Events happening today, tomorrow and beyond!

Petition – “Demand a free and fair trial.”

Sign here. GEORGE FLOYD should still be alive today. Demand Justice. Derek Chauvin will stand trial for the murder of George Floyd in March. The 3 other officers on the scene that day will stand trial in August. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter and faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. 

We demand a free and fair trial. We demand the Minneapolis Police Officers involved in the murder of George Floyd be held responsible. 

We are calling on Governor Tim Walz, Keith Ellison, of Minnesota Attorney General and Judge Peter Cahill to ensure a fair trial.

George Floyd was a star athlete in high school, and among the first of his siblings to attend college. He became a fixture in the early days of Houston’s hip-hop scene, performing as a rapper known as “Big Floyd.” Like all of us, he had some ups and downs in his life, but in adulthood, Mr. Floyd became committed to his Christian faith, becoming an active church volunteer and a mentor to troubled youth in his community.

Thank you for reading this petition. Please sign and share to help get justice for George Floyd and to prevent more cases of police brutality. Support and Follow us on Instagram: @justiceforgeorge and Twitter: @gfmfoundation, and Facebook: The George Floyd Memorial Foundation for case updates.

Facebook link here. Join us on Tuesday, March 23rd for this special overview of racism and antisemitism in America today with leaders in education from both the Jewish and Black communities. This virtual event will help set the table, providing attendees with a general overall understanding of the discrimination the Black and Jewish communities currently each face. Featuring: 
Dr. Saba Soomekh – Associate Director of AJC-LA and Michael Lawson – President & CEO of Los Angeles Urban League. Moderated by Dov Wilker – Head of Black-Jewish Relations AJC Atlanta Director.Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/reg…/WN_40xKeT6AS2Knh7ICaZaGoA

Monday – 3/29/2021 – ONLINE – “Bystander Training” (12:00 pm PT)

Join in – Learn how to effectively intervene the next time you see Anti-Asian/American harassment online or in person.

In response to the rise in Anti-Asian/American and xenophobic harassment, Hollaback! partnered with Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC to adapt their free 1-hour bystander intervention training as well as offering a de-escalation training to meet this moment. (More information here.)

TRAINING DATES AND TIMES:

• March 29 (MONDAY) at 3:00 PM ET/ 2:00 PM CT/ 1:00 PM MT/ 12:00 PM PT/ 10:00 AM HST. Register Here
• April 20 (TUESDAY_ at 2:00 PM ET/ 1:00 PM CT/ 12:00 PM MT/ 11:00 AM PT/ 9:00 AM HST. Register Here

Monday – 3/29/2021 – ONLINE – “Virtual, Community LGBTQ+ Safe Zone Training” (3:00 -4:00pm PT)

Facebook link here. Community Safe Zone Trainings are public events that provide education on the LGBTQ+ community, the issues we face, and resources available near you. These events are completely free, virtual sessions held over Zoom once a month.To attend, fill out the form at https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeYvOS8qOxbv0…/viewform. We hope to see you there!

Monday – 3/29/2021 – ONLINE – “Parenting While Black Webinar Series” (1:00 pm PT)

This free webinar series will offer honest conversations for Black parents and between Black parents. We will create a welcoming space for sharing strength-based and culturally responsive ideas.

The series will be offered biweekly, beginning on Monday, February 15, at 4 PM ET. We will cover issues pertaining to raising Black children and families, including:

February 15, 2021- Let’s Talk About It: How Are “We” Doing?
March 1, 2021- Black Mental Health Matters: Health, Hope, and Healing
March 15, 2021- Becoming a Family, Part I
March 29, 2021 – Becoming a Family, Part II – Birthing while Black – The Imagined versus the Real
April 12, 2021 – No Instructions: Development Across the Early Years – The Imagined versus the Real 
April 26, 2021- Embracing the Brilliance and Resilience in Black Families

Join us for all or as many conversations as you can!

Monday – 3/29/2021 – ONLINE – “Justice Vanguard: Conversations with Your Friendly Neighborhood Black Guys” (7:00 pm PT)

Facebook link here. Join Justice Vanguard and BLM VC on Monday March 29th at 7pm for “Conversations with your Friendly Neighborhood Black Guys”, discussing all things related to race, education and change! 
Presented via Zoom. Email blmventuracounty@gmail.com for the Zoom link. 

Tuesday 3/30 – ONLINE – “Rapid Response Team: Tuesday Phone Bank to Stop Voter Suppression!” (2:00 – 4:00pm PT) (4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29)

Sign-up link here. Welcome to the Blue Wave Brigade Rapid Response Team! Rapid Response Phone Banks are a new initiative to respond to attacks on our democracy AS THEY HAPPEN. As we saw after November, attempts to undermine democracy and take away people’s basic rights can happen at a moment’s notice. We need to be able to respond just as quickly. In addition to our longer-term initiatives, these rapid response phone banks will respond to what’s happening NOW. It won’t be easy. You’ll need to be nimble. But if you want to make calls that you KNOW will have an immediate impact, then these are the phone banks for you!!

