Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Baltimore Activist Alert -- September 21 -- November 17, 2018


46] UN Peace Day – Sept. 21
47] Hearing on incinerator – Sept. 21
48] In Their Footsteps: Woman Suffrage Walking Tour – Sept. 21 - 22
49] WIB peace vigils – Sept. 21
50] White House vigil – Sept. 21
51] Food Rescue Friday – Sept. 21
52] Rally outside the Department of Homeland Security – Sept. 21
53] Campaign Nonviolence – Sept. 21 - 22
54] Black Lives Matter – Sept. 21
55] Through the Wall Concert – Sept. 21
56] Ballroom Dancing – Sept. 21
57] Basic Computer Skills Class for immigrant women – Sept. 22
58] Count hawks – Sept. 22
59] Baltimore City Canvass for Ben Jealous – Sept. 22
60] Democracy Bootcamp – Sept. 22
61] Chester County Peace Vigil – Sept. 22
62] End the gag policy – Sept. 22
63] March for a Culture of Peace – Sept. 22
64] Get Out the Vote rally – Sept. 22
65] Participatory Defense Community Meeting – Sept. 22
66] Playgrounds for Palestine – Sept. 22
67] See “The Stones Cry Out” film Sept. 23
68] Two Minutes to Midnight conference – Nov. 17
69] Transcribe Dorothy Day’s diaries
70] Do you want to join a peace caravan?
71] Emergency Demonstration against an attack on Iran or North Korea  
72] JONAH HOUSE NEEDS WORKERS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
73] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records  
74] Do you need any book shelves?
75] Join the Global Zero campaign
76] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil
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46] – You are encouraged to take action for peace and nuclear disarmament on UN Peace Day (September 21) The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

47] – On Fri., Sept. 21 from 9 AM to noon, there is a Hearing on Baltimore Incinerator Pollution, hosted by Clean Air Baltimore Coalition at 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore 21230-1700. The Maryland Department of the Environment will hold a hearing on reducing the Wheelabrator (BRESCO) trash incinerator's nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. NOx triggers asthma attacks and increases the lifetime risk of chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease, and stroke.

The current proposal is for Wheelabrator, Baltimore's largest air polluter, to reduce annual NOx emissions by 200 tons. It sounds like a lot, but it's essentially nothing, since Wheelabrator emits over 1100 tons of NOx every year, and still would pollute our air over 2.5 times more than the second-worst polluter, the Grace-Davison chemical company.  Call MDE out for their weak standards, and demand that the state moves on from incineration as a primary source of waste disposal - a move that would clean our air and create 10 times as many jobs as incineration!  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/464397663963849/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1537324547779231.

48] – On Fri., Sept. 21 and Sat., Sept. 22 at 10 AM until Sept. 28, get over to In Their Footsteps: Woman Suffrage Walking Tour, hosted by National Women's History Museum starting at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, 1st St. NW, WD C 20004.  Follow the route of the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession through DC and gain an understanding of the suffragist struggle for equality and the right to vote. The American woman suffrage movement is recognized as officially starting in 1848, at the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention in New York. Over the next 72 years, generations of activist women (and men) worked tirelessly until the 19th Amendment was adopted. It took the efforts of a wide range of women, from the most radical advocates of male and female equality, to women who saw the right to vote as necessary to more effectively advocate for moral and social reform. Their efforts to succeed set the stage for grassroots efforts to come, proving that determined citizens can achieve change.

The tour begins at the Capitol Reflecting Pool by the Ulysses S Grant Memorial. The nearest metro is Federal Center SW (Blue/Orange/Silver line). The tour will cover about 1.5 miles, last about 2 hours, and end in Lafayette Square across from the White House. Meet your tour guide on the steps of the Ulysses S Grant Memorial by the Capitol Reflecting Pool. See https://www.facebook.com/events/229001737831507/.

49] – On Fri., Sept. 21 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.  STAY FOR LUNCH at Baba's Kitchen.  Warm-up, dry off, and enjoy a vegetarian chili lunch and lots of good conversation. Bring a side or topping for the chili.  There are still places at the table; invite a friend to come along with you.

  Another vigil is at Roland Park Place, 830 W. 40th St, Baltimore. 21211. However, if weather is iffy, contact Anne at awyattbr@gmail.com.  Lunch will take place at 1 PM at the RPP Café, 830 W. 40th St., Baltimore 21211.

  A third vigil will be in Chestertown, Kent County at Memorial Park at Cross Street and Park Row.  This vigil is looking for more peace bodies on the Eastern Shore.  Welcome to the network, Chestertown Women in Black.

