Baltimore Activist Alert January 27 – 30, 2015

Baltimore Activist Alert January 27 – 30, 2015

"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.

1] Books, buttons & stickers
2] Web site for info on federal legislation
3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists
4] Buy coffee through HoCoFoLa
5] How can middle school students get involved?
6] Get rid of Citizens United – Jan. 27
7] Human rights & U.S. foreign policy – Jan. 27
8] No JHU Drone Research -- Jan. 27
9] Experimental short films – Jan. 27
10] Bingo Party – Jan. 27
11] Protest Chamber of Commerce-- Jan.21
12] Call for Police Accountability – Jan. 21
13] Lobby Rep. Sarbanes – Jan.21
14] Zionism Unsettled – Jan. 21
15] March for Life – Jan. 21
16] Consistent Life meeting – Jan. 21
17] ART FROM WAR – Jan. 22
18] Summit on Children Seeking Refuge – Jan. 22
19] Peace Center training – Jan. 22
20] Pray for Peace - Jan. 22
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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] – I spoke at the Crossroads Public Charter School recently. And a school representative asked how middle school students can be involved in social justice issues. If you have any ideas, let Max know at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

6] – There is a coast-to-coast, citizen-led stampede to take back our democracy from big-money interests. It is the fifth anniversary of the Supreme Court's infamous Citizens United vs. FEC decision, which paved the way for unlimited corporate spending on political campaigns and gave the wealthiest unfettered government influence. To mark this anniversary, MoveOn and Get Money Out-Maryland members, together with members of 50 national organizations, are taking action. There is a Rally/Lobby Day for Fair Elections through the 28th Amendment to the Constitution in the House Office Building, 6 Bladen St., Room 170, Annapolis 21401, on Tues., Jan. 27 at 10:30 AM. RSVP at http://www.getmoneyoutaction.org/5th-anniversary/. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/788249071234117/ or call Charlie at 410-578-8291.

7] – The event takes place in the Abramson Family Founders Room, SIS Building, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20016, on Tues., Jan. 27 at 11:45 AM. Students, faculty, and staff will come together to hold a conference on activism and the intersectionality of human rights and US foreign policy. It begins with a panel discussion of different human rights issues from different disciplines that connect to elements of US foreign policy. Following brief remarks, the panelists will take questions from the audience. At the completion of the panel discussion, food will be served. The day will conclude with a student-led interactive discussion about the importance of activism around these issues and more. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/494677767327805/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

8] -- SIS Community Dialogue: How to Create Greater Understanding Across Race and Ethnicity is happening on Tues., Jan. 20 from 1 to 3 PM in the Abramson Family Founders Room, School of International Service, American University, New Mexico and Nebraska Aves., WDC 20016. RSVP at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eabmkp5lca14cab3&oseq=&c=&ch=.

9] – The DEPARTMENT OF WAR Office of the Secretary indicated there is an Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the East Campus Integration Program within the Fort Meade Complex, Maryland. There is a public meeting where people can offer comments. There is a proposal to develop operational complex and headquarters space at the National Security Agency’s (NSA) East Campus on Fort Meade for use by NSA and the Intelligence Community. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to provide facilities that are fully supportive of the Intelligence Community’s function and to continue to integrate the East Campus site with the NSA Main Campus. The need for the action is to meet mission requirements, both internally at the NSA and within the Intelligence Community.

There will be an open house at 4 PM followed by a scoping meeting from 5 to 7 PM on Tues., Jan. 27. Comments or questions regarding this EIS should be submitted by February 27, 2015 to ensure sufficient time to consider public input in the preparation of the Draft EIS. The open house and scoping meeting will be held at the Severn Community Library, 2624 Annapolis Road, Severn, Maryland 21144. Go to http://cryptome.org/2015/01/nsa-14-0105.pdf.

10] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on Jan. 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

11] – The Sunlight Foundation believes that in order to achieve an informed and engaged citizenry, the public must have the means and the knowledge to access the vast ocean of online government information. Learn about the value of government transparency and how you can access government information online at 3660 Alabama Ave. SE, WDC, on Tues., Jan. 27 at 6 PM. This program is the part of the Orwellian America series of events. Visit www.dclibrary.org/1984. These programs are made possible thanks to a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. See http://dclibrary.org/node/46132.

12] – At 3160 16th St. NW, WDC, on Tues., Jan. 27 at 6 PM, there is another program which is the part of the Orwellian America series of events running between Jan. 18 and Jan. 31. Go to www.dclibrary.org/1984.

