dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of February 19, 2017

Photo taken at Moral March in Raleigh on 2/11/17. Picture taken by Matt Hoh. Chapter 099 is the Western North Carolina chapter of Veterans for Peace.

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

02/20/17 NAACP MEETING IN HENDERSONVILLE

NAACP monthly meeting from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at 810 North Whitted Street in Hendersonville. Call (828) 692-7180 for more information.

02/20/17 TAKE A STAND EVENT AT BREVARD COLLEGE

Take a Stand for yourself, your family, your community and your planet. Join us on President's Day 2/20/17 at 5 PM at the Bell Tower in the BC March for Civil Communication & Against Injustice in Democracy. Celebrate Freedom. Rebuke Division. Promoted by the Transylvania NAACP.

02/20/17 HEALTH CARE TOWN HALL MEETING

With the majority in Congress calling for the repeal of the ACA, the time has come to tell your story about how the ACA has changed your life. Both NC Senators and Representative McHenry and Meadows and the media have been invited. The purpose is for ordinary citizens to share their stories about access to health care in Buncombe county. Time is 7 PM and location is Highland Brewing at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville. For more information, contact Chris at 828-231-3704 or chris@chrispelly.com.

02/20/17 LIBERATION STITCH NIGHT

Want to contemplate other ways to use your craftiness in support of the resistance? Come gather for Liberation Stitch In. We've been working on a Liberation Blanket which we'll be raffling off to support a local People of Color led initiative. There's still some more edge crocheting to do and then piecing. But meanwhile we can contemplate new ideas and creative visions. You can come help with this or you can come and work on whatever you're working on as we explore ideas. As long as you're open to conversation about liberation for all, especially in relation to the movement for Black Lives, then you are welcome. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Purl’s Yarn Emporium at 10 Wall Street in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

02/21/17 ASURJ EDUCATION WORKING GROUP

The ASURJ Education Working Group is reaching out to create an incubator for the organizing and facilitation of educational opportunities related to mobilizing more white folks for racial justice. The Working Group will serve to organize and facilitate educational opportunities and maintain a “wish list” of educational opportunities that are requested in community, schools, businesses, etc. If you would like to attend educational events, stay on our email list and keep an eye on Facebook, as they will always be posted. To be part of organizing and facilitating educational opportunities, please join us on Tuesday, February 21st from 6 to 7:30 PM and location is Pack Memorial Library - Activity Room. This is a Facebook event.

02/21/17 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. During the winter, this is from 4:30 to 5:30. 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 has already bombed one country, and has likely bombed a couple more. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. I am impressed at the protests against banning Muslims, but mystified at the lack of large protests against bombing Muslims. Isn’t bombing them worse than banning them? Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.

02/21/17 LIFE AFTER DEATH (ROW) TALK AT UNCA

Life after Death (Row) talk will be from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Location is Karpen Hall, room 139, Laurel Forum at UNCA. This is a talk by Ed Chapman and Pam Laughon on Ed's murder convictions and exonerations.

02/21/17 CITIZENS ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT

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

02/21/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT

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.

02/21/17 FILM AT PACK LIBRARY IN ASHEVILLE

Movies at Pack presents “Freedom Riders” a documentary. Freedom Riders were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated southern United States in 1961 and subsequent years in order to challenge the non-enforcement of the United States Supreme Court decisions Morgan v. Virginia (1946) and Boynton v. Virginia (1960),[3] which ruled that segregated public buses were unconstitutional. The Southern states had ignored the rulings and the federal government did nothing to enforce them. Free to attend. Time is 2 PM and location is Pack Library at 67 Haywood Street in Asheville. Contact the library for more information.

02/21/17 JUST ECONOMICS MEETING

The 3rd Tuesday of every other month is our regular meeting at 6:30 at the United Way on South French Broad. We will have dinner…feel free to bring a dish to share if you would like and are able. We will discuss general Just Economics topics and then divide into committees: Policy Advocacy, Certification, and Education and Outreach. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact info@justeconomicswnc.org.

02/21/17 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE AT UNCA REUTER CENTER

Come to the Reuter Center for these fascinating lectures and discussions that aim to advance international awareness and foster Western North Carolina's global ties. OLLI members receive a discount on WAC annual membership fee. The World Affairs Council meetings offer a lively line up of topics and compelling presenters.The Great Decision Lecture series is scheduled for the winter and spring terms on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. All lectures are scheduled in the Reuter Center's Manheimer Room, free to WAC members and students, all others $10 at the door. Today’s lecture will be by Rick Devereaux on Nuclear Security.

02/22/17 MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN HENDERSONVILLE

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America will meet at 4 PM at the 1st Congressional Church located at 1735 W. Fifth Street in Hendersonville. No contact information.

02/22/17 DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS IN HENDERSONVILLE

A study group discussion “Gay and Straight Together – Why such Fear? On the Subject of Race” will be held from 6 to 8 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Church located at 2021 Kanuga Road in Hendersonville. Lookup Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville on Facebook for more information.

02/22/17 LECTURE AT UNCA

Join us on Wednesday, February 22, 3:30 p.m. when award-winning author Scott Ellsworth will talk about “The Secret Game.” This well-researched work focuses on a ground-breaking but little known basketball game that took place in Durham, North Carolina, in 1944, when players from the historically black NC College (now NC Central University) and Duke’s medical school basketball team decided to play one another to see who had the best team in Durham. More than that, however, this is a story of how societies change when ordinary citizens defied Jim Crow regulations. Scott Ellsworth, who teaches at the University of Michigan, has written about race relations in the US for the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, has been a historian at the Smithsonian Institution and is the author of the first comprehensive history of the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. This event, which is free and open to the public, is the first in OLLI’s More Than a Month series of lectures and discussions. Every month for the next year we will plan lectures, discussions and conversations that explore the issue of race locally and nationally. Time is 3:30 to 5 PM and location is the Reuter Center, room 102A at UNCA.

