Baltimore /Activist Alert - September 16 -18, 2014

27] National Day of Action to Protest U.S. Involvement in Wars in Iraq and Syria – Sept. 16
28] "Deal or No Deal: How To Negotiate Successful Nuclear Agreements" – Sept. 16
29] Philadelphia Peace Vigil – Sept. 16
30] No Drone Research at JHU – Sept. 16
31] Film KORENGAL: THIS IS WHAT WAR FEELS LIKE – Sept. 16
32] Hear a peacebuilder – Sept. 16 & 18
33] Next Steps for the Israelis and Palestinians - Assessing the impact of the Gaza conflict – Sept. 17
34] Hearings on dealing with ISIS – Sept. 17 - 18
35] Constitution Project’s Constitutional Commentary Award Presentation – Sept. 17
36] Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association (MWPHA) 2014 Annual Conference – Sept. 17
37] "Iranian Attitudes on Nuclear Negotiations with the P5+1” – Sept. 17
38] Historically disenfranchised Alevi minority – Sept. 17
39] Buddhism and social justice – Sept. 17
40] Interfaith Service for Creation – Sept. 17
41] "Iran and Its Neighbors: Regional Implications for U.S. Policy of a Nuclear Agreement" – Sept. 17
42] Support Cambodian Workers – Sept. 17
43] "Groundswell Rising" – Sept. 17
44] Dan Ellsberg at MICA – Sept. 17
45] Jay Gillen at Red Emma’s – Sept. 17
46] Get Money Out - Maryland – Sept. 17
47] International Justice Mission and opportunities – Sept. 17
48] Protest at FERC – Sept. 18
49] Campaign Nonviolence press conference – Sept. 18
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27] – Tuesday, September 16 is a National Day of Action to Protest U.S. Involvement in Wars in Iraq and Syria. Call 855-686-6927 or click here http://hq-salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/1987/p/dia/action/public/index.sjs?action_KEY=14823 to email your member of the U.S. House and ask them to support House Concurrent Resolution 114 (read H Con Res 114 here). This resolution, introduced by Representatives Raul Grijalva, Keith Ellison, and Barbara Lee, calls on Congress to exercise its constitutional responsibility to debate and vote on any use of military force in Iraq and Syria. Additionally, Congressional House members Alan Grayson, Peter Welch, Peter DeFazio, Jim McGovern and Keith Ellison have also signed on.

You need to contact your House Representative as hearings are taking place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday hearings on the situation in Iraq and Syria. But why is Congress merely briefed, and ultimately left out of decisions to go to war? We must return Power to the People! Peace can only be achieved through humanitarian aid, careful diplomacy, and assistance with economic development. Tell your member of Congress to support humanitarian aid and diplomacy.

28] – On Tues., Sept. 17 from 2 to 4:30 PM, Dinshaw Mistry, University of Cincinnati, Robert Litwak, Wilson Center, Michael Krepon, Stimson Center, and Joel Wit, SAIS, will examine "Deal or No Deal: How To Negotiate Successful Nuclear Agreements" at Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Fifth Floor, WDC. RSVP at http://pages.wilsoncenter.org/2014.09.17DealorNoDeal.html.

29] – Each Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the Catholic Peace Fellowship-Philadelphia for peace in Afghanistan and Iraq gathers at the Suburban Station, 16th St. & JFK Blvd., at the entrance to Tracks 3 and 4 on the mezzanine. The next vigil is Sept. 16. Call 215-426-0364.

30] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on Sept. 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

31] – On Tues., Sept. 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, see a screening of KORENGAL: THIS IS WHAT WAR FEELS LIKE followed by a conversation with filmmaker Sebastian Junger at New America Foundation, 1899 L Street NW Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036. . The documentary picks up where the Academy Award-nominated documentary RESTREPO left off. The film tells the gripping story of Battle Company 2/503 of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and their time in the remote Korengal Valley, the epicenter of the U.S. war effort in Afghanistan at the time (2007-2008). With new, never-before-seen footage from Afghanistan, as well as post-deployment interviews with the soldiers, KORENGAL gives audiences an intimate view of what it means to be at war -- and to come home from war.

