Baltimore Activist Alert April 17 - 19, 2015

Baltimore Activist Alert April 17 - 19, 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] Two friends are looking to buy a house in Baltimore
6] Get your animal friend in the Maryland SPCA 2016 calendar – through May 15
7] Countering Pakistan's Extremists: Can the National Assembly Take the Lead? – Apr. 17
8] Peace vigil at White House – Apr. 17
9] Climate engineering technologies – Apr. 17
10] Ecumenical Advocacy Day’s Annual Conference – Apr. 17 - 20
11] Silent Peace Vigil – Apr. 17
12] Bike for Peace – Apr. 17 - 21
13] See the film “Al Manam” (The Dream) – Apr. 17
14] Ballroom Dancing – Apr. 17
15] The Hope of Easter and a Disarmed World – Apr. 18
16] "State of Black America" – Apr. 18
17] West Chester, PA demo -- Apr. 18
18] Crawl for the animals – Apr. 18
19] Women’s rights and sexual violence in Guatemala – Apr. 18
20] Film “Speciesism: The Movie” – Apr. 18
21] David Swanson speaks at CPSR dinner – Apr. 18
22] “Sentencing Children to Die In Prison.” -- Apr. 19
23] Gabriela Rivera will speak -- Apr. 19
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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] – Two friends are looking to buy a house in Baltimore. Let Max know if you have any leads—410-366-1637 or mobuszewski@verizon.net.

6] – Enter a photo of your animal friend in the Maryland SPCA 2016 Calendar for $50. Each entry also includes one (1) free calendar! Participants can send photos after registration, so don't worry if you need a little extra time to find the purr-fect photo of Fluffy! To enter, go to www.mdspca.org/photo and use discount code "SPCAcalendar" during checkout, or contact Jennifer Mion at petcalendar@mdspca.org or 410-235-8826, ext. 133.

The 2016 Pet Calendar will be a full-color wall calendar, released in the fall of 2015. Thirteen of the best photos will be selected for the cover and pet-of-the-month pages. Photographs must be of animals, no people, and must be in color. High-resolution horizontal photos are preferred. Small photos, especially those taken by phones, are difficult to enlarge. All entered photos will appear in the calendar. A maximum of 400 photos will be accepted through May 15, 2015. The calendar is an important fundraiser for the Maryland SPCA. Proceeds benefit the needy and homeless animals in our care!

7] – On Fri., Apr. 17 from 10 AM to noon, this question will be answered--Countering Pakistan's Extremists: Can the National Assembly Take the Lead?—at the U.S. Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20037. Pakistan's government says it must urgently address the poor education, underemployment and alienation, particularly among youth, that is feeding violent extremism. Yet in a country ruled for nearly half of its history by its military, the National Assembly has often struggled to influence national policies.

The challenge of confronting violent extremism in Pakistan resonates beyond its borders. Pakistan's evolution is critical to the international effort to stabilize Afghanistan. It has implications for India and China, and indeed across South Asia and the Middle East, where other countries face the same extremist problem. This USIP panel discussion will include three National Assembly members-both from the governing coalition of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and from opposition parties. They are members of a Pakistani delegation of legislators that will have met with members and staffers of Congress, and with other US officials in the previous week: Awais Leghari -Member of the National Assembly (Pakistan Muslim League-N, Dera Ghazi Khan) and Chairman of its Foreign Affairs Committee; Co-Chair of the US-Pakistan Legislator's Forum Delegation; Shafqat Mahmood - Member of the National Assembly (Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf, Lahore); Aasiya Nasir - Member of the National Assembly (Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F, Quetta). Brian Joseph - Senior Director for Asia and Global Programs, National Endowment for Democracy. This legislative exchange program is sponsored by the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Washington-based non-profit group Convergence, and the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/countering-pakistans-extremists-can-the-national-assembly-take-the-lead-tickets-16499262739.

8] – On Fri., Apr. 17 from noon to 1 PM, join the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker in a vigil urging the powers that be to abolish war and torture, to disarm all weapons, to end indefinite detention, to close Guantanamo, to establish justice for all and help create the Beloved Community! The vigil takes place at the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Contact Art @ artlaffin@hotmail.com or at 202-360-6416.

9] –Go to American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., SIS-300, WDC 20016 on Fri., Apr. 17 from 2 to 4 PM and express your concern for the environment. Sulfur particles in the stratosphere? Iron filings in the oceans? Mirrors in space? These and other ideas are being looked at as scientists and policy makers race to find new responses to climate change. Who, though, will get a say in whether and how these kinds of climate engineering technologies are developed? Dr. Simon Nicholson is Co-Executive Director of the Forum for Climate Engineering Assessment (FCEA), a scholarly initiative of the Global Environmental Politics program in the School of International Service. FCEA works to generate space for perspectives from civil society actors to produce a heightened level of engagement around issues of justice, agency, and inclusion. See https://www.facebook.com/events/784675774949678/.

