Baltimore Activist Alert – July 19 – 21, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert – July 19 – 21, 2020

"I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war is ours. The initiative to stop it must be ours." -Martin Luther King Jr.

Friends, this list and other email documents which I send out are done under the auspices of the Baltimore Nonviolence Center.  Go to www.baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com. 

If you appreciate this information and would like to make a donation, send contributions to Max Obuszewski, BNC, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net.

1] Books, buttons and stickers

2] Web site for info on federal legislation

3] Get involved with NCNR   

4]”The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks”

5] Walk for Change – July 12

6] Non-perishable Food Collection – July 19

7] Baltimore Ethical Society closed – July 19

8] Feed the Homeless – July 19

9] Canadian Perspectives on Israeli Annexation of Palestinian Lands – July 19

10] Phonebank to Win with Our Revolution – July 19

11] Emergency Healthcare Town Hall – July 19

12] Franca Paz Muller's Campaign Kickoff – July 19

13] One Fair Wage – July 19

14] Pentagon Peace Vigil – July 20

15] Land of Kush Food Rescue – July 20

16] Food Collection – July 20

17] Fight for fairer maps – July 20

18] “Set the Night on Fire” – July 20

19] Meet Sherrod Brown – July 20

20] Supreme Court Term in Review – July 20

21] Food Truck Monday – July 20

22] Virtual Meeting of the Baltimore City Council – July 20

23] Our Revolution Meeting -- July 20

24] Film “illegal” – July 20

25] Maryland Poor People's Campaign – July 20

26] Our Revolution Weekly Organizing Call – July 20

27] Get Money Out – Maryland call – July 20

28] Success of Ranked Choice Voting – July 21

29] Citizens’ Assemblies on Climate – July 21

30] Outside Bread for the Journey Soup Kitchen – July 21

31] Can Enrollment Preferences Increase Equity in D.C. Schools? – July 21

32] Vigil against JHU drone research – July 21

33] Town Hall on Environmental Justice – July 21

34] Letters to Voters while Watching Nature Documentaries – July 21

35] How to Create Successful Communication --- July 21  

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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available.  “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Call Max at 410-323-1607.

2] –To obtain information how your federal legislators voted on particular bills, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/.  Congressional toll-free numbers are 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073. The White House Comment Email is accessible at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.

3] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR].  It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed.  It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to U.S. wars.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

4] – Courtesy of the National Park Service and Google Arts & Culture, you can do a Virtual Tour of Five National Parks Online. ”The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks” is a satisfying escape. Whether you spend five minutes on the site or an hour, it’s an important reminder that the world is still beautiful and wonderful and weird, even in uncertain times.  Learn more about how you can take a digital adventure into your national parks: https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/stuck-home-visit-these-5-national-parks-online?utm_source=insider&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter.

5] – On Sun., July 19 from 8:15 to 10:30 AM, Walk for Change in Old Town, Alexandria.  Start at Misha's Coffeehouse, 102 S. Patrick St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Every Morning, Walk. Wear shirts or carrying signs with positive messages of Equality. The only prerequisite is an able body, loving heart and a dedication to ACTION for change and EQUALITY. Each member has taken action and contributed $ to a BLM cause and continues to keep the MOVEment alive through Daily Walks. Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/2508407094

78673/?event_time_id=250840719478672.

6] – On Sun., July 19 from 9 to 9:45 AM, there is a non-perishable Food Collection by Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier, 13717 Cuba Road, Hunt Valley 21030.  Drop off your non-perishables for the St. Gregory the Great Food Pantry in West Baltimore. Suggestions are canned vegetables, pasta, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, breakfast cereal and syrup. Reusable bags are also appreciated! Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/308486353661739/?event_time_id=309788080198233.

7] - Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 2521 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion at 10:30 AM.  However, the meeting on Sun., July 1 seems to be cancelled.  Email ask@bmorethical.org. Visit https://bmorethical.org/events/?dd_year=2020.

8] –  On Sun., July19 from noon to 4 PM, get over to a Feed The Homeless Charity Event, hosted by Skylyne Foundation at Fells Point, 423 S. Broadway, Baltimore.  Volunteers & food donations are needed. See https://www.facebook.com/events/566712833974704/.

