Baltimore Activist Alert September 7 – September 9, 2014

Baltimore Activist Alert September 7 – September 9, 2014

"I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war is ours. The initiative to stop it must be ours." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Friends, this list and other email documents which I send out are done under the auspices of the Baltimore Nonviolence Center. Go to www.baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com. If you appreciate this information and would like to make a donation, send contributions to BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.

Tune into the Maryland Progressive Blog at http://mdprogblog.org.

1] Books, buttons & stickers
2] Web site for info on federal legislation
3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists
4] Buy coffee through HoCoFoLa
5] Kickstarter campaign for film on the Sandinistas – through Sept. 10
6] Food drive – through Nov. 8
7] Roundtrip – Sept. 7
8] Peace and Pancakes – Sept. 7
9] Film DISRUPTION – Sept. 7 & 14
10] "Young Peace Leaders in Action" workshop – Sept. 7
11] Get Money Out Maryland meeting – Sept. 7
12] Get Money Out Maryland meeting – Sept. 7
13] "Seeds of Beauty" workshop – Sept. 7
14] Film “Advancing the Promise” – Sept. 7
15] Zine release event: Hoax #10 – Sept. 7
16] Film DISRUPTION – Sept. 7
17] Film DISRUPTION – Sept. 7
18] Squatter Road Show – Sept. 7
19] Pentagon Vigil – Sept. 8
20] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Sept. 8 – Sept. 12
21] Sit-in at Elizabeth Warren’s office – Sept. 8
22] Iraq and Syria: What Next? – Sept. 8
23] Support of Children Fleeing Violence vigil – Sept. 8
24] Film “Not Who We Are” – Sept. 8
25] GMOM conference call – Sept. 8
26] Pledge of Resistance/Fund Our Communities meeting – Sept. 8
27] "Iran Negotiations Update” – Sept. 9
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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available. “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Donate your books to Max. Call him at 410-366-1637.

2] – To obtain information how your federal legislators voted on particular bills, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/. Congressional toll-free numbers are 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073. The White House Comment Email is accessible at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.

3] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR]. It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed. It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq. To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski at Verizon dot net. Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe. It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing. To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

4] – You can help safeguard human rights and fragile ecosystems through your purchase of HOCOFOLA Café Quetzal. Bags of ground coffee or whole beans can be ordered by mailing in an order form. Also note organic cocoa and sugar are for sale. For more details and to download the order form, go to http://friendsoflatinamerica.typepad.com/hocofola/2010/02/hocofola-cafe-quetzal-order-form-2010.html. The coffee comes in one-pound bags.

Fill out the form and mail it with a check made out to HOCOFOLA on or before the second week of the month. Be sure you indicate ground or beans for each type of coffee ordered. Send it to Francine Sheppard at 5639B, Harpers Farm Rd., Columbia 21044. The coffee will arrive some time the following week and you will be notified where to pick it up. Contact Francine at 410-992-7679 or FrancineMSW@aol.com.

5] – Support Kickstarter funding for the film Memorias del Fuego! This is a feature-length documentary about the disappearing stories of women who fought to win Nicaragua's Sandinista Revolution. The first portion, in which the filmmakers interviewed former Sandinista commanders, couriers, and journalists, was shot without any funding, but the project is raising funds to be able to return and capture the stories of FSLN party members and female combatants from rural area.

Why did they first take a stand? How did they fight and win the Revolution? What did they hope for? Your help is needed to document these untold stories before they disappear. This Kickstarter project will only be funded if at least $57,000 is pledged by Wed., Sept. 10 at 9:15 AM PDT. To view the trailer and make a pledge, go here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/182573130/memorias-del-fuego-women-and-revolution-in-nicarag?ref=category_popular.

6] – The Men and Families Center, 2222 Jefferson St., Baltimore, continues its food drive through Sat., Nov. 8. The organization is collecting canned and unperishable goods so that food pantries in the center are stocked for the holidays! Call Quandra or Rodney at 410-614-5353 or email menandfamiliescenter.org.

7] - Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore 21201-4661, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion from 10:30 AM to noon. On Sun., Sept. 7, hear about “Roundtrip” with Fritz Williams, leader emeritus, Baltimore Ethical Society. Williams tells a short story which revolves around a dream in which he, as an Ethical Culture leader, meets a much younger version of himself when he was an Episcopal priest. In his retirement, he has turned his creative energy toward writing fiction and poetry. After graduating from Muhlenberg College and Philadelphia Lutheran Theological Seminary, he worked as parish priest in the Episcopal Church between 1962 and 1968. From 1970 to 2000, he wrote and produced documentaries and educational programs at public television stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Detroit, MI. His service as leader of the Baltimore Ethical Society began when he was working in Detroit and continued after his retirement from public television. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

8] - Join the Kadampa Meditation Center for Peace and Pancakes on Sundays at 10:30 AM at KMC Maryland, 2937 North Charles St. All are invited to participate in guided meditation and chant praying for world peace. There will be a talk based on Buddhist thought followed by brunch. Call 410- 243-3837. Brunch is $5.

9] - This weekend will bring the world premiere of “Disruption” -- a brand new movie about the science, politics, and movement around climate change. See the film on Sun., Sept. 7 at 11:30 AM at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, Columbia, MD. RSVP at http://act.350.org/event/disruption_attend/8229/signup/?t=2&akid=5056.75494.I2xQW_.

It will also be screened on Sun., Sept. 14 at 11:30 AM at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center. RSVP at http://act.350.org/event/disruption_attend/8474/signup/?t=2&akid=5056.75494.I2xQW_. This is a movie by and for the movement. It could galvanize a new wave of climate action and leadership this fall -- starting with the People’s Climate March in New York City on September 21st.

10] – Go to UUCA, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA on Sun., Sept. 7 from 12:30 to 2:30 PM, as Little Friends for Peace (LFFP) is offering a "Young Peace Leaders in Action" workshop. Young people 10 years and up are welcome for this special time designed to empower youth to use nonviolent conflict resolution to solve problems and create a culture of peace. Little Friends for Peace is a Mom & Dad team that empowers children. Visit www.lffp.org or contact MJ Park at 240-838-4549 or mj@lffp.org.

11] – In Montgomery County, Darrell Tschakert has set up a Get Money Out Maryland meeting for Sun., Sept. 7 from 1 to 2:30 PM at 17 Watchwater Way, Rockville 20850. This team is working to get meetings with selected legislators. Bring a friend or anyone who is in agreement with our cause of getting excessive money out of politics. Take the Metro to Rockville and pick up either the 47 or 56 buses to within a block of the meeting site. RSVP to charlie@getmoneyoutmd.org.

12] – Howard County Get Money Out Maryland (includes all of districts 9 and 12) lead organizer Perry Wheeler has planned a meeting for Sun., Sept. 7 at 4 PM, 5437 Antrim Court, Columbia 21045. RSVP to charlie@getmoneyoutmd.org. This is the first meeting for Howard County, and supporters in Districts 9, 12 and 13 should attend.

13] – Diane Wittner is conducting a "Seeds of Beauty" workshop at the White Rose Farm in Taneytown, MD on Sun., Sept 7 at 4:30 PM. It's related to her ongoing anti-fossil fuel/pro biodiversity project. The working title is Disappearing Drawings--Native Perennial Seed Paper.

This is a Full Moon Ceremony/Art Workshop at the visionary White Rose Farm of Sally Voris. The workshop will be followed by a concert from 7:30 to 9 PM, featuring musicians and songwriters Teresa Whitaker and Frank Schwartz who will perform songs and stories, including the music of Tim Wissner, known as the Chesapeake Bard. Dian can be contacted at info@chesapeakecitizens.org, and she has room in her car to transport you. Go to www.chesapeakecitizens.org.

14] – At Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW, WDC on Sun., Sept. 7 from 5 to 7 PM, participate with ACTOR (A Continuing Talk on Race) which presents “Advancing the Promise.” What can you do to promote your child's success? Award-winning documentary American Promise filmmakers Michele Stephenson and Joe Brewster introduce actions that can reduce the impact of race on your child's educational future. Discovered through their son's journey along with speaking to experts on the achievement gap, they share innovative and often counterintuitive solutions. Aided by short clips from the film, their discussion will include a special signing of their book, “Promises Kept: Raising Black Boys to Succeed in School and in Life.” Go to http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/a.c.t.o.r-a-continuing-talk-on-race-presents-advancing-the-promise.

