Baltimore Activist Alert - March 29 - 30, 2017

29] Medicare for All Lobby Day – Mar. 29

30] Sanctuary meeting – Mar. 29

31] Raising Our Voices in a Culture of Silence – Mar. 29

32] Film THE ARC OF JUSTICE – Mar. 29

33] Write to prisoners – Mar. 29

34] People's Climate March Office Opening Party – Mar. 29

35] Face of Refugee Camps in Lebanon -- Mar. 29

36] Jewsforrefugees Assembly – Mar. 29

37] Dorothy Day – Mar. 29

38] Stopping Fascism -- Mar. 29

39] Colombia's Prospects for Peace – Mar. 30

40] "The Obama Record on Nuclear Weapons Policy" – Mar. 30

41] Support the Maryland SPCA – Mar. 30

42] BLM DC Open House -- Mar. 30

43] Climate Change Migration – Mar. 30

44] Women in Environmental Justice – Mar. 30

45] Book talk Shifting the Universe – Mar. 30

46] PeaceSeekers meeting – Mar. 30

47] Predatory actions against renters – Mar. 30

48] Support wind power – Mar. 30

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29] -- Healthcare is a Human Right Maryland is hosting on Wed., Mar. 29 from 9 AM to 3 PM a Medicare for All Lobby Day in D.C.  Help deliver information to every member of Congress. Email brittany@hchrmd.org or call 443 432 5353.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1069924206445955/.

Volunteers are needed to help deliver materials to every office in Congress to educate health staffers about National Improved Medicare for All.  Meet in the downstairs cafeteria of the Rayburn House Office Building and teams of two will then deliver materials. After Rayburn, head to Longworth and then Cannon before crossing to the Senate side and making deliveries there. If you are able to help, email info@popularresistance.org. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1069924206445955/?active_tab=about.

30] – On Thur.,  Mar. 30 at noon, come to St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church, 5401 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore 21229 in the basement for an Interfaith Group Meeting about the Sanctuary Movement. All faiths are welcome. Visit http://www.sanctuarynotdeportation.org/.

31] – Raising Our Voices in a Culture of Silence: Confront Gender-Based Violence at the Source Theater, 1835 14th St. NW, WDC, on Wed., Mar. 29 from 6:30 to 9 PM.  This event is co-sponsored by Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP), Convergence Theatre, and Mary's Center--a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides health care, family literacy and social services to underserved populations in the DC area. Raising Our Voices in a Culture of Silence is a joint performance event that addresses such questions, a collaboration between the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) and Convergence Theatre. Actors from Convergence Theater will support audience members to play out scenes of oppression, and then improvise ways to challenge and change these scenarios. In doing so, the audience will brainstorm resolution to conflict situations that can be used to inspire real action in our world.  Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raising-our-voices-in-a-culture-of-silence-confront-gender-based-violence-tickets-32672880465.  The suggested donation is $10.

32] – Power to the People: Community Land Trusts & Civil Rights is the topic at Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE, WDC, on Wed., Mar. 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.  RSVP REQUIRED at http://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6480/c/1566/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=85132.  Come to a FREE screening of the documentary "The Arc of Justice" which connects the birth of Community Land Trusts to the civil rights movement. The film traces the remarkable journey of New Communities, Inc. in southwest Georgia, a story of racial justice, community organizing and perseverance in the face of enormous obstacles.  Following the screening, panelists will lead a community conversation about the formation of a Bridge Park Community Land Trust, a key recommendation of the Park's Equitable Development Plan.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1329120770458781/.

33] – Join the Letter Writing Night: Solidarity With Aging Prisoners at The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, WDC, on Wed., Mar, 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, hosted by DC Stampede and Release Aging People in Prison [RAPP].  The vast majority of seniors in prison, many who have been in prison for decades, are routinely denied parole and compassionate release by the state. They are often denied release even though they pose no threat to the public. All the materials and a quick "how to" for writing to people in prison will be provided.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/152467291936380/.

34] -- Come to the People's Climate March Office Opening Party at SEIU, 1800 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC, on Wed., Mar. 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.  The Peoples Climate Movement’s March for Climate, Jobs, and Justice is coming together.  This party will be an evening of fun with the Peoples Climate Movement staff and volunteers. Enjoy light refreshments, as well as plenty of posters and flyers to help spread the word.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1232083663574186/.

