Taking my Grandson out of Emlen Elementary His Teacher Sucks

I can no longer take a kindergarten teacher who feels that she doesn't have to build communication with me. I introduced myself in the beginning of the school year and expressed interest in volunteering but have not been allowed to volunteer in his classroom or in after school programs. Was asked to volunteer as security at the front desk which is also in front of my grandson classroom but never was i invited to be part of his educational development in his classroom. But this teacher brings in a young white girl who always wore wife beaters and sweat pants to volunteer in her class. The other day she bought her children to volunteer all day in the classroom. What is wrong with this picture?

If my son goes with me to pick my grandson up, my grandson teacher will look at him all glassy eyed and communicate with him. In fact she told my son that we didn't have to pick my grandson up to take to after school program, that she would take him. Yet the day that i'm cooking for the FAST program and run a bit late. The teacher takes him to the office and signs the late pick up for him. There is no real family and school partnership at Emlen. Again i ask what is wrong with this picture?

Not to mention that the district wants parents to be on time and respectful but yet this teacher is everything but. Started the school year late most everyday in fact she was late this morning. I got a letter from the district that my grandson had missed three days so far this year and that affects his development. But the district didn't send me a letter stating that my grandson teacher has been out five days so far this year and how that affects his grades. Called to speak at the SRC with these concerns and was told that i cannot share these concerns with the SRC, so i told the woman that was registering for the SRC with that i would post the blog so that all would know what is going on at Emlen.

The double standards sucks as much as this teacher. For this reason i will no longer be taking him to Emlen and his mother will probably enroll him in a horrible charter school versus allowing me to give him the best education at home. Best part is that i will always be here for my grandson and educate him so that he becomes a productive member of our society. In fact we plan to start a youtube channel for him this summer!!  Stay tuned for "Exploring with Aiden" !!

#WomensMarch2017

i joined the #WomensMarch to be part of the collective community of women fighting for our human rights. Fighting to be seen as women and not as property. i have been building a campaign focused on #ChangingAttitudesTowardsWomenandFemmesWorldwide for the past three years. The march was a perfect opportunity to connect with women from various backgrounds united for our #HumanRights. Great experience seeing the multigenerational

connections, the support from the men as friends and husbands. There will be more marches and opportunities for all women to come together over the next four years to fight this administration. Please join us!! #100DaysofResistance
http://www.100daysofresistance.org/

There was some bitterness of how the election was lost by Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump. I believe that anger was the fuel for so many of the #NastyWomen who proudly express being a nasty woman. During the election i attended a free election concert where the #NastyWoman was a feature. The musical director noted the bickering and how nothing ever changes among bickering women. i want to know when will we get past all the derogatory images of women, get past the bitterness towards each other, get past the nasty woman mentality and work with peace and joy in our hearts.

We have to have tough conversations amongst ourselves as a culture of women and within the cultures that we represent. Yes white women need to talk and be honest with their roles in our society. To me the #NastyWomen represent the Margret Washington's of our country who promise freedom but then renege on that promise and that may need to be addressed by white women with white women before having the conversation with black women looking to heal all women. Not that the conversation has to go in that order, i'm looking to host conversations on this topic and there is no requirement that white or black women meet before coming together as a collective to address the issues and concerns. The only requirement is that they purchase a copy of "Peculiar Relationships" by Ms. Gwen Ragsdale and then come prepared to discuss the content of the book. Will blog again when ready to actually host these conversations at "Lest We Forget Black Holocaust Museum".

Cooperative Economics Beats Poverty When We "Own The Change"

What is cooperative economics? Creating sustainable revenue from a cooperative business model.

