The Channing Memorial Church Social Action Committee meets on the third Tuesday of every month (with the exception of July) at 7PM in the Channing House Library. All members and friends of the church are welcome to attend. For more information, contact the committee chair at socialaction@channingchurch.org or call the church office at (401) 846-0643.


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

From Standing on the Side of Love

Next week, your signatures will be presented to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

Can you help us reach 7,500 signatures by next Tuesday by forwarding this email to your friends or downloading a PDF petition to get signed in your congregation or community?

Next week, the Senate HELP Committee will hold the first hearing on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) since 2002. If passed, ENDA would prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Each day many LGBT people go to work and leave a part of themselves behind. Fear of losing a job, being overlooked for promotions, or facing harassment all keep LGBT people scared and in the closet. No one should face workplace discrimination because of whom they love.

We will deliver the Petition for Full Equality to the Senate HELP committee on the eve of the ENDA hearings. So far 5,000 people have signed the petition. We need your continued help now to reach 7,500 signatures by next Tuesday.

Please forward this email or download a PDF of the Petition for Full Equality right now.
Posted by at

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Step It Up/Cool A.I. Update #30, Oct. 25, 2009

We're off!

You can all sign up now for our Energy Challenge.


Start saving energy, money and life on the planet! We launched the Challenge officially last Saturday, at the International Day of Climate Action. We debuted the Web site there, and it's beautiful and very accessible, with lots of guidance and encouragement at every step. Congratulations to the dedicated, hard-working team of volunteers who created the site.
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If you want to hear about it in person, come to the Alliance for a Livable Newport Public Forum Monday evening at 5:30 at the Newport Public Library. You'll be able to sign up there, too. (Take note! That's tonight, if you went to bed early, and didn't get the late email delivery on Sunday.)
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Go to our site, give the program a try, and give us some feedback. If you know people who aren't on computer and want to join up, you can tell them that we have paper options for them. Reply to this email, and we'll tell you how. This is a twelve-month project, with lots of rewards, incentives and parties along the way. Come join the fun!
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Gloomy weather couldn't dampen our spirits on Saturday. Almost 100 of us gathered in the garage at Easton's Beach, and made our own sunshine, along with the strains of native music by the Recovery All-Stars. Our International Day of Climate Action was one of more than 5200 grassroots actions in 182 countries, telling our world leaders we need a strong international commitment to action in Copenhagen in December. Eight speakers and twelve exhibitors told us why, and what we can do about it here and now. If you're still wondering what you can do, go back to the the top of this page. And if you have the patience to watch more than 5000 photos, go to www.350.org, and you just might catch us posing on the beach...in the rain.
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One more note about this Update. Some folks have wanted to print out our events, but feared using up a whole cartridge of green ink doing so. Although we recommend keeping printing to a minimum, for conservation reasons, sometimes it's necessary. Be assured that the green background does not print out. (Tip: if quality isn't an issue, I print in "fastdraft" mode to save ink, and if I'm not printing double-sided, I use blank sides of old copies.)
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Beth
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Monday, October 26, 2009
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"Double Feature" - Alliance for a Livable Newport Forum
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Time: 6:30 to 8 PM
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Location: Newport Public Library, Spring Street
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ALN's Public Forum will cover two important City programs: A progress report on the Force Main sewer repairs; plus, a new initiative, the Neighborhood Energy Challenge.
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Julia Forgue, Director of Utilities for Newport, will present some background on, and lead a discussion of the failure of the force main system and an update on the repairs correcting the problems.
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Beth Milham, Co-chair of the Newport Energy and Environment Commission and Chair of NeighborhoodEnergyChallenge.org, will describe the recently launched four-town energy challenge, which will encourage all residents and businesses on Aquidneck Island and in Jamestown to lower their energy use (and costs) in a twelve-month friendly competition. Those attending will also have an opportunity to sign up for the challenge.
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Free! The public is welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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Follow the Water! Streamflow and Water Availability
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Time: 4 to 7 PM
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Location: CCRI – Warwick Campus, Rm. 4080
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The starting point for managing our state’s shared water resources is a look at how much water we have and where it is. Get a glimpse of the big picture of regional water supplies. Learn about DEM’s study of water availability in RI. Hear how the RI Water Resources Board and one local community are using this information.
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The Coalition for Water Security, a partnership of many of the state's leading environmental and quality of life groups, invites you to this event, featuring:
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Alisa Richardson, PE, Principal Engineer, Office of Water Resources, RI DEM
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Mark Smith, The Nature Conservancy, Director, Eastern Freshwater Program
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Kenneth Burke, General Manager , RI Water Resources Board
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Jon Reiner, Director of Planning, Town of North Kingstown
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To register or for more information contact:
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Jane Austin at jaustin@savebay.org or 272-3540 x123
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
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Apeiron Institute Home Weatherization Forum
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Time: 5:30 to 8 PM
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Location: 17 Gordon Ave., Providence
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With winter approaching, it's time to make your home more energy efficient, and save money at the same time. This forum will help you get started.
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Architect and LEED AP Tom Weber, EcoBroker and certified home energy auditor Will Litvin, and LEED AP Dave Kessler will present the results of a recent energy audit on a local home. Using that home as an example, the trio will describe what you can do to weatherize your own home and make it more energy efficient, give you cost estimates on improvements, and provide resources for assistance. They'll also discuss design ideas if you're planning to renovate or build.
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5:30 to 6:30 - Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks served
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6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation
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7:30 to 8:00 - Question and Answer session and mingling
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Free for Apeiron members, $10 for non-members.

Posted by at

Friday, October 23, 2009

From Channing Social Action Legislative Ministry

To all who attended a Rhode Island U.U. Legislative meeting on Aquidneck Island last June:

The Home Energy Rate Affordability Act (H6079) is scheduled to be considered by the House Finance Committee this WEDS. OCT. 28th. PLEASE CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE to ensure his/her SUPPORT of the bill.