02/22/17 SURJ ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH ACTION

In our monthly Accountability Through Action meeting, we learn about a people of color led effort in Asheville, ways to support that work and take up a collection to help fund it. We were going to try to fold this program into an existing one at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, but found it became overly complicated. So, we will have our potluck and program on the 22nd at the UU congregation with a 6 PM start. Location is the corner of Edwin and Charlotte Streets in Asheville. For this month's ATA meeting, we will be welcoming back Ms. Bettie Council (who joined us at our last ATA meeting along with several other People Of Color leaders). Ms. Council will discuss some of her observations regarding the “new” momentum to make people aware of racism, some of the challenges we face as we hold difficult conversations and some of our efforts and strategies as we try to make change. Because she often hears people ask, “What can we do?” she has developed a comprehensive plan with ideas on how people can use use their time, gifts, training and talent to help the Black community. Ms. Bettie will share about present and future projects and how people can provide intentional support. She will present her “CompACTION Initiative” (“Turning compassion into ACTION”). She will also provide several useful resources. As with all of ASURJ's meetings, we will pass the hat as a form of grassroots reparations. All funds collected will go towards Ms. Council's work. This is a Facebook event.

02/22/17 WNC 4 PEACE MEETING

Time is 6 PM and location is Earth Fare in Westgate Mall. There will be a discussion of International Day of Peace Celebration and Peace Contest. Contact Craig at herbzone@gmail.com for more information.

02/22/17 DIALOGUE CAFE

Dialogue Café: Black History w/ Robert 'Zack' Zachary. This night will be a night of storytelling, poetry, possibly music, and once the dialogue starts we don't necessarily know where it will go, but the hope is that we get to talk to each other again in ways that open us up rather than shut us down. Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is Habitat Tavern and Commons at 174 Broadway Street near downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

02/23/17 DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS IN HENDERSONVILLE

The conclusion of the study group’s discussion “On the Subject of Race” will be held from 6 to 8 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Church located at 2021 Kanuga Road in Hendersonville. If you would like to eliminate or at least mitigate the harm of racism and sexism to our society, you will benefit from the discussion even if you missed the earlier discussions. Lookup Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville on Facebook for more information.

02/23/17 FILM SHOWING FOR THE CENTER FOR DIVERSITY EDUCATION

The movie “Paragraph 175” will be shown on Thursday, February 23 at 7 PM at the Fine Arts Theatre on Biltmore in downtown Asheville. This is a fundraiser to help support the expenses of the exhibits and other programs of the Center for Diversity Education. In conjunction with the Center for Diversity Education's exhibition of The Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals. All donations over $7.50 are tax deductible. “Paragraph 175” detailed the German penal codes that criminalized homosexuality from 1875 to 1994. Between 1933 and 1945 100,000 men were arrested for homosexuality under Paragraph 175, the sodomy provision of the German penal code dating back to 1871. Some were imprisoned, others were sent to concentration camps. The documentary Paragraph 175 fills a crucial gap in the historical record of the Third Reich, and reveals the lasting consequences of this hidden chapter of 20th century history, as told through personal stories of men and women who lived through it. If you have questions about these exhibits please email or call dmiles@unca.edu or 828-232-5024.

02/23/17 FILM SCREENING IN ASHEVILLE

In response to the overwhelming enthusiasm for this movie, we are excited to announce a second screening on Thursday, February 23. Join Building Bridges for a special screening of the movie. “I Am Not Your Negro” at the Grail Moviehouse in downtown Asheville. Time is 7 PM. Ticket price is $10 and part of the proceeds support Building Bridges programs. We will also host a facilitated discussion immediately following the film. It promises to be a powerful film and since we expect the show to sell out, we encourage you to buy your tickets today to support the critical work of Building Bridges in our community. Thanks in advance for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the theater. For more information, call Gerry at gerryleonard7@gmail.com. I have heard this showing is sold out, but they may start a waiting list.

02/23/17 HEALTH POLICY IN A TIME OF CRISIS

Author Bayla Ostrach presents her new book and discusses what women and health care providers must do to ensure safe, legal abortion, in these times of political and legislative threats. Participants will discuss how public funding for abortion, and health care in general, can be protected as well as how social movements, including feminism, can gain and then defend grassroots victories. “Health Policy in a Time of Crisis” is a vivid ethnographic account of women and providers navigating the Catalan health system to obtain and provide publicly funded abortion care. Author event. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

02/23/17 CITY OF ASHEVILLE PLANNING EVENT

As the City of Asheville continues work on its Comprehensive Plan update, staff members are making a concerted effort to fold neighborhood needs into the overall picture. One of the ways to integrate neighborhoods into the Comprehensive Plan is through Plan on a Page. So far, 30 Asheville neighborhoods have registered with the City through its Plan on a Page initiative. By submitting your neighborhood, groups help contribute vision and insights into what the future of our city of neighborhoods can be. To share information about the benefits of participating in Plan on a Page, the Comprehensive Plan update leadership will hold a community meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the U.S. Cellular Center banquet hall, 87 Haywood St. Todd Okolichany, Department of Planning & Urban Design, will team up with Director of Historic Resources Stacy Merten to give a presentation. This will be followed by a panel discussion with neighborhood representatives and a Q&A session with staff and the panel. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM and location is US Cellular Center in downtown Asheville. Call city offices for more information.

