DC Metro Action is a listing of local actions, entertainment, volunteer opportunities and the occasional rant on a wide range of socially just issues.
contact me at dcmetroaction@comcast.net
Action of the Day Many of these action alerts are found on the listservs and websites of organizations listed in our "Act Locally" section (Left).
Monday, November 29, 2004
Women and HIV
The Amnesty International DC Women's Human Rights Action Team (Check out their blog!), the US Committee for UNIFEM's National Capital Chapter and the George Washington University Amnesty International Chapter are sponsoring a discussion panel. "HIV/AIDS and Violence Against Women: Are Women More Vulnerable to HIV Infection?" is on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m., at the George Washington University's Marvin Center (800 21st St. NW). For more information, contact the DC Women's Human Rights Action Team at this e-mail.
World AIDS Day – on Wednesday, Dec. 1 – celebrates the progress made in the battle against the epidemic and brings into focus the remaining challenges.
Here in Washington, a rally to drop the debt to fight AIDS will call on the World Bank and IMF to prioritize health spending over budget ceilings to save lives. Rally at noon at Murrow Park (18th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW) and wear red. For more information, contact Africa Action at 202/546-7961 or the Jubilee USA Network at 202/543-0692.
The new DC Campaign for Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning – which would require private residential developers to provide affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents – wants to blitz Metro stops next week, and it needs your help to build support for the affordable housing initiative. Metro riders will be asked to sign postcards to Mayor Williams. Sign up to participate by sending an e-mail here.
We need your help! Since the beginning of November, the demand for FCNL's "War Is Not the Answer" bumperstickers has increased dramatically. We could really use your help in stuffing and stamping envelopes at the office if you have just a couple of hours during the weekdays to come in and help either spontaneously or regularly.
For more information, contact Imogene Berry at 202/547-6000.
Do you want to become more involved with human rights activities in the DC area? Join the Amnesty International Adams Morgan Group. This new group meets every other Monday. The next meeting, where plans for future activities will be discussed and action letters written, is Monday, Nov. 22, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Love Cafe (1501 U St. NW). For more information send an e-mail here.
This is the final weekend to see "Zooman and the Sign," Charles Fuller's play that explores the confrontation between a family and their neighbors after their young daughter is shot and killed while playing on the front porch. This 1980 Obie Award-winning work remains timely and compelling, and this adaptation – set in Washington, DC – illustrates how violence and indifference continue to destroy our own neighborhoods and communities.
The final evening performances (with strong language used) are Friday, Nov. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. A matinee (without strong language) is Saturday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m. General admission is $10; the price for students and seniors is $5. Group rates are available. "Zooman" is presented by the University of the District of Columbia Theater Company in the UDC auditorium (Building 46; Van Ness-UDC Metro). For more information, contact Prof. Judith Baldinger at 202/274-5749.
Members of Mailers Local M-29/Communications Workers of America (CWA), who have worked at the Washington Post for nearly 18 months without a contract, rallied with several hundred of their supporters outside the newspaper's 15th Street headquarters on Monday, Nov. 15. The workers are seeking equal pay for equal work for utility mailers, 85 percent of whom are African-American or Latino, who do the same work as journeymen and get less than 50 percent of journeymen scale. The Post wants mailers to work longer hours for less pay, give up overtime pay and surrender their pension for a pay raise, said CWA Vice President Bill Boarman.
A directory of cell phone numbers will be published soon. This opens the door to solicitors calling our cell phones and using up our minutes. The Federal Trade Commission has set up a "do not call" list for cell phones. Call 888/382-1222 from the phone you wish to register, or use this link to register a cell phone online.
Join DC Poets Against the War as they celebrate the publication of the second edition of "DC Poets Against the War: An Anthology," and call for an end to the killing in Iraq. Poets will read their poems from the anthology, to be followed by an open mic. Come hear voices for peace and share your words of hope and resistance. Among the anthologized poets planning to read are: Patricia Gray, John Clarke, Ann Knox, Sarah Browning, Yael Flusberg, Leah Harris and Wade Fletcher.
It's happening on Friday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Aloysius Church (North Capitol and I Streets NW). To sign up for the open mic in advance, please send an email. For more information, contact Sarah Browning at 202/545-7959 or send an e-mail.
