Baltimore Activist Alert -- March 30 - April 2, 2023

50] Abolish the DHS – March 30

51] Help out asylum seekers – March 30

52] Crackdown on Palestine – March 30

53] Death in Custody Reporting Act -- March 30

54] Democracy organizing call – March 30

55] Celebration of Life for Bob Prokop – March 30

56] Election protection phone bank – March 30 & 31 and April 2

57] Lebanon's Darkest Hour – March 30

58] Brady Organizing Team training -- March 30

59] Strengthen Prince George's County schools – March 30

60] "Press Freedom:  The Case of Julian Assange" – March 30  

61] Call Wisconsin voters -- March 30

62] Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si'—March 30

63] Discussion about the Movement and the "Madman" – March 30

64] Freedom to Vote Act -- March 30

65] Victory Team Call – March 30

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50] – Presente.org [info@presente.org] wants you to get involved on Thurs., March 30 at 1 PM ET to Abolish the Department of Homeland Security.  This year marks the 20-year anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a U.S. agency that was supposed to be set up to protect our nation following the September 111, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City. Following the attack, the United States military invaded Iraq on March 19, 2003. Has DHS really protected us over the last two decades? Since DHS was created, conversations on addressing national security have become increasingly divided, leading to an increase in violence, political instability, widening economic disparities, and the spread of harmful narratives about migrant communities in the U.S. and abroad.

 While various Congressional and DHS reports2 have stated that one of the greatest threats to our nation is the violence perpetrated by white supremacists and anti-government groups, DHS continues to spend billions of dollars on implementing policies that inflict harm and violence on migrants and communities of color. Envision a world beyond DHS, where every single person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the color of their skin or their migration status. RSVP at bit.ly/3YTXM74.

51] – Ilana Etkin Greenstein [justice@immcouncil.org] wants you to know that there is a need for pro bono representation of Asylum Seekers in the Aurora, CO immigration court. On Thurs., March 30 at 2 PM ET, get an overview of the law governing asylum, withholding of removal and protection under the Convention against Torture, as well as practical tips on remote and in-person representation. Due to the nature of the volunteer needs, the webinar will be most relevant to attorneys and people who are interested in serving as interpreters or translators; however, everyone who's interested is welcome to attend. Register at https://aila-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sw1vbThARaimh9d-h5Voxg.

52] – Join Jewish Voice for Peace and take action against U.S. complicity in the Israeli government’s brutal crackdown on Palestinians. The next virtual 30-minute gathering is on Thurs., March 30 at 3 PM ET. Come together to learn the latest, take action, and connect with others who share our anger and resolve. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodemuqjgtE9c5t-FTnCig7fbHDwHLWlIN?ceid=237778&emci=c63fd9e6-96cd-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=0bcb50ea-63ce-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811.  Contact JVP at [info@jewishvoiceforpeace.org].

53] – POGO [reply@pogo.org] on Thurs., March 30 at 4 PM ET is holding an important discussion on deaths in custody.  The federal government doesn’t know how many people are dying in its custody, despite a law existing to address this. There are lives behind the number of people who die in custody, and the government owes us an explanation. The Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) is one important piece of that puzzle. Discuss DCRA, the law that mandates the federal government track how many people die in government custody, collect data on the circumstances of their deaths, and study the data to identify ways to reduce the number of deaths that occur in its custody. But that research still has not been produced. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcO2rrz8sEtTJ9fqXYNEunXFwGknESBB0?emci=a1226472-2dc4-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=edf33db4-41c4-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=246313.  Join the discussion between Sarah Turberville, director of the Constitution Project (TCP) at POGO; David Janovsky, policy analyst at POGO; Bree Spencer, senior program manager for Justice Reform at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Humans Rights; and Liyah Brown, director of the Justice Project at the Advancement Project as they explore solutions.

54] – Public Citizen [action@citizen.org] on Thurs., March 30 at 4 PM ET is holding its weekly democracy organizing call. On the call, you will learn of three ways you can make a difference for our democracy: Trump, Wisconsin, and the Freedom to Vote Act.  The indictment of Trump is upcoming.  ‌The critical, nationally-significant Supreme Court election in Wisconsin is on April 4. Make non-partisan voter turnout calls into Wisconsin with Andrea Miller from Center for Common Ground. The Freedom to Vote Act, a milestone piece of democracy legislation, should be introduced in Congress next month. There are plans to organize during Congress’ April recess to support pro-democracy reforms in the Freedom to Vote Act. Sign up for the webinar at https://www.mobilize.us/publiccitizeninitiative/event/548559/?utm_source=PCemail&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=60a0c2a4-d7ac-448b-8173-d3f668a8116f. These calls will continue on Thursdays through April 27.

55] – A Celebration of Life for Bob Prokop, a member of the Philip Berrigan chapter of Baltimore Veterans for Peace, will take place on Thursday, March 30th from 4 to 7 PM at Matthew's 1600 in Catonsville, Maryland. The funeral will be held on Friday, March 31st at 10 AM at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Historic Ellicott City with a reception immediately following.  Bob was a great friend of the people of Ukraine.  Visit https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/robert-bob-prokop-obituary?id=48924787.

