Thursday, December 7, 2017

Baltimore Activist Alert - December 8, 2017 to May 5, 2018

43] Donate toys for cats and dogs – through Dec. 31
44] Signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty – Dec. 8
45] The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty: Does it have a future? – Dec. 8
46] Peace vigil at White House – Dec. 8
47] WIB peace vigils – Dec. 8
48] American Empire: From Obama to Trump conference – Dec. 8
49] Jerusalem is NOT the Capital of Israel – Dec. 8
50] The Philly Anti-War ‘Reach Out’ – Dec. 8
51] Black Lives Matter vigil – Dec. 8
52] Celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize – Dec. 8
53] THREE-DAY MOVEMENT POLITICS TRAINING – Dec. 8
54] December Potluck at Thrive Baltimore – Dec. 8
55] Ballroom Dancing – Dec. 8
56] The Alternative Seminary – Dec. 9
57] Free Immigration Consults – Dec. 9
58] DC Statehood Green Party 2017 Convention -- Dec. 9
59] West Chester peace vigil – Dec. 9
60] Santa Claus is coming to the Maryland SPCA – Dec. 9
61] Solar Celebration Dec. 9
62] Disband the BPD – Dec. 9
63] OFF Fossil Fuels Volunteer Meeting – Dec. 9
64] Memorial Service for Dean Pappas – Dec. 9
65] Casa Baltimore/Limay ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY – Dec. 9
66] Peace Dinner – Dec. 9
67] Help deliver a Healthcare not Warfare petition – Jan. 11 & 12, 2018
68] Conference on U.S. Foreign Military Bases -- Jan. 12 - Jan. 14
69] Catonsville Nine Commemoration – May 4 – 5
70] JONAH HOUSE NEEDS WORKERS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
71] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records
72] Do you need any book shelves?
73] Join the Global Zero campaign
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43] – Throughout December, the Maryland SPCA is collecting toys for the cats and dogs in its adoption center. The goal is to collect enough toys in one month to entertain the homeless animals in the shelter throughout the coming year by filling its sleigh! You can help by bringing new cat and dog toys and treats to the Maryland SPCA's adoption center, 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore 21211 or Project Adopt in White Marsh Mall, 8200 Perry Hall Blvd, Baltimore 21236. Some of the toys which are needed are kongs, hard rubber chew toys, soft treats, toy mice (without catnip) and small cat balls w/ bells. Providing toys for the animals is more than a nice touch. Having toys and treats in the shelter environment helps socialize animals, reduces stress and improves health. See http://www.mdspca.org/updates/detail/presents-for-pets.

44] – December 8 is the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty by Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev in Washington D.C.. The treaty eliminated nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with intermediate ranges, defined as between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.

45] – On Fri., Dec. 8 from 10 to 11:30 AM, Olga Oliker, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Steven Pifer, Brookings Institution, and Strobe Talbott, Brookings Institution, will discuss "The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty: Does it have a future?" at the Brookings Institution, Saul/Zilkha Room, 1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://connect.brookings.edu/register-to-attend-nuclear-forces-treaty.

46] – On Fri., Dec. 8 from noon to 1 PM, join the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker in a vigil urging the powers that be to abolish war and torture, to disarm all weapons, to end indefinite detention, to close Guantanamo, to establish justice for all and help create the Beloved Community! This vigil will take place at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Contract Art @ artlaffin@hotmail.com or at 202-360-6416. 

47] – On Fri., Dec. 8 from noon to 1 PM, join a Women in Black peace vigil. A vigil will take place in McKeldin Square at the corner of Light and Pratt Sts. Enjoy lunch afterwards.  Bring a brown bag lunch or something to share. Another one is at Roland Park Place, 830 W. 40th St, Baltimore. 21211. Wear black. Dress for who knows what kind of weather. Bring your own poster or help with the "NO WAR IN MY NAME" banner.  When there are others to stand with, you don't need to carry the burden alone. Do this to be in solidarity with others....when everything around us says “Be afraid of the stranger.” Carpool and parking available. Just send an email that you need a ride [mailto:wibbaltimore@peacepath911.org].  Peace signs will be available.

48] – Medea Benjamin, and other international activists and scholars, will lead a discussion on US foreign policy under Obama and Trump! The conference American Empire: From Obama to Trump will sift through the bombardment of empty threats and loaded tweets to identify the core components of Trump’s foreign policy and the most acute danger the US now poses to the world. The conference is co-cosponsored by the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung—New York Office and the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS). It is happening on Fri., Dec. 8 from noon to 5 PM in the Holeman Lounge, National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, WDC 29945. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfT6EKj73O5TmVW29omJJrXPEO_Y2ZZaKlbvihEDkAgzdQRKg/viewform?c=0&w=1. 

