Baltimore Activist Alert - October 11 - 30, 2017 -- May 5, 2018

25] Help out WBAI

26] International Day of the Girl!  -- Oct. 11

27] "Report Launch: HEU Use as Fuel in Russia" – Oct. 11

28] NoNAFTA2 Protest – Oct. 11

29] Unite for Puerto Rico Washington Rally -- Oct. 11

30] See the film SPEED SKATERS – Oct. 11

31] Help build an Anti-Nuke movement – Oct. 11

32] Progressive Montgomery County Happy Hour – Oct. 11

33] An Evening with Catholic Charities – Oct. 11

34] Information sessions with Research Associates Foundation – Oct. 11 & 30

35] See the film "The Fabric of America"– Oct. 11

36] Help Baltimore students -- Oct. 12

37] Baltimore Project Homeless Connect 2017 – Oct. 12

38] Democratic Party / MCPA Meetup – Oct. 12

39] "The Korean Peninsula Issues and US National Security" – Oct. 13

40] Free Reality Winner – Oct. 14

41] Close Foreign bases Conference – Jan. 12 – 14, 2018

42] Catonsville Nine Commemoration – May 4 – 5, 2018

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25] – Judge Gerald Lebovits rules against WBAI and the Pacifica Foundation in dispute with Empire State Realty Trust .  As a result, WBAI must raise more than $1.8 million. If you can help, go to www.wbai.org. For details, go to https://www.wbai.org/articles.php?article=3533.

26] – October 11 is International Day of the Girl!  Support Girls' Rights - Join the Conversation!  Too often, girls are prevented from realizing their rights, like learning, leading, and deciding when and whether to marry and have children. They are silenced and excluded from the decisions that shape their futures. But we must say, #GirlsBelongHere! They belong in corporate board rooms, government offices, on athletic fields, and in leadership roles. Their voices fully belong in discussions that affect the political and economic lives of their communities and countries. Girls belong anywhere and EVERYWHERE a boy or man belongs!  Download a #Girls Belong Here sign at https://www.planusa.org/docs/day-of-the-girl-sign-2017.pdf?utm_campaign=IDG&utm_medium=email&utm_source=act-on&utm_content=IDG1&utm_term=  and take a picture holding it. In schools, offices, job sites, sports fields, local government buildings - take a selfie with the sign everywhere and anywhere YOU believe girls belong! 

27] – On Wed., Oct. 11 from 10 AM to 11:15 AM, Pavel Podvig, Frank von Hippel, and Alexander Glaser will tackle "Report Launch: HEU Use As Fuel In Russia" as part of the Fissile Material Working Group (FMWG) and International Panel on Fissile Materials (IPFM) at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, 1400 K St. NW, Suite 1225, WDC. RSVP to Erin Connolly by email at econnolly@armscontrolcenter.org.

28] – On Wed., Oct. 11 from noon to 2 PM, join the NoNAFTA2 Protest, hosted by Flush the TPP and Stop the Machine! Create a New World by gathering outside the Sheraton Pentagon City, 900 S. Orme St., Arlington, VA 22204. Meet in the parking lot on the corner of South Ode St. and Columbia Pike, a block from the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel. People can park on S. Ode St. RSVP at info@popularresistance.org.  Protest at the headquarters of the 4th Round of NAFTA re-negotiations. Say #NoNAFTA2 and yes to Trade for People and Planet!

NAFTA is being re-negotiated by an administration of Wall Street bankers and white supremacists into a deal that maintains the Investor State Dispute Settlement, has no real benefits for all workers, fails to protect the environment from the oil and gas industries, puts pharmaceuticals' profits before the people's health, and wants to make access to the internet a business more than a right.  Show the United States Trade Representative that we do not want a tweaking of NAFTA that would just make it into NAFTA2. Replace NAFTA with a model of trade that is democratic, that puts people and the planet before profits, and that seeks to collaborate with communities from across the continent and not pit them against each other.

29] – On Wed., Oct. 11 at 2 PM, Unite for Puerto Rico Washington Rally at the United States Capitol. Stand together in solidarity with the 3.4 million U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico that are suffering after the catastrophic impact of Hurricanes Irma & Maria. This is a humanitarian crisis, and we need Congress and the federal government to act immediately!  Rally in Congress to let people know they are not alone, we are here to speak on their behalf and we will not be ignored. We demand equal treatment for Puerto Rico now!! Show your support wearing BLUE, RED or WHITE, bring your flags and hand held signs.  Call for an expansive “Marshall Plan” like approach for Puerto Rico’s recovery and reconstruction. This will help the island stabilize its finances, prevent an even greater outmigration to the mainland and unleash Puerto Rico’s full economic potential and capacity in a sustainable way. Urge Congress to approve a substantial federal emergency funding package. This is essential to meet the IMMEDIATE and long-term recovery needs of 3.4 million U.S. citizens on the island.  Petition Congress and the President to permanently exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act maritime shipping law.

