Weekly Update 1.28.19
“The indictment of Roger Stone makes clear that there was a deliberate, coordinated attempt by top Trump campaign officials to influence the 2016 election and subvert the will of the American people. It is staggering that the President has chosen to surround himself with people who violated the integrity of our democracy and lied to the FBI and Congress about it.”
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
via her Statement on Special Counsel Indictment and Arrest of Trump Campaign Advisor Roger Stone
Saturday, January 26th, 2019
Many of you, our awesome WeCAN readers, have asked us to post a list of ways one can help Federal Employees and Government Contract Workers during the shutdown (despite the Bill passed this week, government issued back pay still excludes more than a million contract workers who are predominately janitors, security guards, and food service workers and only extends a functioning government for 21 days)*.
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Donate to GoFundMe's Government Shutdown Direct Relief Fund here: https://www.gofundme.com/govshutdown.
The money raised will be distributed to nonprofit organizations across the country that are offering general relief to government workers, including but not limited to food, counseling, and housing support. This fund will also provide donations to the National Diaper Bank Network, a nonprofit that is supplying diapers to new parents impacted by the shutdown. Additionally, due to the concentration of federal workers in the DC Metro Area, a portion of the funds will be transferred to the World Central Kitchen, providing free meals to federal workers affected by the shutdown. - Donate Your Time or Money directly to World Central Kitchen here: https://www.worldcentralkitchen.org/join-chefsforfeds/
Over 800,000 government workers have been impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. World Central Kitchen has opened a kitchen and cafe in Washington, DC to serve federal employees in need at 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW (near the US Navy Memorial). They are now bringing the effort nationwide through a series of partner chefs, restaurants, and food trucks. Chef Jose Andres spearheads this global World Kitchen initiative which is actively looking for satellite members. Check out this link if you are interested in starting a #ChefsforFeds kitchen here in Vermont. - Donate to Local Food Banks:
Use the Vermont Food Bank's local agency search engine here: https://www.vtfoodbank.org/agency-locator to find your nearest Food Shelf and make a donation. Contact your local Food Bank to see what items they are in need of before you make your trip, if possible, as food banks are significantly depleted right now and have specific needs for their communities. -
Contact Your Local State and Federal Representatives (and Beyond-Local Republican Representatives) and Ask Them to Support "Bill H.R. 339: The Fair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act; to Provide for the Compensation of Federal Contractor Employees That May Be Placed on Unpaid Leave as a Result of the Federal Government Shutdown, and for Other Purposes".
The bill aims to provide up to $600 per paycheck in back pay for furloughed federal contracted employees, including janitorial, food, and security workers. It has the support of Democrats in the House and Senate. The text suggests that the bill would work as such: "if a Federal contractor that provides retail, food, custodial, or security services to the Federal Government places the employees of such contractor on unpaid leave as a result of any lapse in appropriations which begins in fiscal year 2019, the Government shall provide compensation to such employees at their standard rate of compensation for the period of such lapse.”.
Thank you for your activism and action on behalf of your neighbors and community. Every small amount donated matters
HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, JANUARY 27th, 2019
Looking Inward at White Power and Privilege Film Series: BlacKkKlansman
presented by All Souls Church’s Social and Environmental Action Committee (SEAC)
Sunday, January 27th, 2019 at All Souls Church (29 South St, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 12pm. Before the film, the church will provide a free light lunch of chili and corn bread at 11:30am. Like other films in this series, this work includes some challenging content that is not appropriate for children. Child care is available upon request. Anyone with questions or who wants childcare may call Karen Tyler at 413-824-8960.
Enough with documentaries! This month All Souls Church will screen a full-length, commercial feature film on Sunday, Jan. 27, as the next offering in its series “Looking Inward at White Power and Privilege.”
"BlacKkKlansman," the acclaimed 2018 film directed by Spike Lee and starring John David Washington and Adam Driver will be shown for free starting at noon and will be followed by a discussion.
"BlacKkKlansman" portrays the true story of Ron Stallworth, a black police officer who, in the 1970s, successfully infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan.
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Constituent Update from State Representatives Mrowicki and Hashim
hosted by the Putney Huddle
Sunday, January 27th, 2019 at the Putney Public Library (55 Main Street, Putney, VT). 1pm-3pm.
Join Rep. Mrowicki and Rep. Hashim as they update constituents about the first month of the 2019-20 biennium.
The representatives will provide information about the top legislative issues, potential amendments to the Vermont Constitution, and any initial progress that has been made on priority issues. The latter half of the gathering will allow for a Q and A from the audience.
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HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, JANUARY 28th, 2019-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2019
Brattleboro Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up
hosted by 350 Vermont and KidsPLAYce
Monday, January 28th, 2019 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]
Join us in building solidarity among parents by taking action to protect the health and safety of our collective future. Mother Up!: Families Rise Up for Climate Action is a project of 350VT bringing together families to talk about the tough realities of climate change and to participate in the transition to a healthier and safer world. What Joanna Macy calls the “Great Turning,” or the third revolution, is this unprecedented time where we are called to stop the destruction of our world, to build new life-sustaining practices and ways of being, and to shift our collective consciousness. We especially wish to engage young parents in this vital discussion of how we can make positive changes to protect our planet for our children's future.
Join us on Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/groups/1575656819412318
And thank you to KidsPLAYce for continuing to give us a generous discount and hosting our monthly meet-ups!
