UPCOMING EVENTS (for the most part, new for this week) see full calendar next week.
Sat., April 27
Online
Skills for Conversations about Public Policy and Race
What: Talking about race. Join us to improve your skills for listening to others and expressing your own views on race. This will lead to more production conversations.
When: 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
Where: Sign up for Skills for Conversations about Public Policy & Race- Standard (BA National)
Tues., April 30
Online
Food and Water Team Iowa’s monthly meeting
What: Join us on Tuesday, April 30th for Food & Water Team Iowa’s monthly meeting as we lay the groundwork for this campaign season with a training on birddogging!
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: On Zoom – RSVP for the link
Fri., May 3 thru Sun., May 5
Online
War Tax Resistance Conference
What: The next NWTRCC (National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee) gathering is right around the corner and will be on Zoom, May 3-5, 2024. We will offer a variety of sessions, including on the topics of simple living and retirement. We will also have a panel featuring We the People & the Tax Resistance Collective. & registration pages.
When: Starts at 8 pm Eastern on Friday; and 11 am on Saturday and Sunday. Here is a link to the schedule.
Where: Register here.
Starting Tues., May 7
Online
Free Virtual public education series on utilities
What: From 350.org: In the coming weeks, fossil fuel and utility companies will announce yet another round of record profits — all while burning our planet down, raising our rates to light, heat, and cool our homes, and actively blocking the just transition.
They are banking on us continuing to pay our bills and air any grievances in private. But our climate movement says no more!
We plan to shine a light on utility companies and their complicity in the climate crisis by raising awareness, training local and regional activists, and equipping people with the tools we need to take action everywhere.
Here’s how you can take the next step and join us in this critical fight:
We’re launching a free virtual public education series on utilities starting on May 7. see more info here and Can you join us?
Thurs., May 9
Des Moines
EMERGENCY: Stop the Genocide Rally
What: (From Catholic Peace Ministry)Friends and Peace Makers:
We need you to join us for this EMERGENCY: STOP THE GENOCIDE Rally, outside of the Federal Building. Our senators are not listening to us. Bring a drum, a whistle, pots and pans. We intend to make so much noise they will not be able to ignore us.
The Palestinian genocide to date =
35,000 people killed, of which about 12,000 are children.
75,000 Serious injuries
1.7 million displaced
1.1 million facing famine
When: 2-4 pm
Where: in front of the Neal Smith Federal Building, 210 Walnut St., DM, IA 50309
More: Stop the war, Stop the funding, Stop the Slaughter. See the poster in attachment
Sat., May 18
Online
You're invited!- Watch the new CPT documentary “ضو - Light”
What: Are you interested in life as a human rights observer in Al-Khalil/Hebron city amidst Israeli apartheid? Step into the shoes of the CPT-Palestine team for a day through our documentary film. Witness our accompaniment of school students through checkpoints, join our team meeting, and experience a family visit to Tel Rumeida in the H2 area and Umm Al-Khair village in the South Hebron Hills. Feel the stress, fear, and anxiety, but also the solidarity, love, and empowerment in their stories. Explore the old city's streets, buildings, and the breathtaking nature of the South Hebron Hills. This film will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired to advocate for Palestinian rights. Join us on this journey.
ABOUT THE PREMIERE
Watch the film on your own time and then join us on 18 May 2024 for an intimate conversation and backstage director's pass with the CPT-Palestine team and film director Ahmad Abu Monshar. We will discuss the film’s themes exploring light and hope from within the oppressive grip of the Israeli occupation. Watch and attend an online premiere event and discussion on 18 May.
Where: Click here to register and book your ticket to watch online May 18. Donation much appreciated.
Sign up Now: Sun., May 26 through Thurs., June 6
Palestine and Israel
A message from Rev. Susan P. Wilder and Rev. Ron Shive of the Israeli/Palestine Mission Network of the PC(USA):
We are writing to invite you to a delegation to Palestine and Israel, May 26 – June 6, 2024 sponsored by the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This will be a national grassroots delegation of approximately twenty-five people, both Presbyterians and those of other denominations. This delegation is being planned at the invitation of Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. As co-leaders of this delegation, we are reaching out to you in hopes you can join us.
