Sunday, March 3, 2019

Baltimore Activist Alert March 3 – April 11, 2019


Baltimore Activist Alert March 3 – April 11, 2019

"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 BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.  Max Obuszewski 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] Get involved with NCNR   
4] Buy an Anti-War Veteran hat  
5] “Explore & Live Palestine” from July 11 through July 25, 2019
6] Affordable Housing Winter Conference -- Mar. 3 - 5
7] “The Shifting Impact of Global Migration on Baltimore” – Mar. 3
8] Interfaith Perspectives on Environmental Justice and Activism – Mar. 3
9] National Popular Vote Interstate Compact – Mar. 3
10] Homeless Period Campaign -- Mar. 3 – Apr. 11
11] ERA Education Program – Mar. 3
12] Pentagon Protest – Mar. 4
13] Food Rescue – Mar. 4
14] Race and Religion – Mar. 4
15] City Council Monthly Oversight Hearings – Mar. 4
16] ACLU Lobby Night – Mar. 4
17] Books to Prison – Mar. 4
18] Get the Money Out conference call – Mar. 4
19] Fusing national climate action – Mar. 5
20] Peace Vigil – Mar. 5
21] No Drone Research DEMO – Mar. 5
22] Climate Reality DC Meeting – Mar. 5
23] The Sunrise Movement – Mar. 5
24] Current Events in Pakistan – Mar. 5
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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers 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] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR].  It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed.  It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to U.S. wars.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

4] – Get a good-looking black hat which says Anti-War Veteran in the front and Viva House 50th in the back.  The cost is $10. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

5] – If you are 18 to 35, don't miss this unique opportunity to visit Palestine! Registration is Now Open at https://kthps.org/join. For more information, please visit: https://kthps.org/.  Know Thy Heritage, Inc. is offering a Leadership Initiative “Explore & Live Palestine” from July 11 through July 25, 2019.  This is a program of The Arab American Institute.  Visit http://www.aaiusa.org/.

6] – Get over to the Biannual Top Issues in Affordable Housing Winter Conference, hosted by the National Affordable Housing Management Association on Sun., Mar. 3 from 9 AM to 6 PM, and continuing on Mon., Mar. 4 from 8:45 AM to 7:30 PM and continuing for a final day on Tues., Mar 5 from 9 AM to 12”30 PM at 400 N. Columbus St., Suite 203, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tickets are at www.nahma.org. The event features educational panels, networking opportunities, the Industry Awards evening reception and the Communities of Quality (COQ) Awards luncheon. The event concludes with prearranged Capitol Hill meetings with congressional representatives and their staff on Tuesday afternoon. Visit https://www.nahma.org/meetings/.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/405352880238639/?event_time_id=405352890238638.

7] –  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., Mar. 3, the platform address is “The Shifting Impact of Global Migration on Baltimore.”  There are multiple challenges facing refugees, asylum-seekers, and the undocumented in Baltimore at this time. There are rising fears, mental health crises, and retraumatization along with the daily challenge to provide for family, live in a healthy environment, and be safe. Pat Shannon Jones will share some stories and some hard facts about migration, resettlement, and hope in Baltimore today.

Pat Shannon Jones is the Executive director of the Immigration Outreach Service Center (IOSC). Pat has spent the last six plus years working with immigrant families through the IOSC (a 501c3) in the Saint Matthew Church community in Baltimore city. In this role, Pat has served as an advocate for refugees, political asylum seekers, and immigrants (documented and undocumented). She assumed the role of Director in 2013. She has lead the IOSC in the development of new programs and has spent the past year organizing the local immigrant community to build power in the community in order to take action on important issues that affect immigrants in the Baltimore area and the region.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org

8] – On Sun., Mar. 3 from 1 to 3 PM, catch up with Interfaith Perspectives on Environmental Justice and Activism, hosted by Interfaith Power & Light (MD.DC.NoVA) at All Souls Church Unitarian, 1500 Harvard St, NW, WDC 20009.  From the Green New Deal to the recently passed Clean Energy DC Act, climate change is increasingly recognized as an urgent issue. How can people of faith find spiritual motivation to engage in this work? Join the Green Souls group for an interfaith panel on environmental justice and activism. Speakers representing the Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist traditions will discuss these topics through the lens of their faith framework. Panelists will include environmental attorney Ambereen Shaffie, social organizer Robin Lewis from Beloved Community Church, Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb from Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation MD DC VA, and Rev. Rebecca Parker from All Souls. The panel will be moderated by Kristin Barker from One Earth Sangha. Panel attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local environmental and climate justice organizations in Pierce Hall after the panel.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/1239497996200631/.

