What Queer?! Plans Providence (RI) March for January 10th...

Show your solidarity with the uprisings in Athens, and the people of Gaza.

We are planning a funeral procession in solidarity with all victims of war
and state violence on Saturday, January 10th, through the streets of
Providence. We will speak at various sites of state violence throughout
the city.

Anyone interested in planning or speaking please come to a
planning meeting Monday January 5th at 6pm.

Email whatqueer@gmail.com for
info, even if you can't make it on the 5th.

Called for by What Queer?!, a radical queer collective in Providence.
Please forward widely!

12/12 Action of Rhode Island's I.W.W. is Canceled

The following is an email I've just received:

The Republic Window workers of Chicago's UE local 1110 have requested that all solidarity events for them be canceled this week. The Providence IWW has called off the solidarity rally scheduled for 4pm today. We respect the wishes of our brothers and sisters in local 1110 and wish them all the luck for the future. The Providence IWW regrets inconveniencing anyone with this last minute cancellation.
Sincerely,
Providence, RI General Membership Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World

BoA Is Not Off The Hook In Rhode Island

Below is the email I received from Jason:

Yes, Nomi, the event is certainly still on. We are celebrating the victory in Chicago and still demanding a Peolple's Bailout in RI and across the US. Thanks for your support, and hope to see you there.
New Press Release below and attached.

Friday Dec. 12
4 PM
Bank of America Building 111 Westminster Street

Jason F.
Providence IWW
Branch Delegate, IU 330

Late last Wednesday night marked the end of the factory occupation at Republic Window and Door, a momentous victory for both the striking workers and the working class and working poor across the nation. The 260 Republic workers of UE local 1110 voted "yes" unanimously to accept a $1.76 million offer covering eight weeks salary, severance pay, extended health benefits and legally due vacation time. Bank of America spokespeople assured these funds were specifically for the workers and not for Republic management and owners' "bonuses" and "luxury cars."

The Providence branch of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) has made a call to action this Friday Dec. 12 in solidarity with the striking workers at Republic and to condemn Bank of America's actions. The event will be a victory celebration for the Republic Window Workers, for their noble direct actions which they themselves have called "an example for many workers, if companies treat them unfairly." At 4 pm this Friday at the Bank of America building at 111 Westminster we will salute our brothers and sisters in Chicago.

Those two paragraphs are from the press release of today...

??? Rhode Island Wobblies' Rally: December 12, '08

I have just received a wonderful email from Jobs With Justice:

http://www.jwj.org/bailout/republic.html#back

Perhaps the rally will be rescheduled...

ProvidenceIWW@gmail.com

An Injury to One is an Injury to All


Providence IWW Supports Chicago's Republic Window Workers' Message; Bank of America –

“You Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

Friday, December 5 marked the beginning of a factory occupation and sit-in strike by the workers employed at Republic Door and Window in Chicago, a manufacturer of energy efficient doors and windows. The factory occupation was sparked by news delivered on Dec. 2 that the factory would be closing in three days due to a cancellation of credit by Bank of America. In addition to losing their jobs, management informed the workers that severance pay and pay for vacation time would not be paid, due to the swift revoking of credit by Bank of America. The total amount owed to workers is reported to be just over $1 million. As part of the recent Congressional bailout of Wall St., Bank of America received over $25 billion to extend credit to faltering businesses like Republic Door and Window.

The 200 Republic workers, supported by their union, UE Local 1110, have occupied the factory in shifts, supplied with only lawn chairs and food brought by families and Chicago community groups.

The Providence Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) join millions in proudly supporting the Republic workers in their message to Bank of America and corporate America - “You got bailed out. We got sold out.” Across the nation, the IWW joins the UE and other labor unions and community groups in demanding a “People's Bailout.”

The Providence IWW has organized a picket of Bank of America in conjunction with hundreds of other actions this week in solidarity with Republic workers. Our message is of class solidarity and of the demand that Bank of America financially ensure that Republic workers receive all their benefits and that the factory will reopen. On Friday, December 12th at 4 pm the IWW and supporters will rally and picket at the Bank of America Building, 111 Westminster street, downtown Providence.