While emergency and hypothermia bed space for single men and women is theoretically available so far this November, more and more DC homeless – men and women and families – are staying out in the cold. Why? Because DC Mayor Anthony Williams has closed two shelters this year as part of his ongoing attempts to move the homeless out of sight.
It's again time for DC residents who support the human right to shelter to act. Tell the mayor that we oppose his continuous, inhumane economic strategy of pushing the poor and homeless out of the city.
Mayday DC, a community of activists committed to the belief that housing is a human right, is holding a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, at Cafe Mawonaj (624 T St. NW) on the need for action around these and other homeless issues this winter. Please come or send an e-mail if you can help.
There are always many sides to a story. But the question is—whose story is believed the most? This summer, the Youth Action Research Group (YARG) examined the problem of youth violence. We looked at the story that gets told most often to explain youth violence. The story we hear most, that gets the most air play, that gets taken most seriously, goes all around the problem but never addresses the root causes. The people who get blamed for the problem and those who are most affected don't get heard. Youth and youth workers aren't often asked to be part of writing the story because people think they don't care.
This summer we ran focus groups with youth who experience violence or know people who have.
We think it's important to examine these issues from the perspectives of youth, parents and families because they are in the middle of violence and experience it every day.
Our experiences and ideas can help stop youth violence.
Come listen to what WE think.
(Excerpt from the introduction to the YARG research report, by LaKeisha McKinley, age 16)
YARG will present a Reality Tour of Youth Violence in DC on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at All Souls Church (1500 Harvard St. NW; use the 15th Street entrance). The free event will feature street theater, a live hip-hop performance, food, a slide show and sound booths. For more information, call 202/462-5767.
Join the Rhythm Workers Union in a community drum circle to promote peace and positivity at Artomatic – a phenomenal event that continues to inspire artists and community members, and provides a forum for all DC-area artists to convene, perform and exhibit, strengthening the visibility, cohesion, and marketplace of Washington's arts community.
Rhythm Workers jamming for justice on the streets as they march with thousands to the Capitol.
Learn basic hand drumming percussion techniques, play rhythms, sing songs and experience the healing power of the drum circle! It's free and fun for all ages. Drums, shakers and bells will be available to use, but if you have your own, bring it to add to the music of the circle.
It's all happening on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Artomatic (800 Third St. NE, at H Street). For more information, send an e-mail.
The Jerusalem Fund Gallery and the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University cordially invite you to "Trees of Hope: Celebrating the Olive Harvest," a festive celebration of the role that the olive harvest plays in the traditional society and economy of Palestinians. Master carver Nimir Rishmawi will demonstrate for the first time in the U.S. the artistry of olive wood carving as it is done in Bethlehem.
Experience the significance of the harvest through a documentary film and photo exhibit, and enjoy free tastings of authentic Palestinian olive oil and olives. Traditional Middle Eastern desserts will be served, and traditional Palestinian crafts, olive oil, olive soap, olive tree saplings, olive wood carvings, and various Middle Eastern cook books and music CDs will be available for purchase throughout the evening! Admission is free and open to the public.
The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Jerusalem Fund Gallery (Potomac Plaza Building; 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, at New Hampshire Avenue), from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 202/338-1325.
The Religious Working Group on the World Bank and IMF is hosting the first in a series of open forums for learning and sharing about the connections of global economic justice issues and international financial institutions. For the first gathering, you are invited to share your thoughts on how the outcome of the 2004 election will affect the advancement of global economic justice.
It's on Friday, Nov. 12, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave. NE; Room 1). The conversation will be guided by Catherine Pinkerton of NETWORK and Njoki Njehu of 50 Years Is Enough. For more information, send an e-mail.
Over 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli occupation. When traveling from one village or city to another to go to work, to visit relatives, or to get medical treatment, they must pass through Israeli checkpoints. These checkpoints, essentially the first points of contact between the two peoples, have enormous significance in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The film "Checkpoint" offers a revealing look at the everyday reality of the soldiers who work the stations and the people who must pass through them. The documentary was a finalist for Best Documentary in the Israeli Academy Awards, and has been adopted by the Israeli military for training purposes.
"Checkpoint" will be screened on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m., at The American University's Wechsler Theater in the Mary Graydon Center (4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW; directions).
