Creativity + Activism

How can SAIC help the people of Haiti?

2010-01-15T18:29:00.002-06:00

Let's work together to see what the SAIC community can do to assist victims of the recent disaster in Haiti.

Here are two articles on local Chicago Haitian charities:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/15/chicago-haiti-charities-w_n_424918.html

and:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/14/from-chicago-to-haiti-aft_n_423360.html...

Here is a list of some national/international charity organizations:

• Partners in Health: http://photos.pih.org/home2.html

• The International Rescue Committee: http://www.theirc.org/

• World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org/

• UN World Food Program: https://www.wfp.org/donate/haiti

• UNHCR (UN refugee services):
http://www.unhcr.org/emergency/haiti/global_landing.html

• UN Central Emergency Response Fund:
http://ochaonline.un.org/cerf/DonateNow/HowtoDonate/tabid/1819/language/en-US/Default.aspx

• American Red Cross
Disaster Online Newsroom
The American Red Cross is on the ground in Haiti.... See More
Text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for
Haiti. The donation will be charged to your cellphone bill.

To send a check: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C.
20013;
1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish)
www.redcross.org

• Mercy Corps
A group of Mercy Corps relief workers began arriving in Haiti on
Thursday.
Donate online: donate.mercycorps.org
To send a check:
Mercy Corps; Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept NR; PO Box 2669; Portland, OR
97208
1-888-256-1900

• National Nurses United
www.nationalnursesunited.org A national organization of registered
nurses is calling for nurses throughout the U.S. to volunteer to assist
Haitian residents by providing emergency short term and long term
medical support. Nurses can sign up at the NNU Web site.

• Unicef
Donations to Unicef can be made online, by printing a form, or by
calling 1.800.FOR.KIDS (1.800.367.5437).

• AmeriCares
CNN's Ann Curry suggests donating to AmeriCares, who are "gearing up to
take in medicines to Haiti," she says.

• Yele Haiti
Haitian-born Wyclef Jean is asking his fans to donate to the community
service organization he founded in Haiti, Yele Haiti. Donations can be
made at the site, or automatically by texting YELE to 501501 to give
$5. More information about Yele Haiti here.

• Doctors Without Borders
donate.doctorswithoutborders.org

• Food for the Hungry
Donate online: http://www.fh.org
1-800-248-6437

We are working with SAIC's Office of Campus Life to determine what our school community can do to offer our support during this catastrophe. If you are intersted in helping with these efforts, please contact studentactivists@saic.edu or Jes Takla in Campus Life at jtakla@saic.edu

Invisible Children event Thurs Nov 12th!

2009-11-09T23:40:00.000-06:00

The Invisible Children Roadies will be coming to SAIC next Thursday!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

4:15pm - 5:30pm

280 S Columbus Dr.

Join us for a screening of the documentary "The Rescue" and learn more about this organization working to address the needs of children in war-torn Northern Uganda.

Check out the event page here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=200974680929&ref=nf

Awareness leads to action. Passion fuels change. Injustice drives humanity to join together and seek peace. Invisible Children, an organization committed to raising the profile on Africa’s longest running war, held an event earlier this year called ‘The Rescue’ where participants gathered simultaneously in 100 cities around the world. The event brought participants together to stand against the injustices in Northern Uganda and be a voice for the voiceless. We came together in solidarity, abducting ourselves for the abducted children in East Africa. The purpose of the event was to raise the profile on the war in Northern Uganda that has been called the most neglected humanitarian emergency in our world by asking our local and national media, politicians, and celebrities in each city to come out to the event in support of our efforts to end the atrocities that the rebel movement (LRA) has been committing for the past 23 years. The documentary film about this event is called ‘Together We Are Free’, and will be screened in the Columbus Drive Auditorium on Thursday, November 12th at 4:30pm. The Invisible Children roadies will be in Chicago for the screening to speak about this crisis and inspire others. This event will be hosted by the SAIC Student Activists group.
For more information visit www.invisiblechildren.com or please contact Hillary Strack at hstrac@saic.edu

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
Please spread the word, just remember to bring an id so you can get into the building.