35] – On Wed., Mar. 29 at 7 PM, hear a discussion The Face of Refugee Camps in Lebanon with Joan French and Phillip Bannowsky at the Silverside Church, 2800 Silverside Rd., Wilmington. Go to http://www.silversidechurch.org/.

36] -- Attend #Jewsforrefugees Assembly at Adas Israel Congregation, 2850 Quebec St. NW, WDC, on Wed., Mar. 29 from 7 to 9 PM.   The Assembly will bring together the greater Washington DC Jewish community to raise up a powerful Jewish voice in support of the safety and dignity of refugees around the world. The Assembly is convened by HIAS -- the world’s oldest, and only Jewish, refugee organization – with Adas Israel Congregation, the JCRC of Greater Washington, and numerous additional co-sponsors.  RSVP required at www.hias.org/assemblyDC2017.

37] -- On Wed., Mar. 29 from 7 to 9 PM, hear about The Exemplary Life of Dorothy Day in McMahon 201 on the Catholic University of America campus, 620 Michigan Ave., WDC 20064.  It will feature Art Laffin of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Fr. Ted Keating SM, and Dr. Zena Hitz of St. John's College, who will speak on the life and legacy of Dorothy Day.  Go to https://nest.cua.edu/organization/asp/calendar/details/1248897. 

38] --  Kevin Martin of PeaceAction will speak on Wed., Mar. 29 at 7:30 PM, sponsored by Howard County Peace Action, :at the Meeting House, 2885 Robert Oliver Place, Room 200, Columbia 21045. Of all the nightmares that President Trump may visit on us (and there are many), the possibility of nuclear war is by far the worst. Unfortunately, it is also an issue that gets relatively little attention.  Kevin will speak about Stopping Fascism and Militarism, and Building Beloved Communities in the Era of Trump. Contact Steve Buff, Coordinator, Howard County Peace Action, at 410-740-5583.

39] – Amazon Watch invites you to a "Green Bag" presentation: Colombia's Prospects for Peace and Protection in the Trump Era with Lisa Haugaard, Sebastian Bernal, and Caitrin McKee on Thurs., Mar. 30 from noon to 1:30 PM at the Amazon Watch / CIEL Conference Room, 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, #1100, WDC.  A peace deal between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrillas was signed late last year, and implementation is already underway. But political and logistical roadblocks have already arisen – not to mention a shocking increase in the number of assassinations of human rights defenders and community leaders. And negotiations with the ELN guerrillas have just begun.

Lisa, Sebastian, and Caitrin will discuss the progress and pitfalls to peace and human rights protection, and what the Trump administration's public skepticism about the peace deal and U.S. financing for it mean for the peace deal and prospects for U.S.-based advocacy. Haugaard is Executive Director of the Latin America Working Group; Bernal provides research and support to the WOLA Colombia team; and McKee is the U.S. Advocacy Officer at Peace Brigades International Colombia.

40] --     The CISSM Global Forum "The Obama Record on Nuclear Weapons Policy" will happen on Thurs., Mar. 30 from noon to 1:15 PM with Steve Fetter, Senior Fellow, CISSM, and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, University of Maryland.  Fetter has been a professor in the School of Public Policy since 1988, serving as dean of the School from 2005 to 2009 and as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs of the University since 2013.  Fetter's research and policy interests include nuclear arms control and nonproliferation, nuclear energy and releases of radiation, and climate change and low-carbon energy supply.  He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a fellow of the American Physical Society. He has been a member of the Director of National Intelligence's Intelligence Science Board, the Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee, the board of directors of the Arms Control Association, and the board of editors of Science and Global Security. He also served as president of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs and vice chairman of the Federation of American Scientists. He has been a member of several committees of the National Academy of Sciences, including the Committee on International Security and Arms Control and committees to assess the effects of nuclear earth-penetrating warheads, internationalization of the nuclear fuel cycle, conventional prompt global strike, geoengineering, and ballistic missile defense.

   The CISSM Forum is held in 1203 Van Munching Hall College Park, MD 20742. It is open to the public (no RSVPs required) and is supported by the Yamamoto-Scheffelin Endowment for Policy Research. Email cissm@umd.edu or go to http://cissm.umd.edu/events/cissm-global-forum-obama-record-nuclear-weapons-policy.