This Percentage of Income Payment Plan (H6079) enables residents earning at 150% or below the Federal poverty level to PAY no more than 6%, 7% or 8% of their income for electricity and gas.

PLEASE CALL NOW! Thanks!

ALSO, those who CAN, go to the RALLY in SUPPORT of H6079 this MON. OCT. 26th at 1 P.M. at the STATE HOUSE, Providence.


Rhode Island House Committee on Finance

Representative Joseph S. Almeida

Member


Representative David A. Caprio

Member


Representative Kenneth Carter

Vice Chairperson


Representative Steven M. Costantino

Chairperson


Representative Elizabeth M. Dennigan

Member


Representative Laurence W. Ehrhardt

Member


Representative Joanne M. Giannini

Member


Representative J. Russell Jackson

Member


Representative Robert B. Jacquard

Member


Representative Nicholas A. Mattiello

Member


Representative Helio Melo

Member


Representative Eileen S. Naughton

Member


Representative John A. Savage

Member


Representative Agostinho F. Silva

Member


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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Isn't it time to hear an Afghan voice about the war?

Malalai Joya, an Afghan defender of women's rights, dared to criticize America's war in Afghanistan and the corrupt American-backed government. She faced multiple assassination attempts and was even barred from her Parliament seat. She has received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from the European Parliament, and will be speaking at Brown this Sunday. Copies of her new book, "A Woman among Warlords", will be available.

Where: Salomon Hall 101, on the Main Green at Brown University.

When: Sunday October 25, 4pm.
Sponsored by Anti-War Action at Brown and the RI Mobilization Committee.

As the Afghanistan war attracts a great deal of debate, we have a rare opportunity to hear from a renowned Afghan who lives in Afghanistan and can provide a first-hand perspective.

Please come, and forward this message to others!

Posted by at

Step It Up/Cool A.I. Update #29, Oct. 18, 2009

Hi, green friends,


Big things happening this week! The International Day of Climate Action, Saturday, October 24, has grown to more than 3500 actions in 161 countries, and ours, one of four in RI, will be at Easton's Beach at noon. All the RI events are listed in today's calendar.

We'll be launching the neighborhood Energy Challenge that day, too. Our web site is coming together, and we intend to have it up and running by Saturday. So far, you can visit the home page and the FAQ page at http://www.neighborhoodenergychallenge.org/.

Our thanks to Susan Adie for great letters in Newport This Week and The Newport Daily News. Thanks also to the Daily News for giving us "cheers" in Saturday's edition, and to Peter Lord for featuring us, the challenge and the other RI events for Saturday in his Sunday ProJo column.

See you Saturday!

Beth

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Bioneers the the Bay Conference

Time: 8 AM


Location: New Bedford, MA

Join us for the fifth Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change Conference, presented by the Marion Institute in the historic Downtown of New Bedford, MA, on October 22-25, 2009.

This is an internationally acclaimed annual gathering of environmental, industry and social justice innovators who have demonstrated visionary and practical models for restoring the Earth and its inhabitants.

Over 2,000 students, teachers, green business innovators, scientists, grassroots leaders and everyday folks from across the East Coast will gather to embrace, share, brainstorm, network, heal, learn, teach, celebrate, recharge and connect for change. We will roll up our sleeves and harvest tangible, practical solutions to the specific challenges we face here in the Northeast and the world at-large.

Learn more, and register at this site: http://www.marioninstitute.org/bioneers_by_the_bay

Public Education Seminar on New Energy Savings Standards - RIGBC

Time: 4:30 to 6:30 PM


Location: NE Tech Student Lounge, 2480 Post Rd., Warwick

Jack Leyden, RI Green Building Council Board Member and State Building Code Commissioner, will talk about some of the changes to the energy code that the state will be adopting in 2010 as a result of legislation passed this year. The provisions affect the construction of buildings, the use of renewable energy resources in buildings, the efficient use of energy within buildings, and the orientation of buildings on their sites.

Free for members, $5.00 for non members and $10.00 for those seeking Continuing Education Credit (1 CEU).

For information and reservations:


Saturday, October 24, 2009

International Day of Climate Action - Aquidneck Island

Time: 12 PM


Location: Easton's Beach, Newport

Bring pictures of your children and grandchildren - people who will be here to suffer the consequences of global warming. Learn how sea level rise and storm water run-off impact every aspect of our island life style and livelihood. Learn what you can do, including joining the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, which we'll launch that day.

We'll have talks from Senator Theresa Paiva-Weed, Newport Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano, Ellen Pfeiffer, of National Grid's Energy Action: Aquidneck and Jamestown, environmental educator Susan Adie, Bishop C. Dale White of RI Interfaith Power and Light, a representative of the Aquidneck Island Watershed Council, and others.

We'll have music from the Recovery All Stars, an opportunity to sign up for the Challenge, and informational exhibits on ways to save energy and cut carbon.

Rain or shine! Free parking in the east lot (the one closer to Atlantic Beach Club.) We'll be on the bathhouse end of the "boardwalk."

International Day of Climate Action-Providence

Time: 9 AM


Location: 1st UU Church, Benevolent St., Providence

Workshops on varied topics, including: How to Write an OpEd Piece and Get It Published, Individual Food Choices and Climate Change, Home Energy Conservation Strategies, Must Have Standards in Energy Legislation, and Using the New Media to Build Public Opinion.

There will also be letter writing all morning to President Obama encouraging a strong US position for the Copenhagen global climate talks that will take place in December.

International day of Climate Action-Providence

Time: 12 PM


Location: Waterplace Park, Providence

A rally at Waterplace Park will open with The Beneficent Congregational Church Choir chanting, drumming and singing. Speakers on the program include Greg Gerritt of Prosperity For Rhode Island, Paul Beaudette, President of the Environment Council of Rhode Island and the Reverend Barbara Fast of the Westminster Unitarian Church in East Greenwich. A Brown University Watson Environmental Scholar from Africa studying Climate Change is expected to present a global picture of the situation. The rally will also include children’s activities and a phoptgraph of the participants in a 350 configuration in solidarity with 350 pictures taken at rallies across the globe on that day.