9] – Catch the webinar about Canadian Perspectives on Israeli Annexation of Palestinian Lands on Sun., July 19 from 1 to 3 PM EDT. In the past, Canada enjoyed a reputation as an "honest broker" that took principled positions on human rights and international law. In 2015, after nearly 10 years of Conservative government, Canada’s newly elected prime minister, Justin Trudeau, declared “Canada is Back.” From the perspective of Canada’s relationship to Israel and Palestine, this webinar will examine whether or not Canada is indeed back or not. It will also consider whether Canada was ever truly an honest broker to begin with. Following Canada's second consecutive failure to be elected to a UN Security Council seat, it is worth asking how much has really changed since Avi Lewis reported on the "Special relationship" between Canada and Israel in 2010 (you can view his Al Jazeera report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ2MY58RunM&t=4s).  Join the webinar hosted by the Canada Boat to Gaza, a member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. To register on Zoom, please follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QXv7dMk5SZ6cPnZjQgGbHQ.

10] –  Phonebank to Win with Our Revolution.  Call for Rashida Tlaib - Michigan - 13th Congressional District and other progressive candidates. On weekdays, call from 6 to 8 PM ET.  On weekends call from 3 to 5 PM ET.   There are trainings Monday through Friday at 6 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM.  There will be a debriefing from Monday to Friday at 7:45 PM, and Saturday & Sunday at 4:45 PM on Zoom.  The login details will be sent in a confirmation email. Join in on slack at https://OurRev.us/ORslack. Our Revolution has many scheduled phone banks through Election Day.

11] – Join the Progressive Democrats of America Weekly Emergency Healthcare Town Hall with special guest Wendell Potter, bestselling author, former health insurance industry communications director, and leading national advocate for Medicare for All. RSVP with Mike Fox to reserve your spot on Sun., July 19 from 4 to 5 ET.  The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the failings of our healthcare system like never before. Now, support for Medicare for All is soaring; with sky high levels of support among Democrats and a sizable majority among the general public.  Contact Mike Fox at mikefox@pdamerica.org to receive the secure video conference/call numbers.

12] – Come out for Franca Paz Muller's Campaign Kickoff event on Sun., July 19 at 6 PM (if it is safe for you to attend an outdoor event). The event will be starting in Wyman Park Dell (29th and Charles). It will be a bike tour of the 12th District, although of course car caravanning, scooters, and wheelchairs are all welcome.  She is running for City Council. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/3187824871256123.  The Green Party still need hundreds more signatures by the August 3 deadline to ensure Franca and other candidates are on the ballot. Please text, email, and message your networks this petition and sign it yourself: https://www.md-petition.com/invite/mgp.php.

13] – On Sun., July 19 from 6 to 9 PM, join for music, laughter and One Fair Wage, hosted by CapitalFin at The Little Beet Table (Chevy Chase), 5471 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase 20815. This is happening outdoors for some safe-distanced music, laughter, worker-injustice awareness raising and wonderful food in support of One Fair Wage and the documentary, “Waging Change.” If you can't make it to Chevy Chase, join in on Facebook Live.  One Fair Wage (OFW) is advocating for a full, fair minimum wage for all! Donations to One Fair Wage and Waging Change are encouraged during the show. Cash food and bar provided by the extraordinary Little Beet Table serving wellness-inspired food.  Reservations are needed if coming to Little Beet. Seating is limited. Call (240) 283-0603. See TheLittleBeetTable.com. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/289345715617024/.

14] – There is a weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil from 7 to 8 AM on Mondays, since 1987, outside the Pentagon Metro stop.  The next vigil is July 20, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker.  Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649.  The vigil will be outside the Pentagon's south Metro entrance and in the designated "protest zone" behind bicycle fences across from the entrance to the Metro.  By Metro, take Yellow Line and get out at the "Pentagon" stop. Do not go to the Pentagon City stop! Go up south escalators and turn left and walk across to protest area. By car from D.C. area, take 395 South and get off at Exit 8A-Pentagon South Parking. Take slight right onto S. Rotary Rd. at end of ramp and right on S. Fern St. Then take left onto Army Navy Dr. You can "pay to park" on Army Navy Dr.,  and there is meter parking one block on right on Eads St. Payment for both of these spots begin at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. Restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.  

