dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of April 23, 2017

From Stop The War UK group.

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

04/24/17 DIPLOMACY & MEDIA IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Colton, Diplomat-in-Residence at Lenoir-Rhyne University-Asheville, will present four lectures focused on Diplomacy, Politics and News. Dr. Colton is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked for ABC News, NBC News, Newsweek, and NPR. The Asheville native also had a distinguished career as a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat in seven Middle Eastern countries. The Monday night series includes: April 24 - Navigating Flash Points of US Politics, Foreign Policy and World Diplomacy; and May 22 - Global Diplomacy and Asheville in the world. Foreign policy and diplomacy are cornerstones of concern for any U.S. President and Congress. Often, a President’s approach to world diplomacy and the global challenges confronting the administration play a large role in characterizing the Presidential legacy. As a journalist who’s covered many modern presidential administrations, and later as a U.S. diplomat who’s worked for several Commanders in Chief, Dr. Colton presents her perspective for navigating and understanding current flash points in U.S. politics, diplomacy, and foreign policy. All lectures will take place at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Asheville Center, which is located at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville. Doors will open each night at 5 PM, and lectures will begin at 5:30 PM. RSVP is required, so please call 828-407-4263. This is a Facebook event and was in the Mountain Express.

04/24/17 COLLABORATIVE CONVERSATIONS: CREATING EQUITY IN SCHOOLS

Join us for a collaborative conversation with parents, teachers, students and community members on Monday, April 24, 6 - 8 PM at Rainbow Community School’s Omega Middle School (62 State Street, Asheville, NC 28806). What does equity look like for education in Asheville and Buncombe County? What are our roles and responsibilities for ensuring all students have access to quality learning environments? Free childcare and refreshments. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/24/17 STAND UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP

ASURJ Grant Writing Working Group Meeting from 6 to 8 PM at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at Charlotte and Edwin Streets. Please go to the downstairs room. Calling all writers and non-writers. Come to ASURJ's new Grant Writing Working Group meeting to learn how you can make a difference by helping POC-led organizations get funding for their initiatives. You don't have to be a writer to join. Researchers, liaisons, and excel masters are just some of the roles we'll need to fill. Much of the work will be done and shared online. If you're interested but can't attend this first meeting, please contact Sara Murphy at Sara.A.Murphy@gmail.com. This is a Facebook event.

04/24/17 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS

There have been numerous books on genocide in the last twenty years, but “To Kill a People” offers a different approach. It is one of the few books on genocide expressly written for use in the college classroom. The book includes four case studies--the Armenian, Nazi, Cambodian, and Rwandan genocides--and substantive introductory and concluding chapters that contribute to two key debates within genocide studies: how to define ‘genocide’ and place it in relation to other mass atrocities, and how to detect and analyze the social, historical, and cultural forces that produce genocidal violence. “To Kill a People” examines a vast range of the latest research, offers original interpretations and arguments, and draws upon the author's own archival research on three continents. The case studies are supplemented by primary readings and thought-provoking questions, and the book concludes with a chapter that synthesizes the lessons and issues that arise from the study of genocide. A chapter-length bibliographic essay further distinguishes this book and will be useful to students and experts alike. Author John Cox will present this book. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville.

04/24/17 PUBLIC LECTURE AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

“President Trump’s First 100 Days: Perspectives from the left and right” panel discussion with Rick Glazier of the NC Justice Panel and John Hood of the Hon William Pope Foundation. Free. Held in Broyhill Chapel. Time is 7:30 PM.

04/25/17 WNC DIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT COALITION LUNCH AND LEARN

The WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition invites you to join us for a free lunch and learn on Tuesday, April the 25th from 12:00 - 1:00 at the MAHEC Education Center in Pisgah. Marisol Jimenez, an accomplished equity and inclusion organizer, facilitator, and advocate, with Tepeyac Consulting, will lead this workshop that serves as an opportunity for you to develop some language and frameworks for advancing equity within your organizations and communities. Together, we will look at how history, culture, policies, and resource distribution uphold a structure of power, privilege, and oppression that can only be interrupted by strategies that move beyond diversity. Lunch will be provided and space is limited! Registration is required. Contact paulinam364@gmail.com to register. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/25/17 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING ASSOCIATION YOUTH CELEBRATION

Youth Celebration: Tuesday, April 25, 2017: 6:00 p.m. Ferguson Auditorium, A-B Tech campus. Free and open to the public. Call 828-335-6896 for more information.

