Weekly Email Update 9.10.18
“If I were an octopus, things would be so much easier. I’d have one arm to wipe Aurora’s nose. Two more for holding both kids’ hands when I pick them up from the Head Start bus stop to keep Bryce from wandering into the street after some rock he’s spotted. One to hold Hector and his diaper bag on the afternoons when my mom works at the Pizza Pit. One to adjust my shirt because it doesn’t really fit and it can get too revealing if I’m not paying attention, and I don’t want to be “that girl.” One so I could do my homework at least some of the time if I wanted. One to pick up Cheerios that are always on the floor. And the last one to swipe a can of Easy Cheese from the Cumberland Farms convenience store. Because little snowmen out of Easy Cheese are the most magical thing little kids have ever seen.”
Ann Braden,
The Benefits of Being an Octopus
There's lots to get to this week, Windham County Neighbors. Join us for free veggies, vigils, lectures, workshops, meetings, and even a book launch - all happening this week. The change in seasons is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and attend a meeting or workshop that may be new for you. We can't wait to see you there.
HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th, 2018
Share the Harvest
sponsored by Edible Brattleboro, A Project of Post Oil Solutions
Sunday, September 9th, 2018 at the Turning Point Garden (the corner of Elm Street and Frost Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am-1pm. Please bring your own bags.
Join Edible Brattleboro from 11am-1pm in our garden at Turning Point, on the corner of Elm and Frost Street (diagonally across from New England Youth Theatre) for free, locally grown veggies, herbs, and more. Please bring your own bags. All produce is free thanks to the generosity of local farmers and gardeners. We welcome donations from your garden. We also welcome donations of your time either on Saturdays or Sundays to keep the stand open through October.
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Huddle Up With Lt. Governor Zuckerman and Youth Vote
Sunday, September 9th, 2018 at The Putney Public Library (55 Main St, Putney, VT 05346). 1pm-3:30pm. This event is not endorsed or sponsored by the Putney Public Library. All our welcome, but must subscribe to our norms.
Agenda:
1:15pm - "Early Bird" Local Love Brigade Post Card Action
1:30pm- Meeting called to order - Mission and norms
1:35pm- Introductions
1:40pm- Huddle Announcements -
1:45pm- Flipping Windham 1 - Team Sara
1:55pm- Lt. Gov David Zuckerman
2:40pm- Youth Vote with Rio Daims and James Shanti-Strother
3:10pm- Group Announcements
3:20pm- Closing Statements
Check it out on Facebook...https://www.facebook.com/events/260175591280971/?ti=cl.
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HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th, 2018-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th, 2019
When Do We Call It Fascism?
Part of the River Garden Brown Bag Lunch Series and the Brattleboro Democracy Forum
Wednesday, September 12th, 2018 at the River Garden (157 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12pm-1pm.
Tim Kipp and Nick Biddle will review authoritarian tendencies in American history and culture with an eye toward identifying components of fascism. Widening income disparity, declining faith in democratic process, resurgent racism and a shrinking middle-class induce resentment, intolerance and rage. Opportunist elites take advantage of these conditions to promote autocratic policies. The maxims of civilization -- reason, dialogue and compromise -- fall away. Fascistic tyranny arises. How far along that path is the United States today? Come find out what we, and you, think about this unfortunate but unavoidable question.
-Nick Biddle, PhD: Nick is a retired professor of history and co-owner of Artrageus1 in Brattleboro.
-Tim Kipp: Tim taught US history, political science, and law for 39 years. He has been a political activist since the 1960s.
Give a presentation at the Democracy Forum. Stand up for democracy on Main Street. Wednesdays, 12 to 1. Contact: Woody 802 464 3154-- [email protected]. WE CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY/CIVIL RIGHTS FOR ALL, positive nonviolent public action for democracy and equal civil rights for all people.
