Saturday, September 16, 2017

Baltimore Activist Alert September 17 – 19, 2017

Baltimore Activist Alert September 17 – 19, 2017

"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] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  
4] Two friends are looking to buy a house in Baltimore
5] Peace Week Delaware – Sept. 17
6] Peace Flotilla – Sept. 17
7] Diversity in Art – Sept. 17
8] Mass Incarceration canvas – Sept. 17
9] Protest at the Pentagon – Sept. 18
10] Cooperative Threat Reduction – Sept. 18 - 19
11] Rally for Kurdish Independence – Sept. 18
12] US-Taiwan Relations – Sept. 18
13] Baltimore SURJ Meeting -- Sept. 18
14] Know Your Rights presentation by the ACLU – Sept. 18
15] National Briefing Call on the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty– Sept. 18
16] Sanctuary meeting – Sept. 19
17] Education in D.C. charter schools -- Sept. 19
17] Dismantle the New Jim Crow meeting -- Sept. 19
18] Peace vigil – Sept. 19
19] Protest drone research – Sept. 19
20] FCNL workshop – Sept. 19
21] Zoning Rewrite presentation – Sept. 19
22] Medicare for All – Sept. 19
23] Book talk on Sex Workers – Sept. 19
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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 the war in Iraq.

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

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe.  It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing.  To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to ncnrnotices-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You will get a confirmation message once subscribed.  If you have problems, please write to the list manager at ncnrnotices-admin@lists.riseup.net.

4] – Janice and Max are looking to buy a house in Baltimore.  Let Max know if you have any leads—410-323-1607 or mobuszewski 2001 at comcast dot net.

5] – Starting Sun., Sept. 17 through Sun., Sept. 24, get involved in Peace Week Delaware. The OPENING Ceremony, a Pacem Youth Peace Art Exhibition, will be at The Delaware Contemporary. Meet the artists. Go to http://depaceminterris.org/project/youth-peace-art/.  On Tues., Sept. 19 at 7 PM as part of the Pacem in Terris 100 Years of Peace and Justice Speaker Series, Bill Frelick, director, Refugee Rights Program at Human Rights Watch, speaks on Humanitarian Rights for All at Wilmington Friends Meetinghouse, 401 N. West St., Wilmington. This is part of Peace Week DE. Go to http://www.peaceweekdelaware.org/.

6] – Join the flotilla for environment & peace in front of the Pentagon on Sun., Sept. 17 at 10 AM, one week before the #NoWar2017: War and the Environment conference, World Beyond War will work with the Backbone Campaign and other allies to organize a flotilla for the environment and peace, bringing kayaktivism to Washington, D.C. Pentagon war making is a leading cause of world-wide environmental degradation — and of pollution of the Potomac River.  The kayaking will conclude at 2 PM.  The Pentagon Lagoon is right in front of the Pentagon at Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington, VA 22202.  Go to https://actionnetwork.org/events/join-the-flotilla-for-environment-peace-in-front-of-the-pentagon.

7] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore 21201-4661, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion from 10:30 AM to noon.  On Sun., Sept. 10, the Sunday Platform is “Finding A Better Balance: Diversity in the Arts” by Nate VashtiBlue Couser.  His discussion points are Defining Diversity, the Dividing Starts with the Education System, Creating Resources That Seek to Bridge Our Community Instead Of Dividing It, Spotlight What Is Working and Strengthen What Isn’t, Eliminating The Road Blocks Artists Of Color Face As They Create and Power Struggle /Defining What Is Good Art. Nate VashtiBlue Couser was raised in Baltimore City. He was educated in both the Baltimore City and Private school system. He went to Coppin State University and majored in Urban Arts and Production, with a concentration in Acting. Nate has worked in various sections of the arts. He is an Actor, Director, Radio Personality, Jewelry Designer, Teaching Artist and Curator. His mission is to build a stronger and more diverse arts community in Baltimore City. Ten years ago, Nate created ‘The Artist Exchange’ as a networking tool for his fellow Urban Arts majors at Coppin State Univ. Over the years, as he has grown as an artist, the group has also grown to over 4000 active members from all over the world. The mission of The Artist Exchange, like Nate’s personal mission, is to create opportunities and platforms for artists of all cultures and backgrounds. This group focus is to build sustainable life long careers for artists. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

8] – On Sun., Sept. 17 from 3 to 7 PM, Progressive Prince George’s will conduct Canvass on Mass Incarceration at 406 71st Ave. Capitol Heights, MD. 20743. Contact Krystal Oriadha at krystal.oriadha@yahoo.com.