15] – On Sun., Sept. 7 at 5 PM @ Red Emma's, Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, there us a Zine release event: Hoax #10. This is a US bi-annual queer feminist compilation zine that aims to create a space to analyze the feminisms of our everyday lives. People of all genders and lived experiences are encouraged to submit! Contributors do not have to identify feminists in order to submit work to Hoax. This September will mark the five year anniversary of the release of Hoax #1! September will also mark the release our 10th issue. As of the release of Hoax #9, the project has featured 145 contributors from writers, artists and feminists of various backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, citizenships, and genders. Call 443-602-7585. Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

16] – Come to Bar Pilar on Sun., Sept. 7, 1833 14th St. NW, WDC, at 7 PM and watch the premier of the new climate documentary "Disruption"! DC Divest will be getting together to watch the new documentary and have a discussion about how to get involved in fighting climate change. A RSVP is required; go to http://act.350.org/event/disruption_attend/7982.

17] – There is a screening of "DISRUPTION: Climate. Change!" at 1104 South Campus Commons, Building 1, UMD College Park, on Sun., Sept. 7 from 7 to 9 PM. Beyond the Classroom showcases the documentary about trying to understand the growing environmental and political challenges of global climate change as well as the possibilities for taking action? Why are citizens organizing for the world's largest rally at the People's Climate March in New York City on Sun., Sept. 21st? Is this the generation that will finally mobilize to solve the global climate crisis? Join for the world premiere of 350.org's new film. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1449978068625107/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

18] – On Sun., Sept. 7 at 7:30 PM @ Red Emma's, catch the Squatter Road Show. Steve DeCaprio (Oakland, CA) is a squatter of 15 years who recently passed the bar exam and is soon to become the country's first squat attorney. He founded the non-profit Land Action, which assists environmental and social justice organizers establishing and defending occupations used for housing and advancing projects.

Hannah Dobbz (Pittsburgh, PA) is a writer, filmmaker, and former squatter. She is the author of the book "Nine-Tenths of the Law: Property and Resistance in the United States" (AK Press: 2012) and the director of the documentary film "Shelter: A Squatumentary (2008)." Teri-Dawn Elkins (Oakland, CA) is a long-time squatter and is development director of Land Action. With a passion for guerrilla gardening, she has experience transforming vacant urban lots into squatted community farms. Call 443-602-7585. Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

19] -- There is a weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil from 7 to 8 AM on Mondays, since 1987, outside the Pentagon Metro stop. The next vigil is Mon., Sept. 8, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649. The vigil will be outside the Pentagon's south Metro entrance and in the designated "protest zone" behind bicycle fences across from the entrance to the Metro. By Metro, take Yellow Line and get out at the "Pentagon" stop. Do not go to the Pentagon City stop! Go up south escalators and turn left and walk across to protest area. By car from D.C. area, take 395 South and get off at Exit 8A-Pentagon South Parking. Take slight right onto S. Rotary Rd. at end of ramp and right on S. Fern St. Then take left onto Army Navy Dr. You can "pay to park" on Army Navy Dr., and there is meter parking one block on right on Eads St. Payment for both of these spots begin at 8 AM. No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. Restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

20] – The Marc Steiner Show airs Monday through Friday from 10 AM to noon on WEAA 88.9 FM, The Voice of the Community, or online at www.weaa.org. The call-in number is 410-319-8888, and comments can also be sent by email to steinershow@gmail.com. All shows are also available as podcasts at www.steinershow.org.

21] – Cringe reading this horrible quote from Senator Elizabeth Warren: “When Hamas puts its rocket launchers next to hospitals, next to schools, they're using their civilian population to protect their military assets. And I believe Israel has a right, at that point, to defend itself." Sen. Warren, who is supposed to be one of the most progressive members of Congress, sounds like she’s reading a line right off an AIPAC script! Join CODEPINK DC and other outraged activists for a sit-in at her office to protest her justification of Israel's bombing of schools and hospitals! We’ll deliver petition signatures and call on the Senator to take a stand for Gaza. Be there on Mon., Sept. 8 at 1 PM in the atrium of the Senate Hart Building in Washington, D.C., and then proceed to her office (317 Hart). RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/325931650921415.

