Valley Tour Spring 2014 (part 2) MJC

The Peace Panel Project MJC Spring exhibit got an announcement in the morning daily Modesto Bee that Wednesday.  I was stoked as I pulled into Modesto Junior College 8 am;  checked in with Brenda, V.P. of Student Services and set up six easels and eighteen Panels.  It turned out to be finals week!  So traffic was way down from a week ago.  Still I sold some books and handed out a lot of flyers; educated some kids to GMOs and had a half sheet Action Alert with phone numbers for them to call Legislators on the issue.  I told them that this was their opportunity to participate in government; hassle a legislator.  : )   : )

I was in touch with the Modesto Peace/Life Center and offered to hand out their flyers at CSUS and MJC.  They said they didn’t have any ready to go, so I offered to put some together for them.  John and James sent me some files and I was able to get their ok on a final brochure to print and pass out at the events.

I got real interest from some students who firmly shook my hand and thanked me.  One student who came by said he heard about it on Facebook!  One recounted an article he had read recently, that reasoned that we no longer live in a democracy, but an oligarchy.  He explained how he took the article to his government class and the teacher read highlights of it to the entire class and how his professor agreed with the article’s conclusion! 

A homeless guy came by and thanked me for a Career Builders brochure.  

A very fit Hispanic guy came by just when I needed help.  He seemed interested as I untied the ramp so I showed him how to do a clove hitch and let him do one for practice.  When the cart was loaded I offered to pay him.  He said, “No, I’m good” And gave me a big smile as he departed. 

Peace Panel Project Valley Tour Spring 2014 (part 1)

Arrived at California State University Stanislaus, Turlock, Tuesday, 4/29/14, at 8:30 am, met with the lady from Student Leadership and Development and she walked us to our spot to set up.  Senior, Dalton Fitzgerald helped me set up the seven easels and 20, 2’ x 4’ Peace Panels.  No sales were allowed, so I offered to mail books to those who inquired; handed out brochures and flyers about nonviolent communication, Ruses for War, Project Censored, Better World Shopping and Career Builders / counter recruitment. I got sincere gratitude from the international students that stopped by. 

A woman who had come by earlier came back in the afternoon with her daughter, who picked up a Career Builder brochure.  We discussed a couple of the Career Builders programs and they were very thankful.  The college age daughter said she had been learning welding and was considering joining the military, but now she wanted to check out the California Conservation Corps!  She seemed relieved to have some options.  

Another student came by, looked at the Career Builders Panel, picked up a brochure from the holder and actually jumped, upon seeing the options, and exclaimed, “This is what I’ve been looking for!”

At the end of the day, a very tan, young man offered to watch my stuff while I brought the truck around and he helped me get the cart of Panels and easels up the ramp and into the truck. We got that done, and as we parted he hollered, “More power to you!”  And I felt it. 

Butte College Earth Day

Pancakes for Peace 2014

Good food, good friends; an inspirational day.

Eva Bartlett, human rights and justice activist event in Chico

Last Monday night we were pleased to enjoy the thoughtful and dramatic presentation of Eva Bartlett, human rights and justice activist.  The Unitarian Church was packed.  She had a wonderful command of the events she witnessed in Gaza, where she lived for a number of months.  With all the bombing and shooting of innocent civilian Palestinians by the Israelis, she was lucky to get out alive.  She said what ever activism we are doing ...keep it up or do more.  It is important work.  The lack of justice for Palestinians diminishes our justice.  She was charming and well spoken and had amazing photos and video of her experiences.  She is a member of the International Solidarity Movement, like Rachel Corrie. She was inspiring. It was a good night.

Environmental Coalition Gathering 2014

The Butte Environmental Council hosted the Environment Coalition Gathering this last Friday.  Attended by something on the order of 25 local environmental groups and the Peace Panel Project's, Chico Tree Advocates was there.  It was one of the better speeches I ever delivered.  I finished to a rousing applause; as I walked back to my table, Robyn said "Powerful".  And Lucas of the Sacramento River Preservation Trust said I "rocked the house".  Got some brochures out and got some volunteers signed up.  It was a good night.

Tour de Ed 2014

The overcast did not dampen the spirits of the Tour de Ed participants.  Bike riders came from all over to enjoy the day; have a good ride; remember Ed; raise money for a good cause and have a good time.  Steve O'Brien had tunes set up; Naked Lounge offered free coffee and the Peace Panel Project was there.  We unveiled two new Panels Police & Fire Bust Budget and the Censored 2014 Peace Panel.  We handed out brochures and flyers and some good discussions.  A fun event!