CONTENTS:

PHILLY AREA ACTION:

NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL ACTION:

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PHILLY AREA ACTION:

 

Health Care Reform:  We’re Not Done Yet!

 

Curious about the new legislation? Come to our free public meeting

on the new Health Reform Bill. Hear about economic, moral and faithbased

reasons for continuing to work for health care reform.

Rev. Cheryl Pyrch, Pastor, Summit Presbyterian Church

Walter Tsou, MD, MPH, Physicians for a National Health Program

      Sunday, October 17, 2010, 3 – 5 PM

      Summit Presbyterian Church, 6757 Greene St., corner of Westview, Phila., PA 19119

Free child care, light refreshments. For more information, call 215-438-2825.

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Hugh Giordano to Host Fundraiser for Wounded Veterans 

            Hugh Giordano, the independent Green Party candidate for State Rep. in the 194th District, has aligned himself with the Hattal-Taylor Post 333 to host a fundraiser for wounded veterans so that help could be given those who have served our country. “I am proud to be working in partnership with the VFW on this very important issue,” said Giordano. “Veterans’ needs have been placed on the back burner for such a long time, and I will not let this happen when I get to Harrisburg.”  Giordano and the VFW have decided to donate all proceeds to the “Wounded Warriors Project” to make sure that those who served get the medical treatment and dignity they deserve. Although Giordano is very happy to hold this event for veterans, he is upset that Harrisburg and other parts of government have not done their part to take care of injured soldiers. “These men and women signed up to defend our freedom, yet when they are injured they have to beg for help – This is wrong”

             The event will be held on Saturday October 16, 2010 from 4-8 pm at the VFW Post 333 at 376 Lyceum Ave, Phila. PA 19128. Tickets cost $20 which includes all food and beverages. Kids eat free. For tickets please call Ed Kiefski 215-913-4485 or Carol Mclean 267-235-8732.For more information, visit www.hughgiordano.com . All proceeds go to the “Wounded Warriors Project”.  

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* Michael Morrill suggested you like Pennsylvania Progressive Voters Guide *

 

Michael says, "A dozen progressive groups bring you voters guide: Keystone Progress, America Votes, Action United, AFL-CIO, Clean Water Action, Conservation Voters, Education Voters, Equality PA, Planned Parenthood, PA State Education Association, SEIU, Sierra Club.  ".

 

To see more details and confirm this invitation, follow the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/n/?pages%2FPennsylvania-Progressive-Voters-Guide%2F155077727846274&mid=31c7a32G2d1f52f1G5ce9232G4c&n_m=marlsan%40cavtel.net

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The Philadelphia Area Black Radical Congress Invites You To A Forum

PREPARING OURSELVES FOR THE NOVEMBER 2nd ELECTION - VOTER EDUCATION FORUM

      Sunday, October 17, 2010 –  2 to 4 P.M.                                                

      Free Library of Philadelphia ,  1901 Vine Street, Skyline Room

 

Why Is the November 2, 2010 Election So Important?

How will this Election effect our communities?

Special Guest Speakers;

ELMER SMITH, Daily News Columnist: RICHARD WOMACK, Pres., Phila. A. Phillip Randolph Institute

 Who are the candidates?

     What positions are they running for? How can you protect your vote?

SPEAKER FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

 GET INVOLVED IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS. ASK QUESTIONS. GET INFORMED.

        VOTE ON NOVEMBER 2nd

A Non-Partisan Public Meeting. All are welcome. 215-848-1806 or 267-259-7196             

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"Windows and Mirrors": Tuesday Forums /7-9 PM @ 4th & Arch St. Friends Meeting

 

Please join us each Tuesday in October for interactive forums featuring expert guest speakers on different aspects of the war and militarism. From exploring nonviolent policy options to the rise of Islamophobia to the economic crisis in our cities made worse by the billions and billions of dollars spent on war instead of improving education, health care and aging infrastructure. 

***

Tuesday 19 October | Islam, Islamophobia, and Muslims in America  (7 – 9 PM)

 

Iftikhar Hussein, Chair of the Council on American-Islamic Relations PA

Raed Jarrar, Iraqi political analyst former AFSC Iraq consultant

Moderator: Peter Lems, AFSC

      Nine years after 9/11, anti-Muslim rhetoric has escalated in the US.  While some commentators seem to be encouraging stereotypes and misconceptions, many interfaith dialogue groups have provided an opportunity for Americans to become more acquainted with Islam and American Muslims.  We will explore who makes up the American Muslim community, their positions on issues such as terrorism and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and why Islamophobia is on the increase today.  We'll also look at what steps we can take to address this issue and the policy implications for the US.

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Tuesday 26 October | Civilian Casualties: Restorative Justice at home and Abroad (7–9 PM)

 

King Downing, Healing Justice Analyst, AFSC

The Guild, A Restorative Justice Program, Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

Moderator: Peter Lems, AFSCS

      Local co-sponsors: Council on American-Islamic Relations, Bread and Roses Community Fund, Philadelphia Mural Arts Project, Middle East Center – University of Pennsylvania, Quaker Affairs Office of Haverford College, Veterans for Peace, Brandywine Peace Community, Catholic Peace Fellowship, House of Grace Catholic Worker, Community Cultural Exchange, Lehigh-Pocono Committee of Concern, US Labor Against the War, Granny Peace Brigade, Faculty and Staff Federation of Community College of Philadelphia.

