Aggression on Gaza

Cease fire violations in Israel and Palestine (2012 to 2014)

Israel land grab

Quakers urge recognition of Palestine

News Release

08 August 2014

Quakers urge recognition of Palestine

Amid faltering ceasefires and talks, Quakers in Britain are calling for urgent action on Gaza. They urge the UK Government to recognise Palestine as a nation state; they call for a comprehensive arms embargo on all sides in the conflict and for an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza and occupation of Palestine.

The calls for action come in a statement made by the decision making body of Quakers in Britain, the Yearly Meeting, attended by 2,000 Quakers in Bath.  As part of their commitment to peacemaking, Quakers continue to challenge anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

The Yearly Meeting heard essential steps towards full and fair negotiations:

Palestine to be recognised as a nation state

An end to indiscriminate fire by all sides

A comprehensive arms embargo

An end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and blockade of Gaza

Freeing elected Palestinian leaders now held as political prisoners

The use of international law to hold all parties to account for their actions.

The Yearly Meeting heard that this week that Quakers were invited to meet Foreign Office ministers on the crisis. Teresa Parker, programme manager for Israel and Palestine for Quakers in Britain, was among representatives from faith and secular agencies who went to share views and experience of the region.

A key motivation for Yearly Meeting is valuing all life. The Yearly Meeting statement says:

“As we among other Nobel Peace Laureates have said, ‘The conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis will only be resolved when Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory is ended and the inherent equality, worth, and dignity of all is realised.’  Peacebuilding is a long and demanding path to take… We long for – and will work for – a time when the fear experienced on all sides is replaced by a sense of security.”

The Yearly Meeting statement in full reads:

A statement on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict made by Quakers in Britain at their Yearly Meeting in Bath, 8 August 2014

“ At this time of sombre anniversaries, as we observe the centenary of the outbreak of World War I and the anniversaries of nuclear bombs dropped on the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki we find our Quaker testimonies to peace and equality again compel us to speak out.

“The hostilities in Gaza are the latest eruption of the deep and long-running conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Root causes of this conflict, including the structural violence of occupation, must be addressed. Such violence damages all the people of the region. The present time, with its faltering ceasefires and talks, is a time of both crisis and opportunity.  

“From our long-standing Quaker experience of working on this issue in Palestine, Israel and Britain, and from listening to the testimony of Quakers in Ramallah, we are convinced that the UK Government has a real role to play.  A starting place would be for the UK to recognise Palestine as a nation state on the same basis as it recognises Israel.  We note that 134 states have already recognised the State of Palestine. The UK Government should also play its part in creating a real opportunity for peace by drawing groups such as Hamas into the political process and thus away from violent resistance to the occupation. We have seen around the world how those once labelled as terrorists can come to be recognised for their statesmanship.   It is our view that freeing elected Palestinian leaders now held as political prisoners would help Palestine to develop as a flourishing economic, political and civil society.

“The international community remains complicit in the conflict for as long as it fails to make full use of the mechanisms provided by international law, to hold all parties to account for their actions.  Under international law, at all times, all parties should distinguish between civilians and combatants, though as Quakers we place equal value on every human life. The Israeli Government's ongoing blockade of Gaza and its apparent collective punishment of the people must end, as must indiscriminate fire by all sides.

“Amid the present crisis, we are reminded that the people of the West Bank, living under Israeli occupation face restrictions on movement; loss of land and water; demolitions; the continuing building of settlements; detention without trial and violence by settlers and the Israeli military. Such suffering often sows seeds of future violence.

“The anniversary of World War I reminds us how easily militarised societies can slide into armed conflict and become blind to the alternatives to war. At such times, the international community has a responsibility to avoid fuelling the conflict. We join others in asking for a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, Hamas and armed Palestinian groups. Quakers in Britain ask the UK Government to take a lead on this by halting arms exports to Israel.

“As we, among other Nobel Peace Laureates, have said, 'The conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis will only be resolved when Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory is ended and the inherent equality, worth, and dignity of all is realised’. Peacebuilding is a long and demanding path to take, but an essential one.