To date, 43 states have introduced over 250 bills to restrict voting according to the Brennan Center for Justice. These laws seek to limit vote-by-mail access, impose strict voter ID, slash early voting, and enable more aggressive voter roll purges. 

The most egregious of these laws are happening in Georgia and Arizona. In Georgia the Republican legislature is trying to outlaw no-excuse absentee voting (which they instituted in 2005), restrict access to ballot drop boxes, and limit Sunday voting, a thinly veiled attempt to suppress black voters who often participate in “Souls to the polls” events after church on Sundays. In Arizona they’re trying to enforce strict voter ID for absentee voting, reduce access to early voting, and throw out mail in ballots not postmarked by the Thursday before the election. This means that even ballots that arrive before election day could be thrown out!

Needless to say these laws will have a deleterious effect on voters, especially voters of color. That’s why we’re teaming up with the Center for Common Ground to call underrepresented voters in these states and let them know what their legislature is trying to do. We will then offer to patch them through to their representative so they can tell them exactly what they think of these bills. Voters in Arizona and Georgia, especially voters of color, really came through for us in 2020, electing Joe Biden and FOUR Democratic Senators. Now it’s time to return the favor!

Tuesday 3/30 – SEMINAR – “UCSF – How to win Medicare For All”

Interested in health policy? Think everyone deserve access to healthcare? Want to hear from thought leaders across multiple fields from all around the country? Join UCSF’s Medicare for All elective this Spring, starting on March 30th at 12PM!

We have put together an incredible roster of speakers from different backgrounds (physicians, nurses, politicians, economists, journalists) who will come to speak to the prudence and urgency of a single-payer health system in the United States. If you are interested in single-payer or even curious about what Medicare for All means, please come to this exciting new elective lecture series! Lectures are on Tuesdays at noon every week. 

Featured speakers include the former campaign manager to Bernie Sanders, former gubernatorial candidate for the state of Michigan, and many health policy experts. See the attached Syllabus for a full list of speakers. 

To receive the zoom link, please RSVP here: bit.ly/3cisDDG

All are welcome, but you may only receive credit if you are a UCSF student. It is completely free, so please forward widely! 

-UCSF SNaHP 

Twitter: @UCSF_M4A

Tuesday – 03/30/21 – ONLINE – “Common Cause – Social Media Monitoring Shifts!” (1:00-4:00, 4:00-7:00 pm)Tues, Thurs, Sats. (4/1, 4/3, 4/6, 4/8, 4/10, 4/13…)

Sign up here. https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/376200/You can help protect voters from online disinformation by signing up as a Social Media Monitor. As a volunteer with us, you’ll help monitor social media platforms and conversations in your community for democracy-related disinformation. Each monitoring shift is 3 hours long; volunteers can feel free to come and go as they please.

You will be able to access our training materials when you sign up!

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday – 03/30/21 – ONLINE – “Flip the West – Flip the Fort Worth Mayor Blue – Texas!” (10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT) (, 4/13, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22/6/29

Join Field Team 6 in calling eligible voters (likely Dems) in Fort Worth, where we have a great shot at flipping an important mayoral race on May 1!

Every Democrat we register here will not only help this race, but will also help in 2022 with various important House races, and with ousting voter suppressor and anti-masker Gov. Greg Abbott! Also, with booting the despicable Ted Cruz in 2024!

Let’s ride!!!

You’ll be reaching out to get people registered as Democrats, or signed up to vote from home (vote by mail) if they’re already registered (and 65 or over, or disabled).

Making sure people are registered to vote, and that they can vote safely from home, is a super-effective way to make a difference. But we need your help. Join us as we turn voices into votes! All training provided!

ALSO NOTE: All times listed are Central Time! But just to be abundantly clear, the event will be taking place from 12-2p CT/ 10a-12p PT

Tuesday – 03/30/21 – ONLINE – “VCCSS Meet & Greet!” (6:00 – 7:00 pm PT)

Facebook link here. Join us for a Meet & Greet event with the newly formed Ventura County Coalition for Student Success (VCCSS)! 
Get to know who we are and what we are all about, ask us questions, and learn how to join!Register at bit.ly/meetvccss21

Find a live link for registration in my IG bio (or here if you’re viewing this on Facebook).http://bit.ly/meetandgreetvccss

VCCSS was formed after a CAUSE youth organizing campaign to demand VUSD fund therapists and other mental health resources instead of funding the presence of cops at school. Due to the outpouring of public support for this campaign, several interested organizations in the County came together to advocate for the success and well being of BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ students in our communities. We promote diversity, education, and mental and physical health.The Ventura County Coalition for Student Success pillars are:

