Action Alerts

Saturday, December 28 and Sunday, December 29; 12noon-4pm; Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave.

Join us for the citywide Kwanzaa celebration where tradition meets creativity! This year’s program features an array of hands-on crafts and captivating performances, designed to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration that honors community, family and heritage of African American culture and African traditions. Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili word that means “first harvest” and is based on the principles of Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles). For the December 28 and 29 events, the Ohio History Connection and TAWI Family Village will celebrate Kwanzaa with African drumming, music, dance, storytelling and hands-on art activities. We will feature a Kwanzaa ornament display made by some of our school partners, with a winning ornament being featured and recognized at the culmination of the celebration. This is a free, family-friendly event. The events at the museum will be part of events that are taking place throughout the community.

At Christmas during World War I, soldiers spontaneously laid down their arms during the historic Christmas Truce

Late last night we learned that President Biden will commute the death sentences of 37 of the 40 men currently on federal death row. This is a huge success, and we congratulate everyone who has had a hand in accomplishing this unprecedented task.  

Please urge Gov. Mike DeWine to veto a new provision that will make Ohio less transparent by enabling additional costs to public records requests to law enforcement.

A change in open government and public records was snuck into House Bill 315. They have added language to House Bill 315 that says body cam footage and dash cam footage can only be provided by a police department after charging the public $75 per hour (with a cap of $750) for the agency to “retrieve, download, review, redact, seek legal advice regarding, and produce the video record.”

Take Action Before Gov. DeWine Signs the Bill

WE NEED YOU!

How will families understand police incidents? How will reporters get access to footage? How can they hide transparency behind a costly payment scheme?

TAKE ACTION | Call Governor DeWine: (614)-466-3555

Use the script below:

Saturday December 21 at 7 pm
First Unitarian Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus 43214

On the darkest day of the year when daylight will be at its lowest ebb, join me and my musical friends for an uplifting concert that looks ahead to the new year, its emerging sunlight, and its potential for joy and progress.

I’ll sing popular songs from the 1940’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and beyond that represent our hopes, dreams, and prayers for 2025. They’ll be songs that symbolize positive values of peace, community, gratitude, love, courage, justice, friendship, activism, and struggle. These are songs linked to a wide variety of folks –- Mama Cass, Pete Seeger, the Byrds, the Beatles, James Taylor, Carol King, Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong, and Judy Garland.

Fellow musicians Joanne Blum and Joe Lambert will add beautiful vocal harmonies, and Ann Fisher will add soothing counterpoints with her flute.

The reflective evening will also feature wise sayings about darkness and light. And the concert in the darkened sanctuary will be bathed in the glow of dozens of candles. Expect a couple fun surprises too.

Congress appears ready to include much-needed disaster recovery aid for Hurricane Helene survivors in a government funding bill on the floor this week. But according to reports we heard this afternoon, House Speaker Mike Johnson is considering delaying the disaster aid until next year, due to pressure from billionaire Elon Musk and some Republican lawmakers. 

Survivors of Helene don't have time for political games in DC! Some people affected by the hurricane still don’t have adequate housing or heat, and devastating economic impacts continue to ripple through the area. Federal action now could help save many devastated Appalachian communities from total collapse.

We need your help IN TWO WAYS tonight to remind Congress that Appalachian communities need disaster aid NOW.

Please contact your legislators, either by email or making a call and leaving a message on their switchboard.

What: From the Darkness to the Light – A Solstice Concert
When: Saturday, December 21, 7:00 PM
Where: First Unitarian Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus, OH
Cost: Free (donations welcomed; proceeds support Food Rescue of Columbus)

On Saturday, December 21st, as the winter solstice brings us the darkest day of the year, a special event will light up hearts and minds with music, reflection, and community spirit. Hosted at the First Unitarian Church (93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus) at 7:00 PM, From the Darkness to the Light is an uplifting concert in the spirit of Simply Living’s values of connection, peace, and sustainability.

This is a press release from Smart Elections, published on Substack and elsewhere- editor.

This is a press release from Smart Elections, published on Substack and elsewhere- editor.

#CLEMENCYFORLEONARD

A parole was held for Leonard Peltier on June 10, 2024, where he was denied parole once again. At 80 years old, Leonard’s health continues to deteriorate and he deserves to spend the rest of his life in dignity, in his homelands.  The countdown to Biden’s last day in office is on–we need you to join us in taking action and demanding Executive Clemency now! 

Together with a broad coalition of organizations representing millions of people across the country, we’re asking President Biden to recognize that enough is enough and finally grant Leonard Peltier his freedom.

TAKE ACTION NOW TO #FREELEONARDPELTIER

CONTACT THE WHITE HOUSE

EMAIL THE WHITE HOUSE

Write a message electronically in support of Executive Clemency for Leonard Peltier at comments@whitehouse.gov

CALL THE WHITE HOUSE​

Leave a message at the number below, using the script provided as a guide: (202)456-1111

EMAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES