Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action - www.jewishalliance.org
18 Tremont Street, Suite 320, Boston, 02108 - tel: 617-227-3000 fax: 617-223-3453

7 Av 5764          July 25, 2004

Preface - A Note from Director Sheila Decter
1. Legislative Update
2. Community Meetings
3. Volunteers Needed
4. Interesting and Important Reading
5. Membership in JALSA

Dear Friends:

While there are no JALSA or coalition meetings this week, there are a number of very interesting meetings and events this week in connection with the DNC in Boston. We've listed the sponsor, the price -- if we see one announced; and the relevant website for reservations. There are hundreds of events, so apologies if we have left out something you wanted to know about. Needless to say, we can't vouch for the content or presence of invited speakers.

                                                             Sheila Decter

1.  LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Sorry to report that the Massachusetts House failed to overturn Governor's Romney's
veto of the Charter Moratorium provisions in the state Budget.
Citizens for Public Schools supported the moratorium for several reasons, including
the need for revisions in the funding formula (that penalize public schools) and evaluation
of the process for approving new commonwealth charter schools without community input.
JALSA continues its concern for the increasing racial isolation seen in Massachusetts
charter schools.
Note reports of the Civil Rights Project. www.civilrightsproject.harvard.edu.

The state legislature will reconvene Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31, after the close of the DNC.
Among the issues still to be considered is the Supplemental Budget. Allies of JALSA will continue
to press for consideration of outside sections on stem cell research and availability of emergency contraception.
Call the office if you wish to work on either of these issues this week. 617-227-3000.

Meeting in Constitutional Convention, the legislature (153-41) did approve a proposed constitutional amendment regarding access to comprehensive, affordable and equitably financed health insurance coverage for all Massachusetts residents. Constitutional amendments must be approved in two consecutive legislative sessions before they go on the ballot. This amendment would require the legislature to plan such health coverage and then put the plan before the voters for approval. For further information on the process of this amendment, see the Committee for Healthcare for Massachusetts. http://www.healthcareformass.org/.
The JALSA Board initially raised some concerns about trying to solve health problems via a constitutional amendment, but may revisit its position in the weeks ahead.

2.  COMMUNITY EVENTS

Sunday, July 25,    4-6 pm
What must the Democratic Party do to live up to the progressive vision of Paul Wellstone?
To Benefit the Union of Minority Neighborhoods & Massachusetts Jobs With Justice Campaign
Old West Church, Boston
Panelists include:
Jeff Blodgett, Maria Elena Durazo, Barbara Ehrenreich, Frances Fox-Piven, Jim Hightower,
Arianna Huffington, Gus Newport, Hon. Major Owens
Tickets are $25.00, $50.00, $100.
Presentation of the Wellstone Prize to Nadine Cohen and Julie Patiño of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights;
Ms. Cohen (a member of JALSA's Advisory Committee) for her work on redistricting &
Ms. Patiño for her work to save affirmative action.
For more information or to reserve your seat, contact:
Union of Minority Neighborhoods, 617-989-8078 or umnunity@att.net.
Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, 617-524-8110 or jwj@massjwj.net.

Sunday, July 25  8 am and all day
Social Forum continues at the University of Massachusetts - Harbor Campus
Modeled on the World Social Forum, the forum seeks to bring people together from different progressive movements
to share their visions. Through this weekend, meetings have addressed a wide range of themes--immigrant rights,
global justice, peace, GLBT liberation, education, health care, feminism, faith, etc.
http://www.bostonsocialforum.org.  for a full list of Sunday workshops and events.Workshops begin at 8:00 am and continue all day. Plenary session at 12:30 pm-2:30 pm today includes:
Robert Reich, Dennis Brutus, Sonia Sanchez, Maude Barlow, Shujaa Graham, Gyung-Lan Jung, Jim Hightower.
Low Income/Senior Registration: $15. Working person Registration: $40.

Sunday, July 25, 12 Noon
JCRC Rally and Memorial Service
Show Up. Stand Up. Tell the World.
Terrorism's Toll: Israel and Argentina
Christopher Columbus Park (directly behind Quincy Market, accessible via the Aquarium T stop)
Remembering the victims in Argentina and Israel
(It is now ten years since the terrorism attack in Argentina)

Central Square World's Fair/Music Festival & Community Parade
Celebrating Unity and Diversity
World's Fair and Music Festival
Sunday, July 25, 12 noon -6 pm
Central Square
Eight Stages of Music, one stage of Dance, Roving Performers, plus a Performance Artist.
Highlighting the best music & dance in the heart of Cambridge.
To help bring the community to the event, a parade will depart at 1 p.m.
from Cambridge Common and travel along Mass. Ave into Central Square.
See: www.ci.cambridge.ma.us.  for a list of performers and music schedule.

Sunday, July 25, 1:30-3:00 pm
Pursuing E Pluribus Unum
Forums "Minorities with Similar Visions, Separate Communities, Bridging the Divide"
(a series of programs called to our attention by Rep. Gloria Fox)
Emerson College, Bordy Theater, 216 Tremont Street, Boston
Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus and Emerson College
Convener William H. Smith, Ed.D.
Executive Director of the Center for Diversity in the Communication Industries
Guests: Rep. Gloria Fox, Rep. Marie St. Fleur, Councilor Felix Arroyo

Sunday, July 25, 12:30-2:30 pm
Peaceful Presence at Faneuil Hall, Congress Street (between Faneuil Hall and City Hall), Boston
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice of Massachusetts
invites you to attend two Peaceful Presence events.
These events have been organized in response to information that
Operation Rescue will be holding anti-choice demonstrations during the DNC.
Join in faithful, non-confrontational witness to show that people of faith do support reproductive rights.
http://www.rcrcofma.org/.

________________________________

Monday, July 26, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Peaceful Presence outside Brigham and Women's Hospital
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Meet at 7:45 a.m. outside the Harvard School of Public Health,
which is on Huntington Avenue directly across from the
Brigham Circle T stop on the Green Line ("E" train).
Peaceful Presence is a pro-choice, non-violent, non- confrontational, law-abiding,
volunteer-based program of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
It offers solace and moral support to patients, families, and
providers of comprehensive reproductive health care services.
Many who have participated in a Peaceful Presence note that anti-choice demonstrators
are often confused by the presence of people of faith who are pro-choice,
and this confusion diverts attention away from the women and men
who are entering or working in the healthcare facility.
Please RSVP to Jennie Barrett at 617-616-1674
or maclergyforchoice@earthlink.net.  if you can join us.
(Clergy members are particularly invited to wear vestments
or other items that help demonstrate that you are
religious leader.)

Monday, July 26, 10 am
"Students Mobilizing Students: Moving Your Campus to the Polls"
a panel discussion. (Invitation from the Massachusetts Black Caucus)
Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, 79 JFK street Cambridge, MA
(617) 495-1380

Monday, July 26, Noon-3pm
Youth Register to Vote Rally
Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center
Sponsored by The Nation of Islam, Russell Simmons and the HIP HOP SUMMIT Action Network
With Sean "Puffy" Combs, DMX
For more info, call Brother Ralph at 617-966-0452

Monday July 26, 1-4pm
Tikkun's Event On: A Winning Strategy for Kerry
Hotel Marlowe, Serrano Ballroom, 25 Edwin H Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA
(Map suggests hotel is next to Galleria)
A session on "healing Israel/Palestine and building an effective foreign policy"
with DNC delegates and friends of the TIKKUN Community.
Speakers: Cornel West (author, "Race Matters"; co-chair, Tikkun Community)
Rabbi Michael Lerner (Tikkun Magazine), Medea Benjamin (founder of Global Exchange and the United for Peace coalition)
Thomas Moore (author, "Care of the Soul and The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life")
Robyn Lundy (Executive Director, Tikkun Community)
Group suggests Senator Kerry needs to provide an alternate policy from President Bush.
Special focus: how to heal Israel/Palestine; how to build a progressive foreign policy
Larger focus: how to transcend the narrow economistic frame of liberal politics to speak to the
deeper psychological and spiritual needs of the American people in a progressive way
RSVP: robyn@tikkun.org.

