dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of April 9, 2017

Poster by Shepard Fairey.

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

04/10/17 GREEN ENERGY POTLUCK

Share a meal with many of Asheville’s leaders, activists, professionals, and concerned citizens that care about creating renewable energy infrastructure now. We must act and we must act now! Our children's futures are at stake. We will have multiple speakers including local elected officials, energy experts, nonprofit allies, and more. We ask all those able to bring a dish for a shared potluck and an attitude open to learning why renewable energy, and why now. If you are willing to learn and help with what we can do right here in our own communities to protect the environment, air, and water then please come and bring a guest and a dish. Time is 5:30 PM and location is Lake Julian in south Asheville. This is a Facebook event, organized by Asheville Community Rights movement.

04/10/17 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL

As a follow-up to March’s Social about supporting Standing Rock’s water protectors, we will watch the documentary “Water” which explores humankind's relationship with the Earth's most important resource. Both humans and wildlife depend on it for survival. This episode of the PBS series “Earth: A New Wild” examines how a misuse of water can lead to unparalleled destruction; however, sharing our water with wildlife does not only benefit the wild, it may also be a crucial step in our own survival. Produced by National Geographic Studios in association with Passion Planet, the series is hosted by Dr. M. Sanjayan, leading conservation scientist, who takes viewers on a stunning visual journey to explore how humans are inextricably woven into every aspect of the planet’s natural systems. Time is 6:30 PM and location is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street in north Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/10/17 DEMOCRACY NC MEETING

Join us for the upcoming Community Offerings Synthesis meeting on April 10, at 7 PM as a follow-up to our 3/20 coalition kick-off meeting. This is a continuation of the Community Offerings action group from Democracy NC’s kickoff coalition meeting on 3/20 - group gathered together to review, plan, and strategize ways we can model democracy and meet the political engagement needs of our community. Join us to firm up next steps and provide critical input on what types of options we should focus on such as current offering of trainings, film screenings, education, and town halls. So many new and amazing ideas came out of the think tank style discussion, and we want to determine which initiatives can become a reality and who wants to takes leadership roles in these areas. Attendance at the 3/20 kick-off coalition meeting is not required to fully participate on 4/10. We want to hear from you. Time is 7 to 8:30 PM and location is the YWCA at185 S. French Broad Avenue in Asheville. For more information and to RSVP, place contact Vahisha Hasan at 828-899-0139 or vahisha@democracy-nc.org.

04/11/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president 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.

04/11/17 17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

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

04/11/17 STANDING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION WORKING GROUP

A facilitated meeting to build the infrastructure of educational opportunities within Asheville Showing Up for Racial Justice. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/11/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILE

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

04/11/17 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.

04/11/17 PRESENTATION AT THE COLLIDER IN ASHEVILLE

March for Science will host Dr. Thomas Peterson, retired NOAA scientist, speaking on “What is Science” from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at The Collider at 1 Haywood Street, on the top floor of Wells Fargo Building in downtown Asheville. Free and open to public. Contact Luke Shealey at lukeshealy99@gamail.com or 828-702-1122 for more information.

04/11/17 OCCUPY WNC DINNER AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Time is 5:30 to 8:30 PM and location is the Sneak E Squirrel at 1315 West Main Street in Sylva. Free. This is a Facebook event.

04/12/17 ADVOCACY SKILLS WORKSHOP

Are you feeling energized to create change in the world, but don't know where to start? Strong advocacy skills can put power behind the issues that you care about. Learn to use your voice to meet with members of Congress, interact with the media, and empower your community. Asheville's Results group is hosting an advocacy skills workshop for the public at Firestorm Books & Coffee. Results is a citizen lobbying organization that has been using research-based advocacy tactics for 37 years to affect change on issues of domestic and global poverty. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM and location is Firestorm Books & Coffee at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/12/17 WOMEN’S MARCH HUDDLE FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Time is 5:30 to 7 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

04/12/17 STAND WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD

An opportunity to gather and protest the current legislation that aims to defund Planned Parenthood. The rally will highlight women's reproductive rights and the right to choose what to do with our own bodies. The rally will also be a donation-based fundraiser for our local Planned Parenthood. Time is 2 to 5 PM and location is Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/12/17 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

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

04/12/17 DEMOCRACY NC TRAINING

Help build a movement. Join us for a “Petitioning and Tabling Training” on April 12, at 6 PM. Learn the nuts and bolts of important types of communication in organizing: ‘petitioning’ and ‘tabling.’ Both of these skills require connecting with folks and connecting them with issues that are important to you. We'll cover a variety of core topics, including how to table events, the best ways to talk to people in various environments, tracking your success, and much more. Location is the YWCA at185 S. French Broad Avenue in Asheville. For more information and to RSVP, place contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org.

