dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of March 18, 2018

I call it the corporate media. Above Image by Anthony Freda. www.FredaArt.com

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

Please Note: There will be no email calendar next week. I will resume on April 1, 2018.

03/19/18 CONFERENCE AT THE COLLIDER

ClimateCon 2018 is North Carolina's first conference on the business of climate, where business and science professionals will come together to explore innovative climate solutions and business opportunities. ClimateCon will be held in the vibrant mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina, with its developing reputation as “Climate City,” hosted by The Collider, a nonprofit center of innovation for a changing climate. The centerpiece of ClimateCon 2018 is The Business of Climate Forum, an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs & forward-thinking organizations. The Business of Climate Forum is March 19-21. The main event of ClimateCon 2018 is The Business of Climate Forum, where attendees can expect a collaborative experience with a wide variety of business and science professionals who come together to advance the development of data-driven products and services. We'll help you identify potential uses and needs for climate adaptation and resilience. Tickets are $699 – $999. The Collider is at 1 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. Refunds up to 30 days before event. We’re now offering early-bird tickets to The Business of Climate Forum for $699 (a $300 savings). We hope you’ll join us this March and help uncover innovative solutions for climate change. Contact The Collider for more information or tickets.

03/19/18 NOTORIOUS HBC (HISTORY BOOK CLUB)

Join host and Malaprop’s bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across different periods of history. We’re creating a book club that tackles the challenging subjects, hence “Notorious.” This month’s pick is “The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism” by Edward E. Baptist. Time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.

03/19/18 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

CCL Monthly Meeting Location & Time Change. Now every 3rd Monday each month - March 19, 6:30-8:30PM. Location is Habitat Brewing Tavern & Commons at 174 Broadway Street in Asheville. At this meeting we will be learning about how to use the Climate Actuaries Index Report in our lobby meetings, learn what resistance talk is and how to roll with it. Do you want to help lobby bipartisan solutions on climate change? Or take the lead on talking to businesses about climate advocacy? Or how about being a public voice for climate engagement in politics? At our CCL-AVL chapter meetings, we dive into how we can use these strategies to build the political momentum for climate action to pass national bipartisan legislation on climate change. All political parties are welcome to join in this effort - conservative, liberal, progressive, libertarian, etc.

03/19/18 DEMOCRACY ASHEVILLE COALITION MEETING

Please join us for the next Democracy Asheville Coalition Meeting on Monday, March 19. We’ll provide an overview of what's happening in the state related to voting rights and of upcoming opportunities you can plug into. Please also bring a potluck dish to share if you are able and email us if you plan on doing so (vegetarian is included). Time is 6 PM. Location is Dr. Wesley Grant Southside Center at 285 Livingston Street in Asheville. Please RSVP. Contact JaNesha Slaughter at 828-216-3430 or JaNesha@democracy-nc.org with questions and instructions on how to register. 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.

03/19/18 ASHEVILLE SURG WEEKLY MEETING

Asheville SURJ Weekly Monday night meetings: 6:30-8:30pm at the UU Congregation (1 Edwin Place, corner of Edwin & Charlotte), downstairs main building. Every Monday, all are welcome to gather with others seeking to stay accountable in the work of dismantling white supremacy within themselves and the spheres they work, play, and live in. First Mondays are focused on exploring SURJ's Core Values and how we go about the work of moving from ally to accomplice in this work. Second Mondays are focused on a Calling In session where we brainstorm and role-play difficult situations and conversations around confronting racism and white supremacy, in ourselves and others. Third & Fourth Mondays are focused on Education with each topic being looked at nationally one week and then local impacts the following week. We are beginning this series with a focus on issues relating to Housing. For more details on any and all ASURJ meetings, email avlsurj@gmail.com. Specific dates & topics below:

Mar. 19: Urban Renewal (big picture/national history)

Mar. 26: Urban Renewal (local Asheville history)

03/19/18 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL

Transition Asheville Social. Date: 3/19/18. Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00pm. Place: Parish Hall, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801 (parking in the lot next to the church off Evelyn Alley…north of the church or on the street). Presentation Topic: Leonardo diCaprio’s Film: “Before the Flood.” Description: From Academy Award-Winning actor, environmental activist, and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonard DiCaprio, comes the 2016 account of the dramatic changes occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet. Contact: Rebecca Mahan at 812-334-0176 or palmtree747@gmail.com for more information.

03/19/18 DOCUMENTARY AT UNCA ANNUAL F-WORD FILM FESTIVAL

UNC Asheville's 17th Annual F-Word (Feminist) returns with two days of screenings. These screenings are free and open to everyone in Karpen Hall, Laurel Forum. Monday, March 19th, 7 p.m. Directed by Jessica Devaney and Geeta Gandbhir, “Love The Sinner” is a personal documentary exploring the connection between Christianity and homophobia in the wake of the 2016 shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. “Love The Sinner” probes our responsibility to face bias in our communities and push for dignity and equality for all. Also showing a film by Hillevi Loven, Produced by Chris Talbott and Samara Levenstein. Executive produced by Susan Sarandon, “Deep Run” is a powerful verité portrait of trans life in rural North Carolina. Exiled by her family and rejected by an ex-partner, 17-year-old Spazz has no one to lean on for support. But when Spazz falls in love again and summons up the courage to become Cole, a strong-willed trans-man, his candid humor and steadfast, all-inclusive Christian beliefs counter the bigotry he experiences daily. A panel discussion made of faculty and students will take place after this film. Contact for this event is Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program at lhorvitz@unca.edu or 828.251.6590.

