July 4 - Save the Date for Traprock's Annual July 4th Picnic at the Peace Center:
Here is the Photoalbum of the 2002 picnic and talks by Bruce Gagnon on weapons in space and former intern Leela Whitcomb-Hewitt. Special guests TBA.
July 9- Traprock brings Scott Ritter back to Western Massachusetts to particpate in an international press tele-conference, with reporters and writers calling in from throughout the world, with local reporters and Scott Ritter on site. See the homepage for the report on this event. For more on Traprock's work with Scott Ritter, see http://grassrootspeace.org/rittercampaign.html
July 14-18 - NATIONAL CALL WEEK: TELL THE SENATE "PLAN COLOMBIA" HAS FAILED
Colombia has received over $2.5 billion in US aid since 2000,
and more is on the way. Colombia is now the third largest recipient of
US military aid, behind only Israel and Egypt. The goals that Congress
set out in 2000 when they passed the first Colombia bill have not been
met - in fact, in many cases, things have gotten worse. So why is the US
Senate not even talking about this policy? Our taxpayer dollars - $600
million this year, and more next year if the policy continues - go to
fund counterinsurgency and counter-drug operations and to protect an oil
pipeline in Colombia. These efforts have had a devastating effect on
Colombian civilians, the armed conflict, and the environment, and have
not curbed drug abuse and violence in the US: it is a failed policy.
Thanks in part to the late Senator Wellstone, the US Senate debated the
Colombia aid package in 2000 and 2001. However, the Senate has not
talked about Colombia policy for the last two years. The week of July 14
is the three-year anniversary of the signing of Plan Colombia. Please
ask the Senate why such a controversial policy has not been debated.
Then, ask them to debate and change the policy. Kerry: 785-4610;
Kennedy: 617-565-3170. For a sample letter to the Senate on Colombia,
see www.lawg.org/coljuly7ltr.htm.
We need a new policy. After three years and nearly $3 billion in
taxpayer dollars, our policy of fumigation and military aid has not
worked. We should
- Aid drug treatment and prevention programs at home to slow the
demand for drugs. In a study commissioned by the US Army, the RAND
corporation found that treatment and prevention programs were 23 times
more cost-effective at cutting drug abuse than eradication in source
countries like Colombia. Many hard-core addicts seeking treatment in the
US cannot get it, and after-school programs are facing budget cuts.
Please help end drug abuse and related violence by investing in people
at home.
- End fumigation, and help Colombian farmers find a legal way to
support their families by increasing funding for alternative development
programs.
- Continue aid to strengthen the Colombian justice system.
- Continue to aid programs that protect human rights defenders,
union leaders, and local government officials. These protection programs
do not solve the problem of attacks on civilians in Colombia, but they
do help keep people alive, and are thus incredibly important.
- Cut military aid, sending a message that we will not tolerate
support for violence by any side, and work with the United Nations and
other international actors to encourage peace talks instead.
Info: Melinda St Louis, Witness for Peace,
mailto:melinda@witnessforpeace.org, www.witnessforpeace.org.
July 14 - Monday, at 10:30 AM,
there will be a press conference here at
WMLS at 127 State St., SPFD
in support of legal services.
Unfortunately, the governor's veto of the entire funding for the Mass.
Legal
Assistance Corp. (line item 0321-1600) is still standing at this point.
It would be great if you could attend the press conference. We are hoping
to
generate some positive press in support of the veto override. In
addition,
please continue to call your legislators.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. You can reach
me at
> 781-7814 x.117.
July 14 - Monday, 6:30-8:30pm - WMASS JOBS WITH JUSTICE SPRING STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING:
ACTIVISM & DESSERT - Laborers Local 596 (534-3140), 345 Northampton St,
Holyoke, MA (just south of Easthampton town-line and just north of the
Delaney House; easy on and off I-91: about 2 miles south from Exit 18
and about 5 miles north from Exit 17).
. Health Care Action
. Campaign Highlights from Member Organizations.
. Meet other labor and community activists.
. National JwJ
. STOP FTAA
. Verizon Update
The Steering Committee is one rep from each WMass Jobs With Justice
Coalition organization. Other activists are welcome. RSVP & more info:
WMass JWJ Organizer Jill Fitzsimmons, 262-7689,
mailto:jill_jwj@fastmail.fm. Messages may also be left for Jill at
Letter Carriers Branch 46, 737-0640.