“Quakers in Britain feel called to act alongside others to address the roots of violence. We continue to uphold Quakers in the region and those working nonviolently for peace and human rights within Israel and Palestine. Quakers will continue to challenge anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, as we oppose all forms of prejudice. We long for – and will work for – a time when the deep fear experienced on all sides is replaced by security and a just peace.

Signed

Chris Skidmore

Clerk of the Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain

Quakers in Britain send human rights monitors to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, but not Gaza. On behalf of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and other Christian agencies Quakers in Britain runs the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). Ecumenical accompaniers focus global attention on Israeli and Palestinian peace and human rights groups. EAPPI uses the standards of human rights and international law to work for an end to the occupation and for a just peace with security and dignity for all.

My messages to US Senators and Mr. Obama

Photo is from Channel Islam International.

I sent the above photo on a postcard to every US Senator, along with this message:

Dear US Senator:  I personally hold you responsible for what happened to the little girl in the photo above. Your vote on SB 498 gave the Israeli government the impunity to do this. Your vote also allowed the US government to send even more weapons to Israel. I condemn your lies and your behavior in this matter.

I sent one to Obama with this message:  I hold you personally responsible for what happened to the girl in the photo above.Your  behavior and speech allowed the Israeli government the impunity to do this - to bury this child in the rubble of her home. 

I approve of sending humanitarian aid to Iraq, and I do not approve of bombing them. It is wrong, it is nonsense, it is evil.

ISIS

Right now, the US military is bombing US weapons on the other side of the world. Good thing we are rich and can afford this nonsense!  Bad thing that we have no morals whatsoever.

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

UPCOMING EVENTS

08/11/14 EXHIBIT AT YMI CULTURAL CENTER

“Cash Crop” is an emotionally moving and historical glimpse of the bondage endured by more than 15 million slaves during the trans-Atlantic slave trade by sculptor Stephen Hayes. The exhibition, which features 15 life-size sculptures of human beings in shackles, invites viewers to enter an emotional, physical, and psychic space to confront the past, present, and future. Admission is $6 for adults, free for students through 12th grade. This will run until August 27, 2014. Location is Ray Auditorium at the YMI Cultural Center at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. For more information please contact Sharon at info@ymiculturalcenter.org. 

08/11/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING

Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library. Call Ruth at 232-2883 or email ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

08/11/14 SWAIN COUNTY COALITION AGAINST FRACKING MOVIE

The movie “Gasland 2” will be shown by the SCCAF – Swain County Coalition Against Fracking. They are presenting a series of educational movies on the dangers of hydraulic fracturing. The Coalition urges everyone to come view this extraordinary documentary depicting what happens to our environment and property values if fracking is forced on  upon good citizens like us. Community awareness and involvement is much needed. Free. This will be held at the Nantahala Brewery on Depot Street in Bryson City at 7 PM.

08/11/14 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

Time is 6 PM to 8 PM. Leslie Boyd will speak about the Affordable Care Act at tonight’s dinner with progressives. There is also time for folks in the group to make announcements, talk about campaigns and pass around petitions. Dinner will be at the new Green Sage in Westgate Mall next to Earth Fare in Asheville. For more information and to let Green Sage know how many are coming, contact Cheryl at 828-776-3327.

08/11/14 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MONTHLY SOCIAL

Time is 6:30 to 8:30 PM and location is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Presentation will be “Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time”. Snacks and drinks provided, or bring your own. This is a facebook event under Transition Asheville. 

08/13/14 GREEN DRINKS

Dan Gaddis is the Director of Sustainability and Energy Management at a global real estate technology corporation called RealPage, Inc. where he focuses on saving RealPage partners revenue while creating operational efficiencies through energy management and sustainability systems and solutions. Dan also drives sustainability at RealPage, allowing the company to further its Green offerings internally and externally. Socializing starts at 5:30 PM and presentation starts at 6 PM. Location is Posana Cafe at 1 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville.

