dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of February 26, 2017

Party Rock Fire - last year. Photo by Kayla Cantrell

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

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. Free.

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 at Rainbow Community School. To be courteous of our space, we cannot have food in the main gathering space but we encourage folks to bring snacks to share at the coalition meeting downstairs. 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 west Asheville. Hosted by CIMA - Companeros Immigrants de las Montana. This is a Facebook event.

02/27/17 ASHEVILLE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING

Come to Public Safety Committee Monday, February 27th, 3:30 PM, City Municipal Building at 70 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. In January, at the request of the Buncombe County NAACP Criminal Justice Reform Committee, Ian Mance of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice presented statistics from the Open Data Policing project related to traffic stops conducted by APD. Ian also presented low cost / no cost policy solutions designed to reduce racial disparities in traffic stops in Asheville. We would like to request these policies are considered by Council. The Buncombe County NAACP Criminal Justice Reform Committee would also like to add the following request: Consider changing the policy by Asheville City Council, via resolution, which directs the City Manager to direct the Asheville Police Department to set a policy that prescribes specific circumstances when APD officers may use AR-15’s or other assault weapons only in certain prescribed situations, rather than left to each officer’s personal discretion, as the lack of an such policy permits now. This was also posted for the same event: 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). 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. Both listings are Facebook postings. Contact the city of Asheville for more information.

02/27/17 ‘IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE IN THE USA’ PANEL AT UNCA

Living on the Crosshairs: Dr. Keya Maitra, Dept. of Philosophy; and Dr. Sophie Mills, Dept. of Classics; and Dr. Samer Traboulsi, Dept. of History, will host a panel on the Immigrant Experience in the USA. In times of growing uncertainty and increasing anxiety about the near future, it is timely to hold a frank and open discussion with the campus community about the immigrant experience in the USA. The three panelists will share their diverse experience and sometimes trials on the long path towards citizenship, a process that is misunderstood and unfortunately misrepresented in the media today. Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is Highsmith Student Union, Room 221-222 Mountain Suite, at UNCA.

02/27/17 CONGRESSIONAL VISIT TO REP. MEADOWS

On Monday, February 27th, the North Carolina NAACP and Forward Together Moral Movement will continue our Moral Resistance campaign to hold our elected officials accountable at the state and federal level in 2017 with visits to the offices of our two Senators and thirteen members of Congress. At each location, we will hold news conferences at 4 PM and serve a letter of demands and request a public Town Hall before the end of March. Our elected officials are constitutionally obligated to govern for the good of the whole and must be accountable to the people. Office visit to Congressman Meadows will be at Henderson County Courthouse on 200 North Grove Street, Suite 90, in Hendersonville. For more information, contact Melinda at naacphc@yahoo.com. There are more visits planned by the state NAACP, but they are not in our area. Contact them for more information. Contact 828.423.6476 if you have questions about this office visit. This is a Facebook event.

02/27/17 DIPLOMACY AND 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: February 27 - Global Adventures in Hot-Spots of Diplomacy Politics and News; March 27 - Beyond the Headlines,Deciphering News of Global Politics & Diplomacy; April 24 - Navigating Flash Points of US Politics, Foreign Policy and World Diplomacy; and May 22 - Global Diplomacy and Asheville in the world. 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.

02/27/17 ZERO WASTE MOVEMENT TALK AT WARREN WILSON COLLEGE

Patagonia’s “Worn Wear College Tour’ is a mobile repair shop to learn to repair garments and learn about the zero-waste movement. Time is 10 AM to 5 PM. Free. Held in Bryson Gym. Call 828-771-3038 or email ecastellan@warren-wilson.edu for more information.

02/27/17 DOCUMENTARY FILM AT WARREN WILSON COLLEGE

The documentary “The True Cost” will be shown. This is a story about clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs have grown dramatically. The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story and asks us to consider, who really pays the price for our clothing? Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, and featuring interviews with the world’s leading influencers including Stella McCartney, Livia Firth and Vandana Shiva, The True Cost is an unprecedented project that invites us on an eye opening journey around the world and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes. Free. Time is 7 PM and location is the Sage Cafe. Call 828-771-3038 or email ecastellan@warren-wilson.edu for more information.

02/28/17 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.

02/28/17 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.