July 14 - Monday, 7:00 p.m. - In the Parlor of
First Churches, 129 Main St., Northampton - Valley Free Radio, a group interested in starting a
community based Low Power FM (LPFM) radio station for the Northampton area. For many years, starting a radio station was completely out of reach for the general public. Then, in January of 2000 against all odds, media activists persuaded the FCC to reverse its policy of neglect for community radio. Activists for a more democratic media won a rare opportunity that enabled communities to apply for an extremely valuable radio station, for free.
The Valley Free Radio collective, a subsidiary of the Media Education Foundation has been working towards the formation of a Low Power FM radio station since the spring of 2001. We are hopeful that we may receive our construction permit --our first official big step towards actually broadcasting-- from the Federal Communications Commission this fall. Then we have 18 months to be up and broadcasting.
A lot of work has gone into this project and a lot more awaits us. Come help recreate locally controlled media free from corporate control!
LPFM, the voice of tomorrow!
July 14-16 - EASTERN CONFERENCE FOR WORKPLACE DEMOCRACY
UMass Amherst. Worker cooperatives and other democratic
employee-owned businesses gather together for problem-solving and
movement-building discussions. Established worker co-ops from across the
nation share experiences with start-ups. And, since democratic ESOPs
(majority owned by workers with voting rights) face similar issues, they
are invited also. The focus will be on workplace-to-workplace
discussions. Info: Collective Copies, 71 S Pleasant St, Amherst;
256-6425; mailto:feedback@collectivecopies.com;
www.collectivecopies.com/.
July 15 - Putting the
Brakes on
Domestic Spying:
Protecting Democracy -
with Professor Christopher H. Pyle
Mount Holyoke College;
1 pm
Tuesday
At Greenfield Community College, Downtown, 270 Main Street, Greenfield, MA. Hear Professor Christopher Pyle compare the domestic intelligence system used against the civil rights and anti-war movements in the 1960s to the much larger one being created today, ostensibly to combat terrorism. As a former intelligence officer, Professor Pyle blew the whistle on military surveillance of civilian politics in 1970 and worked to end it, both as a prize-winning journalist and as a consultant to several Congressional committees, including Sen. Frank Church's Select Committee on Intelligence. Pyle will explain how the new apparatus for domestic spying, enchanced by computer technology and the so-called "PATRIOT Act," threatens the civil liberties of all Americans and undermines the capacity of Congress, the courts, and the press, to learn about and check their inevitable abuse. The regional conference on "Protecting our Civil Liberties: The Core of Democracy," scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, at Greenfield Community College. For more information call Mary Siano, 773-3485 or Traprock, 773-7427. Cosponsored by G.C.C.R.I. and by
Traprock Peace Center, Deerfield MA Free and open to the public. Accessible
School's out, but the Professor is in. Hear Prof. Christopher Pyle describe how this US Army Intelligence Officer upheld his oath to defend the Constitution, and blew the whistle on pervasive surveillance of citizens. Learn how ordinary people used extraordinary care and testimony before committees of Congress to restore fundamental civil rights in the 1970's.
And now, Pyle says access to those structures are denied by the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act -- that reporters' rights within a free society are also denied. Committee members will describe the regional conference, "Protecting Our Civil Liberties; The Core of Democracy" July 25 & 26 at G.C.C. Professor Pyle and conference planners answer question for the public & the press
July 17 - DEMOCRACY NOW! CAMPAIGN
7pm, Media Education Foundation, 60 Masonic St, Northampton
(800-897-0089). WMass Citizens for Public Broadcasting (WMCIPB) is
working to get "Democracy Now!" on WFCR radio. A counter-pledge (or
"pledges in exile") campaign is underway. Nearly $3500 has been pledged
to be given to WFCR when it agrees to air "Democracy Now!" Check the
show out on line, www.democracynow.org/ and on Mark Anderson's "One
Nation, Under the Gun" Tuesdays on WMUA (91.1 FM), 5:30-6:30pm. Also,
from 4:30-5:30pm Monday-Friday on 92.3 FM in the Northampton area. Also
on cable TV in Amherst (8am and 5pm Monday-Friday) and Easthampton
(schedule at www.easthamptonweb.com/television/index.html#listings).
WMCIPB is working on making it available on Northampton, Greenfield, and
Hadley community TV stations as well. Info: mailto:kate@mediaed.org,
www.mediaed.org/WMCIPB.
July 19 - TAG SALE TO BENEFIT THE VALLEY WAR BULLETIN
8:00am-Noon, First Churches, 129 Main St, Northampton. Seeking
clean, well-cared for clothing, electronics, toys, kitchenware, books,
small pieces of furniture. Drop off directly at First Churches on Friday
July 18, 3-7pm, or beginning at 7am Saturday. Or bring donated items
during the week to AFSC, 140 Pine St, Room 10, Florence. Volunteers
needed to sort on Friday evening and sell on Saturday! Call AFSC to sign
up, 584-8975.
