dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of March 5, 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

03/06/17 HENDERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Advocacy needed for education over militarized police training at Blue Ridge Community College campus in Henderson County. This is about the implications of proposed tactical training facility and rifle range on the Blue Ridge Community College campus. Judging from articles published in the Hendersonville Lightning (10/2/16 and 2/8/17), it appears that the sheriff is contemplating a semi-military anti-terrorism response force on the Blue Ridge Community College campus. (Sheriff quoted from 10/2/17 issue) “Now we’re having to train guys to go into schools, engage people with rifles. You don’t do that very effectively with a Glock pistol.”…“That means we have to arm our guys with a weapon that reaches out further and for the most part in law enforcement it’s an AR-15 platform, which is a high-powered rifle. It takes a lot more skill to practically and safely use that weapon, particularly in combat situations. When you’ve got an officer shooting a round that moves at 3,200 feet per second and will penetrate drywall and doors and steel studs and everything else, you better damn sure make sure that that officer knows how to hit his target.” Sheriff quoted (10/2/17 issue) “Right now officers are being ambushed in vehicles. We need to be able to teach guys how to respond out of a vehicle to engage a threat, how to respond around a vehicle. Just standing there on a range isn’t good enough…. That’s why this range is going to cost so much. It’s got to be big enough that we can drive vehicles into.” (Hendersonville Lightning 10/2/17) The plan envisions “12 100-yard shooting lanes and 12 lanes 50 yards deep.” My understanding is that a 100 yard rifle range is for training snipers, not for regular police work. The cost: 20 million dollars. Area will be 49,000 sq. ft., covering an area as large as a football field, not including parking.

[Here is a bit more information about the Sheriff of Henderson County: “Sheriff Charles S. McDonald does not refer to any specific protests or political parties or causes. But writing in this month’s edition of his newsletter, “The Guardian,” McDonald calls protests taking place across the country “vile and disgusting” and wrote that they “are not a result of the differences between America’s traditional political parties. Rather, they appear to be the result of an anti-American social progressive movement with the goal of subverting our great Republic and replacing it with something akin to the social economic governance that continues to decimate Western Europe to this day. … McDonald likened protesters to “a child playing a board game. Gleeful at the prospect of winning but impetuously overturning the table and throwing a tantrum when faced with the prospect of losing.” No nation or community can enjoy peace when “Rule of Law is cast aside for no other reason than an election didn’t yield the results that some people hoped for,” he wrote. - from the News & Observer] County Commissioners meeting is at 5:30 PM and location is 1 Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Contact Chris at 828-606-5584 or cwalters28739@yahoo.com for more information about this issue.

03/06/17 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

The March DWP will take place this Monday, March 6, at Green Sage cafe at Westgate with fellow progressives. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. We ask that attendees purchase dinner, a beverage and/or dessert and RSVP so we can give our gracious friends at Green Sage a headcount. Anyone is invited to give an announcement or ask for signatures on a petition. Please give myself or Sam a quick email to let us know how much time you need. Our speaker for the evening is Darlene Azarmi, Western NC organizer with Democracy NC. Darlene grew up in Western North Carolina, which significantly shaped her political perspective. As a college student at UNC Wilmington, Darlene balanced her time working and volunteering for campus committees, student groups, and national organizations. Her activism, love for travel and consistent community involvement fueled her passion for organizing. Darlene will speak about Democracy NC's future goals to work on the issue of redistricting and how unfair maps have affected the election process in NC. She will also address money in politics in NC. Finally Darlene will discuss upcoming work of Democracy NC including Democracy Summer. For more information and to RSVP, contact Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com.

03/06/17 RAINBOW WEEK OF CARE SERVICE FAIR

LGBTQ Elder Advocates, SisterCare WNC and the Wake Forest University Service Learning Project proudly present: The Rainbow Week of Care, an LGBTQ Service Week from March 6th - 10th, 2017. This week-long event includes opportunities to request assistance on a home or community based project and connect with opportunities to volunteer within the LGBTQ community. Rainbow Week of Care Service Fair is from 1 to 3 PM and held at YWCA of Asheville on South French Broad Street in downtown Asheville. What to expect: an introduction to an array of LGBTQ organizations based in WNC; information about service opportunities specific for the needs of the LGBTQ community in WNC; opportunities to receive supportive services from Wake Forest University students, including onsite help with using i-phones and laptops and an opportunity to participate in a video storytelling collection project and networking with supports and services for the LGBTQ community. Questions? Contact Rebecca Chaplin at vpsistercarewnc@gmail.com or 828-335-7187.