04/25/17 MOVIE NIGHT AT THE COLLIDER

The Collider and Oskar Blues Brewery launch a new monthly climate and environmental film series at The Collider, open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, the film starts at 7. The Collider is located on the third floor of the Chase Bank Building at 1 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. The first four evenings will feature episodes from the award-winning series, “Years of Living Dangerously.” Oskar Blues will provide beer and, of course, we’ll also have popcorn. Tonight we will show “Safe Passage” with Bradley Whitford and “The Road Ahead” with Ty Burrell, and “Uprising” featuring “The Coal Wars” with America Ferrera and “Elephant in the Room” with Sigourney Weaver. Free, with suggested donation of $5 per person, $20 per family. Contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org for more information.

04/25/17 ASHEVILLE TIMEBANK POTLUCK

Asheville TimeBank will hold its monthly potluck dinner on the 4th Tuesday of April at 5:30 PM until sunset, at West Asheville Park (foot of Vermont St.). All welcome. Come hear stories of services exchanged and share delicious food! Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

04/25/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president seems to be trying to match or beat that horrible record. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.

04/25/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/25/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

Speakers address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. This came from the Progressive Organized Women of Henderson County. Happens every Tuesday. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

04/25/17 MEN’S DIVERSITY CIRCLE AT FIRESTORM

From circle organizer Duncan Tam: As men of color and culture, we navigate the margins of power and privilege from cradle to grave. We inherit the legacies of our ancestors and pass down our love and pain to our children. In circle, we give support, voice and strength to each other in our personal challenges with the experiences of exclusion and inclusion, and celebrate the contributions we make in our lives and in all our relations. All men of color are welcome. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/25/17 THE RIPPLE EFFECT WITH MIA BIRDSONG

The Ripple Effect with Mia Birdsong. April 25th at 6pm at the Diana Wortham Theatre. Join us for community conversation on how your actions create positive change, featuring Mia Birdsong and the voices of our neighbors and community members. Register at www.miabirdsong.eventbrite.com. Mia Birdsong is an acclaimed community advocate who speaks about the value of community and self-determination. She is best known for her TED Talk: The story we tell about poverty isn't true, which has now been watched over 1.5 million times. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/26/17 PASTORS FOR PEACE IN ASHEVILLE

Pastors for Peace is part of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizations (IFCO). It has been organizing caravans to Cuba since 1992 offering US citizens an opportunity to express their support for changing relations with Cuba. The Executive Director, Ms. Gail Walker states: “While President Obama made some efforts to begin opening US relations with Cuba before leaving office, the embargo is still in effect and there are still some restrictions on travel to Cuba. This year, in the early days of the Trump administration, we are focusing on opposition to any roll-back of the gains made under the Obama administration.” This will be a potluck dinner (please bring a dish to share) followed by a talk and discussion with Ms. Walker Time is 6:30 PM and location is Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville. Ms. Walker will focus on what life is like in Cuba today and on the current state of US-Cuba relations. Pastors for Peace began organizing Friendshipment caravans to Cuba in 1992. This is a fundraising tour. Please donate what you can. For more information, please contact Ken at jonesk@maine.edu.

04/26/17 PASTORS FOR PEACE AT WARREN WILSON

From their website: “Pastors for Peace is a special ministry of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO), and was created in 1988 to pioneer the delivery of humanitarian aid to Latin America and the Caribbean. Pastors for Peace offers concerned US citizens an opportunity to demonstrate and enact an alternative people-to-people foreign policy based in justice and mutual respect. We have organized dozens of Pastors for Peace Caravans to various countries delivering life-giving aid, and organizing at home for a more just policy toward our neighbors in the hemisphere.” Pastors for Peace started organizing caravans to Cuba in 1992. Gail Walker, Executive Director, will speak about what is it like in Cuba today and about the current state of US-Cuba relations. Then the film “All Guantanamo is Ours” will be shown. This film shows the perspective and sentiment of the Cuban people, in particular those living in the towns around Guantanamo, about the illegal occupation of the U.S. Naval Base. This will be from 4 to 5:30 PM and location is Jensen Lecture Hall at Warren Wilson College. This is a fundraising tour. Please donate what you can. For more information, contact Ken at jonesk@maine.edu.

04/26/17 MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM AND DONATION DRIVE

Leah Charbonneau, MA, with AmeriCorps Vista, NC Department of Public Instruction, and the Migrant Education Program will discuss the regional Migrant Education Program that works with this vulnerable population, their needs from the community, and opportunities that MHU students have in helping them through ESL internships and donating needed materials for them and their families. Time is 6 to 7 PM and location is the Chapel at Mars Hill University.