30] – On Wed., Oct. 11 at 4:15 PM, as part of the Israel/Palestine Film Series, see SPEED SKATERS at Swarthmore College, Lang Performing Arts Center.  Go to http://blogs.swarthmore.edu/academics/pcs/2017/08/02/israelpalestine-film-series-fall-2017/.

31] – Join us on Wed., Oct. 11 from 5 to 6 PM at Gwen DuBois' house, 1817 Sulgrave Ave, Baltimore to begin to build a movement in opposition to nuclear weapons.  RSVP to Tim Whitehouse at twhitehouse@psr.org.  With all the craziness going on in the world, let's work together to make Maryland the heart of the anti-nuclear resistance, and start putting our country's resources to better use.

32] – On Wed., Oct. 11 at 6 PM, join Progressive MoCo for a Happy Hour at Republic, 6939 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park 20912. The only way we can get through the challenges we face today and build a better future is if we do it together. That's why building and maintaining a strong progressive community is important. So come on out and relax, recharge, have a drink and some delicious food, and help build our community. Check out http://pmdmontgomery-progressivemaryland.nationbuilder.com/.

33] – On Wed., Oct. 11 at 6 PM, get over to An Evening with Catholic Charities at the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore.  The theme of the 2017 Catholic Charities Annual Celebration, "Journey," reflects upon the paths those who are served have taken to transform their lives and start a compelling new journey. Throughout the celebratory evening, various awards are presented to individuals and groups who personify this theme. Bill and Lisa Stromberg will be the recipients of the Distinguished Service Award and John Gething will be presented with the Anne Lindsey Otenasek Youth Service Award. This year's recipient of the Monsignor Arthur F. Valenzano Joyful Servant Award, Sister Kathleen Feeley, S.S.N.D. embodies Msgr. Art's joyful life and spirit and touches the loves of thousands of Marylanders as the monsignor did over his lifetime.

34] – The deadline for Research Associates Foundation (RAF) grant submissions is Mon., Nov. 6, 2017. This is an excellent opportunity for activists, both individuals and organizations, to get up to $2500 to fund transformative social change projects in the Baltimore, MD area.  Please go to the website (www.rafbaltimore.org) to see the guidelines and download applications. 

Two information sessions have been scheduled for prospective grantees.  Come to either or both of these sessions, to listen, ask questions and/or get help with your application.

The first is on Wed., Oct. 11 at 7 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore & Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Avenue, Baltimore 21201.  The session will take place in the back room.

The second is Mon.,Oct. 30 at 7 PM at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218.  Email info@rafbaltimore.org.

35] – On Wed., Oct. 11 at 7:30 PM,  see a film and hear a community conversation at Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, Silver Spring.  Join Gandhi Brigade Youth Media and Montgomery College for the world premiere of "The Fabric of America", a short documentary on the subject of immigration reform produced by Gandhi Brigade participants during the summer of 2017. The event if free. Following the screening will be a Q & A with the youth producers and a panel conversation with local, state and national leaders on the immigration reform, including Hon. Nancy Navarro, Montgomery County Council, Gustavo Torres, executive director of Casa de Maryland, Yannick Diouf, co-founder of UndocuBlack, Valeria Carranza, Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Adriano Espa.

36] – Join Communities United on Thurs., Oct. 12 at 7 AM at Presstmann and N. Mount Streets for the monthly walk-the-kids-to-school. Walking the kids in Sandtown takes place every second Thursday morning, and kids in Upton every fourth Thursday. Come out and let the kids know you care about them and their future! Go to http://www.communitiesunite.org/.

Baltimore’s schools are heavily dependent on state funding. So we need to demand equity for our kids. Come find out how you can help win increased money for the schools our kids deserve! Attend the Kirwan Commission's Baltimore Regional Hearing on Thurs., Oct 12 from 5 to 8 PM at Polytechnic High School, 1400 W. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore 21209.         

The Kirwan Commission is examining how we fund our schools and educate our children in the state of Maryland. We have a once in a generation opportunity to push for solutions that will serve all students in the state of Maryland. Show up and have your voice heard. The individuals at this meeting will be making decisions about our schools that could last for generations.