Cooperatives empower communities of people in controlling their economic security. Cooperatives are often formed by low wage workers to address their needs of steady income without labor trafficking abuse. For instance: in your community there is a group who sells dinners on the weekend to support a cause for the community. Every weekend this groups makes money and a difference in their community. The group decides they like how they pull their talents together to create wonderful meals for sale and would like to turn their cooking passion into a business without a boss. This group is on their way to becoming a worker owned cooperative, were all are on the same level when comes to making decisions about the business, salary and profit sharing. Yet recoginze that each talent may have different experience.

i'm learning about cooperative economies, as a an alternative method of producing income for people who may want to leave the street life and as a way to introduce business models to groups of people who work well together. You can learn more about cooperatives from Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance. I will post more blogs on the various types of cooperatives and resources that support cooperatives as i learn. Join the #CooperativeMovement 

Net Community Care CUA7, North Central Victim Services, Congresso, WOAR and JJPI Host Right To Know Workshop

Doing what they do best NET CUA7 held a life enhancing workshop with community partners to inform attendees of their rights if they become victims of criminal act. We learned about North Central Victim Services and how they assist victims through the navigation of the criminal justice system.

Victim Services Directory 

The Anti-Violence Partnership, along with the Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy, has created a list of victim services in the Philadelphia area that provide victim aid outside of, or in addition to, AVP’s range of programs.

AVP provides critical services such as court accompaniment, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, crime victim compensation, and trauma therapy to over 4,600 direct victims of crime and co-victims of homicide each year. These services are provided at our three office locations, in courtrooms, and at local schools through our Violence Intervention/Prevention Program. We see firsthand the pain and trauma experienced by so many people in our city and commit ourselves to reducing the tragically high incidence of violence.

Congresso offers many resources to build our communities. At this workshop the focus was on assisting families of domestic violence.

WOAR: Philadelphia’s Only Rape Crisis Center

Women Organized Against Rape is a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of survivors of sexual assault.  WOAR provides free counseling for women, men, and children who have experienced sexual violence.

WOAR is facilitating a legal advocacy support group that will function as a psychoeducational support group for those navigating the criminal justice system, as it pertains to sexual violence. Wednesday, January 18th 1:30-3pm at One Penn Center 1617 JFK Blvd. suite 1100

WOAR offers walkin counseling, 72 hour rape kits, will go to court with you and a 24 hour hotline 215-985-3333 .

Joesph J. Peters Institute was also in attendance sharing the great resource that they are. At JJPI they counsel the victim and the offender to help them both heal. JJPI helps with mental health, trauma and sexual abuse prevention. They have a satellite light program at Health Connections located at 9th and Berks. 

NetCare CUA7,The Institute for Family Professionals and The United Way Empowers Families With Stress Management Tools

Much needed attention addressing stress and tramua, is taking placed in the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia. NET Community Care CUA7 located at 3133 Ridge Ave is one of the best resources in the Strawberry Mansion community, thanks to their caring director Carly King and parent support Carmen who connects families with life enhancing resources.

NET partnered with The Institute for Family Professionals and The United Way to present a "NewEyes" workshop to families with youth birth to five years of age in North Central Philadelphia. The goal of the "NewEyes" workshop is to empower families with life coping tools that they can use immedately. Allowing the participants to leave the workshop and see life from a different perspective.

The "NewEyes" workshops are based on the research of Dr. Sandra Bloom of Drexel University Center for Nonviolence & Social Justice. Dr. Bloom introduced Philadelphia to "The Adverse Childhood Study". Dr. Bloom has written a series of books addressing stress, tramua and social services. Her series of eye opening books discuss building santucary. Strawberry Mansion high school will be implementing "The Sanctuary Model" during the 2016-2017 school year.

During the "NewEyes" workshop we learned about different types of stress, techniques to deal with the stress and a safety plan. We can't help others if we don't first help ourselves. We need a safety plan for ourselves and our children. Understanding "Emotional Safety" is important. "Emotional Safety" is surrounding yourself with people who care about and support you while also being aware of what you project about yourself. Healthy stress is welcomed where as chronic stress can lead to toxic stress and cause serious health problems. Being alert to stress factors in our life helps us adapt to the situation in a calming manner. We made a safety plan that is to be put in use everyday to help recognize stress triggers before becoming stressed. The safety plan list five or more things that give us control over the stressful situation. Learning to pause the everyday stressors is key in building coping skills.