04/27/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters in and around the city of Jerusalem as he takes us on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. Exploring universal questions of identity and human connection, this film challenges the audience to reconsider their views on the Israeli-Palestinian story in light of the film. This is a closing night reception to the Asheville Jewish Film Festival and director Aaron Davidman will be present. Time is 6 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $25.

04/27/2017 MI HISTORIA: LATINOS TODAY IN WNC

The Literacy Council will be hosting the "Mi Historia: Latinos Today in WNC" exhibit from the Center for Diversity Education at UNC Asheville. On Thursday, April 27, 9 am - 7:30 pm and Friday, April 28, 9 am - 4:30 pm, community members are encouraged to drop in and view the exhibit which provides a glimpse into the varied and important stories of Western North Carolina's Latino immigrant population. Activity guides will be available for participants as they walk through.

04/27/17 DIVERSITY IN WNC CONTRIBUTORS TO MUSIC AND MEDICINE

Diversity in WNC Contributors to Music and Medicine. Discussion leaders: Pat McAfee, author of Western North Carolina Musical Legacies: Hidden in the Melodies of Life; and Micki Cabaniss, publisher of History of Medicine in Asheville, "Early Black Physicians," authored by Freeman Irby Stephens. This is in the setting of our monthly Interfaith Program at Grateful Steps and a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/27/17 YWCA OF ASHEVILLE HOSTS WOMEN OF COLOR LEADING CHANGE

Join us for the YWCA's Stand Against Racism panel discussion on Thursday, April 27, 6 - 8 PM at the Wesley Grant Center, highlighting local women of color (WOC) who are leading grassroots efforts towards equity and inclusion. The focus of the event will be on challenges faced and success stories from WOC leaders along with words of wisdom for others looking to make change in their communities. Despite outpacing other groups in college education, leading social progress since the very beginning, and often being the primary breadwinner in their households, WOC are consistently underrepresented in positions of leadership throughout all sectors nationwide. Asheville is not an exception to this imbalance, but the YWCA is on a mission to shed more light on this disparity and inspire our community to embrace the leadership of women and WOC. Only through diverse voices will true equality emerge. Because women, and especially WOC, see and experience the world through different lenses, their presence in leadership roles is imperative to help shape more equitable policies, workplaces and systems in our communities. For more information contact Marsha at marsha.davis@ywcaofasheville.org.

04/27/17 TRANSMISSION PRISON PROJECT

Help the Tranzmission Prison Project distribute free literature to incarcerated members of the LGBTQ community. Every fourth Thursday of the month volunteers meet from 6 - 9 PM, preparing packages of books and zines for mailing to prisons across the United States. Books have already been selected for each inmate, you just need to help get them wrapped and addressed. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/27/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HENDERSON COUNTY EVENT

Please join us for an interactive community discussion on “Civil Discourse in Divided Times” and leave empowered to make a difference. Speaker/Facilitator: Laura Jeffords, Executive Director, The Mediation Center, Asheville. What is the value of civility? What impact can we have as individuals and as a community? On our Elected Officials? Our Children? Our Neighbors? Our Colleagues? Location is the Kaplan Auditorium at Henderson County Main Public Library. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

04/27/17 NAACP PRESENT DOCUMENTARY IN BREVARD

NAACP Presents Documentary on Brevard High School’s First Integrated Football team. “Almost Cured”, the story of the 1963 Brevard High School football team, will be presented at 6 PM on Thursday, April 27 at the Brevard High School auditorium. The documentary, by former Brevard resident Tom Dierolf, details the rocky road of integration in the south and in Transylvania County. It features many of the football players from the team that became co-state champions that first year. A primary figure in “Almost Cured” is Coach Cliff Brookshire, who recently passed away. Coach Brookshire has been acclaimed for his courage in promoting integration at a time when his team members were often discriminated against, especially during an away game played in Tennessee. Right after the film, NAACP invites participants to a coffee hour right outside the high school auditorium for coffee and cookies and conversation. The public is invited. There is no admission charge.

04/27/17 FUNDRAISER FOR COMMUNITY ROOTS

Come kick it with us for the pre-party of the Annual Vintage Meltdown Show. Not only will their be free beer, live music by The Dirty Soul Revival, a car smash, and bike games, but your $10 suggested donation contributes directly to Community Roots - an environmental organization committed to stopping Duke from building fracked gas plants with our money and building renewable instead. Please come support community rights, clean energy, and a healthy environment! Rain date is 4/28/17.

Time is 6 to 9 PM and location is Garage TRS at 26 Glendale Avenue, Suite G, in Asheville. Rain date is 4/28/17.