July 20 - SUNDAY, JULY 20th, 6:30pm-10pm
at the ROOT 9 COLLECTIVE, 68 Russell Street (Route 9), Hadley, MA
Root 9 Dinner Theater Extravaganza!
An evening fundraiser of political art, music, and performance
Featuring: Liberty Cabbage Theatre Revival's latest production,
"OILIGARCHY", as well as DJ Chris Dooley spinning Political Hip-Hop, and
exciting
works by other local political artists.
This event is a fundraiser for the Root 9 Collective, an Arts and Activism
Collective based in Hadley, MA. We are asking attendees for a contribution
of $5-$25 sliding scale, although no one will be turned away for lack of
funds.
Directions: The Root 9 Collective is located 1 mile East of the Calvin
Coolidge Bridge, across from the O'Connell Shell Station on Route 9 in
Hadley. Bus # B43 has stops from both Northampton and Amherst at the Shell
station and the Bike Path runs through our back yard, look for signs.
Limited car parking :( Unlimited Bike parking! ;)
Because this event is being held outside, a rain date will be announced
If you would like to co-sponsor this event, volunteer, or for more
information, please contact Erika at earthur@student.umass.edu or
413.586.4792
Co-sponsors include: Arise for Social Justice, Western Mass American Freinds
Service Committee (AFSC), Valley Anarchist Organization (VAO), Jean
Grossholtz, Solidaridad Colombia, Western Mass Democracy Now Campaign, Earth
and Sky Collective,and Pedal People. [Traprock thinks this event looks great and has tremendous appreciation for the work of the Root 9 Collective and the Liberty Cabbage Theatre Revival. Our insurance company is requiring that we purchase a rider when we 'spnosor' an off-site fundraiser. So, unless we can get that straightened out, we cannot afford to 'co-sponsor.']
July 21 - Aug 7 (Now with September and October Dates) - Ban 'Depleted' Uranium Speaking Tour with Doug Rokke, Ph.D. - We are working with local groups, starting in New York State for 12 speaking dates. Traprock has organized DU programs with Doug Rokke in 10 states, along with many media interviews. Hear Doug Rokke's major talk (mp3) in Albany, NY on May 3, 2003. Contact Sunny Miller at 413-773-7427 if your group is interested in hosting an event, or if you wish to do a media interview. See TOUR UPDATE.
July 25-26 - "Protecting our Civil Liberties: The Core of Democracy" Greenfield Community College and Traprock Peace Center announce a regional conference, at G.C.C. in Greenfield.
Friday, July 25 - 7 PM reception with Frank Serpico, former NYPD detective and advocate for high principles in powerful circles and in law enforcement. With music and refreshments, join Frank and presenters at the beautiful Greenfield Community College campus, north of the intersection of Routes 91 and 2. Watch for signs.
Saturday, July 26 - Guests' comments, workshop & discussions are 8:30-5:30, Saturday, July 26 to include: Provisions of the Patriot Acts I & II, Recommendations for appropriate Anti-Terror Policies, Debunking Media Myths, Speaking up for International Neighbors, Libraries and Intellectual Freedom, Town Resolutions, Smart Skills for Dialogue, Writers' Workshop, Theater Improv and a plenary focus on action planning.
Presenters include Frank Serpico, former NYPD detective, he provides educational programs for police; Atty. C. William Michaels; Atty. Bill Newman (Director of the Western Mass. Regional ACLU office); Atty. Mahsa Khanbabai of Springfield, on defending immigrants; Prof. Christopher H. Pyle; Sut Jhally, Media Education Foundation, Sandra Boston ( founder of the Conscious Communications Institute on communicating when we disagree); Leo Hwang-Carlos; Louis Battalen; Irvine Sobelman; and Ezzell Florani–a.
Attorney C. William Michaels of Baltimore, is the author of 'No Greater Threat - America After September 11 and the Rise of the National Security State." He was a founder of the Maryland Chapter of Pax Christi.
We welcome town officials, police, court personnel, psychologists, historians librarians, poets, students, teachers, spiritual leaders and others to add your wisdom to action planning. Your invitation to an international or immigrant friend will enhance this circle. To co-sponsor or volunteer, please call 413-773-7427. Be recognized for your participation for this timely gathering, on the poster and the program. Thanks to the Interfaith Council of Franklin County for being our first co-sponsor at $100. Co-sponsors will receive two scholarships to the conference - one for a low-income person or activist, and one for a law enforcement representative from your area.
