[opirgyork] Weekly Digest - July 21st 2010

[Aruna]

Greetings all!

Hope your summer is going well!
Here are OPIRG we are stirring up something really exciting for this 
year's DisOrientation! As the activity proposals keep pouring in, we 
have A LOT to be excited about!

If you are interested in volunteering/organizing/coordinating 
DisOrientation, please email aruna at opirgyork.ca for meeting details.

IF you and/or your organization have a GREAT and EXCITING activity idea 
for DisOrientation 2010, make sure to get your proposal in by JULY 30th!
Applications can be found online at www.opirgyork.ca/disorientation2010

Check below for great events happening this week!

-OPIRG York

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1) UPDATE from OCAP action: 10 People held by Police: OCAP takes over 
Liberal Party HQ!!!
2) ACTIVISTS EXPOSE POLICE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN DURING G20
3) 22 July: What and Who is NOII-TO anyway? (New Members Mtg)
4) Free our friends! A G20 Legal defence fundraiser
5) Black July Documentary Screening and Exhibit
6) Free our friends! A G20 Legal Defence Fundraiser (Part 2)
7) The People Vs Jason Kenney (and everything he stands for)
8) Audism and the Toronto Police Service
9) People's Summit on Environmental and Climate Justice
10) "The Unfinished Story: An exploration of the anti-sex trafficking 
movement in South Korea" with Jinkyeong Cho
11) Montreal International Women's Conference for a global militant 
women's movement in the 21st century
12) 2010 EcoMentors Conference
13) Free Our Friends! Community Update on G20 Detainees
14) Financial Support Needed for Legal Defense Fund!

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1) UPDATE FROM TODAY'S ACTION:

At time of writing, 10 people are presently being detained at Toronto
Police's 52 Division, in downtown Toronto, after being forcibly removed
from Liberal Party Headquarters today.

The delegation of people who entered the offices of the Provincial
Liberals was simply there to deliver a message about the slashing of the
Special Diet and miserably low OW and ODSP rates.

Rather than receive this message, the powers that be chose to enforce
their austerity measures with lines of cops, and most of the delegation
was detained. They have been taken to 52 Division, and are being held on
unknown charges.

Please head down to 52 Division now, to show your support for people who
are standing up for poor and working people in this city and province.

WHEN: NOW
WHERE: 52 Division
255 Dundas Street West
- south-west corner of University and Dundas Street
- St. Patrick Subway Station

For background, see below.

==================================

July, 21st, 2010

OCAP TAKES OVER ONTARIO LIBERAL PARTY HEADQUARTERS:
Delivers Invoice to McGuinty Government

Currently, a group of people from the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty,
union allies, and supporters, have taken over the office of the Provincial
Liberal Party headquarters at 10 St. Mary Street, Suite 210.

They are doing so in protest of the McGuinty government’s attacks on poor
people in Ontario in the way of cutting the vital Special Diet Allowance,
a food benefit for people who are forced to try to survive on shamefully
inadequate welfare (OW) and disability (ODSP) rates.

The group is delivering an ‘invoice’ to the Liberal Party – demanding full
re-payment of benefits taken from people living on Social Assistance. This
amount, according to the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, is equivalent to
a 55% increase in benefits - to at least restore rates to where they were
before the 22% cut by Harris in 1995 - and the re-instatement of funding for
the Special Diet at $400 million/year.

“Hey Liberals - we are here for our money!!” voices one ODSP recipient and
member of OCAP.

Media Contact: 416-826-4796

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2)
ACTIVISTS EXPOSE POLICE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN DURING G20
Multiple women come forward detailing sexual abuse while in detention

Toronto – Community groups are revealing testimonies of women that were
sexually assaulted by the police during the G8/G20 Summits in Toronto.

This is part of an ongoing People’s Investigation documenting police abuse
and holding accountable the Federal, Provincial and City government
leaders that conspired to plan and give orders for the widespread police
violence and repression that was experienced by thousands on the streets.
The Toronto Community Mobilization Network is requesting the public to
continue sending in testimonies to
http://g20.torontomobilize.org/peoplesinvestigation

What: Press conference featuring Toronto Community Mobilization Network,
Women’s Rights Activists, Jane Doe (who successfully sued the Police for
negligence and charter violation in the investigation of her rape) and
assaulted community members

When: Thursday July 22, 11 a.m.

Where: Toronto Rape Crisis Centre, 17 Phoebe Street

-30-

For more information, contact media liaisons:
647.454.2443
tcmn.media at gmail.com
Twitter: @g20mobilize
http://g20.torontomobilize.org/


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3) What and Who is NOII-TO anyway?
(Discussion & New Members Meeting)

Thursday, 22 July 2010 | 6:30pm | 12th Floor | OISE, 252 Bloor West
This is a child-friendly meeting and venue.