The groups will hold a vigil at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (7100 Georgia Ave. NW) on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 7 a.m. to noon. They will assemble and greet commuters at 7 a.m., and hold a 9 a.m. press conference and rally. An open mic will be available all morning.
Can the DC democracy/statehood movement and other progressive movements survive and even thrive during the second term of a Bush administration and an even more conservative Congress? Can we keep it going? The Stand Up! for Democracy in DC Coalition invites you to a teach-in and panel discussion on what and why 2004 happened and how we can continue these important movements. We will bring people with first-hand information to the table. And Stand Up! wants you to share your thoughts, too!
Join in on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at the National Council of Negro Women (633 Pennsylvania Ave. NW). There will be a reception with food starting at 6:30 p.m. The program begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call the Stand Up! hotline at 202/232-2500, ext. 1.
Irish Northern Aid (INA) works to raise awareness of British misrule in Ireland by highlighting the colonial and sectarian nature of partition. INA informs Americans of abuses of human rights faced by the residents of the six occupied counties. The group works for the right of the Irish people to national self-determination and to stop the continuing outrages against these residents.
The next meeting of INA-DC will be Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m., at Flannagan's Irish Pub (7637 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda). For more information, call Randy Cecil at 301/325-5560.
Now in its fourth year, The Street Stage is an all-volunteer effort to spotlight what unifies us rather than what divides us by providing a creative outlet for those experiencing homelessness. Each event not only serves as a stage, but also as a way to break down barriers by bringing together artists and art enthusiasts regardless of socioeconomic background.
On Saturday, Nov. 6, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Street Stage will welcome homeless and housed artists from around DC for open-mic performances to include music, poetry, dancing and drama. The event will also feature displays of visual arts, including drawings, photographs and paintings by artists who are currently or formerly homeless. It's all at the Josephine Butler Parks Center (2437 15th St. NW); admission is free. For more information, call 301/233-2911 or send an e-mail.
Participate in a silent peace vigil on Saturday, Nov. 6, at noon on the West Lawn of the Capitol (along First Street NW). Look for the blue banner with the message: "Seek Peace and Pursue It. –Psalms 34:14." The vigil will last one hour and will be silent, except when one of us responds to the occasional curious questions about why we are there.
True believers, there's more to American politics than a single election. Yes, we all feel sick, but this shall pass. The nation (and the world) survived a second Ronald Raygun term. Let's hope we all fare as well once again.
True believers, John Kerry would not have solved all of our ills. If Kerry had won, would the fight for affordable housing in Washington have ended? Had the Democrats taken control of the Senate, would we suddenly have had affordable health care? If Ohio had gone blue, would we have stopped fighting the taxpayer-funded baseball scheme of Mayor Williams? If the Dems had won a majority in the House, would the Randall Shelter stay open?
We have a unique opportunity here in Washington. It's a small city with a disproportionately large number of activists. Just look at the "Act Local" section of this blog's sidebar. I bet we have more activism per disenfranchised voter than any of the world's capitals.
Pick an issue, commit time or money, work hard and encourage others to do the same. Small local victories have a tremendous impact on individuals and add up to lasting change. Don't mourn, organize!
Indigenous Rights Watch presents free screenings of six films that address the longest-standing human rights issue in the United States. The festival runs from Friday, Nov. 5, to Sunday, Nov. 7. All screenings will take place in Room 2 of the Ward Building at American University (4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW). A discussion will follow each screening.
Friday, Nov. 5, 8 p.m. To Protect Mother Earth: Broken Treaty II (60 minutes) by Joel Freedman
Saturday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m. Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story (90 minutes) by Michael Apted
Saturday, Nov. 4, 5 p.m. In the Light of Reverence (75 minutes) by Toby McLeod
Sunday, Nov. 7, 2 p.m. Drum Beat for Mother Earth: Persistent Organic Pollutants Threatening Indigenous Peoples (56 minutes) by Indigenous Environmental Network and Greenpeace
Sunday, Nov. 7, 5 p.m. “Una Muerte en Sion” (A Death in Zion) (25 minutes) by Adam Goldstein
The Institute for Policy Studies (733 15th St. NW, Ste.1020; McPherson Square Metro) is hosting a town hall meeting, The November Election Results: An Analysis by Progressive Leaders.
What are the results of the U.S. presidential election? Was it fairly counted? What do the results mean to progressive politics in the US and around the world?
Join in on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1 to 3 p.m., or listen in live on WPFW-FM (89.3).
At the Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW; 202/667-7960), videographer-mixmaster Robin Bell and DJ Spooky will reframe the political debate right before your eyes, instantaneously deconstructing and remixing election returns from the various TV networks (plus a little canned footage "for context") while providing a move-and-groove soundtrack to encourage a civil exchange of ideas ($12).
The 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW; 202/393-0930) and WHFS (99.1 FM) are hosting a big Rock the Vote fundraiser, with hip-hop hosts the Poem-Cees fronting as election results roll on the big screen and a very special DJ set from Bob Mould. VIP tickets are $25, general admission is $12.
Stetson's (1610 U St. NW; 202/667-6295) plans to keep its six screens going as long as it takes and will pick up the tax tab on all food and drink, the equivalent of a 10 percent discount.
The nonpartisan FairVote/Center for Voting and Democracy, which promotes election reform, is hosting a "couch pundit extravaganza" at the Big Hunt (1345 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202/785-2333) with large-screen viewing, predict-the-swing-state vote contests and happy-hour prices all night ($10 donation requested).
Capitol Hill's Hawk and Dove (329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; 202/543-3300) will put all five rooms to good use by featuring a different network's coverage in each room.
Come together. Stand up. Gather in solidarity. Let's remember the issues that connect us all — peace, justice, security, jobs, housing. This non-partisan vigil, sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, will be held Monday, Nov. 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Freedom Plaza (13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW; Metro Center or Federal Triangle Metro). For more information, call 202/299-1050 or send an e-mail.
DC Metro Action is published by Michael Schlesinger, a 32-year veteran of electoral and issue organizing who is committed to social justice and to increasing participation in the political process.
All original content (C) 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Michael Schlesinger
The Amnesty International DC Women's Human Rights Action Team (Check out 
World AIDS Day – on Wednesday, Dec. 1 – celebrates the progress made in the battle against the epidemic and brings into focus the remaining challenges.
The new 
Do you want to become more involved with human rights activities in the DC area? Join the 
This is the final weekend to see "Zooman and the Sign," Charles Fuller's play that explores the confrontation between a family and their neighbors after their young daughter is shot and killed while playing on the front porch. This 1980 Obie Award-winning work remains timely and compelling, and this adaptation – set in Washington, DC – illustrates how violence and indifference continue to destroy our own neighborhoods and communities.
A directory of cell phone numbers will be published soon. This opens the door to solicitors calling our cell phones and using up our minutes. The Federal Trade Commission has set up a "do not call" list for cell phones. Call 888/382-1222 from the phone you wish to register, or 
Join DC Poets Against the War as they celebrate the publication of the second edition of "DC Poets Against the War: An Anthology," and call for an end to the killing in Iraq. Poets will read their poems from the anthology, to be followed by an open mic. Come hear voices for peace and share your words of hope and resistance. Among the anthologized poets planning to read are: Patricia Gray, John Clarke, Ann Knox, Sarah Browning, Yael Flusberg, Leah Harris and Wade Fletcher.
While emergency and hypothermia bed space for single men and women is theoretically available so far this November, more and more DC homeless – men and women and families – are staying out in the cold. Why? Because DC Mayor Anthony Williams has closed two shelters this year as part of his ongoing attempts to move the homeless out of sight.
Experience the significance of the harvest through a documentary film and photo exhibit, and enjoy free tastings of authentic Palestinian olive oil and olives. Traditional Middle Eastern desserts will be served, and traditional Palestinian crafts, olive oil, olive soap, olive tree saplings, olive wood carvings, and various Middle Eastern cook books and music CDs will be available for purchase throughout the evening! Admission is free and open to the public.
Over 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli occupation. When traveling from one village or city to another to go to work, to visit relatives, or to get medical treatment, they must pass through Israeli checkpoints. These checkpoints, essentially the first points of contact between the two peoples, have enormous significance in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The groups will hold a vigil at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (7100 Georgia Ave. NW) on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 7 a.m. to noon. They will assemble and greet commuters at 7 a.m., and hold a 9 a.m. press conference and rally. An open mic will be available all morning.
We will bring people with first-hand information to the table. And Stand Up! wants you to share your thoughts, too!