02/23/17 RALLY AT HENDERSONVILLE COURT HOUSE

Time is 4:30 PM and location is the Historic Courthouse in Hendersonville. This will be every Thursday until further notice. The newly formed POW (Power of Women) now has over 500 members protesting regressive legislation on both the federal and state level. No contact information.

02/23/17 FILM SCREENING IN ASHEVILLE

Join Building Bridges for a special screening of the movie. “I Am Not Your Negro” at the Grail Moviehouse in downtown Asheville. Time is 7 PM. Ticket price is $10 and part of the proceeds support Building Bridges programs. We will also host a facilitated discussion immediately following the film. It promises to be a powerful film and since we expect the show to sell out, we encourage you to buy your tickets today to support the critical work of Building Bridges in our community. Thanks in advance for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the theater. For more information, email Gerry at gerryleonard7@gmail.com.

02/23/17 THE WILMA DYKEMAN STORY

Wilma Dykeman helped to protect one of the oldest rivers in the world, the French Broad, through her writings and her activism. She stood for insuring that the cultural heritage of WNC and its natural heritage were protected in perpetuity. This multi-media event including film, lecture and discussion by her son, Jim Stokely will discuss Wilma's life and writing and why her battle to protect the French Broad River is as relevant today as it was when she wrote her book over 60 years ago. Wilma Dykeman is considered the “Rachel Carson” of the mountains. Through her book, The French Broad River, she was able to galvanize the community to turn what had become a sewer system into a protected and beloved waterway. Co-sponsored by MountainTrue and Center for Cultural Diversity. Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is Blue Ridge Community College at 180 West Campus Drive in Flat Rock. Admission is $5. For more information, contact us at (828) 692-8062.

02/23/17 TRAINING FOR LOBBY DAY TO END GERRYMANDERING

Please join us for a training on February 23 at 6 PM in preparation for the Lobby Day to End Gerrymandering. We will practice how to speak directly to your state representatives and tell them why they should support a nonpartisan redistricting process. Now is your chance to talk face-to-face with your NC lawmakers about fair voting districts in North Carolina -- and when you do, we want you to be prepared. That's why we've organized two Asheville Trainings to prepare you for our upcoming Lobby Day to End Gerrymandering. We will practice how to speak directly to your state representatives and tell them why they should support a nonpartisan redistricting process. Location is Hill Street Baptist Church at 135 Hill Street in Asheville. This is presented by Democracy NC. Contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org with questions.

2/24/17 JUST PEACE ISRAEL/PALESTINE

This meeting will be at 3:15 PM at Brooks-Howell Home on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Meet in the media room. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

02/24/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UUCA

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.

02/24/17 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings held on the third Friday of each month. Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. This will be held at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Room E205, at 20 Oak Street (just off College St. in downtown Asheville). Time is noon to 2 PM. Meeting starts at 12:30. Parking is available behind the church. Enter the church or ring doorbell at the glass doors on Oak Street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242. This was rescheduled from last week.

02/24/17 FILM AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

Movie showing and discussion of “Freedom Writers.” This film is based on the book The Freedom Writers Diary by teacher Erin Gruwell who wrote the story based on Woodrow Wilson High School in Los Angeles, California. The movie is also based on the DC program called City at Peace. Woodrow Wilson High School is a formerly high-achieving school which has encountered some difficulties bearing its new racial integration plan. In 1994, in the aftermath of the Los Angeles riots, Erin Gruwell, an enthusiastic young teacher starts at the school. Her enthusiasm is challenged when she finds her class is composed of ‘at-risk’ students, the ‘untouchables,’ and not the eager-for-college students she expected. Her students self-segregate into racial groups within the classroom. This causes problems, as gang fights break out and, consequently, most of her students stop attending class. Time is 8 PM and location is Belk Auditorium at Mars Hill University. Contact Mars Hill University for further information.

02/25/17 TRAINING FOR LOBBY DAY TO END GERRYMANDERING

Please join us for a training on February 23 at 2 PM in preparation for the Lobby Day to End Gerrymandering. We will practice how to speak directly to your state representatives and tell them why they should support a nonpartisan redistricting process. Now is your chance to talk face-to-face with your NC lawmakers about fair voting districts in North Carolina -- and when you do, we want you to be prepared. That's why we've organized two Asheville Trainings to prepare you for our upcoming Lobby Day to End Gerrymandering. We will practice how to speak directly to your state representatives and tell them why they should support a nonpartisan redistricting process. Location is the YWCA at 185 South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. This is presented by Democracy NC. Contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org with questions.

02/25/17 PROTEST GROUP MEDIC

An 8 hour class - including lunch break - on the basics of being the medic within a small group during street protest. Part 1is Health & Safety for Protestors - This covers simple tips for preparing to stay in the streets during high-intensity protests. Part 2 is an Affinity Group Medic Class. You have the first aid kit! This part focuses on a person's role as medic within an ‘affinity group’ or team during protests and on First Aid skills. Topics include what is an affinity group, medical prep for/with the group, being better buddies, kits & gloves, situational awareness/scene assessment, when to call 911 and post action care. This is a hands-on class with time outside and lying on the ground, so dress accordingly. No one is getting paid but the trainers are asking for $10-30 per person to pay for training supplies, a donation to the Toy Boat peeps for the space and gas money for trainers coming from away. There will also be starter 1st aid kits and patches available for donation. Time is 9 AM to 5 PM and location is Toy Boat Toy Boat Community at 101 Fairview Road in Asheville. This is a Facebook event. No contact information.

