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<p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='color:black'><a
href="http://www.freechoiceact.org/page/s/jwj?source=s">New Goal: TWO Million
for the Employee Free Choice Act</a>. </span> <a
href="http://action.americanrightsatwork.org/campaign/mmm_obama_lte/">Write a letter
to the editor for the Employee Free Choice Act!</a> Great videos at <a
href="http://www.araw.org">www.araw.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Monday February 9<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>FREE FILM: <i>TRACES OF THE
TRADE</i></b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>7pm, Scanlon Banquet Hall, Westfield
State College, 577 Western Av, Westfield. Please join director Katrina Browne
for a screening of <i>Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North </i>(<u><a
href="http://www.tracesofthetrade.org">www.tracesofthetrade.org</a></u>)
followed by Q&A. Info: <a href="mailto:sam@resourcegeneration.org">sam@resourcegeneration.org</a>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Thursday February 12 – Lincoln’s Birthday<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY FOR HR
676 – MEDICARE FOR ALL<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>The Leadership Conference for
Guaranteed Healthcare is encouraging everyone to call the Congressional
switchboard: 202-224-3121, ask for your Representative’s office, and<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>if your Rep is a current
co-sponsor, like John Olver, thank them and ask them to stand firm for HR 676
and actively seek additional co-sponsors;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>if your Rep has yet to
co-sponsor HR 676, like Richard Neal, ask them to please become a co-sponsor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>Lincoln</b> wrote: “I
see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to
tremble for the safety of my country. . . corporations have been enthroned and
an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the
country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of
the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is
destroyed.” (letter to Col. William F. Elkins, November 21, 1864)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>In celebration of Abraham
Lincoln's birthday, remind your member of Congress to honor his words and heed
his warning as we look to reform his precious nation's healthcare system. Urge
your member to accept testimony from panelists exploring the serious flaws in
the Massachusetts health plan and examining why it cannot serve as a national
model for providing universal and comprehensive care, on Wednesday, February
25, 2-4pm, 2226 Rayburn House Office Building. <a href="#CONGRESSIONAL">See
below.</a> Info: <a href="http://guaranteedhealthcare4all.org/">http://guaranteedhealthcare4all.org/</a>.
To get involved locally: Western Mass. Single Payer Network, <a
href="mailto:wmspn@wmjwj.org">wmspn@wmjwj.org</a>, and include your city or
town so we can connect you to a local group.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Thursday February 12<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>RALLY, PRESS CONFERENCE,
& LOBBY DAY FOR PAID SICK DAYS<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>11:30am-12:30pm, Nurses Hall,
Massachusetts State House, Boston. An Act Establishing Paid Sick Days has been
reintroduced in the Legislature. Speakers include: Bob Haynes, President, Mass.
AFL-CIO; Rocio Saenz, President, SEIU 615; Mike Fadel, Executive VP SEIU 1199;
Betty McGuire, member of ACORN and SEIU 615; Malden Mills worker, member
Unite/Here (invited); Phoebe Eng, 1000 Voices Archives; (http://www.1000voicesarchive.org/video_search.php);
and Rep. Jason Lewis. Special Presentation: Kevin Miller, Institute for
Women’s Policy Research, will introduce findings from IWPR’s
research on the cost of “<i>presenteeism</i>” in Massachusetts (the
cost of coming to work sick - reducing productivity and infecting others) which
is greater than the cost of providing paid sick days. He will also offer
research critical to the viability of the Commonwealth’s health care
system; that providing paid sick days is an important factor in containing
health care costs. Join in the fun by helping deliver Valentine cookies to Legislators
with messages from constituents underscoring the importance of Paid Sick Days
in Massachusetts, in partnership with MomsRising.org. Info: Susan DeMaria, Legal
Services Workers UAW Local 2320, <a href="mailto:sdemaria@nolsw.org">sdemaria@nolsw.org</a>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Thursday
February 12<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>CLOSING
GUANTANAMO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>7pm,
Smith College Helen Hills Hills Chapel, Rt 9, Northampton. Noted Guantánamo
Attorney P. Sabin Willett will give a talk on "Closing Guantánamo: Can
President Obama Repair Torture's Wreckage?" Pioneer Valley attorney Buz
Eisenberg will introduce Willett. Eisenberg represents several Guantánamo
prisoners and is president of the International Justice Network, which provides
legal representation to detainees held abroad in the “war on
terror.” The event is presented by the Smith College Anthropology
Department and the Pioneer Valley Coalition Against Secrecy and Torture with
the support of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and more
than 20 other local, state, and national organizations and is free and open to
the public. Info: Marty Nathan, MD, Pioneer Valley Coalition Against Secrecy
and Torture, 531-9915, <a href="mailto:martygjf@comcast.net">martygjf@comcast.net</a>.
