Baltimore Activist Alert -- October 15, 2020

55] Lessons for Afghanistan from Colombia’s Peace Process – Oct. 15

56] EU-Iran-US Triangle – Oct. 15

57] Public conversations about school equity – Oct. 15 - 16

58] VOTE OUT TRUMP – Oct. 15

59] Time to Vote for Welcome – Oct. 15

60] Plowshares sentencing -- Oct. 15 – 16

61] Get trained as a voter guardian – Oct. 15

62] Voices of Experience on the Death Penalty – Oct. 15

63] Vote out NC Senator Thom Tillis – Oct. 15

64] Volunteer for a Digital Canvass team – Oct. 15

65] Hug a TreeKeeper -- Oct. 15

66] Progressive Maryland Montgomery Election Phone Bank – Oct. 15

67] Our Revolution D.C. Phonebank – Oct. 15

68] Talk to voters in key states -- Oct. 15

69] Black Abolitionists – Oct. 15

70] Huge Setback for Gun Safety Laws – Oct. 15

71] Trump’s Walls Must Fall – Oct. 15

72] Campaign for Environmental Human Rights – Oct. 15

73] “The Lobby – USA” – Oct. 15

74] Environmental Policy with Mia Mason -- Oct. 15

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55] – On Thurs., Oct. 15 from 9 to 10:30 AM EDT, hear about Lessons for Afghanistan from Colombia’s Peace Process, hosted by the United States Institute of Peace online with Facebook Live.  Formal talks are underway between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban to end over four decades of violent conflict and instability. At this vital phase of the Afghan peace process, it’s important to draw lessons from recent negotiated settlements. The comprehensive settlement between the Colombian government and the FARC has become one of the most widely recognized examples of how a comprehensive peace process can address the root causes of violence and result in a political settlement. While the Colombian and Afghan conflicts are distinct in many ways, Colombia is an important reference point that could provide some valuable insights and an imperfect roadmap for Afghanistan. To watch live, visit https://www.usip.org/.../lessons-afghanistan-colombias...

56] – On Thurs., Oct. 15 from 10 to 11 AM, examine the EU-Iran-US Triangle [Online].  Since the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement in May 2018, France, Germany and the UK (the E3 countries) have been under pressure from both Washington and Tehran. The Trump administration has tried unsuccessfully to gain E3 support for its sanctions-based maximum pressure policy, including the extension of the arms embargo on Iran resulting in tensions at the UN Security Council. Tehran has been pressuring the bloc for economic aid and sanctions relief while lobbying the E3 to save the JCPOA and defend Iranian interests. Within Iran, leaders including Supreme Leader Khamenei have been particularly critical of the E3 and called for Iran to build stronger ties with more dependable states like China. 

  The event is sponsored by the Middle East Institute and Chatham House.  The speakers are Clément Therme, Sciences Po; Sanam Vakil, Chatham House; and Azadeh Zamirirad, German Institute for International and Security Affairs. Sign in https://www.mei.edu/events/examining-eu-iran-us-triangle.

57] – The Century Foundation is calling attention to the Bridges Collaborative Inaugural National Convening: Keynote and Panel on Thurs., Oct. 15 and Fri., Oct. 16 from noon to 12:45 PM ET.  Join TCF and the Bridges Collaborative inaugural national cohort for two public conversations about school equity.  On Thursday, join former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. and Stefan Lallinger for a fireside chat about integration and diversity in schools and housing.  On Friday, tune in for “The Digital Divide and School Segregation: Holistic Advocacy in K-12 Schools,” moderated by TCF senior associate Michelle Burris.  Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridges-collaborative-inaugural-national-convening-keynote-and-panel-tickets-124037173525?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=6054286ca4&mc_eid=0f57b5a0fa.

58] – On Thurs., Oct. 15 at noon,  "SOUND-OFF & CELEBRATE: Racial Justice and Black Lives Matter, Democracy, and Peace for all and the earth. Gather at ABC/WPVI Channel 6 at the intersection of City Line & Monument Avenues in Philadelphia.  A loud bell will toll, horns from cars and trucks will sound making it clear that Philadelphia overwhelmingly wants no more of Donald J. Trump and his racist posturing, lethal lies, and threats to justice and democracy.  Banners and large posters will line the intersection.  Nonviolent discipline ("of fist, tongue, heart", Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) will be practiced.  Social distancing of at least 6 feet will be observed, and wearing a mask is mandatory.  Call 215-843-4827 or go to   www.brandywinepeace.com.

59] – It’s Time to Vote for Welcome, a webinar scheduled for Thurs., Oct. 15 at 1 PM ET.  Amid the largest refugee crisis in recorded history, the U.S. has slammed its doors on tens of thousands of refugees. The future of refugee resettlement and asylum hinge on the positions of the leaders we elect in November, and we are calling on all candidates from all political parties in all parts of the country to commit to welcoming refugees. During this “action call” hear stories from refugees and activists impacted by anti-refugee policies, and map out a plan for these last few weeks before the election.  Register for this online event at https://www.hias.org/get-involved/events/action-call-election-2020.