Where: trip to Palestine and Israel!
Contact: Questions? Email info@theipmn.org
TODAY AND ONGOING
Today and Ongoing
Online
“Military Space Forces: The Next 50 Years” watch video from Global Network
What: In 1989 the U.S. Congress commissioned a new study by the title just above. The forward of the book was endorsed by Sen. John Glenn (former astronaut), Bill Nelson (Head of NASA and former Florida Senator) as well as other leading politicians.
The study was to direct space planning in order to deliver U.S. 'control and domination' of space as called for in the Space Command document 'Vision for 2020'.
This new video by the Global Network on the coming moon race outlines the competing interests moving to take control of the moon. But why?
In the 'Military Space Forces' study it is stated that whoever controls the Earth-Moon gravity well would have a key advantage to decide which nations, corporations or wealthy individuals get off the planet Earth, and who would control shipping of planetary resources obtained at some point by space mining operations.
Where: Watch video here.
Today and Ongoing
Online
Podcast on Bridgebuilding shared by Braver Angels
What: How to reach across the aisle. In this episode of Interfaith American, Eboo Patel and Mónica Guzmán discuss the role of curiosity, humility, and civil dialogue in a democratic society.
Where: Listen to Want Proven Advice for Bridgebuilding? Be Humble and Curious
Today and Ongoing
Online
Podcast on feeling seen shared by Braver Angels
What: A new way of weaving. Listen to Wilk and commentator David Brooks discuss the rise of loneliness, sadness, and hostility in modern communities and the damaging effects of othering.
Where: Listen to How feeling unseen perpetuates polarization
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION
1.)(From Codepink) Why is the right to self-defense only granted to oppressors? Biden was quick to condemn Iran’s non-fatal drone response to Israel on April 13. He ridiculously called the Iranian attack “unprecedented” —completely ignoring Israel’s bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1 which killed 16 people, including two top Iranian generals. Attacking an embassy is a deliberate act of provocation, equivalent to a direct attack on a country.
Tell the State Department: NO US Intervention in Iran! NoMore Weapons to Israel!
2.)(From Moveon.org) Have you been feeling the weight of recent Supreme Court decisions? They're more than just rulings—they're shaking the very pillars of our democracy. In the past few years, we have witnessed outrageous rulings by the Supreme Court justices, from overturning Roe v. Wade to ending affirmative action in higher education to delivering blows to LGBTQ+ rights.1 These decisions are not a reflection of our society, and the data confirms it. Our rights are being stripped out by a Supreme Court that has a record-low approval rating with the public.2
Our Supreme Court is facing a crisis of accountability and legitimacy. We live in a time when our Supreme Court is full of scandals. Justices like Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas have shown a blatant disregard for the public's interest, engaging in questionable actions and unethical behavior that betray the trust placed in them.3 We deserve Supreme Court justices who demonstrate independent and fair rule of the law, to regain the public's confidence and repair the state of our democracy.
Will you sign the petition demanding a reform of our SupremeCourt justices' term limits?
Sources:
1. "The Major Supreme Court Decisions in 2023," The New York Times, June 29, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/177266?t=10&akid=380940%2E25386225%2EQYTBqA
2. “Supreme Court Approval Holds at Record Low,” Gallup, August 2, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/189281?t=12&akid=380940%2E25386225%2EQYTBqA
3. "Chief Justice Declines to Testify Before Congress Over Ethics Concerns," The New York Times, April 25, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/174370?t=14&akid=380940%2E25386225%2EQYTBqA
3.)From The Juggernaut Project) In a move that underscores the vitality of our democratic traditions, major U.S. news outlets have stepped forward, collectively urging President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to honor our democratic process by committing to participate in the scheduled presidential debates for the 2024 general election.
This is a reminder that at the heart of our democracy lies the fundamental right of every voter to be informed and to hear directly from those aspiring to lead on how they plan to address the nation's most pressing issues.
