BDS the USA

Enough is Enough. The Time Has Come to BDS the US.

By David Swanson, World BEYOND War

People, organizations, and governments around the world, and people and organizations in the United States, need to stand up at long last and nonviolently resist the lawless behavior of the rogue U.S. government.

The recent U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran is not an aberration. It parallels the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and numerous other disarmament agreements, the U.S. opposition to the International Criminal Court, its record-setting use of the veto in the United Nations Security Council, and its unique status outside the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Paris Climate Agreement (which it withdrew from) and other fundamental treaties. Of the United Nations' 18 major human rights treaties, the United States is party to 5, fewer than any other nation on earth, except Bhutan (4), and tied with Malaysia, Myanmar, and South Sudan, a country torn by warfare since its creation in 2011.

There is a reason that most countries polled in December 2013 by Gallup called the United States the greatest threat to peace in the world, and why Pew found that viewpoint increased in 2017. Since World War II, the United States military has killed or helped kill some 20 million people, overthrown at least 36 governments, interfered in at least 84 foreign elections, attempted to assassinate over 50 foreign leaders, and dropped bombs on people in over 30 countries.

In military spending (over $1,200 billion per year) and weapons dealing, the U.S. government has no peer. Only 19 other nations on earth spend more than $10 billion per year. Seventeen of them are U.S. allies and weapons customers.

The U.S. government is directly responsible for policies that make the United States, by various measures, the worst destroyer of the world's natural environment.

The United States government is out of control, and the force needed to resist it successfully is not a military one. It is the nonviolent organized support for the rule of law that can be mobilized among the people of the world, including the people of the United States.

People interested in helping with this effort can sign the following petition to the people of the world and submit ideas and proposals:

I commit to supporting strategic targeted efforts to boycott, divest from, and sanction the U.S. government until it supports the rule of law, peace, and justice on earth. For people, organizations, and governments outside of the United States, this means such actions as seeking to hold the U.S. government and its officials to the rule of law, formally sanctioning the U.S. government and its officials, avoiding travel to the United States, assuring that online purchases made don’t originate in the United States, and any other means available to avoid supporting the U.S. government and military, including canceling all purchases of U.S.-made weapons (not to be replaced with any other weapons). For U.S. residents and organizations, this means such actions as purchasing goods from locally owned, small, community businesses, boycotting large corporations and military contractors, choosing goods and services provided by foreign nations that do not promote militarism, and refusing to pay war taxes, as well as seeking the unelection, impeachment, removal, and prosecution of U.S. officials guilty of lawless abuses of power.

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Original article is here.

Belltower

Upcoming events for the week of MAY 27, 2018

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

05/28/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Monday, May 28: Memorial Day Ceremony with Veterans for Peace, Asheville Chapter 099, 11 am, at the War Memorial, Pack Square Park, by the Buncombe County Courthouse. Mourning the Dead, Supporting the Troops and Ending All Wars. Because it is important for each of us who promotes peace to publicly demonstrate that the honoring and mourning of those who have given their last full measure of devotion is not the exclusive province of those who support war. Let us show that we recognize the awful sacrifice borne by so many young over too many wars; let us use this occasion to recommit ourselves to establishing a world where graveyards are only full of those who have lived long in a world of peace rather than full of young men and women who had their hopes, dreams, and unlimited potential ended by a world at war.Contact Ken at jonesk@maine.edu for more information. The program will be shortened if there is rain, but it will happen. 

05/28/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING

Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

05/29/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to 12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm at 610 Haywood 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.

05/29/18 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. 

05/29/18 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE BOOK STUDY

CCA Summer Book Study of “Active Hope” is on Tuesdays, May 29 to July 3 from 6-7:15 pm. Location: TBA. Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in Without Going Crazy was written by Chris Johnstone and Joanna Macy. Sign up by emailing Holly at cunnhe16@wfu.edu. Active Hope shows us how to strengthen our capacity to face the current ecological and social crises so that we can respond with unexpected resilience and creative power. Drawing on decades of teaching an empowerment approach known as the Work That Reconnects, the authors guide us through a transformational process informed by mythic journeys, modern psychology, spirituality, and holistic science.

05/29/18 INDIVISIBLE ASHEVILLE MEETING

May 29 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. This month’s meeting focuses on state-level threats to the environment and to our legislative system. Our guest speaker is environmental activist Steve Norris, who will give a special presentation on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline and its effects on the people of North Carolina and will conclude with actions we can take right now. Steve is a retired professor at Warren Wilson College and has been an activist since the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He now focuses his activism on climate and energy issues. Our NCGA Watch team leader Barbara Stalzer will also give us an update on the NC General Assembly’s attempt at legislative redistricting and changes to our judicial election system. Monthly meetings are always free and open to the public. This will be held at the Wesley Grant Center at 285 Livingston Street in Asheville. For more information, contact info@indivisibleavl.org. 