15] – On Mon., July 20 from 11 AM to 1 PM, there is a Food Rescue at Land of Kush, 840 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore 21201 on Mon., June 8 from noon to 1 PM.  This will continue each Monday through Oct. 26. Get some free vegan and plant-based food for the community. Bring a bag, take what you want as supplies last. Items from The Land of Kush's menu are not included in the give-away but will be available for sale. See https://www.facebook.com/events/950858858703919/?event_time_id=950858865370585.

16] – On Mon., July 20 from noon to 2 PM, there is a Food Collection for the Assistance Center of Towson Churches and Ascension Lutheran Church, 7601 York Road, Towson 21204. ACTC provides assistance to those with food-insecurity in our community.  If you NEED food, it is distributed Monday through Friday 10 AM to 2 PM at ACTC, 116 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Towson 21204. IF YOU CAN SHARE FOOD... place it in the truck parked on MONDAYS from noon to 2 PM in the Ascension Lutheran Church parking lot; on THURSDAYS from noon to 2 PM at the Trinity Episcopal parking lot, 120 Allegheny Ave., Towson 21204; on THURSDAYS from 5 to 7 PM in the Valley Baptist Church parking lot, 1401 York Rd., Towson 21093. This will continue through Mon., July 27. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/227533218694234/?event_time_id=227533238694232.

17] – As head of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, former attorney general under President Obama Eric Holder is leading an urgent campaign ahead of the 2021 redistricting period to fight for fairer maps and more representative districts. Join Eric Holder and J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami on Mon., July 20 at 2 PM ET for an important briefing on J Stream at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5tWP6UMtQcyRK4zbjDwY_g.  Holder’s national redistricting strategy includes investment in crucial down-ballot races, support for redistricting reforms in statehouses across the country, legal action to have gerrymandered maps tossed out and the mobilization of a massive army of grassroots activists to fight for these core democratic reforms.

18] – On Mon., July 20 from 3 to 4 PM ET, join The Nation for a special book launch featuring the award-winning radical historian of Southern California Mike Davis, Nation contributing writer Jon Wiener, and Nation Editorial Director and Publisher Katrina vanden Heuvel.  The first big uprising against police violence in Los Angeles came in 1965 in Watts. Today's Black Lives Matter protests are far broader and more promising, but the challenges are no less daunting. In their widely-anticipated new history of 1960s Los Angeles, “Set the Night on Fire,” Davis and Wiener trace the city's turbulent era of rebellion and police brutality and show how it connects us to the present moment with people out in the streets again. Don't miss this magisterial, riveting movement history of Los Angeles in the sixties. Visit https://secure.everyaction.com/bKgu_8Jj30O1w4-Q8Mfejw2?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_campaign=nation-event-laprotests&sourceid=1062583&ms=EMM071320201A&utm_content=EMM071320201A. This special event is free of charge but registration is required.  Bypass Amazon and buy a discounted copy of Set the Night on Fire today from The Nation Shop.

19] – You are invited on Mon., July 20 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM EST for a webinar featuring Senator Sherrod Brown and Kirwan Institute Director Darrick Hamilton in conversation discussing how we can build upon the Dodd-Frank Act on this tenth anniversary of its passage--A decade after Dodd-Frank: What next? What is the future of financial reform and consumer protection? Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8LYqAEAfI665Ob0DztkDCZPfqM1m6P-IP2Kzb8cqKrED6ew/viewform.

20] – On Mon., July 20 from 4:30 to 5:30 PM, check out The Supreme Court Term in Review – with Dahlia Lithwick, hosted by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), 2055 L Street NW, WDC 20036. See www.ncjw.org.  With a blockbuster Supreme Court term — the first with Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh on the bench, hear a breakdown about access to LGBTQ rights to firearms to Dreamers and learn what’s at stake based on the decisions issued this term. Highlight cases to watch when the next term opens on October 5. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3306869179324332/.