We were given a tangle/fidget to help relieve some stress. The tangle allows you to keep moving when asked to sit or stand and pay attention to someone or thing. Science shared from Dr. Bloom suggest that we don't always learn better when sitting still. We also learned how to belly breathe. Breathe in four counts, until belly expands. Hold breathe four counts. Breathe out until belly is empty. Hold Breathe for four counts. Learning to breathe during stressful situations helps build needed oxygen in our brains.

Please consider hosting a "NewEyes" workshop!!

Ms. Stephaine Bey, M. ED from the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbility Services shared resources for infant/toddler early intervention. i also learned about Vroom an online tool and app that assist parents with brain building moments!! Ms. Bey also shared with us "LifeSharing Through Family Living" a program that offers alternative living arrangements to people with intellectual disabilities. Through "LifeSharing" everyone lives in a caring home environment.

Gail Pryor Proud Black Woman Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2017

Please allow me to introduce you to "No Fear Advocate" Ms. Gail Pryor of Nicetown Philadelphia. i
met Ms. Gail at Eastern Service Workers Association Halloween party last year. We both had our cameras and started talking photography and other interest we hold in common. I mentioned how i would like to start a knitting campaign during the summer called "Crochet Corners" where we flash mob a corner with crochet needles and yarn. Teaching our community members how to utilize that idol time crocheting. Gail said she was interested.

I interviewed Ms. Pryor to learn more from this well connected to resources block captain. Ms. Pryor volunteers in her community connecting the disconnected neighbors to life enhancing resources. We spoke about her role at Vocatio Hunting Park Career Prep High School located at 4455 N. 6th Street.
Vocatio operates in the summer and Saturdays year round, much like of an out of school facility. The connectibility at Vocatio is created by caring adults of diverse backgrounds, who often volunteer their talents and listening ear to build our youth and community. Vocatio was founded by Andy Kim and service residents in the 19140 community. Students are exposed to welding and other vocational trades leading to livable wages and entrepreneurship!! Ms. Pryor assist with community outreach and support services.

Registration has opened online! Sign up now!

• Increased Registration price: As our program develops, costs increase! The registration fee is $50 this term. However, if you sign up early, you can get the...
• Early Bird Discount! You'll notice at the link above that if you rregister by February 4th, the Early Bird Discount of $20 off applies, leaving a $30 fee for this term.

Ms. Gail Pryor also advocates for families with disabilities. She has a thirty two year old son who labeled retared it. Today his condition would be put under an umbrella of autism and Ms. Pryor feels that avoids treatment based on individual conditions. We are looking to erase the labeling and support people where they are. I'm currently advocating for inclusion at my grandson school for my autistic niece. Gail shared the following information with me:

Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
Mini Course Lecture Series WINTER 2017

JANUARY 26, 2017

From Disability to Possibility: 
The Power of Inclusive Classrooms

Presented by: Patrick Schwarz, PhD

Location: 
Temple University
Student Center, 1755 N 13^th St., Phila., PA 19122

Time: 9:30 AM to noon (sign in begins: 8:30 AM)

 

Patrick Schwarz, PhD

Dr. Schwarz is a professor, author, motivational speaker and leader in Education and Human Services, and is CEO of Creative Culture Consulting, LLC.  He is a professor at National Louis University, Chicago and the author of From Disability to Possibility^™, You’re Welcome (with Paula Kluth), Just Give Him the Whale (with Paula Kluth), Pedro’s Whale (with Paula Kluth) and From Possibility to Success. For more about Dr. Schwarz: http://www.patrickschwarz.com/

This event is free but registration is required. 
(Accommodations must be requested no later than January 12.)

REGISTER NOW: http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/miniseries/

I have yet to mention that Ms. Gail Pryor also mentor families through a program at Temple University, College of Education, Intergenerational Center. Where adults 50 and older mentor families who are in need of support and some time to themselves. They have a demand from families looking for mentors, please if you are age 50 or older please consider volunteering your time to build a family support system. There is a small stipend for your time!!

Ms. Pryor also agreed to join Cooperative Women's and Girl's Resource and Support Community. Were we the women and girls are the resource and support for each other and our communities. We have hopes of operating a knitting cooperative!!