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Friday February 13 (Second Friday)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><a name=STREET><b>STREET HEAT </b></a><b>-
THE AFL-CIO MOBILIZATION COMMITTEE<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>9:30-11am, AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page
Blvd, near corner of Osborne Ter, across the street from the old Westinghouse,
Springfield. This meeting will <b>focus on the campaign to win the passage of
the Employee Free Choice Act</b>, including meetings with Congressmen and Sen.
Kerry. Also on the agenda: the YWCA; Postal job loss; Bank of America; Your
Organizing! <b>Community and labor activists are urged to attend.</b> Info;
send agenda items to: Jon Weissman, 732-7970, <a
href="mailto:street_heat@pvaflcio.org">street_heat@pvaflcio.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Saturday February 14 (Second Saturday)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <b>SPRINGFIELD HEALTH DISPARITIES PROJECT<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> 9:30am, Tapestry Health, 365 Bay St,
Springfield. Addressing existing disparities in health care and outcomes, and
the underlying racism, poverty, and homelessness. Deciding whether to become a
coalition and how to obtain future funding. Info: Betty Agin, 627-4028, <a
href="mailto:betagi7@verizon.net">betagi7@verizon.net</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Tuesday February 17 (Third Tuesday)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <b>FRANKLIN/HAMPSHIRE HEALTH CARE COALITION<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>7pm, Lathrop Village Community
Room, Shallow Brook Drive, off Bridge Rd, Northampton. Organizing for the
Massachusetts Health Care Trust Fund Bill - a universal health care system,
providing universal access, a comprehensive range of physical and mental health
benefits, choice of provider, quality, unified financing and cost controls,
accountable governance, and stability. A Massachusetts Health Care Trust Fund
will be a "single-payer" of all health care costs, statewide. Also
organizing for the national alternative to state action: Medicare for All
– HR 676. Info: <a href="mailto:info@fhhcc.org">info@fhhcc.org</a>.
Please visit <a href="http://www.masscare.org">www.masscare.org</a> and <a
href="http://www.healthcare-now.org">www.healthcare-now.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Tuesday February 17 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>US REP. JIM McGOVERN ON THE
EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>7pm, Leo's Ristorante, 11
Brackett Court, Worcester. The Central Massachusetts AFL-CIO invites you to an
evening of education and discussion on the Employee Free Choice Act with Special
Guest Speaker Congressman Jim McGovern. Food will be served, so RSVP to Paul
Soucy, Director of Labor, 508-832-4218, <a
href="mailto:psoucy@centralmassaflcio.org">psoucy@centralmassaflcio.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Wednesday February 18 (Third Wednesday)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>MASS SENIOR ACTION COUNCIL
– WESTERN MASS MONTHLY MEETING <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>1:30-3:30pm, location to be
determined, Springfield. MSAC was founded in 1981 to promote the rights, well
being, and dignity of all people, particularly vulnerable senior citizens. Open
to people of all ages. MSAC has a proud history of effective community
organizing and legislative advocacy on health care, housing, transportation,
and other issues. <b>Info</b>: 543-2334, <a
href="mailto:mbewsee@masssenioraction.org">mbewsee@masssenioraction.org</a>, <a
href="http://www.masssenioraction.org/">http://www.masssenioraction.org/</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Wednesday February 18 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>COURT HEARING ON JASON
VASSELL’S MOTION TO DISMISS<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>2pm, 15 Gothic St, Northampton. <span
style='color:black'>Jason was the victim of a racist assault in his own dorm at
UMass Amherst. While defending himself, Jason injured his assailants. For an
act of self-defense Jason faces up to 30 years, while the aggressors have been
charged with only misdemeanor offenses. </span>On December 29, Jason Vassell's
defense submitted a motion to dismiss his indictment “on the ground that
