NSP MARYLAND MEETING - Wed, April 28, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Paint Branch UU Church
3215 Powder Mill Road, RE bldg Room 1
Adelphi, MD 20783
Directions here.

Meeting Program: Come and meet James Lee, NSP staffer located in DC to plan the NSP/TIKKUN Conference " Strategies for Liberals and Progressives for the Obama Years" - June 11-14, Church of the Reformation, 212 E. Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20003. Join us as we explore:

* How can we work together to establish that Corporations Are Not Persons and to Require Corporate, Environmental, Ethical and Social Responsiblity and to Support Obama to BE the Obama We Thought We Elected?
* What is the latest on the speakers and schedules?
* How can we support this amazing event?
* How can we plan now to sustain and build on the energy and focus of the conference in the DC area post-conference?
* See conference information and registration at:
www.spiritualprogressives.org/article.php/2010conferences
https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/525/t/8751/l/eng/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=55261

AND Save the Date - NSP meeting Wed May 26 - Dr. Joe Adams, Maryland leader on campaign reform, discussing undue corporate influence on government, Fair Elections, campaign finance and Citizen United - www.fairelectionsnow.org/ and www.freespeechforpeople.org/

NSP MARYLAND MEETING - Wed, Mar 24, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Paint Branch UU Church
3215 Powder Mill Road, RE bldg Room 1
Adelphi, MD 20783
Directions here.

Meeting Program: “The Militarization of America: At What Cost” examines the shocking extent to which our nation has chosen war and military spending over social priorities and how this choice dramatically affects our lives and our communities. How serious is this problem? Join us to “follow the money” and see where it leads. Jean Athey of Peace Action Montgomery will show you how you can take this slide show to your own community and congregation and start changing the dialogue--and the country. Flier here.

Save the dates for future meetings: Wednesdays April 28, May 26 and June 23 2010

NSP MARYLAND MEETING - Wed, Feb 24, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Paint Branch UU Church
3215 Powder Mill Road, RE bldg Room 1
Adelphi, MD 20783
Directions here.

Topics: MD campaign finance reform legislation, other progressive Md legislative issues, and the newly introduced House resolution for a Domestic and Global Marshall Plan by Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, report on the recent NSP conference in California, and the upcoming NSP Conference in DC.

Network of Spiritual Progressives/TIKKUN

National Conference June 11-14, 2009 in Washington DC

Weekly Monday night 9pm EST Tikkun/NSP

Author Teleconferences Info here.

Peace & Justice Activism Winter - Spring 2010

Mon Feb. 22, 6 to 7 pm - "Free Speech for People, Not Corporations: Rally to Take Back Democracy" in Annapolis. Join the rally for campaign finance reform!. Lawyer's Mall, Annapolis (near Church Circle), Contact: fairandcleanmd@gmail.com, 240-280-2582 or 410-812-1447 for further information. (It is recommended that you park at the Navy Stadium on Rowe Blvd. by 5:30 and take the shuttle to the capitol.) See www.freespeechforpeople.org/

Mon Feb 22 - Wed Feb 24 - HCAN - Health Care for America Now - March to the Finish Line - Rallies in Baltimore and DC Info here and here.

Thurs, Feb 25, 7-9 pm - Legislative Forum on Progressives Issues in MD 2010
Explore how we, as progressives, can be more effective in joint action on issues that include: health care, marriage equality, protection for transgender people, keeping the Guard at home, student privacy around military testing, and governmental transparency and campaign finance reform. Briefings on status from leading activists. Legislators invited to give their positions.
Catonsville Library, 1100 Frederick Road, Baltimore, MD 21228