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Protest Vigil at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, September 14th, 2018 (and every Friday) at TD Bank Brattleboro (215 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT). In front of the building. 12pm-1pm. Signs will be provided
TD is a major investor in Tar Sands. TD helps to fund the Dakota Access Pipeline. What You Can Do (besides attending the vigils): If you’re a TD depositor, change banks! Founded in 2005, Post Oil Solutions is a 501c3 community organizing project in Southeastern Vermont whose mission is to help empower the people of the Central Connecticut River Valley bioregion in this era of global warming and climate change to develop sustainable, resilient , collaborative, and socially just communities leading to a self- and community-sufficient post petroleum society.
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The Bi-Weekly Solidarity Vigil
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, September 14th, 2018 at the Windham Hotel Corner (across from Flat Iron Café, Bellows Falls, VT). 1pm-2pm.
A vigil of community, solidarity and diversity. We are one cause of peace, freedom & social justice for all living beings. Bring signs expressing your passion and concerns.
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Launch Party: The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden
Friday, September 14th, 2018 at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center (10 Vernon Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5pm-7:30pm. Family Friendly. Donations for the Women's Freedom Center will be accepted. Books will be available for purchase on site.
Join us to celebrate the launch of Ann Braden's middle grade novel THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS. This family-friendly party will also serve as a benefit for the Women's Freedom Center. Enjoy book-themed foods like yogurt, saltines with Easy Cheese, and chocolate pudding, as well as cupcakes with octopuses on top! Listen to a short reading from the novel, followed by a conversation between Ann Braden and Library Director Starr Latronica. You'll be able to find out more about the important work the Women's Freedom Center does, and you'll get to show off your best octopus dance on the dance floor. There will be octopus tattoos, octopus stickers, octopus fun facts, octopus selfies, and don't forget about the octopus cupcakes. A fun time will be had, no matter how many arms you have!
Here is more information about THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS:
"This is a compassionate look at poverty, hard choices, and defending one's right to be treated humanely. A very fine first novel, written with a deft hand.”
― Newbery Award Winner Karen Hesse
Some people can do their homework. Some people get to have crushes on boys. Some people have other things they've got to do.
Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there's Lenny, her mom's boyfriend―they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer. At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend Fuchsia has her own issues, and since they're in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it's best if no one notices them.
Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses.
Unfortunately, she's not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club. Even though Zoey resists participating, debate ultimately leads her to see things in a new way: her mom’s relationship with Lenny, Fuchsia's situation, and her own place in this town of people who think they're better than her. Can Zoey find the courage to speak up, even if it means risking the most stable home she's ever had? This moving debut novel explores the cultural divides around class and the gun debate through the eyes of one girl, living on the edges of society, trying to find her way forward.
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Share the Harvest
sponsored by Edible Brattleboro, A Project of Post Oil Solutions
Sunday, September 16th, 2018 at the Turning Point Garden (the corner of Elm Street and Frost Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am-1pm. Please bring your own bags.
Join Edible Brattleboro from 11am-1pm in our garden at Turning Point, on the corner of Elm and Frost Street (diagonally across from New England Youth Theatre) for free, locally grown veggies, herbs, and more. Please bring your own bags. All produce is free thanks to the generosity of local farmers and gardeners. We welcome donations from your garden. We also welcome donations of your time either on Saturdays or Sundays to keep the stand open through October.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Environmental Justice & Nuclear Waste: The Road from New England to Texas and New Mexico
sponsored by the Safe and Green Campaign
Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 at the Centre Congregational Church (193 Main St., Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6pm. Leslie Sullivan Sachs, [email protected] 802-763-8459.
CAN is organizing a High-level Nuclear Waste (HLNW) Tour in New England to address the abdication by the federal government and the nuclear industry to deal with HLNW stranded at nuclear sites throughout the country. We have a ‘mock’ high-level nuclear waste cask and are taking it on the road to show people what an estimated 1,000 shipments through New England could look like.
The tour will bring speakers from across the country to discuss the issues of nuclear waste, federal policy, environmental justice and direct action.