International Day of Climate Action-Wakefield

Time: 2 PM


Location: Peace Dale Congregational Church, 261 Columbia St., Wakefield

Christine Muller will speak about “Climate Change and Justice” in the Fellowship Hall. also during the afternoon, church bells will ring throughout southern Rhode Island.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Follow the Water! Streamflow and Water Availability

Time: 4 to 7 PM


Location: CCRI – Warwick Campus, Rm. 4080

The starting point for managing our state’s shared water resources is a look at how much water we have and where it is. Get a glimpse of the big picture of regional water supplies. Learn about DEM’s study of water availability in RI. Hear how the RI Water Resources Board and one local community are using this information.

The Coalition for Water Security, a partnership of many of the state's leading environmental and quality of life groups, invites you to this event, featuring:

Alisa Richardson, PE, Principal Engineer, Office of Water Resources, Rhode Island DEM

Mark Smith, The Nature Conservancy, Director, Eastern Freshwater Program

Kenneth Burke, General Manager , RI Water Resources Board

Jon Reiner, Director of Planning, Town of North Kingstown

To register or for more information contact:

Jane Austin at jaustin@savebay.org or 272-3540 x123



Posted by at

UUA BGLT Network News

Action Alert from the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy

Moving Equality Forward!

Register now for this week's Standing on the Side of Love Friday Call, October 23 at 1 PM EDT!

Did you Come Out on the Side of Love on October 11th? Over 1,000 Unitarian Universalists marched on Washington D.C. and many, many more held solidarity events across the nation in support of full equality.

Thank you to everyone who marched and sang and lent your energy to that historic weekend. Marching under the Standing on the Side of Love banner, I felt transformed and held by the love that came from all over the country.

This Friday, October 23 at 1:00 PM Eastern, (12 PM Central; 11 AM Mountain; 10 AM Pacific) the Standing on the Side of Love weekly organizing call and webcast will feature inspiring photos and success stories from the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. and around the country. Join us to learn how you can transform the energy from these events into action by taking our demand for full equality to Congress.

I'm excited to be leading this call and looking forward to hearing from all of you!


Peace,

Orelia
Posted by at

From UUA Advocacy and Witness

Dear Friends of Justice,

Next week's alert will have a new name! Over the last few months we've been changing the format of our weekly action newsletter to make it more effective and user-friendly. With that process complete, it's time to roll out a new, more relevant name. So next week keep an eye out for the "UU Justice Action Alert," with [UU Justice] appearing first in the subject line! Please note that the UU Justice Action Alert represents a consolidation of A-News and SAC-News.

In faith and for justice,

Rowan, Kat, Rob, Orelia, Audra, Susan, and Meg

Stand for a Strong & Just Climate Bill!

The 350.org International Day of Climate Action is centered around reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million. Part of accomplishing this means passing effective national legislation. The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act has been introduced in the Senate, and you have the power to shape it if you let your voice be heard. The future of the environment, economy, public healthy, and national security all depend on strong and just climate action.

As Unitarian Universalists, our faith informs us to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion for everyone, and we need to demonstrate our concern for earth and each other by advocating for strong reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, for transitioning from a fossil fuel to a clean energy economy, and for funding for international adaptation. Contact your senator to make a stand!

Success: UUs Steppin' Up For 350/International Day of Climate Action

This past Sunday was the 350 Climate Convocation at the Harvard University Memorial Church, kicking off a series of actions being done around this world for the International Day of Climate Action on October 24th. Rev. Fred Small led his song, "Three Five O" and UUA President Rev. Peter Morales led participants in a prayer. President Morales is requesting UU participation!

More than 95 UU congregations are joining in the more than 4400 events all over the world, building momentum at this crucial time before world leaders join together in early December in Copenhagen to make a global climate change agreement.

New Process Announced for Selecting General Assembly Programs

See the October 19th UU World story, "New System Announced for Choosing GA Workshops," for more information. Please note that the deadline for submissions is November 16!

Standing on the Side of Love Friday Calls

The SSL call on Friday, October 23, will bring you inspiring photos and success stories from the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. and around the country. Join us to learn how you can transform the energy from these events into action by taking our demand for full equality to Congress.

The call will be led by Orelia Busch, UUA Washington Office Legislative Assistant for Women's Issues/UUWF Clara Barton Intern and Rev. Mike Morran, Senior Minister of First Unitarian Denver.

Rev. Morran will share the experience of 1st Unitarian Society of Denver over the past four years and their annual Standing on the Side of Love worship service at the Colorado State Capitol Building.

Please RSVP for the call here: www.StandingontheSideofLove.org/fridaycalls.

To Join the Call: Dial 218-844-8230 entry code 593426#

Log onto the web-cast by opening this link: http://persony100.uua.org/?meeting=6336114.