Individuals who wish to testify are asked to sign up by either emailing PreK-12InnovationandExcellenceCommission@mlis.state.md.us or calling Mindy McConville or Kim Landry at (410) 946-5510 or (301) 970-5510 by NOON on the day of the hearing. Please provide the following information: (1) name and contact information; (2) location/date of the meeting for which you are signing up; and (3) if you are speaking on behalf of a group, please include the name of the group. If you are not able to sign up in advance, signup sheets will be available at the hearing location beginning at 4:30 PM.

While testimony will generally be limited to 3 minutes per person, the Chair has discretion to make adjustments depending on how many people sign up. While it is not necessary to bring a written statement, if you do, please bring 40 copies with you to the hearing. Staff will collect and distribute it to the commission members. Please note that the hearing will be recorded and posted to the Commission’s web page. If you are unable to attend but wish to submit written testimony, you may email your testimony to the email address listed above. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1091231601011116/.

37] – On Thurs., Oct. 12 from 9 AM to 4 PM, come to the Baltimore Project Homeless Connect 2017, hosted by United Way of Central Maryland at the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W Pratt St., Baltimore 21201.  Find tickets at www.eventbrite.com.

United, we can help people facing homelessness.  Hundreds of volunteers are uniting at this annual event, now in its sixth year, to help thousands of families and individuals experiencing homelessness obtain critical resources and services to help put them back on the path to a stable life. The event offers participants access to a wide range of services all in one place.  Project Homeless Connect volunteers will work one-on-one with participants to help them identify and secure needed services, or assigned to help as needed throughout the event.  Lunch is provided for all volunteers and parking is free of charge in nearby lots. Volunteers will receive more information about parking and check in as the event nears.

38] – There is a Democratic Party / MCPA Meetup on Thurs., Oct. 12 from 7 to 9 PM at Pho & Bahn Mi Wheaton, 11232 Grandview Ave., Silver Spring 20902.  The Progressive Coalition Meeting Meetup for MoveOn, MCPA, DFMC, PDA, and more meets on the SECOND THURSDAYS each month, unless it conflicts with a holiday.  The restaurant is a short walk from the Wheaton Metro station, but there is ample free parking on the street and across the street in a public lot.  It is a local, state, and federal action agenda. Work with allies and pressure non-progressive officials to enact the policies we need!  Please contribute $15 to keep this meetup going. Pay online at http://www.meetup.com... or bring to a meeting.  RSVP at

https://www.meetup.com/democrats/events/243499794/?https=on&_af=event&_af_eid=243499794.

39] – On Fri., Oct. 13 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM attend the Institute for Corean American Studies (ICAS) Fall Symposium, "The Korean Peninsula Issues and US National Security." It will feature Edwin Feulner, Markus Garlauskas, Robert Joseph and others at the Allison Auditorium, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE, WDC 20002. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/icas-fall-symposium-tickets-36736740580.

40] –   The Baltimore Pledge of Resistance will participate in Keep Space for Peace Week by going to the National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Maryland at noon on October 14. Our main message will be to call for the immediate release of Reality Winner, the NSA whistleblower.  Those interested in joining the action should contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

41] – Attend a Conference on U.S. Foreign Military Bases from Fri., Jan. 12 through Sun., Jan. 14, 2018 at the University of Baltimore, Learning Commons Town Hall, 1415 Maryland Ave., Baltimore 21201, hosted by the Coalition Against U.S. Foreign Military Bases.  Thirteen prominent peace and justice organizations in the United States are collectively organizing this conference.  Some of the groups are Black Alliance for Peace, CODEPINK, Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, Popular Resistance, Veterans For Peace, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and World Beyond War.  The conference will feature national and international experts. Several expert panels will discuss the economic, political, environmental and health costs and impact of U.S. foreign military bases in various regions of the world, including South America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The conference will be live streamed for the international audience.  For more information and to register for the conference, go to http://noforeignbases.org/conference-on-u-s-foreign-military-bases/?epl_action=process_cart_action&cart_action=add&event_id=723&_rand=59d50af323702.

42] –   Save the Dates.  The fiftieth anniversary of the Catonsville Nine draft board raid will be commemorated  There will be a CATONSVILLE NINE SYMPOSIUM on FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2018 from 4 to 10 PM at the Shriver Center, University of Maryland – Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Cir, Catonsville, MD 21250. Enjoy Films, Lectures, Discussion Panels and Dramatic Readings.  There will be more CATONSVILLE NINE COMMEMORATION ACTIVITIES on SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Baltimore County Public Library Catonsville Branch, 1100 Frederick Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228.  Enjoy more Films, Lectures, Discussion Panels and Dramatic Readings.  Go to http://www.catonsville9.org/50th-anniversary-commemoration/.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.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