ALL STUDENT MEETING with SAIC President Reiter

2009-11-09T23:09:00.002-06:00

Join Student Association for the first All Student Meeting of the academic year!

Students will hear from President Duke Reiter as well as from other members of SAIC administration.

Stick around after the short presentation and get your individual questions answered.

Snacks will be served as students chat with a wide variety of administrators and staff! See you there!

All Student Meeting with President Reiter
Hosted by your Student Association

Monday, November 16th

4:30pm

MacLean Center Ballroom

$10,000 for Peace!!

2009-11-05T17:45:00.002-06:00

Projects for Peace Information meeting
Tuesday, November 10, noon to 1 p.m. 817 Sharp Building (37 S. Wabash)

What's your idea of peace for the 21st century?
Want to win $10,000 to help make it happen next summer?
Find out how at this meeting.

One SAIC undergraduate student is guaranteed to realize his or her project.

Find out more here: www.davisprojectsforpeace.org

Nov 12th: Invisible Children Screening at SAIC

2009-11-02T10:20:00.000-06:00

Nov 12th
Invisible Children Screening and Discussion at SAIC.

Time/Location t.b.a.

For more information about Invisible Children, check out their website:
invisiblechildren.com

Here's some info you can find there:

In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.

After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda.s night commuters and child soldiers.

The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.

Our approach to humanitarian work is founded in the strength and intelligence of the Ugandan community. We learned early on it was not only important but essential to heed the wisdom of people that had not only lived in the war, but were surviving it. People who would know better than anyone what the greatest needs were and the best ways to meet them. What we came to find is that while there have been many efforts to address the issues that stem from living and fighting in such a long-lasting war, the people of Uganda are asking for a future beyond the conflict.

Their pleas have become our development strategy.

All of our programming is a partnership between those of us at Invisible Children and those in the Ugandan community. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country. Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability.

Join us at SAIC on Nov 12 to find out more!

Fundraising Idea

2009-11-02T10:09:00.004-06:00

Student Activists member Megan Pryce is working to organizing a fundraising drive to support the efforts of Peacepedalers (http://www.peacepedalers.org) to set up a school in Rwanda for children orphaned by AIDS
http://www.goodhopeschool.net

They already have a school in Uganda and need to raise 18,000 dollars for the new school.

This could be a great time of year to do a fundrasing project, in light of the holiday season. Megan was thinking that we could raise the money by creating peace sign ornaments to sell to families, friends etc. and to set up fundraising tables in the lobbies of SAIC buildings.

If you are interested, please contact Megan at mpryce@saic.edu

American Bankers Assoc. Protest Tuesday 10:30

2009-10-26T08:07:00.004-05:00

If you're itching for a protest march, join the supporters of Arise Chicago this Tuesday morning:

Host:	Arise Chicago, SEIU & many partners!
Type:	Causes - Protest
Network:	Global

Date:	Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Time:	10:30am - 12:00pm
Location:	Chicago
Street:	Wacker and Stetson

Email:

stopbankgreed@arisechicago.org

Banks took $15,000 for every man, woman and child in the U.S. The top six banks raked in $30 billion in profits in the first half of 2009. Yet ordinary Americans are still struggling to stay afloat... The average homeowner lost $110,000 in home equity. Unemployment is at its highest rate in 26 years. Every thirteen seconds another American home goes into foreclosure.

Tell the Big Banks to Fix What They Broke

Tuesday, October 27th
10:30 AM: March Begins at Wacker and Stetson
11:00 AM: Rally at the Sheraton, 301 E. North Water St.