05/29/18 CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL FILM SERIES IN ASHEVILLE

“From The Ashes” is part of the environmental and climate film series. $10. Held at The Collider at 1 Haywood Street Suite 401 in downtown Asheville. Time is 6:30 PM. Contact the Asheville Museum of Science at 254-7162 for more information.

05/30/18 BENEFIT FOR GREEN OPPORTUNITIES

Proceeds from the Gaining Ground five-course farm dinner prepared by Chef John Fleer benefit Green Opportunities. Registration online. $79. Held at Yesterday Spaces at 305 Sluder Branch Road in Leicester. Time is 6 to 9:30. Contact Green Opportunities for more information.

05/31/18 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HENDERSON COUNTY

Lunch & Learn - THE A,B,C'S OF ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER. Presented by: Mayor Barbara Volk. Join us for this lively discussion of parliamentary do's and don'ts. Mayor Volk, a certified parliamentarian, will teach us how to make sure that our meetings---from those of organizational agencies to public boards---not only meet acceptable standards of order but are also conducted efficiently and effectively. Hendersonville Co-op Community Room As always, our meetings are free and open to the public. Water is available, but if you would like a drink or snack, please bring your own or support the Co-op for offering this space to us. Thursday, May. 31 at 11:30 AM. 

05/31/18 AUTHOR EVENT AT THE COLLIDER IN ASHEVILLE

Crossing the far corners of the globe, “Tales of an Ecotourist” showcases travel, from the hot and humid Amazon jungle to the frozen but dry Antarctic, as a simple yet spellbinding lens to better understand the complex issue of climate change. At its core, climate change is an issue few truly understand, in large part due to it’s dizzying array of scientific, economic, cultural, social, and political variables. Using both keen humor and memorable anecdotes, while weaving respected scientific studies along the way, Mike Gunter Jr. transports the reader to five famous eco-destinations, from the Galapagos Islands to the Great Barrier Reef, revealing firsthand the increasing threats of climate change. Part travelogue, part current events exposé, with a healthy dose of history, ecology, and politics, these tales of eco-adventure tackle such obstacles head on while fleshing out much-needed personal context to perhaps society's greatest threat of all. Event date: Thursday, May 31, 2018 - 6:00pm. Event address: The Collider Climate Innovation Center & Climate Services Hub at 1 Haywood Street in Asheville.

06/01/18 FILM SCREENING AT FIRESTORM IN ASHEVILLE

Friday, Jun 1st @ 6:30pm at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Trouble Screening is the first Friday of the month since September 2017. Sub Media offers Trouble, a brand-new monthly show offering an in-depth anarchist analysis of current struggles, tactics, and movement dynamics. Trouble broadcasts first-hand accounts and perspectives from organizers on the ground, with the aim of cutting through the fog of misinformation that often clouds our understanding of the world, and provoking people into taking bold, collective action. This monthly, half-hour film on topics of interest to people fighting the settler colonial capitalism is hosted by Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross and will include a discussion of the film with questions provided by the filmmakers. This month's film: “Defend the Block: Fighting Back Against Gentrification.” Gentrification, like all facets of capitalism, is often presented to its victims as a natural process. Shrouded in the logic of progress and polished up with euphemisms like ???neighbourhood revitalization??? or ???urban renewal???, the violent displacement that it brings in its wake is carefully hidden behind a cover of market forces, zoning changes, public consultations and glitzy marketing campaigns. But those who have felt the force of the 'invisible hand' plucking them from their communities and pushing them out of their homes are not so easily fooled. The illusion that gentrification is natural, or even inevitable fact of life, is shattered when people decide to take a stand and fight back. Attacks targeting the front-line agents of gentrification force people to take sides. Often, the resulting sense of clarity can cut through the smokescreen of inclusivity and social peace that states and capitalists use to lull us into believing our communities are nothing more than potential sites of investment. They remind us that our neighbourhoods have a pulse, and that they are physical territories whose futures can be contested, and ultimately shaped, by the people who live in them. In this month's episode of Trouble, the second of a two-part series on gentrification, sub.Media talks to comrades in Montreal, the Bay Area and Berlin to see how people in these cities are fighting back on attacks on their communities by developers, real estate speculators and the tech industry.

06/02/18 VOTER REGISTRATION TRAINING IN ASHEVILLE

Voter registration training will be on Saturday, June 2, from 11 to 12 noon. Location is Buncombe County Democratic Party Headquarters at 951 Old Fairview Road in Asheville. Learn how to register voters in a friendly, informed, and nonpartisan way! Pizza will be provided. Contact Nan Cole at bcdpvolunteers@gmail.com for more information.