Interested in learning about No One Is Illegal-Toronto?
Looking to join a grassroots organization post-G20?

Organizers from No One Is Illegal – Toronto, a grassroots
anti-colonial migrant justice organization, are hosting an information and
discussion session this coming Thursday to invite people to learn
more, ask questions, and find out how to get involved with or support
our efforts.

This is a two-part meeting, with the second one on August 12. If you
are interested in joining No One Is Illegal-Toronto but cannot attend
July 22nd, please email us at nooneisillegal at riseup.net

Please bring your questions, thoughts and ideas!

Our Demands: http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/demands
Some facts: http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/getthefacts

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4) July 22nd - 9pm
The Central
603 Markham St. (South of Bloor, West of Bathurst)

show solidarity with G20 political prisoners by dancing yr face off and 
donating some cash in exchange for some solid musical love.

ALL proceeds at the door go to legal funds for G20 legal defence 
(including for our friend Illogik, who is performing), and we'll also 
have some raffles and other goodies for you to throw money at. every 
last dime will go to paying legal bills.

SUGGESTED DONATION: $5-10 sliding scale
...
featuring:

HUSH MONEY: http://everyoneisdoomed.org/hushmoney/

ILLOGIK: http://www.myspace.com/testtheirlogik

ABSTRACT RANDOM: http://www.myspace.com/abstractrandom3

and more bands TBA!

[This is part of a two-day fundraising effort - info on Friday's event 
can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142090382468679]

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5) Friday July 23rd
6pm - 9pm
Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Drive by Scarborough Town Centre)

On July 23rd, Canadian Tamil Congress presents “From the Ashen Streets” 
which commemorates the 27th anniversary of Black July. The night will 
feature a must see documentary by young Toronto directors, V. Aaraniyan, 
V. Aadhi and V. Aara. These brothers ventured to understand the lives 
and wounds left behind by the events of Black July through the 
experiences of six brave Tamil Canadians. Their stories provide a 
lasting impressio...n on the resilience of the human spirit which lies 
within the Tamil community and a fresh perspective on the Sri Lankan 
narrative. It will be followed by a play from the Asylum Theatre Group 
which will illustrate the parallels between the haunting survivor 
experiences of Black July to recent events in the island of Sri Lanka.

In addition, the evening will showcase work from local artists, archived 
photographs and articles which poignantly chronicles the turbulent 
history of Sri Lanka up until the days of Black July.

For more information, contact Canadian Tamil Congress at 416-240-0078
Google map of Scarborough Civic Centre http://tinyurl.com/2f83exo

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6) Free our friends! A G20 Legal Defence Fundraiser (Part 2)
Friday July 23
8pm - 11:30pm
Bike Pirates
1292 Bloor St. W


Toronto Anarchist Black Cross and No Apathy! present:
Free Our Friends! A G20 Legal Defence Fundraiser (Day Two)

All ages welcome. Minimum suggested donation is $5 but the sky's the 
limit! Our friends need our support now.

...- Music by Sarit Cantor, Byron, Abstract Random and Alludere
- Speakers TBA
- vegan baked goods and other goodies for sale. Yum!

All proceeds from the door will go to the G20 Legal Defense Fund: 
http://movementdefence.org/defencefund.

[This is part of a two-day fundraising effort - info on Thursday's event 
can be found here: 
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?%21%2Fevent.php%3Feid=131793366859215#!/event.php?eid=131793366859215&ref=ts]

Thanks to the folks at Bike Pirates for hosting this event!

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7) 24 July 2010
National Day of Action: THE PEOPLE vs. JASON KENNEY (and everything he
stands for)
All Day: follow @noii_to (on twitter)
@3pm, Football Showdown @ Dufferin Grove Park

JK (aka Jason Kenney) is the Immigration Minister
JK wants to be the new Harper
JK cut the refugee program
JK makes lives miserable for Immigrants
JK cuts funds for women’s groups and people opposing Israeli Apartheid
JK wants more temp workers with few rights
JK wants more corporate profit and few people’s freedoms

JK needs a kickin’

On July 24, a National Day of Action against JK, his anti-people
policies and everything else he stands for has been declared.

On July 24, creative actions will take place across Toronto opposing
JK and his agenda.

Follow us @noii_to (Twitter!) to find actions all day on July 24 as
they happen - #kickjasonjenney

@3pm, bring friends, family and food to Dufferin Grove Park to a
MASSIVE football showdown

The People Vs Jason Kenney

In Toronto, as we recover from the G20 Summit and prepare for the G20
policies of cuts to public services and an increase in temp programs
(“austerity measures”) – lets get together for an exciting and fun
filled day of challenging Jason Kenney.