For more information, visit www.stopbankgreed.org.
facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=141949243931

Contact Arise Chicago if you are interested in helping to organize student outreach: stopbankgreed@arisechicago.org
www.arisechicago.org

Meeting Tuesday 10/27 at 4:15

2009-10-26T07:53:00.002-05:00

Hope you can make it to our meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, at 4:15 in Michigan/MacLean room 1302.

We have a number of projects underway: Presentation by the Beehive Collective on Nov 4th, Invisible Children screening + discussion on Nov 12th, a proposed show of Rwandan artwork, Marie’s ongoing recycling campaign, and more!

Have ideas for additional projects? Bring them to Tuesday’s meeting!

Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday.

Don't Miss the Discussion THIS FRIDAY: "Iran: Debating Engagement"

2009-10-15T21:22:00.003-05:00

Hope you can make it to the panel discussion "Iran:Debating Engagement" sponsored by the SAIC Student Activists.

FRIDAY 7 pm, Columbus Building auditorium.

Hear from experts and participate in a lively q + a to follow!

Click here for the event announcement:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138894642011

The present moment is pivotal on two levels: in the aftermath of its
June presidential election, Iran has seen the largest political
upheaval in the three decades since the revolution; and just this month
the U.S. and Iran engaged in historic discussions on Iran's nuclear
program. Are these two developments related? How should the peace
movement make sense of them? Are antiwar activists in the U.S. tuned in to what the democratic movement in Iran is thinking and saying about the current situation?

This timely discussion will address these questions and illuminate the
multiple issues in play. Robert Naiman, National Coordinator for Just
Foreign Policy, supports engagement unconditionally. Kaveh Ehsani, a
professor of International Studies at DePaul University and a member of the editorial boards of Middle East Report and the Tehran-based journal Goft-o-gu (Dialogue), has long advocated improved relations between Iran and the US but believes that Iran's June presidential election was stolen and that Ahmadinejad now leads a coup d'etat administration that should not be rewarded/legitimized with international recognition.

Come hear these two experts explore both their common ground as well as their disagreements on these vital questions.

Sponsors: 8th Day Center for Justice | American Friends Service
Committee (AFSC) - Great Lakes Region | Buddhist Peace Fellowship -
Chicago Chapter | Chicagoans Against War & Injustice (CAWI) | F
Newsmagazine | Fellowship of Reconciliation – Chicago Chapter | In
These Times | Logan Square Neighbors for Justice and Peace | Logos: A Journal of Modern Society & Culture | Middle East Reasearch and
Information Project (MERIP) | National Iranian American Council (NIAC) | No War on Iran Coalition | SAIC Liberal Arts Department | SAIC Student Activists | North Shore Coalition for Peace, Justice and the Environment | North Suburban Peace Initiative (NSPI) | Truthout |
Voices for Creative Nonviolence

Iranian FIlm at Gene Siskel

2009-10-08T17:33:00.003-05:00

From the Gene Siskel Film Center:

20th Annual Festival of Films from Iran

The Gene Siskel Film Center welcomes you to the 20th anniversary celebration of our Festival of Films from Iran, October 3 through November 1, with a very special additional program on November 21. In this year in which Iran remains very much in the headlines, we look forward with film premieres and also take a look back at earlier films and the work of major artists.

Click on their website for more information! http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/iran_2009

Make your voice heard online at SAIC!

2009-10-08T16:58:00.002-05:00

An online discussion board is now up and running on the FNews website!

Topics include SAIC, Museums/Galleries/Exhibitions, and Everything Else!

Click here to check it out! http://fnewsmagazine.com/forum/

Voice your thoughts/opinions to the SAIC community and beyond!

Iran Panel Oct 16th

2009-10-05T16:28:00.002-05:00

Debating Engagement

A Critical Dialogue among Progressives

on Iran & the Peace Movement

Friday October 16 <> 7 PM

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Columbus Auditorium | 280 S. Columbus Dr. (between Monroe & Jackson)

Robert Naiman

National Coordinator of Just Foreign Policy

Kaveh Ehsani

Editorial Committee Member, Middle East Report & Professor of International Studies, DePaul

While progressives stand united in opposing U.S. aggression against Iran, we hold contending positions on whether the Obama administration should move forward with engagement now or hold off until the dust settles in Iran in the aftermath of the June election. This discussion will illuminate the critical issues at stake, and couldn’t be timelier as headlines abound with Ahmadinejad's UN appearance and the protests against him, renewed demonstrations in Iran, and talks over Iran's nuclear program set for October.