CO-SPONSORS INCLUDE:
GCC Response Initiative,
Traprock Peace Center,
Interfaith Council of Franklin County,
Western Mass A.C.L.U.
All SoulÕs Church Social Action Committee,
Conscious Communications Institute,
Amherst Human Rights Commission,
Peace Development Fund,
Charboneau Learning Center,
Pax Christi USA,
SAGE Committee
World Learning/School for International Training, Western Mass AFSC, and the Greensboro Justice Fund.
Advanced Registration is recommended. All registration fees are subsidized, at $30 ($20 for student or low income). Lunch served if registration is received by July 17, payable to Traprock Peace Center, . Download Registration forms (doc format). If have trouble with download, email us.
Come to confer on crucial issues in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley. From Route 91, take Route 2West 1/2 block, turn right, proceed north .6 mile. See signs on the left. Accommodations are readily available. Free parking.
For more information, call Sunny Miller at 413-773-7427.
July 25 - BARNES AIR FORCE BASE, 12 NOON-1:00 P.M
On Sunday, October 6, at 7:30 a.m., remembering the anniversary of the U.S. Bombing of Afghanistan, three women entered Minuteman III missile silo #N-8 in northern Colorado. Acting out IsaiahÕs prophesy, Ò...they shall beat their swords into plowshares...Ó Dominican sisters Carol Gilbert, Jackie Hudson and Ardeth Platte hammered on the concrete silo lid and the tracks that carry the lid to its firing position. Their disarmament action included cutting cables, spreading their own blood on the silo and the tracks, and cutting through the surrounding fence . The women were dressed in mop-up suits used by toxic clean up crews, with Disarmament Specialists written on the front and CWIT (Citizen Weapons Inspection Team) across the back.
They were arrested by armed military and police personnel after an hour in the silo area. Their action is the 79th Plowshares or related disarmament action since 1980 in the United States, Europe and Australia.
The women were tried in convicted of Sabotage and Malicious Destruction of Property. They will be sentenced in Denver Colorado on Friday, July 25. Citizens in Colorado have organized an ÒAdopt A SiloÓ campaign in support of their action; there will be demonstrations and vigils at 49 nuclear missile silo sights on Friday.
LOCAL SUPPORTERS WILL VIGIL IN SUPPORT OF THE PLOWSHARES ACTION AT OUR NEAREST NUCLEAR WEAPONS SITE: BARNES AIR FORCE BASE (now called the 104 Mass. Air National Guard) ON RTE. 10 IN WESTFIELD, MA.
ABOUT THE WARTHOG: A-10 Warthog is a plane built around a 30 mm 7 barrel Gatling gun that fires 3,900 rounds of depleted uranium ammunition. per minute The A-10, using depleted uranium ammunition is offensive to humanity, decency, and any definition of responsible conduct; the planes are a violation of the laws of war, international, and natural law.
DIRECTIONS: 4/10 of a mile after route 202 crosses 10, turn left
at the light at the corner of the Guard Base. There is a Ames Distribution center there at the corner. Go down the road 2/5 of a mile and the base front gate is on the right.
For more information: Frances Crowe 413-586-4950
Sponsored by: Northampton Comm. to End the War in Iraq, AFSC, Franklin/Hampshire CPPAX Nuclear Abolition Task Force, Traprock Peace Center
July 26-30 - MOBILIZE AGAINST THE WTO IN MONTREAL
Mega-demonstrations are planned in response to a so-called
"mini-ministerial" - at which an exclusive group of trade ministers will
be conspiring in Montreal to engineer a "successful" outcome at a larger
WTO ministerial to be held in September in Cancœn, Mexico. Montreal
region activists affiliated with various local anti-capitalist,
anti-imperialist, and anti-war groups have adopted a basic action plan.