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

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.

03/07/17 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 Jenn Schiff on Petroleum and Foreign Policy.

03/07/17 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.

03/07/17 PINTS WITH PROFS

Dr. Mullen has been engaged in the State of Black Asheville for the past decade in order to help our city understand the realities our black citizens face. He says, “We're investigating not just for academics, but for social change. What we provide here is social activism that hopefully leads to social justice.” Given our current political and economic environment, we are lucky to have Dr. Mullen share his work and engage us in conversation so we can become engaged citizens for the common good of Asheville. As a Professor, Dr. Mullen is committed to both his students and to being professionally active. He offers courses in Public Policy, American Politics, African and African-American politics. His scholarly activities include panels chaired and papers presented at meetings of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists; overseeing undergraduates’ research projects covering the State of Black Asheville; and serving in multiple capacities that aim to improve the delivery of public services to underserved populations. Time is 7 to 8:30 PM and location is Habitat Tavern and Commons at 174 Broadway Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

03/07/17 NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION

Asheville NVC Consciousness is for those in the Asheville area interested in exploring what it means to embody and practice NVC. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) was developed by Marshall Rosenberg as a paradigm and tool to facilitate connection, authenticity, and understanding with ourselves and others. NVC is also called Compassionate Communication, Empathetic Communication, Life-Connecting Life-Serving Communication, and Empowered Communication. NVC is not about being nice. Unless nice is authentic for you in that moment. It's about honest expression and empathetic listening. If you seek more fulfilling relationships with others, a more fulfilling and nurturing relationship with yourself, and increased personal fulfillment and clarity overall, NVC will likely be of benefit to you. Asheville NVC Consciousness meets the 1st Tuesday of every month from 7 to 9 PM. Location is Kairos West at 610 Haywood Road (enter from State Street) in west Asheville. For more information, contact Matthew Miller at info@myswl.org.

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 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

Just an explanation of what's going on. The Women's March General Strike is Wednesday 3/8. The organization asks just three things on this day: Women take the day off, from paid and unpaid labor. Avoid shopping for one day (with exceptions for small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses). Wear red in solidarity with A Day Without A Woman. Anyone or group is free to organize above and beyond. Couldn't find anything planned for AVL, so my personal action for the day is a picnic at Pack. I'd love some company, so if you're interested, drop by anytime after 11AM. Stay 15 minutes or an hour or two, up to you! Bring something to eat and some extra to share. That's pretty much it. No rsvps required. Just be there. This will also be celebrated in Asheville from 5 to 6 PM at Vance Monument at Pack Square. These are both Facebook events.

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 at AshevilleNCCouncil@ashevillenc.gov. Location is the Civic Center in downtown Asheville and time is from 5:30 - 7 PM. Make your views known concerning the property across the street, opposite the Basilica of St. Lawrence.

03/08/17 HAYWOOD STREET ADVISORY TEAM COMMUNITY MEETING

Asheville residents will get an update and peak into possible uses for city-owned properties on Haywood Street and Page Avenue during a March 8 meeting downtown. Facilitated by the Asheville Design Center, a 17 member Council-appointed Haywood Street Advisory Team has been meeting since last spring to develop a community vision to inform future use of the properties abutted by the Basilica of St. Lawrence, U.S. Cellular Center and Battery Park Apartments. Working with city staff, the advisory team has done lots of research and conducted public engagement, including two open houses to discuss ideas and an online visual survey. With all this work in mind, now residents will get to see a draft long term vision for the site during a public reveal from 5:30 to 7 PM at the U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall, 87 Haywood Street. Participants will be asked to provide feedback to the ideas presented.