Wear black. Dress for who knows what kind of weather.  Peace signs will be available. 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. Just send an email that you need a ride to: wibbaltimore@peacepath911.org.

50] – On Fri.,  Sept. 21 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.

51] – On Fri., Sept. 21 at noon, get over to Grace Baptist Church, 3201 The Alameda., Baltimore 21218, hosted by Food Rescue Baltimore. This occurs every Friday until Feb. 8, 2019.  For Friday Food Rescue, bring a bag, bring a friend, and take delicious, nutritious, free rescued food. See https://www.facebook.com/events/579834149018638/.

52] – Rally again on Fri., Sept, 21 outside the Department of Homeland Security from 4 to 6 PM to keep the pressure on the government to reunify families separated at the border. Hundreds of children are still separated from their parents after the July 26th deadline set by the courts for reunification.  This is a permitted, peaceful event and families are welcome.  You can bring your own sign or use one of the available signs.  Gather at 4401 Massachusetts Ave. NW. This location is about 50 yards south [in towards downtown] of Ward Circle.  There is parking on Massachusetts Avenue across the street, or you can park at the Katzen Center for the Arts for $2/hour and free after 5 PM on the other side of Ward Circle. View https://youtu.be/GKUtkVT9qLQ. Email triduncan05 AT gmail. Com.  

53] – On Fri., Sept. 21 at 4:30 PM, engage in Nonviolent Action Training.  At 7 PM, gather for an evening of reflection and sharing.  Both events are at The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd., NW. Mark the International Day of Peace and prepare for action the next day. 

As part of the Campaign Nonviolence Action Week, Campaign Nonviolence will solemnly march from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s National Memorial to the White House on Sat., Sept. 22 at 10 AM.  Join Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., George Martin, Lisa Sharon Harper, Shane Claiborne, Dr. Kit Evans-Ford, Rev. John Dear and many others to mark the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination and to take action for change today.  We will mobilize in the spirit of Dr. King’s proclamation the night before he died: “The choice is no longer violence or nonviolence; it’s nonviolence or non-existence.” 

54] – There is usually a silent vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends Meeting, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  The next scheduled vigil is on Sept. 21. Black Lives Matter.   

55] – On Fri., Sept. 21 from 7:30 to 9 PM, get over to Through the Wall Concert by Patricio Zamorano and his Band, hosted by Trovador Patricio Zamorano and the City of Takoma Park, MD - Municipal Government, 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park 20912.  Hear this band of talented musicians perform their energetic and committed Latino music in a concert titled “Through the Wall: Trova Music and Soul from the Southern Cone.”  Through "Trova" music, they combine songs that get feet moving with music representing both the history and the present of Latin America. The band also composes their own songs with lyrics focusing on solidarity, social justice, cultural identity, and the long struggle for dignity and a better life for all the peoples of the Americas. The concert is free with a $10 suggested donation to support the performers. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/271790413651325/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1536791977207063.

56] – 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 on Sept. 21. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

57] -- The Immigration Outreach Service Center is offering a Basic Computer Skills Class for immigrant women from Sat., Sept. 22 until Sat., Nov. 10 at St. Matthew Church Rectory, 5401 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore 21239.  This is an opportunity for immigrant women to increase computer skills, complete basic job searches and apply online for jobs. Computer and ESOL teachers will be available, childcare and MTA bus passes will be provided along with English language support.   Call IOSC at 410-323-8564 or email info@ioscbaltimore.org.

58] – Join a Hawk Count with Jim Meyers hosted by the Natural History Society of Maryland on Sat., Sept. 22 at 8:30 AM at the Abandoned Mount Vista Golf Course, 11099 Raphel Road, Upper Falls 21156.  Bring binoculars if you have them; sun hat/sunscreen; water; and folding chairs if you would like.  The cost is $15 per person. You must register and prepay to attend at http://marylandnature.org/events/.

59] – On Sat., Sept. 22 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, the MD Poor People’s Campaign has partnered with the River Road UU Congregation and DoTheMostGood (DTMG) to lead a nonpartisan Democracy Bootcamp at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Road, Bethesda 20817.  Plenty of on street parking on Whittier and surrounding neighborhoods. Please be a good neighbor and don't park in front of driveways or fire hydrants. The T2 bus leaves from Friendship Heights Metro at 8:50 AM, 9:20 AM and 9:50 AM. It arrives at the corner of River Rd. & Whittier 10-15 minutes later.

Participants will learn skills that can enable and support our democracy. Ashwani Jain, former White House staffer, will be the keynote speaker, along with Danielle Blocker from the MD Poor People’s Campaign. Learn from Organizers How to Take Effective Actions -- This is in preparation for Voter Registration and Canvassing in Montgomery County on Sept. 29. RSVP to Vonna Heaton at faith-in-action22@comcast.net.

