Baltimore Activist Alert - December 15, 2016 - January 20, 2017

33] Meeting to discuss Trumpism – Dec. 15

34] Pray for the people of Allepo – Dec. 16

35] Peace vigil at White House – Dec. 16

36] WIB peace vigils – Dec. 16

37] Release Aging People in Prison meeting – Dec. 16

38] Solstice Celebration – Dec. 16 - 21

39] Black Lives Matter vigil – Dec. 16

40] Ballroom Dancing – Dec. 16

41] The Turnout – Dec. 17 through Dec. 18

42] Bethlehem Simulcast Service at the National Cathedral – Dec. 17

43] West Chester peace vigil – Dec. 17

44] 3rd Annual Black Legislative Agenda Day -- Dec. 17

45] Free Chelsea Manning -- Dec. 17

46] Protest Lockheed Martin – Dec. 17

47] Lakota Native American Healing Ceremony -- Dec. 17

48] Volunteer cooks needed -- Dec. 18 &- 25

49] Toys for animals – through December

50] Resist Trumpism – Jan. 20

51] Need photos of the antinuclear vigil in front of the White House

52] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

53] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

54] Do you need any book shelves?

55] Join the Global Zero campaign

56] Join the Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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33] - A Trump Department of Justice run by former Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions is bound to be bad news for Baltimore, threatening a resurgence of the so called ‘War on Drugs.’  The Attorney General nominee has been a vocal skeptic of the Obama administration's less punitive approach, particularly for people accused of drug crimes. While reform has found friends across the political spectrum in recent years, Sessions threatens to take us backwards towards longer, mandatory sentences and other proven failures.  We can’t let Baltimore slide backwards! Visit http://www.communitiesunite.org/drug_war_or_war_on_us?utm_campaign=drugwar_on_us&utm_medium=email&utm_source=communitiesunite. Join Communities United in East Baltimore on Thurs., Dec. 15 at 6 PM at the POWER House Community Center, 316 S. Caroline St., for a community conversation about this war on our families and communities . . .

34] – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) called on the international community to intervene immediately to halt “reported massacres” in the Syrian city of Aleppo. ICNA called on the US State Department to use all its resources to halt human rights violations in the city, ensure safe civilian evacuation, protect residents and allow relief aid in the violence-torn Syrian city.  ICNA also urges Fri., Dec. 16 to be made a day for prayer for the residents of Aleppo and urges all Friday Sermons to be dedicated to bring about awareness of the situation in Aleppo. Go to http://www.icna.org/icna-urges-immediate-intl-intervention-in-aleppo/?utm_source=ICNA&utm_campaign=8894e6c71d-Newsletter_109&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_00fd1cfa59-8894e6c71d-824869&ct=t(Newsletter_1027_1_2015)&mc_cid=8894e6c71d&mc_eid=1b3937c055.

35] – On Fri., Dec. 16 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! This vigil will take place at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Contract Art @ artlaffin@hotmail.com or at 202-360-6416. 

36] – On Fri., Dec. 16 from noon to 1 PM, join a Women in Black peace vigil. A vigil will take place in McKeldin Square at the corner of Light and Pratt Sts., and another will take place outside Roland Park Place, 830 W. 40th St., across from the Rotunda.  Stay for as long as you can. Wear black. Dress for who knows what kind of weather. Bring your own poster or help with the "NO WAR IN MY NAME" banner.  When there are others to stand with, you don't need to carry the burden alone. Do this to be in solidarity with others....when everything around us says “Be afraid of the stranger.” Carpool and parking available at both locations. Just send an email that you need a ride [mailto:wibbaltimore@peacepath911.org].  Peace signs will be available. 

37] – Attend a DCRAPP (Release Aging People in Prison) Coalition Meeting at the BF Senior Wellness Center, 3531 Georgia Ave. NW, WDC 20010, on Fri., Dec. 16 from 3 to 4:15 PM. RAPP will share a bit about their work to get aging prisoners back to their families and communities. Come out to the next coalition meeting to learn more about this issue; and how you can help advocate for the release and return of aging people in prison to their families and communities. DCRAPP plans to usher in change. Email dcrappcampaign@gmail.com or go to www.rappcampaign.com.