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Poverty and the Prophetic Imperative

At our most recent meeting, one of our committee members offered a summary of the many facets of poverty in Rhode Island. She did this as part of an investigation into how we might use the funds the late Margit Baum gave our church to help the poor in Newport. While many committee members were well-acquainted with what our friend presented, the overall picture she painted was still sobering. It reminded us that poverty is injustice made manifest. It reminded us that poverty destroys human freedom and dignity. Finally it reminded us, as the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert has said, that we, as UU’s, live under an imperative to confront this injustice, promote freedom and human dignity, and work for the elimination of poverty as a fundamental component of building the Beloved Community on Earth.
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The Rev. James Luther Adams in his 1946 treatise “A Faith for Free Men,” wrote that human freedom was not so much about individual rights and privileges but about communities of people working, “...in free, cooperative effort for the common good. In other words, this reality fulfills man’s life only when men stand in right relation to each other. Man, the historical being, comes most fully to terms with this reality in the exercise of freedom that works for justice in the human community. Only what creates freedom in a community of justice is dependable...Only the society that gives every man the opportunity to share in the process whereby human potentiality is realizable, only the society that creates social forms of freedom in a community of justice (where every man is given his due), only the freedom that respects the divine image and dignity in every man are dependable.” Rev. Gilbert, in his book The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory and Practice, expands Adams’ theme by articulating an obligation on the part of UU’s to promote freedom in these terms through social action, “I contend that the Unitarian Universalist movement lives under a prophetic imperative, a religious mandate for the corporate address of the church to the systemic problems of society... The imperative to be stressed is that which emerges from the disciplines of freedom. Freedom is not merely the absence of restraint, but the will and capacity to act on one’s environment. It is a freedom that implies responsibility to enrich and expand freedom in the social order. Freedom, a central value of Unitarian Universalism, is a social concept, and, if it is to be preserved, an obligation is placed on the free person. I believe we are not free to desist from struggling for freedom for self and others. Freedom, by its very nature, places an imperative claim on the free person to expand that freedom to all.”
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Over the weekend of March 27th – 28th, Channing Memorial Church and the Ballou Channing District of the Unitarian Universalist Association will co-sponsor a program and worship at Channing led by the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert, one of the leading voices in the UU movement calling for social action on our part to promote social justice. His books, The Prophetic Imperative and How Much Do We Deserve? provide a meaningful framework for the collective action for which he, Adams, and others have advocated since our church was founded. Mark your calendars and watch for more information on this important program. In the meantime, please join us at our next meeting, Wednesday, November 11th, 7PM, Channing Library.
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Tom Beall, Social Action Co-Chair
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Sunday, October 11, 2009

From East Bay Citizens for Peace

Friday, October 23, 2009 at 7 PM
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East Bay Citizens for Peace presents …
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Brave New Foundation's newly released documentary:
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"Rethink Afghanistan"
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St. Michael's Parish Hall
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Hope & Church Streets, Bristol, RI
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Free and open to the public
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and
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Journalist - Jonathan S. Landay
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Senior National Security Correspondent for McClatchy Newspapers
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“The Stakes in Afghanistan: The Debate We Ought to Have”
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Mr. Landay has just returned from a two-month-long investigative tour of Afghanistan. He is a veteran foreign affairs reporter with long experience in South Asia, Iraq, the Balkans and Washington.
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Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 8 PM
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The Bristol State House
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240 High St., Bristol, RI
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Open to the public - suggested donation - $5
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East Bay Citizens for Peace, a grassroots organization committed to peaceful solutions to conflict and to social and economic justice through the promotion of open, respectful dialogue. For more information contact 247-9738, eastbaycitizens4peace@hotmail.com or http://www.eastbaycitizens4peace.org/.
Posted by at

Friday, October 9, 2009

From UUA Advocacy and Witness

Dear Friends of Justice,
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This week marked the 8th anniversary of the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. We pray for peace and justice for the Afghani people and the safe return of our troops. Meanwhile here in the U.S. capitol, we welcome participants to the National Equality March this weekend.
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In faith and for justice, Rob, Susan, Rowan, Orelia, Kat, Audra, and Meg
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Just Say NO to abstinence-only funding in the Health Care Bill!
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Sadly, the Senate Finance Committee voted (by a razor-thin margin of 12-11) to authorize $50 million in funding for abstinence-only programs as part of Health Care Reform- despite over 10 years of evidence that these programs do not work.
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We need to let Senators know that we will not stand for this! Conservative ideology has trumped science and effective health policy for far too long. We shouldn't spend even a single more taxpayer dollar on programs that spread fear, give misinformation, and stigmatize young women and BGLT people.
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President Obama has called for an end to abstinence-only funding. Democrats in the House and Senate have held firm through budget negotiations. We are SO close to finally victory!
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Please take action now to eliminate these dangerous programs!
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Update on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009
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Senators Kerry and Boxer introduced the long-anticipated bill on climate change last Wednesday. The bill includes some of the requests we'd been pushing for with our allies, including strong 2020 emissions targets than the house bill; maintaining EPA's authority to regulate emissions; and the creation of green construction jobs, especially for women and people of color in low-income communities. On the other hand, there is still much work to be done to strengthen this bill enough to make the changes necessary to manage climate change and keep the US competitive in the market for new, clean technology. Stay tuned on how to take action.
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Standing on the Side of Love Friday Calls
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Every week the Standing on the Side of Love is hosting 45 min web-cast conference calls on Friday at 1 PM EDT/EST (12PM Central; 11 AM Mountain; 10 AM Pacific) to help congregational leaders bring the campaign into their congregations and communities.
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This week will feature: Adam Gerhardstein, Campaign Manager of the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign. He will share campaign updates, including Oct. 11th GLBT Equality Mobilization, and successful congregational strategies Followed by Q & A and discussion. To register and get information for the call go to: www.StandingontheSideofLove.org/fridaycalls.
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From Our Friends at the American Friends Service Committee

This morning, we were greeted to the news that President Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. As you probably know, the American Friends Service Committee, too, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 on behalf of Quakers worldwide for their work to help the refugees of WWI and WWII.
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He has many opportunities to be a peace advocate today, as his administration considers

  • The course of the expanding war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq,
  • How diplomacy can resolve tensions with Iran and North Korea through dialogue better than military threats,
  • A federal budget that devotes too much money to weapons and war and less to families struggling to get by in this economic crisis, and
  • How to go beyond a limited arms control measure to create the nuclear-free future that Obama has strongly articulated.
Today is a golden opportunity to show that a pro-peace majority supports the President’s first steps toward peace and will help him take the next steps as well.
Join AFSC in congratulating Barack Obama and share with him your vision of how we can all help wage peace.
Peace,
Laurie Creasy,
American Friends Service Committee
Posted by at