Free and Open to the Public

Sponsors

Meeting Tuesday 4:15

2009-09-21T21:41:00.005-05:00

At our last meeting, we decided that Tuesday at 4:15 worked best for most people as a time for our weekly meetings. I hope you can join us!

Room 1302 in the Michigan/MacLean Building this Tuesday at 4:15.

1302 is adjacent to the Student Association office, around the corner from the Radio Station.

See you there!

Vet Art Project: Poetry

2009-09-06T08:11:00.007-05:00

News from the Vet Art Project:

Some of you may already know about the upcoming Warrior Poetry reading scheduled for Sunday, November 22nd following the matinee performance of Heros, but here's the salon program that kicks off the whole season. This panel features our own David Faigin. Please join in what will surely be a lively discussion if you can.

Details below . . .

Remy Bumppo Theatre Season Salon

Monday, September 14, 2009

7:00 pm / Doors open at 6:30 pm

Location: Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue

Our annual kickoff event, the Salon is a chance to meet and greet the artists behind Remy Bumppo as well as learn more about the upcoming season.

Admission is free and open to all Remy Bumppo subscribers and their guests.

A $10 donation at the door is appreciated.

Enjoy a lively, sometimes irreverent panel discussion and Q &A on the season theme of Friendships Tested. Continue the conversation over coffee and desserts in the lobby.

The 2009 Panelists include:

Kelly Kleiman, one of the "Dueling Theater Critics" on Chicago Public Radio "848" program (Moderator)

Doug Cassel, a Notre Dame Presidential Fellow and director of the Law School’s Center for Civil and Human Rights

David Faigin, a psychotherapist and member of the Advisory Board with the Vet Art Project

Alfred Gini, an associate professor of business ethics at Loyola University

James Bohnen, Remy Bumppo artistic director

RSVP here: http://www.remybumppo.org/pages/season_salon/95.php

vetartproject.com

lisarosenthal.com

“Veterans are the light at the tip of the candle, illuminating the way for the whole nation. If veterans can achieve awareness, transformation, understanding, and peace, they can share with the rest of society the realities of war. And they can teach us how to make peace with ourselves and each other, so we never have to use violence to resolve conflicts again.” —Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh

"The future of our Armed Services and the future of our country will be integrally linked with how we take care of our veterans." —George Washington

What Would YOU Like To Do FIRST?

2009-09-04T17:06:00.006-05:00

What would you like the Student Activists' first activity of the semester to be?

A community service event?
A panel discussion?
A party with donations going to a specific charity?
A movie night?
Have an idea for something else?

Let us know! studentactivists@saic.edu

We are eager for members of the SAIC Student Activists group to take on more leadership roles this year, so if you have project ideas in mind that you would like to help work towards, please speak up!

Hope to see you at our first meeting of the semester!

FIRST FALL MEETING: Mon Sept 14th, 4:15

2009-09-04T13:15:00.005-05:00

Join us for the SAIC Student Activists' FIRST FALL MEETING:
Monday Sept 14th
4:15 pm
Michigan Building: 14th floor lounge.

I hope you + your friends can make it to discuss our plans for the coming year. There are a lot of potential projects we can work on: continuing our film series on refugee issues, continuing our advocacy for recycling on campus, continuing our alliance with Amnesty International, Students United for Darfur, LiNK, the May Day group, and much more! Help spread the word!

If you aren’t able to come to this first meeting, but are still interested in participating in the group, please let me know.