06/02/18 COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS KICKOFF

Saturday June 2nd 2018 7pm-10pm. Community Bill of Rights Kick-Off Party. Join us to celebrate the launch of Asheville’s first Community Bill of Rights. Stand with us in taking back our power, asserting our rights for local self-governance and building a world where People and Planet come before Profits. The Community Bill of Rights is a City ordinance that will: enable citizens to prohibit the activities of corporations that pollute our water, air and soil, allow us to make ongoing decisions about where we live, without interference from the State and accelerate the equitable transition to 100% renewable energy. Join us for great music, food, drinks, silent auction and information about how you can get involved in this grassroots movement. $20 suggested donation at the door. Everyone welcome. The Wedge at Foundation. 5 Foundry Street, Asheville. No contact information, but there is a Facebook event.

06/04/18  ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING

Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

06/05/18 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. 

06/05/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to 12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm at 610 Haywood 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.

06/05/18 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB

Join host Bruce Roth for a lively discussion on topics of current interest including war and peace, the economy, the environment, and other hot political topics. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm at Malaprops in downtown Asheville. Contact Bruce at brucerothchess@gmail.com for more information. 

06/07/18 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Sierra Club June 7: Energy Innovation Task Force -- Pathway to Clean Energy for Western North Carolina. Come hear City Councilwoman Julie Mayfield, County Commission Chair Brownie Newman, and Duke Energy District Manager Jason Walls talk about how the new Blue Horizons Project will lead us to a cleaner energy future. Learn how you can help. Date: June 7 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, in north Asheville. In 2016, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Duke Energy came together in a unique partnership to lead Western North Carolina to a cleaner, affordable, and smarter energy future. A specific goal of the partnership is to delay or avoid construction of a third natural gas plant on Lake Julian – a “peaker unit” -- that would only run on the coldest and hottest days of the year. For more information, contact Judy Mattox, judymattox@sbcglobal.net, (828) 683-2176.

06/09/18 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT

North Buncombe Hard-2-Recycle Event is on Saturday, June 9 from 10am - 2pm. Location is Arvato Digital Services at 108 Monticello Road in Weaverville. No contact information available. 

06/09/18 TIMEBANK EVENT

June 9, picnic in Haw Creek Park on Avon Rd off rt 70 at the East Asheville Library.  Starts at noon at the covered shelter. We’ll have a grill and charcoal; you bring something to grill and a side dish to share. There will be new games, a walking trail and swings for the kids. Learn more about the Asheville Timebank and how you can exchange with others what you enjoy doing.

06/11/18 to 06/15/18 FOOD JUSTICE PROGRAM

Food Justice, Faith, and the Ecological Imagination-with Wake Forest University School of Divinity is from June 11-15, 2018 at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa. How does a renewed attunement to food justice movements reframe ministry leadership? In this time of social upheaval and ecological crisis, what does it mean to be the church? And how can religious leaders help others join in God’s restorative work in the world? The Food, Health, and Ecological Well-being Program of the Wake Forest University School of Divinity would like to invite you to join us in June to explore these important questions at our annual summer institute. This year's theme is Food Justice, Faith, and the Ecological Imagination, and we have some fantastic speakers and workshop leaders coming for the week. For more information, contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at scott@creationcarealliance.org.

06/11/18  ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING

Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

06/12/18 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. 

06/12/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to 12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm at 610 Haywood 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.

06/13/18 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. 

06/14/18 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE MEETING

Thursday, June 14, from 6-7:30 PM. Location is St. Eugene Catholic Church at 72 Culvern Street in Asheville. Coming together to share compassion and ideas. We will learn about the creation care work of our host congregation through a conversation and tour, hear about CCA and community events and work, as well as hear ideas. If you are connected to a faith community, a green team or creation care team member, clergy, or are interested in learning more about St. Eugene, Audubon Society, the Friendship Garden or the Creation Care Alliance this meeting is for you. For more information, contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at Scott@creationcarealliance.org.

06/14/18 CENTER FOR DIVERSITY EDUCATION CELEBRATION AT UNCA

UNC Asheville invites you to a celebration of the Center for Diversity Education and 24 years of community engagement. Center for Diversity Education Celebration & Retrospective is on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. for the reception and 7:00 p.m. for the program. Location is the Wilma M. Sherrill Center, Ingles Mountain View Room (Room 417) at UNCA. Celebrate the work of community members including K-12 teachers, students, participants, volunteers, donors, board members, CDE interns & employees, faculty, staff, and Deborah Miles, Director of the Center for Diversity Education (1995 - 2018). RSVP by June 7 to rsvp@unca.edu.

06/18/18 to 06/20/18 FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES WORKSHOP AT UNCA

Facing History and Ourselves Workshops will be on June 18, 19, and 20 at UNC Asheville. For a second year in a row, through the generous support of Fred and Donna Meyer, CDE will be sponsoring workshops with Facing History and Ourselves. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for registration information coming soon. Students come to me in the beginning of the year and say “I don't care about history. It happened in the past. It doesn't matter to me.” I say to them “Give me 2 weeks. We are going to learn a different kind of history and approach it in a different way.” For more information, contact UNC Asheville Center for Diversity Education at 828-232-5024 or dmiles@unca.edu.