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Rhode Island Chapter of ACLU Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The R.I. chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a variety of programs open to the public. Three of these, each including a half-hour film, are scheduled on forthcoming Wednesdays at the new facility of UUCSC (the UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of South County). The dates and topics are:
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Oct. 7, "Religious Freedom,"
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Oct. 14, "The Death Penalty"
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Oct. 28, "Freedom to Marry."
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Each program starts at 7 pm at 27 North Road, Peace Dale, R.I.
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Monday, October 5, 2009

Algebra as a Tool to Advance Social Justice

American philosopher John Dewey (1859 - 1952) was one of the first to articulate that the goal of public education in the United States should be to educate all Americans to be informed and responsible participants in our democracy. Conservative advocates, such as those who wrote the 1983 government report A Nation at Risk, would argue that the purpose of public education is to prepare children to be productive workers in society - followers but not necessarily equals.
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While educational researchers have debated these positions for years, others have sought practical approaches to achieve both ends. One such person is Robert Moses, whose Algebra Project:
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...is a 501 (c) (3) national, nonprofit organization that uses mathematics as an organizing tool to ensure quality public school education for every child in America. We believe that every child has a right to a quality education to succeed in this technology-based society and to exercise full citizenship. We achieve this by using best educational research and practices, and building coalitions to create systemic changes.
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The Algebra Project furthers this mission by advancing the cause of teaching algebra to all American middle school children; recognizing that an understanding of algebra is the foundation of learning higher mathematics and applied mathematical fields such as engineering and computer science. Children who have a solid grounding in algebra are much better prepared to take advantage of the opportunities society has to offer. In this way, the learning of algebra promotes informed and equal participation in our democratic society.
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Don't take my word for it. Check out the following links to learn more:
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The Algebra Project: http://www.algebra.org/
Choosing Democracy:
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Step It Up/Cool Aquidneck Island Update #27

Hi, Green Friends,
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Following up on last week's item on house plants and indoor air pollution, one of our members reminds us that while buttoning up our houses and eliminating drafts, we still have to allow for adequate fresh air exchange.
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Having a free Rise Energy Audit would provide for both buttoning up and air exchange. And speaking of that, a gentle reminder that our Neighborhood Energy Challenge will be kicking off at the International Day of Climate Action, October 24, 12 PM at Easton's Beach. You'll be able to sign up for the challenge there. Rise audits earn you big points! Wtch this space for more information.
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Cool Aquidneck Island's David Stookey, who recently hosted a Sierra Club house party on the A.I. Transportation Study, brings us this message:
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The public workshop on Aquidneck Island's Transportation Study last Tuesday was as responsive to our requests as we could have hoped. Half a dozen people spoke on topics related directly or indirectly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Not only did the consultants tell us that CO2 can and will be estimated, but Tina Dolen of the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, the study's client, called this the defining issue of the workshop. Here is what she said on NPR the next morning.
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"The most compelling message was that people were not interested in automobile trafic; they want to use alternative modes of transportation including buses, bikes, walking, etc.; and the vast majority, by far. are concerned about greenhouse gases and want to limit carbon emissions."
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So? Now we need to nail those perceptions and assurances into place. Until the study team announces in writing that their goals include significant greenhouse gas reduction, we need to keep pushing for that decision. The next few months are critical, as the study's goals will be set then. If you'd like to help make sure that this is not just another plan to accommodate the automobile, check out the ideas on the Cool Aquidneck Island Wiki or contact David with your thoughts.
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Monday, October 5, 2009
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Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update workshop-Waterfront
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Time: 6 to 8 PM
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Location: City Hall, Broadway, Newport
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Share your goals and priorities for promoting "the health and vigor of the city." Join a lively discussion about updating our Land Use Plan. The committee wants to hear your viewpoint. This second of three topical discussions addresses the waterfront.
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
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*NEW* A.I. Land Trust Conservation Speaker Series - Tom Wessels
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Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Location: ALT Office, 790 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown
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Tom Wessels isthe third and final speaker in this series.
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Wessels is an ecologist and founding director of the master's degree program in Conservation Biology at Antioch University New England. He is former chair of the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation that fosters environmental leadership through graduate fellowships and organizational grants. Tom has been conducting landscape level workshops throughout the United States for over 30 years.
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Tom's presentation, based on his book Reading the Forested Landscape, will start at the ALT Office and end with a walk through the forest at Miantonomi Memorial Park. It will introduce people to approaches used to interpret a forest's history while wandering through it. Using evidence such as the shapes of trees, scars on their trunks, the pattern of decay in stumps, the construction of stone walls, and the lay of the land, it is possible to unravel complex stories etched into our forested landscape.
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The ALT Conservation Speaker Series is FREE and open to the public. RSVP to Jessica Pohl at mhtml:%7BF8FA2727-F8AC-4D7C-BE59-1B99A878B9F8%7Dmid://00000074/!x-usc:mailto:jpohl@ailt.org or 401-849-2799 x 18 if you are interested in attending.
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Saturday, October 17, 2009
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AI Watershed Council forum on healthy water supply
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Time: 10 AM
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Location: O'Hare Academic Center, Salve Regina U., Newport
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Salve Regina U. and AIWC are sponsoring a 1/2-day interactive forum which will launch our new Citizen Scientist Program. Public officials from the Island and other leaders on the environment will make the presentations concerning the health of our water supply and discuss ways to improve the quality and protection of our drinking water. It's shaping up to be a very exciting event!
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During the conference, residents, especially children, will be encouraged to bring water samples from neighboring bodies of water to be tested by Salve students. Some results will be shared with participants that day and other, more technical studies (bacteria), are to be shared a couple days later.
The entire program is FREE and open to all who have interest. Supporters include Salve, Kiwanis International, the EPA, Save the Bay, Alliance for a Livable Newport, Aquidneck Land Trust, Clean Ocean Access, Aquidneck Island Planning Council and many others.
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To make a tax-deductable contribution to the forum, send a check to Salve made out to "Salve Regina University-Water Study Project," Ochre Court, Newport, 02840.
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Sunday, October 18, 2009
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Cool Congregations Train the Trainer Workshop
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Time: 1 to 5 PM
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Location: Newman Congregational Church, 100 Newman Ave, Rumfor
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Help your congregation save Creation by shrinking their carbon footprint at home. Become a Cool Congregations trainer for your congregation! Come to our workshop, and help your faith community understand and reduce their households' carbon footprint. Become better stewards of Creation by understanding your own household's energy usage and learning practical steps to increased energy efficiency. It's fun and informative!
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Read about the Cool Congregations program at http://riipl.org/lists/lt.php?id=LkVWDwBcAwJNVFVURVgH, or at http://riipl.org/linked_files/Cool_Congregations_Brochure.pdf.
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Suggested $10 donation, but no one will be turned away.
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Enroll by October 15, mhtml:%7BF8FA2727-F8AC-4D7C-BE59-1B99A878B9F8%7Dmid://00000074/!x-usc:mailto:info@riipl.org, 401-267-0029.
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Thursday, October 22, 2009
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Bioneers the the Bay Conference
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Time: 8 AM
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Location: New Bedford, MA
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Join us for the fifth Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change Conference, presented by the Marion Institute in the historic Downtown of New Bedford, MA, on October 22-25, 2009.
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This is an internationally acclaimed annual gathering of environmental, industry and social justice innovators who have demonstrated visionary and practical models for restoring the Earth and its inhabitants.
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Over 2,000 students, teachers, green business innovators, scientists, grassroots leaders and everyday folks from across the East Coast will gather to embrace, share, brainstorm, network, heal, learn, teach, celebrate, recharge and connect for change. We will roll up our sleeves and harvest tangible, practical solutions to the specific challenges we face here in the Northeast and the world at-large.
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Learn more, and register at: http://www.marioninstitute.org/bioneers_by_the_bay
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Saturday, October 24, 2009
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International Day of Climate Action - Aquidneck Island
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Time: 12 to 2 PM
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Location: Easton's Beach, Newport
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Bring pictures of your children and grandchildren to Easton's Beach! Learn how sea level rise and storm water run-off impact every aspect of our island life style and livelihood. Learn what you can do. One thing is to join the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, which we'll launch that day. We'll meet near the Rotunda for talks, music, informational booths and challenge sign-ups. Rain or shine! This event is still in development. More details to come!
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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Follow the Water! Streamflow and Water Availability
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Time: 4 to 7 PM
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Location: CCRI – Warwick Campus, Rm. 4080
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The starting point for managing our state’s shared water resources is a look at how much water we have and where it is. Get a glimpse of the big picture of regional water supplies. Learn about DEM’s study of water availability in RI. Hear how the RI Water Resources Board and one local community are using this information.
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The Coalition for Water Security, a partnership of many of the state's leading environmental and quality of life groups, invites you to this event, featuring: Alisa Richardson, PE, Principal Engineer, Office of Water Resources, Rhode Island DEM Mark Smith, The Nature Conservancy, Director, Eastern Freshwater Program Kenneth Burke, General Manager , RI Water Resources Board Jon Reiner, Director of Planning, Town of North Kingstown
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To register or for more information contact: Jane Austin at mhtml:%7BF8FA2727-F8AC-4D7C-BE59-1B99A878B9F8%7Dmid://00000074/!x-usc:mailto:jaustin@savebay.org or 272-3540 x123
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Saturday, October 3, 2009