Looking forward to it,

-Lisa Nonken
Student Leader, SAIC Student Activists
lnonke@saic.edu

New STUDENT LEADERS WANTED!

2009-09-04T13:05:00.005-05:00

We Want YOU
to be a new
STUDENT LEADER
for the SAIC Student Activists!

Would you be interested in taking a leadership role in the Student Activists Group this year?

We are currently looking for 2 or more students to take over as the new Student Leaders of our group.

You would serve as a liason between the group and the Campus Life Office, and work to schedule activities, arranging meetings, and helping to direct the group's efforts.

Please let me know if you might be interested.

Best,
-Lisa Nonken
Student Leader: SAIC Student Activists
lnonke@saic.edu

May Day Rally THIS FRIDAY!!

2009-04-29T13:30:00.002-05:00

Hope you can join us for Chicago's Historic Annual May Day March. Join other Chicagoans to take a stand for workers' rights, immigrants' rights, or whatever other cause is dear to your heart!

SAIC students will meet outside 112 S. Michigan at 10:30, and then take the Madison bus over to the rally.

Etta and her crew have made a ton of great signs, and you can feel free to bring your own as well!

Hope you can make it!

For more info about MayDay, check out the wikipedia article here.

Free Film Tonight! Crossing, 6 pm Ballroom

2009-04-26T16:10:00.002-05:00

"Crossing" film screening and follow-up discussion with reps from LiNK: Liberty in North Korea

TONIGHT, (Sunday) 6 pm
SAIC Ballroom (112 S Michigan)

Free and Open to the Public!

"Crossing" is an award-winning film from S. Korea, an epic drama about the plight of North Korean refugees, S. Korea's nominee for the academy awards.

Pictures from the Darfur Rally

2009-04-21T13:37:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Youth United for Darfur Rally this past Sunday. We had a great turn-out despite the drizzle. The bands rocked, we got great press coverage, and we raised over $15,000 to support education for Darfuri children living in refugee camps in E. Chad. The SAIC Student Activists raised close to $600, and it's not too late to make a donation: visit our donation page today!

Here is some press coverage for the event:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6769455

http://www.wesay.com/Top_Photos/News/204200986341725/

More photos on view on the SAIC Portal + Facebook

Crossing/크로싱 Screening Sun April 26th

2009-04-21T13:28:00.003-05:00

Crossing/크로싱
Sun. April 26th, 6-9 pm, 112 S. Michigan, Ballroom

Film Screening + Follow-Up Discussion
with representatives from the organization “LiNK: Liberty in North Korea”

Join us to watch this award-winning epic drama on the plight of a North Korean refugee family.
South Korea's selection for the 2009 Academy Awards. In Korean with English subtitles.

FREE + OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Brought to you by the SAIC Student Activists, studentactivists@saic.edu, saicactivism.blogspot.com, Group Pages on Facebook + the SAIC Portal

click here to view the "Crossing" trailer: http://vimeo.com/3171196

Global Activism Expo Sat April 25th

2009-04-21T13:25:00.002-05:00

Global Activism Expo 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009 @ noon - 6:00 p.m.
http://chicagopublicradio.org/Event_Detail.aspx?eventID=924

Hosted by Worldview’s Jerome McDonnell, Chicago Public Radio Presents…is thrilled to again present this remarkable celebration – complete with food, music and over 100 Chicago-area Global Activists, all featured guests of Worldview’s Global Activism series. On the air for over six years now, the Series continues to be inspirational, and bringing everyone together for this Expo has quickly become an annual event.

Doors open at noon on Saturday and stay open until 6 pm; it’s FREE – so bring your classes, your children, your neighbors, your friends and family.

Free parking is available in NEIU Lot L. View the NEIU Campus Map for detailed directions, and click here for directions to the campus by car and public transportation.