22] – Iraq and Syria: What Next? Join an online discussion on Mon., Sept. 8 at 3 PM (Eastern) for an up-to-date analysis and insights into the fast moving events in Iraq and Syria. The presenters are as follows: Jo Comerford is a campaign director for MoveOn.org, an online community of more than 8 million committed to using innovative technology to win campaigns for progressive change. Stephen Miles is the advocacy director for Win Without War, a diverse coalition of 40 member organizations formed in opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Raed Jarrar is the policy impact coordinator here at the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). Founded in 1917, AFSC is a Quaker organization that promotes lasting peace with justice. The moderator is Peter Lems, AFSC.

The current violence in Iraq is a direct result of foreign military intervention since 1991. The conflict has turned into a regional war that includes Syria and other countries. We need a regional strategy in dealing with it. There is no military solution. International institutions and mechanisms exist that can effectively respond to the humanitarian crisis. The next steps must be multilateral and in accordance with U.S. and international law—not unilateral. Register http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50601/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=79129.

23] – Join the Center for Social Justice, Georgetown U., 1421 37th St. NW, #130, WDC, which is co-hosting and accompanying the DC-MD-VA Coalition in Support of Children Fleeing Violence vigil on Mon., Sept. 8 from 5:30 to 8 PM. CSJ is providing transportation from Poulton Hall at 5:30 PM with a return at 8:30 PM. Seven to nine thousand unaccompanied children have been referred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) from the U.S. DHS) since 2005. The number of children fleeing violence now has reached critical levels beyond existing capacity of U.S. agencies’ programs and services. Most unaccompanied children can qualify for some form of relief. The Coalition organizes this vigil each week.

24] – On Mon., Sept. 8 from 5:30 to 7 PM at the New America Foundation, 1899 L St. NW, Suite 400, WDC 20036, see “Not Who We Are,” a gripping documentary by Lebanese filmmaker Carol Mansour. It follows five young Syrian refugee women in Lebanon to tell their story of hardship, identity and the value of community. The documentary was selected as the 2014 Best Documentary at the Rated SR- Socially Relevant Film Festival in New York. With no end to the bloodshed in Syria in sight, the number of registered Syrian refugees is estimated to surpass 3 million in September 2014. Lebanon alone, a country of about 4.8 million citizens, has received far more than a million Syrians fleeing the war. Behind these figures of incomprehensive magnitude lays a mosaic of human destinies, stories and faces.

The New America Foundation and the Heinrich Böll Foundation North America are pleased to host a screening of “Not Who We Are.” The film will be followed by a discussion with director Carol Mansour, co-producer Muna Khalidi and Syrian human rights lawyer, Catherine Altalli. RSVP at http://www.newamerica.net/events/2014/not_who_we_are. Contact Liana Simonds at New America at 202-735-2829 orsimonds@newamerica.org.

25] – Get Money Out of Maryland has a MONDAY EVENING CONFERENCE CALL. The CALL STARTS at 7 PM--1-619-326-2772, code #1136243. On Sept. 8, the call will be designed to bring newer supporters up to speed on GMOM, Wolf PAC and the resolution for The Democracy Amendment. Go to http://www.getmoneyoutmd.org/.

26] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore usually meets on Mondays at 7:30 PM, and the meetings take place at Max’s residence. The next meeting will be on Mon., Sept. 8. The proposed agenda will include anti-drone activities, including the trial of the NSA Three and getting a drone resolution passed in Baltimore’s city council, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine, bigotry on the border, Gaza, Climate Chaos march in NYC, the Sept. 23 action at the White House, the anti-union drive at WYPR and Direct Action Everywhere. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net for directions.

27] – On Tues., Sept. 9 from 9:30 to 11 AM at Atlantic Council, 1030 15th St. NW, 12th Floor, WDC, hear Daryl Kimball, Arms Control Association, and Michael Singh, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, present "Iran Negotiations Update: Verification vs. Breakout Capacity." Register at http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/events/upcoming-events/registration/a08i000000cTS.

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