March for Marriage Equality, Saturday October 17th, Providence, RI

Come out and MARCH to the State House for Marriage Equality. March with your neighbors, friends, family or local organization. Every community in Rhode Island will be represented. Carry the sign for your town! The time is NOW to send a clear message to our state legislators that MARRIAGE EQUALITY must be the law in Rhode Island.
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Don’t miss this great day of solidarity and action….and fun!
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MARRIAGE EQUALITY NOW RI MARCH & RALLY
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Saturday, OCTOBER 17, 2009
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10a.m. Gather at Burnside Park (opposite Kennedy Plaza)
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11a.m. March to the RI State House
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1 p.m. Rally for Marriage Equality on the steps of the State House
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4 p.m. Reception at Downcity Diner*
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5 p.m. The Dark Lady* and Alley Cat* open for Marriage Equality
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7 p.m. Snow Street Block Party for Marriage Equality RI
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9 p.m. Marriage Equality Celebration at Mirabar*
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For more information, to get involved, call: 941-2727.
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*Event LocationsDowncity Diner located at 50 Weybosset in ProvidenceDark Lady located at 17 Snow St in ProvidenceAlley Cat located at 124 Snow St in ProvidenceMirabar located at 35 Richmon St. in Providence
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Thursday, October 1, 2009

UUA Advocacy and Witness

Dear Friends of Justice,

What historic times we are potentially in. While the Senate has already been wrestling with health care reform and whether or not we will have a public option, today Senators Boxer and Kerry release their version of the climate change bill. In the meantime a House committee has set a hearing on legislation that would protect the Red Rock Wilderness, one of our Actions of Immediate Witness this past General Assembly. A huge March for BGLT Equality is coming to DC in early October. And we continue our weekly Standing on the Side of Love webcast calls (Fridays at 1 pm EDT) to help UUs more effectively witness on the side of love during times that sorely need it. This week's call is with Revs. Meg Riley & Abhi Janamanchi. Please see below for more details.
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In faith and for justice, Rowan, Orelia, Kat, Audra, Susan, Rob, and Meg
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ACT NOW on America's Red Rock Wilderness Act
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At the 2009 UUA General Assembly, delegates voted to Support America's Red Rock Wilderness Act as an Action of Immediate Witness. Well, now it's time for action!
For the first time in the 20-year history of this bill, a hearing has been scheduled for America's Red Rock Wilderness Act in the House Natural Resources Committee, Public Lands Subcommittee, for Oct. 1, 2009. Right now a simple act of witness could do wonders to support this bill. Please contact your local congressional representative and tell them you support America's Red Rock Wilderness Act and to let him/her know that you are pleased to know that it is getting a hearing. Encourage members of your congregation to do the same! For more ideas and assistance in taking action, or to see if your congressional representative has signed on, visit the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
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Update on the Oct 11th March for Equality
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The National Equality March will take place in Washington D.C. on Sunday, October 11th. Join Rev. Peter Morales and thousands of other UUs to march for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender equality. The march route has been released. If you're coming to the march, we need you to register. If you are not coming, there is still plenty you can do for equality. For more information, including a full schedule of UU events Oct 10th-11th, click here.
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Standing on the Side of Love Friday Conference Call Webcasts
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The Standing on the Side of Love campaign now offers weekly 45 min. webcast conference calls on Fridays at 1pm. EDT. We will share best practices, highlight resources, and discuss major initiatives. Calls will feature different presenters. You do not have to have web access to join the calls. To get more information and to register for the calls simply follow the link below for the day(s) you wish to attend, go to: http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/fridaycalls
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This Friday's Oct. 2nd 1-1:45 pm (EDT) call features Rev. Meg Riley, Campaign Director and UUA Director of Advocacy and Witness and Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Minister of UU Congregation of Clearwater Florida and Member of SSL Congregational Advisory Board on Interfaith Coalition Building through Standing on the Side of Love. Followed by Q & A and discussion.
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From UUA: Urgent Action Needed on Climate Change