08/13/14 COALITION AGAINST FRACKING MEETING IN JACKSON COUNTY

An anti-fracking group is forming in Jackson County. Bettie Ashby of Dillsboro said an organizational meeting would be held at 7 PM in the community room at the Jackson County Library. Ashby said she’s aware of at least 10 to 14 people who are interested in participating in organized opposition; the meeting next month, in part, is to gauge the level of interest in this community. The group must decide whether to affiliate with the Coalition Against Fracking in Western North Carolina. The drawback, according to Ashby, is the umbrella coalition’s nonprofit status would prevent political campaigning by a local group. “We didn’t feel like we should make these decisions for everyone,” said Ashby, who is organizing the effort with her sister, Ann Dunn. For more information, call 828-331-1397.

08/13/15 NO TO WAR AND OCCUPATION: US OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Come join the Asheville branch of the International Socialist Organization as we discuss the long history of US imperialism, through war and occupation, in the Middle East. We will meet on ground level of the Pack Memorial Library in Asheville. Time is 6 PM. This event is hosted by Asheville Socialists. Information came from Facebook.

08/13/14 BENEFIT FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

Fifty percent of sales from this WNC School of Massage event will benefit Aura Home for homeless women, vets, and children. $27. Held at WNC School of Massage at 131 McDowell Street, Suite 302 in Asheville. Time is 5:30 PM t 8:30 PM. Call 450-0979 for more information.

08/16/14 FUNDRAISER FOR ASHEVILLE HOMELESS NETWORK

BBQ fund-raiser for Asheville Homeless Network on Saturday, August 16, 5 PM to 8 PM. Location is Carrier Park. We'll have vegetarian and vegan BBQ, snacks, fruit, and drinks available for donations at the Rotary Centennial Pavilion (on your left when you enter Carrier Park). 100% of donations collected will be given to the Asheville Homeless Network. At the end of this event, there will be a discussion about plans for more events, projects, and campaigns to support non-profit, social justice, and environmental justice organizations in Asheville. Anyone is welcome to join the conversation. RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/318319541670601/. Contact Ken at kenhbraley@gmail.com or call (585) 441-0151, (585) 851-8322.

08/19/14 FREE ENERGY CONSERVATION WORKSHOP 

Free Energy Conservation Workshop and Weatherization Services offered by Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center at 94 Coxe Avenue in Asheville. Qualify for $800 in home weatherization services (must own home, built prior to 2006 and less than 2200 sq. ft.; home owner pays $100 and the rest ($700) is covered by NC Cooperative Extension office)! Time is 6:30-8:00 PM. For more information including how to register, contact Justin at justin.rowell@grennmodeling.com.

08/20/14 CITY OF ASHEVILLE TRANSIT PUBLIC MEETING

Location is Fire Department Training Room, 4th floor, Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza in Asheville. The public is invited to drop-in anytime to comment on: Sunday bus service, NEW route serving Emma area, NEW route serving Oakley area, Transit fares. Time is 4 to 7 PM. The Multimodal Transportation Commission has openings on the Transit Committee. They are accepting applications through Wednesday, August 27. Interested? Call (828) 232-4531 or email iride@ashevillenc.gov for more information.

08/21/14 FRACKING PRESENTATION IN JACKSON COUNTY

Time is 6:30 PM, Fracking Presentation, Democratic Women of Jackson County meeting in Sylva. Contact gklagan@gmail.com for more info.

08/24/14 FINANCING OUR FOODSHED GATHERING

Hosted by Slow Money NC, Community Sourced Capital, Accelerating Appalachia and Rosetta's Kitchen - come enjoy a summer supper prepared by Rosetta! Hear about a few great new projects that need financing in the Asheville area, learn about Community Sourced Capital's work in NC, get an update on Accelerating Appalachia's programs, and network with folks who care about local food, local finance, and local economy. We will gather downstairs in the new Buchi Bar at Rosetta’s Kitchen on N. Lexington Avenue in Asheville. Supper is free (donations accepted) and there will be a cash bar. Time is 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Please RSVP to give us an idea of how many to cook for - go to Facebook to RSVP. 

09/04/14 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OUR VOICE

We cordially invite you to join us for Our VOICE’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, 40 Years of Starting Conversations featuring keynote speaker Anita Hill, Brandeis University Professor of Law. Ms. Hill started a national conversation by disclosing her experience of workplace sexual harassment which focused the country’s attention on a difficult topic often met with avoidance and silence. Welcome Reception starts at 6 PM / Program starts at 7 PM. Location is Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. You can purchase tickets online or at Our VOICE, Malaprops and aSHEville Museum. For more information regarding our event, please contact us at rvoice@ourvoicenc.org.