Tues, March 9 11:30am Stand Up to Big Insurance! in DC.
10:30 am - Gather at Dupont Circle, Connecticut and 19th St. NW, DC
11 am - March to AHIP conference at Ritz Carlton Hotel, 22nd & M NW
Noon - Massive protest rally & "citizens' arrest" of AHIP at Ritz-Carltonat the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 22nd & M Sts, NW (To march with the labor delegation, meet at 11am in front of AFSCME at 1625 L St NW) Obscenely high rate hikes, hundreds of millions of dollars in profits sent to parent companies, 100's of executives earning $1 m+ salaries, millions more spent on lavish executive "retreats". This has to STOP! AHIP, the big insurance lobby, comes to town next week to lobby Congress against health reform and for the right to continue to screw plan members. Join 5,000 union members, community activists, and faith leaders to tell big insurance "we're sick of it!" See http://healthcareforamericanow.org/ and http://citizensposse.com/ See also www.progressivemaryland.org - DC map here. Buses from Maryland to DC info here.

Wed March 10, 8:00 - 9:00 PM EST, Teleconference call with Raed Jarrar AFSC Iraq Consultant on Iraq: Elections, Occupation and the Withdrawal of US Forces. Details at: http://www.justicewithpeace.org/node/1102

Fri, March 12, 7 -10pm . "Tunes of Transformation: A Concert Supporting the US Social Forum" Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol St., NE Washington DC. A rich cultural evening featuring singing, musical performances, drumming, and spoken-word poetry. All proceeds will support travel and scholarships for DC persons attending the US Social Forum in Detroit, June 22-26th. $10 suggested donation, Organizations invited to table for $25 per organization. www.dcjwj.org/node/574

Sun, Mar 14, 3-5 pm - Why Fund War - talk by Phyllis Bennis, Author "Ending the War in Afganistan" and Kevin Martin, Executive Director, Peace Action. At the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, the Meeting House, 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia Md. Flyer here.

Sun, March 21, 1pm - Baltimore Tikkun shows "New Hope For Peace What America Must Do To End the Israel-Palestine Conflict". DVD Produced and Presented by: Landrum Bolling, with Jimmy Carter, James A. Baker, Brent Scowcroft and Zbigniew Brzezinski Join to view and discuss this important presentation. Location: Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, 7401 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore MD. See also on YouTube here.

Tues, March 23, 7:30 pm Mark Braverman, DC Jewish-American author, will introduce and discuss his thought-provoking new book "Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews, and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land" at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore, located at 4 East University Parkway (corner of N. Charles St.). The public is invited to attend this free event. A light reception and author booksigning follow.
www.meppn.ang-md.org/area_events.html

Sat April 17, 9-3:30 pm 25th Annual Maryland Peace and Justice Conference "Connecting to Create the Change We Seek - Creating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Beloved Community" at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD, 21045 Keynote speaker: Rev. Grayland Hagler, Pastor. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, D.C. http://mupj.org/

Fri-Sat - April 23 10- 8, April 24 10-5, Amnesty International Human Rights Arts Festival in Silver Spring, Md - www.humanrightsartfestival.com/about.html

Sun, April 25, 2010 2 - 5 p.m. Review of 2010 Maryland General Assembly - The Progressive Working Group (PWG) meeting with Delegates, State Senators, and Constituents at the Laurel Regional Hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road, Laurel, MD 20707 in the J. Russell Jones Room. Where does your representative stand on key issues:

Environment
Campaign Finance and Transparency in Government
Healthcare Reform
Education
Gender Issues
Labor
Peace and Justice

Learn what legislation passed, what legislation didn’t make it to a vote; and Share legislative priorities you have for the 2011 session. Info: 443 604 2298

Tues, April 27, 2010 9:30 am to 3:30pm - Domestic Dysfuntion in the Israel-Palestine Conflict - the Peace Process meets Anti-Politics - Speakers: Ghaith al-Omari, Yossi Alpher, Amjad Atallah, Kenneth Pollack, Yoram Peri and Shibley Telhami. LOCATION: Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center/Orem Alumni Hall University of Maryland, College Park. PLEASE RSVP to events@ur.umd.edu, or 301-405-463 See: www.israelstudies.umd.edu/upcoming-events.html and www.israelstudies.umd.edu

Between May 4 and 8 - Community Mobilization Forums - Strategies to End Corporate Control of Government - Sponsored nationwide by Moveon.org councils in cities nationwide - See May 8 event in Howard County here.

Sat, May 8, 11:30 - 1:30pm Peace Action Montgomery Annual Spring Banquet. The keynote speaker is Ray McGovern, a former CIA analyst and prominent author and speaker. Del. Sheila Hixson and Sen. Jamie Raskin will be honored with the Maryland Peace Maker Award this year. The luncheon will feature Middle Eastern food, with a suggested donation of $20. Attend to raise funds for Afghan Women and Children, win an Electric Bike/Scooter, and celebrate work for peace this past year! LOCATION: Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Dr., Rockville, MD Directions here RSVP to info@peaceactionmc.org so that they can order enough food for everyone!

Sat May 8 - At 12 noon join a "RALLY FOR THE RIGHT TO A JOB" in front of the US Labor Dept, 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 www.bailoutpeople.org/may8call.html

Sat May 15 10-4 - The DC Greater DC Social Forum hosts Greater DC People's Assembly http://abc.ussf2010.org/node/58

Mon-Wed June 7-9 2010 - Our Future Now Conference www.ourfuture.org/now

ONGOING -
Maryland Single Payer - www.mdsinglepayer.org/

Climate Change Action, Winter 2010

Sun, Feb 21, 3:00 - 5:30 PM, The Earth Forum of Howard County, Green Building and Beyond: Creating a more Sustainable Future with Stan Sersen, founder of the Green Building Institute. At First Presbyterian of Howard County, 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia, Maryland. Flyer here.

Mon, March 8, 5-6:30 pm "The Looming Threat of Factory Farms" at .Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. Discussion and Book Signing by David Kirby. http://www.jhsph.edu/clf/events/

Tues, March 9 - MD Smart, Green & Growing Bill Hearing: Sustainable Communities Act. Joint hearing of the House Environmental Matters and Ways & Means committees on HB475. The meeting will start at 12:00 p.m. in the Joint Hearing Room in the Legislative Services Building. If you have any questions or need assistance, please visit MDP's Sustainable Communities website http://planning.maryland.gov/YourPart/SustainableCommunities.shtml

Wed, March 1o, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm - Great Energy Efficiency Day sponsored by the Alliance to Save Energy on Capitol Hill in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room G-50. (Room G-50 is nearest to the corner of 1st and C Streets, NE.) Launched in 2004, the Great Energy Efficiency Day has quickly become a “must attend” discussion on the need for, and benefits of, energy efficiency, drawing more than 400 stakeholders from business, industry, government, academia, the media and the public interest sector. The event features the leading energy voices in energy efficiency addressing timely issues and provides insight from Capitol Hill with keynote addresses from congressional members. Detailed agenda here. Register here.

Wed, March 10 7pm, Baltimore Climate Action Network planning meeting in Pikevsille Md. Details: http://environment.meetup.com/280/calendar/12773781/

Sun, March 14 5pm "The Story of Stuff" author talk and book signing at Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008. One of Time magazine’s 2008 Heroes of the Environment, Annie Leonard has visited some 40 countries to investigate patterns of consumption and disposal. An expert on environmental health issues and sustainability, she identifies the systemic nature of the ecological threat posed by current ways of living and offers an agenda for practical action. http://www.politics-prose.com/node/9691 See also the Story of Stuff webpage www.storyofstuff.com/ and the Story of Cap and Trade at www.storyofstuff.com/capandtrade/

Tue March 16, 2010, 7pm Film showing in DC of "Tapped" from Food and Water Watch. Is access to clean drinking water a basic human right, or a commodity that should be bought and sold like any other article of commerce? Stephanie Soechtig's debut feature, Tapped, is an unflinching examination of the big business of bottled water. Free at American University Mary Graydon Center Wechsler Theater, 3rd Floor 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC Info here.

Wed March 17 6:30pm, Say No to Dumping Coal Ash in Landfill near the Baltimore Harbor, Speak out at Public Hearing - Location: Curtis Bay Recreation Center, 1630 Filbert St.Baltimore, MD 21226 Details here http://chesapeakeclimate.org/getinvolved/event_detail.cfm?id=1096

Fri, March 19 7pm Repower@Home House Party - Repower@Home house parties are a great opportunity to learn about saving energy and money. The house party will break down energy conservation for you, highlighting the most effective strategies, tools, and local resources. These informal events are a fun way to get started improving your home. Location: home in Silver Spring, Md. Reservation required. See http://CCAN-Takoma-Park.groups.local.1sky.org/en/calendar.event.view/id/12753/uid/12753/

Fri, April 2, 7-9 pm - "No Impact Man" movie showing at the
Washington Ethical Society, 16th & Kalmia Rd NW Washington, DC Description-A Fifth Avenue family goes very green when writer Colin Beavan leads his wife and their baby daughter on a yearlong crusade to make no net impact on the environment in this engaging documentary. Among their activities: eating only locally grown organic food, generating no trash except for compost and using no carbon-fueled transportation. If our current way of life and the "no impact" lifestyle are the extremes, how can we find a way to live sustainably somewhere in the middle? Sponsored by the Washington Ethical Society's Earth Ethics Committee.

Thurs, April 15 7:30 pm Artists for the Climate at Foundary Methodist Church Join authors Bill McKibben, Jeff Biggers and Mike Tidwell (author and founder of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network) for an evening of inspiration and action. Info and tickets here. Directions here.

April 19 to 22, 2010 - World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, Cochabamba, Bolivia - View webcast online at http://envivo.cmpcc.org.bo/

Thurs, April 22 - 40th Anniversary of Earth Day Worldwide -www.earthday.net/earthday2010

Fri, April 23 at 2-3:30pm Clean Energy Town Hall with U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Benjamin Banneker Room, Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland. Directions here.

Sat April 24 Noon to 3 - Save the Planet Day at the Columbia Lakefront - sponsored by Columbia Association Teen and Middle School Advisory Committee, Columbia MD
http://www.columbiaassociation.com/files/whats_new/id_124.pdf

Sun April 25 11-7 - Earthday Climate Rally on the Mall www.earthday.net/washington
www.earthday.org/climaterally - Notable speakers and live music from Sting, John Legend, The Roots, Jimmy Cliff, Passion Pit, Bob Weir, Willie Colón, Joss Stone, Robert Randolph, Patrick Stump, Mavis Staples, Booker T, Honor Society and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger.

Tues May 4, 2010 - Wendell Berry - In a rare public appearance, literary legend, essayist, poet and Kentucky farmer Wendell Berry visits Arlington Public Library to discuss his life's work and vision of people honoring and reconnecting with the soil. It was Berry who declared "eating is an agricultural act," inspiring today's movement toward safer, healthier, locally produced meals and sustainable living Location: Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St City/Town: Arlington, Va http://vmccaffrey@arlingtonva.us 703-228-632

May 4-6, 2010 - Good Jobs, Green Jobs Conference in DC - www.greenjobsconference.org/

ONGOING:

Plan Maryland Public Forums - http://plan.maryland.gov/getinvolved/PublicForums.shtml Calendar - www.mdp.state.md.us/YourPart/vcalendar.shtml - PlanMaryland is a new planning process designed to create a better and more sustainable future for Maryland.MDP will facilitate innovative activities and small table discussions at each forum that will engage residents and other stakeholders in helping to cast a better vision for Maryland's future.

Select Weds at 3pm National Climate Seminar teleconferences
04/07 - The Yes Men: Pranksterism for a Dead Serious Message
04/14 - Denis Hayes, Bullitt Foundation: Earth Day 2050
05/05 - Elysa Hammond, Clif Bar: Transforming Corporations Around Climate
05/19 - Ross Gelbspan, Journalist: Democracy and Climate Solutions
1-712-432-3100; Conference Code: 25338 - www.bard.edu/cep/ncs/