Excerpts from Simply Living’s OpEd by Cathy Cowan Becker on Racial and Environmental Justice (right).
See the full statement here.
George Floyd should be alive today. So should Ma’Khia Bryant, Andre Hill, Casey Goodson, Henry Green, Tyre King, and many more. We mourn as their families mourn and demand a new approach to keeping our communities safe.
We believe a better world is possible, and that we cannot address the climate crisis without also addressing the crisis of racial and economic inequality. The key to a better world is to create it for ALL of us. There is no environmental justice without racial and economic justice.
Sunday! Must See Film + Nature Hike In Person
Invisible Hand: The Rights of Nature
REGISTER TODAY
tinyurl.com/yp7dmhkx
Get Link to see film on Saturday April 24
+ Join Discussion Sunday, April 25, 2021, 2 PM
Free! $5 donation requested
From Executive Producer Mark Ruffalo comes the world’s first documentary film on the Rights of Nature Movement, a “Paradigm Shifting” story about the current global battle between capitalism and democracy where the fight for our survival is at stake. Sponsored by Simply Living and the Ohio Community Rights Network. More info about this important Democracy film series here.
and Tish O’Dell (right)
Link and password to view the film will be sent out Saturday, April 24.
The film will be available for a 24 -hour period before the Q&A,
which starts promptly at 2:00 pm
this Sunday the 25th.
Conversation in the Woods:
Guided Nature Walks with Cindy Lanese
Sunday, April 25 at 2 pm at Riverlea Woods
$10 donation with all proceeds to support Simply Living
Details and registration here
Cindy’s lifelong love and pursuit of connection with nature along with her deep respect of indigenous practices and rituals are threads that are woven deeply into the tapestry of her life. Her love of nature is embodied in her experience of living. Certified at the School of Lost Borders Wilderness guide training, she has been on solo and group vision quests in Utah, Colorado, Ohio and has section hiked the Appalachian Trail and the El Camino in Spain. Cindy guides and walks with others to find a deeper soul connection, remembering that we are interconnected with the natural world and carry within us the intelligence of the earth as our teacher.. if we listen.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SIMPLY LIVING’S BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Join 37 of The world’s top medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, scientists, dietitians, researchers, and authors, who will share with you the unbiased, accurate, scientifically proven truth about health, nutrition, the food system, the medical system, and the environment.
You’re invited! Taquito’s taco truck 11 am to 2 pm
950 Michigan Avenue, Columbus OH 43215 More here
“Love Your Alley is about collaboration, sustainability, creativity and beauty. It is transforming our underutilized alleys into extended living space for everyone to enjoy, while creating our own Homegrown National Park in Bexley with native plants that support our pollinators and biodiversity. These events and speakers are scheduled throughout the month of May to help participants learn about planting native plants, enhancing gardens for pollinators, and much more! Registration is required and ends 3 hours prior to the start of the event.
Transition US will be hosting: Welcome to Spaceship Earth, an interactive and free virtual event featuring planet-based family-friendly fun. more
summer market season . More herhttps://tockify.com/e/simplylivingsu/detail/647/1619269200000e.
We have 1900 trees to plant this Saturday!! Please come out and help!
This land has historically been neglected and used as an illegal dump site. This site is in poor shape but has a tremendous amount of potential. 2180 Eakin Rd, Columbus, OH 43223. Registration and more here.
Glen Echo Ravine Clean Up – Sponsored by Great Lakes Brewing
Have you ever experienced the healing and freedom that comes with naming a harmful belief system as false, and forgiving yourself for it?
This is why I’m deeply honored to host a live workshop with Dr. Tone Rawlings, artist, scientist, educator, and guide who helps people tap into their higher wisdom and unwind from White-supremacy culture and heal early childhood, systemic, and intergenerational trauma. More here $11
Live at Java Central, 20 South State St, Westerville OH 43081
The Backyard Herbalist at Columbus Garden School
An introduction to growing and appreciating medicinal herbs. Instructor is Bernadette Szabo.
Details and registration link here.
Virtual Event. Free to attend. More here.
What we eat has a huge impact on our carbon footprint and the planet. Learn about different foods and their climate impact and how you can eat green for the planet! Join Bill Dawson with Franklin Park Conservatory and Stephanie Feldstein with Center for Biological Diversity for this GreenSpot Conversation. More here.
The events listed above are a fraction of those listed just this week. There are many more!
Browse now. Select the Monthly View to find events quickly.
Overall Economic Impact Study of ECDI’s Lending to Ohio Entrepreneurs by Bill Lafayette, Ph.D.
