[WestMALocals] Fwd: [rsumass] [Solidarity Calendar] May 30-January
12
Owen Broadhurst
owen.broadhurst at gmail.com
Tue May 30 06:39:12 EDT 2006
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: WMass Jobs With Justice <wmjwj at wmjwj.org>
Date: May 29, 2006 9:32 PM
Subject: [rsumass] [Solidarity Calendar] May 30-January 12
To: WMass Jobs With Justice wmjwj at wmjwj.org
Western Mass. Solidarity Calendar May 30-January 12
A calendar of opportunities to strengthen labor-community-student-religious
solidarity, posted by members and allies of the WMass chapter of Jobs with
Justice, a national campaign for Workers' Rights. Members of Jobs with
Justice pledge "I'll Be There" at least 5 times a year for someone else's
struggle.
Take the JwJ Pledge: www.jwj.org/AboutJWJ/Pledge.htm.
Inclusion does not necessarily mean JwJ endorsement. To subscribe:
mailto:wmjwj at wmjwj.org with "subscribe" in the subject field. To
unsubscribe: mailto:wmjwj at wmjwj.org with "unsubscribe" in the subject field.
This posting has two parts: {"I'LL BE THERE" ~ URGENT ACTIONS ~
WMJWJ EVENTS} and {THE CALENDAR}.
{{{{ "I'LL BE THERE" ~ URGENT ACTIONS ~ WMJWJ EVENTS }}}}
GUARANTEE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL
Please call your state Senator and state Representative today and
ask them to make sure the Health Care Constitutional Amendment (HCCA) comes
up for a vote at the Constitutional Convention, now scheduled for July 12.
And ask them to vote "YES". By taking 5 minutes to make those calls, you'll
be acting on what all of us believe - that every Massachusetts resident
should be able to get the same high quality of care regardless of their
ability to pay. Please call right now. Ask your legislators to bring the
Health Care Amendment up for a vote so you'll get a chance to vote on it
this November.
Not sure who your legislators are? Click here:
www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php.
For more about the HCCA, go to: www.healthcareformass.org/. Info:
Diane Scherrer RN, 584-4607, mailto:dscherrer at mnarn.org.
Thursday June 1
WMASS JOBS WITH JUSTICE WORKERS RIGHTS BOARD COMMITTEE
3:30-5pm, Pioneer Valley CLC, 640 Page Blvd, Springfield. This
committee supports the Workers Rights Board and is planning a WRB Hearing.
Want to help? Info: Irene Kimball, mailto:kimball69 at charter.net.
Saturday June 24
WESTERN MASS SINGLE PAYER NETWORK
9-11:30am, Lathrop Meeting Room, Shallow Brook Dr, off Bridge Rd,
Northampton. The new universal, single-payer, health care advocacy group,
Western Mass Single Payer Network (WMSPN), needs your ideas and your voice
to reverse the downward spiral of financial and personal disasters caused by
the national health care crisis. Info: Kathleen Bridgewater,
mailto:bridgewater at erving.com.
{{{{ THE CALENDAR }}}}
{And check out the calendar at
www.westernmassafsc.org/calendar/calendar.html.}
POSTPONED (originally Tuesday May 30)
LAW & PSYCHIATRY TRAINING SERIES
Info: 582-9948, mailto:aly01 at hampshire.edu, www.freedom-center.org.
Tuesday May 30
VOICES FROM INSIDE - "WOMEN WRITING IN PRISON"
7pm, Food For Thought Books, non-profit workers' co-op, 106 N
Pleasant St, Amherst (253-5432, mailto:info at foodforthoughtbooks.com,
www.foodforthoughtbooks.com). Voices from Inside has published its first
anthology, "Women Writing in Prison", edited by Jacqueline Sheehan. VFI is a
WMass group which facilitates writing workshops with incarcerated women,
encouraging them to write their stories in their own unique voices. The
anthology offers a selection of poetry and prose by 95 women prisoners. This
new volume reaches out to the larger community, promoting a deeper
understanding of the human costs of incarceration. All profits from the sale
of "Women Writing in Prison" support Voices from Inside's writing groups for
incarcerated women. Co-sponsored by the Everywoman's Center, 577-1691.
Tuesday May 30
VALLEYWIDE SPOKESCOUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEETING
7-9pm, Bangs Community Center, South Meeting Room, Boltwood Walk,
Amherst. If you are part of a group or organization of 20 or more people in
WMass and can serve as their spokesperson, you are invited to join the
Valleywide Spokescouncil, a peer group of representatives converging to
build critical mass for unified action for a better community and world. And
to have fun in the process! This will be the first of two Informational
Gatherings.
The Earth Charter - www.earthcharter.org - defines the
Spokescouncil's common ground. Attendees should be in general agreement with
it. Valleywide Spokescouncil leadership will be equally shared by all
present through consensus decision-making based roughly on the Formal
Consensus Process - www.consensus.net/ocaccontents.html. The Valleywide
Spokescouncil will meet monthly, with additional communications and
gatherings as needed.
If this concept makes sense to you and you feel called to attend
this Council, RSVP: mailto:connect at valleywidespokescouncil.net. See FAQs at
www.Valleywidespokescouncil.net. Info: Tim Anderson, 781-307-2142,
mailto:timothymasonanderson at gmail.com; Lois Barber, 549-8118,
mailto:lois at earthaction.org; Sandra Boston, 774-5952,
mailto:bostons at aol.com; Sanford Lewis, 549-7333,
mailto:gnproject at earthlink.net; or Lisa Oxboel, 522-7424,
mailto:loxboel at yahoo.com.
Wednesday May 31 (every Wednesday)
VALLEY WAR BULLETIN
5:30-6:30pm, 281 Prospect St, Northampton (across from YMCA). All
are welcome to join the collective, working together on everything from
fundraising (usually through tag and bake sales) to conceptualizing the
issues to writing, editing, and distribution. You can fund an issue for only
$215. Thanks to Paul Eagle, all back issues are now on-line. Info: 584-8975,
www.westernmassafsc.org/vwb/index.htm.
