Baltimore Activist Alert -- March 1 - 5, 2023

36] Nuclear Remembrance Day – March 1

37] The invasion of Ukraine – March 1

38] Protest the War on Yemen – March 1

39] Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness -- March 1

40] Defund ICE & Shut down Detention – March 1

41] Safe transportation – March 1

42] Defund NOVA police – March 1

43] Opposing the Militarization of Youth – March 1

44] Get with Social Media Best Practices – March 1 & 5

45] Hold Bad Landlords Accountable – March 1

46] Celebrate Purim in Annapolis – March 2

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36] – March 1 is Nuclear Remembrance Day, the anniversary of the Bravo–Castle nuclear weapons test, the most destructive nuclear test explosion ever carried out in the Pacific. The nuclear explosion, conducted at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands on 1 March 1954, was nearly 1000 times more powerful than the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The radioactive fallout caused – and continues to cause – high level of cancers, miscarriages, birth deformities and other related illnesses throughout the surrounding islands.

37] – Get with One Year Later: Russia's War against Ukraine on Wed., March 1 at 10 AM ET, hosted by the United States Institute of Peace. Register at https://www.usip.org/events/one-year-later-russias-war-against-ukraine. February 24 marks one year since Russia violated the sovereignty of its neighbor and launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As fighting grinds on and the United States and European countries continue to provide military equipment to assist Ukrainians in their fight against Russian aggression, the war’s impacts continue to be felt across the world — from food and energy security to debates over territorial integrity and sovereignty as key foundational principles of the international system. Join in on a conversation with Lise Howard, Peace Scholar, Center for Russia & Europe, U.S. Institute of Peace [USIP], Maria Snegovaya, Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Ambassador Masha Yovanovitch, Senior Advisor, Russia and Europe Center, USIP, and Mary Glantz, moderator, Senior Advisor, Russia and Europe Center, USIP.  

38] – Protest the War on Yemen on Wed., March 1.  March 2023 marks the 8th anniversary of the war on Yemen which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and wreaked havoc on the country. In part as a result of our organizing, for over 10 months Saudi Arabia has not dropped any bombs on Yemen. This could change anytime. United for Peace and Justice is among more than 70 organizations calling on Congress for a permanent end to U.S. complicity in the war and for March 1 protests at Congressional offices to demand that our Representatives immediately pass a War Powers Resolution, stop weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, support the people of Yemen, assemble a Congressional hearing to examine the U.S. role in the war in Yemen, and call on Saudi Arabia and the UAE to lift the blockade and fully open airports and seaports. Read the full list of demands, learn more, and find a demonstration near you at https://every75seconds.org/.

  Baltimore Peace Action will gather at Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger’s office at 375 West Padonia Road in Timonium on March 1 at 11 AM.  There will probably be a demonstration outside and a possible visit to his office. Later that day around 1 PM there will be a gathering at Rep. Kweisi Mfume’s office at 1010 Park Avenue in Baltimore. It seems there will be a demo, a photo op and a possible outside meeting with an Mfume staffer.  Email richardochs10 at Gmail dot com.

39] – The first-ever UN International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is on Wed., March 1.  To mark the first-ever International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, the Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations (UN) and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) will co-host a virtual launch event on March 1 from 11 AM to 12.30 PM EST. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pvzQ3_gSSGOVTvwtletM8w.   The International Day seeks to promote awareness and better understanding of disarmament issues among the public through General Assembly resolution A/RES/77/51. The inaugural event will provide an opportunity for all Member States, the organizations of the UN system, civil society, academia, the media, and individuals to commemorate the International Day as well as highlight the role of disarmament education as a tool for peace and security.

 The ODA is also launching a social media campaign from March 1 to 5. Learn more at https://www.un.org/disarmament/?link_id=12&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-action-for-peace-and-justice&email_referrer=email_1829043&email_subject=act-for-peace-and-justice-now.

40] – The Northern Virginia Democratic Socialists of America [novabranch@mdcdsa.org] is letting us know about a rally on Wed., March 1 at 5:30 PM ET -- Defund ICE & Shut down Detention. Come together as part of a day of action to highlight the harm and violence caused by DHS and the lives lost in ICE custody, and those who continue to be at risk. Go to the ICE Headquarters at 500 12th St. SW, WDC, near the Smithsonian Metro. Email novabranch at mdcdsa.org.