As we renew, rebuild, and relaunch Simply Living, we want to know:
What sustainability initiatives are you working on?
What would you like to see Simply Living take on in Columbus?
How would you like to be involved?
Please fill out our Simply Living survey to let us know: bit.ly/SLSurvey2021
NEWS + RESOURCES
FOR LIVING LOCAL
Simply Living signs letter on Yenkin-Majestic Paint factory explosion
Please share. The blog post includes a link to the full letter sent to State Senators..
Want solar training? Get a discount!
We are super excited to announce a new partnership to provide a $50 discount for Simply Living members who sign up for online solar classes offered by Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station.
Introduction to Solar PV
For those new to solar. How solar works, system options, parts of the system, and how to determine if your location is right for solar. (10 hrs) Cost: $99.
Residential Solar Installation & Design
Complete system design and installation course for residential PV systems. Prepares for industry certifications. (46 hrs) Cost: $199.
What can you do about it? Visit a local bookstore, of course – first check out Kyle Garvey’s blog post here
2 young physicians looking for a rental house, apartment, or condo
2+ bedrooms > 1.5 bathrooms
2 parking spots with available street parking for guests
Flexible lease duration, would love 6 or 9 month option
Lease start date in July or august
Within 30 minutes driving to pickerington, new Albany, and Ohio state medical center
<$2500/month
Natural light, storage, and space for a dining table
In unit washer and dryer (not just hookups)
Please contact us at: stevenandjanaki@gmail.com.
Discarded, single-use face masks have become a serious environmental and health threat. If you can’t use a reusable cloth mask, you now have another option: a 100% recyclable disposable face mask that helps protect us from COVID-19 and the planet from waste.
more…
FRIENDS OF PUBLIC BANKING WEBSITE
https://friendsofpublicbanking.org/
As the public banking movement continues to surge forward, everyone can now learn about banking in the public interest and declare your support for the creation of public banks. Check it out now
Listen on your radio or online anytime!
CALENDARS!
LIVE LOCAL, BUILD COMMUNITY #SIMPLYLIVING
In This Issue…
- Free crafts and fun at JCPenney Kids Zone
- Euro Bike Nights at Grandview Yard
- Reynoldsburg KidsFest and other KidsLinked.com events
- Over 125 free or cheap events this weekend in Columbus
- Upcoming Consignment Sales in Columbus
- Free paper shredding at Office Max
- Specials and events for Earth Day in Columbus
- Free Moonlight Movies at Polaris Fashion Place
- Free KidX Club Fun at Polaris Fashion Place
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- Visit Dawes Arboretum in Newark for events, free visit days, and more
- Columbus Pizza & Beer Week with 614 Magazine
COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND
Mega Weekend
Earth Day, Evil Dead II, Shopping & More
Is the snow all done? Don’t forget to buy your ticket to the Urban Living Tour on Sunday May 2.
Have a great weekend.
Earth Day Happenings
Responsibly get rid of your electronics. Learn about bees.
Help 934 Gallery clean up in Milo-Grogan.
Learn about stuff you can do in your backyard. Clean up around Seventh Son. Help prep the garden at 4th Street Farms.
Enjoy an Earth Day Brunch at The Crest. Read about The Lost Fish of Ohio.
Shopping and Fun
Shop the Vintage Market Days at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
Vote on the Summer Jam Mural proposals by Friday night.
Shop Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday.
Clintonville Farmers Market opens their summer season (still at Ohio History Center).
The Black Radish Creamery Farm Store has a Spring Fling.
Do some local shopping at Lincoln Cafe.
Shop the German Village Makers Market on Sunday.
ENJOY EXPLORING ART
Art in Bloom is this weekend.
Check out the Zhen Shan Ren International Art Exhibition.
CAPA’s ApART Together concerts continue.
ProMusica’s SpringFest goes online.
Explore the National Antiracist Book Festivalor the Ohioana Book Festival.
You can watch THE EVIL DEAD II Live with Bruce Campbell.
Watch The Oscars.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO
THIS WEEDKEND?
The Rundown play a free show at Woodlands Tavern.
Learn more about Greenlawn Cemetery.
Are you running the virtual Cap City Half Marathon? Talk about Little Ohio. Taste of Grove City is a Restaurant Week.
The Forum hosts Last Call. Galla Park Steak has opened.
Protests and vigils have been happening for Ma’Khia Bryant.
Thanks for reading and enjoy your weekend!
edited by Connie Hammond (pictured above).
Email cmhammond11@att.net to subscribe to her Community Calendar or share meeting info.