03/08/17 HAYWOOD STREET TASK FORCE

City Council appointed a task force to create a vision for the ‘Pit of Despair’ and now they are ready to report their findings. The good news is that when the group sought community input, most residents said they wanted green space on that site. That accords with previous polls, with the thousand of petition signatures for a park, and with the results of the last election. The bad news is that the developers have not given up on putting a commercial building on that site. The Asheville Downtown Association has weighed in with its opinion that the site should have a development, and their members on the committee are working hard to make that happen. Some members of the task force say they don't feel obligated to use the data from their own survey and think they can substitute their own desire for a commercial building or for parking. Residents have told Council over and over that there are plenty of hotels, plenty of bars, and what we lack is green space. After awhile it becomes a matter of simple democracy: Will we do what the residents want and put a green space on the site for the Vanderbilt and Battery Park residents, for all of Asheville, to enjoy, or will we do as the developers say? We will find out what the task force says on Wednesday, March 8th at the US Cellular Center when the they present the draft version of their findings. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. Contact City Hall for more information.

03/08/17 INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST MEETING AT UNCA

This week the Asheville Socialists (ISO) will host a public education meeting on International Women's Day, the women's strike, and a feminism of the 99%. We'll talk about why capitalism requires the oppression of women, the context for current violence against women and attacks on our rights, and how women have always been at the front of resistance and revolution from Russia's February Revolution a century ago until today. After our speaker's brief presentation we'll open the floor to discussion so please bring your experiences of the day, your thoughts on the articles, or other questions and ideas to share. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM and location is Highsmith Union, room 235, at UNCA.This is a Facebook event.

03/09/17 COFFEE AND CONVERSATION WITH THE CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY

You are invited to join the Campaign for Southern Equality team for a morning of coffee and conversation at Penny Cup Coffee in downtown Asheville (the YMI Building location at 39 South Market Street). Whether you're new to Asheville and would like to learn more about what CSE does or if you've been with us since the beginning, stop on by, grab a cup of coffee and chat with us about winning LGBTQ rights in the South. Time is 9 to 10:30 AM. For questions, please contact Lindsey@southernequality.org or 828-242-1559.

03/09/17 ASHEVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY REVIEW

The City of Asheville continues the work of updating its comprehensive plan. The intent of this document is to capture the community vision — your vision — for our city, which will help guide policy decisions in the future. We are now a little more than half way through the Comprehensive Planning Process, and we’d like your input once again. A lot of work has been done since city staff began in May 2016. First, we assessed the situation: staff reviewed existing plans, key issues and trends facing the city of Asheville, and researched what has been happening in other similar cities across the country. Then we listened. Through an online and paper survey, numerous public meetings, stakeholder sessions, and “Plans on a Page” written by more than 30 neighborhood groups, staff gathered input from the entire community to determine our collective vision for Asheville. Each piece of input was analyzed and considered. The extensive feedback we received was used to outline strategies for making policy decisions that support your vision. Now, we have begun to sketch out the initial draft sections of the plan — and before we go any further, we want to check back in with you and make sure we are correctly reflecting your vision. That opportunity will be 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall at 87 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. Call City Hall 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.

03/09/17 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.

03/10/17 GROWING UP TRANS FILM AND DISCUSSION

Wake Alternative Break trips (WAB) presents a free screening of an hour and a half long documentary (followed by a short discussion) about the struggles and choices facing transgender kids and their families. Just a generation ago, it was adults, not kids, who changed genders. But today, many children are transitioning, too — with new medical options, and at younger and younger ages. In Growing Up Trans, PBS Frontline takes viewers on an intimate and eye-opening journey inside the struggles and choices facing transgender kids and their families. 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.

03/11/17 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. Come join us to help advance our mission to build political will for a livable world. We'll listen to the national call and talk about our strategies in Asheville and WNC to help pass national bipartisan legislation on climate change - called Carbon Fee & Dividend. All political parties are welcome to join in this effort - conservative, liberal, progressive, libertarian, etc. We meet at Kairos West Community Center (behind Firestorm Cafe & Books). Time is 12:30 to 3 PM. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

03/11/17 GREENWORKS ROAD CLEANUP

Join us for a cleanup of Pearson Bridge Road. There's loads of trash that needs to be removed before it makes it's way in the French Broad River. Meet-up in the public parking lot behind French Broad River Outfitters at 704 Riverside Drive in Asheville. Tools, supplies, bags, grabbers and gloves will be provided. Sign up now and receive one of our custom "Love Where You Live" eco t-shirts. Time is 9 AM to noon. Please email volunteer@ashevillegreenworks.org to register and for more information.