This year there will be a variety of food for sale from local ethnic restaurants (cash sales only!), and an outdoor eating area in addition to space set-aside in the Expo for your enjoyment. We’ve added a Performance Stage where the amazing talent associated with many of these organizations will be performing for you; and we’ve arranged for break-out rooms where presentations will be made by various organizations throughout the day, so that you can better learn what they do and how you can get involved.

Check out all the organizations that are scheduled to attend the 2009 Global Activism Expo.

View and print the schedule of breakout sessions with participating organizations.

There's a LOT Going on with the Student Activists

2009-04-09T23:17:00.000-05:00

There is a lot going on with the Student Activists!!

We’ve raised over $400 through online donations and checks in our fundraiser to support education for the Darfuri refugees in the Djabal camp in E. Chad. If you haven’t done so already, please make a personal donation, and ask others to do the same: parents, friends, classmates, professors, EVERYONE. Our goal is $1,000 by the rally next Sunday the 19th. Visit youthunitedfordarfur.org to make a donation, or go straight to the Student Activists’ custom fundraising page: www.educationpartnership.org/groups/426

Sat April 11- Sat April 18th: “Witnessing Genocide” Show of drawings by children living in the Dafruri refugee camps + photos of these camps. In Flaxman Library and 12h floor of Sharp Building. Can you help me hang this show tomorrow (Friday)? Please let me know!

Monday April 13th 4pm SAIC Auditorium. Student Meeting with SAIC’s president Duke Reiter to discuss the current state of our school and the future of SAIC. Not to be missed!!

The Student Activists are bringing LOST BOYS from SUDAN to SAIC NEXT WEEK: WED and FRI NIGHT!! TELL YOUR FRIENDS/ CLASSMATES/ PROFESSORS, ANYONE!! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!! THIS IS HUGE!!

Wed April 15th 6-9 Michigan rm 501. Screening of “Lost Boys of Sudan” + follow-up discussion with SPECIAL GUESTS Peter Magai Bul-- Assistant Secretary, Sudanese Community Association of Illinois and John Dut Kuol-- Treasurer, Chicago Association for the Lost Boys of Sudan. Find out first-hand about the experience of Sudanese refugees coming to America. This is the kick-off for our month-long “Conflict, Film, and Activism” Series of Film Screenings and Discussions sponsored by the Student Activists. Open to the public!! Bring friends, Tell classmates/professors. Help spread the word!

(We will also still have our regular Wednesday weekly lunch meeting in 1302 Michigan from 12:15-12:45 to check in about the Student Activists’ many ongoing projects and to voice your thoughts and ideas.)

Fri April 17th 4:30-7:00 Screening of “The Devil Came on Horseback” + follow-up discussion with a return of our special guests Peter and John Dut. Michigan rm 908. Watch a powerful documentary about the experience of a US observer sent to document-through photos and video- the continuing violence in Darfur. Talk with Peter and John Dut about the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Part of “Conflict, Film, and Activism" Series of Film Screenings and Discussions sponsored by the Student Activists. Open to the public!! Bring friends, Tell classmates/professors. Help spread the word!

Sunday April 19th: 1-4, YOUTH UNITED FOR DARFUR RALLY in Federal Plaza (intersection of Adams and Dearborn). FEATURED SPEAKERS: Congresswoman Schakowsky, State Senator Collins, Stella Kenyi from the Enough Project, Harold Rogers from Chicago Black Trade Unionists, Deng-Lost Boy of Sudan, Mohamed Kauda from Darfur Assoc in Illinois, Ashal Yai Sudanese Student and Poet, Rev. LaDonna Sanders from South Africa Ubuntu Project. FEATURED MUSICIANS: Company of Thieves, The Hood Internet, Scott Lucas of Local H, Paul Green’s School of Rock. Find out more at youthunitedfordarfur.org This should be HUGE!!!! Open to the public!! Bring friends, tell classmates/professors. Help spread the word!

