Local

Eighty peope from Columbus and all over Ohio came together Saturday, July 29 at noon to protest the Congressional vote to send $705 million of taxpayer dollars for the US-Israel Missile Defense Partnership.

There is also an active international group advocating a BDS movement - boycott, divest and sanction -- against Israel for their treatment of people in Gaza and the West Bank. Ohio Senator Rob Portman is sponsoring a bill that would CRIMINALIZE the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement in the US.

For the past decade, Israel has enforced a military blockade on over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza and now they only have 3 hours of electricity per day.

Mainstream media isn't covering these atrocities, so several local groups got together to speak out at the Statehouse last Saturday and demand an end to the brutal blockade.  

Tuesday, August 1, 7pm
Dempsey's 346 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
The healthcare bill is dead and it's time to celebrate! Join us at Dempsy's for fun and food. We can celebrate while writing thank you cards to send to the senators that deserve them the most!
There will be cards so you can send a picture along with your thanks. The senators would love to see the faces of those they saved, especially those who risked so much voting against their party. There will also be thank you postcards for a quick note and blank postcards to design your own. 
Stamps, cards, and writing supplies will be provided. We will also have a list of the senator's addresses for your convenience. 
I look forward to seeing you all there!

Saturday, July 29, 12noon
Ohio Statehouse, Broad and High Streets
For a decade, Israel has enforced a military blockade over two million Palestinians in Gaza. Now, people in Gaza only have an average of 3 hours of electricity per day. Mainstream media isn't covering the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Columbus/Mansfield Reps. Beatty and Tiberi just signed a bill authorizing $705 million of taxpayer dollars for the US-Israel Missile Defense Partnership. Ohio Senator Rob Portman is sponsoring a bill that would CRIMINALIZE the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement in the US. 
The people of Gaza should have electricity, clean drinking water, functioning hospitals, and opportunities to rebuild. This means that Israel has to end its brutal blockade, and the world needs to pressure them to do just that. Show up to show solidarity with Gaza, and to demand an end to American complicity in the illegal military occupation of Palestine.
We'll meet in front of the Statehouse on High St. Bring signs calling for justice in Palestine!
Co-sponsors:
Students for Justice in Palestine at The Ohio State University

After a major setback, the struggle for a living wage in Ohio has been re-energized thanks to a ruling by a Franklin County judge. In June Common Pleas Judge Richard Frye blocked portions of Senate Bill 331, passed in December of last year by the Ohio General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Kasich.

Part of SB 331 prohibited Ohio cities from setting a local minimum wage higher than the state minimum wage.  Judge Frey tossed out this and another portion of the law, citing the one-subject rule in the Ohio Constitution, which prohibits “Christmas tree” bills: legislation with unrelated riders tacked on that benefit special interests.

In other words, the Ohio legislature is not allowed to sneak minimum wage rules into a bill that has nothing to do with labor. SB 331 was about regulating dog breeders and pet stores. This was an underhanded maneuver to pre-empt cities from setting their own minimum wage without any opportunity for public debate.

Thursday, July 27-29, 5:30-9pm
Goodale Park march to Statehouse
Facebook Event
Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Org, Equitas Health, HRC Columbus,Equality Ohio, Kaleidoscope Youth Center and Stonewall Columbus invite you to join us in protest. We will gather at 5:30pm Thursday at the Goodale Park Gazebo and march to the Statehouse in protest of the Trump administrations attacks against transgender military service members.
We need to rise up together to show this administration that these acts are unacceptable, and show that we are here to support, protect, and empower our community.
The march will begin at the gazebo in Goodale Park and will proceed via the sidewalks to the Statehouse. Signs and chanting are encouraged! We hope to see community members and allies out in force, raising their voices in support!
We stand by our brave, selfless transgender service members and will not stand idly by.

Tuesday, July 25, 8-11pm
Lincoln Cafe, 740 E. Long St.
Join us for a spoken word open mic night to fundraise for the #BlackPride4!! 
During Columbus’ Pride parade on June 17, 2017, a group of protesters asked for 7 minutes of silence to bring awareness to the 7 shots fired at Philandro Castile as well as the 15 trans women who have been murdered this year alone. Within 30 seconds, police met the protestors with violence, peppery spray, and criminal charges. Four were arrested during pride, now known at the #BlackPride4, and are in need of money for legal fees. 
Not only is this a chance to support the #BlackPride4 but to better understand queer people of color through artistic expression. Let’s listen to each other through spoken word, poetry, and music and help the BP4 fight police brutality in court.
We will have the fabulous John Gibson and Tiffany Mariie to MC the event and get things started! 
Sign up when you walk in to share your talent and feelings!

Monday, Jul7 24, 6-8pm
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and University Center, 30 W Woodruff Ave.
Facebook event
Join us for a community conversation led by the #BlackPride4, community organizers associated with the BP4, and other invited Black LGBTQ+ community members.

On July 17, exactly one month after the arrests and police brutality inflicted on peaceful protesters at their own Pride Parade, Stonewall Columbus (SWC) organized a "community conversation" to address people's concerns. This conversation was called in the wake of a planned meeting between the #BlackPride4 and Stonewall on June 22 that was canceled after the BP4's arrival, with the BP4 facing disrespect from the SWC board members who told them of the last-minute cancellation.

Friday, July 21, 2017, 3:00 – 5:00 PM.
Location:  35 East Gay Street, Second Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.
Facebook event

Tuesday, July 18, 6pm
Northwood-High building, 2231 N. High St.
This is the Environmental Coalition launch for Ready for 100, a campaign to ask the city of Columbus to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Register at http://bit.ly/RF100Columbus
Location note: The Northwood-High Building has off-street parking located to the rear of the building and accessed from Northwood Avenue. Visitors should park in spaces marked "R" Reserved, Rardin Clinic Only for community meetings. Visitors do not need to pay or use the pay station. On-street parking is available (both metered and non-metered) but please be aware of all signs marking parking restrictions and enforcement of meters.

Monday, July 17, 4pm
270 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Voting rights for Columbus's Black citizens are being threatened by a Proposed Charter Amendment to be voted on at Monday's council meeting. Council will consider voting a proposal to the ballot that threatens the vote dilution protections for minority voters promosed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Everyday People for Positive Change is sounding the call to let Columbus's Black community and our many allies of all colors know what is going on. Press release at http://everydaypeoplecolumbus.us/voting-rights-for-columbus-blacks-threatened-by-city-officials-press-conference-monday/