Wednesday May 31
SWING THE VOTE VOTER CALLING PARTY
Any time between 6 and 9pm, Plaut home, 125 Red Gate Lane, Amherst.
Canvassing voters in New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District to help
defeat pro-war NH Republican Charlie Bass. Bring your cell phone if you have
one. More info about Swing the Vote: www.swingthevote.us. Info, RSVP:
549-6151, mailto:johanna at pedipress.com.
Wednesday May 31
REEL WORLD FREE FILM SERIES: TWO FILMS ABOUT NUCLEAR POWER
7-9pm, Arms Library, Bridge St, Shelburne Falls. "THE REACH OF
CHERNOBYL" documents the full consequences of the Chernobyl disaster and
provides a clear analysis of the intimate connection between civilian and
military nuclear technology throughout the world. Dr. Vladimir Chernousenko,
the physicist in charge of the clean-up reveals that the accident released
70% of the nuclear reactor's core rather than the 3% figure announced to the
world. He estimates that more than 15,000 people died in the former Soviet
Union after the explosion and that up to a million more will perish there in
the next five years from Chernobyl-caused maladies. Addresses concern for
people in other parts of the world who have also been affected by this first
"truly international disaster." 29 minutes
"THREE MILE ISLAND REVISITED" chronicles the medical consequences of
the near core meltdown of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant in 1979. Since
this worst nuclear disaster in the US, the utility that owns the nuclear
plant has been quietly awarding damages to hundreds of local residents who
have brought suits, despite its insistence that no one was harmed. Uncovers
a continuing nightmare that has received little attention from mainstream
media. 29 minutes
The Reel World Documentary Film Series is organized by West County
residents who share the conviction that democracy is dependent on an
informed and engaged public. Films offer important information about current
issues, usually followed by discussion with expert guests. All political
perspectives are welcome. Info: 625-9708 or 625-9543.
Thursday June 1
WMASS JOBS WITH JUSTICE WORKERS RIGHTS BOARD COMMITTEE
3:30-5pm, Pioneer Valley CLC, 640 Page Blvd, Springfield. This
committee supports the Workers Rights Board and is planning a WRB Hearing.
Want to help? Info: Irene Kimball, mailto:kimball69 at charter.net.
Thursday June 1 (Thursdays & Sundays)
NEIGHBORHOOD LENDING LIBRARY
Thursdays 6-8:30pm, Sundays 1-4pm, 8 High St, Florence. The 8 High
Street Neighborhood Library is a community lending library located in a
Florence living room. Volunteers maintain it; neighbors and visitors of the
library donate or loan their books. The goals of the library include
community building, skill sharing through workshops, the promotion of
reading, and the equalization of access to knowledge on a small
(neighborhood) scale. Many of the books are about social justice and
environmental consciousness but there are 57 categories including poetry,
art, fiction, mythology, cookbooks, children's books, parenting, films and
health. Info; directions; if you are interested in visiting, volunteering,
donating, loaning, giving or attending a workshop, or looking to find out
more about the library: 586-8031.
Thursday June 1 (First Thursdays)
MASS CITIZENS AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY
7-8:30pm, Unitarian-Universalist Society, 245 Porter Lake Drive,
Springfield. Discussing candidates' position on the death penalty. Planning
annual Sacco/Vanzetti Night, August 23 2006. Info: 567-3451,
mailto:mcadp1 at aol.com or mailto:CAJOWL66 at aol.com or Beth Moriarty,
mailto:carys96 at earthlink.net.
Thursday June 1
ACLU TOWN MEETING ON DOMESTIC SPYING & CIVIL LIBERTIES
7-9pm, The Small Theater (Room K-111), Koussevitzky Arts Center,
Berkshire Community College, 1350 West St, Pittsfield
(www.berkshirecc.edu/welcome/directions.html). Panel: US Rep John Olver;
Prof Christopher Pyle, Mount Holyoke College; Carol Rose, Exec Dir, American
Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts; Atty William Newman, ACLUMass. This
event is taking place in the wake of continuing news about the extent of
government surveillance of Americans, including the NSA compiling a massive
database of the phone records of more than 200 million Americans. These
revelations have fueled an ongoing public debate over possible abuses of
power by the Bush Administration, and about the legality of government
wiretapping without a warrant, as well as US practices involving kidnapping,
rendition, and the maintenance of secret prisons.
The ACLU and a coalition of organizations and individuals are suing
the NSA to stop the warrantless government eavesdropping on Americans
(www.aclu.org/safefree/nsaspying). In addition, the ACLU has filed suit
against top-level administration officials seeking to hold them accountable
for torture practices (www.aclu.org/safefree/rumsfeld).
The event is part of a statewide campaign to Restore the Rule of
Law, opposing government policies of unlawful domestic surveillance,
kidnapping, rendition, torture, secret prisons and "ghost detainees." More
than 2500 people have already attended Regional Town Meetings like this
throughout Massachusetts, including over 600 people at a meeting in Chicopee
with Congressman Richard Neal and former Congressman Bob Barr of Georgia in
late March. Info: Bill Newman, 584-7331; www.aclum.org.
Thursday June 1
"BOSTON MARRIAGE" BY DAVID MAMET
8pm, Hallie Flanagan Theatre, Mendenhall Center for the Performing
Arts, Smith College, Green Street, Northampton. Students & Seniors: $15;
Adults: $18. Come celebrate two years of legalized same-sex marriage in
Massachusetts and support local professional theatre. Pauline Productions
Benefit 4 presents David Mamet's "Boston Marriage" as a benefit for New
Century Theatre - the valley's professional theatre. At the turn of the
century, "Boston Marriage" was a term used for two women who lived together
instead of marrying. This is a deliciously funny comedy. Directed by
Jeannine Haas; featuring Kelsey Flynn. Info: New Century Theatre, 585-3249.