The Industrial Workers of the World is a fighting labor union that believes that the interests of labor can be fully served only when working people are united as a class. The IWW wants to see all workers on the same job united, in the same industry in one union, who work for wages in one big union. Membership is open to all workers, regardless of race, gender, nationality or legal status.


Contact IWW member Justin Kelley for more info. 508.367.6434.

Bus Drivers in North Smithfield (RI) Vote to Unionize!

I have just received some cheerful news from one of my wobbly friends!


It's official. North Smithfield School Bus Drivers & Aides have just
voted to be
represented by SEIU district 1199.

There were two unions on the ballot [SEIU 1199, Amalgamated Transit Union
local 618
(ATU), along with a choice of No Union.]

No run-off is necessary since SEIU 1199 received over 50% of the vote.

58% voted for 1199, 70% voted for a union.



North Smithfield drivers & aides now join in solidarity with Lincoln &
West Warwick
drivers & aides represented by 1199.

Support Alex Svoboda, Jason Friedmutter and Local Wobblies (IWW's)

I was horrified to see in today's Providence Journal that a "Special Prosecutor" has been selected to prosecute Alex...

Here's a link not to that article, but to a blog devoted to Alex...
http://supportalexsvoboda.blogspot.com/

Apologies, I didn't sleep well last night and am especially foggy technically...

Mark Twain, Nelson Mandela And RI Wobblies!

Adam and Eve had many advantages, but the principle one was that they escaped teething.
-Puddn'head Wilson's Calendar

Thanks to Alan Cordle's blog, [http://alancordle.com/blog/]

I realize it is Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday!

Upcoming IWW Legal Defense Fund-Raisers:
Join us in our effort to raise thousands of dollars in legal fees to fight the criminal charges of Alex Svoboda and Jason Friedmutter, members of the Providence Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) who were attacked and arrested by the North Providence police last August 11th during a union march. Pictures @ http://jonathanmcintosh.smugmug.com/gallery/3293537_JGVms

July 18, 5:30pm Potluck Cookout and Raffle
Mid-summer cookout (vegan options available). Bring a dish to share and BYOB. Raffle featuring fabulous local gifts and prizes.
392 Pine St. Providence

August 2, 8:00pm Homebrew Beer Garden
Homebrew crafted by the Bartertown brewmaster. Five different varieties. Donations. 21+.
139 Wood St. Providence

August 3, 10am-2pm Pancake Breakfast
Flapjacks, french toast, tofu scramble, homefries, fruit, pastries, and mimosas. Vegan options available. Donations.
139 Wood St. Providence

For more information contact the Providence IWW at 402-639-4171, providenceiww@gmail.com

Thank You,Luke & Everyone at Social Justice Night

I received this wonderful email from Luke. There were links of all the participating groups, but I fear botching this post, so I will add them to my list below. For the same reason, I am including the paragraph of my own words which he thoughtfully included.

It is so glorious to be at a gathering of activists and NOT know everyone present. i.e. finding new energy, building stronger coalitions...

Anyone remember the Dorrwar Bookstore?


Report back from Social Justice Night

About a week ago, Wednesday May 28th, was the third and largest event in
a recent effort to have a monthly gathering for Providence activists,
organizers, and interested people. The evening had a great positive
energy, and a lot of information was exchanged and connections made.

We're still finalizing a date and location for the June gathering. Sign
up to the announcement list to be sure to hear about it:
http://lists.danky.com/listinfo.cgi/ppp-danky.com

A couple pictures from the night:
http://socialjusticenight.blogspot.com/

-

A little news:

PIPS
June 11th, Wednesday night special that will involve a bonfire on the
shoreline somewhere.
email joan.m.wyand@gmail.com for more info.

Armory Park Farmer's Market, on Parade Street.
Red Planet joins forces with Cityfarm and Big Train to form the Little
City Growers Coop.
Every Thursday afternoon 3-7pm, June 12 - November.

Check out the RI Green Party web calendar:
http://www.greens.org/ri/events.html

AS220
Saturday, June 7
1:30pm - 3pm, Ralph Nader Book Signing.
Suggested $10/$5 student/low-income, no one turned away.