13] – At the Emergence Community Arts Collective, 733 Euclid St. NW, WDC, on Tues., Jan. 27 at 7 PM, the National Black United Front is hosting a film discussion on “Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind.” Enjoy free admission and refreshments. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/883229481699386/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

14] – Beyond the Classroom: U of MD, 1104 South Campus Commons, Building 1, WDC, will show FREEDOM SUMMER on Tues., Jan. 27 at 7 PM. And then on Tues., Feb. 3 at 7 PM, talk with D.C. #BlackLivesMatter Activists in Room 1102. In August 1964, activist Dave Dennis gave the eulogy at the funeral of James Chaney, a black civil rights worker who was killed in Mississippi at the start of the Freedom Summer. Dennis refused to make the typical eulogy and instead gave an emotional call to get angry and organize, "I don’t grieve for James Chaney. He lived a fuller life than many of us will ever live. He’s got his freedom, and we’re still fighting for ours. I’m sick and tired of going to the funerals of black men who have been murdered by white men...I’ve got vengeance in my heart tonight, and I ask you to feel angry with me. I’m sick and tired, and I ask you to be sick and tired with me." His eulogy, sparked by tragedy, marked a turning point of the Freedom Summer, mobilizing sharecroppers, domestic workers, and ordinary black Mississippians to join the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.

In August 2014, the death of Michael Brown, Jr. at the hands of a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri sparked nationwide protests around police brutality as a symptom of larger racial justice issues that plague communities of color every day. D.C. has seen sustained protests since August, and #DCFerguson is the grassroots, community group that has emerged and shaped the local response around ending "Jump-Out" Squads by police, addressing economic justice, and unequivocally demanding that Black Lives Matter. #DCFerguson has marched, rallied, staged die-ins, and teach-ins. On Feb. 3, three of the young organizers will share their stories of what inspired them to take action and discuss the strategies, tactics, and goals for the movement locally and nationally.

15] – At Bloombars, 3222 11th St. NW, WDC 20010, on Tues., Jan. 27 from 7 to 9:30 PM, see “Within Reach: Journey to Find Sustainable Community” (2012, 98 min), produced by Derek Alan Rowe, a one-of-a-kind documentary film about one couple's pedal-powered search for a place to call home. See http://tinyurl.com/within-reach-trailer. Derek and other members of the Within Reach Team really believe that "community is the secret ingredient in sustainability" and they are traveling the world, sharing this film in community settings in order to help all of us on our "journey towards sustainable community." BloomScreen Indie Film Night is a weekly series of independent and foreign films, accompanied by discussions with filmmakers, experts and other guests. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/814912965240593/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

16] – The Baltimore Science Cafe will feature Dr. Khalil Ghanem, M.D, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases in the Division of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He will discuss Antibiotics: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly on Tues., Jan. 27 at 7:30PM @ Red Emma's, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201. He will discuss how antibiotics can be used for good, but also how they can be badly misused and the ugly results that follow. Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

17] -- On Wed., Jan. 28 and Thurs., Jan. 29, from 9 AM to 5 PM, come to the Latin American Youth Center, 1419 Columbia Rd. NW, WDC, For Undoing Racism trainings, a strategic effort on behalf of Service to Justice organizers to provide those involved in social services in the Metro area the opportunity to connect and learn. The training will explore how systemic social injustice creates the issues our organizations work to address, how it impedes our organizations' work, and how we can work toward social justice directly and collaboratively. Email Rebecca Mintz at mintz.rebecca@gmail.com.

18] – There is a Ready to Enroll event at 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore 21201 on Wed., Jan. 28 at noon. The majority of Americans who selected a health insurance plan with financial assistance through the federal marketplace last year paid $100 a month or less for their coverage.
RSVP and join supporters in Baltimore to help folks get enrolled: http://my.barackobama.com/Take-Action-on-Obamacare.

19] – Get over to the Kay Spiritual life Center, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC, on Wed., Jan. 28 at noon for the University Chaplain at American University’s Table lunch series Talk to discuss race relations and racial justice in Washington D.C. Hilary Shelton (NAACP Washington Bureau Director and Senior Vice President for Advocacy), Eastern Law (professorial lecturer at American University's School of International Science), and Theresa Runstedtler (associate professor of History at American University) will help lead the talk. RSVP to KSLC@american.edu.

20] – Naomi Klein will join 350.org for an interactive global web workshop at 1 PM EST on Wed., Jan. 28. She'll share her thoughts on how fossil fuel divestment can help change everything in 2015, and how Global Divestment Day can put us on the path to real international action later this year in Paris. What opportunities do oil price shocks present for the climate movement? How can actions on 13 - 14 February make the biggest impact? Everyone who is tuning in will be able to submit their own questions as well. The call will also include a Global “Show & Tell” that will be led by participants already confirmed from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Australia talking about what they have planned! Register at http://act.350.org/signup/gdd_workshop_naomi_klein/?akid=5951.75494.8fdI0S&rd=1&t=2.

21] – On Wed., Jan. 28 from 2 to 3:30 PM, Christine Leah, Yale University, Christian Ostermann, Wilson Center and Elbridge Colby, Center for a New American Security, take on "Australia and the Bomb" at the Wilson Center, Sixth Floor, Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://pages.wilsoncenter.org/ChristineLeahEvent_NPIHPEvent.html.