Friday June 2
RURAL POVERTY CONFERENCE
UMass Conference Center. Workshops on poverty, social justice,
federal spending, immigration, the budget, etc. Keynote speaker: Chuck
Fluharty from the Rural Policy Research Institute. Details at
www.communityaction.us/page.php?id=32. Info: Sara Cummings, Dir of Special
Projects, Community Action!, 376-1129, mailto:SCummings at communityaction.us.
Friday June 2
FREE FILMS: "FIDEL"
7pm, Media Education Foundation (MEF), 60 Masonic St, Northampton.
Film maker Estela Bravo presents a biography of the remarkable Cuban leader
with a positive slant rather than the "demonizing brush" with which he is
usually painted in this country (www.estelabravo.com/fidel/index.html). This
is the first of two films about Cuba, timed to elicit support for the 2006
Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba, which will stop in Northampton on June
20. Info: mailto:info at northamptoncommittee.org,
www.northamptoncommittee.org/.
June 2 & 3
DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTION
DCU Center, Worcester. Candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor,
Treasurer, Attorney General, Auditor, and Secretary will be endorsed. Info:
www.massdems.org/caucus06/caucus06a.cfm.
Saturday June 3
ARISE QUARTERLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING & COOK-OUT
Noon-3pm, Arise, 94 Rifle St, Springfield. Hear the latest in Arise
organizing on every front, with special focus on welfare, homelessness,
housing, food security, and protecting our families. Then a cook-out! Bring
food to share if you can. Info: 734-4948.
Tuesday June 6 (First Tuesdays)
WMASS MILITARY RECRUITMENT EDUCATION NETWORK
6:30pm, North Star Learning Center, Rt 9, Hadley. MREN focuses on
counter-recruitment, GI Rights advocacy, Conscientious Objection work, and
support of military families. Material available on line at
www.WesternMassAFSC.org. Info: 584-8975, mailto:afsc at crocker.com.
Wednesday June 7
BUILDING A WMASS SOCIAL FORUM - POTLUCK!
6-8:30pm, location TBA. "Another World Is Possible." This is the
slogan of the World Social Forum. Since its first meeting Brazil in 2001,
the World Social Forum has become the largest gathering of social movements
in the world. The Social Forum is united in its opposition to neoliberalism
(the dominant economic model: "free" markets, "free" trade, minimal
government, privatization, deregulation) and imperialism, and in its
commitment to building "another world" grounded in sustainability and social
justice. There have been numerous regional social forums throughout the
world, including one in Boston in 2004. A local group of activists is
exploring the idea of holding a Social Forum in Western Mass.
Interested? See WSF Charter of Principles at
www.forumsocialmundial.org.br/main.php?id_menu=4&cd_language=2.
Info: Emily Kawano (Center for Popular Economics), 545-0743,
mailto:emily at populareconomics.org; Jo Comerford (Western Mass AFSC),
695-6059, mailto:afsc at crocker.com; or Susan Theberge (SAGE), 253-2161,
mailto:reneandsusan at comcast.net; or Carlos Fontes, 259-1762.
Wednesday June 7
REEL WORLD FREE FILM SERIES: "THE FUTURE OF FOOD"
7-9pm, Arms Library, Bridge St, Shelburne Falls. An in-depth
investigation into the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods
that have quietly filled US grocery shelves for the past decade. From
Saskatchewan, Canada to Oaxaca, Mexico - this film gives voice to the
farmers whose livelihoods have been affected. Examines the complex web of
market and political forces changing what we eat as huge multinational
corporations like Monsanto seek to control the world's food system. Explores
alternatives such as organic sustainable agriculture as one solution. Local
farmers will be present for discussion.
The Reel World Documentary Film Series is organized by West County
residents who share the conviction that democracy is dependent on an
informed and engaged public. Films offer important information about current
issues, usually followed by discussion with expert guests. All political
perspectives are welcome. Info: 625-9708 or 625-9543.
June 7 & 8
"THE COLOR OF WEALTH: THE STORY BEHIND THE U S RACIAL WEALTH DIVIDE"
Wednesday: 7pm, Food for Thought Books, 106 N Pleasant St, Amherst
(253-5432; www.foodforthoughtbooks.com).
Thursday: 7pm, Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College St (Routes 116 at 47), in
the Village Commons, S Hadley, 534-7307 or 800-540-7307;
mailto:odysseybks at aol.com; www.odysseybks.com
(www.odysseybks.com/directions.html).
Co-author Betsy Leondar-Wright discusses the historic and ongoing
racial wealth gap. For every dollar owned by the average white family in the
US, the average family of color has less than a dime. Why do people of color
have so little wealth? "The Color of Wealth" lays bare a dirty secret: for
centuries, people of color have been barred by laws and by discrimination
from participating in government wealth-building programs that benefit white
Americans. The authors (Meizhu Lui, Barbara Robles, Betsy Leondar-Wright,
Rose Brewer, and Rebecca Adamson) are all part of United for a Fair Economy
(UFE), a national nonpartisan organization based in Boston that campaigns
against growing income and wealth inequality and inspires action to reduce
economic inequality. Cosponsors: Class Action (www.classism.org), a
non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the issues of
classism, and The Center for Popular Economics (www.populareconomics.org), a
non-profit organization that teaches economic literacy to activists and
organizers.
Thursday June 8
GLOBALIZATION & ECONOMIC ALTERNATIVES - PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOP
7-9, Bangs Community Center room 101, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst.
Topics:
* Globalization, Neoliberalism = inequality, unsustainable growth;
* Why we need an alternative economy;
* Stepping stones to an alternative economy.
RSVP: Center for Popular Economics, 545-0743,
mailto:programs at populareconomics.org.
June 8 to 10
4th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BALLE CONFERENCE
Burlington VT. Details at Business Alliance For Local Living
Economies (BALLE) website: www.livingeconomies.org. Info: Daniel Finn,
364-7266, mailto:danfinn32 at yahoo.com.