56] – On Thurs. March 30 from 5 to 7 PM, Sat., March 31 from 4 to 6 PM and Sun., April 6 from 6 to 8 PM ET, there is a Common Cause organized Election Protection phone bank.    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. 

57] –James Zogby [jzogby@aaiusa.org] thinks you will be interested in the film Enough! Lebanon's Darkest Hour on Wed., March 30 at 5 PM ET.  Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqdemuqTMsH9fM7aNdsn_7V-rZqtJXOzSO?emci=0b9e048a-e3c8-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=9a4ebe4f-ecc8-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=389907#/registration. The film is directed by filmmaker and journalist Daizy Gideon, who leads us on a powerful and personal journey behind the mask of lies and deception and into the heart of Lebanon, deep into the historic and psychological causes behind the erosion and destruction of Lebanon, once a battleground and breeding ground for terrorists and violent militias, and still a focal point of controversy in the tumultuous Middle East. 

58] – On Thurs., March 30 from 5 to 6 PM ET, get with the Brady Organizing Team for a virtual training. Do you need support from Brady’s organizing team? Have new ideas to combat gun violence, but don’t know how to get them off the ground? Every week, a member of the organizing team is here to support your work. Sign up for the shift that works best for your schedule. If you can't find a time that works for you, email rgonzalez@bradyunited.org to schedule time to talk. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/380248/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest.  This will continue on Thursdays through Dec. 21.

59] – The Prince George’s County Executive, Angela D. Alsobrooks, is refusing to let the community into the process of recruitment and hiring of the new PGCPS CEO. All stakeholders deserve a seat at this decision making table. Join in and reach out to the community to raise awareness for this and other very important issues and encourage neighbors to take action to lift up the voice of the community and strengthen Prince George's County schools. This event will take place virtually on Thursdays from 6 to 8 PM ET through April 20. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/554526/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_from_org.

60] – "Press Freedom:  The Case of Julian Assange" is to be discussed in hybrid fashion at the Georgetown Law Center in McDonough Hall 109, 600 New Jersey Ave. NW, WDC, near Union Station, on Thurs., March 30 at 6 PM ET. Law students will show a short clip of "The War on Journalism" and then hear from Marjorie Cohn, former National Lawyers Guild president and Professor Emerita at Thomas Jefferson Law School (San Diego) and CIA whistleblower and co-host of "Political Misfits," John Kiriakou. Register at bit.ly/PRESSfreedom.

61] –  On Thurs., March 30 from 7 to 9 PM ET, Silver Spring Progressive Action is launching a phone bank for a Progressive Wisconsin Supreme Court. Let's strengthen our democracy, starting now in Wisconsin! On April 4, Wisconsin will hold an election to fill a vacancy on their State Supreme Court. The outcome will determine whether the Court has progressive or conservative majority, with implications that could include the Senate and the Presidential elections in 2024 (because the state Supreme Court rules on voting issues). Call Wisconsin Democrats and urge them to vote for the progressive candidate. Instruction provided if needed! Register at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/548489/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_of_type.

62] – The Maurin Academy <maurinacademy@gmail.com> is going to be hosting an online series on Thurs., March 30 from 7 to 8:30 PM ET on Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si'. This will be a two-part series with Dr. Laurie M. Johnson. Register at https://pmaurin.org/.

63] – MAPA [info@masspeaceaction.org] is inviting you to a panel discussion about the documentary the Movement and the "Madman" on Thurs., March 30 at 7 PM ET.  Learn some lessons from the Anti-Vietnam War movement. The film is about the anti-Vietnam war movement and its impact on President Nixon’s war policy. The panel will feature the film’s executive producer, Robert Levering, in dialogue with three Massachusetts activists, who will respond to the film and share their own memories of the Vietnam Moratorium and the antiwar movement. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rdu-spjgsG9RGBTs3M3awbZ8vkjOuqhPY?emci=62deb180-d4cc-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=a81bcc94-e3cc-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=320042#/registration.

64] – Check out the Freedom to Vote Act: Lobby & Messaging Training on Thurs., March 30 from 7:30 to 8:15 PM ET.  This past November, Americans proved how important the movement to protect and defend our democracy is to us and our communities. Allies in Congress have reintroduced The Freedom to Vote Act and now it is our turn to bring as much attention to the process as possible. Learn how to schedule a meeting with your Member of Congress, resources available to you, how to prepare for your meeting, and answer any questions you may have.  Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/554457/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations.

65] – Mike Fox for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to attend a webinar on Thurs., March 30 at 9 PM ET with Chicago Mayoral Candidate Brandon Johnson. This is a Victory Team Call for Chicago Mayor's Race, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and more!  RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpce-tpjMtH9E3Xdl7cIeE4u40T5363fmV. It is important to secure a progressive seat in the vital Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 4.  The key to victory is solidarity!

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