02/25/17 27th ANNUAL SWANNANOA VALLEY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL PRAYER BREAKFAST

We invite you to join us in sharing the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as we strive to bring knowledge and awareness of his work to our Swannanoa Valley community. Rev. Dr. Larry Hill is our speaker for the Feb 25, 2017 Rev. Dr. King prayer breakfast at 8 AM. The Breakfast will take place at Camp Dorothy Walls Conference Center at 495 Cragmont Road in Black Mountain. Rev. Dr. Hill graduated from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC in 1971 with a B.A. in Religious Education. He has been recognized by the Charlotte Observer as "People Who Make A Difference", and as an "Outstanding Tar Heel" by the Raleigh News and Observer. Rev. Dr. Hill has been a preacher for the Protestant Hour Radio Broadcast. He is presently serving as pastor of the Woodland Presbyterian Church in Paw Creek, NC. You can purchase tickets online, or pay by check with a ticket order form. Tickets are $15 for adults, $6 for children. Please note that donations made above the cost of the ticket are tax deductible, however the tickets themselves are not. Location is Camp Dorothy Walls at 495 Fragment Road in Black Mountain, NC. This is a Facebook event.For tickets, go to http://svmlk.org/mlk-prayer-breakfast.html.

02/25/17 SELF-CARE AS SACRED ACTIVISM

A workshop for organizers, activists, advocates, helpers, and anyone who cares about changing the world. Come learn why self-care is crucial to the success of any movement and take home practical tools you can use to refill your spiritual well. Marsha Davis has been an educator in middle and high school settings for over 10 years. She graduated from Harvard University with a BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and earned a MAT in Secondary Science Education from Queens College, CUNY. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

02/26/17 FILM SCREENING IN ASHEVILLE

Join Building Bridges for a special screening of the movie. “I Am Not Your Negro” at the Grail Moviehouse in downtown Asheville. Time is noon. Ticket price is $10 and part of the proceeds support Building Bridges programs. We will also host a facilitated discussion immediately following the film. It promises to be a powerful film and since we expect the show to sell out, we encourage you to buy your tickets today to support the critical work of Building Bridges in our community. Thanks in advance for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the theater. For more information, email Gerry at gerryleonard7@gmail.com. I have heard this showing is sold out, but they may start a waiting list.

02/26/17 BLACK HISTORY MONTH TALK

Dialogue Cafe presents “Black History Proper”– a talk by Zack Zachary. Five topics will be explored – History is an Egg, Black History is the History of America, Black Historians who Set the Pace, Culturally Inclusive Diversity, the Flipping Flipper of the Color Bad. Celebrate Black History Month by gathering with Zack Zachary to dialogue about the Real Black History. Discover the story of Black Americans who were never discussed in school but who made tremendous achievements throughout history (herstory). Move forward through celebrating the achievements of Black Americans from the past and present. Time is 6 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at the corner of Eagle & South Market Streets. Contact The Block Off Biltmore for more information at 828-254-9277.

02/26/17 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 non-profit for today’s concert is the Center for HoneyBee Research. Act I is Richard Shulman Quartet and Act II is Dan Keller 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.

02/26/17 NONVIOLENT CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE TRAINING

Nonviolent civil disobedience training to resist the Keystone Pipeline, Dakota Pipeline, Atlantic Coast Pipeline, and other issues. Time is 2 to 6 PM and location is YWCA at 185 South French Broad in downtown Asheville. RSVP to cathyfholt@gmail.com. This event is full. If you are interested in a future nonviolent civil disobedience training, please email Sherry at 1erthmadre@gmail.com.

02/26/17 FOSTER CARE/ADOPTION FORUM

There are 326 children are in foster care and 29 children have been cleared for adoption in Buncombe County. Find out how you can help these children either directly or by supporting the efforts of foster and adoptive parents and the Guardians ad Litem who speak for the children. Speakers from the Buncombe County Division of Social Services, the 28th Judicial District Guardian ad Litem, and the Children’s Hope Alliance will present a program on how we can be part of these children's success stories. Time is 3 to 5 PM and location is the Parish of St. Eugene at 37 Culvern Street in north Asheville. Childcare will be provided. No contact information.

02/27/17 DOCUMENTARY SCREENING IN ASHEVILLE

Free screening of the film “Democracy for Sale” – Monday, February 27th at the Orange Peel. North Carolina — perhaps more than any other state in the Union — has been transformed by the new and growing tidal wave of political spending. Zach Galifianakis, the comic star of “The Hangover” movies, travels back to his home state to investigate how North Carolina has become a bellwether for how the money of a few has come to dominate our democracy. Time is 7 PM and location is The Orange Peel on Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville.

02/27/17 EXHIBIT AT UNCA

“Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933–1945” is a traveling exhibition produced by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Through reproductions of historic photographs and documents, this exhibition explores the rationale, means, and impact of the Nazi regime’s persecution of homosexuals, which left thousands dead and shattered the lives of many more. The Center for Diversity Education is hosting the exhibit from February 12 to April 7, 2017 in UNC Asheville's Ramsey Library. Day and evening programming will include docente tours, film screenings, and lectures. This exhibit is presented in conjunction with “Pioneering Voices: Portraits of Transgender” People, an exhibit traveled by the Family Diversity Projects. Together, these exhibits provide historical and contemporary perspectives on the lives of the LGBTQ community. To learn more about the exhibit or the keynote address, contact Deborah Miles at dmiles@unca.edu.