Friday June 9
PIONEER VALLEY AFL-CIO ANNUAL PICNIC
4-9pm, W Springfield-Agawam Elks Picnic Grounds, 429 Morgan Rd, W
Springfield. $22. All members and friends of the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO are
welcome to enjoy this annual picnic. Menu: clam chowder and rib eye steak
along with baked potato, vegetable, salad, beer and soda. Info, to order
tix: 732-7970, mailto:unionyes at pvaflcio.org.
Friday June 9
MSAC 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
5:30-8:30pm, IBEW Local 103 Freeport Hall, 256 Freeport St,
Dorchester. Featured Speaker - US Senator Edward Kennedy. Commemorating 25
years of senior action and dedicating ourselves to 25 more. $25; $10 for
fixed income members. Info: 617-442-3330 x12;
mailto:mmovelle at masssenioraction.org.
WMass ride information: Pat Moss, 734-7381.
Friday June 9
FREE FILMS: "THE POWER OF COMMUNITY: HOW CUBA SURVIVED PEAK OIL"
7pm, Media Education Foundation (MEF), 60 Masonic St, Northampton.
As the world faces the end of affordable oil, it can look to Cuba, for whom
cheap oil ended 15 years ago when the Soviet Union collapsed. The country
survived through a rigorous crash program of community-based organic
agriculture (www.communitysolution.org/cuba.html). This is the second of two
films about Cuba, timed to elicit support for the 2006 Pastors for Peace
Caravan to Cuba, which will stop in Northampton on June 20. Info:
mailto:info at northamptoncommittee.org, www.northamptoncommittee.org/.
Sunday June 11
TRAINING FOR WORKING ON THE G I RIGHTS HOTLINE
Noon-7pm, South Amherst. The GI Rights Hotline provides information
and support to people around here who want to get out of the military. This
training is specifically for people who are seriously considering working on
the GI Rights Hotline in W Mass. It will cover a range of topics, including
advocating for GIs, the discharge process, the Delayed Entry Program in high
schools, Reservists, AWOL, and half a dozen different kinds of discharges,
including Conscientious Objection. Led by Robert Dove, from the AFSC office
in Cambridge, who helps run the GI Rights Hotline in Cambridge, which
answers calls from all over New England. To figure out whether or not this
is something you want to do, contact Geoff Lobenstine, 256-8647,
mailto:geoffloben at charter.net.
Wednesday June 14
PIONEER VALLEY PROJECT ACTION 2006
6:30-8pm, Holy Family Church, 235 Eastern Av, Springfield. Hear the
candidates for Governor present their ideas for Springfield. What will they
do to restore Springfield's financial stability, keep its teachers, create
quality schools, and reverse the poverty in the city? Plus: support a proven
program to create partnerships between parents and teachers. Two schools
have been pilot-testing a teacher-home visit program modeled after a
successful one in California. PVP wants to hear directly from Springfield's
Superintendent and Principals if they will support it. Info: 827-0781,
mailto:fredrose.pvp2 at verizon.net.
Friday June 16 (Third Fridays)
CO-OP POWER INFO SESSION
4-6pm, Green Fields Market meeting room, 144 Main St near corner of
Wells St, Greenfield (look for large green awning). Want to make a real
difference today? Come to a general information session with Co-op Power!
Come meet with Kay Cafasso, Member Coordinator, and Jamie Godfrey,
Co-Manager, if you are interested in joining Co-op Power, buying biodiesel
to heat your home, learning about Co-op Power's other energy products and
services, supporting the development of the biodiesel production facility
Co-op Power is building in Greenfield. Co-op Power is an energy cooperative
for consumers in New England and New York dedicated to building renewable
energy resources. Info: 425-6795, 800-696-8009, mailto:info at cooppower.coop,
www.cooppower.coop.
Friday June 16
FREE FILMS: "BIG BUCKS, BIG PHARMA: MARKETING DISEASE & PUSHING
DRUGS"
7pm, Media Education Foundation (MEF), 60 Masonic St, Northampton.
The world premiere of the Media Education Foundation's latest film on how
our understanding of our health is warped by the pharmaceutical industry's
intense marketing efforts
(www.mediaed.org/videos/MediaAndHealth/BigBucksBigPharma). Info:
mailto:info at northamptoncommittee.org, www.northamptoncommittee.org/. SEE
ALSO OCTOBER 4.
Friday June 16
NEW FREE FILM SERIES: WIDE-ANGLE FILMS: "THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE
TELEVISED"
7pm, NACUL Center, 592 Main St at North Whitney St, Amherst, a half
mile east from Amherst center; accessible by bus. Donations gratefully
accepted. On the first & third Fridays June 16 to Sep 1, Wide-Angle Films
(WAF) offers the community quality films and a wider view of the world.
Discussions follow, giving everyone an opportunity to learn from one other,
and to expand on what has been seen. When possible, special guests - people
with direct experience on the film's topic - will contribute to the
discussions.
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" is a British-made film
initially about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez but ultimately about the
nearly successful coup against Chavez that was defeated by an uprising of
millions of unarmed Venezuelans.
WAF is sponsored by SAGE and American Friends Service Committee.
Info: Steve/Annie, 230-3138, or Emily, 256-1760,
mailto:lewis.emily at comcast.net.
Saturday June 17
7th ANNUAL GRASSROOTS USE OF TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
Boston. The Organizers' Collaborative (OC) annual conference will
feature the latest in tech innovations relevant to grassroots nonprofits and
community organizations. Topics such as online fundraising, email delivery,
web content management, databases, and tech planning will be covered during
over 15 breakout sessions. The conference will be followed by a special
dinner to raise funds for a program to provide computers and training to
nonprofit groups in the Boston area. Details:
http://conference.organizersdb.org. Info: mailto:conf2006 at oc-tech.org.
Organizers' Collaborative is a nonprofit organization that
identifies and develops low-cost, replicable technology, software, and
trainings that meets the organizing, outreach, and fundraising needs of
small nonprofits. OC is comprised of community organizers and technology
consultants dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations and community
groups integrate technology into their work. More information:
http://organizerscollaborative.org/su.
