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).
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Support GU Workers' Right to Organize!
Join campus workers from Georgetown University as they speak out about their struggle to organize for union representation and living wages! In keeping with Georgetown's and Jesuits' commitment to human rights, specifically the right to organize, call on President DeGioia to accept our card check policy. Speakers include:
* Georgetown workers P&R Janitors speak about their struggle to unionize at Georgetown! * Georgetown students from MEChA, GSC, and other groups * Jos Williams (President of DC Labor Council) * Jean Pender (Laborers' Union) * Emil Abate (UNITE HERE local 27) * Pablo Eisenberg (Georgetown Public Policy Institute) * Rabbi David Shneyer (religious and community leader)
This year's DC Dyke March "End the Apathy Volunteer in Your Community" will be held on Saturday, June 10. Get involved and help organize the march by attending a dyke march committee meeting.
When: Every Wednesday, starting March 29, at 7:30 p.m. Where: Sparky's Espresso Cafe (1720 14th St. NW) More info: www.geocities.com/dcdykemarch
The quality of education in our schools has been undermined by the political meddling of Congress, chronic under funding, low expectations and shocking disregard for our children.
This has set the stage for privatization of our school system -- in the form of 51 new charter schools and vouchers. Congress would have us believe that our only choice is between an overwhelmed, decaying traditional public school and unaccountable charter schools.
Join with parents, students, teachers, school staff, trade unionists and community members to share what has been learned about charter schools and develop plans to stop the creation of separate and unequal school systems. The Eastern High School PTA, Save Our Schools and the DCPTA will hold a teach-in on school privatization, Admission is free and open to the public. Childcare and translations services will be available. Food will be served.
When: Wednesday, March 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. Where: Eastern High School (1700 East Capitol St. NE) More Info: 202/521-0377 or saveourschoolsdc@yahoo.com
The 40 minute film, "Anacostia: Restoring the People's River," produced by the Anacostia Watershed Society, explores the river's rich cultural history and the inspiring efforts of local people to make the river a clean centerpiece of the community, suitable for swimming and fishing.
Come to a screening, followed by a discussion focusing on women's roles in the restoration of the Anacostia River and insight into the making of this film.
Guest speakers are: James Connolly, Executive Director, Anacostia Watershed Society; Dianne Dale, Anacostia community historian and President, Frederick Douglass Gardens, Inc.; and Gayle Hazelwood, Superintendent, National Capital Parks East. Admission is free.
"It's often overlooked that more than half a million residents of our nation's capital don't have a vote in Congress.
"While soldiers from D.C. are sent to war and every Washingtonian continues to pay federal taxes, the predominantly African-American residents of D.C. have little power over their laws and tax system.
"Their budget and criminal justice system is under control of the federal government.
"Even the otherwise unemotional Department of Motor Vehicles plays its part in the voting rights movement. Likening D.C.'s situation to Britain's exploitation of colonial America, the standard District license plate exclaims, 'Taxation Without Representation.'"
Join with the DC Radio Co-op and get the basics in sound gathering, interviewing, rapid audio production and distribution. Then participate in shaping what you've learned with immediate feedback at the Pacifica station in DC, WPFW (89.3 FM). By sticking with it and interning for 3-6 months you can learn to:
1. Cover events, the news and record music. 2. Use a mini disc and other recording devices. 3. Edit audio on computer, mix and publish your stories 4. Write the news, conduct interviews and put together story packages. 5. Publish and broadcast your stories. 6. Do live radio, interview, mix music and talks. 7. Produce new programming for Internet streaming - RADIO FOR THE WORLD TO HEAR!
Trainings designed for radical activists. No registration required, just attend.
When: Every Thursday, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Where: People's Media Cafe (Al Fishawy, 4132 Georgia Ave. NW) More Info: 917/681-7228 or 202/588-0999 ext 310.
Studio One Eight presents The Art of War. The exhibit marks the 3-year anniversary of the Iraqi conflict that began on March 20th 2003. The show brings together works inspired by the conflict and current events of the middle east. The exhibit will includes artwork by artists Anna U. Davis, Dana Ellyn, J Coleman, Jordin Isip, Kelly Towles, Lisa Marie Thalhammer, Matt Sesow, Peter Excho, Scott G. Brooks and many others.
When: Through April 8 Where: Studio One Eight (2452 18th St. NW, near Columbia Rd.) More Info: 703/395-1932 or info@studiooneeight.com
When: Saturday, March 18, at 2 p.m. Where: Meet across from Vice President Dick Cheney's house (3450 Massachusetts Avenue, NW.) March down Massachusetts Ave. to Dupont Circle. More Info: DAKirshbm@aol.com
Silent Vigil for Peace This vigil has been held virtually each week since the fall of 2002. Last year on March 19, 2005, over seven hundred people stood in silent witness on the Capitol Lawn. This year, as the third anniversary of the terrible war on Iraq passes, we hope to fill the Capitol Lawn with thousands of vigilers for peace. Come join us. Sponsored by Langley Hill Friends Meeting When: Saturday, March 18, noon Where: West Lawn of the US Capitol More Info: musicnotwar@yahoo.com or 703-281-7293
Alexandria Join with the Virginia chapter of Progressive Democrats of America for a powerful and emotional experience with folksinger Tom Paxton, candlelight, songs and a variety of inspiring speakers. When: Sunday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. Where: Market Square Plaza at City Hall (301 King St., Alexandria) More Info: Alexandriapeace@aol.com
Arlington Join with Peace Initiatives Network of UUCA, Arlingtonians for Peace and Northern Virginians for Peace and Justice to gather, mourn, hope and act. When: Sunday, March 19, at 7 p.m. Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (Fellowship Hall, corner of George Mason Dr. and Arlngton Blvd.; Ballston Metro) More Info: acbridgman@hotmail.com
Join the International Action Center at its monthly forum to screen the movie "Vera Drake" about a working class abortionist in 1950's Britain who performed abortions and comes under terrible state repression for illegally helping women exercise their right to choose. Join in afterward for an open discussion on the movie, the history of International Women's Day and the current right-wing attack on women's rights. There will be light refreshments provided.
When: Wednesday, March 15, at 7 p.m. Where: St. Stephens Church (1525 Newton St. NW) More Info: iacenterdc@yahoo.com or 202/232-0057
Check out the Virginia Grassroots Coalition as they hold a public forum to talk about building a working coalition between progressives and faith-based folks. There is so much common ground in the values the secular and sacred communities hold dear. Help explore that common ground, talking about what keeps us together and what drives us apart. There will be panelists from Faithful America, Sojourners, and the QuakersChristian Peacemaker Teams to talk about the issues. Come join in for a lively evening of food and fellowship.
When: Tuesday, March 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Where: Capitol City Brewing (2700 S. Quincy St). More Info: faith@vagrassroots.org
FEMA announced a two-week extension for all hotel/motel residents in Louisiana and Mississippi, which enables them to remain in their rooms until March 15, 2006. The Gulf Coast Renewal Campaign is not demanding that the agency move deadlines, but that FEMA move Katrina survivors into viable and affordable transitional and long-term housing.
Rally and march to demand that FEMA move the displaced into trailers so that they can work to rebuild their own homes. Send the message to FEMA that we object to holding survivors in limbo, perpetually uncertain about what should be guaranteed for these victims of government neglect and ineptitude.
Sending people long distances from their communities, to live in temporary shelters or trailers where they cannot keep their jobs, is unacceptable. Offering limited rental assistance to a selective group, which cannot pay for real apartments in a city where price gouging has sent rents sky high, is unacceptable.
Join in for a march and vigil in front of the house where George Bush serenely sleeps while thousands face the prospect of their families having no shelter.
When: Tuesday, March 14 Where: A Mardi Gras-style march for justice to the White House will start from the Capitol South Metro stop at 2:00 p.m. A rally and protest at the White House (in Lafayette Park) from 3:00 to 11:59 p.m. More info: protest@hiphopcaucus.org, 202/545-0113 or 888/545-0113
Dance away during a night of political punk rock featuring Blowback, whose lyrics touch on a litany of domestic and international issues from the Middle East, Rwanda and Chile to civil liberties, corporate malfeasance and congressional pandering. The band has played for crowds of 10,000 to 50,000 at numerous DC protests over the past years, but more than music, Blowback has organized and delivered a number of petition drives to Capitol Hill, including actions to repeal the Patriot Act.
Special guests will include: Sam Smith (Progressive Review), Carrie Biggs-Adams (Walter Reed Vigil and CodePink), Jon Braman (Ukulele Hip Hop), Jim Cason (Friends Committee on National Legislation), Margaux Delotte Bennett (poet), Martin Eisen (DC Public Schools teacher) and Allie Robbins (United Students Against Sweatshops). Admission is $5, and you must be 21 to enter.
When: Friday, March 10, from 9 p.m. to midnight Where: Asylum (2471 18th St. NW) More info: 202/319-9353
If you missed CodePink's Delegation of Iraqi Women, here's your last chance to learn firsthand how Iraq has been affected by war and how you can help stop the flawed Bush Administration foreign policy. The evening is cosponsored by the Virginia Grassroots Coalition, the ADAMS Center, and the Dulles Community Action Network. The format will be simple and unscripted. A moderated Q&A session will follow remarks from some of the delegation.
When: Friday, March 10, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Where: The ADAMS Center Mosque (46903 Sugarland Rd., Sterling, Va.) More Info: info@vagrassroots.org. If you need a ride to the mosque from DC, check the CodePink ride board or the Virginia Grassroots Coalition ride-sharing forum.
Are you worried about women's access to abortion? You should be! Heather Booth was a founder of JANE the underground, feminist abortion service that existed from 1969 to 1973 which consisted of over 100 members who provided more than 11,000 illegal abortions in Chicago. The Brian MacKenzie Infoshop, Visions in Feminism, and the Down There Health Collective invite you to hear Booth speak about the struggle for reproductive rights, then and now. The talk will be followed by a discussion on the current anti-choice climate and what we can learn from the story of JANE. Requested admission is a $3 to $5 donation to benefit the Visions in Feminism Conference.
When: Wednesday, March 8, at 7 p.m. Where: Brian MacKenzie Infoshop (1426 Ninth St. NW) More info: events@dcinfoshop.org or 202/986-0681
Join CodePink Women for Peace, Gold Star Families for Peace and the Iraqi Women's Delegation to kick off International Women's Day. The delegation from Iraq will be joined by Cindy Sheehan and Mothers of Gold Star Families for Peace, and Medea Benjamin, Gael Murphy and Jodie Evans of CodePink. Come hear these amazing women speak out about why they are saying no to war and yes to peace! Admission is $10, which will support travel for the Iraqi women and their programs in Iraq.
When: Tuesday, March 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. Where: Foundry United Methodist Church (1500 16th St. NW) More info: Allison Yorra at 202/487-5112, www.womensaynotowar.org or dc@codepinkalert.org
And then, on International Women's Day, rally at the Iraq embassy to support CodePink and the Iraqi women as they deliver 100,000 signatures on a Women's Call to Peace. A march to the White House will follow the rally.
When: Wednesday, March 8, at noon Where: 1801 P St. NW
For those interested in the history of International Women's Day, check out this webpage from the United Nations. To get a feel for the global scope of the holiday, go to www.internationalwomensday.com, a global register of international events where you can search by country.
The National Capital Immigration Coalition comprises more than 40 diverse organizations based in Washington, DC including labor, social services and the religious community who have united to improve the lives of immigrants in the Metro DC area. Rally with them to "Stop HR4437," a bill in Congress that would criminalize 11 million immigrants residing in the US, as well as anyone who provides services, support or assistance to them.
When: Tuesday, March 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. Where: The steps on the west side of the Capitol (Capitol South Metro) More info: Juan Carlos at 414/758-0600 or juancarlos@core.com
The Washington Area Clinic Defense Task Force is an all-volunteer, non-violent group founded in the 1980s to promote peaceful and safe access to women's health clinics in the DC metropolitan area. The group is recruiting volunteer escorts to ensure a peaceful and reassuring presence for patients, their companions and staff at several local clinics. Training sessions are held monthly and are free and open to the public.
When: Tuesday, March 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Greenbelt Branch Library (11 Crescent Rd.) More info: wacdtf@wacdtf.org or 202/797-6577
Come to a concert and screening of the film "A Union Man: The Life and Work of Julius Margolin," the story of the 89-year-old living legend of the New York City labor movement. He's been active since the 1930s in the CIO, National Maritime Union and Local 52 of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, which he has represented in the Central Labor Council for 32 years. A tireless fighter for justice, equality, and peace, Margolin embarked on a new career in 1999, making music and CDs with George Mann while still hitting picket lines and organizing workers in New York City and around the United States.
"A Union Man: The Life and Work of Julius Margolin" is the story of his life through his eyes as well as those he's met along the way. It's an affectionate portrait of a rank-and-file activist still fighting for justice as he approaches 90.
The film will be followed by a Q&A, then a concert by Margolin and Mann. The suggested donation is $5 to $10, but all are welcome regardless. All proceeds will benefit Jobs with Justice.
When: Friday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. Where: Communications Workers of America headquarters (501 Third St. NW, in the Lobby Conference Center) More info: www.georgeandjulius.com
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