02/27/17 100 DAYS COALITION PART 2

We want to thank everyone for participating in the 1st 100 Days Coalition Assembly back in January, where we came together and examined who and what could be threats to our communities. We are excited for the next Assembly on February 27th from 5-8pm at Rainbow Community School (62 State St, Asheville, NC 28806). If childcare is need please email Geny Hernandez at geny@cpcwnc.org, with number of children and ages. If spanish or ASL interpretation is needed please contact ada@cpcwnc.org. Time is 5 to 8 PM. Location is Omega Middle School at 62 State Street in Asheville. Hosted by CIMA - Companeros Immigrants de las Montana.

02/27/17 A MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE PEOPLE

Asheville Chief of Police Tammy Hooper is requesting one million dollars annually to double the police force patrolling downtown. The cited need for this expansion is an increase in violent crime (Since 2015, crime rates for the entire city of Asheville have increased by one percent). Over the last year, Asheville policing has made headlines. In July, Jerry Williams was shot to death by a member of the city police force. In September, a local officer physically assaulted 16 year old KaCee Fleming on video. This month, a video of an Asheville police officer threatening teenagers with an AR 15 surfaced. More than $25 million was budgeted for policing Asheville in 2016. Can we really give the police another million a year when residents of our growing, gentrifying city continue to face inadequate housing and deeply underfunded public transportation? Join other concerned residents at 3:30 PM on Monday the 27th in the 4th floor training room of the Municipal Building at 100 Court Plaza for the Public Safety Committee's review of Hooper's proposal, and say "no" to more money for policing. And then let us work together to imagine and build a future Asheville where services that benefit the communities most in need are fully funded. This is a Facebook event. No contact information.

02/28/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

02/28/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT

02/28/17 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE AT UNCA REUTER CENTER

02/28/17 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 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. On this evening, we will show The Uprooted, featuring “Out of Africa” with Thomas L. Friedman and “Death of the Central Valley” with Don Cheadle, and Fueling The Fire featuring “National Insecurity” with Arnold Schwarzenegger and “The Battle in the Forest” with Gisele Bundchen. This is a Facebook event.

02/28/17 MEN’S DIVERSITY CIRCLE

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 & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

02/28/17 OCCUPY WNC GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Occupy WNC General Assembly will be at the Sneak E Squirrel Community Room. Meeting from 7 to 8:30 PM. The Sneak E Squirrel is located at 1315 West Main Street (on left side) in Sylva -- past Watson Park. For more information, contact Lucy at (828)743-9747 or lucy.christopher42@gmail.com.

03/01/17 STEM LECTURE AT UNCA

The STEM series of lectures is an interdisciplinary program that covers a wide range of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Each lecture provides the lecturer with the opportunity to share his/her work, present new ideas for feedback, learn new ideas that participants can use, and introduce students to exciting areas to explore. The lectures are all scheduled in the Reuter Center, room 102A, from 4:30 to 6 PM, and are free and open to the public. The lecture is “Accelerating Climate Innovation” by James McMahon, The Collider.

03/01/17 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Sierra Club presents Scott Varn of Preserving a Picturesque America will present a program on how his group has been seeking the locations of the adventure artists of the 1800s and then finding ways to preserve those natural and historic places. Scott Varn, founder of Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA), will show how his organization is using history, art and adventure to help preserve our country’s beautiful natural treasures. He will also suggest ways that the public can join in the adventure. Varn, who holds a degree in Fine Arts and Media Arts from the University of North Carolina, will show how his group is seeking out the locations of the adventure artists of the 1800s and then finding ways to preserve these natural and historic places. Early artistic representations and tales of natural wonders were key in creating the concept of conservation in 1800s America. PAPA believes that stories and art can be used again as tools for preservation. This event is free and open to the public. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at 1 Edwin Place in north Asheville (Charlotte Street and Edwin Place). For more information, contact Judy Mattox, 828-683-2176, judymattox@sbcglobal.net.

03/01/17 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. Call 251-1122 for more information.

03/02/17 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. There will be two short films on Jerusalem and opening reception with conversations and photo exhibit. “Jerusalem in Exile” explores the visual images of Jerusalem in the nostalgic minds of Palestinians globally. Photographer Steve Sabella and poet Najwan Darwish contend that Jerusalem exists as a city in exile. “My Neighborhood” chronicles the story of Mohammed El Kurd, a Palestinian teenager forced to give up half of his home in East Jerusalem to Israeli settlers, and in the midst of unrelenting attention finds Israeli allies in his backyard. Directed by Julia Bacha and Rebekah Wingert-Jabi. Time is 7 PM and and location is Lenoir Rhyme University at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce building at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville.

03/02/17 DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS IN BREVARD

“Religious Bigotry, How to Respond” sponsored by the Transylvania NAACP and local congregations from 6 to 8 PM at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church located at 256 East Main Street in Brevard. Sponsored by the Transylvania NAACP and local congregations. Please check Transylvania NAACP on Facebook for further information.

03/02/17 PANEL DISCUSSION AT UNCA

UNC Asheville is hosting a panel discussion on “Media and Politics in the Post-Truth Era.” Following a contentious election season and the beginning of a new presidential administration, UNC Asheville’s Departments of Mass Communication and Political Science will host a public panel discussion, Media and Politics in the Post-Truth Era, at 7 PM on March 2, in the Humanities Lecture Hall on campus. The panelists will discuss the interaction of the news media and political leaders as well as the recent strained relations between the press, the public and both state and federal administrations. This event is free and open to everyone. For more information, contact Don Diefenbach at ddiefenb@unca.edu or 828.251.6731.