1. End the criminalization of BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ students now.

2. Replace punishment with comprehensive restorative justice.

3. Invest in Culturally Competent Mental Health Support at school. We would be honored if you would come out and get to know our organization to see how you can support the work we will be doing in the community to better the lives of our students.@vccoalitionforstudentsuccess

Tuesday – 03/30/21 – ONLINE – “March Monthly Meeting: A Conversation with Dr. Gaye Johnson” (7:00 – 8:30pm PT)

Facebook link here. Join us in solidarity and community for our monthly meeting, Tuesday March 30th 7-8:30pm on Zoom. 
This month we are honored to have Dr. Gaye Johnson join us! Zoom link for meeting will be sent via SURJ VC newsletter, or email us at surjvc@gmail.com.Bio-Dr. Gaye Johnson:
“I am a researcher, a story teller, and a freedom dreamer. One of my roles is being an Associate Professor in the Departments of Chicana/o & Central American Studies and African American Studies at the University of California at Los Angeles. I’m a historian of freedom struggles and cultural politics, especially those that lead to mutual practices of radical transformation. I write and teach about the links between freedom struggles, radical spatial politics, and cultural representation. I am the author of three books: Spaces of Conflict, Sounds of Solidarity: Music, Race, and Spatial Entitlement; Futures of Black Radicalism (Verso Press, 2017) co-edited with Alexander Lubin; and the forthcoming Rings of Dissent. One of my books is being translated into German for its second edition, due out in Spring 2021.I have contributed to public conversation and scholarship on political economy, incarceration and immigrant detention, abolition, structural racism, cultural politics, and teaching in the U.S., France, Mexico, the UK, South Africa, and Argentina.I believe deeply in the power of collaborative transformation. I facilitate spaces and practices of humanity that increase our capacity to learn with all beings all the time. I do this work in classrooms, working groups, with community organizations, schools and school districts, and executive boards.My proudest achievement is being a mother and a part of the circle of family, friends, allies and accomplices that constitute the core of my life.”

Wednesday 03/31/21 – ONLINE – “Frontline Defenders Skills Trainings (5:00 – 6:00 pm) (3/31, 4/14, 4/28)

Register here

The Spring Congressional Recess is a major opportunity for our communities to mobilize the public at scale and in their home districts around a broad-based Care & Relief agenda.

Our call will focus on distributed actions which you can do no matter where you are. This is a great way to show that our movement has power in all corners of this country. We will also review the tactics we learned in our two previous calls so you can feel confident about all the tools in your toolbox.

With millions of Americans relying on the government to deliver robust recovery policies that offer a pathway out of the pandemic crisis, the Frontline, the Working Families Party, the Green New Deal Network and other partners, are committed to generating as much energy and support over the recess to win critical legislative victories. The more wins we rack up now, the bigger and bolder our work becomes.

The Frontline, Movement for Black Lives, the Working Families Party, and United We Dream invite you to “On the Frontline” Mass Call and Training Series. This series will include virtual town halls and skill-based trainings, where you will hear updates and analysis from movement leaders, engage in political education, and learn concrete skills to take meaningful action.

Sign up for all the dates – here’s a schedule of what we are discussing for each call on Wednesdays at 5pm:
March 24: On The Frontline: Action Everywhere
March 31: On the Frontline: Racial Justice
April 14: On the Frontline: Climate Justice
April 28: On the Frontline: Democracy Reform

Wednesday – 03/31/21 – ONLINE – “Cesar Chavez Day- March 31st”

• What is Cesar Chavez Day? Cesar Chavez was a prominent leader for civil rights, farmworkers, community organizing, and more. Born in 1927 as a first-generation American, Chavez began working in the fields full time to help support his family after completing the eighth grade. Being exposed to the injustices of farm worker life, he would later go on to found the National Farm Workers Movement Association in 1962. Today, this is known as the United Farm Workers of America, which has made long strides for farm workers.
• How is his work still relevant? While Chavez brought great awareness and made progress for farmworkers, farmworkers continue to face hardships and injustices in their work and conditions. The California Streetsblog posted a great article this time last year as the pandemic was just beginning, highlighting the thankless work that farmworkers do every day – providing us with food to eat.
• Finally, learn about Chavez’s connection to Ventura County from Dr. Frank Barajas at CSUCI. 
• So, how can you honor Cesar Chavez this year? Get involved! Here are some great opportunities to engage with near you:
  • In person:
    • Food Share opportunities
    • Senior Nutrition Garden
    • Food Distribution
  • Virtual:
    • Social Bridging Project – wellness calls
    • Welcome Home Basket
  • DIY:
    • Neighborhood Trash Pick Up
    • Send letters to Seniors, First Responders, Troops, Inmates, etc
    • Transcribe for Smithsonian Museums

For more information and history about Chavez’s legacy, check out these resources from the Cesar Chavez Foundation and United Farm Workers.

For more information and/or questions about VVC opportunities, email Francesca at francesca.dematto@vcunitedway.org.