41] – Jed Weeks, Bikemore [jed@bikemore.net] suggests that you may be interested in a hearing about a proposed path extension on 28th Street.  Bicyclists and others are quite concerned about being sure that this path extension will be completed.  Join the Baltimore City Department of Transportation on Wed., March 1 at 6 PM ET for a virtual meeting about extending the Big Jump in the form of a road diet and two-way parking-protected path on 28th Street. Sign up to attend the meeting: https://bmore.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/bmore/meeting/download/0f82e43161034227aa0c207cae6fa9f8?siteurl=bmore&MTID=m523f1ed1b8282b0825a00188edc96524&emci=cd5c4a52-6bb7-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=af891745-85b7-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=9712492.

42] – The Northern Virginia Democratic Socialists of America [novabranch@mdcdsa.org] will be meeting to discuss DEFUNDING NOVA POLICE on Wed., Feb. 22 at 7 PM ET.  To get involved, fill out the interest form to get involved at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEcShQX51IL2Z1sNff7bqiYz68vAtPjUxpTuIrfvAK8iBDqA/viewform?link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events-80&email_referrer=email_1819087&email_subject=nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events.

43] – Opposing the Militarization of Youth will be discussed virtually on Wed., March 1 at 7 PM ET. Military recruitment of high school students has been a tactic of the United States military services for decades. As recruiters have struggled to meet their goals for enlistment, recent reports indicate high school students across the country are being assigned to military classes without their consent. The webinar will examine the increasing militarization of the U.S. and explore methods for interfering in the militarization of youth.

  This webinar will examine the increasing militarization of our entire society and explore methods for interfering in the militarization of youth. Given the gargantuan size of the Pentagon budget, we know that money is not a concern for military recruiters who are resorting to offering “sign on bonuses” to entice young people, in addition to promises of education and improved job prospects after leaving the military. There are two speakers. Rick Jahnkow is a co-founder and board member of the Project on Youth and Non-Military Opportunities (www.projectyano.org), a nonprofit counter-recruitment organization based in San Diego County, California. For 34 years Rick has organized around the issues of military recruiting, high school Jr. ROTC, and the general militarization of K-12 schools.  Gary Ghirardi is the communications staff person for the National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth. He has developed web based projects for the Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft, The Project on Youth and Non-military Opportunities, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, U.S. Section, and War Resisters International in London. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElc-6rrT0tHtKN7pvYakCGxvRsFMGS8SFz.

44] –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 Wed., March 1 and Sun., March 5.  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. Go to https://events.democrats.org/event/486853/.

45] –The AFSC [actioncenter@afsc.org] is hosting “The Millennia Resistance Campaign: Holding Bad Landlords Accountable” on Wed., March 1 at 7 PM ET. Millennia Housing Management is one of many landlords across the U.S. that get federal subsidies to rent to low-income people—even for conditions that are unsafe or unsanitary. For the past year, the Millennia Resistance Campaign has organized to expose Millennia's bad behavior and urge the federal government to hold Millennia accountable. Learn about the campaign and how tenants—no matter who their landlord is—can defend their right to safe housing.   Register at https://afsc.org/events/millennia-resistance-campaign-holding-bad-landlords-accountable?utm_source=weekendreading0225&utm_medium=email&ms=EMA23WR0225&emci=d58b8c43-afb3-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=c3635e80-10b5-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=764241.

46] – Jews United for Justice is celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim by delivering mishloach manot, bags of sweet treats, to elected officials, along with a reminder of our legislative priorities on Thurs., March 2 at 9 AM ET. Sign up at https://jufj.org/event/purim-2023/?emci=e3e466b4-2ab2-ed11-994d-00224832e1ba&emdi=183473b8-46b2-ed11-994d-00224832e1ba&ceid=3403859.  Bake or buy hamantaschen or other supplies or donate money to offset the cost of making it all happen.

  After this delivery, participate in two bill hearings in the afternoon. Purim commemorates the story of Queen Esther, who used her power to help her community during challenging times. Join in person or virtually to support labor justice and court and prison reform legislation that would make our communities more safe, fair, and just!