Planning your own creative actions opposing JK’s attacks on
migrants, Palestinian solidarity, or Anti-War efforts? Let
us know! Take pictures, make videos, tag ‘em #kickjasonjenney

================

“I plead guilty. I am a racist” - Jason Kenney, Montreal 2009.

Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney
is known as the Minister of Censorship and Deportation because of his
record as one of the most repressive immigration ministers in Canadian
history. Deportations have increased, while the number of people
accepted as refugees and sponsored family members have drastically
dropped. Instead, Kenney has increased the number of temporary workers
who are constantly exploited for their labour. His new refugee bill
creates a racist two tier system based on nationality, and he has
called a wide range of migrants - from Mexicans to the War Resisters
“bogus”. Under his regime, an Eritrean refugee committed suicide from
fear of a pending deportation, and a young woman was murdered upon her
deportation to Mexico.

Kenney is also a staunch supporter of imperialism, stifling anti war
voices such as George Galloway and the Canadian Arab Federation.
Kenney’s neoconservative values are obvious in his comments and
actions: pulling Canada out of the Durban World Conference Against
Racism; introducing a citizenship guide that omits the rights of
lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) communities; defending
Quebec Bill C 94 that discriminates against women who wear the niqab;
and stating that immigrants are not integrating well into (colonial)
Canada.

Join No One Is Illegal-Toronto on July 24th to demand an END to
censorship of dissenting voices. An END to detentions and
deportations. An END to the exploitation of temporary migrant workers.
An END to military occupations from Afghanistan to Palestine. An END
to discrimination against women, LGBTQ communities, immigrants, and
racialized people.

We are rising out of schools, neighbourhoods, and workplaces to reject
Kenney's agenda; join this grassroots movement and rise up with us!

The People v. Kenney
Freedom to move
Right to stay, and to Return
We are many.

Actions will also be taking place in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal
and Halifax. See www.nooneisillegal.org for more info.

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8) *Saturday, July 24, 6PM*
Audism and the Toronto Police Service
Location: OISE- U of T
We have all heard the stories of the Toronto Police Services denying 
interpreters, accusing Deaf people of "faking", interpreting attempts to 
communicate as violence, misunderstanding facial expressions that are a 
part of our grammar as anger, and countless other acts of audism, 
discrimination, and violence. It is time to do something about it!
Join us in sharing out stories and coming together as a united community 
of Deaf, oral deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and hearing allies! 
We will share our experiences in a public forum to promote healing and 
change. This will be the beginning of a long process of achieving change 
within the Toronto Police Services policy, training, and sensitivity to 
our diverse communities.
ASL interpretation provided
Prayer Space Nearby
Child-friendly event.
Wheelchair accessible venue
If you require accommodations, please contact Jenny Blaser at 
jb.signsofsupport at gmail.com as soon as possible.
Endorsed by the Legal Education Action Fund Youth Commission and Signs 
of Support

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9) On June 23rd grassroots organizers in Toronto hosted the People’s 
Assembly on Climate Justice at the Ryerson Student Campus Centre as part
of the Toronto Community Mobilization Network’s Day of Resistance for 
Environmental and Climate Justice. The event drew a packed house of
diverse participants. Together we showed that a room full of 250 engaged 
people has more ideas and creative potential than all of the world’s
leaders’ combined.

While the G20 talked about crippling austerity measures and veered away 
from any true commitments to confronting the climate crisis, we
talked about the need to change things from the ground up. We talked 
about re-thinking the way we use energy, recognizing our disproportionate
impact on the planet, altering our consumer habits. We called out 
capitalism as a major part of the problem. And we highlighted the
need to create alternatives in our own backyard, NOW.

To build on the momentum and creative solutions developed during the 
People’s Assembly, the organizing team is
calling for a general meeting to debrief the Assembly and begin the 
process of deciding how to move forward.
Many felt that one brief evening was not enough time for the Assembly, 
and that another one should be planned
that would take place over the course of a day.

Staying true to the horizontal, non-hierarchical approach and principles 
that we introduced at the People’s Assembly,
we would now like to invite you to join us on Thursday July 29th at the 
519 Church St Community Centre at 6pm as we
meet to discuss planning for the next People’s Assembly.

The fight for Climate Justice unites many of the struggles that social 
movements are engaged in throughout Toronto
and around the world. We hope that you will join us and add your energy 
to the momentum generated during our first Assembly.

The stakes are high, but everything that we begin locally can be spread 
anywhere in the world.
Let’s make the dream of Climate Justice a reality.