02/28/17 SOUTHSIDE RECREATION OPTIONS

The next phase in public input on the Walton Street Park/Pool and Grant Southside Center recreation options happens during at this 6 PM meeting. Everyone is invited to come to the Grant Center Auditorium to get results of public input gathered so far and to participate in a design exercise to narrow down preferences going forward. Parks & Recreation director Roderick Simmons will begin the meeting by sharing results from the survey and options identified so far. He will distribute process steps with hand-out material and then explain the group design exercise. During the group design exercise, expected to take about 30 minutes, attendees will form several teams. The groups will have maps of the area and pictures of facility options identified by the community survey. These may include playgrounds, pools, a splash pad and gymnasium. Participants will be able to use the pictures of the options to create the best design for each of the areas on the maps. They will attach the pictures to the maps and then report back to the larger group. Versions from all the participating teams will be put on display for discussion. This process will be repeated during more meetings in March. Times, dates and locations will be announced. Child care will be available during the Feb. 28 meeting. Anyone who needs transportation should call the Asheville Parks & Recreation Department in advance at 828-259-5800. Finally, information about the Walton Park Pool summer swimming program will be distributed at the Feb. 28 meeting. For more information on this process, visit the Southside Engagement Opportunities webpage. From the ACT: “Activists say the site, once the segregated park and swimming spot for black people, is symbolic of an African-American culture that is drifting away from communities east of the French Broad River. Although city staff maintained there were no plans to shut down the Walton Street Pool, residents of the largely African-American Southside neighborhood said they were convinced it would be closed after decades of neglect. Residents then pre-emptively petitioned the mayor to keep the historic site open.” For questions, contact Asheville Parks & Recreation Director Roderick Simmons at rsimmons@ashevillenc.gov or 828-259-5808.

02/28/17 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 Larry Wilson on Saudi Arabia in Transition.

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. $5/$20 family. Location is 1 Haywood Street, suite 401, in downtown Asheville.

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 RALLY AT HISTORIC COURTHOUSE IN HENDERSONVILLE

Time is 4:30 PM and location is the Historic Courthouse in Hendersonville. This will be every Tuesday until further notice. There will be a soapbox at this event to announce upcoming events and actions. The newly formed POW (Power of Women) now has over 500 members protesting regressive legislation on both the federal and state level. Contact Jayne at 828-318-5615 for more information.

02/28/17 SONGS OF THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE

“Songs of the Freedom Struggle: Rock and Soul to Rap” will be held at Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech Community College in Asheville. The event is free and open to the public. Time is 3 PM.

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 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 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.

03/01/17 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 Rich Wasch at rswasch@gmail.com.

03/01/17 A SHOW ABOUT IDENTITY

Tori Grace will be performing several poems and excerpts from their full-length solo show entitled “Just to Be Clear, I'm Not Who You Think I Am” (A show about identity seen and unseen). This adoptee from the Philippines identifies as a queer, gender queer person with disabilities who uses They/Them pronouns; sultry singer, soccer fanatic, art activist and healer are also accurate descriptions. Tori Grace is currently performing and presenting at universities and small town cafes across the country. Their performances and presentations range from the academic illumination of social stratification across race, class, gender, sexuality, etc. to painfully heartfelt anecdotes regarding their struggles with depression. They strongly believe in the transformative power of the arts to cultivate individual healing and wholeness as well as mass mobilization for social justice movements. 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.

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 will meet this month at the Grant Southside Center at 285 Livingston Street in Asheville. Time is 5 PM. Call 251-1122 for more information.

03/01/17 INDIVISIBLE MEETING IN ASHEVILLE

We will be discussing how to best support the refugee community. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 PM. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

03/01/17 BUS FROM ASHEVILLE TO REDISTRICTING LOBBY DAY IN RALEIGH

This is the Citizen’s Lobby Day to End Gerrymandering. A broad coalition of citizens from across the state will unite on Wednesday, March 1 at the NC Legislature (16 West Jones Street in Raleigh) to push for fair redistricting. The Citizens Lobby Day is being organized by the nonpartisan NC Coalition for Lobbying & Government Reform. For those who have registered: check-in will start at 9 AM at the 1300 courtyard inside the NC Legislative Building. Carolina Jews for Justice volunteers will be there to greet our group throughout the morning. Registration for lobbying is now closed; however, we will also rally at 1 PM on Bicentennial Plaza (1 East Edenton Street) in Raleigh and all can join in that rally. Asheville bus transportation will be through Democracy NC. They will have a bus leaving from Asheville at 4:45 AM to go to Raleigh on Wednesday. Seats will be $50/person. For more information, or for directions on how to sign up for the bus, call or text Darlene at (828) 216-3430 or email her at Darlene@democracy-nc.org.

