Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Balti,ore Activist Alert - April 1 - April 18, 2015

41] "Deal or No Deal? Negotiating with Iran" – Apr. 1
42] "Hope or Disappointment for Iran Nuclear Deal?” – Apr. 1
43] Faith & Resistance Retreat – Apr. 2-3
44] Movement for a Human Right to Housing – Apr. 2
45] No fracking demo -- Apr. 2
46] Combating Islamophobia on Campus, in Our Community, and around the World -- Apr. 2
47] Justice for the Chagossian people – Apr. 2
48] "Unicorn Fairies Organizing Team" – Apr. 2
49] Chris Dixon at Potter’s House – Apr. 2
50] TransLAW - Apr. 2
51] "Paths to Disarmament: The NPT and the Humanitarian Initiative" -- Apr. 2
52] The War Budget – Apr. 3
53] "Framework for a Comprehensive Nuclear Agreement with Iran" – Apr. 3
54] Film MY COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY [USA, 2006] -- Apr. 10
55] David Swanson speaks at CPSR dinner – Apr. 18
56] Sign up with Washington Peace Center
57] Join Fund Our Communities
58] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records
59] Do you need any book shelves?
60] Join Global Zero campaign
61] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil
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41] – On Wed., Apr. 1 from 10 to 11:30 AM, Robert Einhorn, William Galston and Suzanne Maloney, Brookings Institution, will evaluate "Deal or No Deal? Negotiating with Iran" at the Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium, 1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://connect.brookings.edu/register-to-attend-negotiating-iran.

42] – On Wed., Apr. 1 from 6:30 to 8 PM, John Limbert, U.S. Naval Academy, and Trita Parsi, National Iranian American Council, will explore "Hope or Disappointment for Iran Nuclear Deal?" at the Washington World Affairs Council, 1801 K St. NW, WDC 20036. RSVP at https://www.worldaffairsdc.org/EventDetails.aspx?enc=/EVzaBx/2quACpnT60EVtLqEQtO8Fz+GCOfrUFMamj8=line.

43] – The Faith and Resistance Retreat will be at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Church (Auditorium), 1525 Newton St. NW, WDC 20010 (corner of 16th St. and Newton) on Thurs., Apr. 2 from 10 AM to Fri., Apr. 3 at 2 PM. As one enters into Holy Week to commemorate the Last Supper, arrest, torture, trial and crucifixion of Jesus, join in a time of prayer, reflection, community building and acts of nonviolent resistance focusing on the theme: "PUT AWAY THE SWORD" (Matthew: 26:52). The retreat will conclude on Good Friday following a nonviolent witness at the White House from noon to 1 PM, which will focus on contemporary crucifixions taking place today. There will also be a Pentagon witness early on Good Friday. Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, will give a presentation on Holy Thursday from 1:15 to 3 PM. The retreat is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker and Jonah House. Email disarmnow2@verizon.net or call 410-233-6238.

44] – On Thurs., Apr. 2 at noon at the Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, American University, WDC, hear from Joseph Hoover, the Program Director of the International Politics Department at City University London, Dominic Moulden, Resource Organizer at ONE DC, and Derek Hyra, Associate Professor in the Department of Public Administration and Policy at American University. They will talk about housing as a human right. This is sponsored by the University Chaplain. RSVP at KSLC@american.edu. Go to www.american.edu.

45] – Support the 3 year fracking moratorium passed by the House of Delegates. There has been a huge surge in energy and momentum in the last few weeks. But it won’t be easy to get the bill passed in the Senate, and with less than two weeks left in the legislative session, we need to act fast. That’s why the Don’t Frack Maryland coalition is holding an Emergency Senate Rally this Thursday in Annapolis. RSVP at http://act.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=116661&autologin=true.

There is an emergency "Don't Frack Maryland" Rally on Thurs., Apr. 2 at noon at Lawyers’ Mall, 100 State Circle, Annapolis 21401. Join with Western Maryland residents and business owners, joined by activists from across Maryland. You contact Thomas Meyer, Maryland Fracking Organizer, Food & Water Watch, at 202-683-4945.

46] – Anne Arundel Community College, 101 College Parkway, Cade Building, Room 219, Arnold, hosts Negin Farsad, Dean Obeidallah (of The Dean Obeidallah Show), and Zainab Chaudry for a day's worth of events discussing the causes of and solutions for Islamophobia on Thurs., Apr. 2 at 12:30 PM. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/662797987180053/%20.

47] – On Thurs., Apr. 2 from 5 to 9 PM, join the global effort to seek justice for the Chagossian people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Chagos Islands, who were forcibly removed from their homeland in the 1960’s and 70’s by the US and UK governments and never permitted to return. The Chair of Chagos Refugees Group Mauritius, Olivier Bancoult, plans on traveling to DC and New York in April to attend strategic meetings with indigenous rights advocates, non-profits, and US and UN officials. Due to several promising developments concerning the UK’s dominion over the Chagos Islands, this visit comes at a critical time in the Chagossians’ struggle for justice. Come to Madam's Organ Blues Bar, 2461 18th St. NW, WDC 20009 as American University's UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic and AU's Anthropology of Militarism Clinic are fundraising to support Mr. Bancoult’s visit and help the Chagossians return to their homeland in 2015. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/403344256510868/.

48] – The dysfunctional immigration system is bad for everyone, particularly for vulnerable communities that include LGBTQ folks, pregnant women, children, the elderly, and folks with chronic medical conditions -- all which are administratively tracked under the Risk Classification Assessment Tool in immigration detention. Time after time, the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration & Customs Enforcement have proven themselves inept at protecting the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of all of our communities, especially LGBTQ detainees.