49] – On Fri., Dec. 8 from noon to 2:15 PM join a protest: Jerusalem is NOT the Capital of Israel, hosted by American Muslims for Palestine in Lafayette Square, 1608 H St. NW, WDC 20006. The featured guest is Khatib, Sh. Omar Suleiman.  Trump announced his decision to relocate the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and declared it as the capital of Israel. This dangerous move contravenes decades of U.S. foreign policy and will only serve to inflame the situation on the ground. AMP believes that declaring Jerusalem as Israel’s capital threatens not only Palestinians who are being ethnically cleansed, but also U.S. interests, its standing, and any possibility of being an “honest broker” in the Middle East.

50] – The Philly Anti-War ‘Reach Out’ will happen at the SEPTA entrance, 15th & Market Sts., on Fri. Dec. 8 from 4 to 5 PM. End Drone Terror & Endless War. Stop the Drone War Command Center in Horsham, PA. Contact the Brandywine Peace Community at www.brandywinepeace.com or 484-574-1148.

51] – There is usually a silent vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends Meeting, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  The next scheduled vigil is on Dec. 8. Black Lives Matter.  

52] – On Fri., Dec. 8 from 5 to 6:30 PM, Celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize going to ICAN, hosted by the Baltimore Nonviolence Center at Centre and Charles Streets in Baltimore. On December 10th, ICAN, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, will receive the Nobel Peace Prize for their work leading to the United Nations Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons. In July of 2017, 122 nations called for the elimination of all nuclear weapons by adopting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Go to http://www.icanw.org/treaty-on-the-prohibition-of-nuclear-weapons/. On September 20th, the treaty was opened for signatures and ratification. Immediately 53 nations signed and 3 have ratified (including The Holy See). This treaty comes into force 90 days after 50 nations ratify. Contact Max at 410-323-1607or mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

53] – Progressive Maryland is hosting a THREE-DAY MOVEMENT POLITICS TRAINING from Fri., Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 9 PM, Sat., Dec. 9 from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sun., Dec. 10 from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Volunteers will be trained to knock on neighbors’ doors and transform their communities into a force at the polls. Ask candidates tough questions and secure policy commitments. And, crucially, help leaders in the movement transition from community activists to elected office, transforming the political system. The training is for people to help with both issue and electoral campaigns to win victories in 2018 and beyond. RSVP at http://www.progressivemaryland.org/campaicampaign_training_on_transformational_poltics_n_training_on_transformational_poltics?utm_campaign=pmwkmemnov27&utm_medium=email&utm_source=progressivemaryland.

The training will be at the Greenpeace Warehouse, 3133 Pennsy Dr., Hyattsville 20785. Your trainers will be: Alexiss Kurtz, Movement Politics Director, Progressive Maryland, and Brandy Brooks, Leadership Development Organizer, Progressive Maryland. Contact ALEXISS KURTZ at alexiss@progressivemaryland.org or 301-684-6715.

54] – On Fri., Dec. 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Thrive Baltimore presents December Potluck at Thrive Baltimore, 6 E. Lafayette Ave., Baltimore 21202. Enjoy great food and great friends. Bring a vegan dish that can feed at least 6 to 8 people and write down the ingredients for anyone who might have food restrictions or allergies.  Not interested in cooking? No problem. Feel free to bring something store bought food or beverages.  Contact Thrive Baltimore at (443) 863-8652 or info@thrivebaltimore.org.

55] – There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at  8 PM.  Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St.  Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be on Dec. 8. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

56] – Will O’Brien, coordinator of The Alternative Seminary, will do some unique reflections on the “nativity narratives” in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to see how they express core biblical themes of justice and prophetic confrontation with empire. Peace On Earth and the Politics of Christmas will occur on Sat., Dec. 9 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.  A donation of $5 is requested, but no one will be turned away.  In an age of Trumpism, can we liberate Christmas from its cultural captivity and rediscover the truly prophetic story that speaks to the crises of our world today? A light breakfast will be served. The event is co-sponsored by the Brandywine Peace Community, and will take place at Project H.O.M.E., 1515 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia.  Call (215) 842-1790 or email wobrien@alternativeseminary.net.

57] – The Esperanza Center, 430 S. Broadway, is holding Free Immigration Consults on Sat., Dec. 9, beginning at 10 AM, but an appointment is necessary. Contact the Esperanza Center at 667-600-2931 to pre-register.