Sunday June 18 (Third Sundays)
PIONEER VALLEY WAR TAX RESISTERS
4-6pm, call for location. Info: Juanita Nelson, 773-5188 x1.
Tuesday June 20
PASTORS FOR PEACE US-CUBA FRIENDSHIPMENT CARAVAN
6-9pm, First Churches, Main & Center Sts, Northampton. A festive
evening to welcome the Caravan to Northampton for its brief overnight
stopover. Featured will be a home-cooked Cuban meal and music by local
musicians. Speakers traveling with the Caravan and local people who have
traveled with the Caravan will describe the impact of the US embargo and
travel ban on the Cuban and American people and the goals and experience of
traveling on the Caravan.
Seeking donations to be placed on the bus, then driven through
Mexico to Cuba. An annual trip to Cuba in defiance of US policy, this
Friendshipment Caravan has a special theme: Cuban children - especially
children with illnesses and disabilities: children being treated for cancer
and other critical or chronic illnesses, who can't get the needed medicines;
deaf and blind and visually and mentally impaired children who need special
educational supplies. US policy is hurting these children.
This year's caravan of brightly painted school buses, trucks, and
ambulances will have 14 routes traveling north to south from southern Canada
and northern USA down to the Texas/Mexico border. Go to www.ifconews.org for
itinerary. Info, to join the caravan: 212-926-5757, mailto:p4p at igc.org.
Donations of medical equipment, medicines, and educational materials
are being collected by the Pioneer Valley Cuba Solidarity Coalition.
Medicines (expiration date February 2007 or later) and medical and
educational supplies can be brought to Pam Walker, 48 Franklin St, Shelburne
Falls (625-9671); the Food Bank Farm, 121 Bay Road, South Hadley; and to the
reception for the Caravan on June 20. Pickup can also be arranged. Local
info, to donate: Liz Kelner, 625-9543, mailto:lkelner at crocker.com.
Tuesday June 20 (Third Tuesday)
FRANKLIN/HAMPSHIRE HEALTH CARE COALITION
7pm (6:45pm social time), Lathrop Village Community Room, Shallow
Brook Drive, off Bridge Rd, Northampton. Organizing for the Mass. Health
Care Trust Fund Bill. Info: Franklin/Hampshire Health Care Coalition, PO Box
3011, Amherst 01004, 586-0345, mailto:markham at crocker.com or
mailto:franko1810 at aol.com.
The Massachusetts Health Care Trust Fund Bill calls for a universal
health care system, providing universal access, a comprehensive range of
physical and mental health benefits, choice of provider, quality, unified
financing and cost controls, accountable governance, and stability. A
Massachusetts Health Care Trust Fund will be a "single-payer" of all health
care costs, statewide. Details of the Bill, action ideas: MASS-CARE,
800-383-1973, mailto:masscare at aol.com, www.masscare.org.
Wednesday June 21 (Third Wednesdays)
MASS SENIOR ACTION COUNCIL - GREATER SPRINGFIELD CHAPTER
1:30-3:30pm, Church in the Acres, 1383 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield
(782-2577). MSAC tackles vital issues, including single payer health care
and prescription drug price relief, including adding Rx coverage to Medicare
and stopping Medicare privatization and how to get prescriptions filled in
Canada. No age requirement! For info or a ride: Clodo Concepcion, 783-4807,
mailto:clodo at the-spa.com, or Patricia Moss, 734-7381.
Wednesday June 21 (Third Wednesdays)
ALLIANCE FOR INJURED WORKERS
4-6pm, First Congregational Church, 20 Lathrop St, W Springfield.
Unique organization run by injured workers for injured workers. No perfume,
cologne please; some members suffer from chemical sensitivity due to
workplace injury. Info: 827-0643 or 731-0760, mailto:comphurts at aol.com;
www.afiw.org. Ask for your FREE copy of "Injured Workers Survival Guide".
Wednesday June 21 (Third Wednesdays)
VALLEY FREE RADIO GENERAL MEETING
6:30pm, Media Education Foundation (MEF) Community Room, 60 Masonic
St, Northampton - call to confirm location. A project of the MEF, Valley
Free Radio, WXOJ, is a volunteer-run community radio station, sited in
Florence, broadcasting at 103.3 FM. Please come fragrance-free to make
meeting accessible to members with multiple chemical sensitivity and other
allergies. Info: 584-1160, mailto:info at valleyfreeradio.org,
http://www.valleyfreeradio.org/.
Wednesday June 21 (Third Wednesday)
PIONEER VALLEY CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL
7pm, AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page Blvd, near corner of Osborne Ter, across
the street from the old Westinghouse, Springfield. Community and labor
activist guests are welcome, but contact Steve Dondley, 732-7970,
mailto:unionyes at pvaflcio.org; www.pvaflcio.org.
Wednesday June 21
DARFUR: THE KILLING CONTINUES
7:30-9pm, Stoddard Hall, across from Art Museum, Smith College, Rt
9, Northampton. A major fund raiser to support aid for Sudan. Now, more than
ever, raising money and awareness is the local action that has an impact and
makes indifference impossible. Peter Chambang, a Sudanese student at Western
New England College, will tell his story of escape. 2 short films on Darfur
by the US Holocaust Memorial Museum will be shown. Smith College Prof Eric
Reeves, who has spent the past seven years as a full-time researcher and
analyst on Sudan, will share the latest from his on-the-ground sources in
Sudan.
All donations will go to the Sudan Aid Fund. Checks payable to
Community Foundation of Western Mass, with "Sudan Aid Fund" on the memo
line, may be sent to CFWM, 1500 Main St, PO Box 15769, Springfield MA 01115.
Info: mailto:revisionary at comcast.net.
June 22 to 25
SOCIALISM 2006: ISO NATIONAL CONVENTION
NYC - www.socialismconference.org or 773-583-8665. Discussing and
debating the critical issues of our time. Speaking will be Amy Goodman,
Anthony Arnove, Dave Zirin, Juiliana Sgrena, Kelly Dougherty, Etan Thomas,
the Welfare Poets, and a host of others. WMass carpooling being arranged.