the defendant has been selectively prosecuted because of his race, in violation
of the rights guaranteed him by the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the
United States Constitution and Articles I and XII of the Massachusetts
Declaration of Rights.” Read the motion, background details, get involved:
<a href="http://www.justiceforjason.org">http://www.justiceforjason.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Wednesday February 18<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>NEW AMERICANS AGENDA PUBLIC
HEARING<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>5:30-7:30pm, St. Mary’s
Roman Catholic Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield. The New Americans
Agenda (NAA) is a comprehensive statewide initiative to better integrate
refugees and immigrants into the economic and civic life of the Commonwealth. We
strongly encourage you to attend the public hearing for Western Mass. residents
and leaders to share with us: what it would mean for Massachusetts to be a welcoming
state for immigrants and refugees; challenges to integration currently faced by
immigrants and refugees and their receiving communities; strategies to overcome
those challenges. The meeting will include roundtable discussions where you
will have the opportunity to discuss your ideas directly with members of the
Governor’s Advisory Council for Refugees and Immigrants. Over the next
year, the Mass. Office for Refugees and Immigrants (MORI) and the
Governor’s Advisory Council for Refugees and Immigrants (GACRI) will
develop a series of policy recommendations to Governor Patrick on integration
challenges and solutions. The Springfield public hearing is being co-convened
by the Alliance to Develop Power and the Center for New Americans. Catholic
Charities of Springfield is co-sponsor — is your organization interested co-sponsoring?
To register to attend or to co-sponsor contact William Cano, director, ADP
Worker Center, 739-7233, <a href="mailto:william@a-dp.org">william@a-dp.org</a>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Thursday February 19 (Third Thursday)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <b>NORTHAMPTON LIVING WAGE COALITION ~
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS ~ LIVING WAGES v. ECONOMIC MELTDOWN<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>7pm, Conference Room, second
floor, room 234 &/or 236, <a
href="http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=243+King+St,+Northampton,+MA">Potpourri
Plaza</a>, 243 King St, Northampton, opposite Stop & Shop.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>Ian Seda</b>, a staff
economist from the Center for Popular Economics, will speak on the current
economic meltdown and how a living wage strategy fits into fixing it. His area
of work focuses on the systemic forces that have led to stagnant wages and debt
and contributed to the economic crisis. The <a
href="http://www.populareconomics.org/">Center for Popular Economics</a> is a
collective of political economists based in Amherst. CPE teaches economic
literacy to activists for progressive social change. CPE creates and
communicates economic theories that challenge systems of oppression based on
class, race, gender and nation. CPE works to demystify economics by providing
workshops and educational materials to activists throughout the US and around
the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>Pete Myers</b>, co-founder of
the Tompkins County Living Wage Campaign, now the <a
href="http://www.tclivingwage.org/">Tompkins County Workers’ Center</a>, will
describe the successful Living Wage campaign in Ithaca NY. The TCWC is Ithaca’s
Jobs with Justice coalition.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>The NLWC is organizing for a
City Council resolution updating the 1998 Northampton Living Wage Resolution
for employees with health insurance to $9.52, and to $11.44 for employees
without health insurance. Collecting petition signatures supporting the
resolution. Asking local business owners to commit to paying a living wage or
at least commit to working toward a living wage. Publicly recognizing them if
they do. Info: Kathryn Collins, <a href="mailto:kathryncollins52@yahoo.com">kathryncollins52@yahoo.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>WMASS JOBS WITH JUSTICE <b>HAMPSHIRE
WORKERS' RIGHTS COMMITTEE</b> meets with the NORTHAMPTON LIVING WAGE COALITION.