03/01/17 COFFEE WITH A COP

Join your neighbors and law enforcement representatives from the Asheville Police Department for coffee and conversation. No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers in your neighborhood. Time is 7:30 to 9:30 AM and location is PennyCup Coffee at the YMI at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

03/01/17 MONARCHS AND MILKWEED PRESENTATION BY ASHEVILLE GARDEN CLUB

Learn about Monarch Butterflies and how to bring them to your garden in a presentaton by Heather Rayburn of the Botanical Gardens at 151 WT Weaver Blvd in Asheville. Time is 10:30 AM. Call 550-3459 for more information.

03/02/17 FILM SCREENING AT AB TECH

In honor of Women's History Month, the Humanities and Foreign Language department at A-B Tech invites the public to attend a screening of the film “Equal Means Equal” with panel discussion following. Panelists will focus on the history of the Equal Rights Amendment and the work of Alice Paul. Panelists are Roberta Madden, Angela Stone, Leslie Boyd, and Amanda Krause. Time is 3 PM and location is Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech in Asheville. For more information please contact Ellen J. Perry, Instructor of Literature and Humanities at ellenjperry@abtech.edu. Free and open to the public.

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 ON MEDIA AND POLITICS

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.

03/02/17 ELDERS FIERCE FOR JUSTICE MEETING

This will be a Elders Fierce for Justice Climate Simulation and Planning Session. The EFFJ planning session is aimed at identifying, launching and/or supporting existing mitigation, resilience and justice projects. Intentionally the group will be multi-generational. Time is 4 to 7:30 PM and location is the Community Conference room at the Arthur Edington Center at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. No contact information.

03/03/17 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.

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.

03/03/17 “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 its 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.

03/03/17 COMMUNITY DEBATE AT ASHEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ON FRACKING

On Friday, March 3, 2017, four local experts on North Carolina’s environment and energy policy will meet in the Asheville High School auditorium to debate the resolution “Fracking should be abolished in the state of North Carolina.” The debate will run from 6 to 7:30 PM. The event is free, and the public is invited. Speaking on the panel will be Representative John Ager, Senator Jim Davis, and Julie Mayfield (with another speaker to be finalized). The formally structured debate is sponsored by the Asheville High/SILSA Speech & Debate Team. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions of the participants at the end of the debate. Elizabeth Propst, a student at Asheville High School, will serve as moderator, and student members of the Asheville High/SILSA Speech & Debate Team will act as timekeepers. Concessions will be sold at the event, and proceeds will go to the team.

03/04/17 ‘AFTER COAL’ DOCUMENTARY AND TALK AT UNCA

Please join accomplished Professor Emeritus Pat Beaver and Mr. Tom Hansell from the Center for Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University as they present “After Coal: The Future of Appalachia and Wales.” The program will open with the showing of Tom Hansell's noted documentary film “After Coal” (50 minutes) which tells the story of individuals attempting to build a new future in the coalfields of eastern Kentucky and South Wales. With these coal mining regions each losing over 20,000 jobs during recent years, residents are exploring strategies for remembering the past while looking to the future. Following the film, Dr. Beaver will discuss the similarities and differences between the Appalachian and Welsh coalfields. The regions share a history of resource-based exploitation, migration patterns, a dwindling agricultural base, and attempts to reinvent their economies. The ultimate question: How will these communities and cultures survive? Tickets sold at the door. General public admission is $5 donation. Program sponsored by the Western North Carolina Historical Association. Time is 2 to 4 PM and location is the Reuter Center, room 102, at UNCA.

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

03/04/17 QPOC MEETING

QPOC Meet-up is a monthly community building meet-up for queer people of color in the Asheville area.Time is 1 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

03/04/17 OPEN MEETING WITH UNCA CHANCELLOR

After an outpouring of concern & demands from students and faculty at UNCA to Chancellor Grant to take direct action to protect students, especially undocumented and transgender students, from the Trump administration, the Chancellor has decided to hold an open meeting. Even if you don't want to speak, please show up to support our students and the values of our university. We must empower Chancellor Grant to take bold action against policies of hate and fear which threaten our students' well-being. Whether you're an alumni, a student, a parent, or a community member, please consider showing up to this open meeting with UNCA Chancellor Mary Grant on Monday at 4 pm to let her know that now is the time to pledge to resist the policies of hatred and make real, concrete steps to protect undocumented and transgender students. Letter students wrote to Chancellor Grant: “We specifically ask the administrators of UNCA maintain our integrity as an institution by immediately pledging to: Not allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers onto campus property without a warrant; not share any student information with ICE, including immigration and citizenship status; provide confidential legal support to students with immigration law questions and issues, as well as distance-learning options for deported students to complete their degrees; provide tuition support, including in-state tuition rates, to students with DACA status; not allow enforcement of immigration law by campus police; and require training and/or distribute information on the above changes for campus staff and police. We feel strongly that your decision in this matter is part of a defining moment in American history, and we trust you will stand with the students and faculty of UNCA in refusing to allow our campus to be sullied by the politics of hate.” Time is 4 PM and location is Highsmith Union, room 221-222 at UNCA.