03/19/18 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

Time is 6:30-8:30pm and location is Habitat Brewing Company, Tavern & Commons at 174 Broadway Street in Asheville. Our new location has many great opportunities for us that hopefully will attract more members to enjoy beer and food while enjoying the discussion. However donations are needed to keep using this space so please bring $5-10. About the Speaker: Joan Blades, MoveOn dot org co-founder. Joan Blades and her husband Wes Boyd co-founded the political action group MoveOn dot org in 1997. In 2006, she co-founded MomsRising dot org, dedicated to “bringing millions of people, who all share a common concern about the need to build a more family-friendly America, together as a non-partisan force.” Her latest project, Living Room Conversations, seeks to bridge the political divide in America by encouraging people with differing views to come together for respectful discussions. These conversations increase understanding, reveal common ground, and sometimes even allow us to discuss possible solutions.

03/20/18 DOCUMENTARY AT UNCA FOR ANNUAL F-WORD FILM FESTIVAL

UNC Asheville's 17th Annual F-Word (Feminist) returns with two days of screenings. These screenings are free and open to everyone in Karpen Hall, Laurel Forum. Tuesday, March 20, 7 p.m. “Whose Streets?” Directed by Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis. Folayan will introduce the film and answer questions afterwards. Told by the activists and leaders who live and breathe this movement for justice, an unflinching look at the Ferguson uprising. When unarmed teenager Michael Brown is killed by police and left lying in the street for hours, it marks a breaking point for the residents of St. Louis, Missouri. Grief, long-standing racial tensions and renewed anger bring residents together to hold vigil and protest this latest tragedy. Contact for this event is Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program at lhorvitz@unca.edu or 828.251.6590.

03/20/18 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 4:30 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.

03/20/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

On the third 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 5:45 PM and location is the Block Off Biltmore at Eagle and Market Streets in downtown Asheville. For more information, contact Gerry at gwerhan@gmail.com.

03/20/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM -12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm, Road in Asheville. A safe space to come together and talk about issues relating to dismantling white supremacy and confronting racism with a focus on what we can do to make a change, in ourselves, our communities, and beyond. All are welcome. Led by Matilda Bliss. ASURJ Do-Session: Tuesdays, noon-2pm, at a member’s residence. Meet us at 12:30 PM at Kairos West (right below Firestorm) and walk with us down there. This is a weekly space to do something to support accountability partners in their work. Letter-writing, list-making, social media work are just a few examples of what we will do to show up for racial justice Tuesday at the Do-Session. Bring your laptop and phone and help us out. For more details on any and all ASURJ meetings, email avlsurj@gmail.com.

03/20/18 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PRESENTS CIVICS 101

The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County, Pisgah Legal Services, and Children First/Communities in Schools have joined together to present Civics 101. This series provides an opportunity for any community to learn about the roles and decision-making processes of our local governments and how citizens can advocate and get their voice heard. This 4 week program will take place Tuesdays in March at the Arthur Edington Center from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Come to one or all sessions. Tuesday, March 20, 2018 will focus on Justice Resource Center & Family Justice Center. Presenters are Tiffany Iheanacho – Justice Resource Center Coordinator; Julie Klipp-Nicholson – Family Justice Center Coordinator; and Honorable Susan M. Dotson-Smith – District Court Judge. Tuesday, March 27, 2018 will focus on Advocacy Training. Presenter will be Pisgah Legal Services. Light fare and refreshments will be provided. Spanish interpretation is available. Please contact us by February 28th for childcare services. For more information or questions, contact civics101@lwvab.org or 828-333-0893.

03/20/18 INNOVATION IN CLIMATE RESILIENCE EVENT

Innovation in Climate Resilience: Ideas, Strategies, Examples. Time is 8 to 9 PM and doors open at 7:30 PM. This is at Lenoir-Rhyne University of Asheville Center at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. Join Kif Scheuer, climate and energy program director at the Local Government Commission, for a presentation and open discussion on climate resilience, adaptation and engagement. Free and open to the public. Call Lenoir-Rhyne for more information.

03/20/18 CLIMATE ACTION AND INNOVATION

“Celebration of Climate Action and Inspiring Innovation” event in conjunction with ClimateCon with presentation by Auden Schendler and networking. Sponsored by The Collider and the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County. Time is 5:30 to 8 PM and location is Highland Brewing Company at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in east Asheville. Call 299-3370 for more information. Tickets are $20 to $100.

03/20/18 DEFENSE CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS TOWN HALL

“Primed and Ready: NC DIDI Western Defense Contractors and Suppliers” town hall at noon. Location is Holiday Inn at 1450 Tunnel Road in east Asheville. NC Defense Industry Diversification Initiative town hall to discuss solutions to the challenges being faced by businesses who contract or subcontract with the Department of Defense. Free. No contact information.. [Someone please go and report back on what the DoD is funding in our area. - dancewater]

03/20/18 EXHIBITION AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

Collaborative Exhibition: Artist Connie Bostic and MHU Women’s Studies. March 5 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Connie Bostic’s artwork focus is on women – young girls to women – and vulnerability and concerns about their sexuality. Her images contain symbols referencing her views as an 80-year-old mother and grandmother. (She has three daughters and three granddaughters.) This is a collaboration with Dr. Ann M. Peiffer and the MHU Women’s Studies Program. Bostic’s work will serve as a springboard for several conversations on campus that will discuss gender expectations, women’s health, violence against women, and identity development. In addition, our art therapy program will be hosting an opportunity for patrons to make art in response to Bostic’s work. Mars Hill University. Until March 23, but not open every day. This is at Weizenblatt Gallery, at 79 Cascade Street in Mars Hill.