STAY TUNED – We’ll be joining Postcards to Swing States again. Starts up in April.

Thursday – 04/01/21 – ONLINE – “Activist Solidarity Tactics” (3:00 pm PT)

Facebook link here. With Indigenous resistance to the Line 3 pipeline that threatens Anishnaabe land (known as Minnesota) heating up, and the movement for Black Lives likely to ramp back up in the wake of continued police brutality, organizers on the ground should be prepared for potential arrests. Solidarity tactics keep individuals from being singled out, & can result in better jail & court outcomes while building movements’ power.

We will be joined by several amazing comrades who have been involved these organizing efforts: Garrett, Lile, Sarah and Nash — from WTO, RNC8, J20, and more — join us! 

Thursday – 04/01/21 – ONLINE – “Matilija Project – Spring 2021 Project updates.“

Surfrider Foundation – Ventura County Chapter is at Matilija Dam.

Built back in 1947, the Matilija Dam is totally obsolete. Instead of storing water, the eyesore now stores sediments – shutting off the essential downstream flow that would normally replenish our beaches and favorite surf spots. Making matters worse, the dam has also prevented the endangered Southern Steelhead Trout from accessing traditional prime breeding areas for over 50 years.

But there is good news! Surfrider and a host of other community organizations are working hard to help bring down this dangerous dinosaur in a safe and efficient manner that is good for the entire river & ocean ecosystem.

As part of this process, representatives of the Watershed Protection department of the Ventura County Public Works Agency, Matilija Coalition, and other Matilija Project partners will update community members and stakeholders on the Project’s recent developments including technical studies, environmental analyses, design and implementation plans, and funding efforts.

These Spring 2021 Project updates will be shared on Thursday, April 1st, during a special evening meeting of the Ventura River Watershed Council starting at 6:00pm on Zoom (Meeting ID: 863 5812 7927/Passcode: 870448). Want to learn more about the overall project design and efforts? In-depth updates will be provided by Watershed Protection and technical contractors starting at 1:30pm on Zoom (Meeting ID: 978 729 1235/Passcode: 2021). Zack Abbey Full article available on venturariver.org

Thursday(s) – 4/1/2021 – ONLINE – “Free Arts Program for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies”” (6:30pm – 8:30pm thru June 2021.

Spectrum’s Spring session will begin March 25th and end in June 2021. We will meet 12 times, skipping any Holidays. We will continue to meet from 6:30-8:30 pm on Thursdays (VIA zoom). (Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGlcdtnBmcemfjpihEYTr4uTcnwzQFaSUOrSiuxBsZ6Hl4SA/viewform)

Friday – 4/2/2021 – ONLINE – Flip the West – “Texas Special Election: Send Instagram DMs for a Democratic Win” (12:00 am PT) 4/2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Event link here. Join Flip the West in sending Instagram DMs to likely Texas-06 voters to mobilize the vote for Democrats in the upcoming Congressional special election.

We are sending messages via Instagram DM to mobilize voters for a Special Election that will be held in Texas’ 6th Congressional District on May 1 to fill the seat of Republican Rep. Ron Wright, who died in February of COVID-19.

This will be a jungle primary with over a dozen candidates from all parties on the ballot. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote, there will be a runoff among the top 2 candidates. Learn more about the race here: http://bit.ly/30q1M38

Saturday – 4/3/2021 – ONLINE – “Biden-Harris Volunteer Choir”(6:00-6:30 pm PT) (4/10, 4/17, 4/24)

Sign up here.

Dear friends,

Please join us this evening as we sing songs of peace and unity.

We will gather every Saturday at 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (6:00 PM Pacific Standard Time).

Saturdays – 04/03/21 – ONLINE – “POSTCARDING WITH LAURIE – Register Democrats in Flippable Districts!” (1:00 – 2:00 pm PT) (4/10)

Sign up here. “Join Field Team 6 at our weekly Postcarding Parties! We’ll teach you everything you need to know about our voter registration outreach through postcards.

We’re overjoyed to have Shepard Fairey designing the postcard art for our proudly partisan voter registration campaigns! So order some of his and/or bring some of your own, and we’ll start sending postcards.

Click here to check out our campaigns, download addresses and get started writing:  https://fieldteam6.herokuapp.com/getting_started

Thank you for doing this fun, effective, and super important work, to build new Democratic majorities in the places we need them most! This will help us save the Senate, save the House, and win downballot in every election between now and November 2022.

Can’t wait to see you there!!

The Shepard Fairey postcards are available to order at https://fieldteam6.myshopify.com. You are welcome to buy or use your own postcards. Whatever cards you buy, be sure to order them and postcard stamps in time for this event!

NOTE: This event is taking place at 1pm PT/4pm ET”

You will receive the Zoom link shortly after signing up. If you do not see that email, please check our Spam/Junk folder. Thank you.

See you online.