38] – Join School of Life for a Winter Solstice Celebration from Fri., Dec. 16 at 5 PM through Wed., Dec. 21with a Lakota Ceremony & Crystal Baths.  The daily schedule begins at 4217 East – West Highway, Bethesda 20814 with a 6 AM Sunrise Agnihotra, singing, silent meditation, prayers, and Aarti. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Crystal Bath appointments begin at 9:30 AM. and go until 7 PM. These are 30 minute sessions under the crystal healing lights from La Casa de Dom Inacio of Abadiana Brazil. Appointments are necessary for the crystal baths, but all are welcome to come and spend part or all of the day enjoying the peace of the ashram, partaking of blessed soup, and reading Spiritist literature provided specially for the day. RSVP at shantiyoga2@earthlink.net.  FOR CRYSTAL LIGHT APPOINTMENTS SEND AN E MAIL TO victor@theessenechurchofpeace.org.  Call (301) 654 6759.

39] – There is usually a silent 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 scheduled vigil is on Dec. 16. Black Lives Matter.

40] – 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 Dec. 16. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

41] -- The #TURNOUT on DC is happening at 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, WDC, on Sat., Dec. 17 (all day) through Sun., Dec. 18 (all day). #TURNOUT is a peaceful event to demonstrate our unity, our solidarity and our strength in defending the issues that are important to all of us and will be threatened under a Trump presidency including but not limited to PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WOMEN'S RIGHTS,  LGBTQ RIGHTS, HEALTHCARE FOR ALL and PROTECTION OF SOCIAL SECURITY + MEDICAID.  A Trump presidency presents a very real and immediate threat to the things people hold sacred. The march will be held two days prior to the states casting their Electoral College votes on Dec. 19. Send a strong message that the resistance starts now. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/208766682860195/ or WWW.TURNOUTDC.ORG.

42] – On Sat., Dec. 17 at 10 AM, come to the 10th annual Bethlehem Simulcast Service at the  National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, WDC 20016!  Gather with Palestinian Christians, as major church leaders in Bethlehem and D.C. will lead the service.  The simulcast of the Annual Prayer Service will be between the National Cathedral and Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine. It will be offered through web streaming from the National Cathedral's website.   Contact Paul Verduin [mailto:phverduin@gmail.com].

43] – 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.

44] – Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle will convene its 3rd Annual Black Legislative Agenda Day: From the Baltimore Grassroots on Sat., Dec.17 from 11 AM to 1 PM at The Living Well, 235 Holliday St., Baltimore 21202.  The Day is sponsored by LBS and The Living Well.  The hope is that the grassroots can use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively on efforts in Annapolis to support legislation that will help our communities.  Community organizations can contact LBS about its work during the MD Generally Assembly, and time will be made available for each group to present this to those gathered at Agenda Day. Fill out the online form https://lbsbaltimore.wufoo.com/forms/q1kevwto0dibeid/. Email info@lbsbaltimore.com.

45] – Attend the vigil at the White House on Sat., Dec. 17 from noon to 2 PM to demand President Obama free Chelsea Manning.  Chelsea has been going through a very difficult time with two suicide attempts, one when she was thrown into solitary confinement without any warning.  She continues to be punished and tortured for exposing the crimes of our government. Read this important NYT's piece -- http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/05/us/chelsea-manning-tried-committing-suicide-a-second-time-in-october.html. Call Debbie Tolson at 301-251-9603.  Like the group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-White-House-Committee.

46] – On Sat., Dec. 17 at 2 PM come to LOCKHEED MARTIN, KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, and say CHRISTMAS MEANS PEACE.  ACT LIKE IT!  DON'T ANTICIPATE TRUMP'S AMERICA.  RESIST IT! This will be a Christmas WAKE-UP Call for Peace in front of Lockheed Martin, Mall & Goddard Boulevards, King of Prussia, PA. Toll the bell of peace. Turn this holiday season into an ongoing outcry for peace and a reinvigorated movement of anti-war commitment and resistance. Big bold banners and signs where thousands pass daily, and even more so during this Holiday season. Make some noise with drum or noise maker to the thousands of passersby.  Come with a whole lotta love for people, peace, and the planet.  Visit www.brandywinepeace.com/events.

