Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert -- May 20 - 21, 2020


38] Virtual Hearing on Harmful Soot Pollution Plan – May 20 - 21
39] Tunnels, Missiles, Reactors May 20
40] Will COVID-19 Exacerbate or Diffuse Conflicts in the Middle East – May 20
41] Food Pantry Pick-up May 20 - 21
42] Domestic Workers and Covid-19 -- May 20
43] “The Tumultuous Decade” – May 20
44] Breaking the Silence – May 20
45] Funeral Procession May 20
46] Brandon Scott for Mayor, Shannon Sneed for City Council President and Bill Henry for Comptroller – May 20
47] Friends have lived out the peace testimony internationally – May 20
48] Help three Green New Deal champions win their upcoming elections May 20
49] Digital Advocacy Training for CCAN activists – May 20
50] Helping the hard-hit Navajo Nation fight COVID-19 – May 20
51] Influence Congress for a just relief & recovery for all May 20
52] "Building the Peace Movement" – May 20
53] People's BlackRock Stakeholders Protest May 21
54] Join Beyond Extreme Energy – May 21
55] KINGIAN NONVIOLENCE  May 21
56] Food Rescue – May 21
57] Challenges and implications of economic reopening May 21
58] New film, "The Story of Plastic” – May 21
59] Toward a Feminist Foreign Policy – May 21
60] COVID-19 and the Constitution May 21
61] "Universal Basic Income" – May 21
62] Live update on AFSC’s pandemic response – May 21
63] Marylanders United Virtual Organizing Meeting – May 21
64] Vote for Bernie in the primary – May 21
65] Phone bank for Mckayla Wilkins – May 21
66] Maryland State Poor People’s Campaign meeting – May 21
67] Climate Chaos in Baltimore -- May 21
68] Shifting from "Security" to "Peace" in Korea – May 21
69] Art and Resistance – May 21
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38] – RSVP to be at the EPA's Virtual Hearing on Harmful Soot Pollution Plan -- Wed., May 20 from 9 AM to 1 PM ET and Thurs., May 21 3 to 7 PM ET. This is organized by the Sierra Club.  Contact Jonathan Levenshus at jonathan.levenshus@sierraclub.org. The Trump administration is back at it again: undermining vital health protections during a global pandemic. On April 14th, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced a plan that ignores the recommendation of his own scientists to lower the national standard for particulate matter, or soot, a deadly air pollutant emitted by power plants, automobiles and factories. Issuing a more protective national limit on harmful soot would save more than 12,000 lives every year. Tell the Trump EPA to stop picking polluters over the public's health, especially during a national public health emergency!

39] – On Wed., May 20 from 9:30 TO 11 AM, participate virtually in Tunnels, Missiles, Reactors — Understanding North Korea’s Role in the Middle East. Despite being nicknamed “the hermit kingdom,” North Korea has been active in distant Middle Eastern theaters for nearly half a century. North Korea has sold and collaborated on military technology, especially missiles and missile parts, with states across the region for decades. North Korea assisted Syria and Libya with their nuclear programs, in particular. The Middle East is a source of much needed revenue for North Korea as well as international allies and partners. This event is sponsored by the Brookings Institution, and members of the group Jung Pak and Robert Einhorn and Amos Yadlin and Sima Shina, Institute for National Security Studies, will speak.  Go to https://www.brookings.edu/events/webinar-tunnels-missiles-reactors-understanding-north-koreas-role-in-the-middle-east/.

40] – On Wed., May 20 from 10 to 11 AM, check out Will COVID-19 Exacerbate or Diffuse Conflicts in the Middle East, hosted by the Atlantic Council.  Hear from Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. Go tohttps://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/will-covid19-exacerbate-or-diffuse-conflicts-in-the-middle-east/.

41] – On Wed., May 20 and Thurs., May 21 from 11 AM to 1 PM, and continuing May 20 and 21, there is a Food Pantry Pick-up at Saint Wenceslaus Roman Catholic Church, 2111 Ashland Ave., Baltimore 21205. The Lucielle Fitzgerald Outreach Center is open to provide food to those in need.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, please come to the handicapped entrance on Duncan St. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/168099294325936/?event_time_id=168099314325934.