Saturday – 4/3/2021 – ONLINE WORKSHOP – “So, You Want To Learn More About Restorative Justice?“(9:00-11:00 am PT) ($25-$100)

Onlink link here. 1-hr asynchronous learning & 2-hr interactive Zoom workshop for folx on their journey to Racial & Restorative Justice Practitioners.

**MAKE SURE YOU COMPLETE THE PRE-SESSION LEARNING BEFORE THEN** (linked on the online event page)

***This workshop is largely conversation driven, since people will be sharing their stories and experiences no recording will be available.***

The intention of pre-session learning is to allow us to spend more time interacting and discussing rather than listening/watching in the short time we have together. There is 1 hour of video content (faster if you watch it sped up) and a few articles to read.

Through a combination of pre-session learning**, interactive exercises, & group discussions, you’ll unlock a mindset & develop practical skills to:

• build & maintain relationships rooted in equity, respect, & compassion
• repair relationships when there is harm
• use Restorative Principles to dismantle white supremacy culture 

After the 2 hour, small-group interactive Zoom experience you’ll:

• Acknowledge the indigenous/ancestral roots of this work and the intentional erasure and disconnection from those roots.
• Examine how White Supremacy Culture harms all people by disconnecting us from ourselves and each other
• Explain the basics of the Restorative Process
• Acknowledge this work is about building, maintaining, & repairing relationships and therefore, we cannot do this work alone
• Respond to the needs of everyone impacted by a situation when working to repair harm
• Create actionable steps to fight for equity, dismantle systems of oppression, and change individual behaviors that allow those systems to continue in personal and professional life.
• Integrate Restorative and Anti-Racist values into life long, internal, and external work

Tickets:

Tickets to this workshop range from $25-$100. We want to make this learning accessible to everyone, so we ask that you give what you can according to your income level and privilege that comes with the intersections of your identity. When you give more, it subsidizes the registration fees of people with more limited financial means. By more equitably sharing the financial responsibility, we make this learning both financially accessible to more folx and financially sustainable for us as we continue to create these resources and learning opportunities.

Proceeds will be shared between  Amplify RJ, Equal Justice Initiative, & Know Your Rights Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is this for?

ANYONE who wants to learn! Part of the intention of this experience is to give folx a way to start conversations with their colleagues, family, & friends about Racial & Restorative Justice, so please invite them! Racial & Restorative Justice work applies to everyone no matter the age, background, or profession. 

Can I get CEUs?

A “Certificate of Completion” saying you completed 3 hours (2 in session + 1 pre-session) of learning about Racial & Restorative Justice automatically generates when you fill out the post-session reflection form 🙂

I already know about Restorative Justice? Is this for me?

Our Intro to RJ workshop will probably cover many things that you know. And from our experience, many other “Intro” level workshops don’t go into the Indigenous roots of this work, OR bring in the intersection with ABAR education. So it’s totally up to you. We’d love to have you AND if you want to go deeper check out our more in depth courses here!

What if I’ve already attended Intro to RJ with Amplify RJ?

70% of the content will be the same, but if you’ve already attended an Intro session with us, you know that the experience is only partially driven by the content. The experience is largely shaped by the interactions you have with other people in the space. So it’s totally up to you. We’d love to have you and if you want to go deeper check out our more in depth courses here!

Saturday – 4/3/2021 – ONLINE – “Saturdays, 10:00 am-noon, Virtual Letter Writing Party“(10:00-12:00 am PT) (4/10, 4/17, 4/24)

Even though lots of us are isolated right now to protect our communities, we can still get together virtually to make an impact! Join me for a virtual letter writing party, where we’ll be writing letters using this award-winning, proven tactic to reach potential voters in important upcoming elections.

RSVP here, and we’ll let you know how to join this party online. Invite your friends, too and let them know that Swing Left is pioneering an innovative program, using letters to help volunteers like us turn out voters through our letter-writing affiliate, Vote Forward. 

Never written letters before? Hop on to votefwd.org/swingleft and make an account; download twenty letters; and we’ll show you how to write them at our virtual party!

Think about it: if you help get a voter to the polls, that is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable government and society. Looking forward to seeing you!

Saturday – 4/3/2021 – OXNARD – “805 Candlelight Vigil honoring AAPI lives lost to racial violence” (6:00 pm) Central Park in Riverpark, Oxnard.

Facebook link here. PLEASE SHARE: 805 Candlelight Vigil #805AAPIsolidarity#805unity#amplifyAAPIvoices

Saturday, April 3rd, 6pm
Central Park in Riverpark, Oxnard, CA
** face masks and social distancing required.**
(Swipe for Vigil Info-Guide and details) 
NOTE: Please DM us if you would like to speak; we would like to give space for our AAPI community, whoever would like to express, share, etc. This is a safe space to heal and process. 
•••
Honoring AAPI lives lost to racial violence and uniting against AAPI hate and misogyny. SAFE SPACE OPEN TO ALL COMMUNITIES AND ALLIES. 
•••
Special thank you to our sponsor; Social justice fund of Ventura county and executive director Martita Bravo-Martinez for your immense support for Aurora and I in organizing this community event. 
•••
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! Allies; Please DM us if you are interested in volunteering/attending, and AAPI family; please DM if you are interested in speaking during this event. Thank you all, and sending healing energy and love to all.