Friday, April 23, April 30, and May 7, 2021, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Immigration Policy in the Biden Administration: The First 100 Days and Beyond. During the 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden repeatedly signaled his interest in adopting an immigration policy very different from that of the prior administration. After winning the election, several leaders from the immigrants’ rights movement joined the new administration, suggesting that fundamental change was imminent. As we approach one hundred days into this new era, it has become clear that the Biden Administration will reset U.S. immigration policies. But reset to what? This conference will bring together important stakeholders to address three central questions: First, what should federal immigration policy look like, both in the Biden Administration and beyond? Second, have the first 100 days put the country on a path toward achieving those goals, or is the reality mixed? Third, what should immigrants’ rights advocates do to achieve the world they want, in terms of both substantive demands and tactics to achieve them? Topics: April 23: Activism; Litigation; and Detention. April 30: Movement Lawyering; The Department of Homeland Security; and Asylum. May 7: Inside vs. Outside Strategies; Congress vs. the Executive Branch. UCLA School of Law. More information and registration here.
Friday, April 23, 2021, 4:00 – 5:00 PM. Honk and Wave Every Friday for Our Revolution. We’ll hang banners and wave to the folks as they head home for the weekend. while they last, each person will receive a Medicare for all placard and an organize to win placard. Enter 4261 Olentangy River Road into your GPS and then walk to the bridge. this is how we win. Register here.
Friday, April 23, 2021, 5:00 – 5:30 PM. GrassRoot Ohio With Carolyn Harding. Our mission is to profile every-day people working on important issues and to connect them with other folks who want to help. Conversations with every-day people, working on important issues here in Columbus and all around Ohio Justice: environmental, social, racial, economic, w/ folks on the front lines. LISTEN TO 94.1 FM and stream US online at WGRN.com. You can find all GrassRoot Ohio podcasts/shows on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-42674753. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grassroot-ohio/id1522559085 and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAX2t1Z7_qae803BzDF4PtQ.
April 22 – May 2, 2021. Climate Reality Leadership Corps Virtual US Training. With a new president and a new Congress ready to act, 2021 is our moment for change. To face the climate crisis devastating the planet. To confront the systemic racism destroying dreams and lives across the US. More information and registration here.
Friday, April 23 (8:00 PM) and Sunday, April 25 (4:00 PM). From the Asylum Seekers Project. People seeking asylum in the United States are usually detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Few migrants are granted release without a “sponsor” on record. Asylum Seekers Sponsorship Project is building a community of resistance against the injustice of the US immigration system by finding sponsors for people stuck in immigrant prisons. Bringing a stranger into our homes is not a common practice in the U.S. But we must remember that people come to this country seeking safety, yet they are put in prison. They must often trust in strangers: Strangers to get them out of detention, to support them, and to join with them in seeking freedom. Sponsorship is not an act of charity; it is an act of solidarity. Gracious resistance = radical hospitality. If you are interested finding out how you can become a sponsor, you can register for one of their upcoming trainings. April 23, 8 PM – http://bit.ly/Apr23-ASSP. April 25, 4 PM – http://bit.ly/Apr25-ASSP.
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 10:00 AM. Labor and Health Care Justice. SPAN Ohio is pleased to be able to offer a program specifically for Labor to answer questions and concerns that the Labor movement has concerning health care and the Medicare for All movement. Featured Speakers: Katherine Isaac, the Executive Director of the Debs Jones Douglass Institute. The Institute was named for labor champions Eugene Debs, Mother Jones, and Frederick Douglass and is working to address the healthcare crisis by organizing workers in support of Medicare for All. Katherine will speak about a Just Transition from our current system to a Medicare for All system and how that will affect jobs. Rhiannon Duryea, US Labor Campaign for Single Payer. Rhiannon Duryea is the new National Coordinator of the Labor Campaign for Single Payer. Rhiannon has dedicated her career to advancing the rights of workers and building a broader, bolder, and more inclusive labor movement. Rhiannon has over a decade of experience in organizing and campaign development. Formerly the youngest ever Political Director of the Denver Area Labor Federation, she led efforts to expand access to collective bargaining for public workers, minimum wage increases for 510,000 Colorado workers, and dramatically increased member participation in legislative and electoral programs. Katha Fortier is Assistant to the National President of Unifor who oversees the health care sector. Register for the zoom program here.
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Occupy for Our Revolution. Join Our Revolution each Saturday at the intersection of North Broadway and High street to demonstrate for peace and justice. Bring a mask and a sign or two in solidarity. Register here.