09/08/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING

Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library. Call Ruth at 232-2883 or email ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

09/10/14 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church.

09/12/14 PUBLIC HEARING ON MEC’S OIL AND GAS RULES

Cullowhee Public Hearing on MEC's Oil and Gas Rules, Western Carolina University, 199 Centennial Drive in Cullowhee. Time is 5 to 9 PM. 

09/21/14 MASSIVE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH IN NYC

09/21/14 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

 09/22/14 CLIMATE WEEK

By providing an international platform for government, business and civil society to work together on low carbon solutions, Climate Week NYC will show the world there are clear opportunities and many benefits in joining the global 'clean revolution'.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

WEDNESDAY

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

THURSDAY

Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 1 PM at A-Hope on North Ann Street in Asheville.  

Youth Outright Poetry Night at United Church of Christ in Asheville at 5 PM

FRIDAY

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

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Vance Monument at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

Win Without War statement on Iraq

The Win Without War coalition remains deeply opposed to a U.S. military intervention that places our men and women in uniform in harms way in Iraq. We must not become a Kurdish air force in a sectarian civil war.

Like all Americans, we support the President’s decision to provide relief and humanitarian aid to the tens of thousands of innocent people trapped by this deadly conflict. But as the President has said himself, there is no military solution to the ongoing crisis in Iraq.

If American personnel in Irbil, or elsewhere in Iraq, are in harms way, they should be immediately evacuated to a safe location. Their safety cannot be guaranteed with a few airstrikes in the midst of a civil war.

Nowhere is the law of unintended consequences more clearly on display than Iraq. Today’s crisis has its origins in the disastrous decision of the Bush Administration to launch of an illegal war of choice in 2003. Today, as we continue to live with the consequences of those mistakes, we must recognize the hard reality that a lasting and sustainable peace in Iraq can only ultimately be achieved with an Iraq-led political solution.

As history has shown, it is impossible to bomb your way to peace.

What if?

STATEMENT FROM LOCAL GROUP

WE STAND AGAINST THE OCCUPATION OF PALESTINE AND THE CURRENT ATTACKS

   

In recent days, in response to the tragic killing of three Israeli teens, Israel has launched a massive attack against Palestinians, which Amnesty International has termed illegal collective punishment.  

Hundreds of military raids have been launched across the occupied West Bank since June 12. More than 1000 private homes and refugee camps and offices of civil society organizations have been ransacked. University campuses have been targeted.

  

On July 2 a 16-year-old Palestinian from East Jerusalem was kidnapped and killed, allegedly by Israelis in retaliation for the deaths of the three settler students.   

Over 1300 Palestinians, including 300 children have been killed in bombings by Israel in Gaza and more than 400 Palestinians arrested. 75% of casualties are civilians. Over 250 children are in Israeli jails. Collective punishment is a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. Numbers climb as the assault grows.

Gideon Levy wrote in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz of June 22 condemning the Israeli actions: “The events of the past week have long since passed beyond the sphere of concern for the kidnapped teens, and the grotesqueness of it all is only growing.”

We urge the international community to pressure Israel to end its all-out military assault aimed against the population of Gaza. We urge people to heed the call for boycotts, divestment and sanctions of the Palestinian BDS National  Committee. 

Local Contact:  Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East

Take action for peace

Photos from the Veterans for Peace Convention 2014

Remember

REMEMBER THESE CHILDREN!

And damn any adult who contributes to killing children.

"Jerusalem" by Steve Earle

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Photo from Channel Islam International

UPCOMING EVENTS

08/04/14 EXHIBIT AT YMI CULTURAL CENTER

“Cash Crop” is an emotionally moving and historical glimpse of the bondage endured by more than 15 million slaves during the trans-Atlantic slave trade by sculptor Stephen Hayes. The exhibition, which features 15 life-size sculptures of human beings in shackles, invites viewers to enter an emotional, physical, and psychic space to confront the past, present, and future. Admission is $6 for adults, free for students through 12th grade. This will run until August 27, 2014. Location is Ray Auditorium at the YMI Cultural Center at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. For more information please contact Sharon at info@ymiculturalcenter.org. 