Monday, July 26
ADL
State House
Senator Joseph Biden
call ADL for information and must RSVP: (State House closed to visitors this week)
boston@adl.org.  (617) 406-6300

Monday, July 26, 2 pm
JFK Jr. Forum on US Domestic Policy (free and open to the public)
(submitted by Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus)
JFK School, 79 JFK Street; 495-1360, Cambridge

Monday, July 26, 3-5:30pm
Pursuing E Pluribus Unum Forums
Emerson College, Bordy Theater, 216 Tremont Street, Boston
Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus and Emerson College
Lecture with Billy Overton about his book "The Media - Shaping the Image of a People"

Monday, July 26, 3:30-5:30 pm
Boston Tea Party
Fairmount Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Avenue-Copley Square, Boston
National Women's Political Caucus Democratic Task force & The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus
Join in welcoming women from across the nation to Boston and celebrating women in politics and government.
Admission $25
For more information call (617) 451-9294 or info@mwpc.org.

Monday, July 26, 5-8:00 pm
Comcast, NE Cable News Honors the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation
John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse
For more info, call 617-439-7700 (Our understanding is that there are no longer tickets for this event)

________________________________

Tuesday, July 27, 10 am-Noon
Social Activism in Roxbury with Chuck Turner (tours are each day with different tour leaders)
Tour of Roxbury's long and continued struggle for social justice and equality,
social justice at Tent City Housing, Madison Park Village, Southwest Corridor Transit Project
and the Grove Hall community in the midst of renaissance from the scars of riots in the late 60's
free, please call 541-3900 x222 or 781-861-8893 to register, or check www.discoverroxbury.org.
several stops on tour, but no extensive walking

Tuesday, July 27, 11 am (continuing through the week)
City of the WorldFest Vendors and Merchants Fair
City Hall Plaza (information provided by Black Legislative Caucus)
For more information call Rep. Marie St. Fleur 617-722-2070

Tuesday, July 27, 11:30 am
Emily's List Luncheon
The Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street
Featuring former Texas Governor Ann Richards,
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi,
and Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm
1/2 price Charge: $125.
Reservations no longer available on line, call 202-326-1400

Tuesday, July 27, 1-5 pm
Revolutionary Women
The Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street
Workshops, Rally, Concert
Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Membership Required: $10.
Speakers at Rally:Secretary Madeleine Korbel Albright; Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA)
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (MI), Sheriff Andrea Cabral, Suffolk County (MA)
For a list of special guests: http://www.revolutionarywomenboston2004.com/speakers.htm.
To register: https://www.revolutionarywomen.com/register.asp.

Tuesday, July 27, 2-3 pm
Standing Up to Take Back America - 3 afternoon meetings
Royal Sonesta, 5 Cambridge Parkway, Cambridge
Gov. Howard Dean, Democracy for America
Michael Moore, Producer & Director, Fahrenheit 9/11

Issue Campaigns to Take Back America, 3-4 pm
Hear leaders and experts on "kitchen table" economic issues:
Jobs, Health Care/Medicare, Wages and Incomes, Education, Apollo Project on Energy and Jobs.
Robert Reich, Fmr. U.S. Secretary of Labor
Barbara Ehrenreich, Author, Nickel and Dimed
Reg Weaver, NEA President
Carl Pope, President, Sierra Club
Bracken Hendricks, Apollo Project
Deb Callahan, President, League of Conservation Voters
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)

A Strong Coalition to Take Back America 4-5pm
A progressive majority of Americans is uniting around a program for change.
A dynamic new alliance — representing working families, women, people of color,
the middle class and the poor — is working together in 2004 and beyond
to advance that progressive program.
John Sweeney, President, AFL-CIO
Kim Gandy, President, National Organization for Women
Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles City Councilmember and former Speaker, California Assembly
Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)
http://www.ourfuture.org/projects/dconrsvp.cfm.

Tuesday, July 27, 1 pm-4:30pm
Congressional Black Caucus Town Hall Meeting
"Still too Separate, Still so Unequal: Education, Healthcare and Economic Opportunity"
Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, Boston
Panel members Rep. Gloria Fox, Congressman Owns, Congressmen Wynn
Dr. Julia Hare, Ms. Patricia Ford, & Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
http://www.ourfuture.org.