03/04/17 TOWN HALL WITH NC REPRESENTATIVE TURNER

Join Rep. Brian Turner for his first in a series of Town Hall meetings. Brian has cosponsored over 20 bills including bills to support rural broadband connectivity, expand the mortgage interest and small business tax deductions to support the middle class, legalize medical marijuana use, and require screenings for dyslexia in our elementary schools. Come chat with Brian, share your thoughts on what's most important for the legislative session, and get an update on what's happening in Raleigh. Time is 4 PM and location is Enka Intermediate School at 125 Asheville Commerce Parkway in Candler, NC. Free and open to the public. This is a Facebook event.

03/05/17 “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 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 the first Sunday, 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. If you have ever sat in a jail cell--for even one night--you know how important it is to show folks they are not alone on the inside. If you haven't seen the inside of a prison cell (and we hope you never do!), you can probably imagine how mentally and emotionally taxing it is to lose control over your physical self and surroundings. For those facing this reality, especially for years and even decades, any reminder of support and connection from the outside means more than most of us can imagine. We know because our comrades tell us again and again, it is no exaggeration: letter save lives! 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.

03/05/17 WORLD PEACE PRAYER

World Peace Prayers - Forever Lotus will be from 11 AM to 2 PM at Kairos West (below Firestorm in west Asheville, enter on State Street). This is a Buddhist prayer and study group. Contact Lynn at 337-8265 for more information.

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

03/07/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

03/08/17 GREEN GRANNIES BOOK CLUB

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

03/08/17 RALLY FOR GREEN SPACE DOWNTOWN

This message is from Cecil Bothwell (Asheville City Council): We need to speak out again (again?) for a park opposite the Civic Center and Basilica. I know 85% of Ashevillians have stated this preference over the past 12 years, but Council seems intent on ignoring the people. E-mail Council with your view: AshevilleNCCouncil@ashevillenc.gov. Please join me at the Civic Center on March 8, from 5:30 - 7 PM to make your views known concerning the property across the street, opposite the Basilica of St. Lawrence.

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.

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

Men Doing Oppression, Men Doing Oppressed. Men Doing Ally is a courageous and challenging meet-up for male persecutors, victims, rescuers, bystanders and allies. 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.

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 DO!SCUSSION

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.

03/15/17 GREEN GRANNIES BOOK CLUB

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

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.

03/20/17 DEMOCRACY NC MEETING

Democracy Asheville Kick-Off meeting will be on Monday, March 20. Time is 6 PM and location is Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center at 285 Livingston Street in Asheville. Democracy North Carolina has your back with this first of regular, hour-long monthly coalition meetings based in Asheville on the third Monday of every month — all designed to empower our community to make a difference in the important weeks, months, and years ahead. Join us at our first 2017 planning meeting on Monday, March 20 to help shape the focus of Democracy Asheville — including the community events, trainings, and local campaigns you've been craving. We'll enjoy dinner together, provide consistent ways to get your input, and host break-out sessions designed around your specific interests. Contact Darlene Azarmi at darlene@democracy-nc.org or 828 216 3430 for more information and to RSVP.

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.

03/21/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

03/21/17 CITIZENS ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT

Citizens Accountability Project is 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.

03/22/17 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 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.

03/23/17 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.

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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 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 4:30 PM. Organized by the Power of 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.

“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.

Standing Up For Racial Justice event is held at 10 AM at 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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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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PETITION AGAINST FIRST USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Here’s what you can do to help defuse this incredibly dangerous situation: Contact your legislators and ask them to support Senate Bill 3400, “The Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act” which would prohibit the president of the United States from using nuclear weapons without congressional authorization except when the US is under attack.

Promptly call your senators and Congressional representatives:

Sen. Richard Burr 202-224-3154 or 828-350-2437

Sen. Thom Tillis 202-224-6342 or 919-856-4630

Rep. Mark Meadows 202-225-6401 or 828-693- 5660

Rep. Patrick McHenry 202-225-2576 or 828-327-6100

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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 26, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of February 26, 2017

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