Let's ensure that the vital issues facing our nation, the very issues that will shape our future, are discussed openly, honestly, and with the seriousness they deserve.
Join us in demanding that both presidential candidatescommit to participating in the debates.
4.)(From Daily Kos) As we approach the 2024 election, the U.S. Postal Service will play a crucial role in facilitating many voters' ability to cast their ballots. Despite this, Trump-appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has yet to implement any safeguards to protect the vote-by-mail process, while he continues to aggressively move forward with his disastrous 10-year plan.
When DeJoy took over, mail delivery slowed and costs increased. Today, the mail is even slower than in 2020 due to his degradation of service standards. This is especially alarming as nearly half of all votes in 2020 were cast by mail, with nearly a third in 2022 relying on this critical service.
Sign the petition: Protect Vote by Mail from Louis DeJoynow.
5.)(From Daily Kos Green) We are making amazing progress in our transition to clean energy. For the first time, clean energy is now the same price as energy from burning fossil fuels. Further, the U.S. has enough clean energy projects planned to bring the country to 80% carbon-free electricity by 2030.
Yet, much of that clean energy will not be accessible because we lack the transmission capacity–things like power lines.
It is very frustrating, but this is not the end. Congress can do something about this right now. Congress can pass clean energy transmission reform legislation that will boost clean energy infrastructure, providing clean energy access to American households and continuing to support hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Sign the petition to Congress: Pass legislation to expandclean energy transmission!
6.)(From The Juggernaut Project) Amid our fight for a fairer society, a bombshell piece of legislation has emerged with the potential to illuminate the shadowy corridors of power. The End Tax Breaks for Dark Money Act, championed by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Judy Chu, is a beacon of hope against the pervasive darkness of economic disparity and the erosion of our democratic norms.
While most of us pay our taxes dutifully, billionaires like Barre Seid have exploited a glaring loophole, pouring $1.6 billion into political advocacy without paying a cent in capital gains taxes—a staggering $400 million avoided. This isn't just a gap in our tax system; it's a chasm in our democracy, allowing the ultra-rich to amplify their voices while the rest of us are drowned out.
Funneling dark money into politics eats away at the core of our democratic values, enabling a handful of wealthy individuals to shape policy and election outcomes from the shadows. It's a direct assault on the principle of "one person, one vote," and it cannot stand.
Demand transparency and accountability. Pass the End Tax Breaks for Dark Money Act. Sign thepetition.
7.)(From Food and Water Action) Big Oil is creating wayyyy more plastic than we need.
They’re on a polluting rampage – building more dirty infrastructure like pipelines and power plants and expanding fracking across the country to provide the raw materials used to make plastic. But you have the power to stop them.
Will you fight back against the fracking-to-plastics pipeline? With your voice, Iowa Peace, we’re challenging these polluting industries!
Take action this Earth Week to stop the plastics pollution crisis: Urge your members of Congress to support the Break Free from PlasticPollution Act.
8.)(From CODEPINK) Just (a couple of days ago )CODEPINK was in the Senate trying to stop another massive war funding bill that the warmongers in Congress passed through the House of Representatives on Saturday. But, we have a critical ask of you: Mother’s Day is our next mobilization point. We will be bringing to Congress the Raging Grannies as well as mothers and grandmothers from all over the country who are heartbroken over Gaza. We need your voice.
Tell Congress: Protect the Mothers and Children of Gaza thisMother’s Day!
9.)(From FCNL- Friends Committee on Nat’l Legislation) As advocates for peace and stewards of our world, we are at a crucial juncture as we pursue global nuclear disarmament and arms control. Decades after the end of the Cold War, the drive to build nuclear weapons by some governments continues, including the U.S. and Russia which control 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons. The destructive power of nuclear weapons indiscriminately threatens all people.
10.)(From Stand.earth) We are nearly half way through the most critical decade in our fight for a climate-safe future. And yet, giant corporations think they can still greenwash their way out of actually cutting their emissions.