Tuesday, July 27, Reception 4-5 pm; program 5-6 pm
New Democracy event honoring Congressman John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian
Museum of Afro-American History, 46 Joy Street, Beacon Hill, Boston
Congressman John Lewis was an organizer of the 1963 March on Washington
and served as the first president of the Student Non-violent Organizing Committee (SNCC).
Reverand C.T. Vivian was a member of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'
Christian Coalition executive staff and leader of community organizing and direct action in
the Nashville, Birmingham and Selma campaigns. He was featured in
"Eyes on the Prize". Vivian founded the organization that later became
known as Upward Bound and is co-founder of the Center for Democratic
Renewal. Karen Holmes Ward, host and executive producer of WCVB's CityLine and
Director of Public Affairs is master of ceremony.
New Democracy Coalition is a Boston-based organization focused on
renewing civic engagement among all Americans, especially groups
historically disconnected from the political process. New Democracy
Coalition is an organization focusing its efforts in the areas of civic
policy, civic literacy and electoral justice through education programs
for youth and adults, research and policy advocacy.
For more information on the New Democracy Coalition, contact
617-287-5883 or http://www.newdemocracycoaliton.org.
No information available as to ticket price.

Tuesday, July 27, 7:45 pm
Watch the DNC with The Jewish Advocate
Location: Newton
Calling all political junkies, regardless of party!
The Jewish Advocate is interested in what young Jewish voters expect from
their elected officials. We're gathering to engage in conversation with
politically active peers while taking in some of the DNC speeches.
RSVP to Logan Ritchie (loganr@thejewishadvocate.com.  or 617-367-9100,
ext. 135) if you are able to make it! The location will be revealed when you
RSVP.

________________________________

Wednesday, July 28, 12-2:00pm
March to Victory Luncheon, a reception honoring heroes and leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
Boston Harbor Hotel, Wharf Room Rowes Wharf, Boston
Congressman John Lewis, Senator Kennedy and delegates of the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party
and the Congressional Black Caucus Call 617-445-0073
(Do not have information on ticket availability)

New Energy for America 1:30-3:30pm
Campaign for America's Future, Take Back America
The State Room 60 State Street, Boston
Reception: 1:30-2, Town hall forum: 2-3:30
Reservations Required: 508-698-6810 email address provided doesn't work
Join labor leaders, environmentalists, scientists, engineers, business,
Convention delegates and national political leaders in calling for a new Apollo project
to invest in a new economy based on energy independence and good jobs.
(Note: forum is being held at a location near the Fleet Center in Boston.)
Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA), John Sweeney, President, AFL-CIO
Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Richard Durbin (D-IL)
U.S. Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA)
Leo Gerard, President, United Steel Workers
Andy Stern, President, SEIU
Carol Browner, Principal, Albright Group & former EPA Administrator
John Podesta, President, Center for American Progress & Former White House COS
R. Thomas Buffenbarger, President, International Association of Machinists
Edwin Hill, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Joseph Ronan Jr., Vice President, Calpine
Jim Flaws, Vice Chair, Corning Inc.
Juan Garza, General Manager, Austin Energy
http://www.ourfuture.org/projects/dconrsvp.cfm.

Wednesday, July 28, 2-3:30 pm
"Are Jews Trending Republican?"
The Westin at Copley Place, Essex Room, Boston
National Jewish Democratic Council Panel Discussion
Featuring: Mark Mellman: Pollster, Kerry/Edwards, Ann Lewis: Chair, DNC Women's Vote Center
Professor Jonathan Sarna: Brandeis University, Former Congressman Mel Levine
RSVP: David@njdc.org.

Wednesday, July 28, 2-4 pm
Take Back America Debate: Iraq, the US and the World
Royal Sonesta Hotel, 5 Cambridge Parkway, Cambridge
The debacle in Iraq has left America more isolated, more reviled and less safe.
Progressives discuss an alternative policy for Iraq and for American security.
(Co-sponsored by The Nation magazine)
Amb. Joe Wilson, Former US Charge D'affaires in Iraq and author of The Politics of Truth: Inside the Lies
that Led to War and Betrayed My Wife's CIA Identity
Gayle Smith, Former National Security Council Member
Rep Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Presidential Candidate
Sen. Gary Hart*, former Senator and former Presidential Candidate
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Katrina vanden Heuvel, Editor, The Nation magazine
http://www.ourfuture.org/projects/dconrsvp.cfm.