58] – On Sat., Dec. 9 from 11 AM to 3 PM, participate in the DC Statehood Green Party 2017 Convention at the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 5301 N. Capitol St. NE, WDC 20011.  Go to dcsgp.nationbuilder.com. For decades, DCSGP members have convened from across the city to attend the DC Statehood Green Party (DCSGP) Annual Convention. This December, party members and allies will converge again to move our Party forward into what we anticipate will be an electorally electrifying 2018 campaign season — locally and nationally. The DC Statehood Green Party's 2017 Convention is free and open to the public.

This year's Convention will also feature a special presentation designed to teach concerned citizens more about how DC government works and how they can get involved in local politics.  Together, the DC Statehood Green Party and its non-profit allies are fighting to make our nation's capital a fairer, more sustainable city for all. Send an email to info@dcstatehoodgreen.org or check out https://www.facebook.com/events/1772714523021431/?notif_t=event_calendar_create&notif_id=1510272962360049.

59] – Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. Go to www.ccpeace.org. Email ccpeacemovement@aol.com.

60] – Santa Claus is coming to the Maryland SPCA on Sat., Dec. 9 from 11 AM to 2 PM.  Bring a toy for an animal or a $5 donation, and have your animal's photo taken with Santa! Enjoy holiday music, fire pit, hot beverages and cookies at 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore 21211. Call 410) 235-8826.

61] – You won’t want to miss the Solar Celebration at Atta Boy Brewing Company, 400 Sagner Ave. #400, Frederick 21701, on Sat., Dec. 9 from noon to 2 PM. Join Solar United Neighbors to celebrate. Hear about the new name and vision for the future, and meet new Maryland Program Director Lauren Barchi. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solar-celebration-in-frederick-tickets-39089628130.

62] – On Sat., Dec. 9 at noon, Rally to Disband BPD for Corruption & Civil Rights Violations at BPD HQ,  601 East Fayette St., Baltimore 21202.  Disband the Baltimore Police Department for Corruption & Civil Rights Violations Restitution for the illegal occupation and harassment of Harlem Park. Despite a major report by the Department of Justice following the murder of Freddie Gray, which documents a pattern of police abuses that prove deep systemic racism, no real reform has occurred and now this very troubling shooting of one of their own has taken place.

63] – Food and Water Watch is working to pass legislation for 100% clean, renewable energy in Maryland!  The Legislative Session starts in January, so we need to take action and make sure our legislators know this bill is something Marylanders are ready for & excited about! Go to https://www.offfossilfuels.org/maryland/.  There is an OFF Fossil Fuels Volunteer Meeting on Sat., Dec. 9 from 1 to 2:30 PM at 3121 St. Paul St., Suite 28, Baltimore 21218.  Contact Rianna at (410) 394-7652 or reckel@fwwatch.org.

64] – Come to the memorial service for long-time activist Dean Pappas on Sat., Dec. 9 at 1:30 PM at Friends School, 5114 N. Charles St., Forbush Building auditorium. A reception will follow the service.  Dean was an important support member for the Catonsville Nine.

65] – Casa Baltimore/Limay cordially invites you to its ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY on Sat., Dec. 9 beginning at 5:30 PM.  Dinner will be at 6 PM at the home of John Reuter, 2902 Louise Ave., Baltimore 21214. This is a *fun* raiser as well as a fundraiser for projects in the friendship community, Limay, Nicaragua. Help can be college scholarships, food security for the most vulnerable, medical fund, water projects, and revolving loan development fund.  Bring a potluck dish to share, and lots of holiday love.

Do YOU have talent to share?  Please prepare a song, a poem, a comedy riff, your spoon-rhythm band or your caricature drawings.  Call Barbara at 410-444-1023.  A donation is requested for its projects. From Charles Street, head east on Northern Parkway to Old Harford Road, then turn right (south). Go four blocks, turn left on Louise Avenue. House is on the left.

66] -- On Sat., Dec. 9 at 6:30 PM in the Free School Classroom at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, turn out for a PEACE DINNER, HOSTED BY NATASHA LANE.  The local author offers a chance to come together and remember that there are safe spaces in a world that often feels unsafe for so many! Please bring yourself and your loved ones join Natasha and others for a “family” dinner. Food and drinks can be purchased at discounted prices, and you are encouraged to “pay it forward” so that others may eat even if they have no money. Bring ideas, games, and family traditions to share!! Red Emma’s does not allow outside food or drink, but is happy to accommodate a range of dietary restrictions and price points. Call 443-602-7585.  RSVP at http://www.redemmas.org.