This will include direct action disruptions of the upcoming meeting
(possibly a "shutdown") and an emphasis on complementing the efforts of
local groups dealing with antiwar, refugee, immigrant, and indigenous
struggles. There will be several days of action, allowing space for
various issues, such as a focus on the pharmaceutical industry's refusal
to permit low-cost, life-saving and life-enhancing AIDS drugs to the
global South, on the GATS (General Agreement on Trade and Services), on
WTO agricultural policies, and more. The basis of unity is the PGA
Hallmarks (see www.agp.org). To stay in touch:
http://montreal.resist.ca; mailto:resisteomc@resist.ca; 514-409-2049
(messages only); and subscribe to WMass Global Action list:
mailto:WMGAC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
August 2 - Saturday August 2
VERIZON CONTRACT EXPIRES
Current three-year pacts cover 75,000 union workers in dozens of
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers & Communications Workers
of America local unions in its Northeastern US service territory. Union
members already are talking about the likelihood of a long, bitter
strike such as Verizon has not faced since 1989. Verizon is demanding
that employees pick up a much greater share of their health benefits and
retirement plans. It has also hammered at the issue of absenteeism and,
in conjunction with that, is seeking rights to subcontract work as
needed and to lay off any worker hired within the past 8 years, while
transferring others out of the Northeast as necessary. It is also
refusing to recognize the workers' right to organize. The communications
giant made $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2003. Info: IBEW-CWA
Solidarity Committee, c/o CWA District 1, 100 Tower Office Park, Suite
C, Woburn MA 01801, 781-937-9600, www.cwa-union.org/verizon. Pioneer
Valley Street Heat & WMass Jobs With Justice are preparing community
support for Verizon workers. Contact: Jill Fitzsimmons, 262-7689,
mailto:jill_jwj@fastmail.fm; Pioneer Valley Central Labor Council,
732-7970, mailto:pvaflcio@hge.net.
August 2 - REFLECTIONS ON CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE DURING IRAQ WAR
10am-3pm, Peace Abbey Conference Center, 2 N Main St, Sherborn
(508-650-3659, mailto:peaceabbey@earthlink.net; www.peaceabbey.org.
"Reflections" will gather people who performed CD and were arrested
either before or during the war against Iraq. Bring video footage and
photographs of actions taken, text of your statements, newspaper
articles and court room stories to learn from each other and plan for
the future. The Abbey-sponsored "PeaceChain 18" action at the US Army
Soldiers Biological and Chemical Command in Natick will be represented
and members of PC 18 will be hosting the gathering. Vegetarian lunch
provided. $10 contribution requested at door to cover costs. To
register: mailto:abbeypeace@aol.com.
August 3-9 - CENTER FOR POPULAR ECONOMICS 25th ANNUAL SUMMER INSTITUTES
Smith College, Northampton. The Summer Institutes are 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. NO BACKGROUND IN
ECONOMICS IS REQUIRED. Although activists from all over the world attend
the summer institutes, classes and workshops are taught in English.
Special Track for 2003: "Anti-War Economics for Activists." In addition
to the customary US Economics curriculum and the International Economics
curriculum, this year we will also be offering an Environmental Justice
curriculum. Keynote Speaker: Maliha Chishti, Former Director of the
Hague Appeal for Peace. Maliha is studying the impact of human rights
aid and peace-building efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Sierra Leone.
Info: mailto:programs@populareconomics.org; www.populareconomics.org/.
August 5 - 9 - Hiroshima and Nagasaki events - Groups throughout the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts are working together on events in various locations and times. More details to follow.
August 3-9 - Center for Popular Economics
25th Annual Summer Institute, 2003
Smith College - Northampton, MA; The 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. NO BACKGROUND IN ECONOMICS IS REQUIRED. Although activists from all over the world attend the summer institutes, classes and workshops are taught in English. Special Track for 2003: "Anti-War Economics for Activists." In addition to the customary US Economics curriculum and the International Economics curriculum, this year we will also be offering an Environmental Justice curriculum. Keynote Speaker: Maliha Chishti, Former Director of the Hague Appeal for Peace
Maliha is studying the impact of human rights aid and peace-building efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Sierra Leone. For further details and to register, please visit: http://populareconomics.org
The Center for Popular Economics
PO Box 785
Amherst, MA 01004
(413) 545-0743
programs@populareconomics.org
August 10 - EDWARD SAID
Hampshire College. A public address about the politics and
history of the Middle East, with an emphasis on US policy and on the
Palestine-Israel crisis. Details coming.
August 13 - Wednesday August 13
STATEWIDE HEALTH CARE ACTION PLANNING MEETING
Noon-2pm, Teamsters Local 170, 330 Southwest Cutoff (Route 20),
Worcester (877-799-0551, mailto:JRUCCI2525@aol.com). Planning committee
meeting for "ten minutes for health care" and October 8 hearing. A light
lunch will be served.
On June 5, over 50 Massachusetts unions and community groups
mobilized their members to wear stickers supporting reforms that would
make health care more affordable and secure. Reports from around the
state were very positive, with good media coverage appearing in the
Boston Globe, Springfield Republican, Lynn Daily Item, Greenfield
Recorder, Boston Metro, Boston Herald, and MetroWest Daily News. The
challenge now is to keep the momentum from June 5 going, and escalate to
broader and more militant activity.