60] – Indivisibles are planning voter registration, canvassing and phone banking events all over the country.  Canvass for Ben Jealous/Susan Turnbull on Sat., Sept. 22 at 10:15 AM at MD Dems' Baltimore City Coordinated Campaign office, 1023 Cathedral St. RSVP at https://act.indivisible.org/event/attend-local-actions/49183/signup/?akid=29568%2E839288%2Ev383VM.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/330665037501577/.

61] – 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.

62] – Demand that Baltimore City end it's gag order policy.  Come to a LETTER WRITING PARTY on Sat., Sept. 22 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Hamilton Branch, 5910 Harford Road, Baltimore 21214. GOVERNMENT SHOULDN'T SILENCE POLICE VICTIMS.

Free speech violations are happening in Baltimore City all the time. It happens when City officials require victims of police brutality to sign “gag orders” banning them from telling their stories in order to settle their cases. Millions of tax payer’s dollars are used to stop residents of Baltimore from talking about what the police have done to themselves or their family members. It is a systemic problem in Baltimore City that deeply harms women and communities of color. Victims of police abuse, community leaders, and local organizations will come together to demand that Baltimore City end its gag order policy.

During the event community members will write letters to city officials talking about why this matters to them and the need to stop requiring gag orders. This event is open to all. It is the first of a series of events to highlight and end gag orders as a part of policy abuse settlement agreements. RSVP at https://www.aclu-md.org/en/events/stop-gag-orders-letter-writing-party?ms_aff=MD&initms_aff=MD&ms=180913_GagOrder_&initms=180913_GagOrder_&ms_chan=eml&initms_chan=eml.  

63] – On Sat., Sept. 22 at 11:30 AM, join the Fifth Annual March for a Culture of Peace. It will begin and end at the Adams Street Courts "under the bridge” at 2nd and Jackson Sts. Go to http://www.peaceweekdelaware.org/events/fifth-annual-march-for-a-culture-of-peace/

64] – GET OUT TO VOTE PEP RALLY will happen on Sat., Sept. 22 from 1 to 3 PM at the University of Maryland Community Engagement Center, 870 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore 21201.  This is organized by Black Girls Vote, The No Boundaries Coalition, The Peoples Climate Movement, Southwest Partnership, and more.  Participants will have the opportunity to join a team that is beneficial for them to learn, engage and gain insight on the topics of organizing effective campaigns. Additionally, attendees will learn more about hosting a party to the poll. Ideally, this is a fantastic opportunity to coordinate a social gathering and celebration to connect with citizens, community members and local grassroots leaders creating a fun and memories for all. RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/296076330992887/. 

65] –There is a Participatory Defense Community Meeting on Sat., Sept. 22 from 1 to 3 PM at the Oakcrest Community Center, 1300 Capitol Heights Blvd., Capitol Heights MD 20743.  CONTACT qiana johnson at q.johnson@peoplesaction.org or 2408454007.

66] – On Sat., Sept. 22 from 5 to 9 PM, check out the Playgrounds for Palestine Annual Gala​, at Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall, University of Pennsylvania, 3417 Spruce St., Philadelphia 19104. Renew a commitment to Palestinian children and show all that has been done in the past year. As always, taste delicious Middle Eastern food, informative presentations, beautiful music, a fabulous silent auction, entertainment, and, best of all, community. See https://www.playgroundsforpalestine.org/.

67] – Baltimore Palestine Solidarity is organizing the Baltimore Voices From the Holy Land 2018 Film Series.  The film series started in the DMV area and is now in its fourth year, and this year it is happening in Baltimore.  The Holy Land, i.e. Israel and Palestine, are now in the news on a daily basis: “U.S. Moves Embassy to Jerusalem”, “Israel Passes Controversial ‘Jewish Nation-State Law’”, “Casualties in Gaza Surpass 155 Dead and Over 17,000 Wounded”     ….. How do we understand these headlines?  How do we understand issues of justice, human-rights, and peace in the Holy Land?  How do we understand the role of U.S. policies and mainstream media on the lives of the people living in the Holy Land?