03/20/18 EXHIBIT AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

Exhibit Uses Cherokee Language as a Foundation for Historical Understanding. The Rural Heritage Museum at Mars Hill University opens a new exhibition, “Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future,” on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. This interactive exhibition, based on Cherokee language and culture, employs sound recordings as the basis for presenting a coherent Cherokee story in words, text, and artifacts. The exhibit runs through May 27. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Understanding Our Past, Shaping Our Future was developed with Cherokee community input with the assumption that language shapes thinking. In creating the exhibit storyline, the project team used the Cherokee language to reflect inherent Cherokee values. This exhibition is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency, through a grant to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. The museum is open daily (except Mondays) from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and by appointment. It is located in Montague Hall on the Mars Hill University campus. Admission is free. For more information or to reserve a group tour, please call (828) 689-1400.

03/21/18 INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION MEETING AT UNCA

International Socialist Organization - Asheville will hold our weekly branch meetings are held Wednesdays in Rhoades Robinson, room 106 at UNCA at 6:30 pm and are open to the public. Please join the UNCA socialists in a discussion of how we can stand in solidarity with the demands of students and teachers while we organize for a gun control that does not increase the power of the police or turn schools into prisons. Contact Asheville Socialists at asheville.socialist@gmail.com for more information.

03/21/18 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS EVENT

Join Us for a #MeToo Panel Discussion. In honor of Women's History Month, we are hosting a panel discussion on the #metoo movement and how it affects our everyday lives. Speakers will discuss the law, HR issues and sexual violence in our community. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and here about how the movement affects our community. Join us! March 21, 2018 from 6 to 7:30 PM at the South Buncombe Library at 260 Overlook Road in Asheville. For more information, contact the organizer at communications.lwvab@gmail.com.

03/21/18 LETTER WRITING DROP IN EVENT

Beer & Politics Letter-Writing Drop-In on March 21 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Beer & Politics is an informal letter-writing drop-in open to everyone, held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Drop by the Westville Pub at 777 Haywood Road in west Asheville after work on any first or third Wednesday, any time between 5:30 and 7:00, and make your voices heard. We provide the fact sheets, stationery, cards, pre-addressed labels, and stamps. If you can’t make it to Beer & Politics this week, be sure to call and write your elected representatives about issues that matter to you on a regular basis.

03/21/18 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 10 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Beth at elizakeiser@aol.com or 828-707-4271 for more information. This was rescheduled from last week due to the snow.

03/21/18 ASHEVILLE GREEN DRINKS

Informal networking focused on the science of sustainability. Free to attend. Held at The Block off biltmore at 39 South Market Street. Time is 6 PM. No contact information.

03/22/18 TRANSMISSION PRISON PROJECT IN ASHEVILLE

Tranzmission Prison Project Packaging Party. 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. Tranzmission Prison Project is a volunteer run organization that works to support LGBTQQIA (Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and a-sexual) prisoners nationwide. They offer books, zines, information, resources and pen pals. They fully believe that every member of our fabulous community deserves access to support. As allies, they strive to let incarcerated LGBTQQIA folks know that just because they are out of sight does not mean they are out of mind. This event is at Firestorm in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm for more information.

03/22/18 HEALTHCARE FOR ALL - WNC DOCUMENTARY

Healthcare for All-WNC offers an eye-opening documentary film “Big Pharma: Market Failure.” Shocking facts about pharmaceutical costs and what we can do to reduce them. Discussion will follow the film. Date is Thursday March 22, 2018 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Lord Auditorium of Pack Memorial Library in downtown Asheville. Parking in City Garage -- entrance off Rankin Ave. Admission is free. Doors open at 6:15 PM. Hosted by Healthcare for All WNC (Local branch of Physicians for a National Health Program). For more info, please contact Frank L. Fox at ff725@yahoo.com.

03/22/18 CHOOSING EQUITY EVENT

“Choosing Equity Today” community series on integration, inclusion and equity in schools. Free to attend. Held at 6 PM at Asheville City Schools Administration Offices at 85 Mountain Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Asheville City Schools for more information.

03/22/18 MOVIE AT FINE ARTS THEATER

“Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth” Documentary profile of Alice Walker, who made history as the first black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her groundbreaking novel The Color Purple in 1983, which was transformed into a Hollywood movie nominated for 11 Oscars and more recently into a successful Broadway musical. This film follows her journey from her birth in a shack in the cotton fields of Georgia to her recognition as a key writer of the 20th century. Fine Arts Theater in downtown Asheville. Time is 7 PM, and this is the only date they will be showing this movie.

03/22/18 COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION

Community Listening Session-YMI Cultural Center. The N.C. African American Heritage Commission will hold a "listening session" from 6 to 8 p.m. March 22 at the YMI Cultural Center in Asheville. Details are below. According to a press release: “Help us consider how we can better connect with and assist your community as it works to preserve African American heritage and culture. Join us to envision the future of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission.” Refreshments provided. Please RSVP to ncaahc@ncdcr.gov.

03/23/18 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MOVIE

Pre-conference Film Screening - “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution” Friday March 23rd 6:30pm - 9:00pm. Location is Habitat Tavern and Commons at 174 Broadway Street in Asheville. No information on cost. Contact Asheville Citizens' Climate Lobby for information on cost and tickets at: asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

03/23/18 IMMIGRATION LUNCH AND LEARN IN ASHEVILLE

From Pisgah Legal Services: Immigration Lunch & Learn. Join Pisgah Legal Services immigration law experts for a lunch session to learn how changes to immigration policies and enforcement are affecting our neighbors. Friday, March 23rd from 12-1:30pm. Location is Trinity Episcopal Church at 60 Church Street in downtown Asheville. Suggested Donation: $10/person. Lunch provided by Green Opportunities. RSVP to Nora Frank by March 16 at (828)210-3774 or nora@pisgahlegal.org.