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

Baltimore Activist Alert -- February 28 - March 5, 2023

28] Trash incineration is an environmental disaster -- Feb. 28

29] Election protection phone bank – Feb. 28 & March 2, 4 and 5

30] Russia out of Ukraine -- Feb. 28

31] “MLK: THE LIFE OF A SERVANT” – Feb. 28

32] Election Protection forum -- Feb. 28

33] Letter to the editor party – Feb. 28

34] Collective Action Training -- Feb. 28

35] Frida Berrigan on her father -- Feb. 28

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28] – The Progressive Maryland Environmental Justice Task Force indicates there is a hearing date for the house & senate bills that would remove trash incineration from the state’s Renewable Portfolio standard program. The Senate Bill 0590 hearing date is scheduled for Feb.28 at 1 PM and House Bill 0718 hearing is scheduled for March 9th at 1 PM ET. Contact SirJames if you would like to write testimony or learn more about these bill measures. sirjames@progressivemaryland.org.

29] – On Tues., Feb. 28 from 4 to 6 PM, Thurs. March 2 from 5 to 7 PM, Sat., March 4 from 4 to 6 PM and Sun., March 5 from 6 to 8 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.

30] – Join the Baltimore Nonviolence Center on Tues., Feb. 28 from 4 to 5 PM ET at 33rd and N. Charles Sts. The invasion of Ukraine has the potential to become a war extending throughout Europe.  Putin has destroyed Aleppo and Grozny and has threatened the use of nuclear weapons.  Russian soldiers were sent into the area around the contaminated and still radioactive Chernobyl nuclear plant. Now they are stationed in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe.   People who believe in peace and justice should come forward and take the risks of peace. The burial sites continue to expose ruthless war crimes by the invaders, Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607.

31] – On Fri., Feb. 28 from 7 to 8 PM ET, join DC photographer, film producer and social justice activist Phil Portlock and his wife Pat Sloan as they present, “MLK: THE LIFE OF A SERVANT,” a 30 -minute film tribute to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 94th year of his birth, and the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington August 28, 2023. On Sunday, March 31, 1968, a young 26-year-old Phil Portlock was in attendance at DC’s National Cathedral to hear Dr. King deliver a sermon entitled, “Remaining Awake through A Great Revolution,” less than a week before his tragic death in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. King's life and tragic death has had an enormous impact on Phil's photography, writing, film production and social justice activism. As we mark the 60th anniversary of the historic march on Washington, when Dr. King spoke to 250, 000 black and white citizens at the Lincoln Memorial and the nation about the inequality faced by millions of black American citizens and his hope to see their lives improved. In early 1965, one of Dr. King’s last and greatest crusades for justice, took place when he and a coalition of religious leaders, social justice organization and voting rights activists, led a successful 54-mile march from Selma, Alabama to the state capitol in Montgomery for Black voting rights. The effort led to the August 6, 1965, signing of the historic Voting Rights Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/548989/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest.

32] – SMART Elections is hosting an #ElectionProtection forum on Tues., Feb. 28 from 7 to 8 PM ET which is a vibrant, revealing forum that encourages dialogue on election security, disability issues, voting rights, and election reform. Discuss the problems with our elections & what's needed to improve them, all considered from perspectives across the political spectrum.  Find out about our upcoming forums: https://smartelections.us/home#51cd7d22-2ef6-4e1f-b155-d531192ee07c.   RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/306187/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual.

33] – Join the Letter to the Editor Party: People over Politics and the Importance of Moore v. Harper, hosted by Common Cause on Tues., Feb. 28 from 8 to 9 PM ET. Join Common Cause and write letters to local media outlets about issues facing our country, from voting rights to ending mass incarceration. Go over tips, and get tools to quickly send a letter to all local news outlets. Sign up https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/418654/?followup_modal_context=newsletter.

34] – Greenpeace USA [info@greenpeaceusa.org] is hosting a Collective Action Training series. On Tues., Feb. 28 at 8 PM ET, join the first installment and learn how to Build Power with Tiana, an inspiring Greenpeace Action Pod Leader based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Activists Nationwide. Register at mobilize.us/greenpeace. Real change only happens when people get organized. Hear from Greenpeace USA Executive Director, Ebony Martin, Global Project Lead, Anusha Narayanan, and Actress / Activist Jane Fonda. Be part of the Earth Day cohort and train, organize, and mobilize for an Earth Day of Action!!  Now is the time to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the earth we inhabit.  Greenpeace USA is hosting a 6-week training series, culminating in a nation-wide collective action around Earth Day.  

