Saturday, May 25, 2019

Baltimore Activist Alert – May 26 – July 25, 2019


Baltimore Activist Alert – May 26 – July 25, 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] Lawyers Against War
6] “Explore & Live Palestine” from July 11 through July 25, 2019
7] SUPPORT AMAZON WORKERS OF CONSCIENCE
8] Shadows and Ashes: The Peril of Nuclear Weapons – through May 31
9] Solidarity Run -- May 26
10] Remembrance Sunday – May 26
11] Forest Bathing -- May 26
12] 2019 Legislative Victory Picnic – May 26
13] On the Call for the NRA – May 26
13] Adoption Event – May 26
14] Benefit Iftar for Refugees – May 26
15] Pentagon Protest – May 27
16] Food Rescue – May 27
17] Food Rescue Pop-Up – May 27
18] DE Citizens Opposed to the Death Penalty – May 27
19] Get the Money Out conference call – May 27
20] Peace Vigil – May 28
21] No Drone Research DEMO – May 28
22] GreenGive Kick Off Party – May 28
23] Southern District: Consent Decree Briefing – May 28
24] No Private Police Organizing & Training – May 28
25] White Supremacy May 28
26] Lines That Divide Us – May 28
27] Baltimore City Budget – May 28
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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] – Jeff Ross, an attorney in Maryland, is interested in gathering with other lawyers to discuss ways in which the legal profession and the law generally can be conceptualized as a peace-building and war-resisting institution and redirected to these ends. Areas to explore might include: 1) ways in which this group could support with legal analysis/writing those lawyers who are representing peace-builders/war-resisters in criminal prosecutions; 2) ways in which, from a more theoretical perspective, the law might be grounded in an ethic of non-violence; and 3) ways in which law students and young lawyers might be exposed to a non-violent vision of the law. All religious, philosophical, and critical perspectives on the law are welcome. The group might want to call itself Lawyers Against War. Jeff can be reached at 443-690-6872 and jross50@hotmail.com.

6] – 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/.

7] -- SUPPORT AMAZON WORKERS OF CONSCIENCE.  We are in a deep struggle to support conscience within the high tech community, which may be the only way to prevent a major leap into artificial intelligence warfare that we see the beginnings of in the expanding global U.S. drone war system.  This may be of particular interest to Johns Hopkins' Navy-funded researchers, some of whom have been working on swarming drone technology.

These are not major asks and can be a powerful reinforcement of conscience at an extremely critical moment.  Please consider circulating this link to your lists encouraging people to sign the linked RootsAction petition - https://www.knowdrones.com/blog/2019/3/6/support-amazon-workers-who-dont-want-to-work-for-war and leafletting Whole Foods in your areas. This is a link to the leaflet -- https://gallery.mailchimp.com/dd110b000ca250d868d4f419b/files/107fc695-8af9-4f7e-a523-ecd1d1dfd28f/Wholefoods_Leaflet.pdf. Should you have interest in circulating the links and possibly leafletting, contact Nick Mottern at  nickmottern at gmail.com.

8] – An important art exhibition continues at the Takoma Park campus of Montgomery College through May 31.  The exhibit is named Shadows and Ashes: The Peril of Nuclear Weapons, and features works by photographer Gary Schoichet; drawings by the child survivors of Hiroshima; ceramic masks by multimedia artist Marion Held; the poetry of John Canaday; and the Program on Science and Global Security at Princeton University  This is a traveling exhibition from Princeton University, sponsored by Montgomery College’s Institute for Race, Justice, and Civic Engagement, Peace Action Montgomery, and Prevent Nuclear War/Maryland, and it will be on view at Montgomery College’s Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. It will be accompanied by various events, including films, lectures, and discussion.

This exhibition of art and science examines the role of nuclear weapons in our society and reflects on their results. By combining artwork and scientific information, it opens conversations on the practical and the philosophical implications of humans’ continued efforts to create and to dismantle nuclear weapons. This multi-faceted exploration of the implications of nuclear weapons includes photographs, drawings, masks, and technical information. Photographer Gary Schoichet provides portraits and reflective comments of Hiroshima survivors, as well as documentary photographs of the historic 1982 Anti-Nuclear Rally in New York City. All Souls Church in Washington, D.C., contributes Hiroshima Children’s Drawings in crayon from 1947 by young survivors. In commemoration of the human catastrophe in Japan, multimedia artist Marion Held has made ceramic masks as a response to her exploration of the site of the bombing at Hiroshima. Related events will be posted throughout the time of the exhibition on the website, www.peaceactionmc.org/. For information on exhibit hours and parking, visit mcblogs/montgomerycollege.edu/cac