1) Jobs with Justice will design materials that union,
religious, and community groups can use to train their union stewards,
lay leaders, and neighborhood activists about health care issues and
reform options. After the stewards and leaders are trained, we will pick
one day to "take ten minutes for health care" where all participating
stewards and leaders will conduct the training program with the members
in their work area or community group.
2) The committee will work with the unions, church groups, and
community organizations to mobilize for an October 8 state house hearing
on a bill that would guarantee every Massachusetts resident health care
coverage by replacing the current patchwork of public and private health
care plans with a uniform and comprehensive health plan.
If you can attend this planning meeting, RSVP to Tiffany,
617-524-8778, mailto:skogstrom@earthlink.net.
August 13 - Wednesday August 13
MUTANT GERMS
7pm, Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College St (Routes 116 at 47), in the
Village Commons, S Hadley, 534-7307 or 800-540-7307;
mailto:odysseybks@aol.com; www.odysseybks.com. Boston University
immunologist Elinor Levy and veteran science writer Mark Fischetti
discuss "The New Killer Diseases: How the Alarming Evolution of Mutant
Germs Threatens Us All". From Ebola and Mad Cow to West Nile and SARS,
thirty completely new deadly diseases have arisen in just the last ten
years. All around us, bacteria and viruses are evolving at an alarming
rate, and our best defenses are in danger of becoming overwhelmed. Levy
and Fischetti tell the story of the war underway to combat these
diseases and reveal what people should know about the nature and risks
of each disease and what they can do to protect themselves.
August 26 - Tuesday August 26
SOJOURNER TRUTH
7pm, Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College St (Routes 116 at 47), in the
Village Commons, S Hadley, 534-7307 or 800-540-7307;
mailto:odysseybks@aol.com; www.odysseybks.com. Jacqueline Sheehan reads
from "Truth", her historical novel about Sojourner Truth.
September 1 - Monday September 1
LABOR DAY 2003
Make this Labor Day all about Protecting Workers' Freedom to
Form a Union. Visit www.workingfamiliestoolkit.com to download the Labor
Day 2003 Toolkit of ways to: Focus Labor Day attention on workersâ
freedom to form a union. Incorporate workers struggling to form unions ÷
and elected officials and community leaders working to help them ÷ in
your Labor Day activities. Get great media coverage for your Labor Day
2003 events. Order T-shirts, lapel stickers, placards and bumper
stickers. Spread the word through congregations by taking part in Labor
in the Pulpits. The Labor Day 2003 Toolkit also features fact sheets,
fliers and other ready-to-use resources you can download and distribute
or use in creating your own materials.
Sept 4 - 7 - THE WATER OF LIFE CONFERENCE
Rhinebeck NY. Robert Kennedy Jr, Ralph Nader, Vandana Shiva,
Winona LaDuke, Satish Kumar, Anita Roddick, John Todd, Tony Clarke,
Maude Barlow. Cosponsored by Omega Institute and Resurgence Magazine.
Info: 800-944-1001;
www.eomega.org/omega/workshops/dd669ef412d5b93ba623ba4b97022395/.
September 7 - Sunday September 7
ANNUAL PIONEER VALLEY AFL-CIO LABOR DAY BREAKFAST
8:30am, Knights of Columbus, Memorial Drive, Chicopee. $20, by
September 1, to Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO, 640 Page Blvd, Springfield MA
01104. Contact Irene Kimball, 732-7970, mailto:pvaflcio@hge.net.
September 10-14 - September 10-14
PROTESTS AT WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION MEETING
Cancœn, Mexico. The WTO will hold a Ministerial Summit; tens of
thousands of people are expected to protest the organization's
corporate-driven policies during the meeting.
Saturday September 13: GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST
GLOBALIZATION & WAR
Communities around the world are calling for protests in
solidarity with those in Cancœn. To get your community involved:
mailto:deborah@globalexchange.org. Subscribe to WMass Global Action
list: mailto:WMGAC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
September 12-14 - September 12-14
ANNUAL NEW ENGLAND WAR TAX RESISTERS GATHERING
Pioneer Valley Cohousing, 120 Pulpit Hill Rd, Amherst. The theme
is "Confronting our Fears. Acting on our Consciousness." WTRs and
interested folk are invited to attend. $40 per person for the weekend.
Tent space is also available. For brochure, registration, or further
info: Flo Wilder, PO Box 27, Sullivan ME 04664; 207-422-8259;
mailto:flo@acadia.net.
September 20 - ONE WORLD FAIR
10am-6pm, Cummington Fairgrounds. An ambitious valley-wide
celebration of justice and peace. Come and hear The Black Rebels, Pat
Humphries & Sandy O, Greg Palast, author of "The Best Democracy Money
Can Buy". Amy Goodman from "Democracy Now" at 1pm. Arts & crafts,
children's activities, make your own buttons, vote in handmade voting
booth, voter registration, renewable energy info, local social justice
groups, the healing arts, farmers markets, poetry reading, and more!