03/24/18 FAITH IN DEMOCRACY EVENT BY DEMOCRACY NC

Join us for a Faith in Democracy event in Asheville on March 24. Please join Democracy NC in rebuilding and defending “Faith in Democracy.” Each session will include answers to the following questions: Legally, what can faith communities and faith leaders discuss about the social/political issues? Morally, what are leaders feeling compelled to do? What are the real risks, especially to minority faith and non-faith groups? How is this work rooted in standing up for racial justice? Why is almost all current state and federal legislation so extreme? How does it threaten our own religious freedom? How can leaders enable their communities, both inside and outside of the church, to see “political” issues through the lens of faith and become advocates for the good of all, especially for “the least of these”? What does meaningful, ecumenical coalition look like? Time is 10 AM to noon. Location is St. James AME Sanctuary at 44 Hildebrand Street in Asheville. Please RSVP. Contact JaNesha Slaughter with questions and instructions on how to register at (704) 493-2042 or janesha@democracy-nc.org.

03/24/18 COMMUNICATION THAT WORKS - WORKSHOP IN ASHEVILLE

Building Bridges Across Divides; Communication That Works! Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, Peace & Earth Committee of Asheville Friends Meeting, and Steps2peace are excited to welcome you to register for our second day-long training in living and practicing Nonviolent (Compassionate) Communication and Consciousness. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication of connection rather than division, of authenticity and honest (even scary) self-expression, not fake pretense for the sake of the appearance of harmony. It is about finding your own voice and hearing others' voices. We are creating connections that value every person's humanity. Our facilitator, Roberta Wall, is now in the Middle East for six weeks where she is diving deeply into using Nonviolent Communication to build bridges among peoples – not just between the Israelis and Palestinians, but also between religious and secular people, and different groups and political affinities within each society. Time is 10 AM to 4 PM. Location is Friends Meeting House at 225 Edgewood Road in Asheville. Refund policy is refunds up to 7 days before event. Cost is $100. We want this workshop to be accessible to everyone in the community so please don't be shy and inquire about a scholarship, if you need one, directly to Roberta at info@steps2peace.com. You can pay by credit card at the Event Brite website, contact Karen at kayzey@gmail.com for information on how to do this. Also contact Karen for more information. To pay by check: Make your check payable to EHSA. Please add a notation that it is for NVC and mail to: Jim Tobin, EHSA Treasurer, 20 Stonebridge Drive, Asheville, NC 28805. Please note: All requested fees are suggested contributions. Contact Karen at kayzey@gmail.com for more information. All donations go to Roberta’s travels to the Middle East for NVC work there. Further information will be sent after you register.

03/24/18 SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CONFERENCE BY CITIZEN’S CLIMATE LOBBY

2018 Southeast Regional Conference will be on March 24th & 25th at The Collider at 1 Haywood St, Suite 401, in downtown Asheville. Calling all climate advocates across the Southeast and beyond to converge in Asheville for the first greater Southeast Regional Conference. We will have a weekend full of education, skill-building and strategy and you will leave encouraged and inspired to advance federal climate legislation. The theme for the conference is “Walk a mile in their shoes.” Hear from card carrying Republicans on why they support climate action and learn how you can get your conservative neighbor to jump the fence. Learn about the intersection of climate change and climate justice and the importance of bringing all voices to the table. Ever wondered why folks in coal country haven’t embraced environmentalism? Maybe it’s us, not them. Come listen to retired coal miner Nick Mullins, of Breaking Clean, share how to effectively communicate climate change in coal country. What does climate change mean for main street? Come hear Sara Peach of the Yale Climate Connection share what she has learned from her reporting across the US on how climate change will impact us and the people we love. Registration fees are Early Bird Registration (through March 11): $55; Regular Registration (March 12-21): $75; Student Registration: $20. Registration Deadline is March 21. Contact Asheville Citizens' Climate Lobby at asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org for more information.

03/24/18 MARCH FOR OUR LIVES IN ASHEVILLE

Ever since Parkland, when we enter school we must acknowledge the fact that we might not come out alive. Fearing for our lives instead of pursuing our education is a widespread epidemic that we, the students, are ready to end once and for all. We are organizing March For Our Lives in Asheville, NC, on March 24th starting at 11:00 AM at 68 Haywood Street ending at Pack Square around the Vance Monument. For more information, contact MarchForOurLivesAVL@gmail.com. Asheville’s sister march for the national March For Our Lives is being organized and led by 10 local high school students and a new local chapter of Moms Demand Action, as part of a nationwide effort to end gun violence. Join us in supporting these amazing young people, who say, “Ever since Parkland, when we enter school we must acknowledge the fact that we might not come out alive. Fearing for our lives instead of pursuing our education is a widespread epidemic that we, the students, are ready to end once and for all.” The march will begin at 11:00 am at Pack Square around the Vance Monument, ending at MLK. In the words of the students, “Join us, be heard, and make a difference.”

03/24/18 POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN TOWN HALL IN JACKSON COUNTY

Poor People’s Campaign in Jackson County – Western North Carolina Town Hall will be on Saturday, 24 March 2018 from 3-5 pm. Location is The Community Table at 23 Central Street in Sylva. Awareness: Find out how poverty, racism, the healthcare and opioid crises are impacting your neighbors in Western North Carolina. Connection: Build relationships through stories about lives that are being impacted and about ways to make a difference. Organize: Hear how you can be a part of this Moral Revival – responding to the call to save the very soul of this nation. The Jackson County – Western NC Poor People’s Campaign Town Hall is being hosted by Indivisible /Common Ground Sylva and the Jackson County NAACP Branch. Childcare available. Contact Lucy at lucy.christopher42@gmail.com for more information.