03/03/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UUCA

03/03/17 to 03/19/17 WALK TO PROTECT OUR PEOPLES AND THE PLACES WE LIVE

The North Carolina Alliance to Protect Our Peoples and the Places We Live (APPPL) is organizing a walk along the 205 mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline route in NC, beginning on Saturday March 4 at the Virginia-North Carolina border in Northhampton County, and ending two weeks later in Pembroke and then in Hamlet. Indigenous people in North Carolina call the Atlantic Coast Pipeline the DAPL of the southeast. It's a linchpin of Dominion's plans to control energy supplies in Virginia (and to export gas to Asia from Cove Point, Maryland), and of Duke Energy's plans to build 12,000 MW of gas fired electricity in NC. This $5.5 billion project will cross many rivers, tear up mountains and national forests, go under several public water supplies, impact much farmland and miles of wetlands. We plan to participate in a Clean Energy Summit in Fayetteville (Sponsored by Sustainable Sandhills) on March 11. On March 17-19 we will to join the Lumbee in Robeson County in their traditional celebration of the Spring Equinox. We want participants to raise money from their friends, families, neighbors and others to support the walk. We suggest that donors give 50 cents a mile walked. No one will be turned away however for inability to raise money. Much other support is needed. We're looking for cultural workers and musicians; banner makers; street medics; people with counseling skills; vans and a bus; a truck that can carry a portajohn, water tank and photovoltaic array (to charge cell phones at night). Social media gurus will be essential. Photographers, videographers, storytellers too. For more information, weekly updates, to register, and to donate to the walk, please visit our website at 2017acpwalk.org or Facebook page at Walk To Protect Our People And The Places Where We Live.You can also email Steven Norris at earthsun2@gmail.com. All potential participants are encouraged to register early.

03/04/17 “MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE” PLAY IN WAYNESVILLE

Taken directly from the writings and journals of Rachel Corrie, “My Name Is Rachel Corrie" is a one-woman play about an American Peace Activist who, in 2003, was tragically killed in the Gaza Strip at age 23. HART’s Production stars Asheville actress Trinity Smith-Keel, last seen in NC Stage’s Jeeves in Bloom, and is directed by local director Jason Williams. Director Williams says of the show: “The things that attracted me to this play is it’s focus on the universal struggle for freedom for all human beings and the incredible maturity and depth of Rachel Corrie’s writings. We not only see the peace activist, but also the wide-eyed, hopeful 12 year old, the sardonic teenager, the jilted, but undeterred lover, and the idealistic college student. It’s a really rounded character.” Time is 7:30 PM and location is the Feichter Studio at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre at 250 Pigeon Street in Waynesville. Ticket cost is $10. Phone number for the theatre is 828-456-6322.

03/015/17 “MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE” PLAY IN WAYNESVILLE

Taken directly from the writings and journals of Rachel Corrie, “My Name Is Rachel Corrie" is a one-woman play about an American Peace Activist who, in 2003, was tragically killed in the Gaza Strip at age 23. HART’s Production stars Asheville actress Trinity Smith-Keel, last seen in NC Stage’s Jeeves in Bloom, and is directed by local director Jason Williams. Director Williams says of the show: “The things that attracted me to this play is it’s focus on the universal struggle for freedom for all human beings and the incredible maturity and depth of Rachel Corrie’s writings. We not only see the peace activist, but also the wide-eyed, hopeful 12 year old, the sardonic teenager, the jilted, but undeterred lover, and the idealistic college student. It’s a really rounded character.” Time is 7:30 PM and location is the Feichter Studio at Hart Theatre at 250 Pigeon Street in Waynesville. Ticket cost is $10. Phone number for the theatre is 828-456-6322.

03/05/17 POLITICAL PRISONER LETTER WRITING NIGHT

Each month on 1st 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. Continuously showing up for comrades who have had large chunks of their lifetimes stolen by the State is crucial solidarity work. Time is 5 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

03/06/17 “MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE” PLAY IN WAYNESVILLE

Taken directly from the writings and journals of Rachel Corrie, “My Name Is Rachel Corrie" is a one-woman play about an American Peace Activist who, in 2003, was tragically killed in the Gaza Strip at age 23. HART’s Production stars Asheville actress Trinity Smith-Keel, last seen in NC Stage’s Jeeves in Bloom, and is directed by local director Jason Williams. Director Williams says of the show: “The things that attracted me to this play is it’s focus on the universal struggle for freedom for all human beings and the incredible maturity and depth of Rachel Corrie’s writings. We not only see the peace activist, but also the wide-eyed, hopeful 12 year old, the sardonic teenager, the jilted, but undeterred lover, and the idealistic college student. It’s a really rounded character.” Time is 2 PM and location is the Feichter Studio at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre at 250 Pigeon Street in Waynesville. Ticket cost is $10. Phone number for the theatre is 828-456-6322.

03/07/17 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB

Join host Bruce Roth for a lively discussion on topics of current interest including war and peace, the economy, the environment, and other hot political topics. The March pick is “Don’t Even Think About It: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Ignore Climate Change” by George Marshall. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprop’s in downtown Asheville. Contact Malaprop’s for more information.