Wednesday, July 28, 10:30pm-2 am.
Jewish Young Professionals Celebration*
Aria, 246 Tremont Street
An NJDC and Solomon Project event sponsored by:
Haim Saban, Dan Fireman, & Congressman Robert Wexler
featuring John Kerry's brother, Cam Kerry, and Rob
Kutner, writer for "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart."
Must RSVP: Jordan@njdc.org
alternate registration, visit http://www.phoenixdc.com/njdc/.

 ________________________________

Thursday, July 29, 2-3 pm
Organizing to Take Back America 2-5pm
Royal Sonesta, 5 Cambridge Parkway, Cambridge
This session will showcase the new progressive infrastructure
— the groups waging the war on the ground, the air, and the web to Take Back America.
The right-wing apparatus is finally being contested. Meet leaders who are making it happen.
(Co-sponsored by Progressive Majority)
Al Gore
Gloria Totten, Executive Director, Progressive Majority
Robert Borosage, Campaign for America's Future
Donna Brazile, Chair, DNC Voting Rights Institute
Cecile Richards, President, America Votes
Zach Pollett, Acorn
Andy Stern, SEIU
Rep. Barney Frank* (D-MA)
John Podesta*, Center for American Progress
Russell Simmons*, Hip Hop Summit
Arlene Holt Baker, Voices for Working Families
Steve Rosenthal, CEO, America Coming Together
Gov. Bill Richardson*, Moving America Forward
Tom McMahon, Democracy for America
Hannah Pingree*, Maine Legislature and MoveOn PAC
Brooke Lierman, 2020 Democrats
William McNary*, USAction
Greg Moore*, Executive Director, NAACP National Voter Fund
Joe Velasquez, Director, Moving America Forward
http://www.ourfuture.org/projects/dconrsvp.cfm

Additional Resources Websites

2004 Democratic National Convention:
http://www.dems2004.org/.

Boston 2004, Host City Website:
http://www.boston04.com/.

Jewish Community Convention Website:
http://jewishboston04.com/.

National Jewish Democratic Council
 www.njdc.org/.

Friday, July 30, 6 p.m
Am Tikva Service and Events
If you are interested in any upcoming events and want more information please leave a message at 617.232.5543 ext.4 or email us at events@amtikva.org. .
Boston Am Tikva
5TH Friday Potluck Dinner
Location: call 617.232.5543 ext.4 or email us at events@amtikva.org.

3. IMPORTANT and INTERESTING READING

Drilling for Influence, J.R. Pegg, Environment News Service
A new report gives added fuel to critics who believe the
oil and gas industry has bought undue influence with Bush
administration officials.
http://www.alternet.org/election04/19287/.

David Corn: The Real Goal of the Get-Wilson Crusade 7/21
http://thenation.com/capitalgames/index.mhtml?bid=3&pid=1586.

Relationship between moral/religious beliefs and political accountability?
New York Times columnist asked religious scholars what books they'd advise the presidential candidates
to read. A fascinating list was suggested by the independent scholars.
See NYTimes, July 24 --- Book List for Candidates or
http://jewishalliance.org/info/0000007f.htm.

4. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Mass Equality will be visiting different state neighborhoods over the summer to
help explain the issues around same sex marriage. JALSA is a participant in these efforts
to prevent the addition of discriminatory language in the Massachusetts Constitution.
If you are willing to work as a volunteer, there will be groups of people to join who visit specific neighborhoods on summer weekends. See: www.massequality.org.

5. SUPPORT THE JEWISH ALLIANCE

The Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action----

dedicated to continuing a strong, progressive, inter-generational voice
inspired by Jewish teachings and values for social justice, civil rights, and civil liberties.
Membership is open to all who wish to work for progressive goals in the development of public policy.

                              Join us!
Visit www.jewishalliance.org.  and fill out the online donation form today!

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