04/13/17 DEMOCRACY NC VOTER ADVOCACY MEETING

Join us for a “Voter Advocacy Action Group” meeting on April 13, at 6 PM as follow-up to the Voter Advocacy breakout groups from our 3/20 coalition kick-off meeting. This is the follow-up meeting for the “Voter Advocacy” breakout groups (Board of Elections advocacy and redistricting) from the 3/20 kick-off meeting. This is where we will come back together to get to know each other, review our calendar items (trainings and events), and discuss our priorities in determining our direction. Next steps and group development, including identifying leaders, will be a priority. Location is the Universalist Unitarian Congregation of Asheville at 1 Edwin Place in north Asheville. For more information and to RSVP, place contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org.

04/13/17 THE FACING PROJECT

Wages are stagnant, cost of living is skyrocketing, vacancies are at critical lows and certain population are flooding in as others are being pushed out. So what do we need to talk about when we talk about unaffordable housing? More importantly, who do we need to be talking to? The Facing Project is a national effort that attempts to build communities and address pertinent issues through storytelling. Community members shared their stories--of living through and fighting the legacies of Asheville's housing policies--with UNCA students. On April 13th, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the YMI Cultural Center, these stories will be read and performed for you. Join us for an evening of critical dialogue and storytelling as we fight to face the issue of housing in Asheville. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/13/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The film “1945” is based on the short story “Homecoming” by Gabor Santo. This is a Hungarian film with English subtitles. In this astonishingly haunting film, deep undercurrents run beneath the simple surface in a quaint village that is ultimately forced to face up to its “ill-gotten gains” from the Second World War. Time is 7 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.

04/13/17 MEN DOING OPPRESSOR. MEN DOING OPPRESSED. MEN DOING ALLY

A Courageous and Challenging Meetup for Male Persecutors, Victims, Rescuers, Bystanders and Allies. Sexism. Queerphobia. Racism. Who are you doing it to? Who's doing it to you? Who's saving whom? Who's doing nothing? Who are you allying with? What's happening when you act in any and all the roles of persecutor, victim, rescuer, bystander and ally with others in our world of White male privilege and domination? We gather as men to explore interpersonal, structural, economic and institutional systems of injustice and the ways each of us is the oppressed and the oppressor, and learn to serve as allies, being responsive and accountable for what we choose to brave in our own lives, and with and for all our relations. Who's welcome: All Men – White, Cis, Indigenous, Queer, of Color, Trans, and Those called to Do Ally. Location is Firestorm Cafe at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Time is 7 PM. Contact Duncan Tam at duncan2729@yahoo.com for more information.

04/14/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The film “1945” is based on the short story “Homecoming” by Gabor Santo. This is a Hungarian film with English subtitles. In this astonishingly haunting film, deep undercurrents run beneath the simple surface in a quaint village that is ultimately forced to face up to its “ill-gotten gains” from the second World War. Time is 1 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.

04/14/17 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM NIGHT

We are screening “After Spring” which is a documentary about the Syrian refugee crisis. Time is 7 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Asheville at Charlotte and Edwin Streets in north Asheville. With the Syrian conflict now in its sixth year, millions of people continue to be displaced. “After Spring” is the story of what happens next. By following two refugee families in transition and aid workers fighting to keep the camp running, viewers will experience what it is like to live in Zaatari, the largest camp for Syrian refugees. With no end in sight for the conflict or this refugee crisis, everyone must decide if they can rebuild their lives in a place that was never meant to be permanent. World premiere at Tribeca Film Festival 2016. No charge for the film, but donations are welcome. Contact Norman at mnpopi@charter.net for more information.