03/25/18 WNC GREENS BOOK CLUB MEETING

The book we will be covering is “This Is an Uprising,” by Paul and Mark Engler. It is an incredibly informative, powerful, inspiring and timely book. We’re excited to dig even deeper into the book with the chapter and like-minded individuals outside of our group. By analyzing the characteristics, including successes and failures, of contemporary non-violent social movements and actions, the book serves as an invaluable guide to individuals and groups committed to making change in today’s complex socio-political landscape. It’s approachable, relevant and immediately applicable. This year is one of growth and outreach for the WNC Greens. But…we’re also always searching for opportunities for direct action. When those opportunities arrive, we want to be educated, organized, efficient and effective. This book club is a large part of that process. We hope you’ll join us and invite friends, as we are always interested in meeting and networking with like-minded people. “This Is an Uprising” Book Club Discussion – Session #1 – Sunday, March 11, 2018 6PM – Habitat Brewing and Commons (we’ll cover roughly the first half of the book). “This Is an Uprising” Book Club Discussion – Session #2 – Sunday, March 25, 2018 6PM – Habitat Brewing and Commons (2nd half – final lessons and applications). Contact Ben at williamsonb@ashevilleschool.org for more information.

03/26/18 SPRINGFEST SPEAKERS AT UNCA

The keynote speakers for UNC Asheville Springfest will be Audrey and Frank Peterman on Monday, March 26 in the Humanities Lecture Hall at 7:00pm. About the Petermans: With their last child graduating from college, Audrey and Frank Peterman embarked on a road trip around the country to “discover America.” Traveling 12,000 miles across 40 states from Florida to Washington State, they were transformed by the stunning natural beauty, history and culture protected in our National Parks and forests. Shockingly, they saw less than a handful of Americans of Hispanic, Asian, African or Native American heritage enjoying the Great American outdoors, or working in them. Recognizing that this problem stemmed from a lack of information, misconceptions and latent fears about being in the woods, the Petermans resolved to become a catalyst for change. Talk is free and open to everyone.

03/26/18 ASHEVILLE SURG WEEKLY MEETING

Mar. 19: Urban Renewal (big picture/national history)

Mar. 26: Urban Renewal (local Asheville history)

03/26/18 ART TRANSIT MASTER PLAN PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

In October 2017, the City of Asheville began working with the public on a Transit Master Plan, a guiding document for the City's ART transit system. The plan is designed to provide specific routing recommendations to improve service in the short-term, and serves as a long-term vision plan for future expansion and improvements. The City consulted the public during meetings in fall and winter 2017 and online through Open City Hall Asheville. Now a draft plan, informed by that input, is ready for review. The City and Asheville Redefines Transit (ART) invite the public to review the plan and give their input during a 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 26 meeting at the Public Works Building, Room A109, 161 S. Charlotte St. To help transport people to the meeting, a free shuttle will be provided from the ART Station to the Public Works Building. The shuttle will leave the ART Station every 15 minutes, starting at 6:15 p.m. and ending at 8:45 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from participants on the proposed changes to the ART bus network and to present the initial findings of the draft Transit Master Plan. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a brief PowerPoint presentation to explain the Transit Master Plan process, as well as show maps of the proposed changes to ART’s North, South, East and West bus routes. After the presentation, participants will be able to view, at their leisure, the proposed changes at four interactive stations and provide comments and/or mark up route maps with additional suggestions. Discussion tables will also be provided for participants to openly discuss the current bus network and proposed changes. Each table will have a facilitator to guide the discussion. The input will be used to assist the project team, led by Tindale-Oliver & Associates, in working with City staff to develop and prioritize transit service changes and update the 10-year Transit Master Plan. If you cannot attend the meeting, the same presentation will be made to the Transit Committee on March 27 and the Multimodal Transportation Commission on March 28. Everyone is welcome to attend. The goal of the Transit Master Plan is to establish a mobility vision and program of investments that have community consensus, support and approval for more effective and efficient ART public transportation services to meet the needs of Asheville and support our continued growth. For more information, or if you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to provide feedback, you may contact Elias Mathes directly via phone or email. Elias Mathes, Transit Planning Manager, City of Asheville, at 828-232-4522 or EMathes@Ashevillenc.gov.

03/27/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

03/27/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to 12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm, Road in Asheville. A safe space to come together and talk about issues relating to dismantling white supremacy and confronting racism with a focus on what we can do to make a change, in ourselves, our communities, and beyond. All are welcome. Led by Matilda Bliss. ASURJ Do-Session: Tuesdays, noon-2pm, at a member’s residence. Meet us at 12:30 PM at Kairos West (right below Firestorm) and walk with us down there. This is a weekly space to do something to support accountability partners in their work. Letter-writing, list-making, social media work are just a few examples of what we will do to show up for racial justice Tuesday at the Do-Session. Bring your laptop and phone and help us out. For more details on any and all ASURJ meetings, email avlsurj@gmail.com.

03/27/18 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PRESENTS CIVICS 101

The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County, Pisgah Legal Services, and Children First/Communities in Schools have joined together to present Civics 101. This series provides an opportunity for any community to learn about the roles and decision-making processes of our local governments and how citizens can advocate and get their voice heard. This 4 week program will take place Tuesdays in March at the Arthur Edington Center from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Come to one or all sessions. Tuesday, March 27, 2018 will focus on Advocacy Training. Presenter will be Pisgah Legal Services. Light fare and refreshments will be provided. Spanish interpretation is available. Please contact us by February 28th for childcare services. For more information or questions, contact civics101@lwvab.org or 828-333-0893.