Hosted by New America, the event will kick off with a reception at 5:30 PM and the screening will begin at 6:15 PM. Following the conclusion of the screening, New America Vice President Peter Bergen will moderate a conversation about the film. Also speaking will be Congressperson and veteran Jim McDermott, executive director of Team RWB Blayne Smith, and Command Sergeant Major Caldwell, who is featured in the film. In addition to raising awareness about the experiences of combat veterans, the event will benefit Team RWB and its community-based programs for veterans.

Donations are optional and proceeds will go to supporting programs, such as the Veteran Ambassador Program, Veteran Athletic Camps, and a Leadership Development Program, which give both veterans and the communities they live in the tools they need to reintegrate into all aspects of civilian life. RSVP at http://www.newamerica.net/events/2014/korengal_this_is_what_war_feels_like.

32] – Paul K. Chappell graduated from West Point in 2002, was deployed to Iraq and left active duty in November 2009 as a captain. He is the author of the "Road to Peace" series, a seven-book series about waging peace, ending war, the art of living and what it means to be human. He serves as the Peace Leadership Director for the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. A noted lecturer, Paul also teaches college courses and workshops on peace leadership, including a graduate-level course at the University of San Diego.

He grew up in Alabama, the son of a half-black, half-white father who fought in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and a Korean mother. Growing up in a violent household, Paul has sought answers to the issues of war and peace, rage and trauma, and vision, purpose, and hope. His website is http://www.peacefulrevolution.com. His workshop is at http://www.geotrees.com/ftp/PKS-Sept-DC-Training.pdf.

On Tues., Sept. 16 at 7:30 PM, Paul Chappell will speak on WHY PEACE IS POSSIBLE: EXPLORING THE ANATOMY OF WAR at Sokka Gakkai International, 3417 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20007. RSVP at cultureofpeacedc AT gmail. Com. Download a copy of the flyer at http://www.geotrees.com/ftp/PKS-SGI-DC.pdf. On Thurs., Sept. 18 from noon to 1:30 PM, he will focus on THE ART OF WAGING PEACE at the Faith Presbyterian Church, 5400 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore. See THE FLYER at http://www.geotrees.com/ftp/PKS-Waging-Peace.jpg.

33] – On Wed., Sept. 17 at 9 AM, catch Next Steps for the Israelis and Palestinians - Assessing the impact of the Gaza conflict at New America Foundation, 1899 L St. NW, Suite 400, WDC 20036. The 50-day heightened hostilities in Gaza left an unprecedented scale of damage. The UN reports 2131 Palestinians were killed, 1473 identified as civilians, including 501 children. 108,000 persons are homeless and nearly half a million with inadequate water access. Gaza's economic sector also suffered major devastation, including the destruction or damage of hundreds of factories and thousands of acres of farmland. The IDF reports that 4,000 rockets were fired. 67 soldiers and 6 civilians were killed.

Beyond the human toll, lies a polarized, radical political landscape in both Israel and Palestine. In the West Bank, tensions run high with increased numbers of housing demolitions and arrest. While the open-ended ceasefire continues to hold, prospects for further escalation remains high amidst a huge recovery challenge. With the Kerry initiative at a dead-end and regional turmoil dominating headlines, is there any hope for a political process now? Join New America for this discussion with Hagai El-Ad, director of B'Tselem, and writer Samer Badawi, recently returned from the Gaza Strip. RSVP at http://newamerica.net/events/2014/next_steps_for_gaza.

34] – There are hearings in Congress about the best way to deal with ISIS. CodePink is urging activists to pack these hearings and say that war is not the answer!!! On Wed., Sept. 17 at 10 AM, there is a House Homeland Security Committee Hearing: Worldwide Threats to the Homeland, with Witnesses Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, FBI Director James Comey and Matthew Olsen, Director of National Counterterrorism Center in 311 Cannon House Office Building. On Wed., Sept. 17 at 2:30 PM, be at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing: US Strategy to Defeat ISIL, with Witness John Kerry in Senate Dirksen office, Room 419.