04/14/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

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

04/14/17 GREEN OPPORTUNITIES AT UNCA

Mark your calendar to attend this presentation from innovative community organization Green Opportunities. Green Opportunities connects youth and adults from low-wealth neighborhoods to sustained employment opportunities that support families and improve community and environmental health. Some of the many initiatives in Green Opportunities include: on-the-job training, hands-on projects like preparing and serving meals in their community kitchen, integrating technical and life skills training, linking clients to appropriate community support services, connecting clients to financial support, and close collaboration with neighborhood associations, community leaders and other active community members. Green Opportunities will provide samples from their delicious locally sourced/produced menu. Time is 3 to 5 PM and location is Reuter Center 102 at UNCA.

04/15/17 VOTER REGISTRATION TRAINING

Help build a movement. Join us for a voter registration training on April 15, at 10 AM. This will be non-partisan voter registration training. We'll cover how-tos, critical "tips," and send you home with your own voter registration packet. Location is the YWCA at 185 S. French Broad Avenue in Asheville. For more information and to RSVP, place contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org.

04/15/17 SIGN DESIGN PARTY FOR MARCH FOR SCIENCE

SignsUp Asheville is hosting this sign-making party on Saturday, April 15th, one week before the march. The event will be held in the Odyssey School Gym at 90 Zillicoa Street in Asheville. We are bringing together artists and activists to create signs and banners that will move and inspire. This particular pop-up party is just in time for the Science and People's Climate Marches. But you can create a sign for whatever causes move you. For more information, contact Tina Madison White at TinaMadisonWhite@gmail.com or Sarah Rath at ChangeArtist@earthlink.net. Free. Time is 2 to 6 PM. This is a Facebook event.

04/17/17 STAND UP, SPEAK OUT FOR RESPECT & DIGNITY

A-B Tech Community College will hold a community-wide Stand Against Racism event to the college from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, April 13 in the Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center on the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College main Asheville campus. The event is free and open to the public. This year's event is titled, "Stand Up, Speak Out for Respect and Dignity." There will be a panel discussion that explores how to embrace and support each other. The panel will include members of our diverse faith community, our LGBT community, and our minority communities.We will discuss what services are available, what actions we need to take to support each other, and where to direct people for assistance. Panel members scheduled to speak are Oralene Simmons, founder of Asheville's Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast; Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, minister in the United Church of Christ; Marshay Proctor-Bates, Success Coach and Advisor at A-B Tech; Michael Harney of the WNC AIDS Project, Lael Grey, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center; Timothy Cross of Asheville Urban Dharma; and a representative from Asheville Latin Americans Achieving Success (ALAS). Area organizations will have tables in the outer lobby of the building to share materials or answers questions after the event. Any organization interested in sharing resources at the event may contact Kenet Adamson at kenetmadamson@abtech.edu or at 828-398-749.

04/17/17 DEMOCRACY ASHEVILLE COALITION MEETING

Please join us for the next Democracy Asheville meeting at the Wesley Grant Center on April 17, at 6 PM. We'll brief what we were up to in the past month, what's on the calendar for the next month, and any important updates you need to know. What is the Democracy Asheville Coalition? Our local coalition brings together organizational representatives and individuals who agree to work together to change and use the political system so it equips people to take action, promotes grassroots leadership, and serves ‘the good of the whole.’ We want an elections process that is accessible, fair, and secure. And we want a government ‘of, by, and for the people’ that fosters equity, solidarity, and justice. Location is the Wesley Grant Center at 285 Livingston Street in Asheville. For more information and to RSVP, place contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org.

04/18/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE

“What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience” is part one of a four part series on teaching kids about racism and racial justice. This series is designed to start with basic concepts to deepen your understanding of racism in our culture then move into more complex needs and scenarios for helping children to learn in classrooms and at home. These sessions will help you feel more empowered as parents and educators to be in discussion and supportive with kids developing a healthy understanding of racial diversity and how to work toward racial justice. Each event will include both a presentation of ideas and a workshop to engage those ideas. Events are run by Justina Prenatt, LPCA of Clover Heart Concepts, and Megan McCarter Martell, Executive Director of Programs at Odyssey. April 4 is “What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience.” April 18 is “How do we talk about Race? Communication, Presence & Developmental Awareness.” May 2 is “What can teachers and parents do? Representation, Discussion, & Justice.” May 16 is “What's your Culture? Diversity, Similarities & Celebration.” Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Odyssey Community School at 90 Zillicoa Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event. Attendance at all four events is encouraged but is not required. The cost of the events and the childcare are free. Donations for the childcare are welcomed. For more information, contact learn@odysseycommunity.org or 828-259-3653. Registration for the events and for childcare, please go to https://goo.gl/forms/Hw85y5dXNEdeAT6d2