More to come........................................................................

Grassroots Community Foundation Building Our Girls' with "Winter Wellness" #InvestinGirls #Affirmingbeauty

Naeemah Afi shared on our facebook Cooperative Women and Girls Network Resource and Support Guide about Grassroots Community Foundation "Winter Wellness" workshops for middle school girls at Waterview recreation center. Glad to have learned about this wonderful organization empowering young girls with organic cooking workshops and more:

Ra Hall Photographer

• 
  
• SuperCamp Creates A Healthy Foundation For Girls and Their Families
• SuperGirls Learn the Basics of Good Mental and Sexual Health
• Trailblazers in Justice and Business Train SuperGirls to Lead
• Grassroots Starts Sorority with Focus on Sisterhood and Service

I wanted to learn more about Grassroots Community Foundation and requested this email interview with co-founder Dr. Janice Johnson Dias. Thanks to Lisa Rediker and Almaz Crowe of Skai Blue Media i am able to share this life enhancing resource with you.

Ra Hall Photographer

Dr. Johnson who are the founders of Grassroots Community Foundation (GCF)?

Dr. Johnson:   

    I conceptualized the idea for GCF in 2010 and to garner support I reached out to my old friend and neighbor Tarik “Black Thought” Trotter. We are the two co-founders of GrassROOTS Community Foundation.

Dr. Johnson what are all the programs that you all offer in the 19144 area?

Dr. Johnson:    

    GCF offers out of school time wellness programs for middle school girls and their families. The majority of our programs take place after school hours at Lingelbach Elementary School. This year we have partnered with Waterview Recreation and we will be doing programs at both locations.  

    We also have a 10-week race training program (titled R3: Roots, Rock, Run) to prepare youth and their families to run our 5k community walk/run

   

    Over the past 6 years GCF has also hosted Town Hall conversations on health and well-being. 

   

    In 2017 we will be partnering with the Philadelphia Health Department as well as with Councilwoman Cindy Bass and State Rep Stephen Kinsey to promote public heath and social action, focusing on women and girls

Ra Hall Photographer

Dr. Johnson can you tell us about SuperCamp?

Dr. Johnson:   SuperCamp is our summer leadership camp for girls of African descent. We focus on developing girls’ confidence by teaching them about their history and teaching them how to become healthy and how to use their gifts and talents to make a difference in the world.  

Additionally, we recognize the value of cultivating healthy bodies and a creative spirit. To foster artistic development and expression, youth participate in daily fitness including running, yoga, and dancing classes. The success of each camper depends on the support of her caregiving circle. To ensure that each camper reaches her goals, each camper and her caregiving circle completes a family assessment, which is used as the basis for their developmental plan and as the measurement tool to evaluate success. Each camp ends with a final performance where youth showcase what they have learned over the course of the camp.

     Last year, Philadelphia had a 2 week pilot of SuperCamp and this year, SuperCamp Philly will take place for 4 weeks. Applications will be open by February 14^th. SuperCamp accepts elementary and middle school aged girls. High school and college children can apply for internship and counsel positions. 

GrassROOTS’ Super Camp program had a major expansion this year with the addition of SuperCamp Philadelphia site. With two themes and one mission, GrassROOTS’ SuperCamp implemented a culturally rich summer program directed at improving black girls’ leadership skills and guided by the core principles of Maat.

Dr. Johnson how do you involve families?

Dr. Johnson:    

  

     Families are a critical part of our work. In each of our programs caregivers are required to engage and support youth. Youth cannot succeed without loving and resourceful caregivers. 

        At the SuperCamp Philadelphia finale, caregivers had to write and read aloud a note to their SuperGirl. This note highlighted the key areas of strength and beauty in each girl. 

Dr. Johnson how do you recruit girls?

Dr. Johnson:    

        We have an open recruitment process. We use a variety of recruitment methods including but not limited tosocial media, word of mouth, newspapers, and our listserve. 

Dr. Johnson  do you have upcoming events that we can share with our readers?