Info: 303-1385, mailto:contact at isowmass.org.
The conference kicks off with a performance of "Voices of a Peoples'
History of the United States" - readings from the words of fighters for
social justice in US history. This special performance will include leading
actors from Broadway and Hollywood interpreting the words of great fighters
like Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Leonard Peltier. Order tickets
at the special conference price of $10 (only a limited number available).
The performance is at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, 64th St at
Central Park West, at 8pm, Thursday, June 22.
June 23 to 25
20th ANNUAL WILD SUMMER INSTITUTE
Wheaton College, Norton. Women's Institute for Leadership
Development Summer Institute on "Moving Forward in Unions, Our Communities,
and the Political Arena." $190; limited financial aid. Info: Dale Melcher,
545-6166, mailto:dmelcher at lrrc.umass.edu, www.wildlabor.org.
Friday June 23
FREE FILMS: THE REAL COST OF THE WAR ON DRUGS FOR WESTERN
MASSACHUSETTS
7pm, Media Education Foundation (MEF), 60 Masonic St, Northampton.
Lois Ahrens, Director of the Real Cost of Prisons Project
(www.realcostofprisons.org) talks about racism's vicious expression in the
War on Drugs, and presents "Tulia, Texas", a documentary about a town that
suddenly arrested 15% of its black population on made-up drug charges. Info:
mailto:info at northamptoncommittee.org, www.northamptoncommittee.org/.
Saturday June 24
WESTERN MASS SINGLE PAYER NETWORK
9-11:30am, Lathrop Meeting Room, Shallow Brook Dr, off Bridge Rd,
Northampton. The new universal, single-payer, health care advocacy group,
Western Mass Single Payer Network (WMSPN), needs your ideas and your voice
to reverse the downward spiral of financial and personal disasters caused by
the national health care crisis. Info: Kathleen Bridgewater,
mailto:bridgewater at erving.com.
Week of June 25
HEARING ON VERMONT YANKEE UPRATE CHALLENGE
Brattleboro. The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, a quasi-judicial
panel of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, will hear the first appeal in
the nation of a commercial nuclear reactor power increase. The Vermont
Department of Public Service and the New England Coalition will appear
before the panel the week of June 25, an opportunity also for the general
public to comment on uprate-related issues. Evidentiary hearings will be
held the weeks of Sep 10 and Oct 15. All the hearings will be held in the
Brattleboro area. Info: The New England Coalition, 802-257-0336,
www.necnp.org; or Deb Katz, 339-5781, mailto:can at nukebusters.org;
www.nukebusters.org/11.0.html.
Tuesday June 27 (Fourth Tuesdays)
HAMPSHIRE-FRANKLIN CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL
7:30pm, McDonald House, next to Roundhouse Plaza, intersection of
Conz St, Clark Av, & Old South St, Northampton; enter rear. Community and
labor activist guests are welcome, but call Maureen Carney, 739-8550,
mailto:mcarney at massaflcio.org.
Wednesday June 28 (Fourth Wednesdays)
WMASS PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA
7pm, Media Education Foundation, 60 Masonic St, Northampton.
Progressive Democrats of America works within the general framework of the
Democratic Party for justice and democracy at all levels. Info: Chairperson
Suzy Petersson, mailto:sspetersson at juno.com, http://www.pdamerica.org.
June 28 to July 1
"DEMOCRACY & INDEPENDENCE: SHARING NEWS & POLITICS IN A CONNECTED
WORLD"
UMass Amherst. $305/$495 - www.mediagiraffe.org/news. A combination
roundtable summit, workshop, and conference on how the Web and multimedia
are redefining journalism and participatory democracy. Organized by The
Media Giraffe Project and sponsored in part by the University, the Boston
Globe, MassLive/Advance Internet, the New England Press Association, and
Omidyar Network. Participants include Josh Silver of Free Press, White House
columnist Helen Thomas, Boston.com Editor Teresa Hanafin, Common Cause's
Chellie Pingree, NOLA.com Editor Jon Donley, and many other visionaries.
Friday June 30
FREE FILMS: "THE YES MEN"
7pm, Media Education Foundation (MEF), 60 Masonic St, Northampton.
An outrageous band of political pranksters takes aim at the World Trade
Organization (www.theyesmenmovie.com). Info:
mailto:info at northamptoncommittee.org, www.northamptoncommittee.org/.
Friday July 7 (First & Third Fridays thru Sep 1)
FREE FILMS: "LONG NIGHT'S JOURNEY INTO DAY"
7pm, NACUL Center, 592 Main St at North Whitney St, Amherst, a half
mile east from Amherst center; accessible by bus. Donations gratefully
accepted. This stunning film presents four stories focusing on victims and
perpetrators of the brutal and violent apartheid system in South Africa
during the process of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Explores the
complexities of the need for truth-telling by perpetrators of violence, the
painful process of asking for forgiveness, and the possibility of
reconciliation. Discussion follows. Wide-Angle Films (WAF) is sponsored by
SAGE and American Friends Service Committee. Info: Steve/Annie, 230-3138, or
Emily, 256-1760, mailto:lewis.emily at comcast.net.
Wednesday July 12 (postponed from May 10)
MASSACHUSETTS CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION - UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE
1pm, State House, Boston. On July 14 2004, the Massachusetts General
Court took a historic step, bringing every Massachusetts resident closer to
affordable health insurance. On a vote of 153-41, House and Senate members
jointly approved the citizen initiative that creates a constitutional
obligation for lawmakers to act to ensure access to "comprehensive,
affordable, and equitably financed health insurance coverage" for all
Massachusetts residents. It is the first US legislature to do so. At the
next Constitutional Convention (ConCon), 50 legislators must vote YES on the
amendment before it can go before the people of Massachusetts in November
2006. For more about the HCCA, go to www.healthcareformass.org or
www.massdefendhealthcare.org. Info: Diane Scherrer RN, 584-4607,
mailto:dscherrer at mnarn.org.