03/27/18 PANEL DISCUSSION ON FUTURE OF NANTAHALA AND PISGAH NATIONAL FORESTS IN BREVARD

March 27 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. In the interest of ensuring that the next 15 year management plan for our national forests is one that reflects our interests and priorities, MountainTrue is hosting a series of events across WNC called “The Future of Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests: An Expert Panel on the Forest Management Plan.” This event on March 27th will take place in the Rogow Room of the Transylvania County Public Library in Brevard, NC. It is free and open to the public and will feature panelists representing different forest interest groups, from recreational users to forest product industries to conservationists. The panelists will engage in constructive dialogue about working toward the common goal of a win-win forest management plan that balances the differing priorities of different user groups, followed by a Q&A with the audience. We hope you will come out and share this invitation with your friends and neighbors. Contact Susan Bean at 828.258.8737 x 216 or susan@mountaintrue.org for more information.

03/27/18 TEACH-IN ON WHITE NATIONALISM AT MALAPROPS

Vegas Tenold presents “Everything You Love Will Burn: Inside the Rebirth of White Nationalism in America.” This book takes readers to the dark, paranoid underbelly of America, a world in which the white race is under threat and the enemy is everywhere. Six years ago, Vegas Tenold embedded himself among the members of three of America's most ideologically extreme white nationalist groups-the KKK, the National Socialist Movement, and the Traditionalist Workers Party. At the time, these groups were part of a disorganized counterculture that felt far from the mainstream. But since then, all that has changed. Racially-motivated violence has been on open display at rallies in Charlottesville, Berkeley, Pikesville, Phoenix, and Boston. Membership in white nationalist organizations is rising, and national politicians, including the president, are validating their perceived grievances. “Everything You Love Will Burn” offers a terrifying, sobering inside look at these newly empowered movements, from their conventions to backroom meetings with Republican operatives. Tenold introduces us to neo-Nazis in Brooklyn; a millennial Klanswoman in Tennessee; and a rising star in the movement, nicknamed the “Little Fuhrer” by the Southern Poverty Law Center, who understands political power and is organizing a grand coalition of far-right groups to bring them into the mainstream. Event date: Tuesday, March 27, 2018 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Malaprops in downtown Asheville. Call Malaprops for more information.

03/27/18 TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING RESCHEDULED

The March Transit Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 27th from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. The meeting will be held in the 6th Floor HR Training Room, Asheville City Hall, 70 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. The meeting date and location were changed to accommodate a special presentation of the Draft Transit Master Plan. For meeting materials and more information, please contact Elias Mathes, Transit Planning Manager for the City of Asheville, at 828-232-4522 or EMathes@Ashevillenc.gov.

03/27/18 UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION WNC MEETING

United Nations Association - Western North Carolina (UNA-WNC) meeting. Rachel Dunn will do a presentation on the Model UN Program at UNCA. Fellowship at 6:30 pm, meeting from 7 to 8 PM. Location is Zageir Hall, Room 243, University of North Carolina at Asheville. For more information email Dot Sulock at dsulock@unca.edu.

03/27/18 INDIVISIBLE ASHEVILLE GENERAL MEETING

Indivisible AVL General Meeting: Voter Registration & State Reps will be on March 27 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. For this month’s general meeting we’ll have a voter registration training, led by Democracy NC, plus a Q&A with our state senators and representatives (for Buncombe County). Indivisible AVL general meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month. Each month we’ll give updates on recent and future actions and highlight opportunities to get involved, and we’ll also focus on learning more about our elected representatives in Raleigh and Washington, or hearing from candidates who are seeking election, or learning more about a particular issue, or sharing tools for active engagement. Location is the Wesley Grant Center at 285 Livingston Street in Asheville. This information came from the Indivisible Asheville website. No contact information.

03/28/18 BOARD MEETING FOR LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IN ASHEVILLE – BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Board Meeting, Public Comment Open at beginning of each meeting. Wed, March 28 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Monthly on the fourth Wednesday. Location is The Cathedral of All Souls at 9 Swan Street in Asheville. Join us in the CE Room.

03/28/18 INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION MEETING AT UNCA

03/29/18 ERA-NC ALLIANCE MEETING IN ASHEVILLE

ERA-NC Alliance Districts 10 and 11 Action Teams will meet on Thursday, March 29 at 6:30 PM at the YWCA, 185 South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. Discussion will include background and status of the Equal Rights Amendment, communicating with legislators and finding allies in each County in WNC. Please join us! All are welcome. For more information, contact Ellen Perry – ellenjperry@gmail.com or Jimmie Cochran Pratt – jimmie.cochranpratt@gmail.com.

04/02/18 ASHEVILLE SURG WEEKLY MEETING

April 16: Gentrification (big picture nationally)

April 23: Gentrification (big picture locally)

April 30: Roundup of Housing issues explored

04/02/18 AUTHOR TEACH-IN AT MALAPROPS

Elisabeth Rosenthal presents “An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back” at 6 PM at Malaprops in downtown Asheville. Join this NYT reporter and Harvard-trained doctor for a look at the US’s broken health care system and a productive discussion about what can be done to fix it. Call Malaprop’s at 828-254-6734 for more information.

04/03/18 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB AT MALAPROPS

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. This month’s selection is “How Democracies Die” by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. Time is 7 PM. Call Malaprop’s at 828-254-6734 for more information.