9] – On Sun., Mar. 3 from 2 to 4 PM, get over to the Panel Discussion on the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, hosted by ACLU of Delaware at Sussex County Council Chambers, 2 the Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.  The League of Women Voters along with the ACLU and Common Cause of Delaware are hosting a panel discussion on the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. This legislation is coming before the Delaware Legislature this session. The US Constitution allows each state to apportion their electoral votes. This legislation if passed will change the way the electoral votes are apportioned in Delaware. A public question and answer session will follow.  Watch the event live streamed via Zoom, and check the event on the LWVSC website at www.sussexlwv.org.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/284148408948230/.

10] – On Sun., Mar. 3 through Thurs., Apr. 11 from 4 to 7 PM, be a part of a Homeless Period Campaign, hosted by Project PLASE, Inc., 1814 Maryland Ave., Baltimore 21201.  Tickets are at www.firstgiving.com. Join @Project PLASE in raising awareness and funds to help homeless individuals and their #homelessperiod.  Make a donation at https://bit.ly/2GRF8rM.  Challenge a friend, organization or group to show their support for the #homelessperiod and to keep the challenge going.  Post into your social media posts to keep the challenge going.

In addition to dealing with the everyday hardships that come with homelessness, people who menstruate have an additional level of hardship each month. With the lack of resources to buy menstrual products, they must choose between spending money on these products, or eating. The #HomelessPeriod Campaign is a fundraiser organized by Project PLASE in accordance with the Why Women Cry Conference. It intends to raise funds to create menstrual hygiene kits that can be given to PLASE clients and homeless people. The kits will be distributed by Project PLASE staff and volunteers. Homelessness brings trauma and health issues into one’s life. We believe menstruation care should not be a secondary choice for people, and that all people deserve equal access to period product. Please join Project PLASE in the #homelessperiod Campaign to provide everyone with equitable menstrual care. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/244516872997983/?event_time_id=244516896331314.

11] – On Sun., Mar. 3 at 4 PM, join The CALL - ERA Education Program, hosted by One Rural Woman at Katrina's Dream, PO Box 32003, WDC 20007.  Get tickets at www.katrinasdream.org.  Help build the groundswell. The collaboration of grassroots organizers, lobbyists, and professionals is dedicated to promoting and educating folks across the United States of America to empowering women around the world.  PASS THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT.

There is a NATIONAL WEEKLY SUNDAY CALL at 4 PM with E.R.A. ADVOCATES -- CALL IN NO: 563.999.2090 CONFERENCE NO: 898879#.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1710130249022424/.

12] – 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 Mar. 4, 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 begin at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. Restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

13] – On Mon., Mar. 4 at noon, there will be a Food Rescue at Land of Kush, 840 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore 21201. Food Rescue Baltimore is honored to partner with The Land of Kush each and every Monday to bring access to free vegan/plant-based food in the community. Bring a bag. Take what you want from noon to 1PM or while supplies last. No purchase is necessary to take advantage of the Food Rescue Baltimore give away. Items from The Land of Kush's menu are not included in the give-away but will be available for sale. See https://www.facebook.com/events/415842178868197/.

14] – On Mon., Mar. 4 from 4 to 6 PM, tune into Race and Religion in the US: Women Writers in Conversation, hosted by the Dresher Center for the Humanities in the Albin O. Kuhn Gallery, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore 21250.  Three award winning writers, poet Samiya Bashir, journalist and author Alia Malek, and fiction writer Susan Muaddi Darraj will perform short excerpts of their work. After the performance, they will join Dr. Mejdulene B. Shomali for a moderated conversation on writing, gender, race, and religion in the U.S.. During the conversation, writers will discuss the useful and dangerous ways racial, ethnic, and religious identities do and do not overlap; how race, gender, and religion inform the writing and reception of their work; and how they use genre and form to navigate cultural expectations for their writing, especially when those expectations are tied to their perceived or real identities.  A book signing and reception will follow the program. If you would like to request accommodations (e.g., ASL interpreters, captioning, wheelchair access, etc.), email us at dreshercenter@umbc.edu.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/313263762609794/.