Contact Jo to sign up (small donations requested to cover the cost of
the space), 584-8975, mailto:afsc@crocker.com. Can you volunteer on the
day of the fair? Contact Leni to sign up, 634-5591,
mailto:leni@titaniumarts.com, or Katie, mailto:tie@sneaker.net.
September 20 - AMY GOODMAN
7pm, Mahar Auditorium, UMass Amherst. Info: Media Education
Foundation, 584-8500 & 800-897-0089, mailto:mediaed@mediaed.org.
September 26 - GLOBAL WORKERS FORUM & RALLY AGAINST CORPORATE GREED
2:30-4:30pm, AFL-CIO Headquarters, 816 16th St NW, Washington
DC.
5pm, rally in front of the Ritz Carlton, site of Business Week's
"CEO Summit", at 22nd St NW, between L & M Sts, Washington DC. Despite
the many recent corporate scandals, Business Week has the audacity to
call global CEOs (in Washington for the IMF-World Bank meeting) to a
"CEO Summit". Jobs with Justice and the AFL-CIO will gather workers from
around the world in our own forum to discuss the impact of globalization
on workers and their families. Workers from Texas to South Africa, from
California to El Salvador will discuss our common concerns and give
personal accounts of the corporate driven global economy. Endorsed by
The Rainbow Coalition, NOW, Jubilee USA Network, USAS, Friends of the
Earth, 50 Years is Enough, the Student Labor Action Project, Essential
Action, US Students Association. Info: JWJ, 202-434-1106,
mailto:jobswjustice@jwj.org, www.jwj.org.
September 30-October 4 - FREEDOM RIDE FOR IMMIGRATION
RIGHTS Following the tradition of the civil rights freedom rides, this event
will bring busloads to Washington DC and New York City. Union sponsors include
AFL-CIO, HERE, JWJ, NICWJ, SEIU, UNITE, UFW, UFCW and the Laborers. Info:
http://www.iwfr.org.
Oct-Nov, 2003 - National Speaking Tour on 'Depleted' Uranium with Doug Rokke.
See
Itinerary.
October 7, 2003 - Scott Ritter, Randy Kehler and Juanita Nelson
speak on October 7 - Scott
Ritter, disarmament expert, will speak at Traprock's 24th Anniversary
Celebration, at 7pm, Oct. 7 at Frontier Regional School, South
Deerfield, MA. See
Press Release. Randy
Kehler, first Director of Traprock and first Director of the national
Freeze, and Juanita Nelson, pioneer with her husband, the late
Wally Nelson, in the civil rights and tax resistance movements,, will
make introductory remarks. photo of Ritter and Kehler © C. Jenks; Nelson
© S. Miller
October 8, 2003 - Wednesday October 8 HEARINGS ON MASS
SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE TRUST BY JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH State House, Boston.
Senate Bill 686 establishes universal, comprehensive health care for all residents
of Massachusetts by setting up a Health Care Trust, an agency run by consumers,
providers and government officials which: would receive money from Federal
and State sources, employers and taxes, and eliminate all insurance premiums,
co-pays, and deductibles; would pay the bills for all acute and preventive
care considered necessary by doctor and patient, including prescription drugs,
nursing homes, home care, mental health, and hospitals; and would save us
all money by eliminating the administrative waste in our present outlandishly
expensive system. The latest study, by a consultant firm hired by the Legislature,
says that 40 cents of every Massachusetts health care dollar now goes to administration.
Passage by the State Senate is a first essential step. Government officials
and the press will no longer be able to ignore this solution. Repeated polls
say it is supported by a large majority of people in the state, including
a majority of practicing doctors. Sixteen out of 40 senators are already cosponsors
of Senate 686. The bill has the long-time support of Senate President Travaglini
(who does cosponsor bills). Many state Reps are also putting their names to
the bill, though we are not looking for a vote in the House at this time.
If you do not know your Senator go to: www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php.
Please report any feedback you get from your legislator to MASS-CARE: 800-383-1973;
mailto:masscare@aol.com; www.masscare.org. Visit website for details of the
Bill, action ideas. IF YOU BELIEVE WE NEED UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE: 1. FORWARD
THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR FRIENDS AND ASK THEM TO FORWARD IT TO THEIR LISTS. 2.
ASK THEM TO CALL THEIR LEGISLATORS TO ASK SUPPORT FOR SENATE 686. 3. TELL
THEM THEY CAN KEEP INFORMED BY SENDING THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS TO MASSCARE2@AOL.COM.