This time we need to shine the spotlight on Microsoft. Back in 2020, the tech giant made a commitment to become carbon negative by 2030. Imagine our surprise when our researchers found out that since 2020, Microsoft’s emissions have actually increased by 43%. We are calling on Microsoft to address its ballooning emissions and stop greenwashing its public image. Will you join ourcampaign?
If you'd like to unsubscribe to this list, reply to this email.
11.)(From Franciscan Peace Center) Jamie Mills is scheduled to be executed on May 30 by the state of Alabama for the murders of Vera and Floyd Hill of Guin. Please hold Jamie, Vera, Floyd, their families, and the people of Alabama in prayer. TAKE ACTION
Wade Greely Lay is scheduled to be executed on June 6 by the state of Oklahoma for the murder of Kenny Anderson. Please hold Wade, Kenny, their families, and the people of Oklahoma in prayer. TAKE ACTION
David Hosier is scheduled to be executed on June 11 by the state of Missouri for the murder of Angela Gilpin. Please hold David, Angela, their families, and the people of Missouri in prayer. TAKE ACTION
12.)(From DM Catholic Worker) Beg List Dear Friends and Supporters
Thank you for your continued support for the Des Moines Catholic Worker. Unfortunately, we still have a steady stream of folks needing a hot meal, a shower or warm conversations. However, we are continually blessed by the many hands that help us keep the doors open to host neighbors in need.
The top things we could use at this moment are blankets, men’s winter coats, men’s gloves, Sweatshirts and other warm clothes. We’re completely out of all of these things. They are desperately needed and go out to guests as soon as they arrive. Thank you in advance for anything you can round up.
The list below are other things we could really use at the hospitality house.
Coffee
Creamer
Sugar
Plastic spoons and forks
Grill Lighter and extra lighter fluid
Garlic powder
Toilet Paper
Paper towels
Coats
Blankets
Gloves
Warm clothes
Hand warmers
Travel shampoo and personal hygiene
*We are need people to volunteer and help us do the hospitality (THE WORK) when we are open... a mere 18 hrs a week:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
And Saturday from Noon to 2 p.m.
** At least 1/2 of our monthly 6 p.m. meals are OPEN for Volunteers to prepare and serve.
Have a blessed week,
Thank you dearly.
The Des Moines Catholic Worker
Julie Brown & The Des Moines Catholic Worker
The DMCW
+51 52 141030
SAVE THE DATE
Thurs., June 27- through Sat., June 29
Kenosha, WI
Braver Angels 2024 Convention
What: It’s not too early to get the dates in your calendar for our next convention in Kenosha, Wisconsin, from June 27-29, 2024! Watch the recap video from 2023 and get excited.
Fri., June 23 through Fri., June 30, 2024
Assisi, Italy
The Assisi, Italy Peace & Justice Pilgrimage 1-Week Trip from Pace e Bene/ Campaign Nonviolence
What: Objective: Pray. Study the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. Build community. Deepen your commitment to Gospel nonviolence. Walk in the footsteps of these peacemakers whose courageous nonviolence, compassion for others, kinship with creation, and work for peace and have inspired people everywhere.
When: June 23 - 30, 2024
Where: Click here for more info and to register.
Mon., July 22 thru Tues., July 23
Around the world
3rd Annual 24-hr. Peacewave
What: International Peace Bureau and World BEYOND War will hold the third-annual 24-hour peacewave on June 22-23, 2024. This will be a 24-hour-long Zoom featuring live peace actions in the streets and squares of the world, moving around the globe with the sun. There will be a live Q&A section on Zoom for the last 10 minutes of each hour.
This Peace Wave will happen during the RIMPAC war rehearsals in the Pacific and just prior to protests of NATO’s meeting in Washington in July.
The Peace Wave supports work for global peace and opposes military buildup including alliances like NATO, its partnerships around the globe, and related alliances such as AUKUS.
The peace wave will visit dozens of locations around the globe and include rallies, concerts, production of artworks, blood drives, installation of peace poles, dances, speeches, and public demonstrations of all variety.
Mark the date on your calendar and plan to watch and ask questions!
Share this information far and wide!
If you have a proposal for something to be included in the Peace Wave, reply and let us know.