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Yoga & Chocolate Supports Local Planned Parenthood
hosted by Brattleboro's Reproductive Health Advocates
Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout January; Happening this Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 at 118 Elliot Gallery (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301).
Tuesdays at 5pm-6:30pm. No Reservations are necessary for yoga. There is a $15.00 suggested donation per class and all donations will directly support the New Brattleboro Planned Parenthood opening in mid January.
YOGA & CHOCOLATE will kick off on New Years Day and run every Tuesday and Saturday throughout January. Yoga Locally classes are held every Tuesday (5pm) and Saturday (10:15am) at 118 Elliot Street in Brattleboro. After each class in January, Yoga students will receive an artisan chocolate nugget from Tavenier Chocolate, and a chance to win a variety of gifts from GOOD BODY PRODUCTS.
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Protest Vigil at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, February 1st, 2019 (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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Brattleboro Winter Farmers Market
a project of Post Oil Solutions
Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 (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]oilsolutions.org, 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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How are Racial Justice and Climate Justice Connected? Workshop
hosted by 350 Vermont and 350 Brattleboro
Sunday, February 3rd, 2019 at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 1pm-5pm. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebxHWWRNvJ1HSCFbwVYbiCM9ds1u5YchsHpUxT7Tvw_0_pUA/viewform. Admission is by sliding scale, $0 to $40. Please bring cash or check to the workshop, or mail a check made out to "350Vermont" 179 S. Winooski Ave, Suite 201, Burlington, VT 05401 with "RJ CJ Brattleboro" in the memo note. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Questions? Contact [email protected]
What does racial justice have to do with climate justice? What do we mean by intersectionality? This interactive workshop explores the foundations of these justice movements and how and why they are inextricably bound. Participants will have the opportunity to consider and reflect on their own experiences, listen to the experiences of others, and learn new language and concepts to help support a deepening investigation of climate and racial justice. This is 350Vermont's introductory workshop that offers a series of starting points and questions, rather than a conclusive or summative approach to this content. It will be facilitated by Phoebe Gooding and Abigail Mnookin.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Virtual Cross Class Dialogue Circle
hosted by Equity Solutions
Thursdays, February 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th; March 7th, 14th, and 21st, 2019 at https://www.equitysolutionsvt.com/cross-class-dialogue-circles/. 6pm-8:30pm(EST). This is an online, virtual event. Please see below for technical requirements. Please sign up by Thursday, January 31st, 2019.
Join us to explore, deepen understanding and connections, and work towards economic justice! Find more info, and to sign up: https://www.equitysolutionsvt.com/cross-class-dialogue-circles/
We use an online video platform called Zoom. You need a computer (with webcam/internal camera and a microphone: most laptops have these) and internet access to be part of the circle. If you would like to participate and do not have access to a computer with a webcam, contact us and we'll brainstorm how to get you connected. We’ll strive to make this online offering as accessible as possible. Please check the registration materials for more info.
The economic divide in the US is growing, but we rarely talk to each other meaningfully about class. Cross Class Dialogue Circles bring together up to 20 community members with a diversity of class experiences, from being homeless to managing family foundations, and everything in between. These Circles are a powerful way for people from all different economic backgrounds to come together and talk about their own experiences, listen to each others’ stories and perspectives, and then work together as change makers for economic justice.
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Sweet Treat Open House: A Vernon Community Center Discussion
Hosted by Friends of Vernon Center
Sunday, February 10th, 2019 at Governor Hunt House (Governor Hunt Road, Vernon, VT). 2pm-4pm. Refreshments (baked good! beverages!) will be served.
Join the Friends of Vernon Center for an open house at the Governor Hunt House on Sunday, February 10th, 2019 from 2pm-4pm! Now that Northstar has begun decommissioning work at the Vermont Yankee plant, the Governor Hunt House may become available to the Friends of Vernon Center (a non-profit organization working to encourage development of a village center) for use as a Community Center for Vernon.
What activities would you like to see there, if the Governor Hunt House became the Vernon Community Center? Possibilities include meetings, community events, private events, music, theater, art displays, craft fairs, food festivals — and more! We want to hear your ideas!
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Coffee with Coffey
hosted by Representative Sara Coffey
Saturday, February 16th, 2019 at the Vernon Free Library (567 Governor Hunt Road, Vernon, VT, 05345). 9:30am-10:30am.
During the legislative session Sara will hold monthly "Coffey Hours" with constituents to share updates, answer questions and listen to ideas and concerns. Stop by for a few minutes or for the entire hour!
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COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY
The Inclusion Center Board Member Opportunity
We are excited about finding a few new Board Members for Inclusion Center! The Inclusion Center board is looking for individuals who feel a passion for the goals and ideals of our program.
Board members commit to giving just two hours a month to furthering the development of Inclusion Center, and if they give more, that's all the better! If you are interested in learning more about the Inclusion Center board, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to having some new energy, ideas and assistance!
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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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ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Indigo Radio
Sundays at 12pm on Brattleboro Community Radio 107.7FMTo 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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This past week has been quite the political and emotional rollercoaster, readers. We would like to encourage you to take a half hour or hour this week for self care or time with your friends/family/loved ones/pets/hobbies. If you need assistance to make your self care time happen, please consider posting your needs on our Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeCANetwork/ Your community may be able to assist you! Until next week, friends...
Joanna and Leslie
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