Dr. Johnson:     

       Our program for middle school girls at Lingelbach will begin on January 14^th  from 3:30-5pm, Monday thru Friday.

    

      Our program for middle school girls at Waterview Recreation Center begins on January 21^st from 10-2 Saturdays. Our programs are free. 

   

     Our 10-week race training program will begin on March 4^thand conclude with a 5k community walk/run on the morning of The Roots Picnic

.

Knowing Where To Go To File Your Taxes For Free and Get Free Legal Tax Assistance

Tax season is right around the corner and we are preparing for the 2016 Tax season at Campaign for Working Families. i'm excited as always to be part of The Campaign for Working Families team as a resource to our community in assisting individuals, families, small businesses and veterans connect to resources, prepare and file their taxes. We have two new sites in Philadelphia and growing in New Jersey.

Find A Site Near You!!

Sites In New Jersey, Delaware and Montgomery County

You can also do your taxes online with us!!

Why am i so excited you might ask? Besides the fact that knowing and expanding my tax law understanding turns me on. We at Campaign for Working Families assist our tax payers by educating them on the tax credits, exemptions, penalties, and investing some of their refund by purchasing U. S. saving bonds. We also connect individuals to SNAP, LIHEAP, a US Bank Card, and Credit Counseling through Clarifi.

Even more exciting is new resources we are connecting our taxpayers to called an Individual Saving Account through The United Way. The IDA will match your savings dollar for dollar towards the purchase of a home, higher education or start a business.

United Way is a partner in the JOIN Collaborative, a partnership created to address the workforce crisis in our region.  While businesses in the region lack strong talent to fill critical jobs, a majority of the eligible workers are underemployed or not in the workforce at all. JOIN acts as the “matchmaker” between industry and the workforce, leading partnerships that train low-wage workers for high-demand, available positions.

Learn more about JOIN here.

In Philadelphia, two-thirds of the city’s existing jobs require skills possessed by only 50 percent of the workforce.

The FamilyWize Partnership

We know that good health is a building block of a strong community. Our health underpins our ability to thrive at home, at school and at work. That’s why United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) has partnered with FamilyWize to provide free prescription discount cards across the region.

FamilyWize cards immediately lower the cost of prescriptions for people without insurance or who take medications not covered by their plan. Discounts vary, but on average, card holders receive significant savings. UWGPSNJ is part of 1,000 United Ways across the country that have already helped residents nationwide save more than $600 million in direct savings on prescriptions since 2005.

FamilyWize cards are available to everyone in the community, regardless of location, current health benefits like Medicaid or Medicare or lack of insurance. No paperwork is needed; just print the card and present it at your local pharmacy!

Obtaining a card is easy and can be done in a number of ways:

• Visit www.FamilyWize.org to print a card, look up drug prices and find a list of participating pharmacies.
• Download the FamilyWize app to have all the features of the website at your fingertips.
• Text the word “Family” to 700700. An electronic free prescription card will be sent to your phone to show your pharmacist.

Lazlo Beh
1.888.541.1544
lbeh@philalegal.org

But wait just wait, life gets a bit juicer for me!! Our taxpayers who have back taxes that keep them from getting ahead are now able to seek relief of those tax burdens. Not talking about student loan debt, nor child support, just back taxes. The IRS has several programs that our tax payers may qualify for at Philadelphia's Low Income Tax Clinic. At The Low Income Tax Clinic they assist with legal issues and will refer you to The Campaign for Working Families to file your taxes.

Okay so i just shared with you money saving, dollar stretching, financial empowerment!! Please become a resource and share the information!! We open In Philadelphia, January 23rd. You can also learn to assist families file their taxes, please consider joining our great exciting team by becoming a volunteer!!

Basic & Advanced Trainings @ Temple University - For most volunteers, especially those new to VITA, we are offering 8 training opportunities in the month of January to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get trained. This year, at Tuttleman Hall on Temple's main campus, we will be conducting both Basic and Advanced trainings on January 14th, 16th (MLK Day), 21st and 28th from 8:30am to 5pm. To sign up, CLICK HERE.