July 13 to 16
ENHANCING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
UMass Amherst. The Social Justice Education (SJE) concentration in
the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst presents
the SJE Summer Institute, focusing on the role of a social justice education
curriculum and an equitable climate in K-12 schools. Info: Keri DeJong,
545-3620, mailto:sje_institute at educ.umass.edu, www.umass.edu/sjei.
Friday July 21 (First & Third Fridays thru Sep 1)
FREE FILMS: "THE FUTURE OF FOOD"
7pm, NACUL Center, 592 Main St at North Whitney St, Amherst, a half
mile east from Amherst center; accessible by bus. Donations gratefully
accepted. "The Future of Food" is an in-depth investigation into the
unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled
US grocery shelves for the past decade. It gives voice to the farmers whose
livelihoods have been affected. Examines the market and political forces
changing what we eat as multinational corporations like Monsanto seek to
control the world's food system. Explores alternatives such as organic
sustainable agriculture as one solution. Discussion follows. Wide-Angle
Films (WAF) is sponsored by SAGE and American Friends Service Committee.
Info: Steve/Annie, 230-3138, or Emily, 256-1760,
mailto:lewis.emily at comcast.net.
July 23 thru 29
CENTER FOR POPULAR ECONOMICS 2006 SUMMER INSTITUTE
Amherst. Learn how the economy works and gain tools to make your
activism more effective. CPE's Summer Institute is a week-long intensive
training in economics for activists, educators, and anyone who wants a
better understanding of economics. We focus on how economic systems impact
our lives and work every day. Trainings are highly participatory and build
on the knowledge and experience of our participants.
Core Classrooms: U.S. Economy; International Economy. Special Track:
Alternative Economic Policies and Practices. US Economy topics include:
Race, Class and Gender; Labor and the workplace; Macroeconomics: fiscal and
monetary policy; Introduction to international economics. International
Economy topics include: Brief history of the global economy; International
Trade; International Production; International Finance. No background in
economics is necessary.
Info, to register: 545-0743, mailto:programs at populareconomics.org,
www.populareconomics.org.
Friday August 4 (First & Third Fridays thru Sep 1)
FREE FILMS: "THE DOCTOR, THE DEPLETED URANIUM, & THE DYING CHILDREN"
7pm, NACUL Center, 592 Main St at North Whitney St, Amherst, a half
mile east from Amherst center; accessible by bus. Donations gratefully
accepted. "The Doctor, the Depleted Uranium, and the Dying Children" exposes
the use and impact of radioactive weapons during the current war against
Iraq. The story is told by citizens of many nations and opens with comments
by two British veterans, describing their exposure to radioactive, so-called
"depleted" uranium (DU) weapons and the congenital abnormalities of their
children. Discussion follows. Wide-Angle Films (WAF) is sponsored by SAGE
and American Friends Service Committee. Info: Steve/Annie, 230-3138, or
Emily, 256-1760, mailto:lewis.emily at comcast.net.
August 6 to 9
WALK FOR A NUCLEAR FREE FUTURE
Rutland to Burlington VT. Citizens Awareness Network and Nipponzan
Myohoji are sponsoring a commemorative walk remembering the nuclear bombs
that the United States dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki 61 years ago, and
the catastrophic disaster of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986 and
the accident at the Three-Mile Island nuclear power plant in 1976. Walkers
will remember the victims who have suffered from the effects of the
radioactive fallout from these events and make the connections between the
inherent dangers of nuclear power and nuclear weapons. You are welcome to
join this walk for any amount of time.
Citizens Awareness Network is a grassroots group, which has focused
since 1991 on creating a sustainable energy future by ending our dependence
on nuclear power. Info: 339-5781 or 625-6177 or Hattie Nestel, 978-249-6224,
mailto:Hattieshalom at verizon.net, www.nukebusters.org. Nipponzan Myohoji is
an international Buddhist order dedicated to world peace and nuclear
abolition. Info: 367-2202, mailto:drolma at comcast.net.
August 10 to 13
32nd ANNUAL NOFA SUMMER CONFERENCE
Hampshire College, Rt 116, Amherst. Northeast Organic Farming
Association (NOFA) annual conference features a dynamic keynote speaker, a
pre-conference focusing on organic food and farming education, a debate on
personal security issues, and close to 200 workshops to appeal to farmers,
gardeners, land care professionals, homesteaders, activists and consumers.
Sister Miriam Therese MacGillis is the keynote speaker - in 1980, she
founded Genesis Farm, a learning center where people gather to search for
more authentic ways to live in harmony with the natural world and each
other.
NOFA is a non-profit organization of nearly 4,000 farmers,
gardeners, and consumers working to educate members and the general public
about the benefits of a local organic food system based on complete cycles,
natural materials and minimal waste for the health of individual beings,
communities and the living planet. NOFA encompasses Connecticut,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and
Vermont.
Info: Julie Rawson, 978-355-2853, mailto:nofa at nofamass.org,
www.nofamass.org.
Friday August 18 (First & Third Fridays thru Sep 1)
FREE FILMS: "WINTER SOLDIER"
7pm, NACUL Center, 592 Main St at North Whitney St, Amherst, a half
mile east from Amherst center; accessible by bus. Donations gratefully
accepted. "Winter Soldier" documents the "Winter Soldier Investigation"
conducted by Vietnam Veterans Against the War. Over 125 veterans give
testimony to war crimes and atrocities they either participated in or
witnessed. Documentary footage - often taken by these veterans - supports
their testimony. Discussion follows. Wide-Angle Films (WAF) is sponsored by
SAGE and American Friends Service Committee. Info: Steve/Annie, 230-3138, or
Emily, 256-1760, mailto:lewis.emily at comcast.net.