03/11/17 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FORUM AND CELEBRATION

Marxist Feminism: An Educational Forum in Celebration of International Women's Day. This is a public forum with moderated speakers, on the subject of Marxist feminism. Time is 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and location is the West Asheville Library at 942 Haywood Road in west Asheville. This is put on by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Contact the PSL at Asheville@pslweb.org or (828)279-956.

03/11/17 COTHINKK: PART TWO OF UNPACKING ALLIANCE BUILDING AND COLLABORATION

CoThinkk is a “giving circle” that uses our collective time, talent, and treasure towards investment strategies that address education, economic mobility/opportunity, and leadership development towards impacting some of the most critical social issues facing African-American & Latinx communities in Asheville and Western NC. This meeting is the third meeting of 2017 and builds upon the momentum from our 2016 Winter Retreat and continues to unpack our 2017 Theme: “Collaboration & Alliance-Building.” This meeting will continue to provide an opportunity for us to continue to move our collective agenda, plot out next steps, and discuss key milestones for our upcoming work ahead. We continue to look forward to having diverse voices and communities in the room to help shape this agenda. Time is 1 to 4:30 PM and location is 37 Montford Avenue in Asheville. If you have any questions or concerns please free to send me (Tracey Greene-Washington) an e-mail at Cothinkk@gmail.com. I look forward to seeing everyone in the room. Please RSVP by March 7th 2017. We need everyone's voice. Please email if you need interpreter support and childcare.

03/11/17 STREAM MONITORING BY MOUNTAIN TRUE IN HENDERSON COUNTY

Looking for an excuse to get in the creek and learn more about water quality? We’ve got just the opportunity for you. MountainTrue volunteers monitor stream health throughout Henderson County and participate in bio-monitoring twice per year, once in April and once in October. Through the Stream Monitoring Information Exchange (SMIE) bio-monitoring program, we sample aquatic macro-invertebrates, or aquatic insects, as indicators of water quality. Bugs tell us a lot about the health and vitality of our rivers and streams. To participate in this program, you can attend our SMIE training on March 11 at Blue Ridge Community College to learn basic stream ecology, how to identify aquatic macro-invertebrates, why macro-invertebrates are terrific indicators of water quality, and the sampling protocol. After the training, volunteers will be placed in teams to conduct sampling throughout the month of April. We hope to see you at the training. Time is 9 AM to 4 PM and location is Blue Ridge Community College in the morning with an afternoon field trip to Big Hungry river. New and returning volunteers are welcome. What to bring: Water bottle, a pen or pencil, waders if you have them (some waders will be provided and not all participants will need to enter the stream). Free. Contact Mary Kate for more information and to register at 828-258-8737 or marykate@mountaintrue.org.

03/12/17 ISRAELI FILM SERIES

The Israeli Film Series is a collaboration between Grail Moviehouse and the Asheville Jewish Community Center. This series is designed to allow us to use film as our window into the minds and culture of Israel. A discussion will follow the film. The films have been selected to provide varying degrees and angles of perspective and insight. We invite you to come explore with us. On March 12, we will show “A Borrowed Identity.” Film begins at 3 PM. All movies are produced in Israel. Tickets are $7 and can be ordered online from the Grail Moviehouse.

Email Rochelle for more information at rochelle@jcc-asheville.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 at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

03/13/17 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL

Presentation topic is “Defund Dakota Access Pipeline.” Cathy Holt, who visited Standing Rock for six days last November, has been working on the local Defund DAPL campaign ever since. For Cathy, the struggle to protect fresh water, the honoring of indigenous rights, and the imperative to leave the dirtiest fossil fuels in the ground to avoid worsening climate chaos, all converged in Standing Rock. Now the fossil fuel divestiture movement is viewed as a strategy for stopping more than one pipeline and for awakening people about the power of choosing where they invest their money--in credit unions building the local economy, instead of in large banks funding death-dealing pipelines. Water is Life! Time is 6:30 PM and location is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Please park on the street. Contact Rebecca at palmtree747@gmail.com or 812-334-0176 for more information.

03/13/17 IMMIGRATION LUNCH AND LEARN BY PISGAH LEGAL

Join us for updates on immigration law and its impact in our community. Time is noon to 1:30 PM, and location is Tuton Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Asheville. For members of the community who are concerned about immigrants, join Pisgah Legal Services immigration law experts for a lunch session to learn about the immigration crisis affecting our neighbors. We will share ways that Pisgah Legal Services staff and volunteers are helping, and how you can plug in. Together we can stand for justice for all. Lunch from Limones will be provided. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Brent McKnight by March 9th at brent@pisgahlegal.org. Contact him for more information also.