42] – You are invited to Nation Conversation with Ai-jen Poo: Domestic Workers and Covid-19 on Wed., May 20 at noon EDT. Ai-jen Poo will speak with Editorial Director and Publisher Katrina vanden Heuvel about the particular challenges domestic care workers are facing in the age of coronavirus and how we can help them. Reserve your spot today for $10. See  https://secure.everyaction.com/mNojajwULkuvvFmMmbEp-Q2?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_campaign=nation-event-poo&sourceid=1061803&ms=EMM051820203A&utm_content=EMM051820203A&utm_term=master_promotions_received_did_not_open.

43] – On Wed., May 20, the Middle East Institute will release Jim Zogby’s new book “The Tumultuous Decade,” a book that brings together a decade of Zogby Research Services (ZRS) of Arab, Turkish, and Iranian public opinion. What follows is a discussion of the background of and themes discussed in “The Tumultuous Decade.”  The second decade of the 21st century began with two traumatic events that would transform the Middle East. In fact, although the seeds had been planted years earlier, 2011 proved to be a watershed year for the people of the region. That year, the United States hastened, as promised, its withdrawal from Iraq, leaving behind a chaotic sectarian minefield ripe for Iranian exploitation. Also, 2011 witnessed the beginnings of what came to be known as the “Arab Spring.”

RSVP to receive Zoom call-in info for the upcoming Coffee and a Column session on Wed., May 20 at 2 PM ET: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwlfuyvrTguH9D6PJjVtKGxXkBU4fAR8czy.

44] – By giving voice to direct, firsthand accounts from Israeli Defense Force soldiers who have been stationed in the Palestinian territory, Breaking the Silence not only exposes the painful day-to-day toll the occupation takes on Palestinians, but the impact it has on Israeli troops and society. On Wed., May 20 and Wed., May 27 hear from Breaking the Silence Co-Founder Yehuda Shaul for two important, interactive J Stream sessions on the occupation and its implications. Occupation 101: The Settlement Enterprise will take place on Wed., May 20 at 2 PM ET. REGISTER HERE: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yh1YDNXDRUiSGjWg2r6NOg.  In the first session, focus on how the Israeli government’s intentions in the West Bank have developed and evolved since 1967, with an emphasis on the strategies, policies and decisions that have led to the fragmented, indefinitely occupied territory we see today.

45] –  Last week, the national death toll from COVID-19 rose to over 90 thousand people, and all signs point to that being a conservative estimate. President Trump’s incompetence and failure to act on behalf of our communities has resulted in the public health emergency of our time.  With social distancing measures in place, we are unable to gather together with family and friends to mourn the loss of loved ones in any traditional way. On Wed., May 20 at 5 PM, join a national funeral for each life lost to COVID-19. In coordination with actions across the country, Center for Popular Democracy will join with MoveOn, SPACES in Action, CASA Maryland, and other allies to bring 200 cars to D.C. for a funeral procession through the streets of Washington, D.C. Do you have a car and want to join the procession? Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN1lDOJyZMQAsewlYC9yPdk5SJizfDVUT9dlanQeWxYgZs8A/viewform?fbclid=IwAR06GdOJk1MXjcW9LGC-ImxMLfauPgg6Zx9jbHGGcmbQkUV-OvI-hA0fNUU.

46] –  Join the Jews United for Justice Baltimore Campaign Fund and three of its endorsed candidates: Brandon Scott for Mayor, Shannon Sneed for City Council President and Bill Henry for Comptroller on Thurs., May 21 from 6 to 7 PM ET.  You will receive call-in instructions via email after you RSVP: https://jufjcampaignfund.org/event/bmore-house/?emci=924e6b85-5196-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&emdi=6a2dd207-ac96-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&ceid=3403859.

47] – You are invited to a virtual conversation with Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, a remarkable South African Friend, peacebuilder, activist, and policymaker. Nozizwe is perhaps the only Quaker and pacifist to have found themselves second-in-command of their country’s defense forces. She has served as deputy speaker of the National Assembly, deputy minister of defense, and deputy minister of health of the Republic of South Africa. Bridget Moix, FCNL’s assistant clerk and the U.S. executive director of Peace Direct, will moderate the talk. Together, Bridget and Nozizwe will discuss how Friends have lived out the peace testimony internationally.  Join in online on May 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM EDT at https://www.fcnl.org/updates/peace-talk-nozizwe-madlala-routledge-and-bridget-moix-2709?utm_campaign=event&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ak&utm_term=12307.152065.O-2TMU. There will be time for questions from the audience. If you have any questions for Nozizwe or Bridget, please submit them using the registration form. Invite a F/friend to join us by forwarding this email or sharing our Facebook event with your network!