Saturdays – 4/3/2021 – ONLINE – “Flip the West – Phone Bank Trainings on Saturday mornings“(9:00-10:00 am PT)

Sign up here. **We (Flip the West) are hosting Saturday morning phone bank trainings starting March 27th, from 9:00 – 10:00am (Pacific time). Just enter your contact information and click SIGN UP HERE to complete your registration and get your Zoom link. After you sign up, you will receive a confirmation email with a “Toolkit” with information you will review at your training session.

After your training, please check out phone bank opportunities on our website. We are helping to mobilize voters for a Special Election on May 1st that will be held in Texas’ 6th Congressional District. Learn more about this election here: http://bit.ly/30q1M38.

Please contact maureen@flipthewest.com if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Sunday – 4/4/2021 – ONLINE – “Civic Sundays/Rapid Response Team: Sunday Phone Bank to Stop Voter Suppression! (12:00 – 2:00 Pm PT) (4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/14, 6/20, 6/27)

Sign up here. Welcome to the Blue Wave Brigade Rapid Response Team! Rapid Response Phone Banks are a new initiative to respond to attacks on our democracy AS THEY HAPPEN. As we saw after November, attempts to undermine democracy and take away people’s basic rights can happen at a moment’s notice. We need to be able to respond just as quickly. In addition to our longer-term initiatives, these rapid response phone banks will respond to what’s happening NOW. It won’t be easy. You’ll need to be nimble. But if you want to make calls that you KNOW will have an immediate impact, then these are the phone banks for you!!

To date, 43 states have introduced over 250 bills to restrict voting according to the Brennan Center for Justice. These laws seek to limit vote-by-mail access, impose strict voter ID, slash early voting, and enable more aggressive voter roll purges. 

The most egregious of these laws are happening in Georgia and Arizona. In Georgia the Republican legislature is trying to outlaw no-excuse absentee voting (which they instituted in 2005), restrict access to ballot drop boxes, and limit Sunday voting, a thinly veiled attempt to suppress black voters who often participate in “Souls to the polls” events after church on Sundays. In Arizona they’re trying to enforce strict voter ID for absentee voting, reduce access to early voting, and throw out mail in ballots not postmarked by the Thursday before the election. This means that even ballots that arrive before election day could be thrown out!

Needless to say these laws will have a deleterious effect on voters, especially voters of color. That’s why we’re teaming up with the Center for Common Ground to call underrepresented voters in these states and let them know what their legislature is trying to do. We will then offer to patch them through to their representative so they can tell them exactly what they think of these bills. Voters in Arizona and Georgia, especially voters of color, really came through for us in 2020, electing Joe Biden and FOUR Democratic Senators. Now it’s time to return the favor!

Sunday – 4/4/2021 – ONLINE PHONEBANK – Flip the West “Adopt-a-Traitor Phone Bank – California!” (2:00 – 4:00 pm PT) (4/11/, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2…)

Sign up here. Join Field Team 6 in calling eligible voters (likely Dems) in Californa’s 25th district!

You’ll be targeting Mike Garcia, a traitorous Republican who voted to overturn the Biden election results. 

You’ll be reaching out to get people registered as Democrats, or signed up to vote from home (vote by mail) if they’re already registered.

Making sure people are registered to vote, and that they can vote safely from home, is a super-effective way to make a difference. In 2022, we can flip this seat back to a Democrat.

But we need your help. Join us as we turn voices into votes! All training provided!

ALSO NOTE: All times listed are Pacific Time! But just to be abundantly clear, the event will be taking place from 2-4p PT/ 5-7p ET

Friday – 4/9/2021 – ONLINE/IRL – Youth Anti-Racism Workshop” (3:30 – 4:30 pm PT)

This Workshop is an Anti-Racism workshop for Middle School age youth who are interested in learning more about how to be anti-racist in their day to day lives. Location (Virtual or in person) TBD. 