22] – The Physicians for Social Responsibility is hosting a webinar on Wed., Jan. 23 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM: "Debunk the Myths of Iran Sanctions." You’ll learn the latest in the negotiation process, counter-arguments for additional sanctions, and what you can do to ensure Congress doesn’t undermine the diplomatic talks and the progress that’s already been made. Kate Gould, the guest speaker, is the lead lobbyist on Middle East policy for Friends Committee on National Legislation. Kate has advocated on Middle East policy issues for more than six years and is one of only a handful of registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C. working to prevent war with Iran and support peace in Syria and Israel/Palestine. Register https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4291599855772015617.

23] – The 14th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference is being held from Thurs., Jan. 29 at 7 AM through Sat., Jan. 31 at 4 PM at the Hilton Baltimore Hotel, 401 West Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Go to http://www.newpartners.org/. Over the last 20 years, Baltimore has used a wealth of smart-growth and sustainability tools and policies to transform itself from primarily a major port and manufacturing center, into a multi-industry economy that promotes a built environment that is vibrant, walkable and livable. The theme for New Partners 2015 is “Practical Tools and Innovative Strategies for Creating Great Communities,” underscoring this year’s stronger emphasis on implementation. Email info@cphabaltimore.org.

24] – What should we make of the recent bids by the Palestinian Authority to the UN Security Council to set a timeline for the end of Israeli occupation, and its recent signing of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC)? There has been much debate about the efficacy and timing of these measures, while acknowledging that they are in theory good measures to take. In reality, they raise many questions and involve many challenges to implement on the ground. Will they bring a more positive outcome to the Palestinian people? Will they actually bring Israeli officials before the ICC? What are the likely challenges that will be involved in such proceedings? Panelists Phyllis Bennis and Philip Wilcox will discuss these questions and more at The Jerusalem Fund, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Jan. 29 from 1 to 2 PM. Register at http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/EventDetails/i/50094/pid/187.

25] – On Thurs., Jan. 29 from 6:30 to 8 PM, Nikolas Gvosdev, U.S. Naval War College, Fiona Hill, Brookings Institution, Ali Wyne, RAND, and Elbridge Colby, Center for a New American Security, will address "Avoiding Disaster in a New Era of Superpower Tension." The event, sponsored by the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, will be at the FHI Conference Center, Eighth Floor, 1825 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ps21-event-avoiding-disaster-in-a-new-era-of-superpower-tension-tickets-15324079735.

26] – At Upshur Street Books, 827 Upshur St. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Jan. 29 at 7 PM, hear from Split This Rock, a national organization based in Washington, D.C., which cultivates, teaches, and celebrates poetry that bears witness to injustice and provokes social change. Programs include a biennial national festival, a vibrant city-wide youth program, the national champion DC Youth Slam Team, readings, workshops, e-publishing, contests and awards, and campaigns integrating poetry into movements for social change. Read more at www.splitthisrock.org. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1583331431878801/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

27] – Susie Day presents "Snidelines: Talking Trash to Power" on Thurs., Jan. 29 at 7:30PM @ Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201. This is a collection of personal essays and political satire that offers a perverse moral clarity to an increasingly amoral world. Ace reporter Susie Day brings us fast-breaking faux news; pens heartrendingly squalid lesbian grand opera; and dispenses an array of helpful hints, from how to avoid indefinite detention at Guantánamo, to what to do if you happen to fall in love with a political prisoner. Visit http://www.redemmas.org.

28] – The International Labor Rights Forum in Washington, D.C. is hiring a Senior Development Officer with an application deadline of January 29, 2015. It is a full-time, exempt, 12-month term position. It could be extended, funding permitting. Submit your resume, cover letter, and fundraising writing sample to employment@ilrf.org. ILRF (www.laborrights.org) works for a world where everyone is free from child labor, forced labor, and discrimination; a world where workers have the power to speak out and organize to defend and advance their rights and interests; and a world where workers have the right to form unions and bargain collectively to secure a safe and dignified life for themselves and their families.

The Cotton Campaign (www.cottoncampaign.org) is a global coalition of labor, human rights, investor and business organizations dedicated to ending forced labor in the cotton sector in Uzbekistan. The person hired would be a visionary storyteller, with stellar financial acumen, who will create meaningful, authentic and long-lasting connections between the complementary ILRF and Cotton Campaign missions on the one hand and those who seek to support worthy causes on the other.

29] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore is hosting Jim and Deborah Fine who will address Why the U.S. will have difficulty “Degrading & Defeating ISIS” on Fri., Jan. 30 at 7:30 PM in the Free School Classroom, Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201. The couple recently returned from Erbil, Iraq after working there for five years with the Mennonite Central Committee. Their principal work was with refugees fleeing the various conflicts, including the Yezidis terrorized by ISIS. The Fines have also worked with the American Friends Service Committee for years in the Middle East. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net.

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