In preparation for the rally, the SAIC Student Activists are asked to be in charge of the display of artwork. (drawings and photos will be on display in the Sharp building this week, then will be brought to display at the rally.) Can you help me construct a wooden display rack so that we can display the drawings at the rally? Please let me know if/when you have any spare second in the coming week so that we can get together in the wood shop to get this thing built!

Also, do we want to make signs or t-shirts for the rally? Maybe on Friday the 17th after our screening + discussion of “The Devil Came on Horseback” ?

Thurs April 23rd “Left Behind” SAIC Auditorium 6-9 pm Panel Discussion organized by Platypus, addressing issues of global capital, trade unions, workers rights, international solidarity, and immigration, in light of recent economic and political change. See the event page on facebook for more info. Looks like it'll be a great event.

Sunday April 26th 6-9, Ballroom, Screening of “Crossing” + follow-up discussion led by reps from LiNK: Liberty in North Korea. This is an epic dramatization based on the experiences of North Korean refugees. Part of “Conflict, Film, and Activism" Series of Film Screenings and Discussions sponsored by the Student Activists. We have the BALLROOM for this event. Let’s work together to make this event HUGE!! Open to the public!! Bring friends, Tell classmates/professors. Help spread the word!

Monday April 27th SAIC Auditorium 4:30-6:30 Screening of “Kuxa Kanema” + follow- up discussion about the role of film in addressing social and political conflict. Final Film in the “Conflict, Film, and Activism" Series of Film Screenings and Discussions sponsored by the Student Activists. Open to the public!! Bring friends, Tell classmates/professors. Help spread the word!

Friday May 1st: Chicago’s Historic MayDay Rally! “Because immigrant and labor rights are human rights. Because human rights are fought for and won.” Get together with other Chicagoans and take a stand for workers’ rights, immigrants’ rights, or whatever cause is dear to you! SAIC students being organized by Student Activists and Platypus. We’ll be sending out more info on this in the coming weeks.

As a precursor to the May Day rally, there’s a great event going on at Roosevelt University TOMORROW, Friday April 10th:
Roosevelt University Activist Alliance presents a panel on May Day/International Worker Solidarity: Speakers: Les Orear - 98 year old former Chicago Stockyards Worker and current President Emeritus of the Illinois Labor History Society will share his experiences and knowledge on the history of May Day, especially as it relates to Chicago history. Aaron Hughes - an Iraq Veteran Against the War will share his report back from a trip to the first ever Iraqi Freedom Congress. and more! Friday, April 10th, 2009, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Roosevelt University
430 S. Michigan Ave., Spertus Lounge, AUD 244

The SAIC Student Activists are in high demand! President Duke Reiter has asked if the Student Activists would like to schedule a meeting to talk with him and discuss our ideas about improving the community at SAIC. What times look good for you guys? Maybe the last week of classes?

Also, Bert Schlingmann from the IRFM office would be happy to meet with our group to talk about SAIC’s current “green” initiatives and to listen to our ideas about how to improve SAIC’s environmental responsibility. What days/times would work with your schedule? Maybe the week after next?

Whew! There’s a lot going on, and the success and coolness of our events depends on your participation, and our ability to promote our events to get a big turn-out. Please help spread the word about our many ongoing projects!

Got some design skills? Please help design posters and flyers for our film + discussion series “Conflict, Film, and Activism”, or other events! You’ve got all the info in this email. Please let me know if you’re working on a flyer, and send me your designs asap! We’ve got FUNDING for printing!!

Hoping to hear how you can help out: flyers, posters, rally signs, rack to display Darfuri artwork at rally, write an article about our activities, fundraising for Darfuri students, helping to promote events, There’s lots to do! Gimmie a call or float me an email about what you're interested in helping with.

Looking forward to all of our awesome activities in the coming weeks,

Regards,
-Lisa Nonken

Student Leader, SAIC Student Activists
studentactivists@saic.edu

Also make sure to join the SAIC Student Activists' group pages on Facebook and the SAIC Portal!

Darfur Event at Chicago Cultural Center THIS THURSDAY!!