Info: 827-0301, <a href="mailto:wmjwj@wmjwj.org">wmjwj@wmjwj.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Friday February 20<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE ON
LOCAL TV<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>7:30pm, WGBY channel 57 (PBS). Jackie
Wolf and Diana Stein of the Amherst League of Women Voters will be Jim Madigan’s
guests on “The State We're In”. To get involved locally: Western
Mass. Single Payer Network, <a href="mailto:wmspn@wmjwj.org">wmspn@wmjwj.org</a>,
and include your city or town so we can connect you to a local group.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Saturday February 21<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>DIGNITY & DEFIANCE TO
GLOBALIZATION<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>11am, Odyssey Bookshop, 9
College St (Routes 116 at 47), in the Village Commons, S Hadley, 534-7307 or
800-540-7307; odysseybks@aol.com; www.odysseybks.com (<a
href="http://www.odysseybks.com/directions.html">www.odysseybks.com/directions.html</a>).
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>& 3pm, Neilson Browsing Room,
Smith College, Rt 9, Northampton. Info: Marty Nathan, <a
href="mailto:martygjf@comcast.net">martygjf@comcast.net</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>James Schultz will discuss and
sign his new book, <i>Dignity and Defiance: Stories from Bolivia’s
Challenge to Globalization</i>, together with Bolivian citizen Roberto
Fernandez Terán. <i>Dignity and Defiance</i> is a powerful eyewitness account
of Bolivia’s decade-long rebellion against globalization imposed from
abroad. Based on extensive interviews, this story comes alive with first-person
accounts of a massive Enron/Shell oil spill from an elderly woman whose
livelihood it threatens, of the young people who stood down a former dictator
to take back control of their water, and of Bolivia’s dramatic and
successful challenge to the policies of the World Bank and the International
Monetary Fund. Featuring a substantial introduction, a conclusion, and
introductions to each of the chapters, this well-crafted mix of storytelling
and analysis is a rich portrait of people calling for global integration to be
different than it has been: more fair and more just.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Saturday February 21 (First & Third Saturday of each
month)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK!<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>Noon-4pm, ADP Workers
Center/Casa Obrera, 130 Union St, Springfield. Registration required.
Comprehensive know your rights training. Also serves as orientations that are
mandatory for people who want to join the Workers Center. The ADP Worker Center
has a number of programs and benefits for members, including a food co-op, ESOL
classes, democracy school, leadership training, and a legal clinic. <b>Info</b>,
to register: William Cano, 739-7233, <a href="mailto:william@a-dp.org">william@a-dp.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:black'>Saturday February 21<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='color:black'>JUSTICE
FOR JASON FUNDRAISER AUCTION<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>6-9pm,
Grace Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 14 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst. Jason was the
victim of a racist assault in his own dorm at UMass Amherst. While defending
himself, Jason injured his assailants. For an act of self-defense Jason faces
up to 30 years, while the aggressors have been charged with only misdemeanor
offenses. B</span>ackground details, get involved: <a
href="http://www.justiceforjason.org">http://www.justiceforjason.org</a>. A<span
style='color:black'>chieving justice for Jason has been a costly endeavor. This
auction is seeking:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>Original
Artworks: paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>Crafts:
handcrafted garments, pottery, jewelry toys, baskets, potholders, or even craft
lessons.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>Services:
babysitting, gardening, cleaning, music, horseback riding lessons, canoe
lessons<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>Food:
cookie baskets, cakes, homemade jams<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>Gift
Certificates: from restaurants, theatres<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>Getaways:
weekends at a vacation home or apartment<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>Books:
if possible signed by authors<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>If you
can donate something, if you are willing to approach someone else about
donating, can offer a service, or for more information, please contact Louise
Antony, 549-3630, <a href="mailto:Louise.Antony@Gmail.com">Louise.Antony@Gmail.com</a>,
Emily Lewis, 256-1760, <a href="mailto:Lewis.Emily@comcast.net">Lewis.Emily@comcast.net</a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:black'>Tuesday February</span> 24<span
style='color:black'> (Fourth Tuesday)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='color:black'>HAMPSHIRE/FRANKLIN
CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>7:30pm,
Northampton Fire Station Community Room, 26 Carlon Drive at King St/Route 5,
Northampton (587-1148). Community and labor activist guests are welcome, but <b>RSVP</b>
to Pres. Fiore Grassetti, 877-725-0357, <a href="mailto:org7@comcast.net">org7@comcast.net</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Wednesday February 25<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><a name=CONGRESSIONAL><b>CONGRESSIONAL
HEARING </b></a><b>ON THE MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH CARE REFORM<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>2-4pm, 2226 Rayburn House Office
Building, Washington DC. Call the Congressional switchboard: 202-224-3121, ask
for your Representative’s office, and ask them to attend. Info: <a
href="http://guaranteedhealthcare4all.org/">http://guaranteedhealthcare4all.org/</a>.
