[opirgyork] Weekly Digest - Feb/4th/2010

[OPIRG York]

Greetings all!

OPIRG York is happy to offer anti-oppression trainings and orientation 
sessions for any and all that want to become a volunteer of OPIRG and 
any of its
working groups.

There are two sessions of both the anti-oppression and orientation 
trainings happening, one in February and one in March.

Here are the dates:
*Anti-oppression trainings:*
1) Monday February 22nd - 2pm - 5pm - GSA Conference Rm.430
2) Wednesday March 24th - 2pm - 5pm - GSA Conference Rm.430
*
*Orientation trainings:*
1) Thursday February 25th - 2:30pm - 5:30pm - GSA Conference Rm.430
2) Thursday March 25th - 3pm - 5pm - GSA Conference Rm. 430

If you are interested in attending one of these sessions, please 
register with our volunteer coordinator at: aruna at opirgyork.ca

Look out for the upcoming events detailed below!

OPIRG York

------------------------

1) Haiti: Past and Present (TOMORROW)
2) Students 4 Haiti
3) 5th Annual Rally for Our Missing Sisters
4) Mark the dates: NOII May day of Action/G8+G20 Mobilization
5) IN-DE-PEND-ENT! Fundraiser for TWB and Haiti
6) Camp Outlook (Kingston) is looking for volunteers
7) Red SLAM @ POCstars - Wed/Feb/10
8) X and O Show this February 13th, 2010
9) The Third Annual La Famille Showcase
10) Book Love - Fundraiser for TWB
11) Bil'ins Non-Violent Resistance Campaign in Palestine

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1) Students in Solidarity with Haiti and the York United Black Student 
Alliance
invite you to join us for an afternoon to critically explore the
historical and political issues related to the present crisis in Haiti.

HAITI: PAST AND PRESENT
Yves Engler and BC Holmes
will discuss the present crisis in Haiti
The talk will be followed by a film screening
of the AGRONOMIST.
There will be also time for a lengthy Q&A

"Yves Engler penetrating inquiry yields a rich trove of valuable 
evidence about Canada's role in in the world,
and poses a challenge for citizens who are willing to take for their 
fundamental responsibilities seriously." NOAM CHOMSKY

"In both his writing and his activism, Yves Engler has done some of the 
most important work
in exposing Canada's shameful role in Haiti" NAOMI KLEIN

Location: Nat Taylor Cinema, Main Floor Ross Building, York University
Friday, February 5th, 2010
 From 1-5
Yves and BC will speak from about 1-3
Movie 3:30-5

There will be an event at the El Mocombo following the lecture called
Students 4 Haiti
a fundraiser for
Partners in Health, starting at 9, the admission is $10-$20

BC is an organizer with the Toronto Haiti Action Committee and was 
taking part in
her second human rights delegation to Haiti days before the earthquake 
struck.


The facebook link for the Haiti Past and Present is listed below:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=270894248019&ref=nf

The facebook link to Students 4 Haiti is:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=261001633429&index=1

This event is endorsed by Cupe 3903 DMC, York United Black Students 
Association,

--------------------------

2) The York Federation of Students, the University of Toronto Students' 
Union, the Ryerson Students' Union, The Continuing Education Students'
Association of Ryerson, Students in Solidarity with Haiti & the Toronto 
Haiti Action Committee proudly presents:

STUDENTS 4 HAITI

A night where students across Toronto are coming together with the goal 
of raising $ 10 000 for the Haiti Relief Efforts with silent auctions 
and raffles.

Location: El Mocambo 464 Spadina Ave.

Featuring one of Canada's top MCz: Bishop Brigante!!!! and 2003 DMC 
World Champion DJ Dopey

Also featuring D-Sisive, Rick Kidd, Mindbender, Muneshine, Kit Knows and 
many more....

Hosted by MC Mohammad Ali Beats by DJ Dopey; DJ Adverb and Scott Jackson


Friday February 5 2010 Doors @ 9:00 pm, Show @ 10:00 pm Event is19+

Admission: Pay What You Can, Suggested Donation: $ 10 - $ 20

FACEBOOK EVENT: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=261001633429&ref=mf


Below is information about the grassroots organization we are 
supporting, Partners in Health: (www.pih.org)

A major earthquake centered just 10 miles from Port-au-Prince has 
devastated the country of Haiti. Partners in Health (PIH)
and its partner organization Zanmi Lasante have worked in Haiti for 
nearly twenty-five years, and today is one of the largest
non-governmental health care providers in the country.