9] -- On Sun., May 26 from 9 AM to 11 AM, join a Solidarity Run, hosted by Runners4Justice starting at Khepera's Kitchen, 418 E. 31st St., Baltimore 21218.  Join Runners4Justice for the May running tour to pay tribute to the students, faculty, and community members who came together for the historic JHU Sit-In. This grassroots coalition included Students Against Private Police, Hopkins Coalition Against ICE, Justice for Tyrone West, and other community members who stood in solidarity throughout the month of April. The sit-in ended early in the morning on May 8th when Hopkins' President Ron Daniels called in the BPD to arrest students instead of taking the time to meet with them and address their concerns and demands. But the fight isn't over. After the running tour, you'll have the opportunity to sign the petition organized by Women Against Private Police, calling for the private police bill (SB 793) to be brought to the voters during the next election. If you are a registered voter in the state of Maryland, you can sign on and add your name. Walkers and runners of all paces welcome! All are welcome to stay for brunch and to continue the conversation after the run. See https://www.facebook.com/events/642343746238038/.

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., May 26, the platform address is Remembrance Sunday.  Memorial Day Sunday offers BES members and guests a chance to remember those who have died and celebrate the gifts they gave us. Take solace in the work, ideals, friendship, and love they offered to the world. It gives us inspiration, guidance and strength to make the world a better place.  This year, remember and celebrate Fritz Williams, Leader Emeritus of the Baltimore Ethical Society. It will be an opportunity to appreciate Fritz’s gentle spirit and recognize his years of ethical leadership to the society. During the second part of the program, members and guests are encouraged to acknowledge others who were important in their lives.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org

11] –  On Sun., May 26 from noon to 2 PM, get over to Forest Bathing, hosted by Baltimore Free Farm and Heart & Soil at the Free Farm, 3508 Ash St,, Baltimore 21211. You are invited to join in a forest bathing, or guided nature and forest therapy walk in the gardens of Baltimore Free Farm. All ages are welcome. Ted Martello, Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guide-in-Training, will guide the walk.  Join in and take this opportunity to reconnect with yourself, others and the land.  What is Forest bathing or Nature and Forest Therapy? Meet at Baldwin Street Baltimore Lot, 1524 Baldwin St., Baltimore 21211, known as Heart and Soil Sanctuary. Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early so you'll have time to arrive and make your way to the group.

Human connections with the land have evolved over time. In today’s world, we have seen a disconnect between humans and the land. As a result of this disconnect, the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or “Forest Bathing” was established in Japan in the early 80s to combat many of the chronic diseases, stress and health related issues being faced by the Japanese people. This practice was developed to utilize the various senses to discover the healing powers of nature. In Japan, there are many individuals who serve as forest therapists. Here in the US, the group I'm studying with, the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), has developed a certification program, which trains people worldwide to become nature and forest therapy guides. The concept is that the guides open the doors but it is nature and forests that are actually the therapists.

Research has shown numerous health benefits resulting from the nature and forest therapy practice, such as reduced blood pressure, increased immunity, stress reduction and other health related benefits that are linked to a reduction in chronic disease. In addition, research also reveals increased levels of self-awareness and social engagement and a deeper connection to the land, which increases care and concern for nature and an increased land ethic.  Pre-registration is required. The group limit is 15 people. See https://www.facebook.com/events/2216634471984642/.

12] -- On Sun., May 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, attend a 2019 Legislative Victory Picnic, hosted by the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter at 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd., Annapolis 21403-2700. Tickets are at act.sierraclub.org.  Celebrate our legislative victories and talk about the future! Come celebrate the passage of the ban on single-use foam food containers, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, and more.  This is a family friendly event so feel free to bring children. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/633769087096579/.

13] – On Sun., May 26 from 4 to 5 PM, get on The CALL - ERA Education Program at Katrina's Dream, PO Box 32003, WDC 20007.  Tickets are at www.katrinasdream.org.  Please come each Sunday and 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.

The CALL IN NUMBER is 563.999.2090, the CONFERENCE NO: 898879#.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1710130249022424/?event_time_id=1710130255689090.

14]--   On Sun., May 26 from 7:30 to 9:30 PM, ·Islamic Relief USA is holding a Refugee Relief: Benefit Iftar for Refugees around the World at the Bamian Afghan Cuisine, 5634 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.  Call (703) 820-7880.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/2340935239525383/.