To get involved locally: Western Mass. Single Payer Network, <a
href="mailto:wmspn@wmjwj.org">wmspn@wmjwj.org</a>, and include your city or
town so we can connect you to a local group.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:black'>Wednesday February 25 (Fourth
Wednesday)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='color:black'>WESTERN
MASS GREEN ECONOMY WORKING GROUP<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>5:30-7:30pm,
Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page Boulevard, Springfield (732-7970). This
Working Group consists of advocates for a Green Economy which serves local communities;
guarantees workers' rights to organize; and promotes community-owned
sustainable projects. <b>State Sen. Ben Downing</b>, from Pittsfield, will
attend. He has been instrumental in the passage of Green Collar Jobs and Green
Communities legislation. Subscribe to the WMGEWG listserve
(“GreenWork”) at <a
href="http://lists.gaiahost.coop/mailman/listinfo/greenwork">http://lists.gaiahost.coop/mailman/listinfo/greenwork</a>
or send an email to <a href="mailto:greenwork-subscribe@lists.gaiahost.coop">greenwork-subscribe@lists.gaiahost.coop</a>.
Info: Jon Weissman, 827-0301, <a href="mailto:wmjwj@wmjwj.org">wmjwj@wmjwj.org</a>,
or Eduardo Suárez, 335-6224, <a href="mailto:echonyc@hotmail.com">echonyc@hotmail.com</a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Thursday February 26 (normally Third Wednesday; changed for
school vacation this month)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>PIONEER VALLEY CENTRAL LABOR
COUNCIL <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>5:30pm, AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page
Blvd, near corner of Osborne Ter, across the street from the old Westinghouse,
Springfield. Community and labor activist guests are welcome, but <b>RSVP</b>
to Jon at 732-7970, <a href="mailto:mail@pvaflcio.org">mail@pvaflcio.org</a>,
or Rick at 374-1492, <a href="mailto:rbrown@pvaflcio.org">rbrown@pvaflcio.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Thursday February 26 (Fourth Thursday) <i>NOTE LOCATION<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText> <b>FRANKLIN COUNTY WORKERS' RIGHTS COMMITTEE<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>7-8:30pm, Traprock Center for
Peace and Justice, 24 Miles St, Greenfield (773-7427). <b>Special video on the
Employee Free Choice Act.</b> This committee is organizing local solidarity for
Franklin County workers and unions; nurses and other workers at Franklin
Medical Center; Greenfield municipal employees; and statewide and national
workers' rights campaigns, including <b>People's Bail-Out</b> and <b>Employee
Free Choice Act</b>. Info: 827-0301, <a href="mailto:wmjwj@wmjwj.org">wmjwj@wmjwj.org</a>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:black'>Wednesday March 4<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='color:black'>“CONTINUOUS
BARGAINING”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>6:30-9pm,
3rd Floor Gordon Hall (UMass Amherst Labor Center), 418 N Pleasant St, Amherst.