Come to 1900 L St. NW, #900, WDC 20036, on Thurs., Apr. 2 from 6 to 8 PM and join the "Unicorn Fairies Organizing Team." Contact Luis Garcia at luis@getequal.org or 336-244-0015. Sign a petition to #FreeNicoll, a Guatemalan transgender women seeking asylum in the Florence, AZ, men's detention center: http://www.notonemoredeportation.com/portfolio/freenicoll/.

49] – Get over to the Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, WDC on Thurs., Apr. 2 from 7 to 9 PM as Chris Dixon presents his book “Another Politics: Talking Across Today's Transformative Movements,” which engages the anti-authoritarian current, a political tendency including abolitionists, anarchists, anti-racist feminists, autonomists, and many other radicals. Cutting across a wide range of left social movements in North America, this current is distinguished by its commitment to directly democratic structures, anti-oppression politics, explicit organization-building, prefigurative political practices, working for reforms while also pursuing revolution, and grassroots organizing. The book draws on dozens of interviews with experienced organizers across the U.S. and Canada. It traces the strands of movement and struggle that have led into the anti-authoritarian current, explores the defining principles and practices of another politics, and examines the visionary political approaches and questions that are emerging from the activities of this current.

Chris Dixon, originally from Alaska, is a longtime anarchist organizer, writer, and educator with a PhD from the University of California at Santa Cruz. His writing has appeared in numerous book collections as well as periodicals such as Anarchist Studies, Clamor, Left Turn, and Social Movement Studies. He serves on the board of the Institute for Anarchist Studies and the advisory board for the activist journal Upping the Anti. He lives in Ottawa, Canada, on unceded Algonquin Territory, where he is involved in anti-poverty organizing. Find him at writingwithmovements.com. Go to http://pottershousedc.org/event-blog/2015/4/2/chris-dixon-presents-another-politics-talking-across-todays-transformative-movements.

50] – Hear how TransLAW raises funds to help folks who can't afford to pay the costs associated with a legal name change and updating the name and gender marker on identity documents at the Lost Society, 2001 14th St. NW, WDC on Thurs., Apr. 2 at 6:30 PM. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1403375456636299/.

51] – On Thurs., Apr. 2 from 8 to 9 PM EST, John Loretz, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, and Martin Fleck, Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), will explore "Paths to Disarmament: The NPT and the Humanitarian Initiative." This is an online webinar sponsored by PSR. RSVP at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1697064676519193858.

52] – On Fri., Apr. 3 from 9:30 to 11 AM, Gordon Adams, American University, retired Lt. Gen. David Barno, former head of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, and Matthew Leatherman, Stimson Center, will take on "The U.S. Defense Budget." The event, which is off the record, is sponsored by the Stimson Center and American University. It will occur at the Stimson Center, 1211 Connecticut Ave. NW, Eighth Floor, WDC. RSVP at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1697064676519193858line.

53] – On Fri., Apr. 3 at 10 AM, Clifford Kupchan, Eurasia Group, Kelsey Davenport, Arms Control Association, and John Limbert, U.S. Naval Academy, will tackle "Framework for a Comprehensive Nuclear Agreement with Iran" at the Atlantic Council, 12th Floor, 1030 15th St. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/events/upcoming-events/registration/a08i000001BleJ1AAJ.

54] – The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration Committee, Baltimore Quaker Peace and Justice Committee of Homewood and Stony Run Meetings and Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility are continuing the FILM & SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS DVD SERIES. MY COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY [USA, 2006] will be shown with a discussion to follow on Fri., Apr. 10 at Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218, around 7:15 PM. There is no charge, and refreshments will be available. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at Verizon.net.

In the summer of 2004, director/cinematographer Laura Poitras begins chronicling the efforts of Riyadh al-Adhadh, a Sunni physician, father of six, who runs for office in Iraq's first democratic election. As a member of a political minority, the doctor tries to convince his fellow party members not to boycott the election, but with the entire political process hanging by a thread, he faces an uphill battle. Poitras is the director of CITIZENFOUR, the documentary about Edward Snowden.

Working alone in Iraq over eight months, Poitras created a portrait of Iraqis living under U.S. occupation. Dr. Riyadh, an outspoken critic of the occupation, is equally passionate about the need to establish democracy in Iraq. Yet all around him, Dr. Riyadh sees only chaos, as his waiting room fills each day with patients suffering the physical and mental effects of ever-increasing violence. Recognizing the chaotic situation, he visits the Abu Ghraib Prison after the notorious photographs surface. The documentary presents an Iraqi who is in agony over the tragic contradiction of the U.S. occupation of Iraq and its claim to spread democracy in the Middle East. The viewer sees the madness of the U.S. military occupation, complete with private security mercenaries, U.S. journalists and U.N. officials who orchestrate the elections. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski [at] verizon.net for further information


55] – Join us for Chesapeake PSR’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 available. Please RSVP to twitehouse@psr.org or 240-246-4492

56] -- The Washington Peace Center has a progressive calendar & activist alert! Consider signing up to receive its weekly email: info@washingtonpeacecenter.org.

57] -- Fund Our Communities campaign is a grass roots movement to get support from local organizations and communities to work together with their local and state elected officials to pressure Congresspersons and senators to join with Congresspersons Barney Frank and Ron Paul, who have endorsed a 25% cut to the federal military budget. Bring home the savings to state and county governments to meet the local needs which are under tremendous budget pressures. Go to www.OurFunds.org.

58] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs or records, contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

59] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

60] -- Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees. This is an historic window of opportunity. With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.

61] – A Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

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/.

"One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan

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