04/28/17 UNCA STUDENT ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER ACTION

On Friday April 28, UNCA Student Environmental Center will present to UNCA Board of Trustees a request for divestiture from fossil fuel funds. Location is UNC Asheville at Brown Hall #217, time TBA between 9-12 PM. Contact James Smith, at jsmith18@unca.edu or 919-724-5087 for more information. UNCA students are requesting the community to come and support them.

04/28/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters in and around the city of Jerusalem as he takes us on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. Exploring universal questions of identity and human connection, this film challenges the audience to reconsider their views on the Israeli-Palestinian story in light of the film. Time is 1 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.

04/28/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

04/28/17 SILENT VIGIL FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM IN HENDERSONVILLE

This will be at the Henderson County Courthouse on Main Street in Hendersonville (between 1st and 2nd Streets) from 5 to 6 PM. There will be signs available for people to hold, or you can bring your own. This is a coalition of churches and nonprofits. This came from the Progressive Organized Women of Henderson County. Happens monthly. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

04/29/17 SIERRA CLUB BUS TO DC FROM ASHEVILLE

The People’s Climate March is April 29 in Washington DC and Sierra Club WENOCA has chartered a bus to take you there. We are grateful to the national Sierra Club and the NC chapter for subsidizing the cost of the bus. Therefore, your cost for a round trip ticket is $48.47 ($30 for bus + $10 for MetroRail card + $5 for water, snacks, etc. + $3.47 service charge). Please print your ticket and show it when boarding the bus. The bus will leave the night of April 28 and return the morning of April 30. You will not need a hotel because the bus will be traveling through the night. If you cannot make the trip but would like to make a donation to help someone who wants to go but can’t afford it, you can do that at the same link. Don’t delay - we are expecting this bus to fill up fast. Contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net for more information. Go here to get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peoples-climate-march-bus-asheville-to-dc-tickets-32859388315

04/29/17 GREENWORKS HARD 2 RECYCLE COLLECTION

Bring out your dead electronics, tvs, computers, small appliances, batteries and more to be recycled here in the US. We need a good amount of folks to help keep this event moving. Please consider helping out for a shift. Time is 10 AM to 2 PM and location is the City Public Works parking lot at 161 South Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Eric Bradford at 828-232-7144 or eric@ashevillegreenworks.org for more information.

04/29/17 ASHEVILLE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE RALLY AND MARCH

This will be in Pack Square from 10 AM to 2 PM. Host Asheville Indivisible Climate Sub Group and 350.org along with the Sierra Club are organizing the Sister Climate March (sister to the DC event) here in town on April 29. We will kick off with a rally in Pack Square at 10 AM. There will be motivational speeches from: Native American blessing by Sharon Oxendine, First Nation Elder, Brownie Newman, Chair of Buncombe County Commission, Dee Williams, candidate for City Council, Rev. Thomas Murphy of All Souls Cathedral, Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project, Cleo Doran and Helena Marmolejos with Drew Jones of Climate Interactive as MC. Come out on April 29 to rally in support of climate action at all levels of government. Contact Ulla at ulla.reeves@gmail.com for more information. Contact Ken at kenbrame@sbcglobal.net or call 828-423-8045 to march under Sierra Club banner or volunteer to help.

04/29/17 MOVIE SHOWING OF “13TH” IN ASHEVILLE

View the movie “13th” followed by a discussion with Max Parthas of New Abolitionists Radio, foremost authority in the field of prison slavery. Free admission for showings followed by discussion of film; one showing at noon and another one at 6 PM. Location is the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr Southside Center at 185 Livingston Street in Asheville. The film, directed by Ava DuVernay, is titled after the 13th Amendment which freed slaves and prohibited slavery except as a punishment for crime. Event sponsored by Asheville Friends Meeting, Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, Asheville Black Lives Matter, and Asheville SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice). No contact information given.

04/29/17 RIVER CLEAN UP BY ASHEVILLE GREEN WORKS

Join River Link, Asheville GreenWorks, and MountainTrue on our first big river cleanup of the season. This event has been generously sponsored by Buchi Kombucha, who will be providing boldly refreshing kombucha in celebration of clean water and National Volunteer Week for all volunteers who participate. Bring your friends and family as we all work together to clean up our river! We will meet at 144 Riverside Drive (the take out location) and caravan to Hominy Creek Beach where we will drop in the boats. Volunteers will take boats out onto the water to gather trash. All boats, paddles, life vests, gloves and other supplies will be provided. Volunteers should wear clothes that can get wet, and bring a water bottle. Contact Green Works to register for this event.