04/18/17 COMMUNITY VIEWING AND DISCUSSION OF THE MOVIE “13TH”

Francine Delany New School will be hosting a viewing of the Netflix documentary by Filmmaker Ava DuVernay. “13th” explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. Subtitle for the film is: from slave to criminal with just one amendment. Time is 6 PM for the movie. If you have seen the movie before, feel free to join us at 7:45 PM for the discussion. Location is Francine Delany New School for Children at 119 Brevard Road in Asheville. Dogwood Building. This is a Facebook event.

04/18/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

04/18/17 17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

04/18/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

04/18/17 COMBATING STRUCTURAL RACISM IN THE WORKFORCE

The WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition is proud to be participating in the YWCA's Stand Against Racism campaign for 2017! Come raise a glass with us as we take a Stand Against Racism at Bhramari Brewhouse on Tuesday, April the 18th from 5:30 - 7:30. There will be a brief presentation of some of the work that the WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition is doing to combat structural racism in the workforce followed by networking and socializing. Come ready to connect with other professionals in the community that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided. Please register in advance with Paulina Mendez at paulinam364@gmai.com.

04/18/17 FILM SCREENING & TALKBACK OF THE DOCUMENTARY “13TH”

The Social Justice Committee at Francine Delany New School For Children invites you to attend a film screening of the documentary “13th” on the intersection of race, justice and mass incarceration in the U.S. The event will take place on the Francine Delany campus, and there will be facilitated talk-back after the screening. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/18/17 INDIVISIBLE RACIAL JUSTICE ACTION

Indivisible’s mission is to combat white supremacy at the local, state, and national levels. They meet twice per month to check in on group projects and homework, keep each other up-to-date on community news, and make future plans for action. New visitors are welcome and asked only to familiarize themselves with the Indivisible Guide. 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.

04/18/17 CITIZENS ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT

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

04/19/17 PORTRAITS OF PALESTINE AT FIRESTORM

“Portraits of Palestine: Lives in the Shadow of the Occupation” is a visual arts and oral history project which recounts stories of resistance of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. The photographs and personal accounts were recorded during a two and a half week trip through cities and villages in the West Bank as well as the historical Palestine. These stories illustrate both the horrendous conditions Palestinians are subject to under Israeli oppression as well as the their steadfastness and dignity in the face of injustice. Through individual ‘portraits’ and audio interpretations of true stories, “Portraits of Palestine” tells the individual stories which make up the fabric of the greater collective struggle for justice and freedom in Palestine. 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.

04/19/17 GREEN DRINKS

This is a Sustainability and Social Justice Meet-up. Come early for community connections and green drink specials. This happens on the third Wednesday of each month. Socializing from 5:30 – 6PM and presentation from 6 – 7PM. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street at Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

04/19/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ADVOCACY TRAINING IN ASHEVILLE

Participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and tools to advocate for causes and topics of importance to them in a fact-based and effective manner. In addition, they could learn how to set priorities for themselves or identify organizations that could benefit from their skills and enthusiasm. This workshop outlines how state and federal legislation is enacted and focuses on key elected officials that represent the Asheville area at the local, state, and federal levels. AARP Mountain Region and UNCA Asheville OLLI are offering an Advocacy Workshop on Wednesday, April 19 at the Reuter Center. Information will be presented on ways to advocate effectively and how legislation is enacted. You must register by calling 1-877-926-8300 or by going to their webpage. Time is 2 to 5 PM and location is Reuter Center on UNCA campus.

04/19/17 IMMIGRATION LUNCH AND LEARN IN HENDERSONVILLE

For members of the community who are concerned about our immigrant neighbors, join Pisgah Legal Services immigration law experts and agriculture industry leaders 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. Lunch will be provided. $10 suggested donation. Time is noon to 1:30 PM and location is Grace Lutheran Church in 1245 6th Avenue West in Hendersonville. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Eleanor Ashton at eleanor@pisgahlegal.org or 828-210-3443 by April 14.