Sign up HERE for more: https://forms.gle/mESKQWTKuGb3pUNPA

Sunday – 04/11/21 – ONLINE – “SAVE THE DATE: Interfaith Solidarity March LA 2021 (Virtual)” (2:00 pm)

Facebook link here.“Interfaith in Action: Healing the Nation and Our World” | Save the date for this year’s Interfaith Solidarity March, based in Los Angeles, and broadcasting online for a global reach. This will coincide with multiple events happening in the US and around the world.This will be an inspiring event of community and fellowship, with some amazing speakers we are thrilled to tell you about soon. Stay tuned for more details and instructions for tuning in!Organized by the Institute for Religious Tolerance, Peace and Justice, Interfaith Solidarity March LA is a flagship partner of Interfaith March for Peace & Justice, the world’s largest coalition of interfaith marches.IRTPJ.org

Thursday – 04/15/21 – ONLINE – “Kiyomi Kowalski, A Conversation on Anti-Racism” (6:30 pm)

Click link to REGISTER/RECEIVE Zoom link. http://bit.ly/3bTK0f2
Questions? bobbi.rubinstein@gmail.com

Let’s start a conversation: Kiyomi is an anti-racism educator who works to create brave spaces where people can explore their relationships with race clumsily, openly, and free of judgement. Kiyomi’s approach to anti-racist education is to take the work far more seriously than she ever takes herself. Her non-academic approach makes becoming an anti-racist accessible to participants from all entry points. While she shares personal stories about the evolution of her own relationship to race and experiences with racism, Kiyomi is more of a conversation starter than a lecturer. Getting the most out of a session with Kiyomi will require that all participants come with an open mind and heart prepared to share their own stories, questions, and thoughts around race. Learn more: kiyomikowalski.com

Tuesday – 4/20/2021 – ONLINE – “Bystander Training” (11:00 am PT)

Join in – Learn how to effectively intervene the next time you see Anti-Asian/American harassment online or in person.

In response to the rise in Anti-Asian/American and xenophobic harassment, Hollaback! partnered with Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC to adapt their free 1-hour bystander intervention training as well as offering a de-escalation training to meet this moment. (More information here.)

TRAINING DATES AND TIMES:

• April 20 (TUESDAY_ at 2:00 PM ET/ 1:00 PM CT/ 12:00 PM MT/ 11:00 AM PT/ 9:00 AM HST. Register Here

Friday – 4/23/2021 – ONLINE – Saving the Earth by Saving the Earth! (7:00 am PT)

Facebook link here. Watch the documentary Kiss the Ground and join us to learn how to help transition to regenerative agriculture – globally and in your own backyard! with Ray Archuleta, Conservation Agronomist, featured in “Kiss the Ground” and  Diana Lovejoy, Organic Garden Club of Ventura County President, Food Garden Author.

Kiss the Ground is an inspiring and groundbreaking film that reveals a viable solution to our climate crisis: by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems, and create abundant food supplies.Ray Archuleta is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America and has over 30 years experience as a Soil Conservationist, Water Quality Specialist, and conservation Agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). After retiring from the NRCS, he co-founded the Soil Health Academy, which teaches producers how to improve soil health through practical regenerative agricultural principles.

Diana Lovejoy has been organically growing her veggies for forty years. She is the President of the Organic Garden Club of Ventura County, the Vice President of Las Flores Community Garden, and authored Organic Container Gardening for All.

Zoom and film links will be sent to you upon registration.Registrants will receive a viewing link for Kiss the Ground. Please register in advance here:

http://bit.ly/3eIDbinSavingtheEarthThe event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Friday – 04/23/21 – ONLINE – “SAVE THE DATE: Tequio Rising Youth Scholarship Fund” (5:00 -6:00 pm)

Register here.

Friday – 4/23/2021 – ONLINE/IRL – Youth Anti-Racism Workshop” (3:30 – 4:30 pm PT)

This Workshop is an Anti-Racism workshop for High School age youth who are interested in learning more about how to be anti-racist in their day to day lives. Location (Virtual or in person) TBD.

Sign up HERE for more: https://forms.gle/mESKQWTKuGb3pUNPA

Sun – 04/25/21 – OXNARD – Swap Meet Justice – Volunteer Citizenship Fair on the *LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH

*Verify! – MAY BE CANCELLED due to COVID closure of Oxnard College Marketplace. We will update here again if the Market opens for the last Sunday in this month.

(The Oxnard Community Marketplace is still closed down due to the pandemic.

More information here on how to volunteer to help, or to get immigration paperwork, including citizenship application, renewals for DACA and green cards, done under the oversight of volunteer local immigration attorneys and accredited representatives. This fair is cosponsored by CLUE-VC, Ventura Co. Legal Aid, El Concilio Family Services, UFW, SEIU 721, and community volunteers

• DACA fees remain the same ($495), but now you need to renew EVERY YEAR.
• Green Card Renewals reduced by $10
• Citizenship UP by 80% to over $1000!!!!

Wednesday – 6/9/2021 – ONLINE/IRL – “Young Advocate Summer Camp” (1:00 – 3:30 pm PT)

Young Advocate Summer Camp is a three day Day Camp setting focused on advocacy.

Starting June 9 – June 11 from 1pm – 3:30pm Daily.
Middle School Aged students will work together to advocate for a change they want to see in the Ojai Valley. We will discuss topics such as inequality and inequity and participants will choose an ‘issue’ that they want to solve in their town. Together, we will build solutions, develop strategies, and freedom dream for the future of Ojai.