03/07/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

03/07/17 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE AT UNCA REUTER CENTER

03/08/17 GREEN GRANNIES BOOK CLUB

Founded in 2012, the Green Grannies are a group of women who are willing to make a ruckus about the need for action on climate change. This is their reading group and in February they are reading Dr. Barber's The Third Reconstruction. Time is noon and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

03/08/17 GENERAL STRIKE: A DAY WITHOUT A WOMAN

03/09/17 MEN DOING OPPRESSION, MEN DOING OPPRESSED, MEN DOING ALLY

A courageous and challenging meetup for male persecutors, victims, rescuers, bystanders and allies. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

03/09/17 DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS IN BREVARD

“The Earth is our Mother– To hurt or to heal?” is the topic and this is sponsored by the Transylvania NAACP and local congregations from 6 to 8 PM at Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd at 22 Fisher Road in Brevard. Call 828-883-3680 for more information.

03/09/17 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. “Jerusalem: The East Side Story” portrays Palestinian residents’ everyday life under the Israeli Defense Force’s occupation in East Jerusalem. It discloses Israeli government practices designed to create a Jewish majority in the city. Directed by Mohammed Alatar. Time is 7 PM and and location is Lenoir Rhyme University at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce building at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville.

03/11/17 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

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.

03/12/17 PAGANS FOR A FAIR CITY

From the organizer, Sabrah n’haRaven: Although many pagans are involved in social justice work, we're often invisible within the greater activist community, even at events that are specifically interfaith. We work alone with our individual secular activist groups, not coordinating our power as a faith community. Limiting ourselves this way, we also limit the amount of good we can achieve, for ourselves as pagans and for the greater community. Power shared is power multiplied. If you are -- or would like to be -- involved in any kind of social, economic, racial, or other justice work locally, in any kind of work to create positive change right here and right now, please join us to share information and coordinate actions -- activist or magical -- as a pagan faith community. Time is 2:30 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

03/14/17 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE AT UNCA REUTER CENTER

03/14/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

03/14/17 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.

03/14/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT

03/14/17 ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE N.A.A.C.P. BRANCH MEETING

Our Branch meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM. Location is 135 Hill Street in Asheville. Contact 4ward2gethercall2action@gmail.com for more information or call 828-255-4453.

03/15/17 GREEN DRINKS

Social justice and sustainability meet up. Come early for community connections and green drink specials! 3rd Wednesday of Each Month Socializing: 5:30 – 6:00PM Presentation: 6:00 – 7:00 PM Location: The BLOCK off Biltmore 39 S. Market Street, Asheville. Contact The Block for more information.

03/16/17 DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS IN BREVARD

“Economic Fairness - What would justice look like?” will be the topic for this discussion. This is sponsored by the Transylvania NAACP and local congregations. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Bethel A Baptist Church at 290 Oakdale Street in Brevard. Please call 828-883-2035 for more information.

03/16/17 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. “Rana’s Wedding” In this suspenseful yet comic drama, director Hani Abu-Assad tracks the quest of Rana, a 17-year-old living in East Jerusalem, to marry for love before being forced to return to Egypt with her father. Time is 7 PM and location is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in north Asheville.

03/17/17 to 03/18/17 RACIAL EQUITY WORKSHOP

Racial Equity Workshop in Asheville, NC, with exact location to be determined. Phase I will be Foundational Training in Historical and Institutional Racism and will run from 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM both days. Attendance required for entire workshop. Purpose is to educate individuals, communities, and institutions. To provide a historical analysis of race and racism in the United States. To develop common definitions and language for communities to continue to engage in anti-racism and racial equity work. The Racial Equity Phase I Workshop moves beyond individual bias and bigotry by presenting a cultural, historical, and structural analysis of racism. This workshop helps participants become clear on how race and racism have been constructed in the US and how ideas about racism live in our unconscious minds and social structures even 50 years after the successes of the Civil Rights movement. This workshop is appropriate for people who want to increase their understanding of how to eliminate racism in our systems and institutions. The trainers are active anti-racism and social justice advocates and educators with years of experience and varying backgrounds. Community members, institutional players, educators, ecumenical leaders, business owners, non-profits, and all interested individuals are encouraged to attend and/or reach out to learn more about the workshop. Cost of training is $200 per participant (includes meals and materials for both days). A limited number of sliding scale scholarships are available based on need and ability to pay. Fill out the registration form and turn in to Isabel Carson or Katie Latino. Follow payment instructions on the registration form. Payment and registration is due by February 17, 2017. Contact individuals below for registration forms and with any questions. Isabel Carson at carson.isabel@gmail.com, Bettie Council at lionessdear@yahoo.com, and Katie Latino at katie.latino@ywcaofasheville.org. (Other workshops will be held on May 19-20, September 29-20 and November 15-16.)

03/17/17 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

03/21/17 PISGAH LEGAL FUNDRAISER

Pisgah Legal Services' annual Jazz for Justice celebration will feature gourmet food, drinks and cocktails, live jazz entertainment by The Rich Willey Jazz Band, and an awards ceremony celebrating Pisgah Legal's amazing supporters and their stalwart leadership. The event will honor: Russell Shuler- Terry Van Duyn Volunteer Award; Tom Siekman- Karl H. Straus Board Emeritus Award; Bernice and Arnold Green- Pisgah Legal Services Philanthropy Award. Time is 5:30 PM and location is The Venue at 21 North Market Street in downtown Asheville. Tickets vary in price. Contact Betsy at betsy@pisgahlegal.org for more information including where to get tickets to this event.

03/23/17 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING

Join the Creation Care Alliance of WNC for a general meeting as we inspire one another to good work and discuss our work empowering care for creation. We will connect with one another and explore ways to care for creation. Everyone is welcome. The meeting will be held in the First Baptist Church of Asheville in Room MB306, which is upstairs. Address is 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at scott@creationcarealliance.org.