04/20/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS BALLOT INTEGRITY PROGRAM IN MADISON COUNTY

Our sister League in Madison County is hosting a presentation on ensuring Ballot Integrity by the Director and Chairman of Madison County's Board of Elections. Concerned that your vote may not count ? People not eligible to vote may cast ballots? What safeguards are in place to ensure the integrity of the vote? Time is 6:30 PM and location is the Madison Campus of A.B.Tech. Co-sponsored by the Political Science Program at Mars hill University and the News Record and Sentinel. Contact the League of Women Voters or Madison County Board of Elections for more information.

04/20/17 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.

04/20/17 FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN FIRST/COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOL

We are hosting our 6th annual “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Student?” trivia night fundraiser on Thursday, April 20 and we would appreciate your support in helping to spread the word about this event. We are still recruiting teams and we would love to have you and your friends and colleagues join us for the fun. Teams are made up of 4 to 6 people for $300 a team, costumes are highly encouraged and food, childcare and an adult beverage will be provided for participating team members so a great time can be had by all. Gather 4 to 6 of your smartest or most fun friends, family and colleagues to form a trivia team for local non-profit Children First/Communities In Schools (CIS) 6th annual “pub-style” trivia contest, “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Student?” Teams will answer basic knowledge and pop-culture questions with a few surprises thrown in. Groups will vie for great prize packages from local recreational facilities, area restaurants, The Omni Grove Park Inn and more. Time is 6 to 9 PM and location is Morris Hellenic Cultural Center at 227 Cumberland Avenue in Asheville. Proceeds benefit Children First/Communities in Schools. Contact Kate at KateF@childrenfirstbc.org or 828-214-5052 for more information, including how to register a team.

04/20/17 BUILDING BRIDGES PRESENTS: HOW RACISM HAS CHANGED OVER 25 YEARS

Since 1993, Building Brigdges of Asheville has worked to dismantle racism by fostering relationships that respect diversity, seek understanding and encourage action. Join us for a Stand Against Racism event on Thursday, April 20, 6 pm to 8 pm at Rainbow Community School’s Omega Middle School (62 State Street, Asheville, NC 28806). There will be a panel discussion that includes members of Building Bridges past and present discussing how the paradigm of racism has changed since in the inception of Building Bridges in 1993 to where we are now in 2017. For more information contact Gerry Leonard at gerryleonard7@gmail.com.

04/21/17 TRUTH TELLING ON RACIAL CONFLICTS AND ‘THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY’

Experience Navajo educator, Mark Charles, in a presentation on a domination framework giving moral and legal rights to invade, seize and enslave people who were not Christian. Dating back to the 15th century, numerous historical documents are still encoded in our legal system today - as shown by U.S. Supreme Court rulings as recent as 2005. This dynamic visionary speaker will be at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church at 101 Chapel Drive in Swannanoa. Time is 7 to 9 PM. Time includes Q & A and refreshments. This event is free and open to the public (donations will be welcome). For more information, contact Paul at phultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026.

04/21/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

04/21/17 to 04/23/17 ASHEVILLE CELEBRATES EARTH WEEK

“We Are All Connected!” – Asheville Celebrates Earth Week April 21-23. We are all connected! The City of Asheville has joined forces with numerous community partners to bring you a weekend full of earth day events and family-friendly activities to celebrate this important holiday. The City of Asheville, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Equinox, GreenWorks, New Belgium Brewing, Organic Grower’s School, Mountain True and RiverLink are hosting Asheville Earth Week on April 21, 22, and 23. With multiple events at different locations over three days, Asheville Earth Week organizers hopes this celebration reinforces a mantra that our community embraces, which is “We are all connected.” On Friday, April 21, MountainTrue is coordinating corporate Earth Day service projects including river clean ups on the French Broad River and invasive plant removal at local parks. To sign your company up, contact Susan Bean at susan@mountiantrue.org or (828) 258-8737 x216. Also on Friday, April 21, join us for a sustainability tour along the newest section of the French Broad River Greenway, which starts at a new trail head at the intersection of Emma Road and Craven Street. The self- guided tour begins at 3:30 PM and will include stations along the way to learn more about greenways, riverfront redevelopment, complete streets and the Asheville Edibles program. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new greenway and the Craven Street Improvements project at 4:30 PM.