To explore these complex, difficult, and emotional questions, a coalition of nineteen interfaith and interdenominational faith organizations have joined together to offer a five-week film series and discussions exploring issues of justice, human rights, and peace in Israel and Palestine.  This first ever Baltimore Voices from the Holy Land 2018 Film Series begins on Sun., Sept. 23  at St. Ignatius Catholic Community and continues every Sunday afternoon through October 21st at three different locations.  Moderated Q&A discussions led by knowledgeable experts follow the film screenings.  All events are free and open to the public.  No reservations required.  See “The Stones Cry Out” at 1:30 PM St. Ignatius Catholic Community, 740 N. Calvert St.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/554874658278183/ or www.voicesfromtheholyland.org.
68] – TWO MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT: WHAT WE CAN DO TO PREVENT NUCLEAR WAR is a one-day conference organized by Prevent Nuclear War Maryland and co-sponsored by Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, featuring expert speakers including Daryl Kimball and Dr. Ira Helfand.  It is free to attend with lunch provided.  It takes place on Sat., Nov. 17 from 10 AN to 4 PM at Goucher College, Kelley Lecture Hall, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson 21286. Go to https://www.psr.org/blog/event/two-minutes-to-midnight-what-we-can-do-to-prevent-nuclear-war/?instance_id=796.

69] – Do you have any interest in challenging the Trump administration for reneging on the Iran Deal? If yes, would you be interested in joining a Peace Caravan to the Iranian embassy in Washington, D.C.? Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.  

70] – It is a violation of U.S. law for us to attack a country that has not attacked us, as only Congress can declare war. The Trump administration is nevertheless beating the war drums for war against Iran and North Korea. The Mueller investigation is tightening the vise, and could cause Trump to attack those countries in order to divert attention from Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Such a military strike would demand an immediate and unequivocal response from us to show that we will not tolerate his abuse of power.

Let's mobilize to show that we the people will not tolerate another military adventure, which would be bound to have profound negative consequences. If a preemptive military strike against Iran or North Korea takes place, then meet outside the War Memorial, 101 N. Gay St., Baltimore, MD 21202. If the attack is before 2 PM local time, then events will begin at 5 PM, local time. If the attack occurs after 2 PM local time, then events will begin at noon, local time, the following day. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

71] – According to Jeffry Korgen <jkorgen@korgen.associates>, the Dorothy Day Guild Seeks Volunteers to Transcribe Diaries.  Be a part of Church history! Help canonize Dorothy Day! You can assist the canonization of Dorothy Day, Servant of God, by transcribing her diaries and letters. The transcripts will be sent to the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints.  You will be sent a PDF file of a section of Dorothy Day’s handwritten diaries and letters to type, unedited. 

As you finish one packet, if it seems a good fit, you can request another. You will be part of an international team working to support the canonization of Dorothy Day. Thirty people from five countries have joined the team—we’ll need 100!  If you would like to participate as a transcriber or have further questions, email Jeff Korgen, Secretary of the Dorothy Day Historical Commission at jkorgen@korgen.associates. Jeff may also be reached at 862-485-5807.

72] – JONAH HOUSE NEEDS WORKERS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

After 44 years of resisting weapons and war, Jonah House is Baltimore is in danger of shutting down. Two of the three core members have announced their intention to leave the community as of May 2018. That leaves one core member, Joe Byrne, who will remain to recruit and re-form intentional community. But if no one steps forward, Jonah House will have to close.   Jonah House was founded by Phil Berrigan, Liz McAlister, and others, in 1973, during the Vietnam War. It was a center of resistance to that war. When the war ended, the focus of resistance became the nuclear arms race. This resistance blossomed into the Plowshares movement. Jonah House members have spent years in jail for Plowshares disarmament actions. Other members have spent years supporting them, and doing the work of the community in their absence. Resistance to weapons and war continues at Jonah House. More recently, Jonah House has also become involved in racial justice efforts in Baltimore, and the environmental justice movement.

  Jonah House is planted in the middle of a 22-acre, mostly-wooded cemetery in West Baltimore called St. Peter’s. Maintaining and slowly restoring St. Peter’s Cemetery is the work that pays the bills for the community. Jonah House also uses the property to serve the living as well as honor the dead. Our gardens and orchards feed the Jonah House community, and the surrounding neighborhood community, via a food pantry and weekly food distribution to low-income neighbors. We envision the cemetery—particularly the 11-acre forest patch—as a haven for the people of the neighborhood, international peace activists, and numberless living beings.

Jonah House is also an interfaith spiritual community. We pray or meditate together daily, and our spiritual practice informs and empowers everything we do, whether in the fields or in the streets. To continue the vision, Jonah House is looking for a few new core members willing to commit to a two-year stint. We are also open to short- and long-term interns (3 months to a year). The work of radical peacemaking, direct service to the poor, and stewarding the land requires workers. We pray that God will send laborers to the vineyard (yes, we have that too) and that Jonah House will continue to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable for another 44 years!  For more information, call 443-804-3410, or email us at engage@jonahhouse.org.

73] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

74] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1637 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

75] -- 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.

76] – 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: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.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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