4. HIT "REPLY" AND TELL WMASS JOBS WITH JUSTICE YOU WANT TO WORK ON THIS ISSUE;
include name and phone number.
October 15 - Orange County Community
College, Orange Hall Theater, 7 PM; Oct 16 - Town Meeting, Goshen Inn,
30 Park Place, Goshen, NY, 7 PM (more
details)
Oct
16-19 - World
Uranium Weapons Conference in Hamburg, Germany. Live feed available from
the conference via RealAudio. National speaking tour on 'depleted uranium'
with Doug Rokke resumes after conference. See
Itinerary.
October 23 - Radio commentator and columnist JIM HIGHTOWER
* on "THIEVES IN HIGH PLACES: THEY'VE STOLEN OUR COUNTRY AND IT'S TIME TO
TAKE IT BACK" Thursday, October 23, 2003 This appearance is a fundraiser to
benefit the Western Mass chapter of Jobs with Justice, a national campaign
for Workers' Rights & Economic Justice. As a labor-community-student-religious
coalition, members of Jobs With Justice pledge "IÕll Be There" at least 5
times a year for someone elseÕs struggle. ** Reception 6:00-7:15 pm Odyssey
Bookshop 9 College St (Routes 116 at 47), in the Village Commons, S Hadley
(www.mtholyoke.edu/cic/map/815.shtml). $50 per person tax deductible donation
requested. Includes reserved seating for the public event. Space is limited.
Please send your donation now to WMass Jobs With Justice, 640 Page Boulevard,
Springfield MA 01104. Public Chat & Booksigning 7:30 pm, doors open at 6:30
pm Chapin Auditorium at Mount Holyoke College Route 116, South Hadley (www.mtholyoke.edu/cic/map/856.shtml)
Requested (tax-deductible) donations: $1-$25 for students, $5-$50 for community
members. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. The public event is
co-sponsored by the Odyssey Bookshop, Western Mass Jobs with Justice, and
the Politics Department, the Student Coalition for Action, and People Opposed
to War at Mount Holyoke College. More Info: WMass JWJ Organizer Jill Fitzsimmons,
262-7689, jill_jwj@fastmail.fm, or Joan Grenier at the Odyssey, 534-7307 or
800-540-7307; odysseyjeg@aol.com.
October 25
- March for an end to the occupation of Iraq!
Washington, DC. 11 AM at the Washington Monument and San Francisco.
11 am Civic Center (Grove & Larkin Streets, Civic Ctr. BART) March
& Rally to follow . See United
for Peace and Justice and International
ANSWER for information, flyers and ride boards.
November 1-2
- Campus
Anti-War Network (CAN) National Conference - Nov. 1-2, 2003 in Chicago.
Email CAN for
information. Download FLYER
(400K). CAN is the democratic student-owned and organized grassroots
network of over 150 grassroots campus groups. See also CAN National Speaking
Tour - "Speaking
Truth to Empire." co-sponsored by the Muslim
Students Association. See
CAN history.
November 17-21 - STOP THE FTAA! Miami. Trade ministers
from 34 nations in the Western Hemisphere meet to launch the final stage of
the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA - "NAFTA on Steroids") negotiations.
The FTAA would expand the failed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),
which has already had disastrous effects in the US, Mexico, and Canada, to
the entire Western Hemisphere. Jobs with Justice along with the AFL-CIO and
other allies demand that the trade ministers and our elected officials nationwide
hear the voices of the millions across the hemisphere who oppose the FTAA.
Big Business plans to push FTAA through without a democratic process. But
you can cast your ballot to Stop FTAA at www.aflcio.org/issuespolitics/globaleconomy/ftaamain.cfm.
The ballots will be delivered to the Ministerial Meeting. By signing a ballot,
you can tell trade ministers and our elected officials that FTAA is the wrong
choice for jobs, workersâ rights and the environment. A "welcome" for the
FTAA ministerial is planned by the AFL-CIO, local Central Labor Council, over
10 local unions, Sierra Club, Florida Fair Trade Coalition, Jobs with Justice,
Miami Workers Center, Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Unite for Dignity, Public
Citizen, Citizens Trade Campaign, Alliance for Responsible Trade, and many
others. Current plans: teach-ins, seminars, reality tours, concerts, forums,
rallies, marches, and many more ways to get our message out! Info: Citizens
Trade Campaign, 202-778-3320, mailto:ftaainfo@citizenstrade.org; www.flfairtrade.org.
Page updated December 12, 2002 by Charlie Jenks; updated continually.