04/21/17 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

An Earth Day film “Before the Flood” with Leonardo DiCaprio will be shown at 7 PM. Follow Leonardo DiCaprio as he travels around the globe to witness first hand the effects of climate change and what can be done to solve the problems, through interviews with global leaders such as Pope Francis and former President Obama. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 1 Edwin Place (corner of Charlotte and Edwin) in Asheville. Sponsors are the WNC Sierra Club (WENOCA) and Creation Care Alliance of WNC. Contact Jane Laping at janelaping@sbcglobal.net or 828-277-7342 for more information. Donations requested.

04/21/17 FILM TO HONOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

“Ararat” is a film by Atom Egoyan (Canada/France 2002; 126 min). This film is being shown to honor the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, which is April 24th. This is about a family and film crew in Toronto working on a film based loosely on the 1915 defense of Van during the Armenian genocide. In addition to exploring the human impact of that specific historical event, “Ararat” examines the nature of truth and its representation through art. The genocide is disputed by the government of Turkey, an issue that partially inspired and is explored in the film. Time is 8 PM and location is the Flood Gallery Fine Art Center at 2160 Highway 70 in Swannanoa. Call 828-273-3332 or email info@ashevillecourtyard.com for more information.

04/21/17 FILM SCREENING AT FIRESTORM

A 72 minute film screening and discussion about the brand spankin' new documentary on the Ovarian Psycos Bicycle Brigade: “The film Ovarian Psycos rides along with the Ova’s, exploring the impact of the group’s activism, born of feminist ideals, Indigenous understanding and an urban/hood mentality, on neighborhood women and communities as they confront injustice, racism, and violence, and take back their streets one ride at a time.” Time is 5:30 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/22/17 POETS FOR PEACE AT FIRESTORM

Poets For Peace is a collective movement of bringing hope and inspiration onto the road to combat the negative impacts of the Western war machine through dialogue and storytelling. This installment will be fronted by Sam Lane, Jay Morris, and Marshall James Kavanaugh. Sam Lane from Athens, GA writes poetry that focuses on the tension that arises when two disparate spaces confront one another. Jay Morris is a poet from the Athens/Atlanta area and co-founder of Goetry Open Mic in Athens who performs spoken word centered on the personal and political aspects of social identity. Marshall James Kavanaugh has spent the last few years traveling the country, collecting haikus from the expansive big skies found out west and fast-paced cities back east, most recently publishing a collection of essays from his experiences with the Water Protectors at Standing Rock in North Dakota. In each word these three poets share is the intention of a better world manifested through communal exchange. Together their poetic musings will direct the audience towards a sense of inner peace that will shine a beacon of light onto the darkness of the outer world. 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.

04/22/17 MARCH FOR SCIENCE IN ASHEVILLE

The march starts in Aston Park at 336 Hilliard Avenue in downtown Asheville at 10 AM and ends at Pack Square downtown, where there will be speakers on the importance of investment in science as nonpartisan and fact-based.

04/22/17 INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP ON DECODING AMERICA’S GREATNESS AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POWER & AUTHORITY

“Decoding America’s Greatness and The Difference between Power and Authority” is the title of this interactive workshop facilitated by dynamic, visionary Navajo educator, Mark Charles. This interactive workshop will help us understand the roots of social injustice including systemic racial structures. Event will be held at the Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting at 137 Center Avenue in Black Mountain. Fee is $30 before April 1st and $35 thereafter. Fee includes lunch. Workshop limited to 30 participants. Make checks payable to Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting and mail to Paul Hultberg at 212 Richmond Hill Drive in Asheville, NC, 28806. Please include your email and phone number. For more information, contact Paul at phultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026.

04/22/17 MARCH FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS FOR NORTH CAROLINA

We can no longer fear Big Pharma because 70% of NC citizens support medical cannabis. The citizens of North Carolina understand that denying the sick safe access to safe medicine is not only dangerous, but morally wrong. We are uniting in a statewide campaign to push our legislators to protect those who want to treat their illness with a safer alternative. Vote yes to House Bill 185. We are tired of being locked up and denied rights to what keeps us well. You do not have to smoke cannabis to stand with the sick who need it, to understand this will fight the opiate epidemic, and begin to heal our community naturally. This is a statewide effort with marches taking place across the state. Time is 2 to 3:30 PM. We will meet at Pritchard Park for some speakers, then march to Vance Monument. We are here not to break the law but to reform it. Bring signs, smiles, and respect. Looking forward to seeing you. This is a Facebook event, hosted by NC NORML of Asheville.