06/18/18  ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING

Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

06/19/18 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. 

06/19/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to 12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm at 610 Haywood 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.

06/19/18 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.

06/25/18  ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING

Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

06/26/18 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. 

06/26/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to 12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm at 610 Haywood 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.

06/27/18 WE THE PEOPLE 2.0 FILM SCREENING

We The People 2.0 Screening will be on Wednesday, June 27th, from 6 to 8:00 pm at THE BLOCK off Biltmore, 39 S Market Street, Asheville. Interested in Community Rights and why Corporations have more rights than we do? This film showcases the work of CELDF and the Community Rights movement across the US. “We the People 2.0” is about the loss of democracy in the United States. The story unfolds through the eyes of rural people and sacrifice zones in urban communities who have faced decades of toxic dumps, drilling and mines in their communities. These people come to understand that the reason they can’t stop the destruction is that the US has become an oligarchy, run by the corporate few who ignore the rights and will of the people. These people are frontally challenging our corporate state; thereby saving nature and themselves. Thomas Linzey, a nonprofit attorney’s inspiring words shows how, we, the people, can turn this around and lay claim to our democracy. This movement is building as you read this, not just in this country but around the world; this film shows how and where it all began.

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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

Citizens’ Climate Lobby meeting on the third Monday at 6:30 at Habitat Tavern & Commons. 

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. 

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. Also Tranzmission Prison Project meeting to send packages of books and zines for mailing to prisons across the US. 

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. 

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

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.

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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Come out and support Neighborhood Energy Saver Program!

Dates: Mon, June 4 and/or Wed, June 6 from 5-7pm

Location: Green Built Alliance

Address: 378 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

We're working hard to make a difference on climate change by helping our lower income neighbors save energy and reduce their power bills. There is a new opportunity for you to help that will only last a few weeks and will not come again! We need your help to make the program offered by Duke Energy - Neighborhood Energy Saver - as successful as possible. Because it goes hand in hand with our mission. Duke has brought this free, door to door program, to a

predominantly lower income neighborhood in Asheville from now till the end of June. They will help every home in that neighborhood to become more energy efficient if they can arrange with residents to do the work. Once they've made a certain effort to reach every home, successful or not, they will leave town and NOT come back to this neighborhood. So you see, this is a now or never opportunity to reach every home possible,  and we need you to help us make this happen.

The Neighborhood Energy Saver program provides free walkthrough energy assessments to help low-income homes lower their energy bills and reduce energy demand in Buncombe County. It even gives each home up to 16 free energy-saving devices like LED light bulbs, water-saving shower heads and air-conditioning system filters. This program is one step toward our cleaner energy future, but people can’t benefit if they haven’t heard of it.

Will you help Asheville’s homes save energy and avoid the construction of a fossil fuel-burning peaker plant in Asheville? We have short canvassing shifts in Deaverview, a neighborhood in West Asheville, open for the next three weeks, and we can't make this happen without your support. 

Contacts for more information about shifts: 

Canvassing coordinator Anna Shugoll anna@bluehorizonsproject.com

Yulia Shaffer, ESN volunteer coordinator, at yulia@energysaversnetwork.com

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Article by Caitlin Johnstone

Fifteen Thoughts About Israel

by Caitlin Johnstone

1. I hate writing about Israel. The accusations of anti-semitism which necessarily go along with literally any criticism of that nation are gross enough, but even worse are the assholes who take my criticisms of the Israeli government as an invitation to actually be anti-semitic. They really do hate Jews, they really do think that every problem in the world is because of Jews and they post Jewish caricature memes and calls for genocide in the comments section on social media and it's incredibly gross and I hate it. It feels exactly as intrusive, jarring and violating as receiving an unsolicited dick pick. But the Israeli government keeps committing war provocations and massacring Palestinians, so it's something I've got to talk about.

2. Anti-semitism (or whatever word you prefer to use for the pernicious mind virus which makes people think it's okay to promote hatred against Jewish people) is a very real thing that does exist, and I denounce it to the furthest possible extent. Anti-semitism is also a label that is used to bully the world into accepting war crimes, apartheid, oppression, and mass murder. Both of those things are true.

3. There were dozens of Palestinians killed and well above a thousand injured in the Gaza protests over the US moving its embassy to Jerusalem yesterday. I haven't found any report of so much as a single Israeli injury. The only way to spin this as the fault of the Palestinians is to dehumanize them, to attribute behaviors and motives to them that we all know are contrary to human nature. To paint them as subhuman orc-like creatures who are so crazy and evil that they will keep throwing themselves at a hail of bullets risking life and limb just to have some extremely remote chance of harming a Jewish person for no reason. This is clearly absurd. A little clear thinking and empathy goes a long way.

4. Trump could have prevented all this violence by doing what previous administrations had done and keeping the US embassy in Tel Aviv. Experts warned that this would happen. Trump ignored them. He is ultimately responsible for the mounting pile of corpses resulting from this provocation.

5. The Trump campaign was given $25 million by billionaire oligarch Sheldon Adelson (the largest campaign donation made by anyone to any candidate), who provided a further $5 million for Trump's inauguration. Adelson is a sociopathic pro-Israel hawk who once called on the US to drop a nuclear bomb on Iran. He was present at the opening of the Jerusalem embassy, getting what he paid for.

6. Any position on Israel that is determined by words made up by dead men thousands of years ago is intrinsically invalid. Saying the Jewish people are more entitled to Israel than those who were living there seven decades ago because of some superstitious voodoo written in obsolete religious texts is not an argument. Religious freedom is important, and it's important to be able to believe whatever you like, but your beliefs do not legitimize your actions upon other people. If you murder someone in the name of Allah, you have murdered someone. If you kill 58 people because you feel some ancient scripture entitles you to a section of dirt, you have killed 58 people. Your internal beliefs do not give you a free pass for your egregious actions upon others.

The rest of the article is here.

Article by David Swanson

Tim Kaine’s War Scam Hits a Speed Bump

By David Swanson

Virginia ought to be in the running for worst U.S. senators in the country, a couple of walking catastrophes empowered in part by their status as Democrats and, in one case, the status of rightful Vice President if not for various outrages, real (the Electoral College, vote suppression) and imagined (Vladimir Putin’s evil manipulation of the time-space continuum). While Senator Mark Warner loves him some torturers he can confirm to high office, Tim Kaine has bigger plans.

Senator Tim Kaine has short- and long-term scams for permawar. But his short-term racket just ran into an obstacle. When Kaine proposes a new AUMF (Authorization for the Use of Military Force, a.k.a. formal renunciation of Congressional war powers), he pretends it’s a means of taking war powers back for Congress from presidents. That pretense has just become a lot harder to maintain, because Senator Jeff Merkley has announced that he will introduce a new AUMF that actually does what Kaine falsely claims his does. In fact, 50 members of Congress have just signed a letter backing actual, rather than pretend, retaking of war powers for Congress. 

According to Congresswoman Barbara Lee, “After 16+ years of war, the last thing we need is another blank check like #CorkerKaine.” (The reference is to the AUMF proposed by Kaine and Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee.) Even the ACLU, which only just this year began opposing wars, has joined other groups in opposing Senators Kaine’s and Corker’s duplicitous efforts to bestow royal war powers on the White House.

Now, any AUMF unconstitutionally circumvents a real declaration of war, and utterly fails to in any way legalize the international crime of waging war, which is banned with narrow exceptions by the UN Charter and without exceptions by the Kellogg-Briand Pact. But an AUMF as broad as Kaine’s is significantly more dangerous than one with greater limitations.

Then there’s the long-term strategy. The War Powers Act of 1973 unconstitutionally circumvents the Constitution’s provision of war powers to Congress, and utterly fails to in any way legalize the crime of war. But the existing War Powers Act is highly preferable to Senators Tim Kaine’s and John McCain’s (Republican, Arizona) War Powers Consultation Act. The Constitution gives the power to declare war to Congress. The existing War Powers Act requires a president who launches a war on his/her own to notify Congress within 48 hours and to end it within 60 days unless Congress authorizes it. The McCain/Kaine bill would repeal the War Powers Act, turn Congress into an impotent consulting firm, and arrange for a vote without consequences on “approval” of each war within 30 days of its start. Only if Congress voted down “approval” would its invertebrate members vote on “disapproval.” And if they passed “disapproval,” nothing would follow from that. This amounts to nothing less than unconstitutionally bestowing the power to make war on the president.

That, of course, is something that everyone would expect of John McCain and nobody will believe of Tim Kaine even if he succeeds in doing it. But you can read the bill. Like most direct sources of information it is shorter than the commentary on it, and leaves little doubt what it would accomplish.

What can be done? I’d propose a 4-step program.

1 Admit that we have a problem.

2 Read the bills, ignore the rhetoric.

3 Persuade some member of either house of Congress to introduce a better war powers bill, as Senator Merkley has proposed to introduce a better AUMF.

4 Introduce into U.S. schools the existence of the U.N. Charter, what it says, what it means, and the understanding that laws do not cease to be laws based on whether a legislature or an executive violates them.

Link to the original. 

Upcoming events for the week of May 20, 2018

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

05/21/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING

Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

05/21/18 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. No contact information.

05/21/18 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL

Transition Asheville Social - Date: 05/21/2018 - Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00pm. Place is Parrish Hall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in Asheville (parking available on street or off Evelyn Alley north of the church). Presentation Topic: Why and How to Resist Nuclear Weapons. Our presenter, Dot Sulock, taught Mathematics, Humanities and International Studies at the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA) for 40 years and retired two years ago.  She has been teaching at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) since its founding, mainly teaching about renewable energy, nuclear weapons nonproliferation, nuclear power, missile defense, and the United Nations. For more information contact Rebecca Mahan (812-334-0176) or palmtree747@gmail.com. Snacks and socializing will begin at 6:30 PM. 

05/21/18 DEMOCRACY ASHEVILLE COALITION MEETING

Please join us for the next Democracy Asheville Coalition Meeting on Monday, May 21. We'll meet to celebrate our collective successes in recent phone banks, Election Protection on Election Day, and plan out what's next this summer. We will also discuss what's next in the fight for Fair Courts. WHEN: Monday, May 21, 6:00 - 7:30 PM. WHERE: Dr. Wesley Grant Southside Center (285 Livingston St., Asheville 28801). Please RSVP to let us know you're coming. Contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@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.

05/22/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to12 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.

05/22/18 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. 

05/22/18 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE EVENT

Join us and Mountaintrue for these opportunities to connect and make a difference for the Planet and People. CCA-Meet and Greet with Wake Forest University Intern Holly Cunningham is on Tuesday, May 22, from 6-7pm. Location is New Belgium Brewing at 21 Craven Street in Asheville. Come meet Holly Cunningham, 3rd Year student at Wake Forest School of Divinity and hear about her desire to support people at the intersection of justice, faith, and sustainability.  Holly will be sharing about the upcoming work of CCA and the Summer book study on Active Hope by Joanna Macy. Holly Cunningham, a CBF Leadership Scholar, is from Louisville, Ky., and has worked as an elementary school teacher for three years.  All are welcome to join us.  

05/22/18 HOOD TALK EVENT

Hood Talk Presents: Isaac Coleman Live. Join us on Tuesday, May 22 at 6 pm at the Burton Street Center on Burton Street for Hood Talk. You will hear about projects happening in our neighborhoods, particularly ones led by Buncombe County Government Isaac Coleman grant recipients, and how you can support them. Come find out what is going on in our neighborhoods. Sponsored by Burton Street Community Association and Buncombe County. Contact Hood Huggers at info@hoodhuggers.com for more information. 

05/23/18 VOTER REGISTRATION TRAINING IN ASHEVILLE

Voter registration training will be on Wednesday, May 23, from 6 to 7 PM. Location is Buncombe County Democratic Party Headquarters at 951 Old Fairview Road in Asheville. Learn how to register voters in a friendly, informed, and nonpartisan way! Pizza will be provided. Contact Nan Cole at bcdpvolunteers@gmail.com for more information.

05/24/18 MODERN ISSUES SERIES

Modern Issues Series: Rural Broadband will be on Thursday May 24th, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Location is Kairos West Community Center, 610 Haywood Road in Asheville. Join Buncombe County Young Democrats and NC House Representative Brian Turner to discuss the importance of high-speed broadband internet, and how we can work to better connect our local rural communities. The Modern Issues Series is a monthly forum dedicated to presenting an opportunity for young, progressive voices to meet, discuss, and take action on the defining issues we face today. If you would like to see us highlight a specific topic, please send us a message at buncombe.youngdemocrats@gmail.com. Contact Ben Sullivan at ben.sullivannc@gmail.com or 704-677-5844 for more information.

05/24/18 ACLU EVENT IN ASHEVILLE

This is on Thursday, May 24 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Location is Ferguson Auditorium, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College at 340 Victoria Road in Asheville. Right to discriminate? It’s about more than cake. Join the ACLU of North Carolina, the Cato Institute, and the law firm of Deutsch and Gottschalk for an important conversation about LGBTQ equality, the First Amendment, and nondiscrimination laws. ACLU of North Carolina Legal Director Chris Brook and Cato Institute Chairman Bob Levy will debate the pending U.S. Supreme Court case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which asks whether a business open to the public has a constitutional right to discriminate. No contact information.

05/24/18 GREEN OPPORTUNITIES BENEFIT

Proceeds from Pints for Power, a solar power learning event with Sugar Hollow Solar, benefit Asheville Green Opportunities. Bring your power bill. Free to attend. Held at The Wedge Studios at 129 Roberts Street in Asheville. Call 828-398-4158 for more informaiton. 

05/28/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING

Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

05/29/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION

ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to12 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.

05/29/18 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. 

05/29/18 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE BOOK STUDY

CCA Summer Book Study of “Active Hope” is on Tuesdays, May 29 to July 3 from 6-7:15 pm. Location: TBA. Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in Without Going Crazy was written by Chris Johnstone and Joanna Macy. Sign up by emailing Holly at cunnhe16@wfu.edu. Active Hope shows us how to strengthen our capacity to face the current ecological and social crises so that we can respond with unexpected resilience and creative power. Drawing on decades of teaching an empowerment approach known as the Work That Reconnects, the authors guide us through a transformational process informed by mythic journeys, modern psychology, spirituality, and holistic science.

05/29/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Monday, May 28: Memorial Day Ceremony with Veterans for Peace, Asheville Chapter 099, 11 am, at the War Memorial, Pack Square Park, by the Buncombe County Courthouse. Mourning the Dead, Supporting the Troops and Ending All Wars. Because it is important for each of us who promotes peace to publicly demonstrate that the honoring and mourning of those who have given their last full measure of devotion is not the exclusive province of those who support war. Let us show that we recognize the awful sacrifice borne by so many young over too many wars; let us use this occasion to recommit ourselves to establishing a world where graveyards are only full of those who have lived long in a world of peace rather than full of young men and women who had their hopes, dreams, and unlimited potential ended by a world at war.Contact Ken at jonesk@maine.edu for more information.

06/02/18 VOTER REGISTRATION TRAINING IN ASHEVILLE

Voter registration training will be on Saturday, June 2, from 11 to 12 noon. Location is Buncombe County Democratic Party Headquarters at 951 Old Fairview Road in Asheville. Learn how to register voters in a friendly, informed, and nonpartisan way! Pizza will be provided. Contact Nan Cole at bcdpvolunteers@gmail.com for more information.

06/02/18 COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS KICKOFF

Saturday June 2nd 2018 7pm-10pm. Community Bill of Rights Kick-Off Party. Join us to celebrate the launch of Asheville’s first Community Bill of Rights. Stand with us in taking back our power, asserting our rights for local self-governance and building a world where People and Planet come before Profits. The Community Bill of Rights is a City ordinance that will: enable citizens to prohibit the activities of corporations that pollute our water, air and soil, allow us to make ongoing decisions about where we live, without interference from the State and accelerate the equitable transition to 100% renewable energy. Join us for great music, food, drinks, silent auction and information about how you can get involved in this grassroots movement. $20 suggested donation at the door. Everyone welcome. The Wedge at Foundation. 5 Foundry Street, Asheville. No contact information, but there is a Facebook event.

06/05/18 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. 

06/05/18 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB

Join host Bruce Roth for a lively discussion on topics of current interest including war and peace, the economy, the environment, and other hot political topics. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm at Malaprops in downtown Asheville. Contact Bruce at brucerothchess@gmail.com for more information. 

06/07/18 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Sierra Club June 7: Energy Innovation Task Force -- Pathway to Clean Energy for Western North Carolina. Come hear City Councilwoman Julie Mayfield, County Commission Chair Brownie Newman, and Duke Energy District Manager Jason Walls talk about how the new Blue Horizons Project will lead us to a cleaner energy future. Learn how you can help. Date: June 7 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, in north Asheville. In 2016, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Duke Energy came together in a unique partnership to lead Western North Carolina to a cleaner, affordable, and smarter energy future. A specific goal of the partnership is to delay or avoid construction of a third natural gas plant on Lake Julian – a “peaker unit” -- that would only run on the coldest and hottest days of the year. For more information, contact Judy Mattox, judymattox@sbcglobal.net, (828) 683-2176.

06/09/18 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT

North Buncombe Hard-2-Recycle Event is on Saturday, June 9 from 10am - 2pm. Location is Arvato Digital Services at 108 Monticello Road in Weaverville. No contact information available. 

06/09/18 TIMEBANK EVENT

June 9, picnic in Haw Creek Park on Avon Rd off rt 70 at the East Asheville Library.  Starts at noon at the covered shelter. We’ll have a grill and charcoal; you bring something to grill and a side dish to share. There will be new games, a walking trail and swings for the kids. Learn more about the Asheville Timebank and how you can exchange with others what you enjoy doing.

06/11/18 to 06/15/18 FOOD JUSTICE PROGRAM

Food Justice, Faith, and the Ecological Imagination-with Wake Forest University School of Divinity is from June 11-15, 2018 at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa. How does a renewed atunement to food justice movements reframe ministry leadership? In this time of social upheaval and ecological crisis, what does it mean to be the church? And how can religious leaders help others join in God’s restorative work in the world? The Food, Health, and Ecological Well-being Program of the Wake Forest University School of Divinity would like to invite you to join us in June to explore these important questions at our annual summer institute. This year's theme is Food Justice, Faith, and the Ecological Imagination, and we have some fantastic speakers and workshop leaders coming for the week. For more information, contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at scott@creationcarealliance.org.

06/12/18 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. 

06/13/18 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. 