08/04/14 MORAL MONDAY IN THE MOUNTAINS

Join folks from across the region and state for another energizing and inspiring Mountain Moral Monday - “Moral March to the Polls Rally” on August 4, from 5-6:30 PM at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. The Mountain People’s Assembly, a coalition of WNC organizations, and regional WNC NAACP Branches, will host the return of Mountain Moral Monday, a non-partisan program that will highlight the destructive policies enacted by the N.C. statehouse over the past year while strongly focusing on the voter empowerment campaign, “Moral March to the Polls.” The event will feature Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President of the NC NAACP and other guest speakers, as well as musical entertainment. Westsound and blues and jazz great Kat Williams will headline the musical part of the rally.  In addition, there will be opportunities for participants to get involved in voter registration, education and Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts during the current mid-term election cycle. ‘Moral Freedom Summer’ Organizers and volunteers will be available to help register voters. To sign on as a supporter or for more information, email info@mountainmoralmonday.

08/04/14 MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAY

Time is 9:30 AM to 12 PM, and location is Atlanta Bread at 484 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. In the spirit of the Moral Monday energy and events, Aim Higher Now NC (Buncombe County office) is spearheading an interaction of public school supporters for networking and solidarity. Please join us each Monday until the start of school from 9:30 until noon at Atlanta Bread (484 Hendersonville Road). Together we will channel support and volunteer action, with the shared goal of public school affirmation! Even if you only have a few minutes, please drop by!

08/04/14 TOWN HALL MEETING WITH REP. MCHENRY

This will be held at the Land of the Sky Shrine Club at 39 Spring Cove Road in Swannanoa. Time is 2 PM to 4 PM. This is followed by a meeting at Lake Lure Fire Department on Memorial Highway in Lake Lure at 6 PM. Not much notice on this one - got an email late this afternoon. 

08/05/14 ASHEVILLE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING

This will be on the first floor conference room at Asheville City Hall. Time is 3:30 PM to 5 PM. 

08/05/14 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN ASHEVILLE

National Night Out is a great chance to meet neighbors, officers, and deputies and talk about effective community policing and making neighborhoods safer. It's also a great time to have fun at Carrier Park! Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This is organized by the City of Asheville.

08/05/14 TEACHER TALK TUESDAY

On each Tuesday until the start of school, BCAE members are invited to drop by the beautiful office of our chapter for coffee and conversation. Between 9:30 AM and noon, please contribute your thoughts and support for public school with other BCAE members. The office is located at 31 College Place, Bldg. D, Suite 212 (not far from down town); representatives from Aim Higher Now NC will also attend to participate in fostering strength for NC public schools. Please join us.

08/06/14 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Sierra Club, WNC Alliance, and Green Drinks will present "Birds around the World" with Simon Thompson, world renown birding expert, at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1 Edwin Pl. on Charlotte in Asheville. Contact Judy for more information at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or call 828-683-2176.

08/06/14 REMEMBERING HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI AT OAK RIDGE, TN

You are invited/requested to join the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance on Wednesday, August 6, at the Y12 Nuclear Weapons Complex in Oak Ridge for the annual Names and Remembrance Ceremony commemorating the destruction of Hiroshima, Japan. We need readers who will share in the ceremony—names of those who perished in the bombing, first-hand accounts of the destruction, statements and commentary by leaders at the time.

On August 6, 1945, the United States destroyed Hiroshima, Japan with the world’s first nuclear weapon. It is important that we bear witness to this atrocity in Oak Ridge; the atomic bomb Little Boy was fueled with highly enriched uranium produced at the Y12 Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Sixty-nine years later, on August 6, 2014, a Names and Remembrance Ceremony across from the entrance to the Y12 Nuclear Weapons Complex will remember the destruction of Hiroshima. The ceremony will begin at 6 AM and continue until 9 AM with a time of silence at 8:15 AM, the time of the detonation of Little Boy. You can come for all or part of the reading; we take turns reading a page from the book of remembrance and hanging peace cranes. Participation in the reading is entirely voluntary—you can come to simply join us in a vigil of witness if you choose. If you have questions, please contact Ralph Hutchison by email at orep@earthlink.net or 865 776 5050.