On Thurs., Sept. 18 at 11:15 AM, get over to the House of Representatives Committee Repository, with Witness Secretary Hagel in 2118 Rayburn House Building. Stop Congress and the president from dragging us even deeper into war!!!! Email Anastasia from CODEPINK D.C. at Anastasia@codepink.org to let her know which hearing you plan to attend.

35] – On Wed., Sept. 17, there is a reception at 11:30 AM with a program from noon to 2 PM at Arent Fox LLP, 1717 K St. NW, WDC. NRCAT is pleased to announce The Constitution Project’s Constitutional Commentary Award Presentation to Honor Creators of "Orange is the New Black" & Panel Discussion. The Netflix original series based on the memoir by Piper Kerman tells the story of the lives of women affected by mass incarceration and the interactions between race, gender, poverty, sexuality, and discrimination that undergird it. For Constitution Day 2014, please join The Constitution Project for a panel discussion on the unique justice concerns raised when women are incarcerated. The panelists are Kerman, author of "Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman's Prison," Brenda Smith, professor, Washington College of Law at American University; appointee to the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission by the United States House of Representatives, Kathy Dennehy, former Superintendent of MCI Framingham, the oldest continuously operated women's prison in the U.S., and Vanessa Ruiz, senior judge, District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

In addition to the panel, The Constitution Project will present its annual Constitutional Commentary Award to the creators of "Orange is the New Black." RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/constitution-day-2014-tickets-12444849881. Contact Paz at partaza-regan@nrcat.org or 202-547-1920.

36] – At the Barbara Jordan Conference Center, Kaiser Family Foundation, 1330 G St. NW, WDC, on Wed., Sept. 17 (all day), attend the Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association (MWPHA) 2014 Annual Conference. This conference is designed for anyone interested in food systems, social justice, and/or community health whether you are a health care/public health professional, student, or community member. The goal is to educate, enable, and engage people to support food justice and sustainability. Registration and further details are at the following link http://2014mwpha.eventbrite.com/?s=26615169.

37] – On Wed., Sept. 17 from 10 to 11:30 AM, there is a forum entitled "Iranian Attitudes on Nuclear Negotiations with the P5+1" with Ebrahim Mohseni, Center for Public Opinion Research, University of Tehran, Steven Kull, Program for Public Consultation, Hillary Mann Leverrett, Senior Lecturer, American University, and Amb. John Limbert, former U.S. diplomat, in the Choate Room, 1st floor, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 1779 Massachusetts, Ave. NW, WDC 20036. How do members of the Iranian public view ongoing negotiations with the P5+1? What limits are members of the Iranian public willing to accept on Iran's nuclear activities? What does the Iranian public expect from the P5+1 in return for Iran's concessions? The release of a new public opinion study, conducted by the University of Tehran Center for Public Opinion Research and the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM), will shed light on these questions and explore the role of Iranian public opinion in shaping negotiations.

38] – On Wed., Sept. 17 at 11 AM at the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, ICC room 270, Georgetown University 3700 O St. NW, WDC, hear about the historically disenfranchised Alevi minority, which makes up somewhere between 10-15% of the population of Turkey. Dr. Ayfer Karakaya-Stump of William & Mary College will lead a briefing on the developments at the national and regional levels that have rendered bleaker than ever prospects for the success of the Alevis' democratic struggle for recognition and equal rights. A RSVP is required: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/akp-sectarianism-and-the-alevis-unavailing-struggle-for-equal-rights-in-turkey-with-dr-ayfer-tickets-13080274453.