60] – Sentencing for Fr. Steve Kelly will take place in Brunswick, GA on Thurs., Oct. 15, at 1 PM ET. Patrick O’Neill will be sentenced on Fri., Oct. 16 at 1 PM. The request to combine them on one day was denied. The phone number to call in to the court to listen to the proceedings is 1-888-684-8852. Enter the call access code 2296092 and then enter the security code 1234. Check back to verify this close to the time as there is a possibility it may change. The Festival of Hope which took place on Oct. 11 can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmJ3FgK0-Yc&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0d63dRud7-W9nH5bO_uajyYBfguwjzr8rZbQgvcKdpf7e2pDJOL6ikrQo. The other four defendants are scheduled for sentencing on November 12 and 13. However, there may be further delays.

61] – Across the country, millions of people like you and me are showing up to vote for our future—a future where we fight to dismantle the systems that oppress our communities.  But President Trump is trying to silence our voices and is refusing to play by the rules. This election is not just about choosing either Biden or Trump. It is about the future of our democracy and the stakes couldn’t be higher. That’s why we’re doing everything we possibly can to ensure that every voter can vote safely, and that every single vote is counted.

  Will you show up to protect the vote by getting trained as a voter guardian?  On Thurs., Oct. 15 from 1 to 3:30 PM ET and on Mon., Oct. 19 from 6 to 8:30 PM ET, attend a Voter Guardian Training by Popular Democracy PAC. The program equips people like you to be a guardian for voters in your community. You’ll be prepared with voter information, training on de-escalation and supporting voters at the polls, and ways to fight misinformation. Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/cpda/event/338072/?emci=de90922c-bf0c-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&emdi=1089025d-c10c-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&ceid=447376.

62] – Don't miss this week's Voices of Experience on the Death Penalty: Federal Executions Update, with Bill Pelke - Journey of Hope ... From Violence to Healing, Abe Bonowitz - Death Penalty Action and others at 2 PM EDT on Thurs., Oct.  15.  You can watch LIVE (or afterwards) on the Voices of Experience on the Death Penalty Facebook Page. Or get on Zoom at http://deathpenaltyaction.org/voiceshttps://www.facebook.com/VoicesofExperienceontheDeathPenalty?link_id=5&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-federal-executions-update-dont-miss-thursdays-voices-of-experience-on-the-death-penalty&email_referrer=email_958316&email_subject=federal-executions-update-dont-miss-thursdays-voices-of-experience-on-the-death-penalty.

63] – Friends of the Earth Action [info@foeaction.org] is seeking nationwide help to stop the Atlantic Coast Pipeline on Thurs., Oct. 15 at 3 PM ET. Help text progressive voters in North Carolina.  The Atlantic Coast Pipeline -- Duke and Dominion Energy’s fracked gas pipeline -- was an environmental nightmare. Help get out the vote in North Carolina.  The ACP would have moved fracked gas from West Virginia through Virginia and into North Carolina. It would have generated more than 67 million metric tons of global warming pollution yearly -- all while threatening local communities, wildlife, and drinking water. One of the pipeline’s biggest supporters? NC Senator Thom Tillis. Tillis is up for reelection in one of the tightest Senate races in the country. If environmentalists show up at the polls, they will kick him out of the Senate. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcu2trDIuE93nj-F5vfGcBOldol23iPGM.

64] – The deadline is 2030. If we want even a chance of avoiding catastrophic runaway climate chaos, then that is the year by which we need to cut global emissions by half. Four more years of Trump will mean we have next to no chance of meeting that deadline, at which point the future of organized human society would be in severe peril. The #VoteTrumpOut campaign is contacting thousands of swing voters on Facebook every day, and your help is needed.  Volunteer Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with the Digital Canvass team, and help flip a crucial swing state! Everyone who can should be giving time to help save our planet from this aspiring tyrant. Sign up here to get started: https://www.mobilize.us/unitedagainsttrump/event/329042/.  Take a slot on Thurs., Oct. 15 from 4 to 5 PM ET or 7 to 8 PM ET.

65] – On Thurs., Oct. 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM EDT, sign up for FIELD TreeKeepers 201: Tree Planting for Leadership Certification in the Susquehannock Pavilion Druid Hill Park, hosted by TreeBaltimore.  Visit treebaltimore.org/programs/treekeepers.  The Baltimore TreeKeepers is a city-wide tree stewardship program open to anyone interested in Baltimore’s trees. TreeKeepers promote healthy trees by educating residents and increasing their role in the care of the City’s trees. Through this training, citizens can become tree advocates and share the responsibility to plant and care for trees in their neighborhood and throughout the City.