Apeiron Sustainable Living Festival
This weekend, 7 & 8th
http://www.apeiron.org/slf_fest_2008/slf_web_08_home.html


And many comments:

Thanks for putting together a great event. So many cool people in one
room; I'm surprised (a) there wasn't an explosion and (b) there wasn't a
National Security raid. :-)
'Til next time, and I'll definitely be there next time,"
-Eric Siegel, Co-Chair, Green Party of Rhode Island

There are a few groups that weren't there that I'd like to see there
that weren't, especially PrYSM. I'd also like to see a bit more time
for dialog, coming up with shared events and projects, etc. Maybe in the
future 1/3 of groups could present each time or something. I think
having everyone present was good this time though.
-Michael C

I've been meaning to write and say what a great event Social Justice
night was. Super organized - particularly for such a large unwieldy
crowd with so many things to say, and excellent all-around vibe. Good
food too!
I'm the kind of lady who wells up with tears during any sort of
demonstration or rally or march - not out of sadness for the given
topic, but for the overwhelming sense of empowerment displayed through a
group of people coming together to seek justice. Thankfully I've never
noticed other rally weepers as that would really fuck up the movement.
But I was nervous that the assembling of so many radical wonders on
Social Justice night would elicit my usual moment of verklemptness. It
didn't. Instead, the evening was a solid planning meeting for the
future. Like you said, no complaining or ranting, just action and
getting shit done. Thanks for letting me be a part.
-Deb D

Well... let's see. My own thoughts are that in general the event this
past Thursday re-confirmed for me how much I love AS220. I've been out
of the loop for a long time, but I can see that the idea of intellectual
freedom still shines.
On the topic of Social Justice Night I was struck by the general good
nature of the audience. Also the fact of having all those groups
presenting information at one time was nice, condensing and intensifying
while simplifying the process of information gathering.
-Paul P

One thing that stood out was how relatable and compelling the
presentations were by people directly affected by what they spoke on.
Really inspiring. I guess the perspective epiphany that it encouraged
in me was realizing if you strive for equality then everyones issues and
concerns affect everyone else and should be taken seriously and weighed
the same. I guess the movement towards solidarity and awareness of
community issues were what struck me the deepest, the respect was so
palpable, I cannot recall attending any such event elsewhere before.
-Muffy B

What did i get out of this recent gathering? apart from getting those
"inspiration chills" every third speaker or so, i learned a tremendous
amount. i found the library reform lecture particularly useful. seeing
my friends (Jenine, Chris, Luke, Muffy, others) in this environment was
strengthening. i can't think of a better word. i feel more aware and
hopefully more plugged in.
-Justin K

It really did feel positive and collaborative in a way that I haven't
experienced in a long time. I was really glad to be there.
One suggestion of folks to include next time - The Wiley Center. They
are based in Pawtucket but do work for poor people all over RI. Right
now they are working on actions re: utilities shut offs. Fighting the
good fight every day, and their good work should definitely be a part of
this coalitions of folks.
Thanks again. I'll be at the next one for sure.
-Sara A

I was really excited about the night- everything was really nice. the
atmosphere of excitment and mutual support was really encouraging.
I was personally really struck by Jean and Juan (my NUA family) sides
of them that I hadn't really seen before came out (jean shy and juan
preacher man) so to see a transformation happening just by this event
alone was really wonderful.
I was also excited by the food and to see people eating together food
that was collected and made by everyone there. Though I have to admit
I was a little bummed that people were not recycling things so much
and there wasn't a compost... maybe i can help with that sort of thing
next time.
-Jeff H

It's Jose` just wanted to reply and say it was pretty awesome I met new
people, Learned new things I didn't know about the Community, and Got
Involved with some people to help ^.^
-Jose` M

It was great to see and reconnect so many folks that have been
organizing in Providence for a long time, and great to see new faces. I
also was excited to learn about what people I have seen around are
doing. I am definitely pysched to see this grow into a strong network in
providence..
thanks for organizing!
-mary blue, Farmacy Herbs