10] – From Fri., Apr. 17 through Mon., Apr. 20 participate in Ecumenical Advocacy Day’s Annual Conference - Breaking the Chains: Mass Incarceration & Systems of Exploitation at the Doubletree Hotel – Crystal City, 300 Army-Navy Dr., Arlington 22202-2891. April 20 will be a Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. On Fri., Apr. 17 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, there will be a National Religious Campaign Against Torture Interfaith Gathering at the Doubletree Hotel. Hear from advocates from across the country on their local, state, and federal work. There will also be time to experience a replica solitary confinement cell. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/53YYY3H.

Contact T.C. Morrow at tmorrow@nrcat.org or 202-547-1920 with any questions. With support of interfaith colleagues in Wisconsin, NRCAT has constructed a replica of a solitary confinement cell. Virginia Classick, Vice President of the NRCAT Board, said this, “I am looking forward to being available at the mock SHU (security housing unit) to engage people in conversation about NRCAT's important work in ending prolonged solitary confinement.”

The conference includes excellent plenary speakers, workshops, worship, advocacy training, and a Monday lobby day. While this is a conference aimed at the Christian community, all are welcome. Register at www.advocacydays.org.

11] – There is usually a silent peace vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St. The next vigil is on Apr. 17. On that Friday it will remind us that War Is Not the Answer and that there is the need to stop torture, and prosecute the torturers.

12] – Bike for Peace international activists will be biking from Washington, D.C. to New York City prior to the 2015 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference to draw attention to nuclear weapons and their devastating humanitarian impacts. They will be in the area from Fri., Apr. 17 through Tues., Apr. 21. Come to an event to kick-off this bike tour and cheer on these valiant Norwegian bicyclists! You will meet Thore Vestby, Vice President of Mayors for Peace, Tore Nærland, President of Bike for Peace, Catherine Thomasson, PSR’s Executive Director and bicycle commuter, and other local bicyclists, PSR and Student PSR members, politicians, and sports enthusiasts who support this common cause. On Sun., Apr. 19 from 5 to 7:30 PM at 12717 Greenbriar Road, Potomac, MD, the home of Dr. Mohammad Khalid, PSR's DC Metro Chapter President. RSVP, since light food and drinks will be served, at http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1898&ea.campaign.id=37492&ea.url.id=384435.

The Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) entered into force in 1970 and includes the only existing legal mandate for nuclear disarmament. NPT Article VI calls for all signatories including the USA to negotiate: "a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control." Over 280 organizations--including PSR--have endorsed a series of events in New York City to show public support for disarmament. PSR and Student PSR members will participate in the April 24-25 Peace and Planet conference and the Sat., Apr. 26 rally, interfaith service, march and peace festival.

13] – On Fri., Apr. 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the Jerusalem Fund, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, WDC, the Cultural Programs of the Jerusalem Fund is showing “Al Manam” (The Dream). Shot in 1980-81, the film is composed of interviews with different Palestinian refugees including children, women, elders and militants from the refugee camps of Sabra, Shatila, Bourj el-Barajneh, Ain al-Hilweh, and Rashidieh in Lebanon. In the interviews Mohamad Malas questions his subjects about their dreams at night. The dreams always converge on Palestine: a woman recounts her dreams about winning the war; a fedai of bombardment and martyrdom; and one man tells of a dream where he meets and is ignored by Gulf emirs. During filming Malas lived in the camps and conducted interviews with more than 400 people. In 1982 the Sabra and Shatila massacres too place, taking the lives of several people he interviewed, and he stopped working on the project. He returned to it in 1986 and edited the many hours of footage gathered into this 45 minute film, released in 1987. Go to http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/EventDetails/i/50262. Call 202-338-1958 or email info@thejerusalemfund.org.

14] – There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM. Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St. Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be Apr. 17. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

15] – On Sat., Apr. 18 from 9 AM to 3 PM attend the Philadelphia Catholic Peace Fellowship retreat at St. Malachy's School Hall, 1429 N. 11th St., Philadelphia 19122. The Hope of Easter and a Disarmed World will be led by Art Laffin, Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House, Washington, D.C. Call 215.952.0718.

16] – Be at Howard University, Ina Burns Lindsay Hall, 601 Howard Place NW, WDC on Sat., Apr. 18 from 11 AM to 2 PM for a conversation about the National Urban League's 2015 "State of Black America" report and the state of black life in the Greater Washington area with practitioners, policy experts and students in education, health, economics and housing. Together, they will identify issues, brainstorm solutions, and develop action plans to save our city. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/809936269091039/.

17] – Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. Go to www.ccpeace.org. Email ccpeacemovement@aol.com.

18] – On Sat., Apt. 18 from 2 to 7 PM, do a crawl through around historical Fell's Point and raise money for animals in Baltimore! ADMISSION is $40, which entitles you to a T-shirt, wristband for drink and food specials and rides on the Charm City Pedal Mill. Get your TICKETS at www.mdspca.org/bark.

19] – Come to the Doubletree Hotel, 300 Army Navy Dr., Arlington on Sat., Apr. 18 at 3:45 PM and meet human rights lawyer Gabriela Rivera who will share information about women’s rights and sexual violence in Guatemala. She works at the Association of Women Transforming the World (MTM), a part of the Alliance for Breaking the Silence and Ending Impunity. This Alliance was formed to pursue justice for Q'eqchi women who have suffered sexual violence, including acts of violence committed during Guatemala’s internal armed conflict.

Gabriela and the team at MTM are currently litigating a case of sexual slavery of Q'eqchi' women at a military outpost in Sepur Zarco in Izabal between 1982 and 1988. The human rights lawyer has a long history of working with women survivors of sexual violence, other forms of violence against women, and the deprivation of freedom for women. She will discuss the situation of women in Guatemala, cases of sexual violence, and how the international community can support these issues. Go to http://www.ghrc-usa.org/get-involved/events/spring-2015-speakers-tour/.

20] – At Bloombars, 3222 11th St. NW, WDC 20010, on Sat., Apr. 18 from 4 to 6 PM, join BloomBars and Compassion Over Killing to celebrate US VegWeek 2015 (April 20-26) with the presentation of “Speciesism: The Movie” (2013, 94 min), by Mark Devries. It takes viewers on a sometimes funny, sometimes frightening adventure across the country, to expose the biggest secrets about modern factory farms, and to ask the biggest questions about the belief that our species is more important than the rest. You'll never look at animals the same way again. Especially humans. See http://tinyurl.com/speci-movie-trailer.

The screening will be followed by audience discussion and Q&A with Katie Legomsky, DC Volunteer with Compassion Over Killing. She’ll talk about the film, her organization and the benefits of a Vegan lifestyle. The suggested donation is $10. Proceeds support BloomBars. Savor free organic popcorn. 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/1419718185009758/.

21] – Attend Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility’s Annual Chapter Dinner on Sat., Apr. 18 from 6 to 9 PM at The Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21210. Our featured guest speaker is author, activist and radio host David Swanson. David will speak on trends that are driving change in our society. His talk will encompass three areas of great interest and concern to Chesapeake PSR -- peace, environment and democracy. The cost for dinner is $40. Limited financial assistance is available. RSVP to twhitehouse@psr.org or 240-246-4492.

22] – 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 Apr. 19, hear an address “Sentencing Children to Die in Prison.” Nikola Nable-Juris will speak about the use of life-without-parole sentences for youth under 18, both nationally and in Maryland. These sentences condemn a child to a lifetime in prison despite scientific evidence that adolescents are less culpable for their actions and more likely to be rehabilitated. The United States is the only country that sentences children under 18 to life in prison without parole and a growing number of states are revising their criminal laws to give children an opportunity to show they can grow and change. Nikola will share about reform efforts occurring around the country and the work in Maryland to end this practice, including ways to be involved in advocacy efforts.

Nikola Nable-Juris serves as policy counsel for the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth. After working with pregnant and parenting teenagers in Alaska and survivors of domestic violence in Virginia, she was inspired to advocate for systemic change. While at the University of Maryland School of Law, she interned with Juvenile Division of the Office of the Public Defender and the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland. Her work at CFSY includes a blend of policy advocacy, community organizing, and support for local advocates around the country. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

23] – Come to the Chapina Bakery, International Mall, 1401 University Blvd. E, Hyattsville on Sun. Apr. 19 at 1 PM to hear from Gabriela Rivera, as part of its Spring 2015 Speaker's Tour. She is to speak about the legacy of sexual violence in Guatemala. Gabriela works at the Association of Women Transforming the World (MTM), a part of the Alliance for Breaking the Silence and Ending Impunity. This Alliance was formed to pursue justice for Q'eqchi women who have suffered sexual violence, including acts of violence committed during Guatemala’s internal armed conflict. The human rights lawyer and the team at MTM are currently litigating a case of sexual slavery of Q'eqchi' women at a military outpost in Sepur Zarco in Izabal between 1982 and 1988.Gabriela has a long history of working with women survivors of sexual violence, other forms of violence against women, and the deprivation of freedom for women. She will discuss the situation of women in Guatemala, cases of sexual violence, and how the international community can support these issues. See http://www.ghrc-usa.org/get-involved/events/spring-2015-speakers-tour/.

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