04/22/17 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING FOR EARTH DAY

Earth Day film and panel discussion on “Seed: The Untold Story.” Join us for this wonderful film and discussion. “Seed: The Untold Story” tells a beautiful tale of seed diversity and its sad demise. The film takes us on a journey through heart wrenching stories of betrayal and loss, sobering facts about where seed is today -- and isn't -- and the threats to seed diversity that threaten our very existence. From 544 varieties of cabbage, we have just 28; from 158 varieties of cauliflower, we now have 9, and the list goes on. “We have lost 94% of vegetable seed varieties in the 20th century,” we are told at the start of the film. It is truly enough to make you weep...and to inspire action to save our heritage for a sustainable future. Time spent with both traditional seed savers and seed saving pioneers working daily to bring back what was stolen from us through chemical use, GMO technology and corporate control of world politics, is also time spent with the innate beauty of seed. Filmed with reverence and an understanding of the miracle of life that seed truly is “Seed: The Untold Story” carries us closer to seed in a very intimate, even sensual, way. From seed is born the root of our existence. We'll gather together in community for an exploration of seed, as never does a gathering of caring people convene that a seed of hope is not planted.Time is 5:30 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne University in Asheville at 36 Montford Avenue. Donations accepted at the door. This is a Facebook event.

04/22/17 EARTH DAY SKILL SHARE FAIR

Transition Asheville and the Earth Team of First Congregational UCC will sponsor a Skill Sharing event to honor Earth Day. Participants can choose from a variety of practical skills that can help us live more sustainably on earth. Among the skills being shared by experienced teachers are the following: making homes more energy efficient; a range of tips for conserving resources; how to make a solar oven; vegetarian cooking; worm composting for gardeners; principles of permaculture; tree identification; basic carpentry; and how to plant and care for trees. The event will take place at the First Congregational UCC at 20 Oak St. in downtown Asheville. This will happen from 10 AM until 3PM. For more information, contact Ron Martin-Adkins at skillsforresilience@yahoo.com.

04/22/17 SPEAK UP! FINDING THE RIGHT STRUCTURE FOR YOUR STORY

Think through issues of racial and cultural identity in this all levels bookbinding workshop with multimedia artist Rachel Mauser on Saturday, April 22, 10 am - 1 pm. Participants will use 6-word memoirs, critical questioning, and collaborative techniques to explore different ways to share a story. Quick bookbinding structures and paper folding techniques will be taught in order to find the best form to help get a message across. No prior experience necessary, all supplies included. This is a collaboration of The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design and the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism. Register now at https://bookmakingwithrachelmauser.eventbrite.com/. Pre-registration is required and it is $40 per person, and there are a limited amount of free slots available. For more information contact Gerry Leonard at gleonard@ywcaofasheville.org

04/23/17 EARTH DAY VIGIL IN ASHEVILLE

Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is Pritchard Park at 67 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville. Earth Day Vigil with the Creation Care Alliance called “Active Hope.” Time is 5 to 6:30 PM with a reception to follow. The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina will host a vigil celebrating God's creation and calling on people of faith to care for it. We will gather Pritchard Park for an afternoon of song, poetry, reflection, and to hear messages of inspiration and action from local faith and community leaders. All are welcome! A reception will follow at Jubilee! Community Church at 46 Wall Street in downtown Asheville. Jubilee is also our rain out location. This event is free.

04/23/17 FILM SCREENING AT THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE

Join us for a free screening of “Cowspiracy” which explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, and investigates the policies of environmental organizations on this issue. Time is 4 to 7 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Phone 828-254-9277 for more information.