9] – 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 Sept. 18, 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.

10] – On Mon., Sept. 18 and Tues., Sept. 19, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Committee on International Security and Arms Control (CISAC) is hosting "Symposium to Update Cooperative Threat Reduction for the Next Ten Years and Beyond" at the NAS Keck Center, 500 5th St. NW, WDC. RSVP to Committee on International Security and Arms Control at cisac@nas.edu.

11] – There is a Rally for Kurdistan's Independence Referendum on Sun., Sept. 17 at 1 PM at 2050 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20006. Join the Kurdistani diaspora and friends of Kurdistan at the Washington Monument on the National Mall to show your support for the September 25th referendum on independence. Come celebrate Kurdistan’s exercise of self-determination with live Kurdish music and dancing. Bring your Kurdistan flag! Please do not bring flags of political parties or images. Click here to sign up to volunteer - http://bit.ly/DCrallyvolunteer.

12] – You are invited to a discussion The Impact of the Trump Administration on US-Taiwan Relations on Mon., Sept. 18 from 2 to 3:30 PM at The Stimson Center, 1211 Connecticut Ave. NW, 8th Floor, WDC 20036.  This is an on the record seminar on the Trump administration’s impact on U.S.-Taiwan relations in the context of “America First” policies. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdleAyolOVN3q-gxSUSfhNnwobkNIa4hatSqfnJFvRtGBfESg/viewform.

During the election campaign and in his inaugural address, Donald Trump declared that he would make American interests and national security the top priorities in all foreign policy decisions. While some Americans expressed dismay at such statements, the new president’s comments align with the view of some international relations scholars that all states care only about their own self-interests and their survival in an anarchical world. It is within this context that Dr. Hung-jen Wang of National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan will assess the potential impact of Trump administration policies on future U.S.-Taiwan relations, taking into account the critical factor of evolving U.S.-China relations.

13] – On Mon., Sept. 18 at 6:30 PM, Baltimore SURJ is holding  a Legislative Meeting at 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore.  The Baltimore Showing Up for Racial Justice Legislative team is going to be meeting on the 3rd Monday of every month. Upcoming initiatives may include the DREAM act, water affordability, transit equity, mandatory minimums, education funding, and the monitoring process for the consent decree. There is a need for volunteers who are willing to closely follow one of these issues. Also needed is help building a database to contact people by legislative district--an extremely important function. Work in conjunction with SURJ chapters from other parts of the state in order to impact different legislators. Everyone is welcome regardless of your level of experience with the legislative process. We are all learning and making the path as we walk! Email sandyrobson@gmail.com.

14] Babcock Presbyterian Church, 8420 Loch Raven Blvd., is hosting a Know Your Rights presentation by the ACLU of Maryland on Mon., Sept. 18 at 6:30 PM. Call 410-323-8564.

15] -- There is an United For Peace and Justice National Briefing Call on the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty on Mon., Sept. 18 at 8:30 PM ED.  RSVP at http://www.unitedforpeace.org/2017/09/12/national-briefing-call-nuclear-weapons-ban-treaty/?source=direct_link&.  The presenters are Dr. John Burroughs, Executive Director of the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy in New York City, and Jackie Cabasso, Executive Director of Western States Legal Foundation.

On July 7, 2017, at the United Nations, the majority of the world’s countries adopted a historic treaty to prohibit the possession, development, testing, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons. The vote, by 122 to 1, unambiguously demonstrates that most of the world has indeed come to its senses regarding nuclear weapons. The treaty opens for signature on September 20 at United Nations headquarters in New York, during the High-Level Segment of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, where heads of state, foreign ministers and other representatives of governments are expected to publicly sign the treaty. Fifty countries must sign and ratify the treaty for it to enter into force.

16] – The next meeting of the Sanctuary Coalition of Central Maryland is on Tues., Sept. 19 from noon to 2 PM in St. Matthew Church hall, 5403 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore 21239. Call 410-323-8564.