October 1, 2009
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Dear Friends of Environmental Justice,
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Welcome to our second issue of Environmental Justice News. It is officially autumn now, and if you can't feel it in the air outside, maybe you can feel it with the start of the church year, the school year, and with congress back in session.
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I am the new Program Associate for Environmental Justice, through a partnership between the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth and the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. I recently finished an AmeriCorps*VISTA year in Lawrence, MA, working on food justice and environmental education. I am thrilled to be here in the Washington Office for Advocacy, supporting UU involvement in environmental justice issues, locally and nationally. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for these monthly newsletters.
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In This Issue:
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Resources and Activities
The Human Right to Water-UUSC
Climate Change: What's Going on in Government?
Action Items Summary
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Environmental Justice News is a collaborative effort between: UU Ministry for the Earth UU Service Committee UUA's Green Sanctuary program UUA's Washington Office for Advocacy
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In faith,
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Rowan Van NessProgram Associate for Environmental Justice
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(1) Resources and Activities
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UUMFE: International Day of Climate Action-October 24, 2009Social justice, creation-care, stewardship, Earth community, beloved community - there are many ways we can name and express our moral and spiritual perspectives on climate change. UU Ministry for Earth invites UUs to join with us in prayer, meditation, action, and celebration on October 24, 2009, in our collaboration with 350.org in a day of action for climate justice. This date is an important milestone in the path to an effective international treaty on climate change to be negotiated in Copenhagen, Denmark, this December. Groups around the globe will call on the world's leaders to commit to decreasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in Earth's atmosphere to below 350 parts per million, the stable and safe upper limit for the world's people, creatures, and future generations. Bill McKibben, co-founder and director of 350.org, has specifically called for UU involvement; watch the 45-second YouTube video here.
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For more information about the International Day of Climate Action, visit the UUMFE website. We have included ideas for events your congregation can organize, links to our partner organizations, and a registry for our collaboration with 350.org. Let us know what your congregation is planning! Also, please register at 350.org and sign the "Interfaith Call for 350."
RenewalDuring the month of September congregations should check their mailboxes for a copy of the interfaith film Renewal and "Renewal: A Guide for Screening and Using the Documentary" these are being provided to all UUA congregations. This resource has been provided in hopes that it will be used to inspire congregations to participate in environmental and environmental justice work. In the coming months, the UUA will be collecting stories to see how congregations used the DVD.
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If you have not received your copy, first check with your congregational administrator and then contact greensanctuary@uua.org for a replacement copy. For more information visit the Green Sanctuary website or the Renewal website.
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If you have not received your copy, first check with your congregational administrator and then contact greensanctuary@uua.org for a replacement copy. For more information visit the Green Sanctuary website or the Renewal website.
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New Report on Responsible Investing in the Water SectorThe Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility has released a new report for church investors about responsible reporting for the water sector, called "Liquid Assets". UUSC contributed the chapter on the human right to water. Forward this report to your finance committee and other colleagues and contacts and encourage them to use this to evaluate their investments.
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Human Right to Water Bottles - on sale now!Bring the water justice wave to your holiday celebrations and show your colors - buy a human right to water bottle and support the efforts of organizations like El Moviminto Mi Cometa - one of UUSC's partners, who has brought a ground breaking case against InterAgua (former Bechtel Subsidiary, now VEOLIA owns the shares) before the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman responsible for overseeing investment disputes with communities and MIGA guarantees. Mi Cometa also worked to put the human right to water clause in the new Ecuadorian constitution (which also protects the rights of the environment, native peoples, and much more). Mi Cometa is now working to implement the constitution in the new water law.
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(2) The Human Right to Water-UUSC
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AB 1242 - Human Right to Water Act of California - 2009
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The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), the UU Legislative Ministry Action Network of California, and many grass roots environmental, social justice, and human rights organizations have worked together to bring forward a historic bill in the California legislature over the past year - AB 1242, the Human Right to Water Act of 2009. Read about the great co-sponsors of the bill like the Environmental Justice Coalition on Water and the Community Water Center. When UUs jump into water justice together, we make a bigger splash! Unitarian Universalists with human rights and water policy expertise helped to shape the bill, and the organizing reach of UUSC and UULM Action Network brought it to the attention of thousands. If the bill is signed by the Governor, the impact will not only help move water justice forward in California, it will ripple out to other states and around the globe.
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This month UUs lifted up water justice in worship, and collected over 2500 postcards and letters which were delivered in buckets to the Governor's office by "La Gotita" (the water drop - mascot of UUSC partner FENTAP - the Water and Sanitation Workers of Peru) to ask the Governor to sign AB1242. Watch La Gotita dance in a video by the UULMCA about AB 1242 - send it along to your CA contacts, ask them to call or write to the Governor to encourage him to sign the bill.
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Thanks to the UU Veatch Program at Shelter Rock whose support provided the foundation for this success.