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 11:00 – 4:00 PM. Annual Conference: End US Support for Israeli Apartheid? By The Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and the Institute for Research Middle Eastern Policy. While Congress wrangled over modest emergency pandemic relief for Americans, it obediently gives the nation of Israel $3.8 billion annually—and even more covert aid—with barely a whisper of debate. Any member of Congress who might question the annual U.S. subsidy for Israeli militarization knows that he or she will incur the wrath of AIPAC and other Israel lobby groups. The lobby patrols the Congress to ensure that Israel, a small country of some nine million people, remains by far the largest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II. U.S. aid enables Israeli apartheid, new settlements in illegally occupied territories and ongoing violent repression of Palestinians. Meanwhile, American citizens who question illegal Israeli policies and engage in nonviolent protest movements such as BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) are accused of being anti-Semites, and their free speech rights threatened. This web-based conference considers whether the United States should cut off aid to Israel or make any such future assistance conditional on negotiation of a genuine peace settlement, respect for Palestinian human rights, and adherence to international law. Wrapping around the annual meeting of the Israel lobby group J Street, the webinar will address U.S. financial support of Israel, the strengths and weaknesses of “liberal” lobby groups like J Street, prospects for a one- or two-state solution, and the progress of free speech organizations, the BDS movement and other forms of resistance, including solidarity between Palestinian activism and the Black Lives Matter movement. Learn more at: www.IsraelApartheidCon.org. Register for the second session here.
Saturday, April 24, May 15, (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM), or Monday, June 8, 2021, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Policing + The People. Understanding The Local Budget, Organizing for Local Needs. You’ve heard the discussions about public safety funding in local budgets, but do you feel equipped to engage with your local government to advocate for change? Action Tank and Policy Matters Ohio have teamed up to demystify the local government budget process, especially as it relates to public safety budgets. This free, public workshop empowers participants skills to engage with elected leaders. We will offer the workshop three times via Zoom. This session will include segments on local government budget training, community investment priorities, and workshops from artists on creative ways to engage in the process. Registration and more information here.
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Climate & Militarism Teach-In Series. Part 4. Change: How do we move forward? What does our analysis lend us in terms of theories of change? Though the climate crisis has become something clearly worth addressing for so many of us, our understanding of what caused, perpetuates, and is caused by the crisis could often stand to be deeper. Particularly for those of us who grow up in the U.S., one aspect of the crisis that we rarely understand is how it is intertwined with militarism. The U.S. is perhaps the most violent empire in history. Its tentacles stretch to almost all corners of the world, and it concerns itself with maintaining supremacy at very high costs. Yet, we in the core of empire rarely see it for what it is. Therefore, we also fail to see how U.S. militarism is deeply intertwined with the U.S. role in the climate crisis. Fully addressing the crisis cannot be done until militarism is understood and dismantled. More information and registration here.
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 4:00 PM. Noam Chomsky in Conversation with Noura Erakat. Please join MECA to hear “one of the most influential public intellectuals in the world” — NOAM CHOMSKY — with Palestinian human rights scholar & attorney, Noura Erakat. Tickets only $15. Funds go towards COVID-19 relief in Palestine & Lebanon. Plus “Letters to Musafa” Launch Party from Palestinian Youth Movement — more below! Register here.
Sunday, April 25, 2021, 2:00 PM. GrassRoot Ohio With Carolyn Harding. Our mission is to profile every-day people working on important issues and to connect them with other folks who want to help. Conversations with every-day people, working on important issues here in Columbus and all around Ohio. Justice: environmental, social, racial, economic, w/ folks on the front lines. LISTEN TO 94.1 FM and stream US online at WGRN.com. You can find all GrassRoot Ohio podcasts/shows on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-42674753. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grassroot-ohio/id1522559085 and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAX2t1Z7_qae803BzDF4PtQ.
Sunday, April 25, 2021, 12:00 -1:15PM. Living With Chernobyl: Personal stories from the world’s worst nuclear disaster. Presented by Greater Manchester CND, Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK), Nuclear Free Local Authorities, Beyond Nuclear. A lived experience; a lyrical novel; a page-turning historical record; and a humanitarian response. What was it like to live through the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, or to deal with its health and environmental legacy 35 years on? We look at how these stories are told — as documentary testimonials, as imagined through a novel, as investigated historically, and as lived by children and their families in Belarus. The event features a moderated round table discussion with guests, followed by an audience Q&A. More information and registration here.