PIH works to bring modern medical care to poor communities in nine 
countries around the world. The work of PIH has three goals:
to care for our patients, to alleviate the root causes of disease in 
their communities, and to share lessons learned around the world.

Based in Boston, PIH employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, 
including doctors, nurses and community health workers. The vast
majority of PIH staff are local nationals based in the communities we serve.

Why Give to PIH?

Partners in Health (PIH) works very closely with the Haitian Ministy of 
Health in providing many essential medical services to the
country’s rural population.

Because PIH works almost completely in the countryside, its 
infrastructure has not been impacted by the devastation of the earthquake.

Therefore, PIH doctors, many of whom live in Port-an-Prince have been 
able to quickly set up emergency clinics in their homes and throughout 
the city.

Also, the Central Hospital of PIH, located just outside of 
Port-au-Prince is currently receiving an enormous amount of patients.

For these reasons, it is crucial that PIH get as much financial support 
as possible from the international
community.

Students can have a direct impact right away in improving the situation 
in Haiti by supporting PIH and the important work they are
doing on the ground in Haiti.

www.pih.org
www.standwithhaiti.org

-------------------------------------

3) 5th Annual Rally for Our Missing Sisters

When: Sunday, February 14, 2009 @ 12 pm
Where: Rally at Police HQ, 40 College St. at Bay
We'll march to the Coroner’s Office, 26 Grenville St
Gathering with food immediately to follow at
U of T’s Centre for Women and Trans People (563 Spadina Ave)

Over 500 Indigenous women have been murdered or gone missing – most over 
the last 30 years – on Turtle Island. We come together
in defense of our lives and to demonstrate against the complicity of the 
state in the ongoing genocide of Indigenous women and
the impunity of state institutions and actors (police, RCMP, coroners’ 
offices and the courts) that prevents justice for all Indigenous Peoples.

Endorsed by: YU Free Press (York University); Centre for Women and Trans 
People (UofT); Canadian Chiapanecas Justice for Women;
For Women’s Autonomy, Rights and Dignity (FORWARD); No One Is 
Illegal-Toronto; CAW-Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice and Democracy 
(Ryerson U);
Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE, UofT); Women and 
Gender Studies Institute (UofT); Students Against Israeli Apartheid (UofT);

*If your organization would like to endorse and/or support the rally in 
other ways, please contact: nomoresilence at riseup.net

No More Silence is part of an inter/national network to support the work 
being done by activists, academics, researchers, agencies and
communities to stop the murders and disappearances of Indigenous women.

In addition to the Toronto rally, marches and other events will take or 
have taken place in Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, 
Sudbury, and London, ON.

---------------------------------------

4) MARK THE DATES

********** May 1, 2010: No One Is Illegal! May Day of Action *******

********** June 25-27, 2010: G8/20 Leaders Summit – Toronto ***

Believing that the struggle for Status for All is a struggle for
good jobs, housing, food, education, shelter, freedom, justice and
dignity for all people.

Inspired by the struggles for justice for migrants, for Indigenous
sovereignty, for justice for working people and for the poor across
the globe.

Join No One Is Illegal – Toronto for the 5th annual May Day of
Action and take to the streets to demand Status for All on May
Day – May 1, 2010!

No One Is Illegal! May Day of Action: 
http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/mayday

--------
We know that struggles for climate justice, for income equity, for an
end to war and occupation, for the right to move, for Indigenous
sovereignty, and for the ability to participate in decisions that impact
our lives, are all linked. We are ready to embark on a new journey of
collective struggle in the face of global destruction.

No One Is Illegal – Toronto will join community organizations from
across the city to mobilize against the G8/G20 meeting of 'leaders'-
June 25-27, 2010.

Sign up here! https://masses.tao.ca/lists/listinfo/community.mobilize

------------------------------------

5) Friday, February 12, 2010
9pm - Naco Gallery and Bar
(1665 Dundas St. West)

IN-DE-PEND-ENT!

1. not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, 
conduct, etc.
2. not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; autonomous

Because we believe in independent businesses and autonomous nations, 
this night is in support of the Toronto Women's Bookstore and
Partners in Health Haiti.

Performances by LAL, Brescia Birdthroat Bloodbeard & More

Music to dance all night courtesy of DJs Elle Nino & Sammy D

Come show ur support nd get there early to avoid waitin in line!

-------------------------------

6) Volunteer for Camp Outlook this summer!

Camp Outlook is a non-profit, charitable organization run entirely by 
volunteers. We bring 13 to 17 year old youth from
the Kingston area experiencing social, behavioural, economic or other 
difficulties on wilderness canoe trips in Algonquin Park.
Our campers are referred to us from social agencies, schools, and other 
youth agencies. We are looking for a committed group of
trippers for the 2010 Summer season! Room, board, and all training is 
provided. No previous tripping experience is necessary.

Outlook is as rewarding as it is challenging. You will never forget your 
summer with Outlook, the campers, the staff, the park...
Your salary is paid in experience and stories!

For more information please visit our website http://www.campoutlook.ca/ 
or contact us at our office at (613)-544-6444, or by email
at scd.outlook at gmail.com. Applications are available on our website and 
are due Friday, March 5th at noon. Happy Paddling!

John Hissink and Dave Rakowski
Summer Outlook Directors 2010

--------------------------

7) Red Slam will be bringing the wordz and ridims to the POCstars "Live" 
Band Series Wednesday, February 10th at the Gladstone Hotel
in support of Relief for Haiti; with special guest bassist Johnny 
Righteous and drummer Yusei Ota along with special guest appearances
by the B-Boys Redslam Sole!. U know how we do...poetic-indigenous hip 
hop and conscious up tempo vibes...something for the body, spirit and mind.

Featured Artists Include:
Kit Wilson Yang!
Ya Man Ain't Me (Chase & Elisha croon the rnb)

Print auction: The Illustrated History of Haiti in Eleven Panels
by Zanette Singh, Elisha Lim, sves, Sarah Creagen, Ila Kavs, Teresa 
Cheng and Kerri.

Doors open at 7pm. We headlining the show at 9:30pm!!

NO COVER CHARGE!!

Red Slam (Spoken Lyricism Arranges Meaning)

For upcoming news and event updates check out and join our FB Group page

http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=57186693932

-------------------------

8) Mmmmm...
Lover presents another very sexy, X and O Show this February 13th, 2010!!!

And this one is extra special, as we celebrate the launch of 
www.lovermagazine.ca (take a peek)

EROTIC ART SHOW & AUCTION
$10 AT THE DOOR, 19+

The night features burlesque performances by:
Cicic Myplaymate and
Tina Timebalm

Music performances by:
Ayo Leilani and
Abstract Random

and that's not all!

Artist Lineup:

Valeria Rzianina
Irena Vormittag
Walker Ballantyne-Hill
Gleb Noujin
Stephanie Cloutier
Mondo Lulu
Sarah Guy
Carolyn Quan
Tamara Tanurdzic
Magda Olszanowski
Nicole Rodrigues
Cheri Michael

PROCEEDS FROM THE ART AUCTION GO
TO THE TORONTO WOMEN'S BOOKSTORE
BRING YOUR CHECKBOOK... TO GO HOME WITH SOMETHING SPECIAL :)

Presented by www.lovermagazine.ca
Sponsors: Come as you are, Good for her, Sweet Temptations
Invite art: Valeria Rzianina

-----------------------------

9) The Third Annual La Famille Showcase
Art | Fashion | Vendors | Food | Live Music | Crafts

Family Fun this Monday February 15th 2010
@ The Tranzac Club. 292 Brunswick Avenue

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Go to: http://tovacoproductions.com/departments.php

$12 person
$30 for 3 Adults (Family Pass)
FREE For Children under 12years old!!

Ticket Price includes FOOD by Guerrilla Gourmet !!!!!!!!
http://www.guerrilla-gourmet.com

BEST FAMILY DAY EVER!

Join us this Monday February 15th for what will be definitely be the 
most action-packed celebration of Family Day in Toronto.
We're serving up a family feast of local Music, Designers, Artists , 
Vendors and yes, even food (and Activities!)!

What are you doing this Family Day? Why not:

Bring the kids and take part in a a variety of workshops, including a 
Mask-Making session where participants design their own
fancy face-covering, and then strut it on the runway during the Fashion 
Show!

Let the whole family dig into consciously crafted delicacies by Maria S. 
of Toronto's Guerrilla Gourmet!
http://www.guerrilla-gourmet.com
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21448425504&ref=ts

Watch 'em 'work it' in the La Famille Runway Show, where local designers 
showcase their best giving you a sneak peak at the latest trends.

Take a minute to explore La Famille Marketplace, you're direct line to a 
tonne of Toronto's local talent. With great deals from a number of local 
designers, as
well as works by local artists

La Famille has something for everyone to drool over!