This is a Donation Based program with a suggested donation of $50

NO participant will be turned away for lack of funds.

Register at the following link: https://forms.gle/mESKQWTKuGb3pUNPA

Wednesday – 6/16-18/2021 – ONLINE – “Change Maker’s Summer Camp” (1:00 – 3:30 pm PT)

Change Makers Summer Camp is a three day Day Camp setting focused on advocacy.

Starting June 16 – June 18 from 1pm – 3:30pm Daily. 
High School Aged students will work together to advocate for a change they want to see in the Ojai Valley. We will discuss topics such as inequality and inequity and participants will choose an ‘issue’ that they want to solve in their town. Together, we will build solutions, develop strategies, and freedom dream for the future of Ojai.

This is a Donation Based program with a suggested donation of $50

NO participant will be turned away for lack of funds. 

Register at the following link: https://forms.gle/mESKQWTKuGb3pUNPA

Anytime – ONLINE – Sign the Black Lives Matter Petition.

Add your name to co-sign BLM’s 7 demands here. (More details here.)

• Impeach, convict, and ban Trump from future political office.
• Expel Republican members of Congress who attempted to overturn the election and incited a white supremacist attack.
• Launch full investigation into the ties between white supremacy and the Capitol Police, law enforcement, and the military (COUP Act).
• Permanently ban Trump from all digital media platforms.
• Defund the police.
• Don’t let the coup be used as an excuse to crack down on our movement.
• Pass the BREATHE Act.

SURJ Resources

• OWMCL (Organizing White Men for Collective Liberation) is a National Network mobilizing white men to learn, grow and take action against white supremacy and patriarchy.  Many women in SURJ expressed directly to some of their male SURJ comrades the need to bring more white men into the movement for gender and racial justice. As a response to that call to action, a group of men formed a SURJ affiliated national network mobilizing white men to learn, grow and take action against white supremacy and patriarchy. Visit their website and join in!
• White Noise Collective Resources Resources and more from Bay Area group White Noise Collective.
• A guide for calling-in white folks around narratives of violence and property destruction in the face of mass protests
  • SURJ National (Word Doc)“This is the time when we as anti-racist white folks must commit to having intentional conversations with the people in our lives and in our newsfeeds who might be on the fence or conflicted about the protests because of narratives of “violence” and lootings offered by the Right and many mainstream news outlets. … We have created this guide as a work-in-progress to offer best practices, talking points, and lines of conversation to explore with other white folks in your life to bring them into the fight for racial justice and to #EndWhiteSilence. 
• “So You Want To Be An Intersectional Feminist?” SURJ National Resource from WordPress –A lot of folks are just waking up to activism and are heading into intersectional feminist spaces with some trepidation. Hopefully this can help keep you on track.”
• Stopping the Coup: The Disruption Guide for 2020
  • Disruption Project (Google Doc) “This guide offers a framing and organizational approach to respond to our current electoral moment. We live under a president who is energized by the forces of white supremacy and brutal capitalism. He is empowered to use the state’s resources to repress dissent. And he is encouraged and emboldened by a mass of people who share his interests. We believe the 2020 election will be a flashpoint, and we must be ready.”
• Having Difficult Conversations
  • SURJ-VC with Resources from SPLC and AWARE-LA (Google Slides). If you weren’t able to attend our August meeting, this is the slide deck we used to frame our role-play around difficult conversations. It covers how to be better prepared to interrupt problematic language, behavior and narratives.
• Black Lives Matter 805 Resource and Action Guide
  • (Google Doc) An exhaustive compilation of local resources, non-profit organizations and where to donate, petitions, email templates, educational resources, black-owned businesses, media, and protesting tips. Compiled by BLM Ventura County.
• Anti-Racism Resources
  • (Google Doc)
• A comprehensive compilation of resources including suggestions of who to follow on social media, books, articles, websites, films, podcasts, and resources for parents. Compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein.

Sunday – ONLINE – “African Americans In STEM Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon“

Join here. (This very interesting opportunity is actually FILLED UP! – We will keep an eye out for new opportunities to join in.) The National Museum of African American History and Culture and blackcomputeHER.org(link is external) is celebrating National Engineering Week and Women’s History Month with the African Americans in STEM Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon. Participants will create and edit Wikipedia pages for African American STEM professionals highlighting the impacts on their communities, nation, and the world. The creation and editing of Wikipedia pages will benefit K-12 students and teachers by sharing the narratives of African American STEM professionals, both the past and present. Register here(link is external)and join us for one or both weeks!

We recommend that participants create a Wikipedia account(link is external) prior to the start of the Edit-A-Thon. Training will be provided for new editors.

This event is presented with support from Wikimedia DC, the regional outreach organization for Wikipedia and the other projects of the Wikimedia Foundation. For questions about the event, email NMAAHC-STEM@si.edu.
Visit the Wikipedia event page (link is external)to learn more.