Sunday, April 25, 2021, 2:00 PM. Democracy Film Festival: Invisible Hand. When you register using the form below, you’ll gain access to our film screening and live Q&A with Lake Erie Bill of Rights organizer, Markie Miller. We’ll send a link and password for the film by Saturday, April 24, which will be active for a 24 hour period to view the film. Please watch the film before the Q&A on Sunday, April 25 at 2 pm EST. You will also receive a Zoom link for the Q&A that is unique to you – so please don’t share it. If you haven’t had the chance yet, please consider making a donation of $5 or more at www.paypal.com/paypalme/ohiocrn. All proceeds will be shared equally with Simply Living and OHCRN. Thank you in advance. If you have any questions please contact us at OhioCRN@gmail.com. This event is hosted by the Ohio Community Rights Network and Simply Living. Register here.
April 26 – 30, 2021, 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Native American Forum on Nuclear Issues. The event focuses on the impacts that nuclear issues have on Native American communities across the country. Speakers include Winona LaDuke, Tom Goldtooth, Carletta Tilousi, Kandi White, Myron Dewey, Tommy Rock, Manny Pino, Joe Kennedy, and Ian Zabarte. Featured artists include Jack Malotte, Sorren Thunder Richards, and Bryan Hudson. Please register for your complimentary ticket here.
Monday, April 26, 2021, 6:30 PM. Connections: The Child Labor Reform, Union, and Civil Rights Movements. Join Central Ohio Workers Center and community panelists for a webinar on the connections between the child labor reform, union, and civil rights movements. Hear from our experts and participate in a question-and-answer session about the issues most relevant to you! Panelists include Petee Talley, former Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio AFL-CIO, Jocelyn Woodards, Popular Education Coordinator at national AFL-CIO, Andrea Canini, Field Coordinator for Ohio Federation of Teachers, and Gavin Strassel, archivist for the UAW/Walter Reuther collection at Wayne State University’s library. Where: Online via Zoom and Facebook Live. Register in advance for this webinar here.
Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 3:00 – 4:00 PM. Restorative & Transformative Justice Book Club. Join us for a book club that explores the power & promise of restorative and transformative justice, led by Ohio RCRC Faith Organizer Kelley Fox! Regardless of whether you’ve read these books or not, Kelley will be available to answer questions and talk about each book. More information and link to register on Facebook.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 12:00 PM. Dialogue: The Climate Change Tipping Point with Lonnie Thompson and Ellen Mosley-Thompson. Globally, 2020 was the second hottest year on record as global temperatures increase at an unprecedented rate due to human activity. Here in our corner of the globe, the western US saw intense wildfires and the Atlantic saw so many hurricanes we ran out of names. As climate change progresses, what is the point where we no longer can reverse the damage? Leading climate scientists Lonnie Thompson and Ellen Mosley-Thompson from Ohio State’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center will discuss the state of climate change with WOSU News Chief Content Director Mike Thompson. Register here.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 6:30 PM. The Fight for Fair Courts: How We Can Keep Politics Off the Bench. Join the Ohio Fair Courts Alliance for a panel discussion on the partisan battle to weaponize the courts and what we can do about it. This will include a discussion of Senate Bill 80 and House Bill 149 — current attempts at the Ohio Statehouse to add partisan labels in selected judicial races. Moderated by Camille Wimbish of Ohio Voice, panelists will include Paul Pfeifer, Executive Director of the Ohio Judicial Conference and Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice; Patrick Berry, Fellow and counsel in the Brennan Center for Justice’s Democracy Program; Fanon A. Rucker, Retired Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge; and Melekte Melaku, Organizing Strategist at the ACLU of Ohio. Register here.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 12:00 – 3:00 PM. Parenting During a Pandemic: Childcare Tax Credit. The American Rescue Plan, passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in March, will deliver immediate and effective relief for parents and families hit hard by the pandemic, address racial and gender disparities in health and economic outcomes that have been exacerbated throughout the crisis, and make bold progress that puts us on a path to recovery. But what does that relief look like? What can parents and caregivers expect from the American Rescue Plan? Join NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio and the Women’s Public Policy Network as we partner to host a series of Facebook Live conversations to examine the different components of the ARP and what is means for parents. This series will be structured as informative and action-oriented conversations featuring advocates, partner organizations, and elected officials. Facebook.
MORE LOCAL CALENDARS
Columbus Free Press Activists Calendar Editor Bob Roehm
WCBE Arts & Life Calendar
READ OUR BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The hierarchical, top-down power structures
that ruled the world for thousands of years
are collapsing before our eyes. ~ Kalle Lasn
Be the Change: Join Simply Living Individual membership rates have been reduced to $25 annually. Seniors, $20. Students only $10. Business memberships starting at $100 now include membership in the Ohio Sustainable Business Council.
Sign up online here or email HELLO@simplyliving.org