04/03/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

04/03/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

04/04/18 INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION MEETING AT UNCA

04/05/18 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Sierra Club April 5: A Pathway to a Cleaner Energy Future for North Carolina. Dave Rogers will present highlights from the Sierra Club’s recent report, “A Pathway to a cleaner Energy Future for North Carolina.” Rogers is the North Carolina Campaign Representative for the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign. Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place in north Asheville. This report shows how Duke Energy can reliably meet the state's energy needs and save its customers money by shifting towards clean energy and away from coal and natural gas. This event is free and open to the public. Rogers’ main responsibility is to push Duke Energy away from dirty energy sources like coal and gas and towards such cleaner energy technologies as energy efficiency, wind and solar. He also works with the North Carolina chapter to promote the electrification of the transportation sector here in the state. Based in Durham, NC, Rogers has worked as an environmental activist and advocate for 17 years. Prior to joining the Sierra Club, he served as director of Environment North Carolina. For more information, contact Judy Mattox, judymattox@sbcglobal.net, (828) 683-2176.

04/09/18 ASHEVILLE SURG WEEKLY MEETING

April 16: Gentrification (big picture nationally)

April 23: Gentrification (big picture locally)

April 30: Roundup of Housing issues explored

04/10/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

04/10/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

04/11/18 JAZZ FOR JUSTICE FOR PISGAH LEGAL

40th Anniversary Celebration at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel at 5:30pm. Opening remarks by Gene R. Nichol and Boyd Tinsley, Distinguished Professor of Law at UNC School of Law. This event is honoring Pat Smith with the Terry Van Duyn Community Volunteer Award; James Ellis with the Roy W. Davis, Jr. Award; Sarah Corley with the Karl H. Straus Board Emeritus Award and The Oliver Family with the Pisgah Legal Services Philanthropy Award. More information to follow. Contact Betsy at betsy@pisgahlegal.org for more information.

04/11/18 INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION MEETING AT UNCA

04/12/18 SPEECH ON BLACK HISTORY AND WNC RAILROADS AT MHU

“Between Slavery and the Want of Railroads: Reconstruction in Western North Carolina,” a talk with ETSU professor Steven E. Nash takes place on April 12, 2018. More information to follow. This event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, please call (828) 689-1115 or email lweinstein@mhu.edu.

04/12/18 ENVIRONMENTAL BOOK STUDY IN ASHEVILLE

Community book study on “Drawdown” will be on Thursdays, April 12-May 17th from 6-7:15 pm. Location is Jubilee Community at 46 Wall Street in Asheville. Join this community wide book discussion on “Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming.” It is a great way to explore climate change, meet wonderful people, and learn about global and local solutions. If interested in joining this discussion, email facilitator Chas Jansen who will send out a schedule of assignments & guide the discussion sessions. His email is chas.jansen@mtsu.edu.

04/14/18 ACHIEVING EQUITY FORUM

2nd Annual Achieving Equity Forum. The Asheville Chapter of the Links, Incorporated will hold its 2nd Annual Achieving Equity Forum on Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arthur Edington Center in Asheville. The panel will include subject-matter experts addressing topics that affect African American communities such as: Housing, Health, Mass Incarceration, and the Wealth Gap. The annual forum is a signature program of the Health and Human Services facet of The Links, Incorporated, Asheville Chapter. The forum is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Community Room of the Edington Center at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. To learn more, contact Sharon K. West, President of the Asheville Chapter, at (828) 2318907 or email her at sharonkellywest@gmail.com.

04/14/18 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT

Central Buncombe Hard-2-Recycle Event (formerly held in Downtown Asheville) is on Saturday, April 14, from 10am to 2pm. Location is Sears at Asheville Mall on South Tunnel Road. Organized by Asheville GreenWorks, 254-1776.

04/16/18 ASHEVILLE SURG WEEKLY MEETING

April 16: Gentrification (big picture nationally)

April 23: Gentrification (big picture locally)

April 30: Roundup of Housing issues explored

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

04/17/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

04/18/18 INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION MEETING AT UNCA

04/18/18 RACIAL INEQUITIES IN POLICING TALK

On Wednesday April 18, UNC Asheville will host a talk on Racial Inequities in Policing Practices – Mass Incarceration and Race: Solutions from a Police Chief presented by Chris Burbank, former police chief of Salt Lake City. The lecture will be in the Mountain View Room of the Sherrill Center, room 417, at 7 pm. The talk is free and open to the community. Chief Burbank is a nationally recognized voice on how to address racial inequities in police practices. He is the Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at the Center for Policing Equity (CPE), an institute housed at John Jay College of Law and UCLA. CPE partnered with the Obama Justice Department to develop a national database of policing practices and currently works with police departments across the country to promote racial equity. No contact information.

04/19/18 NOTORIOUS HBC* (*HISTORY BOOK CLUB) AT MALAPROPS

Join host and Malaprop’s bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across different periods of history. We’re creating a book club that tackles the challenging subjects, hence “notorius.” This month’s pick is “Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition” by Daniel Okrent. Time is 7 PM. Call Malaprop’s at 828-254-6734 for more information.

04/22/18 EARTH DAY VIGIL IN ASHEVILLE

Earth Day Vigil will be on Sunday, April 22 5:30-7:30 pm at the First Baptist Church at 5 Oak Street in Asheville. The CCA invites you to join us for a vigil celebrating God's creation and calling on people of faith to care for it. We will gather outside of First Baptist Church for an afternoon of song, reflection, and to hear messages of inspiration and action from local faith and community leaders. All are welcome. Contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at scott@creationcarealliance.org for more information.