48] – Join Sunshine on Wed., May 20 from 4 to 6 PM to help three Green New Deal champions win their upcoming elections.  In order to make a Green New Deal happen, those who are already fighting for these values in the halls of Congress need backup. No experience necessary! You will be trained on how to handle the phone calls -- plus there’ll be a DJ, dancing, and fellow movement leaders there to make this a low-pressure experience with big impact. Sign up here: https://secure.everyaction.com/q6Dx2cOpcUGYJidge0dbSQ2?ms=email-2020-5-18&emci=43e094f8-3399-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&emdi=364b5211-3599-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&ceid=177631.  Joining the phone bank party are the candidates themselves: Jamaal Bowman, Charles Booker, and Andrew Romanoff. Meet these Green New Deal champions and connect with people from New York, Kentucky, and Colorado to let them know they have better options for representation.

49] – Have you heard of "relational organizing?" How about "Slack?" There are lots of ways to stay engaged in the climate fight from home. That's why Chesapeake Climate Action Network is holding a Digital Advocacy Training for CCAN activists on Wed., May 20 from 7 to 8 PM. This training is for people of all levels of tech-savviness. You'll learn about how to use a powerful tool called OutreachCircle and a fun platform called Slack. Build the movement to rebuild the Maryland economy with clean energy and continue fighting dangerous fossil fuel projects, and use these tools to change the narrative and reach out to decision-makers. RSVP at https://act.chesapeakeclimate.org/page/18812/data/1?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=mdce&utm_content=MD-DigitalTraining-0520-c3+B&ea.url.id=476421.

50] – Doctors without Borders announced its first-ever mission to the United States, helping the hard-hit Navajo Nation fight COVID-19. And the governor of South Dakota threatened to sue Sioux leaders in an attempt to remove tribal COVID-19 checkpoints. Tribal governments haven’t received one penny of the $8 billion allocated by the CARES Act. These broken promises are deadly. Listen to Native American and indigenous leaders: how can we fight COVID-19 together? Join a Zoom call on Wed., May 20 at 7 PM ET. One of the speakers will be Rep. Deb Haaland (NM-01, Laguna Pueblo). RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3315877591878/WN_TUIICknbQSeUlgsGqpiL1w?link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-zoom-covid-19-and-native-american-communities-2&email_referrer=email_807279&email_subject=zoom-covid-19-and-native-american-communities.

51] – Right now, Congress is considering legislation that will provide trillions of dollars for COVID-19 relief and economic recovery. If we join together with our progressive allies, we can create a movement with some real power and influence how that money gets spent. Join the Sierra Club’s second training in a 4-week series on how we can join with our allies to influence Congress for a just relief & recovery for all. This training is Wed., May 20 at 8 PM ET. In this training, talk about what it means to be a good partner, how to organize in solidarity and mutuality with organizations and communities near you, and also review how to get involved with your local Sierra Club Chapter. In this training, discuss the Jemez Principles of Democratic Organizing and hear from leaders at other progressive organizations what partnership means to them. Sign up here to get the details: https://sierraclub.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvdOCorD4jE9wD38abA6U4B3OE1D5Ef_pL?promoid=7013q000001agxDAAQ&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sierraclub&utm_campaign=resist&db_token=b6e24884ef874d561f720648fa7f24c728d130c0ee61950ee534052d92e2b46bad2d2286ded8e97bd08adac88591a989&utm_content=covid_stiumulus.

52] – Join a free teach-in on "Building the Peace Movement," sponsors include CODEPINK and World BEYOND War. Some of the speakers are David Swanson, Executive Director of World BEYOND War, Leonardo Flores, Latin America Campaign Coordinator CODEPINK; and Kathy Kelly, Voices for Creative Nonviolence. This is happening on Wed., May 20 from 8 to 10 PM ET. Email David at david@worldbeyondwar.org.  Sign in https://actionnetwork.org/events/building-the-peace-movement-teach-in/?link_id=11&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-wbw-news-action-mapping-militarism-2020&email_referrer=email_806379&email_subject=wbw-news-action-audio-peace-almanac-available.