Speakers include Kerstin Rudek from Peoples Initiative Bürgerintiative Umweltschutz Lüchow‑Dannenberg (Germany), organizer of the successful opposition to nuclear waste transport to Gorleben; Tim Judson, executive director of Nuclear Information and Resource Service; Leona Morgan from the Navajo Nation; and CAN’s Chris Williams and Deb Katz who will address the issues of NorthStar’s decommissioning goals including sending HLNW from Vermont Yankee to Texas. The Tour will focus on the industry’s attempt to create centralized interim storage (CIS) for HLNW in Andrews County, Texas as well as a second site in Hobbs, NM. Recently, legislation passed the House that would support this controversial approach and fund it. It’s important for people to know where their legislator stands on this industry driven nuclear waste and environmental justice issue. Speakers will address the need to create a permanent solution for this toxic waste and how it will impact vulnerable communities. What is needed is a scientifically sound and environmentally just solution. Please join us on Sept. 19th at the Centre Congregational Church Parlor. If you have a conflict, on Thursday Sept. 20th the Tour will be in Greenfield MA, at 7:00 PM, Hawks and Reed, 289 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, NUCLEAR BLUES with The Wildcat O’Halloran Band, “Downtown” Bob Stannard, Court Dorsey as “Will Nukem”, and speakers.
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Come Celebrate The Root's 5th Birthday
Saturday, September 22nd, 2018 at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). First Floor. 3pm-8pm. The event is wheelchair accessible. Please come fragrance free. For more information please go to www.therootsjc.org, call 802.254.3400, or email [email protected].
We are celebrating the success of the past 5 years and raising funds to keep our future strong. Become a monthly sustainer and get one of our new Root t-shirts!
Agenda:
3pm Making signs for the parade
4pm Racial Justice Parade around Brattleboro
6pm-8pm Potluck Dinner and Short Program followed by Performances
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Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up
Monday September 24th, 2018 at KidsPLAYce (20 Elliot St., Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:30pm-7:30pm. A vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 8 and under will be provided. RSVP helpful, but not required. Contact Abby Mnookin for more info at [email protected].
Mother Up!: Families Rise Up for Climate Action is a project of 350Vermont that brings together families to talk about the tough realities of climate change and to participate in the transition to a healthier and safer world. We'll continue on our theme of "adaptation." What does that word mean to you, and how does it relate to our changing climate?
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Climate Café Hosts Presentation on Vermont’s Wildlife in a Changing Climate
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Tuesday, September 25th, 2018 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT). 6pm-8pm. Free. Light refreshments will be available. For further information, contact Tim Stevenson, [email protected] or 802.869.2141.
The September Climate Café is pleased to host Tom Rogers of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department for a presentation about Vermont’s wildlife in a changing climate. Vermonters of all ages are invited to attend.
Through colorful photos and captivating stories, the audience will come away with a new understanding of how climate change is affecting wildlife. Rogers will talk about what people can do to help conserve biodiversity in Vermont in the face of these new threats.
“From warmer, wetter winters to increasingly severe storms, wildlife faces a variety of challenges from a changing climate,” said Rogers. “We’ll discuss how different species might continue to respond to many of these challenges and what conservationists are doing to address them.”
Tom Rogers is a biologist who has worked on a variety of conservation projects, researching zebras in Kenya, golden-winged warblers in New York, sage grouse and bald eagles in Wyoming, and grizzly bears in Montana. Tom currently works in outreach for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, connecting the public with fish and wildlife through writing, speaking, and photography.
The Climate Café is a project of Post Oil Solutions that convenes the 4th Tuesday of most months.
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Building Community Resilience in the Age of Trump
a presentation by Post Carbon Institute and sponsored by Post Oil Solutions & Everyone’s Books
Wednesday, September 26th, 2018 at 118 Elliot Street (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 7pm-8:30pm. This event is free, though donations will be gratefully accepted, and light refreshments will be available. For further information, contact Tim Stevenson, [email protected] or 802.869.2141.