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American Friends Service Committee and Philadelphia Mural Arts Program present:

An evening of films & conversation about building community support for healing justice.

      Thursday, October 21 - 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)

      Friends Center, 1501 Cherry St. Philadelphia

      Free and open to the public. $5 parking lot available at 16th & Spring St.

 

CONCRETE, STEEL & PAINT (55:00) An award-winning documentary about the Mural Arts Program’s “Healing Walls” Project. The film takes viewers inside the walls of Graterford Prison and explores the collaborative tension between prisoners, crime victims and crime victim advocates as they struggle to find common ground and work together to create a mural for the outside community (www.concretefilm.org).

 

HEALING JUSTICE: TRANSFORMED LIVES (11:41) This new short film produced by AFSC gives voice to a remarkable group of formerly incarcerated men and women who have overcome extreme adversity and successfully turned their lives around upon release from prison (www.voicesofhope.tv).

       After the screening join the filmmakers and panelists Jane Golden, Philadelphia Mural ArtsProgram; King Downing, AFSC Healing Justice; Mason Barnett, PA Prison Society: and Mary Catherine Lowery, Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy to learn how you can get involved in contributing to justice that is restorative – to prisoners, crime victims and communities.

      Co-presented with the Pennsylvania Prison Society and Philadelphia Coalition

for Victim Advocacy and supported in part by the Pennsylvania Humanities

Council, the Federal-State Partner of the National Endowment of the Humanities.

      For more information:  Email cspfilm@gmail.com or call 267 259-2049

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Oct. Social Science Forum

 

On Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., The Philadelphia Social Science Forum presents *THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS...the struggle for Democracy, Jobs, Peace and Equality*. This will take place at 4515 Baltimore Avenue (45th Street and Baltimore Avenue), Philadelphia, PA.

 

This panel discussion will examine the importance of the 2010 elections in the struggle for people’s needs. The stakes in the upcoming elections are tremendous.

      We are asking a minimal fee for admission, $5.00 and $2.00 for unemployed and students. However, no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. As this will be the second of six forums (3 dealing with the Unemployment Crisis and the Elections), the cost for the three forums of this series will be $10.00 and  you can become a sponsor of the 2010-2011 series (for all six forums) for $25.00. The 3rd Forum will take place on November 18, 2010 and deal with the Post-Election Analysis.

                  Please do not forget to VOTE NOVEMBER 2ND!

This and all forums are sponsored by the *Communist Party of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware* and the *Friends of the People's World*.

For more information, rperna@cpusa.org (215) 222-8895.

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Celebrating Philly Public Access TV -- 27 Years in the Making!

 

As PhillyCAM approaches its 1 year anniversary we realized we never took a moment to celebrate that Philadelphia, after nearly 27 years of community activism, succeeded in getting its public access tv channel. An incredible victory for media democracy!

      So we're throwing a party to celebrate the efforts of all the advocates who made it possible for Philadelphians to have access to media-making tools, training and an outlet for our voices to be heard.

JOIN US!!!!

      Thursday, October 21, 2010- 5:30 - 8:30 pm

      PhillyCAM Studio/Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia

 

Evening will include: Refreshments, Special Tributes, a Video Lounge featuring PhillyCAM programs, and a Preview of the documentary about our fight for public access tv.

PhillyCAM-Philadelphia Community Access Media Contact us: info@phillycam.org- t: 267 639 5481

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Mt. Airy Art Garage (MAAG) - Art In Ned Wolf Park!

 

Dear Artists and Art Lovers,

The Mt. Airy Art Garage (MAAG) invites you to join us for Art in Ned Wolf Park! at the corner of Ellet and McCallum Streets (19119) on Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. We are holding an Art Garage Sale event to help support the Building Fund for the build out of MAAG which is set to open in December at 11 W. Mt. Airy Ave.    

      We are reaching out to ask for your art donations; paintings, photography, ceramics, crafts, jewelry, fiber art or clothing, handmade cards, "art chotchkees  Only art and handcrafts please; no old tires, cookware, books, etc.  We are requesting that prices be kept to affordable prices (under $50?).

If you would like to donate we ask that you drop of your donations at Ned Wolf Park at 7:30 am on the morning of the event. If your item does not sell, it will be donated to a local charity.

In addition to art donations we are looking for volunteers to help out for a few hours during the day.

Any interest in donating or volunteering can be directed to Meei Ling Ng, a MAAG board member, at meeiling@verizon.net or call Linda at 215.247.5309.

Thank you in advance for your support of MAAG and your local art scene!

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Arab Voices Debut: Book Signing Events on 10/25

 

Two events in Philadelphia on October 25th for the release of my new book, Arab Voices: What They Are Saying to Us, and Why it Matters.  The book examines the myths, assumptions, and biases that hold us back from understanding and listening to those of the Arab and Muslim worlds. 