06/14/18 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE MEETING

Thursday, June 14, from 6-7:30 PM. Location is St. Eugene Catholic Church at 72 Culvern Street in Asheville. Coming together to share compassion and ideas. We will learn about the creation care work of our host congregation through a conversation and tour, hear about CCA and community events and work, as well as hear ideas. If you are connected to a faith community, a green team or creation care team member, clergy, or are interested in learning more about St. Eugene, Audubon Society, the Friendship Garden or the Creation Care Alliance this meeting is for you. For more information, contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at Scott@creationcarealliance.org.

06/14/18 CENTER FOR DIVERSITY EDUCATION CELEBRATION AT UNCA

UNC Asheville invites you to a celebration of the Center for Diversity Education and 24 years of community engagement. Center for Diversity Education Celebration & Retrospective is on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. for the reception and 7:00 p.m. for the program. Location is the Wilma M. Sherrill Center, Ingles Mountain View Room (Room 417) at UNCA. Celebrate the work of community members including K-12 teachers, students, participants, volunteers, donors, board members, CDE interns & employees, faculty, staff, and Deborah Miles, Director of the Center for Diversity Education (1995 - 2018). RSVP by June 7 to rsvp@unca.edu.

06/18/18 to 06/20/18 FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES WORKSHOP AT UNCA

Facing History and Ourselves Workshops will be on June 18, 19, and 20 at UNC Asheville. For a second year in a row, through the generous support of Fred and Donna Meyer, CDE will be sponsoring workshops with Facing History and Ourselves. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for registration information coming soon. Students come to me in the beginning of the year and say “I don't care about history. It happened in the past. It doesn't matter to me.” I say to them “Give me 2 weeks. We are going to learn a different kind of history and approach it in a different way.” For more information, contact UNC Asheville Center for Diversity Education at 828-232-5024 or dmiles@unca.edu.

06/19/18 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. 

06/25/18 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. 

06/27/18 WE THE PEOPLE 2.0 FILM SCREENING

We The People 2.0 Screening will be on Wednesday, June 27th, from 6 to 8:00 pm at THE BLOCK off Biltmore, 39 S Market Street, Asheville. Interested in Community Rights and why Corporations have more rights than we do? This film showcases the work of CELDF and the Community Rights movement across the US. “We the People 2.0” is about the loss of democracy in the United States. The story unfolds through the eyes of rural people and sacrifice zones in urban communities who have faced decades of toxic dumps, drilling and mines in their communities. These people come to understand that the reason they can’t stop the destruction is that the US has become an oligarchy, run by the corporate few who ignore the rights and will of the people. These people are frontally challenging our corporate state; thereby saving nature and themselves. Thomas Linzey, a nonprofit attorney’s inspiring words shows how, we, the people, can turn this around and lay claim to our democracy. This movement is building as you read this, not just in this country but around the world; this film shows how and where it all began.

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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

Citizens’ Climate Lobby meeting on the third Monday at 6:30 at Habitat Tavern & Commons. 

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. 

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. Also Tranzmission Prison Project meeting to send packages of books and zines for mailing to prisons across the US. 

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.

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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POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN

In the Triangle, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival will include six consecutive Monday actions, as follows:

May 28: Veterans, our war economy, and militarism 

June 4: The right to health, ecology, justice and health, water, extreme extraction, climate change and health care

June 11: Living wages, guaranteed income, housing and social services

June 18: Challenging our nation’s distorted moral narrative; a fusion movement rising up

The Campaign will end with a Mass Mobilization in DC on June 23.

ALSO FROM THE POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN:

Join the NC Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival for 40 days of moral action this spring to challenge systemic racism, poverty, the war economy and militarism, ecological devastation, and our nation's distorted moral narrative. 

In the spirit and tradition of ordinary people of conscience engaging in nonviolent direct action to expose and engage as moral witnesses against injustice, we will conduct a mandatory training statewide. The next training is, 1- 5 pm  April 21 in Asheville for people interested in participating in nonviolent moral fusion direct action this spring.

Attending this training does not mean you must participate in the 40 days of action Nor does it mean you are committing to engage in civil disobedience. This training can be a great step in connecting with others in the campaign and learning about the opportunity to join the action. We would love for you to join us!

Also note that we will offer more trainings before the 40 Days of moral action kicks off and during the 40 days.

Please register to reserve a spot in the training. Your training location as well as more detailed information will be sent out to you.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY APRIL 20TH, SO SIGN-UP NOW! For information on how to sign up, you can contact  northcarolina@poorpeoplescampaign.org or leslie.boyd@gmail.com.

If you do not receive an e-mail with the location by Friday, please e-mail Leslie Boyd at leslie.boyd@gmail.com for that information.

*Please note when the Google Form asks, "In What City will you attend the Training Part A?" the answer is Asheville

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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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