Wednesday August 23
ANNUAL SACCO/VANZETTI NIGHT
Details coming. Info: Mass Citizens Against The Death Penalty,
567-3451, mailto:mcadp1 at aol.com or mailto:CAJOWL66 at aol.com, or Beth
Moriarty, mailto:carys96 at earthlink.net.
Thursday August 31 (adjourned for summer - then Last Thursdays)
PIONEER VALLEY COALITION TO CHANGE & CHALLENGE WAL-MART
7pm, Porter Lounge (3rd Floor), Converse Hall, Amherst College, Rts
116 & 9, Amherst. Fighting the new Wal-Mart in Hadley, working on Wake-Up
Wal-Mart campaigns, giving mutual aid to the coalition members fighting
Wal-Mart in many ways. Info: Pem Brown, mailto:jobswithjustice at pembrown.com.
Hadley Neighbors for Sensible Development
(mailto:info at hadleyneighbors.org, www.HadleyNeighbors.org) and Stop
Sprawl-Mart (mailto:goldman at policydevelopment.org, www.StopSprawlMart.org)
are fighting sprawl. Want to help Wal-Mart workers organize? Contact Dan
Clifford, UFCW Local 1459, 732-6209 x14, mailto:dclifford at ufcw1459.com; or
Steve Dondley, Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO, 732-7970, s at dondley.com. Check out
Western Mass Wal-Mart Voices at http://wmass.walmartvoices.com/.
Friday September 1
FREE FILM: "WORLDS APART 9/11: FIRST RESPONDERS AGAINST THE WAR"
7pm, NACUL Center, 592 Main St at North Whitney St, Amherst, a half
mile east from Amherst center; accessible by bus. Donations gratefully
accepted. Film explores the experiences of many of New York City's First
Responders and the effect 9/11 has had on them. Several, believing that
violence only breeds more violence, founded "Ground Zero for Peace". The
film includes footage of their Afghan counterparts sharing their stories
with founder, Megan Bartlett. Discussion follows. Wide-Angle Films (WAF) is
sponsored by SAGE and American Friends Service Committee. Info: Steve/Annie,
230-3138, or Emily, 256-1760, mailto:lewis.emily at comcast.net.
Saturday September 16
SI KAHN - GJF BENEFIT
8pm concert (6pm Sponsors' Reception in the parlor), Unitarian
Society, 220 Main St, Northampton (584-1390). Si Kahn has been organizing in
the South for 40 years and he sings what he lives. His songs of family,
community, work, and freedom have been recorded by over 100 artists. This
event benefits the Greensboro Justice Fund and will give musical voice to
the pain, joy, and hope of organizing for social justice. GJF is also
celebrating the completion of the country's first Truth and Reconciliation
Commission in Greensboro. Info, to sponsor: 584-1079, Christine Olson,
mailto:chrolson at crocker.com or Marty Nathan, mailto:martygjf at comcast.net.
September 22 to 24
REGIONAL WATER GATHERING
UMass Amherst. In planning. Gathering of New England grassroots
activists and water workers will connect grassroots activists and water
utility workers; share information on work strategies and activism struggles
against municipal water privatization, bottled water, and bulk exports;
build an understanding of the links between local, national, and
international work; discuss how and where to frame/organize/coordinate
around municipal water privatization - given differing international,
national, state and local legislations; map out clear action plans for
future collaborations and establishing a regional support network. See
www.massglobalaction.org or contact Jonathan, 978-683-3967,
mailto:water at massglobalaction.org.
Wednesday October 4
MEDIA EDUCATION FOUNDATION 15th ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT PARTY
8-10:30pm, Bueno Y Sano Restaurant, 134 Main St, Northampton. Info:
Adi Bemak, 584-8500 x2111, www.mediaed.org.
MEF's LATEST RELEASE - "Class Dismissed: How TV Frames the Working
Class" - explores the ways in which race, gender, and sexuality intersect
with class, offering a more complex reading of television's often
one-dimensional representations. The film also investigates how TV s
distorted representations cloud the real picture of the devastating effect
corporate and public policies are having, not only on lives of millions of
working class people, but on the social and economic well-being of America
as a whole. UPCOMING MEF FILMS: "Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies A
People" dissects a slanderous aspect of cinematic history that has run
virtually unchallenged form the earliest days of silent film to today's
biggest Hollywood blockbusters. "Big Bucks, Big Pharma: Marketing Disease &
Pushing Drugs" pulls back the curtain on the multi-billion dollar
pharmaceutical industry to expose the insidious ways that illness is used,
manipulated, and in some instances created, for capital gain. SEE JUNE 16.
October 6 to 8
FACING THE MEDIA CRISIS: MEDIA EDUCATION FOR REFORM, JUSTICE, &
DEMOCRACY
Champlain College, Burlington VT. The Action Coalition for Media
Education (ACME) gathers media education experts, media reformers, public
health advocates, interested citizens, and independent media producers on
Columbus Day week-end for its third continental media education summit.
Founded in 2002 upon the principle that the above groups could work with and
learn from each other to help solve today's media crisis, ACME has attracted
large groups to dynamic and exciting continental Summits in 2002
(Albuquerque NM) and 2004 (San Francisco CA). Info: www.acmecoalition.org.
Sunday October 15
NATIONAL PRIORITIES PROJECT FALL PARTY
In planning. NPP shows how federal tax and spending policies impact
local communities and states. Helping people understand and participate in
the federal decisions that affect their daily lives. Info, to receive an
invitation: Phil Korman, 584-9556, or philk at nationalpriorities.org.
January 12 to 14
THE 2007 NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR MEDIA REFORM
Memphis TN. Activists, media makers, educators, journalists,
policymakers, and concerned citizens will mobilize for better media. The
National Conference for Media Reform is for anyone concerned about the state
of our media and committed to working for change. This energizing weekend
will present ideas and strategies for winning the fight for better media and
connect you with thousands of media reformers from across the nation.
Info: http://www.freepress.net/conference/.
--
Owen R. Broadhurst
Candidate for State Representative
Third Hampden District
http://www.owenbroadhurst.org
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