 

Monday, October 25th:

Villanova University Main Campus, Falvey Library, 1st Floor Lounge, Villanova, PA 19085

Time: 2:00pm -3:30pm PST

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

 

Philadelphia World Affairs Council, One South Broad Street, Suite 2M, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Time:  5:30pm - 8:30pm

There will be a wine and cheese reception from 5:30-6:00pm, followed by the program and book signing. For more information and to register for this event, call 215-561-4700.

      James Zogby [mailto:JZogby@aaiusa.org] Arab American Institute www.aaiusa.org

 

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NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL ACTION:

 

Colors from Palestine calendar

 

Resistance Art is a Palestinian organization devoted to celebrate the diversity and richness of the Palestinian culture. We publish a yearly Palestinian calendar “Colors from Palestine ” The calendars are used to shed some light on the art and cultural life in Palestine and to fundraise for artists and cultural organizations.

      All profits from the sales of “Colors from Palestine ” 2011 Calendars will benefit "The Young Artists forum" in Gaza . To know more about the artists please visit http://www.eltiqa.com

 

Help support art in Palestine . Buy your calendars online today, click on the following link:

http://www.resistanceart.com/2011_Front_Back_Covers.htm

 

Please forward this email to your contacts.

   Thank you - Resistance Art - 416-890-2331

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http://www.z2systems.com/np/images/templates/1px/s.gif

UNRWA is an agency in crisis.  For more than 60 years, it has tirelessly served as a lifeline for Palestinian refugees, but 2010 is different.

UNRWA is simply overstretched and underfunded.  Due to the increased demand for services and the global financial crisis, the Agency is facing an $80 million deficit and as a result, UNRWA cannot pay staff salaries in November.  This is a devastating reality for the 29,000 staff members, 99% of whom are Palestinian refugees themselves, working as doctors, nurses, teachers, counselors and engineers.  Without this staff, UNRWA cannot continue to operate its life-saving programs.  

What will become of the 4.8 million Palestinian refugees without UNRWA?  Who will teach the 500,000 students enrolled in UNRWA schools?  Who will care for the patients that visit UNRWA’s 134 health clinics each day? Without your support, we will all be forced to answer these questions.

UNRWA has always served as a refuge, providing food, water and shelter in the worst of storms.  From Gaza in 1956 through the cataclysm of June 1967, to Lebanon in the 1970s and 1980s and onto successive intifadas, up to Operation Cast Lead in 2009 – UNRWA continues to shield and support the people of Palestine.  However, conditions are more urgent than ever, and the unprecedented budgetary crisis of 2010 may be one storm the Agency cannot weather.  

Now, more than ever, the UN agency that has steadfastly worked to provide Palestinians with the tools to improve their lives needs our support.  

There are many ways you can help:
Click here to make an online donation today with any major credit card.

You can also mail a personal check, or if you are a Federal employee donate through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC Code: 32712).  To learn about other ways you can help, visit our website or call us at 202-223-3767.  


American Friends of UNRWA  • 1666 K Street, NW  • Suite 440   
Washington, DC 20006 • (202) 223-3767 •info@FriendsUNRWA.org

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 From BNC: "TIAA-CREF: DIVEST FROM INJUSTICE"

 

Please find a statement from Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC) endorsing a major campaign calling upon the US non-profit pension fund TIAA-CREF to divest from companies that profit from Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and violations of Palestinian rights attached and pasted below. Please circulate and post to websites and blogs

http://bdsmovement.net/?q=node/775

 

TIAA-CREF: Divest from Injustice

Occupied Palestine, October 4th 2010 - The Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC), on behalf of its constituent organizations and unions representing the majority of Palestinian civil society, calls upon the US non-profit pension fund TIAA-CREF to live up to its motto of providing "Financial Services for the Greater Good" by divesting its funds from companies that profit from Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and violation of Palestinian rights. As in the struggle to end South African apartheid, divestment from wrongdoing companies is not just a moral obligation; it is a time-honored, particularly effective, non-violent form of pressure that can significantly contribute to ending Israel's occupation, racial discrimination and denial of refugee rights.

      The BNC strongly supports the fast-growing and inspiring campaign initiated by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP)1 and widely endorsed by US solidarity and just peace advocacy groups and coalitions, including the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation2 and Adalah-NY3, aimed at pressuring TIAA-CREF to divest from companies profiting from Israel's occupation and violation of international law. We urge all groups working on boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaigns in the US, especially on university campuses, to endorse this campaign and join it, whenever possible, to amplify its reach and impact across the US.

 

 

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* Nobel Prize Calls Obama to Change US Policy Toward Latin America By Glenda Pardo http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=227891&Itemid=1

Nobel Peace Prize winner Adolfo Perez Esquivel warned here that the U.S. always acts in one form or another in the coups in Latin America, and called the U.S.

president, Barack Obama, to change its regional policy.

 

* Young Jazz Legend Wynton Marsalis to Perform in Cuba By Jose Dos Santos

http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=224194&Itemid=1