04/30/17 WNC SOLIDARITY CONCERT SERIES

The final Sunday of each month in 2017, two groups of WNC-based musicians and their ensembles will each perform a benefit concert to raise funding for WNC nonprofits. The music performed each week will fluctuate between jazz, rhythm & blues, soul, jazz funk, jazz fusion, and swing. Each event will host two groups, playing, consecutively between 3 and 5 PM with a brief intermission. All of proceeds go to the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit for today’s concert is Our Voice. Act I is the Al Schlimm Quintet and Act II is the Chuck Lichtenberger Quartet. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at Eagle and South Market Streets in downtown Asheville. Suggested donation is $10, and are available the day of the event. This is a Facebook event. Please call The Block Off Biltmore for more information.

04/30/17 STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN PIONEERS

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, in partnership with the Residents Council of Asheville Housing Authority, will host an event titled, “Standing on the Shoulders of African American Women Pioneers” on Sunday, April 30, 3 PM at the Edington Center. We will celebrate the lives of the following individuals: Mrs. Vivian Cline Cooper, taught in Asheville for over 40 years; Mrs. Willie F. Hennessee, First Black Voter Registrar in western NC; Mrs. Beatrice Francine Delany, the first senior graduating class from Asheville-Biltmore College, the Francine Delany New School for Children is named in her honor; Mrs. Minnie Jones, Co-founder of the Minnie Jones Family Health Center and civil rights pioneer. The organizations will also recognize the following change agents: Johnnie Grant, Terry Bellamy, Brenda Mills, Clara Jeter, Willie Mae Brown and Thelma Porter. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/30/17 DOCUMENTARY AT THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE

In 2016, Standing Rock, North Dakota became one of the most watched places on earth. Josh Fox James Spione Myron Dewey Digital Smoke Signals present a new documentary “AWAKE, A Dream From Standing Rock” which captures some of the many stories of the Native-led resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which forever changed the way people approach the fight for Indigenous sovereignty and the resistance to fossil fuel infrastructure, Big Oil and climate change. Time is 7 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Phone 828-254-9277 for more information.

05/01/17 MAY DAY GENERAL STRIKE

This is International Workers Day. On May 1st, Asheville will be joining International Worker's Day celebrations all over the country and worldwide. We are asking for community members to not go to work, school and not buy anything. There will be workshops, presentations and other activities throughout the day, followed up in the afternoon with a march and rally to discuss issues that affect certain communities in Asheville, including immigrant rights and workers rights, demanding a better world for the working class. Please email AVLmayday2017@riseup.net if you are interested in speaking, performing or organizing workshops this May 1st. From 10 AM to noon there will be a vegetarian potluck breakfast at Firestorm. There will be workshops in the afternoon, with time, place and topic TBD. March at 5 PM from Aston Park, rally at 6 PM at Pritchard Park. This is a Facebook event, but you can call Firestorm for more information.

05/02/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

Speakers will address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Progressive Organized Women (POW) is a grassroots, non-partisan activist group of women and men formed to ensure our elected national and state legislators are responsible to their constituents and adhere to the Constitution. Based in Hendersonville and begun in January 2017 by two local teachers, POW focuses on issues immediately before Congress and NC General Assembly such as healthcare and immigration. Tuesday afternoon POW rallies take place in front of the Historic Courthouse. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

05/02/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

05/02/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE

“What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience” is part one of a four part series on teaching kids about racism and racial justice. This series is designed to start with basic concepts to deepen your understanding of racism in our culture then move into more complex needs and scenarios for helping children to learn in classrooms and at home. These sessions will help you feel more empowered as parents and educators to be in discussion and supportive with kids developing a healthy understanding of racial diversity and how to work toward racial justice. Each event will include both a presentation of ideas and a workshop to engage those ideas. Events are run by Justina Prenatt, LPCA of Clover Heart Concepts, and Megan McCarter Martell, Executive Director of Programs at Odyssey. April 4 is “What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience.” April 18 is “How do we talk about Race? Communication, Presence & Developmental Awareness.” May 2 is “What can teachers and parents do? Representation, Discussion, & Justice.” May 16 is “What's your Culture? Diversity, Similarities & Celebration.” Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Odyssey Community School at 90 Zillicoa Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event. Attendance at all four events is encouraged but is not required. The cost of the events and the childcare are free. Donations for the childcare are welcomed. For more information, including instructions on how to register for the event and for childcare, contact learn@odysseycommunity.org or 828-259-3653.

