Baltimore Activist Alert – January 22 to 27, 2022

Baltimore Activist Alert – January 22 to 27, 2022

"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 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] Need help in archiving activist material    

4] Max is looking for tips on a garage or a storage suggestion.

5] Support the Pratt Workers United

6] Get the book Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis

7] Get the book Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois

8] Count birds – through Feb. 15

9] Camp Quest – Jan. 22

10] Rent stabilization canvass – Jan. 22

11] Visionary Peace Youth Art Exhibition – Jan. 22

12] NuclearBan.US at White House & Congress – Jan. 22-23

13] PDA Town Hall – Jan. 22

14] Free Julian Assange – Jan. 22

15] Celebrate Baltimore’s Nuclear Free Zone -- Jan. 22

16] Election Protection phone bank – Jan. 22, 24, 26 & 27

17] DSA meeting – Jan. 22

18] Social Media Best Practices -- Jan. 22 & 25

19] Protest at the Pentagon – Jan. 23

20] Election Protection meeting – Jan. 23

21] Tenant Organizing Meeting – Jan. 23

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1] – Buttons, bumper stickers 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] –  Janice Sevre-Duszynska needs some assistance in archiving her activist material.  If you are interested in this project, contact Max at 410-32301607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

4] – Max is in need of a garage or a storage space.  Any suggestions would be welcome.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

5] – The workers at the Enoch Pratt Free Library have started a drive to organize a union calling themselves Pratt Workers United.  Go to https://www.prattworkersunited.org/. There is a letter of support for community members to sign at https://www.prattworkersunited.org/community-letter-support.

"Pratt Library workers are forming a union, Pratt Workers United. We are seeking pay equity for all, safer working conditions, benefits for part-time workers, and a voice in decisions that affect our work.” The workers voted to unionize

6] – Consider getting HOSPITALITY, the newsletter of OPEN DOOR: A prophetic discipleship community honoring the Black Jesus, Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. The September/October 2022 issue contains a wonderful review by Claire Schaeffer-Duffy of Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis, reprinted from The Catholic Worker, March-April 2022.  Davis, a co-founder of the Open Door Community, died in 2020.   You can subscribe to the newsletter or buy a copy of the book by calling 404-290-2047 or by emailing opendoorcomm@bellsouth.net.

7] – Another book to consider purchasing is Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois. His new book is both memoir and position-paper, and it makes the case that the Roman Catholic Church is a corrupt system that spits out truth-tellers. The crime he was excommunicated for was attending the ordination ceremony of Janice Sevre-Duszynska in Lexington, Kentucky, in August 2008. The ordination was under the auspices of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.  The Vatican’s response has been to excommunicate any woman who has the audacity to see herself as a priest equal to a male priest. You can purchase a copy from Amazon or by Kindle.

  Here are two quotes to contemplate: “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men. She is to keep silent.” – Timothy 1, 2:12-13.  “If the patriarchy that dominates the church is not dismantled and women are not treated as equals, the church will continue to diminish and, eventually, die.” – Roy Bourgeois.

8] – The National Audubon Society [audubonconnect@audubon.org] has indicated that the Winter Climate Watch continues through Sun., Feb. 15 to count birds for science! Audubon needs your help to create a brighter future for the birds we all love this winter. Climate Watch is Audubon’s biannual community science program that enlists volunteer bird lovers across North America to tally vulnerable bird species. Learn more at  https://www.audubon.org/conservation/climate-watch?ms=digital-eng-email-ea-x-engagement_20230104_eng-email_climate-watch-winter-2023&utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=engagement_20230104_eng-email&utm_content=climate-watch-winter-2023.

9] – 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.  On Sun., Jan. 22, hear about “Camp Quest.”  Established in 2011, Camp Quest Chesapeake (CQC) has a little bit of everything you expect in a summer camp: s’mores, canoeing, cabin cheers, camp fires and silly songs. But mixed amongst these staples of Americana are things that might surprise you, like sex ed, ethics activities, Socrates Café, and a leadership development program for older teens. Learn more about CQC’s unique approach to summertime fun and how you can help create community for young people.

When Liberty Bliss first attended Camp Quest Chesapeake, she was shy and often felt out of place and alone. Her time at CQC helped her find her voice, make lifelong friends, and develop leadership skills. Liberty identifies as a humanist first and atheist second and feels strongly about giving back to the camp that made her who she is today. Liberty lives in Baltimore with her husband, three cats and three dogs. Email President@BEMOREthical.org for more information.

10] – The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] is getting involved in a rent stabilization canvass in downtown Silver Spring on Sun. Jan. 22 at 12:30 PM ET. Meet at Sonny's Green, 175 High Park Lane, Silver Spring 20910. Email montgomerycountydsa@gmail.com. Tenants across Montgomery County are receiving rent increases of 10%, 15%, 20% or more. Canvass an apartment complex in downtown Silver Spring where tenants have received large rent increases and talk to tenants about rent stabilization. County council members will be there. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/rent-stabilization-canvass-2?link_id=15&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-january-6-2023&email_referrer=email_1785618&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-january-13-2023.

11] – Delaware Pacem in Terris [info@depaceminterris.org] thinks you would be interested in the Visionary Peace Youth Art Exhibition on Sun., Jan. 22 from 1 to 2 PM ET at the Wilmington Library, 10 E. 10^th St., Wilmington, DE. Come see these visions of peace from Delaware’s youth! RSVP at https://www.evite.com/event/0070UEQI2CBEYMWTSEPNP6WMKINMAY?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_source=evitelink&utm_medium=sharable_invite.

