Baltimore Activist Alert - Jan. 23-25, 2014

22] Perspectives on Colombia’s Peace Process – Jan. 23 23] The Costs of Israel’s Strategic Ambiguity in a Changing Middle East – Jan. 23 24] Undoing Racism Teaser Training – Jan. 23 25] Community Power Program – Jan. 23-28 26] Attend the Service to Justice Conference – Jan. 24-25 ----- 22] – Catch Perspectives on Colombia’s Peace Process and Opportunities for U.S. Engagement on Thurs., Jan. 23 from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Elliott School of International Affair, 1957 E St. NW. Colombia appears to be nearing an end to its bitter internal armed conflict. After 50 years, a death toll approaching a quarter million, and the forced displacement of over five million, Colombia has its best chance in decades of securing peace. Peace talks between the government and the country’s largest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC), are in their second year. The parties have reached tentative agreements on the first two agenda points—land and political participation—and are now discussing a solution to the issue of illicit drugs. As the talks continue in Havana, Cuba, the potential for a positive U.S. role in designing both policies and aid packages that support peace is becoming increasingly evident. In a series of three panels, WOLA will convene leading human rights defenders, security analysts, and policymakers from the United States and Colombia to discuss the status of the talks and opportunities for U.S. engagement. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/273051576182831/, 23] – On Thurs., Jan. 23 from noon until 1:30 PM, Avner Cohen, Monterey Institute, examines “Breaking Taboos: The Costs of Israel’s Strategic Ambiguity in a Changing Middle East” at the National Defense University, Lincoln Hall, Room 1107, Fort McNair, WDC. RSVP to Nima Gerami at Nima.Gerami@ndu.edu. 24] – Check out Undoing Racism Teaser Training with People's Institute for Survival and Beyond on Thurs., Jan. 23 from 5 to 9 PM at Bread for the City NW Center, 1525 7th St. NW (between P and Q Sts. NW). Come to this FREE! session with highly respected anti-racist organizer-trainers of the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond. This event will provide an introduction to the work of the People’s Institute, the process that they use, and the vision from which they operate. RSVP to Christina Queen at 202.480.8906 or cqueen@breadforthecity.org. 25] – Come Together & Save Money with the Community Power Program for Congregations in D.C. and Maryland. Call 202-709-7641 or email program@gwipl.org. Through the Community Power Program, over 160 local faith institutions and community organizations have come together to purchase 100% clean energy as a group, saving more than $700,000 and directing thousands of dollars to hopeful clean energy projects. Congregations combine their purchasing power to negotiate with clean energy suppliers for the best rates. Join a webinar to learn more on Thurs., Jan. 23 at 6 PM or Tues., Jan. 28 at 6 PM. To register, email your name, the name of your congregation, and the date of the webinar you'd like to attend to karen@gwipl.org, with "CPP" in the subject line. 26] – Attend the Service to Justice Conference on Fri., Jan. 24 at 9 AM through Sat., Jan. 25 at 4 PM at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Ave. NW (between McPherson Square and Metro Center Metro Stations. Tired of the Revolving Door of Service? Want to see justice in DC? This dynamic two-day conference will wrestle with some of the hard questions facing service providers, advocates and organizers working for justice in DC. How can we balance our work in solving daily crises faced by low income residents with addressing long-term structural solutions? What tools do our organizations need to put more power in the hands of our clients? How can we support justice work within our own organizations? The registration fee is $5 per day. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Register online at www.bit.ly/service2justice or call 301-275-5435 or email service2justice@gmail.com. The event is sponsored by the Fair Budget Coalition and others. To be continued. 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/. "The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs