UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER
05/14/18 AUTHOR EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
John Dear will present “They Will Inherit the Earth: Peace & Nonviolence in a Time of Climate Change.” May 14, 7-8:30pm at First Presbyterian Church at 40 Church Street in Asheville. Gather with others to hear John Dear discuss his new book. Books will be sold and signed at the event - no tickets required. Co-sponsored by FPCA & Creation Care Alliance of WNC. In this landmark work, author, activist, and Nobel peace prize nominee Father John Dear connects the way of active nonviolence with solidarity with Creation, and shows how our global epidemic of violence and war could only lead to catastrophic climate change. He cites Jesus’ third Beatitude as the basis for his meditation: “Blessed are the meek, they will inherit the earth.” Thomas Merton said “meekness” was the biblical word for “nonviolence” (in the Gandhi/King sense), so Dear reflects how Jesus connected nonviolence with oneness with creation, how he practiced nonviolence and lived at one with creation, and how we need to do the same. For more information, contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at Scott@creationcarealliance.org.
05/14/18 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.
05/14/18 PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Progressive Democrats of Buncombe County Meeting. When: Monday May 14th, 6:15 to 8 PM. Location is BCDP Headquarters at 951 Old Fairview Road in Asheville. Doors open by 6:15 for sign in and conversation. Meeting begins promptly at 6:30. We encourage candidates and motivate voters while promoting the most progressive parts of the DNC platform: campaign finance reform, clean energy policy, universal healthcare, and much more. Contact Kris Kramer at pdobPRESIDENT@gmail.com for more information.
05/14/18 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE MEETING
Voter Engagement Coalition meeting is on May 14, 2018 from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Location is 50 South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. No contact information.
05/15/18 NAKBA DAY - SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINIANS
Nakba Day: Asheville Solidarity with Palestinians. Community members with the local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, the Palestine Appalachia Solidarity Collective, and Just Peace for Israel / Palestine will hold an event on Tuesday, May 15, in solidarity with the Palestinian Great March of Return and in commemoration of 70 years of Nakba (catastrophe) for the Palestinian people. The day’s events will start with a multimedia art exhibit and speakers at 2:00 pm at The Block off Biltmore which is at the corner of Eagle and Market Streets in downtown Asheville. At 3:30 pm, community speakers will rally for a march to Pritchard Park, where organizers will hold a vigil and teach-in (with interactive research and immediate actions you can take) from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. May 15, 2018 marks 70 years since the forced displacement of 750,000 Palestinians and the final day of the #GreatReturnMarch, when Palestinian refugees living in Gaza will attempt to cross the militarized fence and return to their homelands. These nonviolent demonstrations began on March 30 and are being led by grassroots Palestinian civil society. Forty-one Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the Great March of Return protests began. With conviction, Asheville residents stand in solidarity with Palestinians who demand their basic human rights. Contact Anne at ennagiarc@gmail.com for more information.
05/15/18 UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION - WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
6:30 Socializing, 7 - 8 pm meeting. Our mission is to support the United Nations efforts working for a peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world and to promote local understanding of this important international organization. UNCA Zageir Hall 243 - parking is readily available and free. For more information contact Dot at dsulock@unca.edu.
05/15/18 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.
05/15/18 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.
05/15/18 PRESENTATION AT UNCA
The History and Legacy of Lynching in North Carolina, part two: A Game Called Salisbury. Date is 05/15/18 from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Location is the Reuter Center - Manheimer Room. The History and Legacy of Lynching in North Carolina, part two: A Game Called Salisbury – with Susan Barringer Wells, author of A Game Called Salisbury: The Spinning of a Southern Tragedy and the Myths of Race; and with Dwight Mullen, UNC Asheville professor of political science, is free and open to everyone. Susan Barringer Wells, in her book A Game Called Salisbury, weaves century-old news reports and oral history into a family saga of tragic proportion. Her teenaged ancestor Addie Lyerly discovered the gruesome scene of her family’s murder. For the crime, Jack Dillingham, Nease Gillespie and teenager John Gillespie were taken from a jail cell to an oak tree in Salisbury, North Carolina, where they were lynched and mutilated. The heinous act spawned a children’s game of ropes and make believe. What actually happened on the night of August 6, 1906, may have been the game’s first folly. Come learn from the author about a relatively unknown chapter in North Carolina’s history. We will also consider the lasting legacy of lynching with special guest speaker Dr. Dwight Mullen, professor of political science at UNC Asheville. This Hot Topics presentation is part of OLLI at UNC Asheville's Race in Black and White programming for the spring term 2018. As part of OLLI's College for Seniors theme term on race and ongoing initiatives to create relevant and timely programming, we present a series of lectures and events to supplement the courses offered this spring. The lectures are free and open to everyone, and all are scheduled for the Manheimer Room. Contact for this event is OLLI - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville at olli@unca.edu or 828.251.6140.
05/15/18 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.
05/15/18 WNC GREEN PARTY MEETING
Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 15 at 6:30 at Habitat Tavern and Commons, 174 Broadway Street in Asheville. On the agenda is a presentation from Ron Robinson of Sylva, about running candidates in rural election and his suggestions for beating the two-party system. We will also discuss the Spring Gathering and a possible campaign where we could put pressure on local businesses to only use straws made of pasta. This would decrease the amount of plastic waste, and would be a great opportunity for us to practice creative ways of bringing about change. For more information, contact Camille at camillm@g.clemson.edu.
05/16/18 ASHEVILLE GREEN DRINKS
This is on the third Wednesdays at 6 PM at The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Informal networing focused on the science of sustainability. Free to attend.
05/17/18 NONVIOLENT DIRECT ACTION TRAINING FOR POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN IN ASHEVILLE
As you know, the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival has been busy organizing a season of nonviolent direct action to transform the nation’s political, economic, and moral structures. Now, 40 days of nonviolent moral fusion direct action in the North Carolina capital are coming up fast. If you want to participate in nonviolent direct action with the NC Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and have not yet received training, one has been scheduled for Asheville on Thursday, May 17, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. To participate in direct action this spring, training is required. Please join us for this training on Thursday, May 17, 2018 in Asheville, even if you engaged in Civil Disobedience or Direct Action before, including Moral Mondays. People of all experience levels are welcome. The training will last from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM as we share: Our vision of nonviolence and why it is important; Education about the campaign, including its goals, strategies, and tactics; Discussion of next steps for people willing to participate more deeply in the 40 days of nonviolent moral fusion direct action. Sign up and we’ll send you location details and a reminder ahead of the training. For more information including how to sign up, contact NorthCarolina@poorpeoplescampaign.org.
05/17/18 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HENDERSON COUNTY MEETING
Thursday, May. 17 at 4:00 PM. May Program - Putting Vision Into Action
Local program/priority planning for the year ahead. op 60 South Charleston Lane Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please park at the Self-Help Credit Union next door who has graciously offered parking behind their office. No contact information.
05/18/18 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings held on the third Friday of each month. Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. This will be held at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Room E205, at 20 Oak Street (just off College St. in downtown Asheville). Time is noon to 2 PM. Meeting starts at 12:30. Parking is available behind the church. Enter the church or ring doorbell at the glass doors on Oak Street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 285-2599.
05/18/18 NC GREEN PARTY SPRING GATHERING
The Spring Gathering of the NCGP is May 18-20 at the Block. Please remember to RSVP so that we know how much food is needed. There is no cost to attend the spring gathering and meals will be provided. Plus, it's in Asheville this year, so we don't have to travel! If you are able to host other Green Party members at your house, please let me know and I will advertise it to the state. At the gathering, you will get to meet prospective candidates from around the state, socialize with fellow Greens, vote for officers, and discuss plans for the upcoming months. Please remember to sign up as a dues-paying member in order to vote at the meeting. NCGP Spring Gathering Business Meeting is at The Block Off Biltmore, 39 S. Market St., Asheville. Below is our agenda at a glance. Friday, May 18 at 7:00 PM there will be drinks and socializing at The Block Off Biltmore, 39 S. Market Street in Asheville. Please join us for drinks and some informal conversation the evening before our business meeting on Saturday. This is a great time to build relationships with other Greens and supporters. Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM will be the NCGP Spring Gathering Business Meeting at The Block Off Biltmore, 39 S. Market Street in Asheville. Breakfast (courtesy of NCGP), Reports from Locals, Nominations for Officers, Lunch (courtesy of NCGP), Voting on Proposals and Officers, Green Candidates Forum, Committee Rodeo, 5:30 p.m. – March Against Monsanto Rally. Right after our business meeting, join us for the March Against Monsanto nearby The Block in downtown Asheville. Sunday, May 20 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM will be the strategy session and visioning at The Block Off Biltmore, 39 S. Market St., Asheville. Join us for coffee and brunch and a structured conversation about building the NCGP across the state now that the NCGP is a ballot-qualified party. Coffee and brunch courtesy of NCGP.For more information, including how to RSVP for the spring gathering, or to host out of town Greens, or to find out how to become a dues-paying member, contact Camille at camillm@g.clemson.edu.
05/19/18 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE COUNTY ANNUAL MEETING
Annual Meeting Announced by LWV Admin. The League's annual luncheon is a two-fold event: There is a speaker event open to the public and then the League will hold its annual membership meeting to vote on budget, priorities and governance matters for 2018-2019. You can attend just the speaker portion. Keynote speaker is Leann Melton. Buncombe County public defender Leann Melton will speak on punishing the poor: people who remain incarcerated due to an inability to pay court fees. NC fees are among the most daunting, even with a constitution that says “there shall be no imprisonment for debt” and a prohibition against “punishing a person for his poverty.” Most states bar courts from using fees to raise revenue for government more broadly. Leann has been active in the fight to prevent the ongoing cycle of the modern day debtor's prison. Agenda- 11:30 am is Check-in/Registration & open buffet, opening remarks followed by presentation of the Yvette Wessell Award and then introduction of the keynote speaker, Leann Melton. There will be a short break and then the membership meeting starts at 12:50 pm. Event Details- Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 11:30-1:30 pm at Doubletree Biltmore at 115 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. Cost: $25. Please RSVP by emailing us at info@lwvab.org to let us know that you will be attending and pay when you arrive, or go to the website for the LWV Asheville-Buncombe and register and pay there. You do not need to let us know if you will only be attending only the speaker portion.
05/19/18 JACKSON COUNTY NAACP MEETING
The Jackson County NAACP Branch's May Membership Meeting will convene at 10:00 am on Saturday, the 19th at Liberty Baptist Church, Scotts Creek Road, Sylva NC 28779. At 11am the Program will feature a Roundtable Discussion of 2018 North Carolina Election Issues. Submitted by Lucy Christopher, call 743-9747 for more information.
05/19/18 COMMUNITY BILL OR RIGHTS WORKSHOP
Get Involved: Community Bill of Rights - Going to the Root: Rights of Nature Workshop on Saturday, May 19th, from 1 to 5:00 pm at 36 Montford Ave, Asheville. Rights-based law for Systemic Change! We need a fundamental change in the way we relate to the natural world. This involves recognizing our interdependence with nature, finding practical ways to live in harmony with the natural world and securing the highest legal protection through the recognition of rights.
Our legal system sees nature as property. In our history the US legal system saw women and African American people as property. This changed because The People insisted it change. Changing the legal status of nature from property to an entity with rights will not only change our relationship with the natural world it gives us a legal avenue for protecting her.
In 2008 Ecuador became the first country to codify Rights of Nature in its Constitution. Citizens of Ecuador can now file law suits on behalf of ecosystems – forests, rivers, mountains – against Corporations who are causing harm. CELDF (the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund) were key in writing this legislation and brining Rights of Nature to communities around the US and other countries. Thomas Linzey (Co-Founder and Chief Legal Counsel) and Mari Margil (Associate Director) of CELDF provide this workshop in Asheville for the first time to provide practical assistance to those working to protect our planet. No contact information.
05/20/18 NC JUSTICE CENTER FUNDRAISER
Join Us. May 20 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The Justice Center’s mission is a simple but daunting one: the elimination of poverty in North Carolina. The strategy is smart and comprehensive, employing a multi-issue, multi-strategy approach to ensure the creation of an economy that works for everyone. This includes education in order to increase public and political will to advance progressive, inclusive policies that advance equity and opportunity. Please join us in Asheville for a reception to support the work of the NC Justice Center. Featuring Rick Glazier, Executive Director of the NC Justice Center at the home of Senator Terry and Ted Van Duyn in Asheville, NC. Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Please contact Kim-Marie McLellan at kim_marie@ncjustice.org with any questions.