67] – Please note that the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance on Thurs.,  Jan. 11 at 9 AM will deliver a Healthcare not Warfare petition to Captain Mark A. Kobelja, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 4494 North Palmer Road, Bethesda 20889.  And on Fri., Jan. 12 at 10 AM, we will visit the office of Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, 1705 Longworth House Office Building, WDC 20515 to Say No US Support for Saudi Arabia’s Assault on Yemen.  We meet at 9 AM in the Longworth Cafeteria.

Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net to join NCNR on Jan. 11, Jan, 12 or both days.  We are still gathering signatures on our petition?  If wanting to sign, please provide name, hometown and your organization to Max. We will also have a letter to Hoyer to sign.

68] – Attend a Conference on U.S. Foreign Military Bases from Fri., Jan. 12 through Sun., Jan. 14, 2018 at the University of Baltimore, Learning Commons Town Hall, 1415 Maryland Ave., Baltimore 21201, hosted by the Coalition Against U.S. Foreign Military Bases.  Prior to the conference opening on Fri., Jan. 12, there will be a demonstration from 3 to 5 PM at Centre & Charles Sts. in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore.

Thirteen prominent peace and justice organizations in the United States are collectively organizing this conference.  Some of the groups are Black Alliance for Peace, CODEPINK, Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, Popular Resistance, Veterans For Peace, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and World Beyond War.  The conference will feature national and international experts. Several expert panels will discuss the economic, political, environmental and health costs and impact of U.S. foreign military bases in various regions of the world, including South America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The conference will be live streamed for the international audience.  For more information and to register for the conference, go to http://noforeignbases.org/conference-on-u-s-foreign-military-bases/?epl_action=process_cart_action&cart_action=add&event_id=723&_rand=59d50af323702.

69] –   Save the Dates.  The fiftieth anniversary of the Catonsville Nine draft board raid will be commemorated  There will be a CATONSVILLE NINE SYMPOSIUM on FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2018 from 4 to 10 PM at the Shriver Center, University of Maryland – Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Cir, Catonsville, MD 21250. Enjoy Films, Lectures, Discussion Panels and Dramatic Readings.  There will be more CATONSVILLE NINE COMMEMORATION ACTIVITIES on SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Baltimore County Public Library Catonsville Branch, 1100 Frederick Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228.  Enjoy more Films, Lectures, Discussion Panels and Dramatic Readings.  Go to http://www.catonsville9.org/50th-anniversary-commemoration/.

70] – JONAH HOUSE NEEDS WORKERS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

After 44 years of resisting weapons and war, Jonah House is Baltimore is in danger of shutting down. Two of the three core members have announced their intention to leave the community as of May 2018. That leaves one core member, Joe Byrne, who will remain to recruit and re-form intentional community. But if no one steps forward, Jonah House will have to close.

Jonah House was founded by Phil Berrigan, Liz McAlister, and others, in 1973, during the Vietnam War. It was a center of resistance to that war. When the war ended, the focus of resistance became the nuclear arms race. This resistance blossomed into the Plowshares movement. Jonah House members have spent years in jail for Plowshares disarmament actions. Other members have spent years supporting them, and doing the work of the community in their absence. Resistance to weapons and war continues at Jonah House. More recently, Jonah House has also become involved in racial justice efforts in Baltimore, and the environmental justice movement.

Jonah House is planted in the middle of a 22-acre, mostly-wooded cemetery in West Baltimore called St. Peter’s. Maintaining and slowly restoring St. Peter’s Cemetery is the work that pays the bills for the community. Jonah House also uses the property to serve the living as well as honor the dead. Our gardens and orchards feed the Jonah House community, and the surrounding neighborhood community, via a food pantry and weekly food distribution to low-income neighbors. We envision the cemetery—particularly the 11-acre forest patch—as a haven for the people of the neighborhood, international peace activists, and numberless living beings.

Jonah House is also an interfaith spiritual community. We pray or meditate together daily, and our spiritual practice informs and empowers everything we do, whether in the fields or in the streets.

To continue the vision, Jonah House is looking for a few new core members willing to commit to a two-year stint. We are also open to short- and long-term interns (3 months to a year). The work of radical peacemaking, direct service to the poor, and stewarding the land requires workers. We pray that God will send laborers to the vineyard (yes, we have that too) and that Jonah House will continue to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable for another 44 years!  For more information, call 443-804-3410, or email us at engage@jonahhouse.org

71] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

72] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

73] -- Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees.  This is an historic window of opportunity.  With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

“One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan


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