<b>Charley Richardson</b>, UMass Lowell Labor Extension, leads this Labor
Extension Program Workshop. Cost: $15/session; $25 for both this and “Understanding
the Economic Crisis” – <b>Mark Brenner</b> of <i>Labor Notes, </i>date
to be determined. In this challenging economic crisis it is even more important
that we develop tools to respond to changes management is making in the
workplace and the work process. Continuous bargaining is a response that takes
on management plans, inserts a collective voice into the process of change and
makes union-building an ongoing activity. Info: Dale Melcher, 545-6166, <a
href="mailto:dmelcher@lrrc.umass.edu">dmelcher@lrrc.umass.edu</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Thursday March 5 (First Thursday)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>MASS CITIZENS AGAINST THE
DEATH PENALTY<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>7-8:30pm, Unitarian Society, 245
Porter Lake Drive, Springfield (736-2324). Planning Sacco Vanzetti 2009
– annual commemoration of the August 23, 1927 execution of <b>Nicola
Sacco & Bartolomeo Vanzetti </b>at Bishop Marshall Center, St Michael's
Cathedral, Elliott St off State St, Springfield, on August 23 at 5-7:30pm.
Info: 567-3451, <a href="mailto:CAJOWL66@aol.com">CAJOWL66@aol.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText>Saturday March 14<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'><b>WILD IN THE WINTER WEST<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:.5in'>8:30am-1:30pm, Gordon Hall, <span
style='color:black'>418 N Pleasant St, Amherst.</span> Info: Emily Hardt, 617-426-0520,
<a href="mailto:emily@wildlabor.org">emily@wildlabor.org</a>. The <a
href="http://www.wildlabor.org/">Women’s Institute for Leadership
Development</a> and the <a href="http://www.umass.edu/lrrc/laborextension/">UMass
Amherst Labor Extension Program</a> invites women activists to an exciting workshop
on understanding the causes and impact of the economic crisis. Plus: WILD Women
Live! – interviews with inspiring women who lead their unions and
community organizations. Followed by lunch and conversation with other labor
movement women. $20 Registration fee; childcare reimbursement available. For
more information & to register (<b>deadline March 12</b>): 545-6166, <a
href="mailto:dmelcher@lrrc.umass.edu">dmelcher@lrrc.umass.edu</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='color:black'>More events at <a
href="http://www.westernmassafsc.org/calendar/calendar.html">http://www.westernmassafsc.org/calendar/calendar.html</a>
& </span><a href="http://people.umass.edu/jgerber/SustEvents.htm">http://people.umass.edu/jgerber/SustEvents.htm</a>.<span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><i>A NOTE ABOUT PUBLIC MEETINGS & CHEMICAL
SENSITIVITIES: Men and women are requested to avoid wearing scented
personal products when attending public meetings. Scents trigger adverse
responses in those with chemical sensitivities. Note that many workers develop
chemical sensitivities on the job. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>TO UNSUBSCRIBE, send an email to <a
href="mailto:wmjwj@wmjwj.org">wmjwj@wmjwj.org</a> with a Subject of "Unsub
Workers' Rights".<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>[Workers' Rights] posts opportunities for you
to learn about and show solidarity with workplace and working class struggles.
And these events are opportunities for JwJ members to fulfill their pledge: </span><a
href="http://www.jwj.org/pledge.html"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
"Arial","sans-serif";text-decoration:none'>"</span><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>I'll be there for workers' rights at
least five times a year!</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
text-decoration:none'>"</span></a><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> This is the core mission of Jobs with
Justice (</span><a href="http://www.jwj.org/"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>www.jwj.org</span></a><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>), affirming that workers' rights are
human rights. To subscribe, send an email to <a href="mailto:wmjwj@wmjwj.org">wmjwj@wmjwj.org</a>
with a Subject of "Subscribe Worker's Rights".<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Western
Mass Jobs with Justice<br>
640 Page Blvd #101<br>
Springfield MA 01104<br>
(413) 827-0301 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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