Major mobilizations are an important tool in political movements, a chance to stand together and demand the attention of those in power. However, convergences can also be hectic and stressful environments and protesters may be exposed to physical hazards such as poor weather conditions and militarized police crowd control tactics. In order to sustain our movements in the face of these obstacles, it is important to know how to keep yourself and other safe an healthy.

In preparation for the Peoples Climate March, the Boston Street Medics will hold a Protester Health and Safety training on Sunday, September 7th from 2-4pm at the Bikes Not Bombs Hub, 284 Amory St. in the Brewery Complex in Jamaica Plain. The space is mobility accessible, near Stony Brook Station on the orange line, and there is on- and off-street parking.

This session will cover the basics of buddy and affinity group safety, weather-related illness, police/arrest safety and advocacy, special needs and chronic illness awareness, and post-action emotional self-care. The focus of this training is on injury and illness prevention, staying safe in the streets, and knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do. There is no cost to attend the session, but please RSVP by Thursday, September 4th at http://tinyurl.com/PCMBosHS. Please email bostonstreetmedics(AT)riseup.net with any questions.

(from act-ma)

The 30th Annual Bread and Roses Heritage Festival will be held, as always, on Labor Day. This year on Monday, September 1st, 2014!

It is a FREE, open air, labor and social justice event, on the Lawrence Common, from noon to 5:00 PM

Enjoy an electric day of musical, dance, and theatrical performances from a diverse range of cultures from American Folk, Salsa, Blues, Celtic, Hip Hop, and more!

Hungry? Stroll down the walkway of food vendors to choose BBQ, Dominican, Turkish, Vietnamese, Mexican, and other international treats!

Have Children? The Kidz Zone will surely put a smile on children young and old! With pony rides, face painting, hula hooping, a juggler, and even story telling!

Social justice? Our row of information vendors brings together community groups and non-profits from around the area to have discussions with visitors on the many issues we face, provide resources for those who need help, and opportunities for those wanting to get involved further.

Like to learn? Lawrence History Live and the workshop tents are the spot for you. Not only will you get historical mentions and reenactments on the main stage, but these tents provide a deeper look into past events, such as the Bread & Roses Strike of 1912, immigration history of the area, present day labor and social efforts, as well as introductory classes on traditional and new organizing models.

Contact:
978-794-1655
info@breadandrosesheritage.org
http://breadandrosesheritage.org/welcome.html

Make a donation:
Bread & Roses Heritage
Committee, Inc
P.O. Box 1137
Lawrence, MA 01842

(reposted from UJP)

WE DEMAND:

• End the Israeli Siege of Gaza
• No more US tax dollars for Israel
• Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions
• Join US to March on HP and let them know Occupation is a Crime

Hewlett Packard makes billions off the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

• HP supplies computers to the Israeli army, and manages the Israeli Navy’s IT infrastructure, which has been criticized for war crimes.
• HP manufactures and maintains a computer system of Israeli biometric ID cards (with fingerprints, retinal and facial data), which are labeled with ethnicity and nationality. IDs are used to control movement of Palestinians going to and from work in Israel and even between their own villages.

The rally will start at the US Federal building in Boston to call for an end to US aid to Israel; the US a major supplier of weapons and money. The march will proceed through downtown Boston to the Westin Hotel near the waterfront convention center, where Hewlett Packard is sponsoring a convention for HP employees. Hewlett Packard is a major supplier of Israel and enabler of the occupation.

Sponsored by Boston BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions), Jewish Voice for Peace Boston, United for Justice with Peace, Northeastern University Students for Justice in Palestine, Boston University Students for Justice in Palestine, Jewish Women for Justice in Israel/Palestine, Boston Coalition for Palestinian Rights, Boston Alliance for Water Justice, Suffolk Law National Lawyer’s Guild, Alliance for a Secular and Democratic South Asia, International Socialist Organization – Boston, Communist Party of Boston, Massachusetts Peace Action

Download the flyer as a PDF: http://justicewithpeace.org/files/Gaza8-11march.pdf

About 30 street medics will be participating in a Street Medic Training this weekend, garnering and training more street medics for actions. We need volunteers for Sunday as simulated “victims” of all types of situations. It’ll be a gratifying and fun experience, and you’ll be helping the street medic community to keep people safe and healthy.

You’ll mostly be lying around covered in fake blood or being in a diabetic coma, not strenuous at all (the trainers will brief you about your roles). It’ll be about 4 hours on Sunday, but if you can give 2 hours, that will work too.

If you want more information or think you might be able to come, please email Mark Williams at onebrightroad(AT)gmail.com.

In health, safety, and solidarity.