As detailed plans come together, they will be posted here:
To watch the first two annual peace waves, go here:
Regular Events
Sundays 2p.m.
Cedar Rapids
Peace Vigil
What: Members of local peace groups gather to demonstrate for peace.
Where: 1st Ave. and 1st St. NE, Cedar Rapids. (across from the old Federal Building at the Tree of Five Seasons)
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Sundays with SURJ
All meetings are 6-8pm in-person at Mainframe Studios and online via Zoom.
Check SURJ facebook page or email DSMSURJ@gmail.com for more information.
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Mondays during Iowa Legislature
Des Moines and Online
Moral Mondays IOWA (in person and virtual)
What: Join Moral Mondays IOWA on Zoom or Facebook on the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa or Moral Mondays IOWA pages at noon. Moral Mondays IOWA is a collaborative project designed to highlight the progress at work in the Iowa legislature. As a coalition of over 30 progressive Iowa organizations, including MFSA, Moral Mondays IOWA proactively supports the moral good sought through policies that span a range of progressive issues and works for the advancement of Iowa values like equality, fairness, and justice.
When: 12-12:45 pm
Where: Iowa Statehouse, Room 305*, and online: https://www.facebook.
Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Des Moines
Des Moines Meditation and Mindfulness Group
What: Teacher Fred Nelson leads the group.
Beginning and experienced meditators are all welcome. Universal breath mediation and Buddhist philosophy as compatible with all religions. You may use any silent technique you prefer. Our group was founded in 1994 by Charles Day to enable anyone to learn and practice meditation and mindfulness to benefit their health, clarity of thinking, self-esteem, peacefulness, and spirituality. Mats, cushions, and chairs are provided. Attend regularly or occasionally. We encourage you to attend all the segments listed above to maximize benefits, but you are welcome to attend any or all of them
When: Starting at 7:30 pm (see schedule below)
Where: Friends Meeting House, 4211 Grand Ave.
More: Schedule:
7:30-8:00pm: First Meditation sitting with instruction
8:00-8:20: Presentation about meditation, Buddhism, spirituality
8:20-8:30: Second mediation sitting
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Tuesdays (online)
Online
Centering Prayer
What: Please join the Emmaus House Spirituality Center on Tuesday mornings, when we gather to pray. The first half hour will consist of Centering Prayer and time for intentions, both personal and for the most affected in our world. For those interested in staying for the second half hour, we will read an excerpt from a book on Centering Prayer.
When: 7:30 am
More: No prior experience with Centering Prayer s necessary. If interested in attending, please RSVP so that they can email you the link to the online gathering.
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Thursdays 11:45 am - 12:15 p.m.
Des Moines
Peace Vigil
What: Members of local peace groups gather to demonstrate for peace.
Where: In front of the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.
More: Taking a break; until later this spring
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Thursdays 5:15-- 5:45pm
Burlington
Peace Vigil
What: Weekly Vigil for Peace, Healing, and Community
Where: Port of Burlington by the Statue of Liberty
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3rd Thursday each Month, Sept-May
Des Moines
WILPF-DSM
What: Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
Where: Central Senior Center, corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Forest Avenue. Our first meeting is September 28th,
(most other meetings will be conducted on the 3rd Thursday of the month. The International Day of Peace falls on Sept. 21st. Begin time is 6:30pm.
More: "Like" them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WILPFDSM
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Fridays
Iowa City, IA
Peace Rally
What: Join PEACE Iowa and Veterans for Peace in Iowa City for a weekly peace vigil.
When: 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Pentacrest, use East entrance at Clinton St.
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Fridays 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Decorah, IA
Democracy Preservation Coalition
What: Democracy Preservation Coalition, formerly Democracy Discussion Group, began as a book discussion and continues to meet weekly, focusing on current political movements and events and trying to understand the larger picture. The group is open to all, engaging in a respectful exchange over a variety of topics. This is an informal opportunity to share information and respectful discussion about current events here, there and anywhere that concern us all. Anyone can come! Come to network, understand, clarify and more.
When: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: Northeast Iowa Peace & Justice Center, 119 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA 52101