35] – Scott Mathern-Jacobson <scottmathernjacobson@gmail.com> is inviting you to 100 Years of Fighting the Lamb’s War: The Life and Legacy of Phil Berrigan on Tues., Feb. 28 at 8 PM ET via Zoom. The cost is a free will offering to the Presentation Prayer Center, 5300 12 St. S., Fargo, ND, 58103: Venmo @PresentationPrayerCenter. RSVP to Scott at presentationprayercenter@gmail.com.

  In this online presentation, Frida Berrigan will remember her late father [1923-2002], a former Catholic priest, author, anti-war and anti-nuclear weapons activist. She will share stories and reflect on the abiding relevance of Phil’s life of steadfast resistance and holy sacrifice.   Frida Berrigan lives in New London, CT, with her husband and three kids. She is a community activist, organizing around affordable home ownership with the regional community land trust, and against the ever stretching shadow of militarism in Southeastern Connecticut. She is the author of many essays on nuclear weapons, militarism, the war on terror, climate catastrophe, and parenting and her byline often appears in publications like tomsdispatch.com and Waging Nonviolence.  She is the author of the 2015 book “It Runs in the family: On Being Raised by Radicals and Growing into Rebellious Motherhood” (OR Books).

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

Baltimore Activist Alert -- February 27 - 28, 2023

21] One Fair Wage – Feb. 27

22] Protecting Black history -- Feb. 27

23] Protect our Homes Day -- Feb. 27

24] Climate Voters Tonight -- Feb. 27

25] Get over to the Supreme Court -- Feb. 27 & 28

26] Support immigrant community -- Feb. 27

27] Impact of the Antiwar Movement on Vietnam War Policy -- Feb. 27

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21] – Hal Ginsberg [hal@ourrevolutionmd.com] needs you at Lobby Days for One Fair Wage on Mon., Feb. 27 at 1 PM ET in the House Economic Matters Committee House Office Building, Room 230 in Annapolis.  Then return to Annapolis on Thurs., March 2 at 1 PM in the Senate Finance Committee, East Miller Senate Building, Room 2.  Tipped Workers Need You!  The tipped wage is a vestige of slavery and perpetuates racism and sexism since the servers and bartenders at lower-cost sit-down restaurants like Denny's and Applebee's are disproportionately women and black or brown.  RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/551569/?link_id=2&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-lobby-for-one-fair-wage-with-our-rev-maryland-2&email_referrer=email_1825287&email_subject=tipped-workers-need-you.

22] – The Trust for Public Land [parkbenchchat@tpl.org] is doing a virtual Park Bench Chat about place-making for Black history on Tues., Feb. 28 at 3 PM ET. There is a greater urgency to protect important sites representing Black history and culture. ͏‌ ͏ ͏Join the Harvard University Division of Continuing Education and Trust for Public Land (TPL) for a conversation about the growing movement to preserve Black history and culture sites across the United States. Register here. https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aEpER1YPSbeg4a0fSdMbZg.

23] – The Maryland Poor People's Campaign (MD PPC) [baltimore@mdpoorpeoplescampaign.org] wants you to get on the bus on Mon., Feb. 27 at 4:30 PM ET.  There is a Housing Crisis in Baltimore, so get on the bus to Annapolis for PROTECT OUR HOMES DAY. Register with Renters United Maryland AND please also let MD PPC know directly that you are going by completing an Events Form at mdppc.org/events.  Folks will assemble a St. Anne’s Parish House, 199 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis 21401, but you can participate by Zoom. All Marylanders deserve safe, stable, affordable housing. As rents and evictions skyrocket, join in to tell our state legislators to take action to protect renters and hold landlords accountable!  Hear from the bill sponsors and from tenants directly impacted by the issues. Also greet legislators on Lawyer's Mall as they enter the State House, and deliver information about campaigns to legislator offices.

24] – EDF Action [takeaction@email.edfaction.org] on Mon., Feb. 27 from 5:45 to 6 PM ET wants you to tune into Climate Voters Tonight. Talk about electing a new climate champion to Congress, investments in public transportation and the EPA’s rule on truck emissions.  RSVP to make sure you tune into the next episode: https://www.mobilize.us/edfaction/event/423495/.  The next episode will happen on Mon., March 13.