47] –    The School of Life is hosting a Lakota Native American Healing Ceremony on Sat., Dec. 17 from 7 to 10 PM at the Shanti Yoga Ashram, 4217 East – West Highway, Bethesda 20814, and on Sun., Dec. 18 from 10 AM to noon at Franklin Park, H &14th Sts., WDC.  Roy and Jean Reddemann are Lakota Healers who will be there at the equinoxes and winter solstice with a powerful medicine ceremony that invokes their ancestors and spirit allies and which can assist people in healing body, mind and heart as well as helping them in their spiritual path. RSVP at victor@theessenechurchofpeace.org.

At the ceremony, through drumming, singing and other rituals, Roy is able to generate a sacred space where the pure energy of the spirits of his altar come through. They come to move freely around the sacred circle and assist participants with the intentions they set forth for themselves and loved ones. Participants will be sitting on the floor, so you may wish to bring a pillow or blanket to be comfortable. Hard backed chairs also provided for those not able to sit on the floor. There is no fee for any traditional ceremony, however a gift from the heart is appreciated.  

48] – Each Sunday, volunteers get together at the School of Life to prepare a Hot, Healthy Vegetarian meal for 150 homeless people. VOLUNTEERS TO COOK ARE NEEDED on DEC. 18* and DEC 25TH.   Cooking starts at 7:30 AM and goes until about 10:15 AM. No experience is necessary; all are welcome, including children. Email shantiyoga2@earthlink.net.

49] – Throughout December, the SPCA is collecting toys for the cats and dogs in the adoption center. The goal is to collect enough toys in one month to entertain the homeless animals in the shelter throughout the coming year by filling the sleigh! You can help by bringing new cat and dog toys and treats to the Maryland SPCA's adoption center, 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore MD 21211, or Project Adopt in White Marsh Mall, 8200 Perry Hall Blvd, Baltimore 21236. Some of the toys in short supply are Kongs, hard rubber chew toys, soft treats, toy mice (without catnip) and small cat balls w/ bells. Providing toys for the animals is more than a nice touch. Having toys and treats in the shelter environment helps socialize pets, reduces stress and improves health. Go to http://www.mdspca.org/updates/detail/presents-for-pets.

50] – Join the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance in an Inaugural Action on January 20, 2017.  According to Forbes Magazine, Nov. 9, 2016, “President Trump Is Likely To Boost U.S. Military Spending By $500 Billion To $1 Trillion.” So we need a strong presence in D.C. for the inauguration to call for an end to all warfare, including drone warfare.  NCNR is organizing an action of nonviolent civil resistance on the day of the inauguration, Friday, January 20.  Some of us will be risking arrest, and we need others there in support and solidarity.  We will meet in the lower level food court at Union Station at 10 AM on the day of the inauguration for our final planning meeting.  We will have a final planning meeting knowing we have to keep things fluid because there is no certainty as to what will happen that day.

 The idea will be to process as near as possible to a checkpoint and make us visible to the crowds.  Then perhaps we can do a die-in.  We will have model drones, coffins, signs, banners, and leaflets to get our message across.  If you have ideas on messaging, please share over email.  Again, this will be a very fluid experience, and we will come together and make decisions as we go along. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

51] – Ellen Thomas [et@prop1.org or 202-210-3886 (cell and text)] sent this message: Hi, good friends and (hopefully) fellow photographers! There are so many great stories in the photos of the antinuclear vigil in front of the White House from 1981 to 2016 - see my growing collection at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0FRCou5r5zOQk5JbHlTWWYwbHc.  If you have any photos or stories you think should be added, please send them to me <et@prop1.org> or post them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Thomas.Memorial/. 

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

53] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs or records, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

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

55] -- 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.

56] – 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