41] – Get over to the Yappy Hour at Blue Pit BBQ, 1601 Union Ave. Baltimore 21211, on Thurs., Mar. 30 from 5 to 8 PM.  This is a benefit for the Maryland SPCA's 22nd Annual March for the Animals! A percentage of the proceeds from food and drink sales will go towards helping the homeless animals at the Maryland SPCA. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/420372918298513/.

42] – A BLM DC Open House is happening at the Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ, 3845 S. Capitol St. SW, WDC, on Thur., Mar. 30 from 6 to 9 PM.  Come out to learn about the work of BLM DC, and how you can get involved! Food and childcare will be provided.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/917277871745996/.

43] – On Thur., Mar. 30 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the MICA Brown Center, 1300 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore 21217, see Climate Change Migration, hosted by AIABaltimore.  Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/273751789715990/.

44] -- Women in Environmental Justice will be honored at the Impact Hub, 419 7th St. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Mar, 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.  In honor of Women’s History Month, March’s Unlikely Allies event will highlight the unique role women play in tackling environmental issues. In addition to a panel discussion, the event will feature an artistic performance and a networking session sponsored by Stella Artois. Unlikely Allies is also in partnership with OpenIDEO DC, who will facilitate a short, interactive, exercise to help panelists and attendees understand how to use design thinking methodology to solve social challenges. Get your tickets at https://www.facebook.com/events/147924202384542/.

45] -- Shifting the Universe – an Author Talk with Candace Wolf will take place at 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, WDC, on Thur., Mar. 30 at 7 PM.  This book is like a majestic table around which are gathered an extraordinary, international assembly of people who share stories about the nature of their daily work-and even more importantly-they bear witness to their experiences struggling against systems of local and global oppression. In a single location, SHIFTING THE UNIVERSE brings together the voices of 18 unlikely companions: fishing folk who make their livelihood in the Arabian Sea off the coast of India-members of Indigenous communities protecting the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador-a Salvadoran janitor who cleans skyscrapers in Los Angeles-a Muslim midwife in Atlanta-a master puppeteer from Silesia-an Appalachian coal miner-an Egyptian spinner and weaver, an African American teacher in Washington DC-track workers in New York City's subway, father and son surgeons in Cuba-a sailor on a ship carrying munitions to the Vietnam War-among many other contributors.  RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1860379467572757/.

46] – On Thurs., Mar. 30 at 7 PM, PeaceSeekers invites you to an organizing meeting at Grace Hall, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St., Wilmington, DE 18086.  Call 302-654-5214 or go to http://www.wpc.org/.

47] – Oaktree Capital, a major financial institution has been accused of engaging in predatory actions in the wake of the financial crisis that resulted in many Baltimore residents having their homes foreclosed. Join the United Workers, the Baltimore Housing Roundtable, and Unite Here Local 7 for a City Council Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing into this issue on Thur., Mar. 30 from 2 to 4 PM at Baltimore City Hall, 100 N Holliday St., Baltimore 21202. Go to http://www.cphabaltimore.org.    

48] –  Come to a Public Hearing on Offshore Wind on Thur., Mar. 30 from 6 to 9 PM in the Joint Committee Hearing Room Legislative Services Building, 90 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401.  Join the Sierra Club for snacks at 5:15 PM in House of Delegates Room 180 (Baltimore County Delegation), 6 Bladen St, Annapolis, MD. Get a t-shirt or sticker & walk to the hearing together.  .To CARPOOL go to http://bit.ly/30carpool. RSVP at http://sc.org/MDOffshoreWindHearing.  Contact Seth Bush at seth.bush@sierraclub.org.  The more people who attend the hearing in support of offshore wind, the more likely it is for the projects to be approved. Four years ago, the state passed the Offshore Wind Act, which put into place the building blocks for offshore wind development off of Maryland's coast. Now we're at a critical decision-making moment that could make or break the future of offshore wind for Maryland.  The PSC is hearing arguments for two offshore wind project applications and we must make sure one of them is approved in order to make offshore wind a reality for Maryland. We can continue to replace old, dirty coal with clean energy. By attending the hearing you can help lift up our collective voice to ensure that Maryland does not lose out on the huge numbers of family-supporting jobs, economic growth, and countless health benefits that will come from developing clean energy through offshore wind.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-323-1607; 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