39] – On Wed., Sept. 17 from noon to 1:30 PM hear from a Buddhist Peacebuilder Arjun Sulak Sivaraksa about Fresh Challenges in Asia in the Berkley Center third floor conference room , 3307 M St. NW, Suite 200, WDC 20007. Buddhism, however, is far better known for its emphasis on inner peace, nonviolence, reflection, and moderation. Sivaraksa has a long association with Engaged Buddhist networks and is a passionate advocate for education and peace. He will reflect on recent violence and polarization of views within Southeast Asian Buddhist communities, especially in Myanmar and Sri Lanka, as well as Buddhist teachings on peacebuilding and how leaders in the region should respond to the current crises.

He is a Buddhist spiritual leader and humanitarian best known for his social criticism and grassroots organizing that uses spiritual models to advocate for sustainable change to better the lives of poor, rural Thais. For his activism and writings, he has been exiled from Thailand (1976-77 and 1991-94), jailed four times, and been accused of defaming the Thai monarchy. An RSVP is required: http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/events/rsvp?id=buddhist-peacebuilders-and-fresh-challenges-in-asia.

40] – There is an Interfaith Service for Creation on Wed., Sept. 17 from 12:10 to 1:10 PM in the chapel of the United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave. NE. Gather together to send blessings to all those gathering for the UN Summit on Climate Change. Email BaltimoreInterfaith@communitypowernetwork.com.

41] – On Wed., Sept. 17 from 1 to 2:30 PM, former Amb. Thomas Pickering, former Amb. Frank Wisner, Paul Pillar, Georgetown University, and Barnett Rubin, New York University, will tackle "Iran and Its Neighbors: Regional Implications for U.S. Policy of a Nuclear Agreement" at the Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Sixth Floor Auditorium, WDC. RSVP at http://pages.wilsoncenter.org/2014.09.17DealorNoDeal.html.

42] – A coalition of Cambodian garment workers’ unions is calling on workers and labor rights supporters around the world to demand multinational apparel brands producing in Cambodia pay higher prices to factories and support a wage increase. Join the international day of action on Wed., Sept. 17 at 5:30 PM at H&M Baltimore Inner Harbor, 301 Light St., Baltimore 21202. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/baltimore-solidarity-with-cambodian-garment-workers-2. Call 703-344-4778 or email mjhachey@gmail.com.

In Cambodia, the women and men who sew clothes for Gap, H&M, and other major brands struggle to make ends meet. The legal minimum wage for garment workers is a miserable wage of $100 per month. Thousands of workers have fainted at their sewing machines as a result of malnutrition, overwork, heat, poor ventilation, and fumes from chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Earlier this year, when over 200,000 Cambodian workers stood up to demand a higher wage, authorities shot four workers dead in the streets and threw 23 union activists in jail. On Sept. 17, garment workers in Cambodia will demonstrate at their workplaces for a raise to $177 per month – the minimum needed to cover basic needs according to a government-appointed task force. Join the International Labor Rights Forum to demand justice for Cambodian workers!

43] – On Wed., Sept. 17 from 7 to 9 PM at the Friends Center, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, see “Groundswell Rising,” http://www.groundswellrising.com/, a new documentary film about what we can do to stop the risks to our health, and our clean air and water, by hydraulic fracking in Pennsylvania and across the US. The event is sponsored by the PA Coalition for Peace Action, and co-sponsored by a host of groups including the Brandywine Peace Community. Visit http://www.peacecoalition.org/component/content/article/39-cfpa/517-screening-of-groundswe ll-rising.html .

44] – At the Brown Center’s Falvey Hall, 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave., on Wed., Sept. 17 at 7 PM, Daniel Ellsberg, author, former U.S. military analyst and one of the most prominent political whistleblowers in U.S. history, will headline Constitution Day, a free annual symposium co-sponsored by the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland (ACLU–MD). The panel, moderated by WYPR’s The Signal producer and MICA faculty member Aaron Henkin, will also include Kade Crockford, director of the Technology for Liberty project at the ACLU of Massachusetts, and interdisciplinary artist Hasan Elahi, whose work has explored the implications and consequences of surveillance for more than a decade. Contact Meredith Curtis, ACLU of Maryland, at 410.889.8555 or media@aclu-md.org.