With love and determination,
The People’s Assembly Team
peoplesassembly.toronto at gmail.com

www.torontopeoplesassembly.wordpress.com

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10) Tuesday Aug 3, 7pm - 9pm*
"The Unfinished Story: An exploration of the anti-sex trafficking 
movement in South Korea" with Jinkyeong Cho
Centre for Women’s Studies in Education(CWSE),
Room 2-214, 252 Bloor St. West, Toronto.
Sponsored by The Centre for Women’s Studies in Education (CWSE) and the 
Women’s Human Rights Education Institutes (WHRI).
In South Korea, a movement has gained momentum that addresses 
prostitution as a system based on violence and exploitation. During 
Japanese colonization and years of war and dictatorship, women’s bodies 
were used as tools of economic growth and national security, and 
prostitution became a booming industry that is inextricably linked to 
sex trafficking. Women’s bodies are treated as consumer products that 
flow across borders, and women’s organizations in South Korea have come 
together to fight the sex trafficking industry, and in the process have 
condemned all forms of sexual exploitation.
This seminar addresses the work of these organizations and the 
theoretical underpinnings of how the sex trade is addressed in South Korea.

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11) August 13-16, Montreal*
Montreal International Women's Conference for a global militant women's 
movement in the 21st century
Women from five continents will gather in Montreal August 13-16, 2010 to 
discuss building a global militant women’ s movement in the 21st 
century! The conference will culminate in the formation of an 
International Women’s Alliance.
We have much to learn from each other, much to share: analyses, 
experiences of struggle and resistance, victories large and small. And 
we have 100 years of experience of the modern women’s movement to draw from.

Be there. Be heard. Be a part of it.

For more information on the program,
To find out how you can get involved,
To find out more about the organizers,
Register now to reserve your place.
For details and more information: http://miwc2010.wordpress.com/

Hosted by Women of Diverse Origins, Montreal [of which SAWCC is a member]
Convenors also include Gabriela Philippines, Action Network for Marriage 
Migrants Rights and Empowerment (AMMORE), Asian Rural Women’s Network 
and other representatives of women’s and other organizations from around 
the world.

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12) Are you a young environmental leader?
Do you want to facilitate change in your community?

Then come on out to the 2010 EcoMentors Conference!

This is an exciting, interactive and free day of workshops and training 
activities that will inspire you to become a young eco-leader in your 
community. Plus, you can network with a diverse group of 
environmentally-engaged youth and take home resources to help you 
facilitate peer-led workshops in your community!

REGISTER ONLINE (registration deadline: August 23rd at 5 p.m. EST)

Date: Saturday, August 28th, 2010
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: George Brown College
(St. James Campus)
200 King Street East
Toronto, ON [MAP]

Highlights include
• FREE registration for all youth (15 to 24)
• FREE travel support for participants over 18 (limited time offer)
• Keynote address by Simon Jackson, Spirit Bear Youth Coalition founder
• 14 environmental workshops
• Earn cool green rewards, volunteer hours and EcoMentors certification

EcoMentors builds environmental awareness and action among young people 
in Canada by training youth aged 15-24 to facilitate energetic, peer-led 
education workshops, activities and lessons on a wide range of important 
environmental issues. Visit www.earthday.ca for more information.

Please feel free to forward this e-mail, and print and post the attached 
poster in your school, community centre, or youth group. Also check out 
our YouTube video and share it with your friends online!

Please contact Josh Stevenson, EcoMentors Program Manager at 
416-599-1991 x. 103 or ecomentors at earthday.ca .

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13) Free Our Friends! Community Update on G20 Detainees
by Direct Support Committees of G20 detainees

While G20 leaders met behind a steel cage and a 1-billion dollar
Fortress Toronto operation, we witnessed an unprecedented coordinated
police operation in the city of Toronto. Police brutality against
protest participants, journalists, legal observers, medics, and random
passersby came in the form of indiscriminate arrests, beatings, pepper
spray, rubber bullets, police horse charges, illegal searches and
seizures, and extended arbitrary detentions. While in custody, people
were forced into steel cage cells with up to 40 people per cell; made
to sleep on concrete floors with open bathrooms; denied food, water,
toilet paper, and sanitary products; subjected to sexual harassment,
threats, humiliation, and intimidation; and refused access to medical
attention, phone calls, and legal counsel.

Continue reading: http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/newsrelease/4126

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14) Financial Support Needed for Legal Defense Fund!

FREE OUR FRIENDS: JUSTICE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES

During the G20 Summit, thousands of concerned individuals took to the
streets to exercise their civil rights and voice their opposition to
the meetings. We showed our power in numbers and in the strength of
our convictions. The challenge we posed to the oppressive policies of
the G20 caused their billion dollar bodyguards to wage war on all
those who voiced their dissent. Thousands of us experienced extreme
police violence and intimidation. Hundreds of us were arrested and
detained under abysmal conditions. Many of us are still in custody. We
will not let them convince us that some of our comrades are less
deserving. We will not assist them in dividing our movement, in
scapegoating our people, or in attacking our organizations and allies.

No one is free until we are all free.

For details: http://g20.torontomobilize.org/node/361