12] – On Sun., Jan. 22 at 1:30 PM ET, NuclearBan.US will gather in Lafayette Park across from the White House to urge Biden to endorse the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.  In some fashion, the group will deliver a petition to the president calling for him to speak out for the TPNW. And on Mon., Jan.  23 at 9:30 AM ET, the group will go to the congressional buildings to hand out copies of the treaty and the Biden letter, especially to the new members of congress.  If interested, contact Timmon Wallis timmon.wallis@gmail.com.

13] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] will meet on Sun., Jan. 22 at 4 PM ET for the weekly Progressive Town Hall on the Women's March and the Debt Ceiling/Saving Social Safety Net. WE must organize to save vital Social Safety Net Programs. Register at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4.

14] – On Sun., Jan. 22 from 4 to 5 PM ET, vigil at the home of US Attorney General Merrick Garland in Bethesda on Edgemoor Lane, near the fence of Sidwell Friends Lower School calling for the release of Julian Assange.  Contact Martha Allen (marthaleslieallen@gmail.com).

15] – ANTI-NUCLEAR ACTIVISTS TO CELEBRATE BALTIMORE IS A NUCLEAR FREE ZONE on Sun., Jan. 22 at 4:30 PM ET at York Road and Gittings Avenue, Baltimore. The rally will take place by a Baltimore City sign announcing the Nuclear Free Zone. We have selected this day as on January 22, 2021 the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) took place.  This historic treaty was voted on by 122 nations, and eventually became international law which comprehensively bans nuclear weapons in the same manner as biological and chemical weapons.

 We will use the rally as a teaching moment.  Speakers will address various issues, including nuclear free zones, Back from the Brink, the TPNW, a Congressional resolution to support the Treaty, the DOOMSDAY CLOCK and the announcement on January 24 by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists as to how close we are to nuclear midnight, the campaign to remove US nuclear weapons from five countries in Europe, and a Pastoral Letter by the Most Reverend John C. Wester, archbishop of Santa Fe.  The rally has been organized by the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, Baltimore Phil Berrigan Memorial Chapter Veterans for Peace, Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, Maryland Peace Action, Maryland CPUSA & Pax Christi Baltimore.  Call 410-323-1607 or email mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

16] – On Sun., Jan. 22 from 6 to 8 PM ET, Tues., Jan. 24 from 4 to 6 PM, Thurs. Jan. 26 from 5 to 7 PM, and Fri., Jan. 27 from 4 to 6 PM ET, there is a Common Cause organized Election Protection phone bank.  These phone banks will continue until April 2, 2023.  Work together to demand bold changes to our democracy to create a government that represents all of us, not big corporations or special interests. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations. Register for a shift to make calls to recruit poll monitors to support nonpartisan Election Protection efforts in the GA Run-Offs.  Join in to make calls Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and/or Sundays.

17] –The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] is holding its first general meeting of 2023 on Sun., Jan. 22 from 7 to 9 PM ET.  This is an opportunity for members new and old, from all across the chapter, to get together, hear updates on working groups and chapter business, and debate any chapter resolutions that might come up.  This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters. Not a Member? Please consider becoming a Member. Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford: http://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC.  RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/general-body-meeting-january-22-2023?link_id=11&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-january-6-2023&email_referrer=email_1785618&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-january-13-2023#:~:text=This%20event%20is%20open%20to%20both%20DSA%20Members%20and%20supporters.%20Not%20a%20Member%3F%20Please%20consider%20becoming%20a%20Member.%20Fees%20are%20on%20a%20sliding%20scale%20according%20to%20what%20you%20feel%20you%20can%20afford%3A%20http%3A//dsausa.org/join%3Fsource%3DMetro%2520DC

18] –Get with Social Media Best Practices virtually, hosted by The Democratic National Committee on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 PM ET.  Participate on Sun., Jan. 22 and Wed., Jan. 25.  Maximize your impact within your social network and join the social media best practices training. Whether you're just getting started on social media or already have an online presence, this training will provide you with the tools necessary to ensure you are reaching your full potential as an online organizer. Learn the essentials for utilizing platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram for political story telling. Email williamsak@dnc.org to schedule a presentation for your staff/volunteers or with any queries about co-presenting at one or more of these events. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/bluefuture/event/486853/.

19] – 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 Jan. 23, 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 begins at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. The restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.  

20] – The Emergency Election Protection Coalition is happening at 4:30 PM ET on Mon., Jan. 23. Please submit any questions to: Solartopia@gmail.com. Sign up at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYldumtrjIiH9L7_KfcFV1n8ynuO3anTGwp. Progressive Democrats of America are part of the coalition.

21] – The Northern Virginia Democratic Socialists of America [novabranch@mdcdsa.org] on Mon., Jan. 23 from 5 to 7 PM ET is holding a Tenant Organizing Meeting.  A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP. This meeting is for those involved with the Tenant Organizing campaign or who would like to learn more about this work. Get updates on activities, find ways to get you involved, and answer any questions. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/nova-dsa-tenant-organizing-meeting-jan-23rd-6pm?link_id=18&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events-76&email_referrer=email_1789412&email_subject=nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, 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