Peace and Justice Events, Seattle Area

December, 2008

Additions or corrections to Jean Buskin at (206) 784-9988 or e-mail bb369@scn.org.

Events new or changed since the previous version are marked with (**), since the version before that with (*).


NOV 19 - DEC 2, in Palestine and Israel; CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKER TEAMS Delegation. During the first several days, delegates will meet with representatives of ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS in Jerusalem and Bethlehem to gain perspective on the conflict. They will tour the "security wall" separating Israel from the West Bank. Then they will travel to the tensely divided city of Hebron, where CPT has been based since June 1995, and to the village of At-Tuwani in the South Hebron Hills, where CPT has had a team since 2004. They will visit Palestinian families whose homes and livelihoods are threatened by expanding Israeli settlements. They will experience firsthand CPT's work of violence deterrence and human rights documentation and challenge the structural violence of the Occupation through nonviolent public witness. Delegates raise $2100 to cover costs. info or to apply, 773-277-0253 or delegations@cpt.org or http://www.cpt.org/

NOV 22 TO DEC 1, in Cuba; NATURAL AND HISTORICAL CUBA TOUR is a chance to witness the island's spectacular nature and history up close and intimate. It is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, birdwatchers and people keen on organic agriculture. Prominent Canadian naturalist Bernie Solymar leads the program. With him and your Cuban guide you'll learn all about Cuba's commitment to ecology and preservation of the environment. Hone up on island flora and fauna, and ready your camera to capture tropical nature in action on this once-a-year outdoors romp. info Cuba Education Tours Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 1-877- 687-3817 (Toll free) or 1-604-677-2944 or info@cubafriends.ca or http://CubaFriends.com

MON DEC 1, 2008, annual PRISONERS FOR PEACE DAY, a way to support those imprisoned for their stand against war and war preparations, by sending greeting cards to prisoners, and raising public awareness of prisoners for peace.

MON DEC 1, 2008, WORLD AIDS DAY. We can stop the spread of HIV. Take Action Today. Around forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world - and that number increases in every region every day. In the UK alone, more than 60,000 people are living with HIV and more than 7,000 more are diagnosed every year. Ignorance and prejudice are fuelling the spread of a preventable disease. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year, it's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice. This starts by taking action. info http://www.worldaidsday.org/

**DEC 2 - 12, in Israel and Palestine; Global Exchange's DELEGATION TO PALESTINE & ISRAEL. As the Israeli military continues to place Palestinian towns, villages and refugee camps under siege, Palestinians continue to resist the 40 year Occupation of their land. GX's delegations to Palestine/Israel strive to further the US public's understanding of the region's history and realities by giving participants first-hand exposure to the aspirations and frustrations of Palestinians living under Occupation, the dimensions of the human rights crisis under Israeli rule, as well as the perspectives of Palestinians and Israelis who are working for a just peace and end to the occupation. info Global Exchange 800-497-1994 x. 251 or palestine@globalexchange.org

THURS DEC 4, 6:30 - 8 pm, at Center Park Residence Council, 2121 26th Ave S (entrance on MLK Way), Seattle; Meeting of the Michael Randall Ealy Social Justice Foundation, a non-profit organization for the purpose of bringing justice for the death of Michael Randall Ealy, KILLED WHILE IN CUSTODY of the Seattle Police Department, as well as all others who have died while being detained or in police custody; we want to be sure it doesn't happen to anyone else; info mresjf@yahoo.com, http://www.seattlejustice.org

SAT - WEDS DEC 6 - 10, in Washington, DC; The Hala Salaam Maksoud Foundation for ARAB-AMERICAN LEADERSHIP is now welcoming applications for its intensive, 5-day training seminar. No charge, but participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation. The training will be led and coordinated by the Hala Foundation's Program Director, Dr. Hussein Ibish. Participants must commit to attending the full five days of the program. Applicants should be young Arab-American professionals who have completed their education and have already begun their professional careers, or those in the final stages of a Ph.D. program. They should have a demonstrable commitment to advocacy on behalf of Arab- American concerns, and a desire to devote substantial time and effort to leadership on behalf of the community. Applicants should send a letter of interest explaining their desire to become community leaders or activists, a CV and a writing sample or any other relevant material to The Hala Salaam Maksoud Foundation, 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006, or to director@halafoundation.org, info http://www.halafoundation.org