53] – You are invited to join the People's BlackRock Stakeholders Protest which is happening on Thurs., May 21 at 7:30 AM ET. Join CODEPINK Co-founder Jodie Evans, BlackRock's Big Problem, American Friends Service Committee, Don't Bank on the Bomb, World BEYOND War, Gays Against Guns, Pitzer College Students, MoMA Divest, and others.  Visit https://www.codepink.org/nyc_may_2020_protest_blackrock_stockholders_meeting.

54] – The pressure is building as three Trump-appointed Republican commissioners at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have revealed their agenda: set back renewable energy, actively support fossil fuels, and revert to 20th century reality when it comes to US energy and electricity. Join Beyond Extreme Energy on May 21 at 9:30 AM during FERC’s next monthly public meeting for a COVID-safe, physically distant online action and flood the FERC commissioners with calls, tweets, and online action protesting their destructive decisions.

Over the last month Attorneys General from 11 states and 29 members of Congress have publicly called out FERC.  The Attorneys General, led by Maryland AG Brian Frosh, called upon FERC to “impose an immediate moratorium on approvals of all new and pending applications for natural gas pipelines, LNG export facilities, and related fossil fuel infrastructure projects until the end of the COVID-19 crisis.” FERC chairman Neal Chatterjee rejected them out of hand this week. The members of Congress, led by Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), also called for “a moratorium on the approval and construction of new natural gas pipeline projects and LNG export facilities for the duration of the FEMA-declared emergency.” Unsurprisingly, FERC has done nothing along these lines, just the opposite, as Raskin pointed out: “On April 2nd the Commission issued an order waiving numerous regulatory obligations pertaining to private industry . . . to make it easier for pipeline companies to continue obtaining approvals and initiating pipeline construction during the crisis.”  Sign in at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvf-CspzksEtw25gzrpmVOHDSNZQ9izuN5.

55] – Here is an opportunity from ON EARTH PEACE to participate in an on-line TRAINING for activists, organizers and practitioners about KINGIAN NONVIOLENCE on Thurs., May 21 from noon to 1:30 PM. You can register using this link: https://www.onearthpeace.org/knv_indignation_into_action?utm_campaign=knv_indignation_into_action&utm_medium=email&utm_source=oep.

56] – On Thurs., May 21 from noon to 1 PM, get over to Food Rescue at Pratt Library Orleans Street, 1303 Orleans St., Baltimore 21231.  Food Rescue Baltimore partners with Baltimore’s esteemed Enoch Pratt Free Library. Come to the library, bring a bag, and take home delicious free food. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/520045111963240/?event_time_id=520045138629904.

57] - As the United States and the world move toward reopening, how do we best balance public health and safety imperatives with economic interests and civil liberties? On Thurs., May 21 at noon EDT, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) will host a conversation on the challenges and implications of economic reopening, as part of our ongoing series examining the COVID-19 pandemic through a health and human rights lens. The conversation will be moderated by Jennifer Leaning, MD, SMH, professor of the practice of health and human rights at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Featured panelists will be Ashish Jha, MD, MPH, the K.T. Li Professor of Global Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and director of the Harvard Global Health Institute; and Martin McKee, MD, DSc, professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and research director of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Register at  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XJa6WPlvRvy_T2KbK4sJHg?utm_campaign=498109_FY20%20May%20COVID-19%20Webinar%20Invitation%2010%2C%20Email%201&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Physicians%20for%20Human%20Rights&dm_i=4GV7,AOCD,1TO2EP,144CV,1.  Submit questions for consideration at webinar@phr.org. Pre-registration for this call is required.

58] – Our oceans face a plastics crisis. The equivalent of roughly a garbage truck’s worth of plastic enters our oceans every minute. You’ve seen the result: Dolphins, whales and other marine life killed by ingesting plastic debris or being entangled in it.  Oceana is co-sponsoring a virtual event with Trash Free Maryland to help educate the public on the harmful effects that plastic has on our ocean and encourage our legislature to take action. The Story of Stuff Project's new film, "The Story of Plastic” is a seething exposé uncovering the ugly truth behind the current global plastic pollution crisis.  See “The Story of Plastic,” a special film screening on Thurs., May 21 from 2 to 4:30 PM ET. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-story-of-plastic-virtual-film-screening-tickets-103971385212.

59] – On Thurs., May 21 at 2 PM, hear from many speakers about Toward a Feminist Foreign Policy in the United States, hosted by New America. See https://newamerica.zoom.us/webinar/register/5715882692285/WN_mxMXTgz7RbqFbPtd-mr_uw?emci=cd6171d6-9293-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&emdi=a8abb7b3-9393-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&ceid=3730638.