03/13/17 COMMENT ON ASHEVILLE COAL ASH BASIN CLOSURE PLANS

The NC Department of Environmental Quality is giving the public another opportunity to review and comment on Duke Energy's plans for excavating coal ash from its Asheville Steam Station. Can you attend the hearing to help demand stronger oversight of the excavation and transport of coal ash, ongoing soil and groundwater monitoring once excavation is complete, and additional protections for neighbors of the site? If you can't attend, written comments can be sent by April 5 to N.C. Division of Water Resources, Attn: Debra Watts, 1636 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1636 or by email to ashevillecomments@ncdenr.gov. This meeting will be at Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech College at 340 Victoria Road in Asheville. Time is 6 PM, sign up to speak at 5:30 PM. Contact Katie Hicks with Clean Water For NC for more information at katie@cwfnc.org.

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.

03/14/17 OCCUPY WNC ASSEMBLY

Occupy WNC's General Assembly meets next on Tuesday, March 14th, in The Sneak E. Squirrel's Community Room at 1315 Main Street in Sylva. We are a diverse, non-partisan group working for social and economic equality since October, 2011. We welcome visitors and newcomers. Contact Lucy at lucy.christopher42@gmail.com for more information.

03/14/17 DOCUMENTARY FILM AND DISCUSSION BY VETERANS FOR PEACE

“Why We Fight” will be shown on Tuesday, March 14 at 7:30 PM, presented by Veterans For Peace, Chapter 099. This film does not seek to justify why we fight, but explains how we have become a nation that goes to war all too easily and stays at war endlessly. Free. Location is the Center For Art & Spirit at St. George Episcopal, One School Road in west Asheville. Veterans For Peace Event signs will direct you to our venue from the intersection of Patton Avenue and Bear Creek Road. Contact VFP for more information at 828.490.1872. [This is a good film.]

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

03/15/17 HENDERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING

[Here is a bit more information about the Sheriff of Henderson County: “Sheriff Charles S. McDonald does not refer to any specific protests or political parties or causes. But writing in this month’s edition of his newsletter, “The Guardian,” McDonald calls protests taking place across the country “vile and disgusting” and wrote that they “are not a result of the differences between America’s traditional political parties. Rather, they appear to be the result of an anti-American social progressive movement with the goal of subverting our great Republic and replacing it with something akin to the social economic governance that continues to decimate Western Europe to this day. … McDonald likened protesters to “a child playing a board game. Gleeful at the prospect of winning but impetuously overturning the table and throwing a tantrum when faced with the prospect of losing.” No nation or community can enjoy peace when “Rule of Law is cast aside for no other reason than an election didn’t yield the results that some people hoped for,” he wrote. - from the News & Observer] County Commissioners meeting is at 9 AM and location is 1 Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Contact Chris at 828-606-5584 or cwalters28739@yahoo.com for more information about this issue.

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.

03/16/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HENDERSON COUNTY GENERAL MEETING

Generally the third Thursday of each month, September through May, at 3:00 PM. Location is the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce meeting room at 204 Kanuga Road in Hendersonville. This month the topic is Sunshine Month - Shining light on transparent government and the speaker is Times-News Columnist - Dawn Kucera. Contact their website for more information.

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.

03/19/17 IMMERSION IN NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION

You are invited to register for this day of living and practicing NVC. For those of you who are already familiar with NVC, I invite you to join me on Saturday, March 19th in Asheville for a day of accompanying each other in the energy of empathy, compassion and presence. We will focus on “Hearing No, Saying No” using NVC. Fee is $100. Opening our hearts and learning skills for “Hearing No, Saying No”. Day long immersion in Asheville for continuing NVC students and practitioners. Time is 10 AM to 4 PM. This will be at a private location in Asheville. Note that scholarships are available by inquiring at eryka@eryka.com. Also contact that email for information on how to register.

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.