To become certified as a TreeKeeper (Tree Planting Leader) you must take TK101, 102, 201, one of the required FIELD in-person sessions as well as attend two tree plantings hosted by an amazing Partner! You do not have to complete all the classes in one series.  Due to COVID-19, this series of sessions will be offered mostly online, with only one partial session in-person. Spaces will be limited for the in-person session for both the safety of participants and staff. 

66] –Progressive Maryland Montgomery is hosting an Election Phone Bank for its candidates Marylin and Sunil on Thurs., Oct. 15 from 6 to 7:30 PM. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ocOqhpj4pHtGG--JDbTIt-BIj9sdOntC.

67] – Our Revolution is hosting a D.C. Phonebank for Ed Lazere and for Get Out the Vote on Thurs., Oct. 15 from 6 to 8 PM and will continue on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29. Upon signing up, you will receive an email with all pertinent information.  Get involved with this virtual event at https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/270118/?followup_modal_context=newsletter. 

68] – Talk to voters in key states, as well as with your own friends and family.  Join a webinar on Thurs., Oct. 15 at 7 PM ET o learn more about the ACLU's urgent electoral work and how to have effective conversations with voters about what's at stake for our rights. RSVP at https://go.peoplepower.org/signup/pp-leadership-series-2020_part_2/?source=ppem_84347&t=1&akid=84347%2E1415127%2EqM8o7v.

69] – Hear about Force and Freedom, Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence on Thurs., Oct. 15 from 7 to 8:30 PM.  To join this Online Event, visit http://masspeaceaction.org/event/force-and-freedom-black-abolitionists-and-the-politics-of-violence/?emci=7329dc5f-b501-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&emdi=05db8d69-b701-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&ceid=269591.  Hear a talk with Kevin Peterson and Professor Kellie Carter-Jackson, winner of the James H. Broussard Best First Book Award for her book "Force and Freedom, Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence." Her book examines the conditions that led some black abolitionists to believe slavery might only be abolished by violent force.

70] – Amy Coney Barrett's Confirmation Could Be a Huge Setback for Gun Safety Laws. Join Senator Chris Murphy, Parkland school shooting survivor and March for Our Lives co-founder David Hogg, PCCC members, and the Biden for President Campaign in calling swing-state voters about the need for bold action on gun safety -- just as this is being discussed in the SCOTUS hearings. Can you join the Progressive Change Campaign Committee PAC on Thursdays Oct. 15, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 at 7 PM ET to get involved with a phone action? Get involved by Zoom to call voters, remind them of the stakes in this election, and urge them to vote early -- in person if they can. Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/joebiden/event/293778/?utm_source=pccc.

71] – On Thurs., Oct. 15 from 7 to 8:30 PM, catch Trump’s Walls Must Fall with Greg Grandin and Avi Chomsky.  Sign up at http://masspeaceaction.org/event/trumps-walls-must-fall-greg-grandin-with-avi-chomsky/?emci=7329dc5f-b501-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&emdi=05db8d69-b701-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&ceid=269591.  This is a deep dive with 2020 Pulitzer Prize-winner Greg Grandin, author of THE END OF THE MYTH: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America. Scholar and activist Chomsky is the author of "Undocumented" and ”They Take Our Jobs!” As the 2020 Election draws near, how do we understand the nature of Trumpism? See http://www.ShelterAndSolidarity.org/join.  The event will be online with Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/ShelterAndSolidarity/live.

72] – On Thurs., Oct. 15 from 7 to 8:30 PM, the Maryland Campaign for Environmental Human Rights invites you to participate in a 5-week environmental justice training program for faith communities.  The virtual classes will cover disparities in environmental access and protection, climate justice and how to protect vulnerable communities, and how to use advocacy tactics to restore justice. Later sessions will include time for group conversation and planning. This will continue each Thursday through November 12. Register at http://mdehr.org/actions/ej-training/.

73] –  Join Jewish Voice for Peace on Thurs., Oct. 15 from 8 to 10 PM ET for a virtual screening and panel discussion of Al Jazeera’s “The Lobby – USA,” a fascinating investigation of the efforts to obstruct Palestine solidarity movement building. Register  at https://act.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/a/2020-10-the-lobby-usa-campus-screening?emci=4ef38c5e-1908-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&emdi=b595ca01-9d08-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&ceid=237778. See a screening of a one-hour supercut and hear a panel discussion of the counterinsurgency projects designed to disrupt Palestine solidarity movement building. This supercut will focus on U.S. college campuses and the Israel lobby’s efforts to disorganize and undermine campus activism. The theme of this evening is In Defense of Solidarity: Palestine on Campus.

74] – On Thurs., Oct. 15 from 8 to 9 PM EDT, get with Environmental Policy with Mia Mason.  Register for the event: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_YheYkUuEQ-elEqI3tV3Ldw.

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