15] – 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 May 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 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. 

16] – On Mon., May 27 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/.

17] –On Mon., May 27 from 3 to 4 PM, there is a Food Rescue Pop-Up at Flourish, 3418 Belair Road, Baltimore 21213-1233.  Bring a bag, and take home healthy, free food! View https://www.facebook.com/events/301851223848295/?event_time_id=301851250514959
This will continue into the future.

18] – On Mon., May 27 at 5:30 PM, DE Citizens Opposed to the Death Penalty, Meeting to deal with the DE General Assembly attempting to reinstating the death penalty, at Wilmington Friends Meeting House, Fourth and West Streets, Wilmington, DE 19801. Go to https://enddeathpenaltyde.org/.

19] – Join the Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference on Mon., May 20 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.

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 May 28.  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 May 28 from 5 to 6 PM. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607. 

22] – On Tues., May 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, get over to a GreenGive Kick Off Party at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis 21401.  Tickets are at app.etapestry.com.  GreenGive will kick off with a party to come and learn about the work of all 10 partners, and to enjoy a lovely evening at Maryland Hall, site of a collaborative project by all the partners. Come prepared to be amazed by the work of your favorite non-profit and some with which you may not be familiar. Take this opportunity to ask questions about the organizations' projects and goals.

Funds raised through the GreenGive will be used by the 10 GreenGive partners to invest in actions that have a tangible impact on local waterways and quality of life. Every dollar raised will be turned into projects and programs that really do make a difference in Anne Arundel County. In a time when federal support and leadership is uncertain at best, the fate of our local environment is in our own hands. You'll be able to donate to the organizations of your choice at the kickoff online or by check. Attendance is free, but please register at the link provided. See https://www.facebook.com/events/677699616349555/.

23] – On Tues., May 28 from 6 to 8 PM, come to the Southern District: Consent Decree Briefing, hosted by Consent Decree Implementation Unit at Cherry Hill Elementary/Middle School 801 Bridgeview Rd., Brooklyn 21225-1413.  Have questions about the Consent Decree? Not really sure what it is or what progress has been made to reform the Baltimore Police Department? Speakers will provide an update on our implementation efforts to date and some of the upcoming changes that will improve responsiveness to the residents we serve.  Questions about the event can be emailed to cdimplementation@baltimorepolice.org.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/460204921185491/.

24] – On Tues., May 28 from 6 to 8 PM, consider No Private Police Organizing & Training, hosted by Richard DeShay Elliott at The Real News Network, 231 Holliday St., Baltimore 21202.  The group needs 24,000 qualified signatures by the END OF MAY to put the Hopkins Private Police Bill on the ballot in Nov. 2020.  Learn more about the Johns Hopkins Private Police bill, SB 793, and the referendum process.  Receive training on canvassing with WAPP and other organizations.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/864242583925835/.

25] – On Tues., May 28 from 7 to 8:30 PM, catch Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow, hosted by US National Archives, WDC 20004.  Tickets are at www.archivesfoundation.org.  In "Stony the Road," Henry Louis Gates, Jr., offers a new rendering of the struggle by African Americans for equality after the Civil War and the violent counter-revolution that subjugated them.  Journalist A’Lelia Bundles will moderate the discussion.  A book signing follows the program. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/2139111573046415/.

26] – Connecting Faith & Justice: Critical Conversations is hosted by the Breath Of God Lutheran Church on Tues., May 28 from 7 to 9 PM at Zion Lutheran Church, 400 E. Lexington St., Baltimore 21202. This is a series of panel discussions and community conversations for community members interested in the intersection of faith & justice. Located in the heart of downtown Baltimore at Zion Lutheran Church, across from City Hall. Parking provided, as well as refreshments. The subject is Lines That Divide Us--Housing, Race, Transit, Safety in the Baltimore region.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/285349435514909/?event_time_id=285349448848241.

27] – On Tues., May 28 from 7 to 8 PM, get over to Baltimore City Budget: What You Need to Know! It is hosted by Kristerfer Burnett at 4115 Frederick Ave.  Are you interested in learning more about the City's budget?  Want to know how your tax dollars are being spent?  Then come on out to the District 8 Community Academy Presentation with the Baltimore City Bureau of the Budget and Management Research for an overview of the budgeting process, details on the Fiscal 2020 budget, and ask any questions you have about how the budget is managed in our city!  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2297554346968926/.

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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