17] – Nationally, educators and activists have begun to renew and strengthen conversations about school diversity and desegregation. Prior to the end of his tenure, the US Department of Education under Secretary John King pushed both grants and legislation that would have funded and supported local efforts to create and sustain diverse schools. But like most of the United States, Washington, D.C. still has highly segregated schools, with nearly 71 percent of black public school students attending schools that are either over 99 percent minority students or are entirely non-white. With over 40 percent of D.C.’s student population attending public charter schools, charters are both an important part of the district’s educational landscape and a critical aspect in maintaining or dismantling school segregation.

On Tues., Sept. 19 from 4 to 6 PM at The Whittemore House, 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW, WDC 20036, The Century Foundation and Learn Together, Live Together invite you to come hear D.C.’s education, civil rights, and charter school leaders discuss what role charter schools should play in promoting diversity. Should Charter Schools Help Integrate Washington, D.C.? This event is part of The Century Foundation’s Think. Drink. Mingle series, which brings together leading experts and advocates from various backgrounds to discuss our nation’s most pressing public policy issues. From expanding opportunity at home to strengthening democracy abroad, these events seek to foster the dialogue, diversity, and collaboration that is essential to achieving progressive change. Go to www.tcf.org/events.

18] –  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 Sept. 19.  Call 215-426-0364.

19] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. join this ongoing vigil on Sept. 19 from 5  to 6 PM. Call Max at 410-323-1607. 

20] – You're invited to a workshop with the Friends Committee on National Legislation to learn critical advocacy skills and meet a community of advocates ready to stand alongside you for peace and justice. The Annapolis Advocacy Workshop is on Tues., Sept. 19 from 5:30 to 9 PM at 333 Dubois Rd., Annapolis.  There is a light meal at 5:30 PM.  RSVP at https://act.fcnl.org/event/advocacy-teams/151/signup/?t=13&utm_campaign=event&utm_source=ak&utm_medium=email&akid=7478%2E148132%2EI4zdMq. On Tues., Sept. 12 at 6:30 PM, attend the Baltimore County Green Party General Meeting at the Towson Branch Library.  Mobilize and continue to gain momentum. Members of the Baltimore County Green Local will make critical decisions regarding endorsements of candidates, leadership, events, and actions to promote racial, economic, and ecological justice and peace in Baltimore County, Maryland, nationally and internationally. Childcare is provided.

21] – On Tues., Sept. 19, there is a Zoning Rewrite presentation at 6:30 PM at Colmar Manor Town Hall & Community Center, 3701 Lawrence Street, Colmar Manor, MD. This is an open meeting of the Port Towns Community Development Corporation to hear about and discuss the Prince George’s County Zoning Rewrite progress. The MNCCPC staffers Brittney Drakeford and Chad Williams will present how the changes might affect the 47th district and in the Port Towns area. RSVP at denisehamler@gmail.com.  Enjoy light refreshments at 6:30 PM, and at 7 PM hear the presentation. 

22] – On Tues., Sept. 19 from 7 from 9 PM, Progressive Maryland, along with the NAACP, 1199 SEIU, and Maryland Healthcare for All are sponsoring a Public Forum on Medicaid at the Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring 20910Join MD CD 8 Representative Jamie Raskin and Director of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Uma Ahluwalia at this forum! RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtCWZ5Vqf-3vsTvWM9L1BnO12glzCqv0KBFUZkVSZfpUeHWA/viewform.

23] – On Tues., Sept. 19 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, hear about CHALLENGING PERSPECTIVES ON STREET-BASED SEX WORK WITH KATIE HAIL-JARES.  Hail-Jares is the editor of the recently released "Challenging Perspectives on Street-Based Sex Work." As a student, Katie spent six years volunteering with the mobile syringe exchange and harm reduction service, HIPS, in Washington, DC. Those experiences inspired her bring together researchers, sex workers, and others whose lives are involved in the policing and regulation of sexual exchange in conversation on the gap between academia and reality. At Red Emma's, Katie will talk about her experiences getting the volume published, challenges she faced along the way, and her own research into how gentrifiers respond to sex work, and what to do to improve those relationships.

Challenging Perspectives on Street-Based Sex Work is a new volume from Temple University Press. The volume brings sex workers, public defenders, police and researchers together  to challenge the normal research topics on sex work and instead discuss topics such as media representation of SBSW during an age of anti-trafficking, motherhood and abortion, international aid, trans rights, gentrification, and the legality of solicitation statutes. Call 443-602-7585.  RSVP at http://www.redemmas.org.

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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