45] – On Wed., Sept. 17 at 7 PM @ Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, will host the book release “Educating for Insurgency” with author Jay Gillen. The Baltimore Algebra Project has been one of the most important radical organizing bodies in Baltimore's recent history. Gillen, its primary adult mentor, has just released this dynamite book through AK Press, sharing with the world the lessons these young people have taught him about what it means to be an educator in times that clearly call for rebellion. Go to http://www.akpress.org/educating-for-insurgency.html. The event will also be a fundraiser for the Baltimore Algebra Project, though there is no entrance fee. Call 443-602-7585. Go to http://www.redemmas.org.
46] – The next Get Money Out - Maryland Baltimore City meeting, headed by Hillary Kruh and Joe Adams, is set for Wed., Sept. 17 at 7 PM at the Govans Presbyterian Church, 5828 York Rd., Baltimore 21212. This is for Baltimore City residents (including all of District 44). Enter from York Road and bear to your right on the driveway to go behind the Church. Park in the lot behind the church (in front of the cemetery) or continue further south to the adjacent lot. Follow the sign to Sanctuary/Church Offices, walk up the ramp and make a U-turn. The door says, Church Office and Peace Study Center. Go to http://www.getmoneyoutmd.org/.
47] – On Wed., Sept. 17 at 7:30 PM, there will be a meeting of interested residents of Maryland's Congressional Districts (others welcome too) to learn about the work of International Justice Mission and opportunities for engaging in the IJM mission. Email Peter Fagan or Gail Lambers (peterfagan45@gmail.com, as the meeting will be held at their home, 7660-2 Maple Lawn Blvd., Fulton, MD 20759. The meeting will be led by Seth Wispelwey, International Justice Mission Field Organizer for Government Relations & Advocacy. He will be sharing about the power of advocacy in achieving justice for the poorest victims of violence in our world, specific opportunities to join this movement, and the unique role Marylanders can have in having a profound transformational impact in this work. International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org) protects the poor from violence by partnering with local authorities to rescue victims, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems.

48] – Get over to the FERC Headquarters, 888 1st St. NE, WDC, on Thurs., Sept. 18 from 9 to 11 AM for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s monthly Commissioners’ meeting. Join with folks from throughout the Marcellus Shale region and beyond to let FERC know that the fracking projects they green-light harm people, our air and water, and the climate. As a decision nears on Dominion’s application to build a fracked gas export terminal at Cove Point, show FERC that you’re watching, and demand that the commissioners reject all gas export proposals! Visit http://org.salsalabs.com/o/423/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=82579 or contact ted@chesapeakeclimate.org.

49] – Campaign Nonviolence will hold a press conference at the National Press Club, Broadcast Operations Center, 4th floor (Suite 480), 529 14th St. NW, WDC 20045, on Thurs., Sept. 18 from 10 to 11 AM. This newly formed movement to build a culture of peace through the practice of active nonviolence has 165 organizations signed on to the campaign. The press conference will be held in the Broadcast Operations Center, 4th floor, Suite 480. The launch event and press conference will feature former Ohio Representative Dennis Kucinich, Ken Butigan (Pace e Bene), Nobel Peace Prize nominee John Dear (Pace e Bene), Rev. Lennox Yearwood (Hip Hop Caucus) and Marie Dennis (Pax Christi International), who represent just a handful of the 165 organizations that have signed on to the campaign.

Between September 21 and 27, over 165 endorsing NGO and peace organizations will coalesce to launch a week of nonviolent action in hundreds of cities in all 50 states. These actions are presented in collaboration with the People's Climate March http://peoplesclimate.org, scheduled to take place in New York City on September 21. On Sept. 23 at 10 AM, there will be a protest at the White House. Activists will attempt to deliver a letter addressed to President Obama. Campaign Nonviolence's goals include an international treaty for swift action on climate change; ending the military drone program; establishing $15 minimum wage for all; and K-12 nonviolence education everywhere. More information about Campaign Nonviolence can be found at http://paceebene.org/programs/campaign-nonviolence/.

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