05/20/18 ETHICAL HUMANIST SOCIETY EVENT
“Inspiring Community Action to Build Opportunity for Children” will be presented by Greg Borumat the Sunday, May 20, 2018 meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, 2:00-3:30 PM, at Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC. All are welcome to attend. Join Greg Borom, Director of Advocacy at Children First/ Communities In Schools as he highlights the poverty and education gaps in our community that hinder the success of our children and our future. This presentation and discussion is aimed at inspiring community action to build opportunity for all our children. When our leaders create policies that are good for children, it leads to better health, education, and safety for our whole community. With a goal to alleviate the root causes of child poverty, CF/CIS works to unite and educate our community, connect individuals and groups to collaborate and advocate for investment in effective programs that meet children’s basic needs and place them on a path to success. For more information: call 828 687-7759, email EHSAsheville@gmail.com.
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.
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.
05/24/18 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.
05/28/18 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.
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.
06/07/18 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.
06/13/18 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.
06/18/18 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.
06/27/18 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
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 14: Women, youth, the disabled, children in poverty and the right to education
May 21: Connecting systemic racism and economic justice, voting rights and just immigration
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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FROM WNC SANCTUARY:
There are two crucial next steps for WNC Sanctuary - and we need YOU!
WE NEED YOUR HELP TODAY!!!
Our community has come together to support the immigrant community in tremendous ways in the last month. Dozens of folks came out to press conferences, gathered resources and provided direct support to families.
We raised over $60,000 in a week - however this is barely making a dent in the financial burden to come. We are in the process of dispersing nearly all of the money raised, sending $2,000 to each of the 28 detainees to support them and their families. From losing their main source of income to facing up to a $10,000 bond, these families need your support.
The plan: We are asking the community to step up in two ways.
• Be a Padrino and Sponsor a Detainee: Connecting faith communities or other organized groups to become Padrinos ('God Parents') of individual detainees.
• Bond Fund: Raising funds that can be used by detainees to get out of detention and back with their family while they fight their case. Once their case concludes, the money goes back into the fund for someone else.
Donate to the Sanctuary Fund Now
Are you a part of a faith (or other) community that wants to be a Padrino and sponsor a detainee? This is such a huge way to make a difference!!! A padrino faith community will be matched with a detainee and support them throughout their case. They will be in touch with the family and offer support to them, they will help raise necessary funds and support the detainees case by writing letters, visiting detention centers, etc. There are currently 24 detained folks that need a padrino. Each case is unique and we can work together to connect your community with the right fit. Please contact us at wncsanctuary@gmail.com to learn more. This is an urgent need and we need our community to step up!
Real Stories from the ICE Raids
Helen, whose husband was one of the first taken by ICE, sharing her story:
“It’s been hard. Emotionally for my kids, my kids said they actually don’t feel safe anymore. They missed a week of school. They were afraid to say what happened when friends asked why they had missed school. Carlos, my husband, has been so positive, which is good. That’s all we can be right now. Being sad and angry isn’t going to help the situation. Not only has it been so hard emotionally, but also financially. Losing income is hard. Besides the expenses at home, there’s the expense of sending money to Carlos for him to call us and know that he is ok. To go see him it’s a six hour drive, as well as hotel, food and gas expenses. It’s been so hard going from having my spouse here everyday to him just being gone!”
Juan, a folkloric dancer, is here in Asheville on a valid visa -- and shouldn’t have been detained at all! He was subjected to the intimidating and dehumanizing detainment process because the agents were seeking information about his brother. Can you and your faith community help him fight this injustice?
Most detainees are being held at Stewart Detention Center in northern Georgia. [Stewart Detention Center is actually south of Atlanta in Lupkin, Georgia.] We know that some of them have medical needs, and in at least two cases, diabetic detainees were not given their insulin on time. Some detainees have not been able to communicate with family members or legal representation.
If you can help or need further information, contact WNC Sanctuary at wncsanctuary@gmail.com.
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