08/07/14 MOVE TO AMEND VIDEO SERIES

MABCO and the Unitarian Universalist Church Swannanoa Valley are co-sponsoring a free documentary series and the final showing will be of “The Story of Citizens United v. FEC”. Learn about the nationwide campaign to amend the Constitution to return corporations to their earlier state when they were not given the rights of citizens, when money wasn’t speech and when Congress could regulate money in politics. Sponsored by Move to Amend Buncombe County, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley Social Action. Two videos: Citizens United vs. FEC and Citizens United in North Carolina.The films will be shown at the church, located at 500 Montreat Road in Black Mountain.  Doors open at 6:30 PM and the showing starts at 7 PM. Free of charge. This was posted on Facebook under “Move to Amend Video Series”.

08/07/14 BENEFIT FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED PROGRAM

There will be a comedy night at the Marshall Depot at 282 South Main Street in Marshall. Time is 8 PM. Tickets to this event will benefit Neighbors in Need Food Shelf. $10/$6 ages 5 to 18.

08/08/2014 SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY

Time is 9:30 AM to 5 PM.  Location is Earthaven Ecovillage in Black Mountain. Class features Lee Walker Warren speaking about the Three-Legged Stool of Sustainability, which looks deeply at the social, environmental and economic factors necessary for sustainable and alternative projects to succeed.  In the afternoon Diana Leafe Christian will lead an interactive discussion onThree Aspects of a Healthy, Thriving Community, and How to Recognize and Prevent “Structural Conflict”. Registration required. To find out how to register, or for more information, contact: NikiAnne at (828) 664-0268.

08/09/14 BONFIRES FOR PEACE IN ASHEVILLE

The Traveling Bonfires presents Bonfire for Peace at Prichard Park in Asheville. This is a free concert event for the family and the community, featuring Peace Jones, Pipapelli, Lyric, and Riyen Roots. Time is 4 PM to 9 PM. The Traveling Bonfires roam the country, ushering arts and music events and bringing people together in celebration of peace and multicultural connectedness. For more info, call Marta at 828-280-2309 or email pasckie@yahoo.com.

08/09/14 FRACK FREE UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP

Hello friends, this is a special invite to Authentic Sustainability: Pitfalls, Pathways and Paradox in Conversation for a Better World:) Time is 2 to 5 PM and location is in downtown Asheville. WNC Frack Free University proudly brings you a special workshop for core-organizers only.  This is a collaborative event between WNC Frack Free and the Creative Facilitators. There are only 30 spots so RSVP now.  Contact Ty for more information, including how to register, at ty@trustedsharing.com

08/11/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING

Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library. Call Ruth at 232-2883 or email ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

 08/11/14 SWAIN COUNTY COALITION AGAINST FRACKING MOVIE

The movie “Gasland 2” will be shown by the SCCAF – Swain County Coalition Against Fracking. They are presenting a series of educational movies on the dangers of hydraulic fracturing. The Coalition urges everyone to come view this extraordinary documentary depicting what happens to our environment and property values if fracking is forced on  upon good citizens like us. Community awareness and involvement is much needed. Free. This will be held at the Nantahala Brewery on Depot Street in Bryson City at 7 PM.

08/11/14 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

Time is 6 PM to 8 PM and program TBA. Dinner will be at the new Green Sage in Westgate Mall next to Earth Fare in Asheville. For more information, contact Cheryl at 828-776-3327.

08/13/14 GREEN DRINKS

Dan Gaddis is the Director of Sustainability and Energy Management at a global real estate technology corporation called RealPage, Inc. where he focuses on saving RealPage partners revenue while creating operational efficiencies through energy management and sustainability systems and solutions. Dan also drives sustainability at RealPage, allowing the company to further its Green offerings internally and externally. Socializing starts at 5:30 PM and presentation starts at 6 PM. Location is Posana Cafe at 1 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville.

08/13/14 COALITION AGAINST FRACKING MEETING IN JACKSON COUNTY

An anti-fracking group is forming in Jackson County. Bettie Ashby of Dillsboro said an organizational meeting would be held at 7 PM in the community room at the Jackson County Library. Ashby said she’s aware of at least 10 to 14 people who are interested in participating in organized opposition; the meeting next month, in part, is to gauge the level of interest in this community. The group must decide whether to affiliate with the Coalition Against Fracking in Western North Carolina. The drawback, according to Ashby, is the umbrella coalition’s nonprofit status would prevent political campaigning by a local group. “We didn’t feel like we should make these decisions for everyone,” said Ashby, who is organizing the effort with her sister, Ann Dunn. For more information, call 828-331-1397.

08/13/15 NO TO WAR AND OCCUPATION: US OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Come join the Asheville branch of the International Socialist Organization as we discuss the long history of US imperialism, through war and occupation, in the Middle East. We will meet on ground level of the Pack Memorial Library in Asheville. Time is 6 PM. This event is hosted by Asheville Socialists. Information came from Facebook.

08/19/14 FREE ENERGY CONSERVATION WORKSHOP 

Free Energy Conservation Workshop and Weatherization Services offered by Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center at 94 Coxe Avenue in Asheville. Qualify for $800 in home weatherization services (must own home, built prior to 2006 and less than 2200 sq. ft.; home owner pays $100 and the rest ($700) is covered by NC Cooperative Extension office)! Time is 6:30-8:00 PM. For more information including how to register, contact Justin at justin.rowell@grennmodeling.com.

09/04/14 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OUR VOICE

We cordially invite you to join us for Our VOICE’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, 40 Years of Starting Conversations featuring keynote speaker Anita Hill, Brandeis University Professor of Law. Ms. Hill started a national conversation by disclosing her experience of workplace sexual harassment which focused the country’s attention on a difficult topic often met with avoidance and silence. Welcome Reception starts at 6 PM / Program starts at 7 PM. Location is Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. You can purchase tickets online or at Our VOICE, Malaprops and aSHEville Museum. For more information regarding our event, please contact us at rvoice@ourvoicenc.org.

*******************************************

ONGOING EVENTS

*******************************************

TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

WEDNESDAY

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

THURSDAY

Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 1 PM at A-Hope on North Ann Street in Asheville.  

Youth Outright Poetry Night at United Church of Christ in Asheville at 5 PM

FRIDAY

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

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Vance Monument at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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NOTE FROM A LOCAL ACTIVIST WHO WANTS TO COORDINATE EFFORTS IN OUR AREA:

I am getting some folks in Asheville together to help make it easier to have fun and do good at the same time.  To do so, I've laid out an outline for creating a series of resources, services, and events that will all have a short-term direct impact, as well as a cumulative impact of helping local non-profit, social justice, and environmental justice organizations achieve their missions. I have several about ready to go, and am excited to incorporate your ideas in as well. I'm not sending all of the details now, because a five page email would scare most people off. If you want a little more, you can read the (tentative) mission, vision, and strategy which is below.

If you want to learn even more, or think you might be interested in any way, please take two minutes to fill out this four question survey. [To access the survey, contact Ken at email below.] There are tons of ways (big and small, now and later) that folks can help, so don't be worried if you don't have a lot of extra time, the survey will just let me know what to contact you about, even if it's just for the really fun parts! Thanks for your time.

In solidarity, Ken

(Tentative) Mission: (Name to be determined) aims to help all of our local non-profit, social justice, and environmental justice organizations to be more effective in reaching their missions. At first, this may seem too broad of a goal, but it actually is quite targeted. The specific mission is to fix the one problem that almost all organizations struggle with, lack of support.

(Tentative) Vision: We see among our friends, family, and neighbors, that the majority of people are good-hearted; they are caring and want to help others. The major barrier to greater community involvement is not apathy, it is more often lack of direction, lack of social support to make getting started easier, or thinking that their actions won't change anything.

The resources we create, services we provide, and our continued outreach, will aim to help break down these barriers by giving clear direction on how to help, building social support networks, showcasing the progress that is being made, and making it fun. Greater awareness of what is already happening, and increased involvement creating more progress, will generate a critical mass of people who are not only good-hearted, but are inspired, supported, and have a clear path to make a difference together. We take inspiration from Howard Zinn's call to action: "We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world."

(Tentative) Strategy: To reach this goal, we will build a coalition website to increase collaboration between allied organizations, provide free tools and services to facilitate that process, and make it easier for new supporters to get involved. The initial launch of the website will start with two main resources, with additional resources and services being added over time.

The first resource will be an expansive directory of local allied organizations, which will include mission, vision, and contact information (for specific purposes: volunteering, donation/fund-raising, media requests, etc). Once compiled, the directory will be made available online, sent to all allied organizations, and heavily promoted. This directory will meet the objective of increasing collaboration by creating awareness of overlapping missions, and potential for allied organizations to work together. It will also meet the objective of mobilizing public support by making it easy for potential supporters to find organizations. In keeping with the push for collaboration, all allied organizations will be strongly encouraged to use the directory to work with each other, and to promote the directory as an easy way for good-hearted people to find an organization that they are passionate about.

The second resource will be a combined event calendar, featuring events from all of the allied organizations. This resource will meet multiple objectives. First, it will increase collaboration between allied organizations by making it easy for them to check the calendar before scheduling their own event, creating less competition for attendees, as well as more opportunity for combining and co-sponsoring events. Second, it will mobilize public support by providing good-hearted people with the incredible ease of having one calendar to check when they want to find a positive impact event to attend. Third, it will bring community members together more frequently, building relationships and sense of community and belonging that will drive more dedication to the community. Of course, this resource will also be heavily promoted, helping to draw more people to events where they can support the organization and learn about more ways to get involved.

The first service will be production of fun, social, appealing events for allied organizations. This resource will meet the following objectives:

* Increase cross organization support, build community, and prevent burnout of organizers.

* Offer fun, easy ways for attendees to get involved in something positive for their community.

* Generate revenue and new audiences for non-profit and community organizations.

* Generate revenue, new customers, and improved brand reputation for local businesses.

Much more to come. I have seven more pages written out, and am actively seeking the input of those who will be working on this with me.

His name is Ken Braley, and his email is kenbraley@gmail.com. Please contact him if you are interested in this project.

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FROM FRACK-FREE NC: Public Hearings on Oil and Gas Rules in August/September!

August 20, Raleigh, 10 AM to 2 PM, McKimmon Center, NC State Univ.

August 22, Sanford, 5 PM to 9 PM, Dennis Wicker Center, 1801 Nash St.

August 25, Reidsville, 5 PM to 9 PM, Rockingham County High School

September 12, Culhowee, 5 PM to 9 PM Western Carolina Univ.

Public hearings coming up next month are a critical opportunity for the public to weigh in on the Mining and Energy Commission’s draft Oil and Gas rules. To stay up to date on developments in NC and elsewhere on fracking and to learn more about the rules and key issues for comments, please sign up for “FrackUpdates.”

Don’t miss your chance to speak out for a Frack Free NC and stand for strong, protective regulations to protect us all! Click here for our resource page on the upcoming hearings.

http://frackfreenc.org/get-involved/comment-mining-energy-commission-draft-rules/

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Ever wonder?

Ever wonder what you would have done (if you were old enough to be alive in the 1930s and living in the USA) and a ship with hundreds of refugee children from Germany had arrived at our shores without their parents, wanting to come to live here?  Well, now you know, because what you are doing now is what you would have done then.

Ever wonder what your US government would have done if they had know about the Nazi run concentration camps and the Warsaw Getto uprising? Well, now you know. They would have voted to let the slaughter continue, because that is what 100% of US Senators did when they voted to support Israel in it's current genocide. Ever wonder what you would have done in response to US Senators support of genocide?  Well, now you low, because what you are doing right now is your response.

And by the way - the US government did know about the Nazi concentration camps back in the 1940s. They did not give a shit about that genocide, just like they truly don't give a shit about the genocide and Warsaw uprising happening today in Gaza. And if you are doing nothing, then you truly, madly, deeply don't give a shit either about genocide.

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And while what I am attempting to do may not make any difference, I am at least trying. Every damn day.

Words to live by....

This came from Facebook.

My pledge of allegiance

Photo from Facebook.

Someday, we will have an Equal Rights Amendment

Freedom for Palestine