I asked to present early because I usually am in bed by 10. But come
10:15, I was still glued to my seat! I loved the diversity of causes and
personalities, from punks to librarians. Two people approached me at
break and asked if they could volunteer for our organization. Thank you
for organizing Social Justice Night. I was very impressed by your
thorough and thoughtful planning. I hope I can participate next month.
Some kind of more structured discussion sounds interesting.
-Rachel, RI HUD Tenant Project

a major thing i got out of the event was meeting Alicia from english for
action. Alicia agreed to connect me with a spanish speaking member of
the providence community trying to learn english, so that both of us can
work on our second languages.
I also liked that there was a lot of informational literature
circulating the event- the presentations were a lot to take in, and it
was good to be able to go back and read about these organizations later.
I think that anything that can be done to bridge the gap between the
spanish speaking and english speaking communities of providence would
make future events that much more successful. Perhaps having some
translators on board for publicity, informational literature, and
translation of the actual event is the best way to do this.
-Mary B

We were very happy to participate and would like to be part of future
gatherings.
Thank you for the hard work! Be in touch with us...
Laughter,
-Alicia EFA

The social justice night at AS220 was amazing. I had to leave when it
was barely half over, but was able to sign a few petitions, see many
unfamiliar faces, see dear Alex Svoboda, and several Library Reformers,
long-haired men, short-haired women, people with only facial hair or
with none! Hearing about different groups working in parallel ways for
justice and health care and civil rights...was inspiring. Some folks
don't use the internet. Imagine!
Thank you, friends, for that evening and all the labor that went into
it...La Lucha Continua.
-Nomi H
http://neverdied.blogspot.com/

I just wanted to say thanks for a great event. It was really good to
hear what all these organizations are doing and meet the respective
people involved.
-Mike Eng, RAB

relive childhood fears --no, have fun & Love Libraries

Not About The Buildings

http://www.notaboutthebuildings.com/

This event is promising. I am a very good speller. I can spell words I've only seen once and which I certainly cannot define or use correctly. This is one of the benefits of studying Latin for six years.

Richard Walton's birthday celebration/fundraiser for Amos House and the Providence-Niquinohomo Sister Cities Project is this coming Sunday afternoon. It is a potluck, but don't let that stop you from showing up. And there is no set amount of donation expected. Usually there are dogs and babies, sometimes baby dogs and one year baby bunnies.

There is always music. Music from some of those present. And ice cream.

The social justice night at AS220 two nights ago was amazing. I had to leave when it was barely half over, but was able to sign a few petitions, see many unfamiliar faces, see dear Alex Svoboda, and several Library Reformers, long-haired men, short-haired women, people with only facial hair or with none! Hearing about different groups working in parallel ways for justice and health care and civil rights...was inspiring. Many of the groups I link to below ( "missing links") were represented. Some folks don't use the internet. Imagine!

Thank you, friends, for that evening and all the labor that went into it...La Lucha Continua.

Social Justice Night: May 28 @AS220 in Providence, RI

This looks like an entirely promising important event.
I tried to post the webpage and the email about this. I tried 4 times. The results were 4 sets of empty pages.

Here's the link, I hope. My guess is that this site will be updated between today and May 28...more folks coming on board.

http://socialjusticenight.blogspot.com/

My trouble with posting successfully is somehow related to my lack of owning a computer currently.

Thank you dear patient readers and anonymous commenters.

Update on Alex Svoboda, Wobbly Injured by North Providence Police

I was shocked to learn recently that the North Providence (RI) Police are still pressing charges against Alex Svoboda and another Wobbly. She is gamely limping around with a cane and a no-jokes knee brace.

Her spirits, I am happy to say, were quite Strong and unbending. I am blessed to live near a houseful of Wobblies. One of the two dogs in the household (as well as two people) have recently moved west. Emma, the greyhound, still resides there.

The Support Alex Svoboda Blog is up to date. Here's the link: http://supportalexsvoboda.blogspot.com/

Alex Svoboda is home! Yesterday there was a large rally in North Providence, RI.

I don't have the ability to post photo's, but my guess is they can be found at the www.iww.org site.

Ethan keeps asking me: What's a wobbly !? If anyone can send me any good links, I'll be grateful.