04/23/17 MEDICARE FOR ALL TOWN HALL IN WAYNESVILLE

Over the past few months, the people of the NC 11th District have tried to make their voices heard to Congressman Mark Meadows about the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As chairman of the House Freedom Caucus his primary agenda has meanwhile been focused on pushing through a full repeal of the ACA even though it will gravely affect his own constituents. Meadows opposed the TrumpCare bill–which the GOP had to pull for lack of votes–for all the wrong reasons. He felt it did not do enough to strip “entitlements,” like essential health benefits and Medicaid, from the people of his district. Meadows continues to ignore us, saying he will “have a town hall in August,” and that’s unacceptable. Congress is in recess again beginning 4/7, and we’re requesting Meadows’ presence at a town hall on Sunday, April 23. It’s time we moved past the ACA. We need Medicare for All. There have been town halls, rallies, petitions, letters, and other actions that have occurred over the past few months. The 4/23 town hall will unify all of these events. The size and scope of this event is unprecedented in the 11th. It’s time we came together as a district–as western North Carolinians–and made our voices heard. We’ll meet on the lawn in front of the Haywood County Courthouse at 285 North Main Street in downtown Waynesville. This is right next to Meadows’ office. Free. Time is 3 to 5 PM.

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

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Colton, Diplomat-in-Residence at Lenoir-Rhyne University-Asheville, will present four lectures focused on Diplomacy, Politics and News. Dr. Colton is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked for ABC News, NBC News, Newsweek, and NPR. The Asheville native also had a distinguished career as a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat in seven Middle Eastern countries. The Monday night series includes: April 24 - Navigating Flash Points of US Politics, Foreign Policy and World Diplomacy; and May 22 - Global Diplomacy and Asheville in the world. All lectures will take place at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Asheville Center, which is located at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville. Doors will open each night at 5 PM, and lectures will begin at 5:30 PM. RSVP is required, so please call 828-407-4263. This is a Facebook event and was in the Mountain Express.

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

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

04/24/17 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS

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

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

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

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

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

04/25/17 MOVIE NIGHT AT THE COLLIDER

The Collider and Oskar Blues Brewery launch a new monthly climate and environmental film series at The Collider, open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, the film starts at 7. The first four evenings will feature episodes from the award-winning series, “Years of Living Dangerously.” Oskar Blues will provide beer and, of course, we’ll also have popcorn. Tonight we will show “Safe Passage” with Bradley Whitford and “The Road Ahead” with Ty Burrell, and “Uprising” featuring “The Coal Wars” with America Ferrera and “Elephant in the Room” with Sigourney Weaver. This is a Facebook event.

04/25/17 ASHEVILLE TIMEBANK POTLUCK

Asheville TimeBank will hold its monthly potluck dinner on the 4th Tuesday of April 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

04/25/17 THE RIPPLE EFFECT WITH MIA BIRDSONG

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

04/26/17 PASTORS FOR PEACE IN ASHEVILLE

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

04/26/17 PASTORS FOR PEACE AT WARREN WILSON

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

04/26/17 MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM AND DONATION DRIVE

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

04/27/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

04/27/17 TRANSMISSION PRISON PROJECT

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

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

Speaker and facilitator Laura Jeffords, Executive Director of the Mediation Center in Asheville, will discuss “What is the value of civility? What impact can we have as individuals and as a community? on our elected officials? our children? our neighbors? our colleagues?” Please join us for an interactive community discussion, and leave empowered to make a difference. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM and location is the Kaplan Auditorium at Henderson County Main Public Library in Hendersonville.

04/28/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

04/29/17 GREENWORKS HARD 2 RECYCLE COLLECTION

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

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

This will be in Pack Square from 10 AM to 1 PM. Host Contact Info: Asheville Indivisible Climate Sub Group and 350.org. are organizing the Sister Climate March to the DC event here in town on April 29. We will kick off with a rally in Pack Square at 10 am. Come out on April 29 to rally in support of climate action at all levels of government!

04/30/17 WNC SOLIDARITY CONCERT SERIES

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

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

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

04/30/17 DOCUMENTARY AT THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE

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

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY

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

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY

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

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

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

FRIDAY

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

Standing Up For Racial Justice event is held at 10 AM at 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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From Rev. Amy Cantrell:

APR 9, 2017 — ACTION ALERT! We need everyone to contact City Council members via email and phone calls to ask them to support “A Million Dollars for the People” and to not increase the policing budget to double the police force downtown. Please share with them your heartfelt beliefs on this. Your emails do not have to be long. I have been made aware that Council is receiving many emails in support of the Chief's proposal. So now is the time we need to act. Email all of City Council with this email address: AshevilleNCCouncil@ashevillenc.gov And please share this information with others.

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dancewater

Sunday, April 09, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of April 9, 2017

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