Post Oil Solutions and Everyone’s Books is pleased to host a talk by Asher Miller and Rob Dietz of the Post Carbon Institute on the topic “Building Community Resilience in the Age of Trump.
It seems that everywhere we turn — politically, economically, environmentally — things are awry. Sadly, we’re likely to experience even more disruption and shocks in the months and years to come as the full effects of climate change, resource scarcity, and economic uncertainty and inequality are felt. Worse, many of our nation’s leaders are not only failing to address these issues, they are determined to make them harder to solve.
While resistance and political engagement on the national scale are critical, it is likely that the greatest progress and most important interventions will happen at the local level. Join us for a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of what it means to build community resilience in the Age of Trump.
Founded in 2003, Post Carbon Institute is a think tank which provides information and analysis on climate change, energy scarcity, and other issues related to sustainability and long term social resilience. Asher Miller is the Executive Director of Post Carbon Institute; Rob Dietz is its Program Director.
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Sign Making, Song Rehearsal, and Speech Writing
Thursday, September 30th, 2018, at the Hooker-Dunham Theatre (137 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Lobby. 5:30pm. Located down the alley, off of Main Street in Downtown Brattleboro.
Please bring your own materials for signs. Please RSVP so that we can plan ahead. To help or for info contact Woody: 802 464 3154 or [email protected]. We Celebrate Democracy/Civil Rights for All is funded by small local donations. Donations will be accepted at the event. Positive nonviolent public action for democracy and equal civil rights for all people.
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Two Workshops with Sherri Mitchell, Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice Activist
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Healing Our Collective Trauma and Reconnecting with Our Spiritual Source + Healing Our Divisions and Biases and Unifying Our Movements
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 - Sunday, October 28th, 2018 at the Winston Prouty Campus (209 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in Croker Hall on the 4th Floor. 9am-5pm. Handicapped accessible. Updated location/instructions to follow closer to event. We will only accommodate the first 50 people that register, with a wait list beyond. The minimum participants are 20; we will cancel if we get less than this, and reimburse registrants accordingly. People are encouraged to bring a bag lunch and snacks for themselves, or to share. Registration: $125.00. Write & Mail Check to Post Oil Solutions, P. O. Box 431, Townshend, VT 05353, (note “Sherri Mitchell” in memo line). Please include e-mail address and phone number.
Healing Our Collective Trauma and Reconnecting with Our Spiritual Source
Description: This one-day workshop will take participants on a journey into Native American mythology and cosmology, as a means of healing our collective wounds and reconnecting with spiritual source. We have all been impacted by histories of violence. The oppressed, the oppressor, and the witness alike bear the wounds of our collective past. Together, we will look at the psychic and spiritual wounds that we all share and learn how we can untangle their hold on our hearts and minds. Participants will be asked to look at the history that led to this traumatization and explore how it continues to impact their lives. We will also learn how to hold sacred space for one another while our trauma is present. In this process, we will learn that there is a safe space for us to occupy together, whole and intact. Then, we can begin the process of healing our divisions, so that we can go back and claim a new future for all living beings.
Healing Our Divisions and Biases and Unifying Our Movements
Description: This one-day workshop provides participants with an opportunity to look at the divisions and biases, including hidden biases, that have been built into our societies and ideologies. We will look at the divisions created by our shared history, the biases informed by that history, and the ways that they prevent us from joining our movements. We will learn how to find interest convergence points that enable us to work with one another across these divisions, and how to manage the intersectionality of the emerging movement of movements.
REFUND POLICY FOR PARTICIPANT CANCELLATION: People can get a refund of the full price if they cancel 10 days prior to the event; after that they can get 50% up to 5 days before the event. If they fail to cancel before that time they will get a 25% refund up to 48 hours before the event and no refund within 48 hours.
