant to make conscience visible.

Contact Stephen if you are in possession of original work and would consider loaning it for a month long display. You can reach him at stephen.kobasa at gmail.com or 203-500-0268.



70] – The Washington Peace Center has a progressive calendar & activist alert! Consider signing up to receive its weekly email: info@washingtonpeacecenter.org.



71] – Fund Our Communities campaign is a grass roots movement to get support from local organizations and communities to work together with their local and state elected officials to pressure Congresspersons and senators to join with Congresspersons Barney Frank and Ron Paul, who have endorsed a 25% cut to the federal military budget. Bring home the savings to state and county governments to meet the local needs which are under tremendous budget pressures. Plan to join FOC on the March 23 Peace Bus from Baltimore to D.C. Go to www.OurFunds.org.



72] – MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. Baltimore's Indypendent Reader is looking for individuals interested in creating media - written, photo, audio, or video - that relates to issues like...economic justice, race, prisons & policing, environment, gender & sexuality, war & peace and more! If you would like to create social justice media, then email indypendentreader@gmail.com. Visit http://www.indyreader.org.



73] – If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs or records, contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.



74] – Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.



75] – Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees. This is an historic window of opportunity. With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.



76] – Visit the Digital Information and the Criminal Justice System at http://www.onlinecriminaljusticedegree.com/. This link presents a wide range of insightful articles for criminal justice and legal professionals, both current and future. The project aims to be an objective, authoritative resource in the ever-changing court system.



77] – WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER signs from Friends Committee on National Legislation are again for sale at $5. To purchase a sign, call Max at 410-366-1637.



78] – The Hunger Site was initiated by Mercy Corps and Second Harvest, and is funded entirely by advertisers. You can go there every day and click the big yellow "Give Food for Free" button near the top of the page; you do not have to look at the ads. Each click generates funding for about 1.1 cups of food. So consider clicking.

79] – Go online for FIRE AND FAITH: The Catonsville Nine File. On May 17, 1968, nine people entered the Selective Service Offices in Catonsville, Maryland, and burned draft records in protest against the war in Vietnam. View http://www.prattlibrary.org/digital/.

80] – Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218. Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

"One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan