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PEACE CENTER ACTIVIST ALERT
Week of March 3rd
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MARK YOUR BOYCOTT CALENDARS! | |
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URGENT ACTION! Send a letter TODAY! Easy tool below, takes less than 30 seconds!* If you haven’t already signed AND shared the action alert, please do so.
Let’s force them to pay attention to us and our communities: https://win.newmode.net/cairca/protectethnicstudiesincaliforniaschools “We cannot teach an accurate picture of many communities’ lived experiences domestically if we are unable to discuss what is happening internationally,” said Zahra Billoo, executive director of the Bay Area branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which opposes the bill. “For example, what is happening in Palestine right now is an integral part of the Arab-American experience.”
Read more here: https://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/article301270539.html#storylink=cpy
We’re not going to let the Zionists who claim to represent us silence us without a fight. It’s amazing actually, how scared they are of young people learning about Palestine.
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TUESDAY, March 4th, 5 - 6 PM
A DEMONSTRATION FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING
MEET EACH TUESDAY AT THE CORNERS OF
MT DIABLO BLVD & MORAGA ROAD
LAFAYETTE
Let’s continue to show that our community is awake to what is going on in our country and that we are not sitting quietly at home expecting things to change or to go away on their own.
Instead, we’re choosing to go out and make our voices heard in a show of support and solidarity for our beliefs.
Bring your own signs or make one when you arrive.
JOIN US!
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SATURDAY, MARCH 8th, 11 AM - 3 PM
INTERNATIONAL WORKING WOMEN'S DAY
AVENIDA DE LA FUENTE, OAKLAND
A DAY OF WORKSHOPS TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST FASCISM AND WIN!
Palestinian Feminist Collective is part of the body putting on this year’s International Working Women’s Day event.
This event looks to dive deeper into our solidarity and commitment to each other’s struggles and will have several workshops during the day where we can deeply engage with one another and be in community together.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 16th, 9 AM PST - WEBINAR
ISRAELI CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS
SHARE THEIR STORIES
REGISTER HERE
Panelists:
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Atalya Ben-Abba is the Social Media Manager for the Refuser Solidarity Network. Atalya refused in 2017 and spent 110 days in the military prison because she wanted to publicly condemn the Israeli occupation, and not take part in its practices. Atalya has been an activist for the past ten years, working mainly in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
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Mattan Helman is the Executive Director of the Refuser Solidarity Network. Mattan spent 110 days in prison because he refused to join the Israeli army and oppress Palestinians.
We'll also hear from Israeli conscientious objectors Einat Gerlitz and Tal Mitnick, who will be traveling across Canada for the Anti-Zionist Refusenik Speaking Tour throughout the month of March, hosted by Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) in partnership with the Mesarvot Network.
The webinar will be moderated by Ron VanNorstrand, Vietnam-era veteran and coordinator of Veterans For Peace Chapter 51. Ron initiated contact with the Refuser Solidarity Network in solidarity and support, and to guide the advancement of a refuser/conscientious objector movement in the U.S.
Sign up HERE for the March 16 webinar to hear from Israeli conscientious objectors and how we can work to end Israel's occupation of Palestine
Towards a world beyond war,
Greta Zarro, Organizing Director, World BEYOND War, greta@worldbeyondwar.org
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MONDAY, MARCH 24th - FRIDAY, MAY 4th
ONLINE COURSE ALERT
“War and the Environment”
Click here to register and to learn more
Course Overview
Militarism is one of the world’s top polluters and a leading contributor to the climate crisis, yet it is often exempted from key environmental standards. War and war preparations heavily pollute air, water, and soil and pose severe threats to ecosystems, species, and biodiversity. The U.S. military is one of the biggest polluters on Earth, and wars are frequently driven by the extraction and control of resources, especially oil and gas. To meet global climate goals, biodiversity targets, and sustainability commitments, we must address the environmental impact of war and militarism.
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ENDS SATURDAY, APRIL 19th, 3 PM
2025 ART & WRITING CHALLENGE and
YOUTH ACTIVIST GRANT AWARDS
WE ARE OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS!
ATTENTION YOUTH, EDUCATORS, and PARENTS!
CONTEST FOR CONTRA COSTA MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ANNOUNCED!
CHALLENGE TOPIC FOR 2025:
“Climate Change: Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Ideas”
· The negative effects of climate change on our health, labor force, housing, economy, and security, both domestically and internationally.
· How can we reverse the path towards the destruction of our planet and its inhabitants in a peaceful and socially just manner?
· How has climate change affected you, your family and friends, and your community?
CHECK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
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Our 27th Annual Art & Writing Challenge, named in honor of its founder Dennis T. Thomas, is organized to encourage local youth to address issues of peace and social justice through fine art (includes visual art, sculpture, photography, video, and music) or writing (creative writing or essay).
The 7th Annual Youth Activist Grant is given to deserving youth who show exemplary leadership and dedication for social justice, organizing and human rights.
For more information on the contest rules, submission instructions, etc.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
We would LOVE to hear from you if you would like to volunteer for this inspiring project!
Please consider supporting this effort by making a financial contribution to the Peace Center in honor (or memory) of a family member/friend. We will acknowledge your gift in our awards notification materials.
THANK YOU AND PLEASE SHARE WIDELY!
FIND A FLYER HERE
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Suggested readings/videos/podcasts:
'The way to prevent the Ukraine war from being understood is to suppress its history.
A cartoon version has the conflict beginning on Feb. 24, 2022 when Vladimir Putin woke up that morning and decided to invade Ukraine.
There was no other cause, according to this version, other than unprovoked, Russian aggression against an innocent country.
Please use this short, historical guide to share with people who still flip through the funny pages trying to figure out what’s going on in Ukraine.
The mainstream account is like opening a novel in the middle of the book to read a random chapter as though it’s the beginning of the story.'
'On February 23 and surrounding days, individuals and organizations around the world took coordinated action in their communities to call for the closure of all military bases as part of the Global Day of Action to Close Bases. Details about plans for the day, participants, motivations, and goals are at DayToCloseBases.org'
BISAN OWDA: I'm still alive - February 27th, 2025
From last week:
Jeffrey Sachs Stuns EU Parliament, Challenges US-Led Order!
DIALOGUE WORKS: Interview of John Helmer: Trump’s Stunt in Riyadh – Rubio’s Sudden Exit STUNS Everyone!
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ADDITIONAL ONLINE SOURCES FOR ACTIONS and INFORMATION ON PALESTINE/GAZA | |
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World BEYOND War has
a DIVESTMENT campaign!
About the Campaign
Grassroots-led war divestment campaigns are springing up all over the world, from students organizing to divest university endowments, to municipalities and states coming together to divest public pension funds. Divestment means organizing to remove public and private assets from weapons manufacturers, military contractors, and war profiteers.
Public pension and retirement funds especially are often invested, directly and indirectly, in weapons companies. Teachers and other public servants whose interests lie with promoting human needs have their retirement security tied up with maintaining or enlarging the war industry. Every dollar currently invested in weapons and war is a dollar that could be better spent on job creation, education, housing, healthcare, food security, and so much more.
War profiteering is largely normalized today. We’re working to stigmatize the war machine. World BEYOND War assists divestment campaigns led by our chapters, affiliates, other coalitions, and individuals around the world.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN HERE
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NOW WHAT????
The Frontlines event on May 4th was very powerful and emotional.
FRONTLINE EVENT WAS REPORTED ON LOCAL NEWS!
We heard from several attendees that they felt compelled to act in a meaningful way. Sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming... where do we start?
In terms of direct aid going to Gaza specifically, we recommend Baitulmaal, who have been able to get aid in.
The other organization we recommend is HEAL Palestine which is focused on rebuilding and rehabilitating Gaza. Its founders are the same founders of PCRF.
There is also Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) which evacuates children who are in need of medical treatment abroad and Medical Aid for Palestinians which offers medical services to Palestinians in Palestine and Palestinian refugees in neighboring countries.
For a full list of resources, you can access the document we put together: tinyurl.com/FrontlinesResources
One thing we are asked to do, again and again, from the people in Gaza is to raise awareness about their situation. Talk to your nearest and dearest about the ongoing genocide.
Remember, we all have a role to play and collectively, our small actions add up. Don't give up, keep raising awareness, keep boycotting, keep donating, keep advocating, KEEP CALLING YOUR LOCAL REPS!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
- From the Frontlines Organization Team
MORE UPDATES COMING SOON! WATCH THIS SPACE!
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This website provides comprehensive information including events & campaigns
CHECK HERE FOR LINKS TO REACH OUT TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES!
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Includes a frequently updated
calendar of local events
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Peace work in the Quaker tradition
American Friends Service Committee
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BOYCOTT
DIVESTMENT and SANCTIONS!
CHECK OUT THIS HANDY APP!
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Peace is Possible!
Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center
at Creekside Commons
1035 Carol Lane
Lafayette, CA 94549
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