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Feedback Needed
Brattleboro Inclusion Center Survey
Inclusion Center is interested in feedback so that we may grow and satisfy the many needs of our community.
We would appreciate your assistance through filling out the survey/s below (they each take less than two minutes to complete), and/or passing these along to the appropriate clients, friends and/or family members.
1. Survey for those who are interested in coming to the Inclusion Center but have not done so.
Many people express interest in attending InclusionCenter yet infrequently or never show up. Please help us understand how we can help you, your friends, or family attend Inclusion Center sessions. This survey will take less than two minutes to complete.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TLQRHV5
2. Survey for those who have or do come to the Inclusion Center.
We are interested in knowing which hours and days you would like IC to be open. This survey will take less than two minutes to complete. Please assist us by sharing this survey with others, as well.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVL8XXT
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RESOURCE FOR WeCAN: Rapid Response Text Alert System
When WeCAN began Song & Solidarity set up a Rapid Response Text Alert System for WeCAN Groups. Directions for signing up are on WeCAN's website, here: https://www.wecantogether.net/rapid_response We were reminded of the Rapid Response text alerts system as President Trump moves towards firing Mueller. In the event Mueller is fired, MoveOn is planning a nation-wide simultaneous protest. The trick will be to get the word out fast if/when the time comes. We are grateful to Song and Solidarity for providing this service.
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STANDING REGULAR MEETINGS
Lost River Racial Justice, Black Lives Matter-South, and People Of Color Caucus Regular Meeting
Reoccurring racial justice organizing meetings every 2nd Monday at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio of the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) on the First Floor. 6pm-8pm.
Childcare provided. Fragrance & nut free space.
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Youth 4 Change
Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 5:30pm-8pm.
For more information please contact Youth 4 Change at [email protected].
Agenda:
5:30pm: Drop in homework time and art making
6:00pm: Food
6:30pm: Meeting and Organizing
Youth 4 Change is for local-area youth 12-22 interested in political organizing around local/state/national social justice issues that are important to them. Brattleboro area advocates and educators are holding a space, and assisting youth in building a strong personal tool kit to organize for change. Using a variety of creative methods, we aim to enable youth with tools for resilience, courage and compassion, while fostering their ability to speak up about issues that matter to them, and to take action in the name of love and liberation for all people. Come explore issues of racial, economic and gender justice through art, movement, first-hand accounts and contemplative practices. Connect with area youth around the issues that matter to you and strengthen your tool kit for action!
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Alternatives to Suicide
Every Wednesday, 6pm-7:30pm at the Hive Space (24 Flat St, Suite 202, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). Second Floor, up one flight of stairs.
Alternatives to Suicide is a mutual support group open to anyone who has experienced thoughts of suicide. The group is guided by a charter of values provided by the Western Mass Recovery Learning Community. The group is non-clinical and does not link suicide with illness. Participants are free to talk about and find meaning in their experiences in/on their own terms.
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ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Indigo Radio
Sundays at 12pm on Brattleboro Community Radio 107.7FM
To stream live: Visit www.wvew.org
Indigo Radio, deepening understanding and making connections! IndigoRadio is a group of area educators seeking to learn through engaging with others in our community and throughout the world. We will be talking about educational and social issues both globally and locally and connecting them to our lives and Brattleboro community. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigoradiowvew/. For archive recordings of past shows: https://soundcloud.com/user-654648353
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You may notice a difference in our sign-off signature this week, Friends. One of our incredibly dedicated leaders, Ann Braden, is taking a step back from our weekly e-mails to concentrate on her other projects. Keep yours eyes open for her new book The Benefits of Being an Octopus (http://annbradenbooks.com/books/) in bookstores now and join us in congratulating her at her official book launch on September 14th in Brattleboro (event details are listed in the above email). Thank you, Ann, for bringing so many of us together in solidarity. You are truly a spark that has lit a massive fire of action and we thank you so very, very much.
Your {{ broadcaster.name }},
Joanna and Leslie
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