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(3) What's Going on in Government?
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With the UN Climate Summit this past week in New York, things are heating up around the issue of climate change. President Obama's address Tuesday morning at the UN Climate Change Summit spoke generally about the need for climate change and the need for industrial nations to take a lead in reducing carbon emissions and supporting developing countries whose survival depend on both a growing economy and a clean planet.
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With the high levels of greenhouse gases industrialized countries have already contributed to the atmosphere, there is debate around whether they owe the rest of the world a "climate debt," especially when developing countries will be the bigger emitters in the future. While there seems to be agreement that something should be done, the questions of how and how much remain divisive. Cooperation between the advanced and the emerging economies will be essential to making the climate change treaty in Copenhagen in December meaningful. Read the New York Times article here.
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Senators Boxer and Kerry have been putting together a climate change bill which is expected to be introduced this week and address the nation's energy foundation; U.S. economic competitiveness; the health of the environment; and national security. This is the biggest piece of environmental legislation to be going through Congress in a generation and has the potential to make major shifts in our energy sources and the redevelopment of our economy. As the US economy is rebuilt, it needs to create opportunities and funding for people to learn and perform jobs that help us transition to using cleaner energy and environmentally-friendly construction.
As people of faith, and guided by the 2006 Unitarian Universalist Statement of Conscience on the threat of Global Warming/Climate Change, we need to put our faith into action. President Obama has made the call for each person to do what they can to grow our economies without endangering the planet. To make sure this bill includes provisions for the Green Construction Careers Demonstration Project and Funding for the Green Jobs Act, we need to make our voices heard NOW. Our partners at the 1Sky Campaign have made it easy for you to call your Senator -- just visit 1Sky to get some talking points and to get connected to your Senator toll-free.
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(4) Action Items Summary
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Get the Governor to Sign AB 1242 - The Human Right to Water Act of 2009! This month UUs lifted up water justice in worship, and collected over 2500 postcards and letters which were delivered in buckets to the Governor's office by "La Gotita" (the water drop - mascot of UUSC partner Watch La Gotita dance in a video by the UULMCA about AB 1242 - send it along to your CA contacts, ask them to call or write to the Governor to encourage him to sign the bill.
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Ensure Your Church is Investing Responsibly The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility has released a new report for church investors about responsible reporting for the water sector, called "Liquid Assets". UUSC contributed the chapter on the human right to water. Forward this report to your finance committee and other colleagues and contacts and encourage them to use this to evaluate their investments.
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Demand Strong Climate Change in Upcoming Bill! With a new climate change bill expected to appear in the Senate soon, we need to make sure it is strong. President Obama has made the call for each person to do what they can to grow our economies without endangering the planet. To make sure this bill includes provisions for the Green Construction Careers Demonstration Project and Funding for the Green Jobs Act, we need to make our voices heard NOW. Our partners at the 1Sky Campaign have made it easy for you to call your Senator -- just visit 1Sky to get some talking points and to get connected to your Senator toll-free.
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ACTION Needed NOW on America's Red Rock Wilderness Act At the 2009 UUA General Assembly, delegates voted to Support America's Red Rock Wilderness Act as an Action of Immediate Witness. Well, now it's time for action!For the first time in the 20-year history of this bill, a hearing has been scheduled for America's Red Rock Wilderness Act in the House Natural Resources Committee, Public Lands Subcommittee, for Oct. 1, 2009. Right now a simple act of witness could do wonders to support this bill. Please contact your local congressional representative and tell them you support America's Red Rock Wilderness Act. Encourage members of your congregation to do the same! For more ideas and assistance in taking action, visit the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
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Make sure you congregation participates in the International Day of Climate Action Visit the UUMFE website for ideas, then register your action with UUMFE and the Interfaith Call for 350 at 350.org.
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Appeal from East Bay Citizens for Peace

Fellow activists, In an attempt to make Rhode Island residents more aware of issues of war and peace (and to simply provide them with consistent, quality journalism), East Bay Citizens for Peace has been trying to convince local TV and radio stations to carry the news program Democracy Now! Please help us by contacting WRNI and RI PBS to request that they add Democracy Now! to their lineups.
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Here is the contact info: WRNI - Lisa Gustafson, Program Director, lgustafson@wrni.org , 519-0235, or One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903 RI PBS - Kathryn Larsen, Program Director, klarsen@ripbs.org , 222-3636, ext. 0, or 50 Park Lane, Providence, RI 02907.
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We need an informed public to exert pressure on our elected leaders and bring an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan… and we need shows like Democracy Now! to keep the public informed. Thanks in advance for your support in this endeavor. If you need some talking points, or if you haven’t yet listened to Democracy Now!, check out their website: www.democracynow.org . East Bay Citizens for Peace www.eastbaycitizens4peace.org .
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Rally for Health Care Reform

A Healthier Nation is a Stronger Nation
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Sunday Oct 11th at NoonWashington Square, Newport RI(RIPTA Bus #60)
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Informative Speakers
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Musical entertainment with Jim McGrath and Friends
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CORPORATE GREED vs. HUMAN NEED
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For more info: Gracious Audette (401) 841 9198
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