May 28
AS220

EFA
!!!Power Rangers Energizer!!!

DIY Catering/Mongolian Stir-fry.
30lbs Scrambled Tofu w/veggies.



The Wednesday May 28th Social Justice Night was the third and largest event in a recent effort to have a monthly gathering for Providence activists, organizers, and interested people. The evening had a great positive energy, and a lot of information was exchanged and connections made.

We're still finalizing a date and location for the June gathering. Sign up to the announcement list to be sure to hear about it:
http://lists.danky.com/listinfo.cgi/ppp-danky.com


Here's some of the many comments we've received:

Thanks for putting together a great event. So many cool people in one room; I'm surprised (a) there wasn't an explosion and (b) there wasn't a National Security raid. :-)
'Til next time, and I'll definitely be there next time,"
-Eric Siegel, Co-Chair, Green Party of Rhode Island

There are a few groups that weren't there that I'd like to see there that weren't, especially PrYSM. I'd also like to see a bit more time for dialog, coming up with shared events and projects, etc. Maybe in the future 1/3 of groups could present each time or something. I think having everyone present was good this time though.
-Michael C

I've been meaning to write and say what a great event Social Justice night was. Super organized - particularly for such a large unwieldy crowd with so many things to say, and excellent all-around vibe. Good food too!
I'm the kind of lady who wells up with tears during any sort of demonstration or rally or march - not out of sadness for the given topic, but for the overwhelming sense of empowerment displayed through a group of people coming together to seek justice. Thankfully I've never noticed other rally weepers as that would really fuck up the movement. But I was nervous that the assembling of so many radical wonders on Social Justice night would elicit my usual moment of verklemptness. It didn't. Instead, the evening was a solid planning meeting for the future. Like you said, no complaining or ranting, just action and getting shit done. Thanks for letting me be a part.
-Deb D

Well... let's see. My own thoughts are that in general the event this past Thursday re-confirmed for me how much I love AS220. I've been out of the loop for a long time, but I can see that the idea of intellectual freedom still shines.
On the topic of Social Justice Night I was struck by the general good nature of the audience. Also the fact of having all those groups presenting information at one time was nice, condensing and intensifying while simplifying the process of information gathering.
-Paul P

One thing that stood out was how relatable and compelling the presentations were by people directly affected by what they spoke on. Really inspiring. I guess the perspective epiphany that it encouraged in me was realizing if you strive for equality then everyones issues and concerns affect everyone else and should be taken seriously and weighed the same. I guess the movement towards solidarity and awareness of community issues were what struck me the deepest, the respect was so palpable, I cannot recall attending any such event elsewhere before.
-Muffy B

What did i get out of this recent gathering? apart from getting those "inspiration chills" every third speaker or so, i learned a tremendous amount. i found the library reform lecture particularly useful. seeing my friends (Jenine, Chris, Luke, Muffy, others) in this environment was strengthening. i can't think of a better word. i feel more aware and hopefully more plugged in.
-Justin K

It really did feel positive and collaborative in a way that I haven't experienced in a long time. I was really glad to be there. One suggestion of folks to include next time - The Wiley Center. They are based in Pawtucket but do work for poor people all over RI. Right now they are working on actions re: utilities shut offs. Fighting the good fight every day, and their good work should definitely be a part of this coalitions of folks.
Thanks again. I'll be at the next one for sure.
-Sara A

I was really excited about the night- everything was really nice. the atmosphere of excitment and mutual support was really encouraging. I was personally really struck by Jean and Juan (my NUA family) sides of them that I hadn't really seen before came out (jean shy and juan preacher man) so to see a transformation happening just by this event alone was really wonderful.
I was also excited by the food and to see people eating together food that was collected and made by everyone there. Though I have to admit I was a little bummed that people were not recycling things so much and there wasn't a compost... maybe i can help with that sort of thing next time.
-Jeff H

It's Jose` just wanted to reply and say it was pretty awesome I met new people, Learned new things I didn't know about the Community, and Got Involved with some people to help ^.^
-Jose` M

It was great to see and reconnect so many folks that have been organizing in Providence for a long time, and great to see new faces. I also was excited to learn about what people I have seen around are doing. I am definitely pysched to see this grow into a strong network in providence..
thanks for organizing!
-mary blue, Farmacy Herbs

I asked to present early because I usually am in bed by 10. But come 10:15, I was still glued to my seat! I loved the diversity of causes and personalities, from punks to librarians. Two people approached me at break and asked if they could volunteer for our organization. Thank you for organizing Social Justice Night. I was very impressed by your thorough and thoughtful planning. I hope I can participate next month. Some kind of more structured discussion sounds interesting.
-Rachel, RI Hud Tenant Project

a major thing i got out of the event was meeting Alicia from english for action. Alicia agreed to connect me with a spanish speaking member of the providence community trying to learn english, so that both of us can work on our second languages.
I also liked that there was a lot of informational literature circulating the event- the presentations were a lot to take in, and it was good to be able to go back and read about these organizations later.
I think that anything that can be done to bridge the gap between the spanish speaking and english speaking communities of providence would make future events that much more successful. Perhaps having some translators on board for publicity, informational literature, and translation of the actual event is the best way to do this.
-Mary B

We were very happy to participate and would like to be part of future gatherings.
Thank you for the hard work! Be in touch with us...
Laughter,
-Alicia EFA

The social justice night at AS220 was amazing. I had to leave when it was barely half over, but was able to sign a few petitions, see many unfamiliar faces, see dear Alex Svoboda, and several Library Reformers, long-haired men, short-haired women, people with only facial hair or with none! Hearing about different groups working in parallel ways for justice and health care and civil rights...was inspiring. Some folks don't use the internet. Imagine! Thank you, friends, for that evening and all the labor that went into it...
La Lucha Continua.
-Nomi H
http://neverdied.blogspot.com/

I just wanted to say thanks for a great event. It was really good to hear what all these organizations are doing and meet the respective people involved.
-Mike Eng, RAB