15] – On Mon., Mar. 4 from 5 to 9 PM, be at the City Council Monthly Oversight Hearings of the Baltimore Police Dept., hosted by Councilperson Eric T. Costello at the Baltimore City Hall, 100 Holliday St., Baltimore 21202.  If you can't make it to City Hall, you may watch on Comcast channel 25 and the hearings will also be streamed live on www.charmtv.tv/watch-live.  These monthly oversight hearings are split into two parts: 1) Budget Oversight (dealing with staffing, recruitment, payroll, and overtime); and 2) Council Stats (dealing with crime statistics and strategies in each of the 9 Police districts).  Last month's hearings are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doK9gWZc6hE&t=0s&index=4&list=PLHAa8zfKf5XNvP6BYSQWBCOtug0_eIlIu and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5NtxrRnouE&list=PLHAa8zfKf5XNvP6BYSQWBCOtug0_eIlIu&index=3&t=0s. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2488496884511023/.

16] – The ACLU needs you, your family members, and your neighbors to make your voices and experiences heard in Annapolis on Lobby Day on Mon., March 4 at 6 PM to protect our civil liberties & support grassroots power. Meet at the Maryland General Assembly - House of Delegates, 6 Bladen St., Prince George's County Delegation Room, Annapolis 21401.  Get updates on legislative priorities and hear from legislative champions in both the house and senate.  Food and outreach materials will be provided. Make an impact in Annapolis on March 4. Email aclu@aclu-md.org or 410-889-8555.

17] – On Mon., Mar. 4 from 6 to 8 PM, volunteer with DC/SLA at DC Books to Prisons at Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St. NW, WDC 20036. DC Books to Prisons is a charity that responds to book requests from inmates in prisons across the U.S. Many prisoners have little access to books and educational material, and this charity provides a service that fills that gap. There are great volunteer opportunities for librarians looking to give back.  "The church has multiple entrances. Use the one on 16th Street that can be reached by going up either steps or a ramp. Ring the doorbell to be let in, go through the lobby to your left, then go downstairs. At the bottom of the stairs, turn left, go to the end of the hall, then turn right. It is the last door on the right after the bathrooms (room B2).  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2185899391725845/.

18] – Join the Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference on Monday, Mar. 4 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM.  Call 605-475-6711, code 1136243#.  Work only on brainstorming ideas for participation in the upcoming General Election.

19] – On Tues., Mar. 5 from 12:30 to 2 PM, get over to hearing Nate Hultman talk about Fusing national climate action to enhance global ambition, hosted by SAIS Energy, Resources & Environment in the Rome Building, 1619 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Room 806, WDC 20036.  A globally sufficient response to climate change will require new models of organization, coalition building, and implementation in which rapid decarbonization at the national level will be rooted in actions initiated by a diverse range of actors. The U.S. provides a window into how the diversification of climate action across actors can drive changes in emissions.

   Hultman is Director of the Center for Global Sustainability and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. He is also a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. From 2014-2016, Hultman worked at the White House on the Obama Administration’s climate and energy policy team.  RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fusing-national-and-subnational-climate-action-to-enhance-global-ambition-tickets-55599078340.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/260221128249618/.

20] –  Each Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the Catholic Peace Fellowship-Philadelphia for peace in Afghanistan and Iraq gathers at the Suburban Station, 16th St. & JFK Blvd., at the entrance to Tracks 3 and 4 on the mezzanine.  The next vigil is Mar. 5.  Call 215-426-0364.

21] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. The next vigil will be on Mar. 5 from 5 to 6 PM. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607. 

22] -- On Tues., Mar. 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, go to the March Climate Reality DC Meeting at 1130 17th St. NW, WDC 20036-4611. Learn about active campaigns and Climate Leadership in DC!

23] -- On Tues., Mar. 5 from 7 to 8:30 PM, there will be a Sunrise Movement Baltimore Hub Meeting, hosted by Sunrise Movement Baltimore at Govans Presbyterian Church, 5828 York Rd., Baltimore 21212. Come to recap February, plan for March, or just learn more about the organization! See https://www.facebook.com/events/296828537657821/.

24] -- On Tues., Mar. 5 from 7:30 to  9:30 PM, catch up with Current Events in Pakistan with Dr. Madiha Afzal, hosted by Sigma Iota Rho at GWU, Room B12, 1957 E St. NW, WDC 20052-0041. Join Sigma Iota Rho, the Organization for Asian Studies and the Sigur Center for Asian Studies in a discussion of US-Pakistan relations and current events in Pakistan with Dr. Madiha Afzal, Visiting Fellow for Foreign Policy, Global Economy and Development at Brookings. Discuss Dr. Afzal's latest book, “Pakistan Under Seige: Extremism, Society and the State.” A small reception will follow. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2241933302717294/.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  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

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