60] – COVID-19 and the Constitution: How to Protect Our Civil Liberties will be discussed by experts at The Constitution Project.  COVID-19 has created risks for civil liberties.  What should we be paying attention to, and what are the safeguards the government must put in place to protect your rights. Tune in Thurs., May 21 from 3:30 to 4:30 PM ET. Register at https://www.crowdcast.io/e/covid-19-and-the/register?emci=b0e84183-8294-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&emdi=c3e9ff10-9794-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&ceid=105470.

61] – From proposals in the Democratic presidential primary to the economic stimulus checks that were part of the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been significant conversation in recent months about the benefits of direct cash payments to help ensure families can afford the basics. One form of direct assistance is often referred to as "universal basic income" or "guaranteed income."  Attend a webinar with experts for a conversation about existing universal basic income program models and how Maryland could explore implementing some form of direct cash assistance statewide on Thurs., May 21 at 4 PM ET.  Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PAC4srI2RsyoQI_auVmNoA?fbclid=IwAR1jFLPwaUL9iWr_3piRmSvp3FKuTL-GR6Pml3MCppGclIgIxgbon4xvK3s.

62] -- At AFSC, volunteers are staffing phone lines to help neighbors protect themselves from eviction. Activists are making their voices heard using technology and car caravans. Join a special call via Facebook Live on Thurs., May 21 at 4 PM ET so that we can share a live update on AFSC’s pandemic response. General Secretary Joyce Ajlouny will be joined by Associate General Secretary for International Programs Kerri Kennedy and New Mexico Program Director Sayrah Namaste. RSVP at afsc.org/FBLive.

63] -- Attend a Marylanders United Virtual Organizing Meeting on Thurs., May 21 from 5:30 to 7 PM ET.  Get with this Zoom Conference at https://secure.everyaction.com/6ZP8WLWFpE2UiYvmleL3YA2.

64] –On Thurs., May 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, call Our Revolution supporters in the Baltimore area to Ask them to pledge to vote for Bernie and help elect progressives in the June 2 primary.  And call to help grow chapter. Visit https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/255566/?link_id=5&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-support-our-candidates&email_referrer=email_806787&email_subject=support-our-candidates.

65] – About this event on Thurs., May 21 from 7 to 8:30 PM, phone bank for Our Revolution Maryland endorsed candidate Mckayla Wilkes who is challenging corporatist Steny Hoyer in the Democratic primary. Sign up and you will be sent all the details to phonebank: https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/271200/?link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-support-our-candidates&email_referrer=email_806787&email_subject=support-our-candidates.

66] – The Maryland State Poor People’s Campaign is having a virtual meeting on Thurs., May 21 at 7 PM.  The topic of discussion is COVID-19 Impact & Response. Join Via Video: https://zoom.us/j/4439876636 or Join Via Audio: 1-312-626-6799 PIN: 4439876636#. Email baltimore@mdpoorpeoplescampaign.org.

67] – Join SUNRISE for a discussion on Thurs., May 21 at 8 PM with Ron Cassie of Baltimore Magazine who will be discussing his article about the impact of climate change on Baltimore. It’ll be a live interview streamed online. Climate change is already hurting Baltimore’s aging infrastructure and public health. Tim Sandoval of the Sunrise Movement Baltimore talks with Cassie about his article “Hell and High Water.” It is here https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/community/climate-change-wreaking-havoc-baltimore-infrastructure-public-health.  Watch the Facebook livestream here on this page: https://www.facebook.com/events/274483516921597/.

68] – On Thurs., May 21 at 8 PM, look at Shifting from "Security" to "Peace" in Korea, organized by Women Cross DMZ and others including Korea Peace Now!  Han S. Park, University of Georgia will be the speaker. Visit https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ryLpAq9NRA2_kDS5pf8UKA.

69] -- The Women’s March is bringing together leading artists in their disciplines for a live discussion about creating art as a form of resistance, especially during COVID-19.  The live webinar, Art & Resistance in the Era of COVID-19, is happening on Thurs., May 21 at 8 PM ET. RSVP now to reserve your spot: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Wvr57z7oQuG-nF_f28pNDg?link_id=3&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-save-the-date-thursdays-all-star-panelists&email_referrer=email_808331&email_subject=thursday-art-resistance-in-the-era-of-covid-19.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, 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

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