Police Brutality Vigil Tonight, 8/14, 7pm Union Sq NYC

What has happened in Ferguson, MO this week, and LA, and I’m sure many other American cities that we aren’t hearing about, is unacceptable. And it is scary, and it is heart breaking.

But the violence in our communities – much of which comes from over armed police forces – is not inevitable, and it is not hopeless.

There is something we can do about it.

It’s time to come together and make a change. Come out if you can. Hold a candle. Hold your neighbor’s hand. Make a statement that this is not ok.

I just received this email from a colleague organizing one of many vigils in NYC tonight:

Here is the event page on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/696125507103287/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

There are multiple locations in Manhattan: Harlem, Union Square, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. This is a nationwide vigil. Here is the facebook community page: https://www.facebook.com/NMOS2014

The vigil was organized by Blogger @FeministaJones. You can also follow the vigils here at #NMOS14 on twitter. I am the primary organizer for the event tonight in Union and my twitter is @StilettoViper.

This is NOT a protest. It is a peaceful vigil. At 7:20 EST we will be observing 60 seconds of silence. This is a time for people to come together and mourn. This is not a place for violence.

See you in the streets.

Visit the Center for Theory of Change, Tuesday 3/18 in NYC

A few weeks ago, Theory of Change was discovered by the Center for Theory of Change, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting quality standards and best practice for the development and implementation of the Theory of Change model, especially in international development, sustainability, education, human rights and social change. I’m really glad to be in touch with the folks there, as developing and sharing knowledge about how we can most effectively change the world is a particular passion of mine.

So, I’m pleased to share an opportunity for those of you in New York City to meet the team at CTOC and join them on the evening of Tuesday, March 18th for the launch of a new Corelab report, “9 Ways to Change the World?: Theories of change for engaging people on global issues.” If you’re in the city, check out the event details below. (If you’re not, you can still access the report and the great learning from both orgs online.)

I won’t be able to make it – I’ll be over at the Yes Lab that evening – but if you get out to the event, let me know how it went, who you met, and what you learned!

Corelab and the Center for Theory of Change  are delighted to invite you to the:

Launch of 9 Ways to Change the World

A Corelab Briefing on Theories of Change for Engaging People on Global Issues

When: Tuesday 18^th March
Time: 6:30-8:30 EST
Where: CUNY Graduate Center
365 5th Ave,  6^th floor, Room 6304.01
New York  10016

Featuring
May Miller-Dawkins, Head of Research at Corelab and Author of 9 Ways to Change the World
Peggy Hicks, Director of Global Advocacy, Human Rights Watch
Jose Luis Diaz, Head of Amnesty International’s New York Office
Hannah Weitzer, Program Manager, Global Nomads Group

Join us for the launch and an evening of discussion and debate about theories of change to engage people on global issues.

RSVP now (to reserve your spot) to:  Zabi Rahat of Center for Theory of Change

azrahat@theoryofchange.org
212-817-8763
Hosted by Actknowledge

Download and Review the Briefing Here

Brooklyn: Share Your Street Harassment Stories

Brooklyn: Share Your Street Harassment Stories

Catcalls, whistles, “hey baby” – it’s not a compliment, it’s street harassment. And if you’re a woman in New York City, it’s probably happened to you.

It’s annoying to be told to “smile!” because men on the street are not entitled to our attention. It’s frightening when ignoring that “hey mama….” turns to “bitch! I’m talking to you!” and a man following you down the street… And it all amounts to a constant reminder that our bodies are not considered our own. Whistles and yells are the least of it when we carry the fear that it could be so much worse.

If this sounds familiar to you, now there’s something you can do about it. Women and men around the world are organizing to end end gender-based harassment, and we’re doing it with humor, art, music, film, activism, and safe spaces.

Stop Street Harassment is part of this global movement, and on Saturday, July 13 we’re collecting stories from Brooklyn and NYC. If you live in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn or identify as a queer woman of color, come share your stories of street harassment in one of two discussion groups. Your experiences will help Stop Street Harassment and the Harlow Project in our work to make public spaces safe for everyone.  But more importantly, sharing your story in a safe space can take the edge off the fear, help you heal, and remind you that it’s not your fault.

Discussion Group 1:

Community members of the Bed-Stuy Neighborhood area are invited to share their experiences and stories with street harassment in the area, 12 – 1 p.m. EST.

Discussion Group 2:

Queer women of color from anywhere in the New York City region are invited to talk about their experiences and stories with street harassment. 2-3 p.m. EST.

Both discussions will take place at the Brooklyn Movement Center, 375 Stuyvesant Ave  Brooklyn, NY.

Click through for more details. And we look forward to hearing from you on Saturday!