05/02/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

05/02/17 STANDING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT

Join us for another night of roleplaying difficult conversations and practicing SURJ's core value of “calling in” versus “calling out.” Our leader David is especially focused on moving us into less discussion and more roleplaying. Let's practice these difficult conversations to prepare us to be better agents of change and racial justice accomplices. We meet downstairs in the main building of the UU congregation of Asheville on Charlotte and Edwin Streets. Easiest to enter through the playground gate. If you enter upstairs, just come downstair. Parking on the street or in lot (if available). Part of the WUWW!?! What's Up with Whiteness Wednesdays educational series, an ongoing ASURJ series endeavoring to dismantle white supremacy. Like all Asheville SURJ meetings, this session is open to anyone who wants to participate and is interested in anti-racism work and supporting the movement for Black Lives. More about the purpose of the ‘Calling In: Role Playing Conversations about Race’ sessions: We all encounter racism all the time, whether it's in the form of jokes or comments or attempts to belittle the importance of Black Lives (i.e. Don't All Lives Matter?). For most of us, it's very challenging to respond to racist speech or action in ways that feel constructive. Many of us either stay silent, or get into arguments, neither of which will begin the essential process of educating and “calling in” white people to become part of multi-racial coalitions for racial justice. So, in this workshop, we'll role play having these conversations, so we can all feel better prepared to engage in them when opportunities arise. Reminder that we try to pass the hat at all ASURJ events and meetings as a form of Grassroots Reparations. 100% of money collected goes to People of Color led initiatives. If you have $ to share in your pocket, great, if not, do not let that be a barrier to participation. Note: continuing on first Tuesday of the month. Time is 6:30 PM. This is a Facebook event.

05/03/17 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

On Wednesday, May 3rd, the Sierra Club will present a program on “Flowers, Trees, and Mountains of our Appalachian Spring” with Scott Dean, naturalist and photographer. Dean has been a part of both UNCA and Great Smoky Mountain Spring Pilgrimages for many years. He teaches at the North Carolina Arboretum. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 1 Edwin Place (corner of Charlotte & Edwin) in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Judy Mattox at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or call 828-683-2176.

05/03/17 CITIZENS-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

This meeting is organized by the City of Asheville. This meeting is free and open to the public. They meet in the first floor Conference Room at the Public Works Building at 161 South Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. Call 251-1122 for more information.

05/03/17 TALK AT UNCA ON AFRILACHIA

Plan to attend this talk by DeWayne Barton on how Hood Hood Huggers International LLC is raising awareness of ‘Affrilachia' - the African-American communities in Appalachia. Hood Huggers International, LLC offers services in these three categories: social enterprise, the Pearson Plan, and the arts. A key way Barton pursues his mission is through the organization's Hood Tours, which shuttle participants in a brightly painted van through Asheville's historically African-American neighborhoods. This presentation is part of the 'More than a Month' series, providing information throughout the year to raise awareness for OLLI members about African American culture and politics locally and nationally. Time is 3 to 5 PM and location is Reuter Center 102 at UNCA.

05/03/17 IWOC SPEAKING EVENT AT FIRESTORM

The Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee (IWOC) of the IWW functions as a liaison for prisoners to organize each other, unionize, and build solid bridges between prisoners on the inside and fellow workers on the outside. An organizer with IWOC will be giving a talk and leading a discussion on prison organizing. Anyone interested in prison solidarity and abolition will not want to miss this. No Walls! No Cages! No Bosses! Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/04/17 to 05/07/17 RACIAL WEALTH DIVIDE

Faced with the challenges of our time, how do we build a strong and lasting movement to address economic and racial inequality? This training will explore the role of popular education in movement building and share tools that educators, organizers and activists can use with their communities to analyze the roots of our current crisis and take action for profound change. This will be held at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat. Facilitators are Jeannette Huezo, Eroc Arroyo-Montano and Riahl O’Malley of United for a Fair Economy. The Institute will offer Spanish/English interpretation, depending on the needs of the participants.Focus will be on reviewing and practicing popular education principles and practices and exploring the intersection of class, race, and gender inequities and their relationship to economic trends and addressing the consequences of economic and racial inequality through education for movement building. Institute fee is based on a sliding scale ($500 – $,500) which includes room & board, all materials, travel to and from the Asheville Regional Airport or Charlotte Douglas Regional Airport. Flight is not included. Limited scholarship available, based on ability to pay. The training begins on Thursday at 6 PM and goes through Sunday at 1 PM. Space is limited and preference will be given to those engaged in economic and racial justice campaigns and to organizations that send two or more participants. For more information, email Eroc Arroyo-Montano at eroc@faireconomy.org. This was a Facebook event.