Emlen Parents and Staff Are Building Together Please Join Us!!

Emlen elementary is a great resource connecting parents and community partners in the Northwest Philadelphia area of Mt. Airy. We are working on getting more parents and community partners to be part of our School Advisory Council. The School Advisory Council is important when allocating resources for our students, educators and families. Douglas Evan from Philadelphia Town Watch signed up to be a community partner and i signed up as a parent partner. We are in need of three more parents and one more community partner to join the staff on our SAC.

Melanie Oeun-Greenhalgh noeun@philasd.org  is our parent partner from the district. Melanie informs us of what the SAC is and how Home and School is different from the SAC. She also provides parent workshops that assist parents with their students development. Melanie will join us January 23rd 2017 at 9am for Prinicpal Thomas "Pastry with the Principal" to share with us SAC, Home and School, and other resources and workshops for parents. Douglas Evan from Philadelphia Town Watch will also be in attendance to inform us all about creating a Emlen Safe Corridor.

On febuary 2nd Melanie will host "Fun with Sight Words" for parents 9am and 4pm.

Febuary 15th and 16th Meet Your Students Teacher during report card conference and we would like for parents to cast their Home and School ballots. We have three candidates for president, two for vice president, one for treasure and we are in need for a parent to run for seceraty.

Are you getting the robo calls? If not can you please update your contact info at the main office.

Please read with your students for 20 minutes each night. Here are 9 ways a Parent can help their students with reading:

1. Let your youth see you reading!
2. Help your child find appropriate reading and word games online. Keep a dictionary on hand and help your baby look up words. 
3. Read mysteries with your child and try to figure out the clues together.
4. movie verison coming out? Read the book together first, then talk about which you each liked better.
5. Set aside a time and place for your child to read. Like a comfy chair and a reading light in a quite place.
6. Visit the public library regularly. Look for and read toghether the books that were your favorites when you were a younger.
7. Encourage your child to write, letters, thank you notes, emails, journals, lists, stories, events and daily life.
8. Ask you youth questions about what he or she is reading, such as: What is the story about? Who are the important people in the story? Where does the story take place? Why do you think that person made that choice? What do you think will happen next? How did you know about ....? Would you recommend this book to your friends?
9. Ask your youth to draw a comic strip about what happens in the story. Provide word searches, crossword and other word games and puzzles, or help your child make his/her own.

Share with your youth about what you are reading..... and encourage your youth to do the same!!

Diverse and Inclusive Schools in Theory and Practice 

The School District of Philadelphia Community Forum

Tuesday, January 17th 2017

5-7:30pm

440 N. Broad Street

Come join an informative panel discussion, visit information tables and on-site immigration lawyers. Express your concerns and receive answers on the following topics:

1. Immigration
2. Equal Opportunity
3. Public Safety & More

Interpretation services and childcare will be offered, reservation preferred www.phil

asd.org/face/meeting 215.400.4180 ext 4

Family Leadership & Advocacy Workshop

 This workshop will focus on the Importance of Advocacy, how "Your Story is Your Power" and provides Outreach and Networking tools to help families learn to be the best ADVOCATES and champions for thier youth's education.

The School District of Philadelphia District Wide Family Engagement Workshop Series
January 25th 2017
10am and 5pm
440 N. Broad St. 215.400.4180 ext 5
www.philasd.org/workshops

Refreshments, Interpretation and Childcare will be providie.

FREE Self-Advocacy Training

Facilitated by Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1)

Starting or Strengthening a Self-Advocacy Group

Individuals with autism are invited to attend this training to learn more about
self-advocacy and how to start and maintain a self-advocacy group.
Individuals must be at least 18 years old to attend.  Family members and/or
Direct Service Providers are welcome to accompany you.

The Cast Iron Building
718 Arch Street, 6th Floor North
Philadelphia, PA 19106
 

Please RSVP by Friday, January 13, 2017

If you would like to be a part of this training or have questions, please RSVP by phone at (215) 571-4298 or by email at phillyap@drexel.edu by January 13th, 2017.