LIVE PERFORMANCES in the concert by local talent like :

LAL - http://www.myspace.com/lalforest
Airheart - http://www.myspace.com/airheartmusic
Amai Kuda - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw5xe6UIC9o
Kay Pettigrew - http://www.myspace.com/kaypettigrew
DJ Murr - http://www.myspace.com/midismalls

PLUS:
Silent Auctions!
Raffles!

OH MY!!!

Event Schedule
Times subject to change

Time (PM) Activity
12:00 Doors Open, Welcome!
Marketplace and Gallery Space Open
12:15 Kitchen Open (“mmm..”.)
12:30 Workshop 1
1:30 Concert
2:30 Workshop 2
3:30 Fashion Show
4:15 Auction winners announced
4:30 Dj Murr says Dance Dance Dance!
5:00 Thanks and Goodnight!

Family Day is for Sharing!

La Famille Showcase is a charitable event designed to embrace the spirit 
of Family Day, a portion of the proceeds of this event
will go to supporting the LGBT Parenting Network.
LGBTQ Parenting Network is a Toronto organization with a focus on 
creating a network of LGBTQ friendly resources in areas like
health services, education and social organization. The network also 
provides workshops and training for a number of organizations
who are interested in making their services more accessible and friendly 
to LGBTQ families.

On All Levels La Famille is a HIT!
La Famille is a high caliber showcase offering the participants a 
phenomenal platform to showcase their work!

For the Guests this event is a complete package of fine food, education 
and entertainment.

Check back for more information and a detailed schedule.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors and Supporters:

West Side Stories Video - http://www.myspace.com/westsidestoriesvideo

Parent Books - http://www.parentbooks.ca/

Proud FM - http://www.proudfm.com/

Come As You Are - http://www.comeasyouare.com/

The Central Bar - http://www.thecentral.ca/

Jacklyn Atlas Photography - http://www.jacklynatlas.com/

Egale - http://www.egale.ca/

-----------------------------

10) COME JOIN US FOR A SUNDAY OF FUN!

Sunday February 21st
1pm - 530pm
The TRANZAC

The Toronto Women's Bookstore is in crisis. They are one of the few 
non-profit feminist independent bookstores left on this
continent and as a store rely primarily on sales to sustain themselves. 
However, despite courses and workshops and amazing community
events and involvement, the existence of the TWB is threatened by the 
current economic climate.

We don't think we need to explain to you the importance of feminist and 
community spaces, but we do think you might like to help us make
sure they stick around.

THUS! We are putting on a fundraiser for the Toronto Women's Bookstore 
and are having a day filled with performance, music, art and food goodness..

Hosted by Dainty Smith

Performances by:

Aimee Bessada
Amai Kuda et Les Bois
Emma McKenna
Kay Pettigrew
MataDanZe
LAL
Lee Lee
Nico Rubesque
Sarah Tompson
Stacey B

Arts and crafts vendors:

Brescia Bloodbeard
Mich Sutherland
Kasia Ulbin
Romy Cola
Ransack the universe
Sam Gorrie
and more..

Magical food treats by Erika Pulfer

All funds raised will be going to the TWB. For more information (or to 
make a donation directly if you can't make it to the event),
please visit www.womensbookstore.com

This is a family friendly event
Please spread the word

------------------------------

11) This is a call-out to mark the 5th anniversary of * BIL'IN''S
NON-VIOLENT POPULAR RESISTANCE CAMPAIGN in PALESTINE.*

*On February 5th , the 5th anniversary of * Bil'in's non-violent,
popular resistance campaign there will be a special vigil/demo in
front of the Israeli consulate at 180 Bloor St. W. (in front of the
ROM) from 5 until 6pm.*

Since 2005, the village of Bil'in and other villages in the West Bank
have been demonstrating non-violently against the confiscation of
their land by illegal Israeli settlements and the separation/apartheid
wall. Villagers have led weekly protests with active participation
from Israeli and international peace activists. Bil'in has become an
internationally celebrated symbol of Palestinian popular resistance.

The village of Bil'in has also launched a historic landmark lawsuit
here in Canada against two Quebec-based companies. Since the last
hearing of this case in Montreal in the spring, the villagers have
faced a series of night raids by the Israel army. Many leaders of the
community and young people as young as14 have been arrested and held
in prison. Many are still languishing there. Abdallah Abu Rhamah, a
scoolteacher and activist in Bil'in was arrested on International
Human Rights Day and wrote the piece from prison “no army, no prison
and no wall can stop us”.

*Please join with us in solidarity with the people of Palestine for
their right to safeguard their land, their trees, their resources and
their right to self-determination and liberty.*

The ad-hoc committee in solidarity with Bil'in Popular Resistance