25] – Student Debt Alert (via MoveOn) [moveon-help@list.moveon.org] wants you to join the group at the Supreme Court on Mon., Feb. 27 from 6 to 9 PM & Tues., Feb. 28 from 8 AM to noon ET. Show support for debt cancellation!  Last August, President Biden made history when he announced student debt relief for tens of millions of Americans suffering under the crushing weight of student loan debt. But the reaction from right-wing politicians and organizations was swift—they immediately filed numerous lawsuits challenging the legality of the relief program. In the process, the program has been forced to stay paused, denying this critical relief to so many borrowers who are in need. On Feb. 28, the Supreme Court will be hearing oral arguments on the legality of President Biden's student debt relief program.  RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/moveon/event/552114/?source=email.

26] – Join Sojourners on the last Monday of every month. On Feb. 27 at 7 PM ET get together for prayer and action in support of the immigrant community. RSVP at https://act.sojo.net/page/19116/survey/1?ea.url.id=1368511&forwarded=true.  During Immigration Mondays, learn how we can join the efforts of coalitions lead by immigrant people and DACAmented people, coalitions fighting for the rights of undocumented and under-documented communities, including DACA recipients. We re-imagine our immigration system.  Provide your insights and ask questions as we continue to work for justice alongside our immigrant and DACAmented siblings. 

27] – Massachusetts Peace Action [info@masspeaceaction.org] hopes you will attend  the Impact of the Antiwar Movement on Vietnam War Policy on Mon., Feb, 27 at 7:30 PM ET.  On January 27, 1973, the Paris Peace Conference agreed to U.S. withdrawal of all troops and advisors from Vietnam, withdrawal of all foreign troops from Laos and Cambodia, and a ceasefire throughout Vietnam. It was the culmination of a failed US project that cost vast sums of money and millions of lives. For years a vibrant antiwar movement challenged the direction of US policy. Focusing on the Nixon years, Carolyn Eisenberg has drawn upon thousands of declassified documents to illuminate the impact of the antiwar movement on the Nixon Administration. In looking back at the Vietnam experience, do those events have implications for the present?

Eisenberg’s new book Fire and Rain: Nixon, Kissinger, and the Wars in Southeast Asia  is a compelling, meticulous narrative of the way national security decisions formed at the highest levels of government affect the lives of individuals at home and abroad.  The author is a professor of US History and American Foreign Relations at Hofstra University. She is the author of the prize-winning book Drawing the Line: the American Decision to Divide Germany, 1944-49.  She is the co-founder of Brooklyn for Peace and co-legislative coordinator for Historians for Peace and Democracy.  Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuc-Gvpj0oGdY8HFH4XT2YahfC6dlIdgSP?emci=bec73682-ccb2-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=7e2f6a80-1cb5-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=320042.

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

Baltimore Activist Alert – February 26 to March 3, 2023

Baltimore Activist Alert – February 26 to March 3, 2023

"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] Fasting For Jessica Reznicek

9] Petition for Medicare for All – Feb. 26

10] Ethical Considerations for the Black Social Scientist – Feb. 26

11] Vigil to support the people of Ukraine – Feb. 26

12] MoCo DSA meeting – Feb. 26

13] Global Town Hall – Feb. 26

14] Free Assange protest -- Feb. 26

15] Progressive Town Hall – Feb. 26

16] Election Protection phone bank – Feb. 26 & 28, March 2 & 3

17] Social Media Best Practices -- Feb. 26 & March 1  

18] Metro DC DSA meeting -- Feb. 26

19] Protest at the Pentagon – Feb. 27

20] Hearing on the ERA – Feb. 27

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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] – In 2016, Jessica Reznicek took direct action to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Following in the Catholic Worker movement’s long tradition of nonviolent protest, she disabled construction materials and machinery along the pipeline route. She was indicted on nine criminal charges by a federal grand jury, and in 2021 found guilty of “Conspiracy to Damage an Energy Facility.” Federal authorities waited until after the trial to define her actions as “terrorism,” a tag that nearly tripled the sentence attached to her conviction. On June 29, 2021, Jessica was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, and began serving her sentence on August 11 at Wauseca Federal Correctional Institute. In 2022 an appeals court upheld her conviction and continued to describe her as a “domestic terrorist.”

  Her support community is calling for a fast.  During Lent, supporters will spend every Friday fasting for Jessica’s release.  This is a “Black Fast,” the oldest and most severe form of Christian fasting. That’s one simple meal a day with no meat, no milk and no eggs.  And some fasters have promised to pray every day for Jessica with the campaign prayer, a traditional devotion like the rosary, or both.  All Catholics, Christians and people of good will are encouraged to join the call for Jessica to be set free. And they are asking President Joe Biden, a self-described devout Catholic, to defend religious freedom and civil liberties by pardoning Jessica. Visit https://fastingforjessica.com/.

9] – Northern Virginia Democratic Socialists of America [novabranch@mdcdsa.org] will gather on Sun., Feb. 26 from 10 to 11:30 AM at Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market, 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305. Join in to gather petition signatures for Medicare for All.

10] – 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., Feb. 26, the platform is “Ethical Considerations for the Black Social Scientist through the Lens of Black Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Social Justice.” Hear from Dr. Natasha C. Pratt-Harris who will share more than 25 years’ worth of research where she has been situated as a Black female social scientist in a white male dominated field, with white male dominated methodologies and perspectives. She focuses her work on protecting human subjects and holding steadfast to the ideals of a committed social scientist who respects the work of the grassroots community.

  She is an Associate Professor and the immediate past Coordinator of the  Criminal Justice Program and current Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Sociology,  Anthropology, and (Criminology & Criminal Justice) in the College of Liberal Arts at Morgan State University in Baltimore. Email President@BEMOREthical.org for more information.

11] – The Baltimore Nonviolence Center strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The group opposes this war of aggression and the violation of the Budapest Memorandum. Unfortunately, Russian forces have engaged in war crimes, including the targeting of noncombatants. Sadly this war has continued for a year with no end in sight.

  On Sun., Feb. 26 from 1 to 2 PM, there will be a vigil at 2401 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore 21224 in Patterson Park across from St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church.  Show support for the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora, as well as for the brave people of Russia who have condemned the invasion. Regardless of the situation, the Biden administration should remove US nuclear weapons from Europe, and try to engage in negotiations with Russia about nuclear weapons disarmament.  The United Nations must use its influence to convince Russian authorities to withdraw its forces from Ukraine. Contact Max Obuszewski at mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net or 443-761-5899. Visit http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

12] – On Sun., Feb. 26 from 2 to 3:30 PM, get over to the MoCo DSA February Branch Meeting.  RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/february-branch-meeting?link_id=60&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-february-10-2023&email_referrer=email_1820146&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-february-17-2023.  To participate in person, come to the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda 20814. Email montgomerycountydsa@gmail.com. For the in-person component, masks are required inside the meeting.

13] – Metta Spencer [project@tosavetheworld.ca] is inviting you on Sun., Feb. 26 from 2 to 4 PM ET to a Global Town Hall - Project Save the World. Sign up at https://zoom.us/j/9108970203.  On the last Sunday of every month, there is an open meeting on Zoom for activists worldwide who are addressing issues of militarism (especially nuclear weapons), global warming, famine, pandemics, radioactive contamination, and/or cyber risks. Visit https://tosavetheworld.ca.

14] – On Sun., Feb. 26 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] – Alan Minsky for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to join the Progressive Town Hall on Sun., Feb. 26 at 4 PM ET with Alex Lawson of Social Security Works. Alex is one of the leading progressive activists in the country and, perhaps, this generation's most eloquent protector of the Social Security System.   Also, follow up on last week's call about the privatization of Medicare (another subject that Alex Lawson knows thoroughly). Register at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4.

16] – On Sun., Feb. 26 from 6 to 8 PM ET, Tues., Feb. 28 from 4 to 6 PM, Thurs. March. 2 from 5 to 7 PM, and Fri., March 3 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] – 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., Feb. 26 and Wed., March 1.  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. Go to https://events.democrats.org/event/486853/.

18] – There is a Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America General Body Meeting on Sun., Feb. 26 of 7 PM ET. Chapter members come together once monthly. Workgroups, caucuses, committees, and leadership provide key updates on campaigns and other activities. Members may also propose and vote on business. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/general-body-meeting-february-26-2023?link_id=11&can_id=3fcd7916f2ff367c3b859d45270fd1d5&source=email-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events-80&email_referrer=email_1819087&email_subject=nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events.

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 Feb. 27, 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 ERA Coalition [info@eracoalition.org] on Tues., Feb. 28 at 10 AM ET will be at the hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Equal Rights Amendment in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.  Watch the livestream of the committee hearing on the ERA Coalition Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/eracoalition?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=8755b87d-1735-49ff-a369-b88a6a43ac5a and on the YouTube page - https://www.youtube.com/@eracoalition.

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