05/04/17 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING IN ASHEVILLE

A documentary about a celebration of Wangkatja country and a testament to the strength of the community who have fought to stop uranium mining at Yeelirrie, Western Australia for over forty years. This annual Walk enables people from all parts of the globe to come together to share our commitment to a sustainable future without nuclear. It is a chance to reconnect with the land, and to revive the tradition of walking for country, with the Indigenous elders of the land. Free admission. Time is 7 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. For more info, contact Mary at 828-252-8409. This is a Facebook event.

05/05/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

05/06/17 WALK A MILE FOR OUR VOICE

#WalkaMileAsheville is accepting event sponsors. For more information on how your business can stand with Our Voice in creating a community free from sexual violence, email walk@ourvoicenc.org or visit walkamileasheville.com.

05/07/16 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY RIGHTS MEETING

We are working to dismantle corporate rule in Asheville / Buncombe County through asserting our right for self-governance and recognition of the rights of nature. We are working with CELDF to write an ordinance that will prohibit the actions of corporations that we, the people, don't want in our community. If you want to get involved in making this happen please join us on Sunday May 7th. We will share the update on our progress so far and help organize people into action teams to expand the work. Time is 4 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

05/07/17 POLITICAL PRISONER LETTER WRITING NIGHT

Each month on first Sundays, join members of Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross for an evening of solidarity with long term political prisoners: people who have been incarcerated due to their activism and resistance to systems of domination and oppression. We come together each month to celebrate their birthdays by sending words of encouragement and support. We let them know that they--and their sacrifices for our movements--are never far from our minds and hearts. Time is 5 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/09/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

05/09/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

05/09/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

On the second Tuesday of each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is the Center for Art and Spirit at Saint George, address is One School Road in west Asheville. For more information, contact Gerry at gwerhan@gmail.com.

05/09/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

05/10/17 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

05/11/17 FILM FESTIVAL ON ISRAEL/PALESTINE

Stories of Struggle, Conscience and Spirit: A Film Festival on Israel/Palestine. There will be a total of six evenings of films and discussions between March 2 and May 18, 2017. PAJET (Palestinian and Jewish Egalitarian Team) and JPIP (Just Peace for Israel/Palestine) are collaborating on this film series because of the importance of bringing these little-known narratives to Asheville. Both groups are committed to human rights for all people, focusing on the struggle for a just, and therefore sustainable, peace in Israel and Palestine. Our participants live in the questions surrounding that commitment. JPIP takes specific stands on issues related to Israeli and U.S. policies enabling the Occupation. PAJET formed as a dialogue group between Jewish and Palestinian residents of Asheville, and explores how to advocate together for peace and justice. Both groups invite the public to view these films and join the dialogue. The film festival is free, donations are welcome. “Disturbing the Peace” is the title of tonight’s film. Directors Stephen Apkon and Andrew Young’s documentary illustrates the universality of suffering by juxtaposing the stories of former combatants on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film illustrates the universality of suffering by juxtaposing stories of former combatants on both sides of the conflict. This historic and contemporary coming together of Israeli and Palestinian veterans to seek peace inspired a rapturous ovation when it screened at Ebertfest. After viewing the film, we will have a Skype discussion with the director and producer. It is possible that one of the veterans featured in the film will be with us in person. A co-sponsor is UNC Asheville Political Science Department. Time is 7 PM and location is Reuter Center, Room 102, at UNCA.

05/11/17 TRANSPORTATION STRATEGIC PLAN MEETING

NC Public Transportation Division announces upcoming community workshops. Public input welcomed as strategic plan is developed. This May, stakeholders and the public are invited to provide input at community workshops across the state as part of the North Carolina Public Transportation Statewide Strategic Plan. The N.C. Department of Transportation is developing the Public Transportation Statewide Strategic Plan to improve bus, rail, and paratransit services across the state by better matching transit services to the needs of North Carolinians. The workshops will be free and open to the public. No registration is necessary to attend. Time is 12:30 to 3:30 PM and location is NC Arboretum at 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville. For more information, contact Davis at dbender@ncdot.gov or (919) 707-4678.

