Weekly Update 12.10.18
“To talk about race and food, we have to change the terms of engagement. We should reward not just the finished product of transformation but the process. My personal experiences, hosting public dinners on race and immigration, over the last year and a half in communities across the country, has taught me that the tensions inherent in these sorts of conversations are reconcilable only through a substantive transformation of the individual and the system. Both have to inform each other, happening in tandem, and also independently.”
Tunde Wey,
writer and host of the Blackness in America Dinner Series
It seems like Winter is coming on fast, friends, and many of us are in the mood for family, friends, food, and, of course, resisting. While we're cozied up under our blankets and sweaters this December here are a few good (food) books that will keep your spirit hungry for progress and your soul full of fuel. Happy reading...and cooking!
- America the Cookbook by Gabrielle Langholtz: A compendium of 800 home-cooking recipes from across all 50 states of America that covers every region’s specialties and a range of cultural cuisines. America: The Cookbook acknowledges the culinary influences and contributions of both Native Americans and immigrant populations as well. (https://www.phaidon.com/store/food-cook/america-the-cookbook-9780714873961/)
- A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things: A Guide to Capitalism, Nature, and the Future of the Planet by Nicola Temple: A History of the World...explores how processing methods have evolved in many of the foods that we love in response to big business, consumer demand, health concerns, innovation, political will, waste and even war. (https://www.amazon.com/History-World-Seven-Cheap-Things/dp/0520293134)
- Feed the Resistance: Recipes and Ideas for Getting Involved by Julia Turshen: Recipes are mindful of affordability, time, and dietary requirements, ranging from “easy meals for folks who are too busy resisting to cook” to “feeding the masses”. All proceeds from the book will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union. (https://www.amazon.com/Feed-Resistance-Recipes-Getting-Involved/dp/1452168385)
- The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South by Michael W. Twitty: Culinary historian and author of the blog Afroculinaria, Michael W. Twitty, explores the history of African-American cooking and and how it has shaped the Southern American culinary tradition. (https://thecookinggene.com/)
- The New Food Activism: Opposition, Cooperation, and Collective Action edited by Alison Alkon and Julie Guthman: The New Food Activism explores how food activism can be pushed toward deeper and more complex engagement with social, racial, and economic justice and toward advocating for broader and more transformational shifts in the food system. (https://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520292147)
- Cooking Up Trouble by Leela Cyd and Anne Parker: (from the author) We can’t do everything to fix this alternate political reality we’re living, but we can contribute in the best way we know how and give 100% of all proceeds from this book to Planned Parenthood, a place that has nurtured and protected us and so many of our friends throughout our lives. (https://cookinguptrouble.org/buy-the-book/3m6hdos50zhvun10p8fmtnv3ighovk)
- The Food Activist Handbook by Ali Berlow:Small steps can create big changes in your community’s food quality and food security, helping to get more healthy food to more people and support a better food system. Ali Berlow shows you dozens of things that anyone can do, from creating a neighborhood kitchen for preserving fresh food to mapping farmland. (http://www.aliberlow.com/the-food-activist-handbook/)
Would you like to add your favorite book to this list? Send us your reading suggestions at [email protected] and we'll include them in an upcoming Weekly Email Update!
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HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9th, 2018
Shine a Light for Social Justice
hosted by the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community and Congregation Shir Heharim
Sunday, December 9th, 2018 at Centre Congregational Church (Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:15pm-5:30pm.
In solidarity with the challenges that all marginalized people in our country face today, the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community (BAJC) will be shining a light for social justice on each of the eight nights of Chanukah (December 2-9) in eight Brattleboro, Vermont venues.
• Sunday December 9th, the last night of Chanukah. The Centre Congregational Church will host the candle that shines a light on the LGBTQ community.
Local businesses are enthusiastic for the opportunity to host a night of candle lighting and to share the message of Chanukah to a wider audience in support of the following Human Rights issues. All events begin promptly at 5:15pm.
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Liberty in a Soup
sponsored by the Windham World Affairs Council, 118 Elliot Street, and Haiti Orphanage Sponsorship Trust (HOST)
Sunday, December 9th, 2018 at 118 Elliot (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5pm-8pm. For more info, please visit: http://www.windhamworldaffairscouncil.org/future-events/.
Windham World Affairs Council and 118 Elliot are sponsoring this celebration and benefit event being offered by the Haiti Orphanage Sponsorship Trust (HOST), a small, grassroots non-profit based in Vermont whose mission is to meet basic needs for food, education, medical care, and other essentials for the children living at Foyer Evangelique Orphanage in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti.
We will screen a documentary by Haitian filmmaker Dudley Alexis called "Liberty in a Soup." This film tells the story of the Haitian Revolution in 1804 and the origins of the Haitian Independence Day tradition of Haitian families gathering to celebrate freedom and enjoy a meal of a pumpkin-based soup called Soup Joumou each year on January 1.
After the film, we will enjoy a meal of homemade Soup Joumou, traditionally a mix of squash, potatoes and meat, but we will also offer a vegetarian version as well as bread, cheese and beverages. Suggested contribution is $10 per person. All proceeds will be utilized to support HOSTs mission.
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HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, DECEMBER 10th, 2018-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 2018
SIT Graduate Institute Capstone Projects
Tuesday, December 11th, 2018 - Thursday, December 13th, 2018 at The SIT Campus (1 Kipling Road, Brattleboro, VT, 05302). Times vary. Please see https://www.sit.edu/welcome-to-the-sit-newsroom/press-releases/december-2018-capstone-seminar/\\ or call 802-258-3527 for details and/or questions about accessibility or disability-related accommodations.
The public is invited to hear SIT Graduate Institute students present their capstone projects Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 11-13, on the SIT campus. The capstone is a demonstration of students’ integration of theory and practice in their field. Twelve students completing their Masters in Peace Building and Conflict Transformation; International Education; Sustainable Development; and Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management will present their capstones this week. Their topics range from sustainability in the cocoa supply chain to social justice and transformative learning in English language curriculum design, and post-conflict reconciliation initiatives in Rwanda.
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Men, Patriarchy, and Capitalism
hosted by Brattleboro Solidarity
Thursday, December 13th, 2018 from 6pm-7:30pm
All meetings will take place at the Brattleboro Food Co-op (2 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Community Room (please use the 7 Canal Street Entrance). Readings will be provided. Refreshments will be served. This is a free event. Please email us at [email protected] to sign up.
Men, please join us in doing this work! From the European witch hunts of the 1300's to rape culture, male violence has been a troubling theme of modern history. Thanks to the visibility gained by social mobilizations such as the MeToo movement, one would be hard-pressed to argue that we have made much progress in decreasing it. In mainstream discourse, male violence is explained away as the actions of deviant individuals, "bad apples." This explanation avoids questions that implicate the system in which we live. In order to really understand where male violence comes from, we need to situate our understanding in a larger analysis of history.
Grounded in readings from (but not limited to) Angela Davis, bell hooks, Silvia Federici, and Jackson Katz, we will focus on the following questions:
- Is male violence a men’s issue for men to analyze, discuss and end?
- What are the connections within the current political climate to historical events?
- How do our thoughts and ideology shape our actions and interactions?
- Does capitalism affect how men act in the world?
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Panel: Addiction and Recovery in Our Community
sponsored by the Brattleboro Retreat and supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts
Thursday, December 13th, 2018 at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (10 Vernon Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 7pm-9pm. Free. For more information please go to www.brattleboromuseum.org.
Susan Avery of Nar-Anon, Lt. Adam Petlock of the Brattleboro Police Department, Susan Walker of Turning Point of Windham County, and Kurt White of the Brattleboro Retreat share their perspectives on addiction and recovery resources in our community. Moderated by Geoff Kane, MD, Chief Addiction Services at the Brattleboro Retreat.
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Brattleboro Winter Farmers Market
a project of Post Oil Solutions
Saturday, December 15th, 2018 (and every Saturday thru March 30) in the C.F. Church Building (80 Flat Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 10am-2pm. Accepting credit, debit, and EBT. Crop Cash turns $10 EBT into $20 every week. Lunch cafe and live music. For info email [email protected], call 802-869-2141, or visit us at www.brattleborowinterfarmersmarket.org.
New Location! Larger and more accessible. Free Parking. All local - farm produce, meats, syrup, fresh baked goods, cheeses, fruits, cider, pickles, preserves, handmade jewelry, pottery, soaps and more. Building community every week.
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A Conversation with Your Legislators: Becca Balint, Jeanette White, Matthew Trieber, Carolyn Partridge, Mike Mrowicki, and Nader Hashim
sponsored by the: The Rockingham Democratic Committee and the Westminster Democratic Committee
Saturday, December 15th, 2018 at the Rockingham Public Library (65 Westminster St, Bellows Falls, VT 05101) from 11am-1pm. Questions? Please contact Leslie Goldman, chair, Rockingham Democratic Committee at [email protected].