SAT DEC 6, 2 - 4 p.m., at Wallingford Playfield, 4219 Wallingford Ave N., Seattle; Spokespeople Ride - Wallingford Playfield to destination to be announced. Help link people through neighborhoods along SECURE BIKE ROUTES! Seattle is one of America's best cities for biking. Spokespeople will make it even better! Starting at Wallingford Playfield, Spokespeople will travel on the first Saturday of every month between neighborhood centers. Spokespeople will gather both NEW AND EXPERIENCED URBAN CYCLISTS in a fun, low carbon activity. All levels of bicyclists are welcome. New riders hesitant about riding on the road and people who haven't been on their bikes for a while will get a gentle introduction to riding. All children who come to Spokespeople rides will be encouraged to take the Spokeskids introduction at the south end of Wallingford Playfield. Many returning adult cyclists will also want to take this quick introduction to safe road biking as well. There will be some Cascade Bike Club ride leaders helping out and I've invited expert bike commuters to come along and model safe and skillful riding techniques on the street. I learned a lot about riding from Spokeskids! Please come to a ride! Please join us! info http://www.spokespeople.us or info@spokespeople.us or 206- 547-9569

DEC 7 - 11, on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation, in Melbourne, Australia; WORLD INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CONFERENCE: Education. A triennial conference of international significance that attracts peoples from around the globe to celebrate and share diverse cultures, traditions and knowledge with a focus on world Indigenous education. The purpose of WIPC:E is to provide a forum to come together, share and learn and promote best practice in Indigenous education policies, programs and practice. info http://www.wipce2008.com/

DEC 7 - 9, at Congregation Adas Israel in Washington D.C.; Rabbis for Human Rights-North America presents The Second North American Rabbinic Conference on JUDAISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS For Rabbis, Cantors, Rabbinic & Cantorial students, and for all Jews committed to human rights. Join us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 20th anniversary of Rabbis for Human Rights and the official launching of Kvod Habriot: A Jewish Human Rights Network. Highlights of the conference include: Textual and issue-based study sessions with leading teachers on Judaism and Human Rights; An interfaith panel of a Jewish, Christian and Muslim Leader discussing their tradition and human rights; The official launch of Kvod Habriot, the Jewish Human Rights network; Training for rabbis and lay leaders on how to organize our communities as part of the Kvod Habriot network; A Plenary session on Israel at 60; Sessions for rabbis and lay leaders on how to talk about human rights and Israel in our communities and much more. info Sara Kominers office@rhr-na.org

DEC 9 & 10, 9 am to 4:30 pm, Minority Executive Directors Coalition's SKILLS BUILDING FOR CULTURAL COMPETENCY: From Awareness to Action workshop. This interactive 2-day training workshop, facilitated by Hla Yin Yin Waing with guests Mayet Dalila and Dr. Doreen Cato, integrates anti- racism work with cultural competency, setting a foundation for understanding cultural competency through a social justice lens. Participants will engage in self- examination, both personally and organizationally, to identify the next steps to move forward in the journey of cultural competence. Participants will also begin to develop an action plan for successful implementation of culturally competent policies, procedures, practices, programs and services. Registration Fee $225. Discounts available for MEDC members and organizations sending 3 or more participants. info and registration http://www.medcofkc.org/programs_registration.html, info Waing Waing 206-325-2542

MON DEC 10, HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

WEDS DEC 10, 5:30 - 7 p.m., at Central Building, Earl B. Smith Conference Room - 7th Floor, 810 Third Avenue, Suite 750, downtown Seattle; SEATTLE WOMEN'S COMMISSION MEETING. info http://www.seattle.gov/scsm/meetings.htm or 206-684- 4537 or Felicia Yearwood-Murrell felicia.yearwood-murrell@seattle.gov

DEC 27 - JAN 3, in Cuba; TEACHERS INTRODUCTION TO CUBA Tour is for educators and their partners to examine the island's top ranking school system that provides free life long learning to all. The program is not limited to the three Rs. Beyond the basics, you'll imbibe in the best of island music, dance and culture for a one-week "course" rich in humanities. It's a program hard working teachers deserve and its expansive content qualifies it as a professional development opportunity, and in some cases is tax-deductible. Cuba can truly claim no child is left behind and mean it. You'll usher in the New Year with Cubans on this most historic of occasions! info Cuba Education Tours Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 1-877- 687-3817 (Toll free) or 1-604-677-2944 or info@cubafriends.ca or http://CubaFriends.com

DEC 27 - JAN 3, in Cuba; 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION Tour is for optimists who believe, as Cubans do, that a better world is indeed possible. It is for those who view change as a process that comes from the bottom up; for those who need an infusion of hope and an inoculation against the harsh toll consumer society demands. It is for skeptics who seek confirmation that dreams can become reality when people of all colors unite and rise together. Havana extends an invitation for all to join hands with the people of Cuba and celebrate their momentous decision of fifty years ago to create a society based on human potential. On this tour you'll witness five decades of cultural and social achievements. You'll be part of an epic event you'll recount fondly for years to come. info Cuba Education Tours Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 1- 877-687-3817 (Toll free) or 1-604-677-2944 or info@cubafriends.ca or http://CubaFriends.com


Updated on Sunday, June 29, 2008
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