04/22/18 EARTH DAY VIGIL

Earth Day Vigil-The Three Loves, Sunday, April 22 5:30-7:30 pm First Baptist Church, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801. The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina invites you to a vigil celebrating God's creation and calling on people of faith to care for it. We will gather outside of First Baptist Church for an afternoon of song, reflection, and to hear messages of inspiration and action from local faith and community leaders. All are welcome! The Three Loves- Like the United Church of Christ we are focusing our vigil this year on the Love of Neighbor, Love of Children and Love of Creation as a way to manifest right relationship in the world. The United Church of Christ denomination is using the theme The Three Great Loves to focus their ministry and work in the next years and we will model our vigil on these themes. Let us know you are coming or volunteer to help. Contact scott@creationcarealliance.org for more information.

04/23/18 ASHEVILLE SURG WEEKLY MEETING

04/24/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

04/24/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

04/25/18 INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION MEETING AT UNCA

04/30/18 ASHEVILLE SURG WEEKLY MEETING

05/01/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

05/01/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

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ONGOING EVENTS

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MONDAY

Asheville SURJ weekly meeting at 6:30 pm at UU Congregation in Asheville, downstairs

TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

SURJ Discussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10:30 AM-12 AM. Followed by Do!sessions from 12:30-2:30 PM Meet at Kairos West for later session.

Rally at historic Courthouse in Hendersonville at 5 PM on the first Tuesday of the month. Organized by the Progressive Organized Women.

Gathering of people who like to stitch and otherwise puncture the status quo at 68 Haywood Street Outdoor Space at 9 AM.

Socialism! The Reading Group is at 6 PM at Firestorm on the second Tuesday of the month.

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 Drinks meets at 6 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.

Indivisible Asheville does political letter writing at 5:30 every Wednesday at The Block Off Biltmore.

THURSDAY

Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 6 PM on first 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.

Progressive Women of Hendersonville hold a letter/postcard writing to government representatives from 4 to 7 PM at Sanctuary Brewing Company at 147 First Avenue in Hendersonville.

SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

Dances of Universal Peace on the third Saturdays at 7:30 at 1 School Road in Asheville.

SUNDAY

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

Political Prisoner Letter Writing Night at 5 PM at Firestorm on the first Sunday of the month.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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From the Poor People’s Campaign:

On the first Sunday of March 1965, the nation witnessed the shocking images of officers chasing and beating unarmed protesters marching against voter suppression on Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge. The officers’ brutal crackdown on that “Bloody Sunday” vividly showed that Jim Crow was a violent, extremist system that needed to be dismantled.

This week, I was in Alabama for the 53rd anniversary of the bridge crossing, connecting voter suppression, poverty, and the need for the Poor People’s Campaign. I visited a 61-year old man who lives 20 miles from Selma in Lowndes County whose grandchildren play around open sewage in his backyard. Hookworm is still a problem there. I was welcomed into the trailer of a woman whose 9-year old daughter uses a CPAP machine because their home is infested with mold. Residents of the forgotten Selma neighborhood, The Alley, told us how they simply wanted to be heard by those in power.

The poverty I witnessed is a direct result of voter suppression. It, too, is a violent extremist system that needs to be dismantled.

We must do more than commemorate. We need to get together with the people of The Alley and Lowndes County and communities like them across the country who are organizing to win better lives. That’s why we’ve started The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

We will only succeed if we get tens of thousands of supporters around the country involved. Will you ask your friends and family to share this letter and join the movement?

Fifty-three years after Bloody Sunday, voting rights are still under attack. We just had the first election in half a century without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act. In recent years, 23 states have passed racist laws attacking our very right to vote.

The blood of Selma’s martyrs cries out as clearly as it did in 1965: America cannot suppress the vote of any one group without hurting everyone in this democracy.

That’s why this weekend, we marched to demand lawmakers restore the Voting Rights Act, pass a living wage, and preserve safety net programs that are crucial to the poor. We stood at the top of the bridge and committed to fighting for voting rights, health care, living wages.

Please share this letter today to help create a massive, moral push to revive the heart of our democracy.

In solidarity,

Rev. Dr. William Barber II

Campaign Co-Chair

The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival

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STAND AGAINST RACISM

Announcing the 2018 theme for Stand Against Racism: Our Power, Our Mission, Our Future.

This year's campaign focuses on supporting full access and engagement for women and girls of color in the political process. Voting rights and civic engagement are, and have always been, core components of our racial justice work. This year's theme certainly comes at a pivotal time as civil rights continue to be attacked and eroded for communities of color. Save the dates for Stand Against Racism 2018: April 26 - 29. The YWCA's Stand Against Racism, in partnership with YWCA Associations nationwide, aims to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism. This campaign is one part of our larger strategy to fulfill our mission of eliminating racism. For more information about Stand Against Racism, contact Gerry Leonard, Racial Justice & Outreach Specialist at gleonard@ywcaofasheville.org or by calling 828-254-7206 x 219.

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Hood Tour Tickets

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

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

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

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

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From Friends Committee on National Legislation:

This was a week of diplomatic breakthroughs with North Korea.

• The week began with news that South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un had agreed to meet for a historic summit.

• Yesterday, President Trump agreed to meet with Kim, the first time a U.S. president will have ever met with a leader of North Korea.

FCNL supports diplomatic engagement with North Korea, and we applaud President Trump, and especially President Moon Jae-in, for creating space for dialogue. In the weeks ahead, the U.S. has to reaffirm its commitment to diplomacy and approach negotiations with good faith. Congress can help by passing legislation that prevents an unconstitutional military action against North Korea. A summit alone is not a solution – but it can be a promising start.

[I also applaud President Trump for agreeing to meet and talk with Kim Jong-un. He is the only US President to have done so, and it is a great idea. - dancewater]

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dancewater

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Upcoming events for the week of March 18, 2018

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