03/25/17 - 03/26/17 CITIZEN'S CLIMATE LOBBY REGIONAL CONFERENCE

Everyone is welcome, whether it's your first CCL experience or you're an experienced volunteer, whether you plan to become active in CCL or you want to attend some of the scheduled talks.The registration cost is $40 and covers both days, however, meals are not provided. The First Mid-South CCL Regional Conference happens at The Collider at 1 Haywood Street, Suite 401, in downtown Asheville. Time is 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and 8 to noon on Sunday. We are excited to present this two day conference that will help make you a more effective lobbyist and build your skills at creating the political will for a stable climate. The conference will feature multiple speakers including Laura Lengnick (author of Sustainable Agriculture), Drew Jones (Co-Director of Climate Interactive), Madeleine Para (CCL's National Program Director) and many more. Come to learn, have fun and network with climate advocates from Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

03/26/17 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 rise funding for WNC non-profits. 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 the NAACP. Act I is Ruby Mayfield and Friends and Act II is the Rhoda Weaver Band. 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.

03/28/17 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 first four evenings will feature episodes from the award-winning series, “Years of Living Dangerously.” In May, we will screen the award-winning documentary, “The Memory of Fish.” With the exception of the May screening, all events are free with a suggested donation at the door (the May event will have an admission fee). Oskar Blues will provide beer and, of course, we’ll also have popcorn. Tonight we will show Collapse of the Oceans with Josh Jackson and Priceless, featuring “The Sixth Extinction” with Aasif Mandvi and “Price on Carbon” with Nikki Reed. This is a Facebook event.

03/30/17 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. “The Idol” is a drama depicting the life of Mohammed Assaf, a Palestinian pop singer living in Gaza, as he sets a seemingly impossible goal: to compete on the Arab Idol program. Directed by three-time Oscar nominee Hani Abu-Asad. Time is 7 PM and location is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in north Asheville.

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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 DST kicks in, they meet at 4:30 PM.

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

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.

“What’s Up With Whiteness” discussion group at 6 PM 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.

Political documentary film and discussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books 6:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month. Sponsored by Asheville Citizens Accountability Project.

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.

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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MESSAGE FROM STAND AGAINST RACISM

Register for the 2017 Stand Against Racism at www.StandAgainstRacism.org. This year's Stand is scheduled for Thursday, April 27 - Sunday, April 30, but can take place throughout the month of April Our 2017 theme is: Women of Color Leading Change. Here are some ways your Stand Against Racism event can take shape:

Talk within your group: Have dialogue about race based on inspirational quotes, a common reading or a video which brings out these issues. You could also research ways your organization does or does not serve African American and Latinx communities and discuss it with your colleagues. Look for ways to better serve.

Day of Support: A day of support can be as simple as having employees at a business or students at a school wear "Stand Against Racism" t-shirts or buttons. Put up Stand Against Racism posters or create a sign in front of your building that says, "We stand against racism with the YWCA."

Educational Events: Host a film screening, panel discussion or local speaker.

Rally: Host an inspirational rally to raise public awareness, put pressure on local decision makers or take local action.

Service Project: Partner with another local organization or business to reach out and give back to the community. Service projects are an excellent way to start conversations, bring people together from different parts of the community and gain perspective around racial issues in Asheville.

Social Media Action: Encourage people to tweet or post on Facebook about how they plan to combat racism in the community. Participate in the #standagainstracism photo petition by sending in photos of you and others wearing a Stand Against Racism t-shirt.

The YWCA's Stand Against Racism is a partnership of YWCA Associations throughout the country to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism. As a participating site, you can unite our community in a bold demonstration that delivers a clear message: We are on a mission to eliminate racism! Register for Stand today at www.StandAgainstRacism.org.

If you have any questions, please contact Gerry Leonard, Volunteer & Racial Justice Coordinator at gleonard@ywcaofasheville.org or (828) 254-7206 x 219 and visit our website at www.ywcaofasheville.org/standagainstracism.

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MESSAGE FROM BETH TRIGG

This came up in a discussion in a group I'm part of and I want to share my thoughts about it more broadly to FB world:

For those who are just now plugging in to the fight for the rights of immigrants to exist and be safe in the US, who are outraged and fired up, please understand that the work of immigrant communities organizing to protect and defend themselves has been going on for a long time.

If you're motivated to do something, my unsolicited advice is to please refrain from statements like "WE HAVE TO ORGANIZE!!" and instead support the work that is already happening, work that has been led by immigrant, Latinx, and undocumented folks right on through the Obama and Bush years as families faced harassment, deportations, discrimination, and fear.

Take a breath (I'm looking at you, fellow white people) and realize that discrimination, systematic racism, structural oppression, and anti-immigrant policies are not new. And neither are the efforts to push back.

Yes, there are more high-profile attacks now, but know that although the injustice and hatred were less visible to those of us with the privilege of white skin and us citizenship, immigrant communities have been under threat and fighting back for a long time.

SO, if you are in WNC and you want to help, my suggestion is to donate to CIMA- Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Accion or Nuestro Centro, immigrant-led organizations that have been doing amazing work for years, or to the Center for Participatory Change, which is joining with CIMA to organize the 100 Days Coalition community response right now. This is a moment to consider what privilege you have and how it can be leveraged to support movements and communities that are fighting back. That could be with money, whether it's $5 or $5000, or it could be with participating with your feet, heart, time, and energy. But whatever you have to offer, don't elbow your way to the front row and force it down people's throats. Step into the movement at the back and take some time to see what's going on. Get in formation. Pay attention, listen, learn. Give the kind of support that's asked for. Rant over. With gratitude and respect.

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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, February 19, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of February 19, 2017

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