03/26/17 CLEAN WATER FOR NC PARTNER GROUP SEEKS STREAM VOLUNTEER

The Environmental Quality Institute (partner group with Clean Water for NC) offers this training twice a year. It's a great opportunity if you're looking to have fun and help our mountain rivers and streams. You'll learn to identify aquatic insects and why they are important indicators of healthy rivers and creeks, and be trained in sampling methods for use in a long-term water monitoring project at sites in our area. Volunteers must be seventeen and older - no experience necessary. After the training, volunteers will work in small groups with leaders to sample a minimum of two sites a season (sites are in Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Yancey, and Mitchell Counties). Time is 9 AM to 4 PM and location is UNC Asheville. $15 to $20 donation to cover materials is requested, but not required. Contact Katie Hicks with Clean Water For NC for more information at katie@cwfnc.org. Be sure to RSVP to (828) 357-7411 or at Eqilabstaff@gmail.com.

03/27/17 DIPLOMACY & MEDIA IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Colton, Diplomat-in-Residence at Lenoir-Rhyne University-Asheville, will present four lectures focused on Diplomacy, Politics and News. Dr. Colton is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked for ABC News, NBC News, Newsweek, and NPR. The Asheville native also had a distinguished career as a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat in seven Middle Eastern countries. The Monday night series includes: 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.

03/27/17 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.

03/27/17 FILM SCREENING ON PALESTINE

Don't miss the exciting Asheville screening of “Junction 48!” Palestinian rapper Kareem and his singer girlfriend Manar struggle, love ,and make music in their crime-ridden ghetto and Tel Aviv's hip-hop club scene. Screenplay by real-life rapper Tamer Nafar (who stars as Kareem) and Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Time Out of Mind). This is a social drama with kick-ass music directed by Udi Aloni (Art/Violence, Forgiveness). This is a 7:30 PM at Carmine Cinemas at 121 River Hills Road in east Asheville. If your organization is interested in co-sponsoring this event, email Dooler at doolerfc@gmail.com. This is a Facebook event. In order for this event to happen, 73 more tickets need to be purchased at https://www.tugg.com/events/junction-48-dezk

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.” 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.

03/28/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

03/28/17 MEN’S DIVERSITY CIRCLE

The Men's Diversity Circle - A courageous space for dialogue and connection between men of color. 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.

03/28/17 ASHEVILLE TIMEBANK POTLUCK

Asheville TimeBank will hold its monthly potluck dinner on the 4th Tuesday of March, 3/28 at 6:15 PM, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Enter via Evelyn Way off Charlotte Street. Open to everyone - TimeBank members and also those who would like to learn about getting needs met outside the cash economy. Bring your laptop if you'd like some individual help. Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

03/29/17 GREEN GRANNIES BOOK CLUB

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.

04/05/17 CITIZENS-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

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

04/05/17 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Join us on April 5 to learn about the status of installing solar and wind clean energy generation in North Carolina. Hear from experts about our success in becoming a national leader in installed solar generation and the beginnings of wind power in our state. Find out what the future holds for both expanding solar and onshore/offshore wind energy generation. 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 Gail Solomon at gailwriter@msn.com or 908-963-7711.

04/05/17 BILL AYERS: DEMAND THE IMPOSSIBLE

Join us as we welcome Bill Ayers, here on a national tour to celebrate the release of his latest book, “Demand the Impossible!: A Radical Manifesto.” In an era defined by mass incarceration, endless war, economic crisis, catastrophic environmental destruction, and a political system offering more of the same, radical social transformation has never been more urgent. We must imagine a world beyond what this rotten system would have us believe is possible. In critiquing the world around us, Ayers uncovers cracks in the system, raising our sights for radical change, and envisioning strategies for building a movement to create a more humane, balanced, and peaceful world. Bill Ayers is a social justice activist, teacher, Distinguished Professor of Education (retired) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and author of two memoirs, “Fugitive Days” and “Public Enemy.” 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.

04/06/17 DOCUMENTARY AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

We hear a lot about recycling, but reusing is even better for the environment. On Thursday, April 6th we'll be screening the film ReUse: Because You Can't Recycle the Planet in the upper showroom of the ReStore located at 33 Meadow Road in Asheville. We invite you to join us for this mind-opening film and some light refreshments. Stick around afterwards for a 20% off storewide flash sale until 9pm. The event is free, with donations to Habitat welcome. Doors open at 6pm, with a few short opening remarks at 6:15. The film will begin promptly at 6:30pm. For more information, contact Habitat for Humanity at akjellquist@ashevillehabitat.org.