Inauguration 2017

Donald Trump and his nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, have proven themselves to be enemies of the public schools. Neither Trump nor DeVos went to or sent their children to public schools. Their policies are meant to benefit the 1% and increase profits for their friends -- not work to give our children, particularly Black and Brown children, the education they deserve and need.

On Thursday, January 19th, the day before inauguration day, communities all across the United States will come together for a national day of resistance to Trump’s education policies. Join the Our City Our Schools coalition to protect our students, our schools and our communities from Donald Trump in Philadelphia -- RSVP here!

We will come together to launch our resistance to Trump’s education plans over the next four years. We demand: local control of our schools and the abolishment of the School Reform Commission, corporations like Wells Fargo pay their fair share for education and our schools become sanctuary spaces against deportations and racism.

Join us on Thursday, January 19th for two actions:

3:30 PM: Fund Schools Not Wall Street at City Hall (15th and Market) to demand Wells Fargo pay their fair share back to the Philadelphia Schools: RSVP here!

4:00 PM: Education Not Deportations at Philadelphia School District (440 N Broad) to demand Philadelphia schools become sanctuary spaces against deportations, racism and bullying.

Both actions will end together at 440 N Broad St: RSVP here! And share your friends on this Facebook event as well!

We know that getting our kids the education they deserve will take consistent organizing and action. Our schools need to be locally controlled, to be funded, to be safe against racist attacks. Join us on Thursday, January 19th to begin our resistance to Trump's education agenda.

See you there,

Arielle Klagsbrun on behalf of Our City Our Schools

PS -- Sign the petition to make our schools sanctuary spaces. We are trying to get to over 1000 signatures by January 19th!

PPS -- There’s lots more happening during this inauguration week. Be sure to check out www.PhillyWeRise.com to see the full list of events!

What's on your agenda for Friday, January 20th 2017? If you are upset with the politics in our country like most then i have a feeling you are planning to be in D.C. January 20th and 21st to protest our new president. Here are several group that will be hosting bus rides that must be paid for by the 10th and a host of other events.

For bus tickets from Philadelphia to Washington, DC for the January 20th Counter-Inaugural protest being organized by #J20RESIST use the link below.  Tickets are $30 round trip.  At this point the bus is scheduled to leave Philadelphia at 4AM from 29th & JFK.  Please note that this time may change.

If you are going plan to have extra funds for DC Metro tickets.

Deadline to purchase tickets is January 10, 2017.

How to purchase:  Buy through Paypal using PhillyActivists@gmail.com or 

http://www.workers.org/j20/organize/#philly

Tickets can also be purchased by check to Philadelphia Activists Initiatives, PO Box 34249, Philadelphia, PA 19101.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20: Inauguration Day

At 10:00 AM, DSA will protest the inauguration. We will meet at McPherson Square by the CVS at the northwest corner of the square (1500 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005) along with other groups to stand against Trump during the inauguration. RSVP on Facebook here.

Closest Metro station: McPherson Square (Orange, Blue and Silver Lines) Closest bus stations: K St NW & 15th St NW (Metrobus lines 3Y, 16Y, 80, D1, D4, and D6), I St NW & 15th St NW northbound and westbound/H St & Madison PL NW southbound and eastbound (11Y, 30N, 30S, 32, 33, 36, 37, 39, 42, 43, P17, P19, S4, X2 eastbound, W13 northbound), H St NW & 16 St NW (X2).

Afterwards, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, national DSA members will be meeting for dinner at Young Chow Asian restaurant (312 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003). Light food will be provided.

Closest Metro station: Capitol South (Blue, Orange and Silver Lines) Closest bus stations: Independence Ave SE & 2nd St SE eastbound/Pennsylvania Ave SE & 3rd St SE westbound (Metrobus lines 30N, 30S, 32, 36), E Capitol St & 3rd St (97)

At 8:00 PM we will attend Jacobin Magazine's anti-inauguration event at Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St NW Washington, DC 20009). Get your tickets here - they're going fast!