21] – On Mon., July 20 from 5 to 8 PM through Oct. 26, get with Food Truck Monday at Mt. Zion Church, 1643 E. Churchville Road, Bel Air 21015. Mt. Zion Church is hosting Food Truck Mondays! Each week, through October 26, a few different local food trucks will be featured. Proceeds will benefit Children of Zion Village in Namibia. Food truck lineups will be posted weekly! Each event will be held rain or shine. Skip cooking and come have dinner with us to support a great cause. https://www.facebook.com/events/626485358235756/?event_time_id=626485391569086.

22] – On Mon., July 20 from 5 to 7:30 PM, attend a Virtual Meeting of the Baltimore City Council, hosted by Council President Brandon M. Scott. You can watch the meeting online at charmtvbaltimore.com/watch-live or on CharmTV (Channel 25/1085HD). Information and an agenda for the City Council meeting can be found here: https://baltimore.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=739235&GUID=0AC709E5-7655-409C-A338-801575D9E726&Options=info|&Search=.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/261565268433899/.

23] – Our Revolution Baltimore is doing digital meetings. The group will continue to switch between 3rd Monday of each month 5:30 to 7:30 PM and the 3rd Saturday of every month 2:30 to 4:30 PM.  The next meeting on Mon., July 20 will focus on Police Reform. Email ormdbaltimore@gmail.com.

24] – On Mon., July 20 at 6:30 PM, check out Reel and Meal at the New Deal, which is presenting “Illegal.”  This is part of the Utopia Film Festival, and the director of “illegal,” who fled war in El Salvador, hopes to counter the right-wing rhetoric so prevalent these past four years by depicting examples of real people seeking refuge in the US. He hopes to counter the right-wing rhetoric so prevalent these past four years by depicting examples of real people seeking refuge in the US. For more about this program, email frankrgervasi@gmail.com.  Tune in at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kd-qvrjgpGtIDHs9-hwWtoRA1ahTvU752.

25] – Join Maryland Poor People's Campaign for a Virtual "After Open House" Maryland Monthly Monday Meeting.  Begin with a state level discussion including an overview of PPC and the five interlocking injustices at the core, and then break into regional rooms to discuss team organization and local issues/actions. Come to discuss your involvement in the next steps and being part of a new unsettling force on Mon., July 20 from 7 to 8:30 PM. RSVP at  https://actionnetwork.org/events/virtual-after-open-house-maryland-monthly-monday-meeting?source=direct_link&&link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&email_referrer=email_861666&email_subject=virtual-after-open-house-maryland-monthly-monday-meeting.

26] – Don’t miss Our Revolution Weekly Organizing Call every Monday night at 8:30 PM ET for the national network of leaders and activists. Each call features interviews with the next generation of progressive champions! Sign up at https://www.facebook.com/events/806447073112122/?event_time_id=806447079778788.

27] – Join the Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference on Mon., July 20 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM.  There are two ways to join the conference: Dial 1 929 205 6099, and then use meeting ID: 512 862 260. Or Click on your device if you have downloaded the app from Zoom. The focus will be on organizational sign-ups, public relations, and logistics for lobbying in Annapolis.

28] – On Tues., July 21 from noon to 1 PM, examine the Success of Ranked Choice Voting in the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary, hosted by FairVote, 6930 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park 20912. See us02web.zoom.us. Five panelists will discuss the role of ranked choice voting in presidential primaries, including how it’s been implemented in the past and how to plan for its use in party and state-run elections in the future.  RSVP at https://bit.ly/32owtrC. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/575249556473988/.

29] – On Tues., July 21 from noon to 1:30 PM, get with Personal and Political Power: Citizens’ Assemblies on Climate, hosted by Extinction Rebellion NYC and Citizens Climate Lobby DC. Learn about Citizens' Assemblies on Climate from researchers and practitioners of deliberative democracy.  A legislative package to address climate change will require a mandate from the public. This event will introduce the Citizens’ Assembly on Climate, a direct democracy tool used by the governments of France, the UK, Ireland, and Poland to gather recommendations for political action on climate change.  Citizens’ Assemblies on Climate bring a representative group of their country’s residents together to learn about the issues, develop connections, deliberate on ways forward, and to pass on recommendations to their governments. Participants of a Citizens’ Assembly on Climate demographically reflect their country or region and undertake the work together regardless of age, race, income, education, citizenship, or political affiliation to provide their lawmakers with a public mandate for policy action to address climate change. Extinction Rebellion's third demand is for the government to move beyond politics by creating and being led by the decisions of a Citizens' Assembly on climate and ecological justice. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1654898111315637/.