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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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From Facebook: De-document Lent

Last week as I worked with comrades to keep our community safe from the threats of ICE and the arrest and separation from family, my friend said that people with documents just don't understand what it feels like. And added, we should try to go without. Today marks the beginning of the season of Lent. This is a time of 40 days set aside marking Jesus' time in the wilderness where he rebuffed the lies of the cultural and imperial Domination System and claimed his true identity as beloved child of God. My privilege and my documents like my driver's license are lies that say I deserve safety more than other children of God and that I am "legal" and "good" because I have the ability to have this identification. Christians traditionally "give something up" for Lent as a practice of fasting. This practice allows us to reflect on who we really are, on our participation in the world and to confess where we place our trust in idols (read systems) that are lies and oppress other children of God. So I am "giving up" my documents that make me "legal." I am simply choosing to be human and to identify as a child of God. Concretely this means, I will not use identification or carry my driver's license. This is a practice that leads to collective liberation which is at the heart of what it means follow Jesus. I invite you to join this journey.

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From Pisgah Legal Services:

Justice For All Project - Gift Challenge

With changes in immigration enforcement, immigrants in our community are facing extraordinary fear, uncertainty and stress. Pisgah Legal Services is receiving dozens of calls for help from immigrants and, with one immigration law attorney serving 17 WNC counties, we cannot meet the need for legal assistance to preserve families and help immigrants protect their basic rights.

We must expand our work to help immigrants. Thanks to a generous donor, all gifts to the Justice for All Project to help immigrants will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 until April 30, 2017. Pisgah Legal Services seeks to help more immigrants in crisis while also continuing our other essential work related to domestic violence, housing and health care. Here is the link to donate:

https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/pisgahlegalservices-givenow?code=newgivenow

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EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA

URGENT- the time is now for you to help pass the Equal Rights Amendment. This is our last chance in NC until 2019. Send two emails, one to the House Rules Committee, the other to the Senate Rules Committee. Just copy, paste, send.... and thanks.

1) The House Rules Committee

Simply copy all the following addresses together and paste into your email program.

David.Lewis@ncleg.net, Ted.Davis@ncleg.net, Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.net, John.Szoka@ncleg.net, John.Torbett@ncleg.net, John.Bell@ncleg.net, John.Blust@ncleg.net,

Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net, Bill.Brawley@ncleg.net, Dana.Bumgardner@ncleg.net, Justin.Burr@ncleg.net, Becky.Carney@ncleg.net, Nelson.Dollar@ncleg.net, Andy.Dulin@ncleg.net, Beverly.Earle@ncleg.net, Elmer.Floyd@ncleg.net, John.Fraley@ncleg.net, Ken.Goodman@ncleg.net, Edward.Hanes@ncleg.net, Jon.Hardister@ncleg.net, Kelly.Hastings@ncleg.net, Darren.Jackson@ncleg.net, Linda.Johnson@ncleg.net, Susan.Martin@ncleg.net, Chuck.McGrady@ncleg.net,

Robert.Reives@ncleg.net, Jason.Saine@ncleg.net, Shelly.Willingham@ncleg.net,

michael.Wray@ncleg.net

The message:

· Urge the Rules Committee to hold a hearing on the the Equal Rights Amendment (H.102).

· Urge them to support and vote for the ERA to ensure equal rights for women and men.

2) The Senate Rules Committee

Simply copy all the following addresses and paste into your email program.

Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net, Chad.Barefoot@ncleg.net, Dan.Blue@ncleg.net, Andrew.Brock@ncleg.net, Harry.Brown@ncleg.net, Ben.Clark@ncleg.net,

Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net, Joel.Ford@ncleg.net, Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net,

Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net, Brent.Jackson@ncleg.net, Michael.Lee@ncleg.net,

Floyd.McKissick@ncleg.net, Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net, Louis.Pate@ncleg.net, Shirley.Randleman@ncleg.net, Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net, Terry.VanDuyn@ncleg.net, trudy.Wade@ncleg.net

The message:

· Urge the Rules Committee to hold a hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment (S.85).

· Urge them to support and vote for the ERA to ensure equal rights for women and men.

Thank you for supporting women’s causes. The Equal Rights Amendment will finally ensure that women are given equal protection in the United States Constitution.

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dancewater

Sunday, March 05, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of March 5, 2017

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