Join Senators Becca Balint and Jeanette White of Windham County, Representatives Matthew Trieber and Carolyn Partridge from Windham-3 and Mike Mrowicki and Nader Hashim from Windham-4 for a conversation at Rockingham Public Library this December 15th!
Senator Becca Balint has identified several concerns for the next session: “With a woman’s right to choose under attack federally, the state legislature will push to pass legislation that will guarantee that right in statute. The federal government should not control women’s bodies.”
“The legislature passed Family Medical Leave Insurance and minimum wage increase last session. Both were vetoed by Governor Scott. We are determined to again pass legislation to make Vermont more affordable.”
“Vermonters are rightly demanding a more robust conversation about our renewable energy goals in a fossil fuel-free future. We are looking forward to getting the Joint Fiscal Report in January on carbon pricing, and we hope it will be a roadmap forward to help us meet our goals.” What are your concerns?? Bring them to the conversation on December 15!
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Fair and Impartial Policing Discussion
hosted by Nadir Hashim for State Representative and The Putney Huddle
Sunday, December 16th, 2108 at the Putney Public Library (55 Main Street, Putney, VT, 05346). 5pm-7pm.
The Putney Huddle is excited to cosponsor a discussion on race relations and fair and impartial policing in Vermont with Representative Mike Mrowicki and Representative-elect Nader Hashim. Join us, along with guest speakers, Steffen Gillom, president of the Windham County NAACP and Lieutenant Scott, chair of the Fair & Impartial Policing committee, Dec 16, 5pm, at the Putney Public Library, for what is sure to be an interesting and informative evening.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up
Monday December 17th, 2018 at KidsPLAYce (20 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 5:30pm-7:30pm.
A vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 10 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. Cara Meinke will be joining us to talk about her work as a wildlife biologist in general and research on bats in particular. We'll also explore how to parent, slow down, consume more joy / less stuff, and connect to the natural world during the whirlwind of the winter holidays.
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Solstice Ride: A Critical Mass Bicycle Ride
Friday, December 21st, 2018 on the Brattleboro Common (Park Place, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:30pm-6:30pm. NOTE: This event is weather-dependent.
Join another fun and empowering community ride in celebration of the winter solstice! Kids and families welcome! Critical (and "Kidical") Mass rides have a unique way of energizing folks around bike mobility, transportation solutions and amplifying our collective ability and power to begin reclaiming our streets and communities. We need this, and we need YOU!
Agenda:
5:30pm: This time, we'll be starting AND ending at the Brattleboro Common. We'll begin by getting organized, signing in, decorating bikes, and going over our route.
5:45pm: Begin Critical Mass ride. This will be a high-visibility downtown route!
6:00pm: End ride back at the Brattleboro Common. Celebrate with hot apple cider and solidarity in community.
The Critical Mass bike ride that occurred on Saturday, September 8th, 2018 as part of the Global Rise for Climate was the largest activist ride ever in the area & a sign of the emergence of a bike mobility revolution in our region. A second critical mass ride took place on Saturday, October 20th, 2018.
Help us spread the word to help make this another successful critical mass ride!!
Image credit: Hugh D'Andrade
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Get the Word Out!: Non-Profit Showcase
hosted by Strolling of the Heifers and the Robert H. Gibson River Garden
Friday, January 4th, 2018 at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden (157 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:30pm-8:30pm. Contact Vicki Friedman for more information: [email protected] or call 802-246-0982.
Get the Word Out about your non-profit organization during January Gallery Walk! Organizations can distribute information, sign up volunteers, attract donors, and get event participants at Strolling of the Heifers' annual celebration of local non-profits. Sign up today! Space is limited. REGISTER HERE:https://www.strollingoftheheifers.com/get-word-registration-2019/.
Exhibitor Fee: $35.00.
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The Brattleboro Town ADA Committee is focusing their attention on parking issues for people with mobility issues in our downtown. If you, your friend or family member has a mobility issue of any kind, please take a minute or two to fill out the survey (below). The ADA committee encourages you to share the survey so that many people can give their input as well. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JWS8VJY
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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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Have a wonderful week, WeCANners! We can't wait to see you at a meeting or even this coming week.
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