Closest Metro station: U Street (Green and Yellow Lines) Closest bus stations: U St NW & 13th St NW (Metrobus lines 90, 92, 96 and X3), 11th St NW & W St NW (64), 14th St & U St (52, 53, 54)

(Credit: Colleen Tighe)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21: Women’s March

At 10:00 AM, DSA will join the Women’s March on Washington at Independence Avenue & Third Street SW.

Closest Metro stations: Federal Center SW (Blue, Orange and Silver Lines), L’Enfant Plaza (Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange and Silver Lines), Judiciary Square (Red Line) Closest bus stations: 4th St SW & Independence Ave SW (Metrobus line P6), Independence Ave SW & 1st St SW eastbound/Independence Ave SW & Washington Ave SW westbound (30N, 30S, 32, 34, 36, 39)

After the march, from 3:00 until 5:00 pm, we will gather at Duffy’s Irish Pub (2106 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001). Light food will be provided.

Closest Metro station: U Street (Green and Yellow Lines) Closest bus stations: U St NW & Vermont Ave NW northbound and westbound / U St NW & 9th St NW  southbound and eastbound (Metrobus lines 90, 92, 96 and X3), Vermont Ave NW & U St NW (63), 11th St NW & U St NW (64), Georgia Ave NW & V St NW southbound/ Georgia Ave NW & W St NW northbound (70)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

At 3:30 PM at MLK Library (901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001:  Room A-5 in basement), DC DSA will hold their monthly chapter meeting for both DC members and out-of-towners.

Closest Metro stations: Gallery Place (Green, Yellow and Red Lines), Metro Center (Blue, Orange, Silver and Red Lines) Closest bus stations: 9th St NW & G St NW (Metrobus line X2), H St NW & 9th St NW (42, 80, P6, X2 and X9), 11th St NW & G St NW northbound /11th St  NW & F St NW southbound (42, 63, 64, P6, P17, P19, S4, and W13), 7th St NW & H St NW (70, 74 and 79)

After the meeting, we will gather for drinks and food at a nearby restaurant.

Then, at 7:00 pm, we will be going to Busboys and Poets - Brookland location (625 Monroe St NE, Washington, DC 20017) for a show by the group Street Fight Radio. Get tickets for $10 here!

Closest Metro station: Brookland-CUA (Red Line)

In solidarity,

If you can't make D.C. there will be a woman's march here in Philly and other cities across the U.S.

www.wmow-phila.com 

Register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-march-on-philadelphia-tickets-30073313089

Donate:
https://www.crowdrise.com/womens-march-on-philadelphia/fundraiser/philly-womenrally

Women’s March on Philadelphia - Vision and Intent

On Saturday, January 21, 2017, Philadelphia will unite with Washington, D.C. and over 150 cities around the world for the historic Women’s March. We stand together in the birthplace of our nation, united with our partners, friends and children for the protection of our civil liberties, civil rights, and equality. Regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, religious affiliation, political party, immigration status, sexual identity or orientation, we come together in Philadelphia to represent the fabric of America, to voice our concerns, and to peaceably express our grievances:

1. As female citizens, we are often marginalized into antiquated roles that do not reflect our intersectionality or our diverse natures. To define the role of a woman or girl in today's society requires far more than a mere 140-character limit. We strive to bridge the divide within womankind, and fight for women’s equality for all women.
2. We must unify to shed light on the need for long overdue awareness of gender equality and basic human rights:
a) Legal protections ensuring sovereignty for all women over their bodies and health choices must be implemented.
b) Equal pay cannot be only lip service, but clear, comprehensive state and federal law.
c) Religious freedom, one of the cornerstones of our country’s founding principles, must not be mutated into sanctioned discrimination, but rather upheld to enable all Americans the freedom to practice and discuss their beliefs in whatever method they choose.
d) Family leave for parents must become reality for all to thrive in their careers, and meaningfully impact today’s society and future generations.

The Women’s March on Philadelphia recognizes the vibrancy and diversity of our communities as our country’s most important strengths. We refuse to normalize targeted discrimination disguised as policy, and invite you to join us in taking the next steps to demand a real and lasting change.