30] – On Tues., July 21 from  1:30 to 2 PM, check out Outside Bread for the Journey Soup Kitchen individual lunches given out by Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Baltimore.  This Tuesday soup kitchen will until Dec. 1. The church is at 2424 McElderry St., Baltimore 21205.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/602052220539690/?event_time_id=602052307206348.

31] – Can Enrollment Preferences Increase Equity in D.C. Schools? Get an answer to that question on Tues., July 21 from 2 to 3 PM.  Join the D.C. Policy Center and The Century Foundation for a discussion of how enrollment preference for at-risk students could increase equity and integration in D.C. schools, where only 25 percent of at-risk students attend a highly rated school, compared to 58 percent of non-at-risk students. Speakers include Daniela Anello, head of school, DC Bilingual PCS; Chelsea Coffin, director of the education policy initiative, D.C. Policy Center; Ana Rodriguez and DaSean Jones, parent leaders, Parents Amplifying Voices in Education; and Halley Potter, senior fellow, TCF. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/can-enrollment-preferences-increase-equity-in-dc-schools-tickets-111349455218?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=eb9f55b310&mc_eid=0f57b5a0fa.

32] – There is a Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" at 33rd and N. Charles Sts. on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 PM. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607.  You may consider contacting President Ron Daniels and telling him that the university should reject all military contracts, including those for killer drone and nuclear weapons research.  The president’s mailing address is Office of the President, 242 Garland Hall, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.  You can also reach his office by Phone: (410) 516-8068, Fax: (410) 516-6097 or email: president@jhu.edu.

33] – It is crucial that we recognize the environmental toxins and harms that communities of color have long been exposed to purposefully. There is a deep history of redlining and environmental racism in our country. As climate change continues, the environmental violence on communities of color only worsens. For example, trash incinerators like the Wheelabrator in Baltimore cause air pollution that has serious public health impacts on the adjacent Black communities. It is critical that we understand these histories of racism in our communities and work toward comprehensive environmental justice that benefits both people and the planet. Look at https://secure.everyaction.com/y2xgiYYYnEiiyfxbTLiXww2?emci=3615c9c5-5ec8-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=37312248-5fc8-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=136680 and join a Black Lives Matter: Town Hall on Environmental Justice on Tues., July 21 from 6 to 7:30 PM.

34] – On Tues., July 21 from 7 to 8:30 PM, write Letters to Voters while Watching Nature Documentaries, hosted by CCAN Action Fund. Visit https://www.mobilize.us/ccanactionfundfighttovote/event/288291/. Vote like the Earth's polar bears and atmospheric concentrations of CO2 depend on it. Let's hang out, watch nature documentaries, and write letters to voters urging them to #vote. You'll have to get approved with Vote Forward to write letters with us before you can start writing!! Get approved at https://votefwd.org/ccanactionfund. Then RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/ccanactionfundfighttovote/event/288291/. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/401289114533831/.

35] – Take a free virtual training hosted by Netroots Nation in partnership with the National Democratic Training Committee How to Create Successful Communication within Your Organization on Tues., July 21 from 8 to 9 PM ET.  During this interactive training, you’ll learn and practice essential political skills; build a community of learning with fellow Democrats; and leave knowing what steps to take to win campaigns and grow Democratic infrastructure across the country. In this session, cover the importance of team accountability and delegating tasks. Register at https://traindemocrats.org/event/netroots-nation-and-ndtc-training-how-to-create-successful-communication-within-your-organization-07-21-2020/?link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-swag-boxes-and-golden-tickets-register-now&email_referrer=email_860974&email_subject=two-free-virtual-trainings-this-month.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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