05/12/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

05/13/17 MOUNTAIN TRUE PROGRAM

Equity in Planning: A MountainTrue program on the lasting impact of urban renewal policies. Join MountainTrue on Saturday, May 13 from 9 AM to noon as we explore the legacy of urban renewal policies and their impacts on Asheville’s communities of color. With Asheville rated one of the fastest gentrifying cities in the U.S., it is critically important that we make land use, planning and development decisions thoughtfully and inclusively. This program will include a facilitated discussion at the Wesley Grant Center, followed by a trolley tour led by Hood Huggers International’s DeWayne Barton and MountainTrue’s Co-Executive Director Julie Mayfield. In addition to DeWayne and Julie, special guests lending topic area expertise to the facilitated discussion will include locals from Asheville, a professor of history from UNC Asheville, and other community representatives to provide insights into how Asheville has changed as a city. As Asheville continues to grow, MountainTrue is committed to supporting neighborhoods and residents in protecting the integrity of their communities and advocating for policies that will keep the city walkable, bike able and affordable for current and long-time residents. Participants will learn how the history of urban renewal in Asheville impacted African-American communities and we will discuss ways we can help prevent this in the future. Tickets for this event are $25 for members of MountainTrue and $40 for non-members, which includes a 2017 membership to MountainTrue. Space is limited due to the size of the trolley, so sign-up today. Contact Mary Kate at 828-258-8737 or marykate@mountaintrue.org for more information including how to register.

05/13/17 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

Come join us to help advance our mission to build political will for a livable world. We'll listen to the national call and talk about our strategies in Asheville and WNC to help pass national bipartisan legislation on climate change - called Carbon Fee & Dividend. All political parties are welcome to join in this effort - conservative, liberal, progressive, libertarian, etc. Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 610 Haywood Road (enter in back) in west Asheville. We are advocating for a Carbon Fee & Dividend, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels at point entry; this fee will be refunded to individuals and families. There is bipartisan support in Congress as this will create jobs and help grow the economy, boosting renewables. Time is 12:30 to 3 PM. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

05/13/17 REP. MARK MEADOWS EMPTY CHAIR TOWN HALL

Time is 10 to 11 AM and location is Jackson Park Road in Hendersonville. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

05/16/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

05/16/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE

05/16/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

05/16/17 CITIZENS ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT

A monthly progressives meet-up that features short films and discussions. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/16/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

05/16/17 LUNCH AND LEARN AT PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES

We are hosting our first of our community event series as a Lunch'n Learn about Pisgah Legal Services and child poverty in WNC. This is presented by Buncombe County League of Women Voters. Learn how Pisgah Legal Services works to alleviate and prevent child poverty. Lunch will be catered. Time is 11:30 to 1 PM and location is 62 Charlotte Street in Asheville. RSVP to brent@pisgahlegal.org or call 828-210-3405.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument during most of the year, but after standard time kicks in, they meet at 4:30 PM.

Showing Up for Racial Justice Do!scussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10 AM. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.

Rally at historic Courthouse in Hendersonville at 5 PM. Organized by the Progressive Organized Women.

WEDNESDAY

Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville

French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.

Green Grannies Book Club meets at noon at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville.

Green Drinks meets at 7 PM at The Block Off Biltmore on the third Wednesday of the month.

Sierra Club meets at 7 PM at Unitarian Universalist in Asheville on the first Wednesday of the month.

THURSDAY

Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 6 PM on fourth Thursday of the month. Materials provided.

Welcome Home Tour by Homeward Bound on the third Thursday of the month at 11 AM. Call 258-1695 for more information.

Asheville Prison Books Program is held at Downtown Books & News from 4 to 7 PM.

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville.

Standing Up For Racial Justice event is held at 10 AM at 23 Edwin Street, next to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.

SATURDAY

French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.

Mountain True holds urban forest workdays on the second Saturday of the month at Richmond Hill Park from 9 AM to 1 PM. Call 258-8737 for more information.

Citizen’s Climate Lobby meeting at 12:30 PM at Kairos West Community Center on second Saturday of the month.

Food Not Bombs serves free vegan/vegetarian food every Saturday at noon at Pritchard Park.

SUNDAY

Asheville National Organization for Women meeting at 2:30 PM at YWCA of Asheville on second Sunday of the month.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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Hood Tour Tickets

An interactive tour focusing on Asheville’s African American resilient history and future in the arts, environmentalism and entrepreneurship. The tour visits neighborhoods with existing and active green spaces, art, and grassroots initiatives. Tours run most Thursdays at 1 PM and Saturdays at 3 PM, and by appointment for groups by emailing info@hoodhuggers.com. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours. Cost is $25 per person. Tours begin at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue.

Hood Huggers International, LLC offers sustainable strategies for building support pillars for resilient historically African American neighborhoods, providing a framework for community capacity building while increasing the effectiveness of existing service programs. These strategies incorporate the arts, environmental education and social enterprise.

DeWayne Barton is the founder/CEO of Hood Huggers. A sculptor and poet, Barton has been involved in community improvement and youth development for over 20 years. He serves on the African American Heritage Commission, CoThinkk, and the City of Asheville Neighborhood Advisory Board.

Please call (828) 275-5305 or email blove@hoodhuggers.com for more information including how to register for these tours.

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dancewater

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of April 23, 2017

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