2009-04-01T00:07:00.006-05:00

Building Peace in the Pursuit of Justice:

Perspectives on Darfur

Thursday, April 2nd

6:30pm Doors Open

7 – 8pm Program

8 – 9pm Refreshments

and Exhibits

Chicago Cultural Center

78 E. Washington St.

Chicago, IL 60602

5th Floor – Garland and

Washington Rooms

Admission is FREE!

RSVP to darfur@parliamentofreligions.org.

For more information call Alisa Roadcup

at 312-629-2990 ext. 237.

Join us for an evening of compelling and inspiring presentations,

interactive exhibits and a LIVE QUESTIONS CAMPAIGN BOOTH on

the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

Ameerah Haq, the Deputy Special Representative of the

Secretary-General for Sudan will share her inspiring story of

involvement with the United Nations Development Programme.

Brief presentations on the 2009 Parliament of the World’s

Religions and Amnesty International’s Darfur Campaign will

also highlight the evening.

Learn what you can do right now to promote peace and

reconciliation internationally and in your own backyard!

This event will feature an interactive art exhibit, Displaced, a

traveling installation that will guide you through four themed

refugee experiences: Conflict in Darfur, Flight and Displacement,

Life in a Displacement Camp, and Toward a Solution. Placards,

photographs, maps and handouts form the core content of

each theme.

You will have the chance to make your voice heard through

participating in the LIVE QUESTIONS CAMPAIGN BOOTH hosted

by FLASHPOINT The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to discover what

other activist groups are doing about pressing social concerns

in their communities. Bring a friend, bring your class, but most

importantly, bring yourself to this exciting and interactive event.

Select Partners for this event include: SPIN (Student Pluralism Interfaith Network), Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice at the Lutheran School of Theology Chicago and FLASHPOINT The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences, Amnesty International, Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, and the United States Council for the UN Development Program.

Flyer PDF is uploaded on the "files" folder on the Student Activists' SAIC Portal Group Page. Check it out!

Sign Up on Darfur Rally's RSVP Page

2009-03-29T18:35:00.004-05:00

Go to http://www.savedarfur.org/page/event/detail/4vxr5#rsvp to RSVP for the Youth United for Darfur Rally:

This year's Youth United for Darfur rally will take place at the Federal Plaza on April 19, 2009, at 1:00pm as the culmination of a Chicago-wide fundraising effort, lasting 10 weeks. Through raising awareness in their local communities, student activists will support the ENOUGH Project's Sister Schools program, which provides educational opportunities in eastern Chad to children displaced by the Darfur crisis, and the local Sudanese Community Center that meets the human service needs of Illinois residents of Sudanese descent. Collaborative efforts with major international organizations such as the Save Darfur Coalition and Amnesty International will bolster the power of youth and their ability to make a difference locally and globally. Additionally, this rally will emphasize the importance for the Obama Administration to take swift action in promoting peace and justice in Darfur. Since the Holocaust Remembrance Day falls in April, the rally will encourage attendees to take action and make "Never Again" a reality. This event will include speeches by respected dignitaries, live music, and opportunities to take action through letter writing and petitioning. For more information about the rally please visit www.youthunitedfordarfur.org or send an email to info@youthunitedfordarfur.org.


Time:	Sunday, April 19 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location:	Federal Plaza (Chicago, IL) 50 W Adams Chicago, IL 60610

Darfur Fundraising Flyer

2009-03-28T16:28:00.005-05:00

Dear SAIC Faculty and Students,

As part of a Chicago-wide effort to end the genocide in Darfur, the SAIC Student Activists are participating in the Youth United for Darfur Rally that will take place on April 19^th at 1:00pm at Federal Plaza in Downtown Chicago. The event is being organized by our coalition of over 35 student groups, including high schools, colleges, and youth groups. We are collaborating with major human rights organizations, such as the Save Darfur Coalition and the Enough Project in order to create an effective and successful event. Our goals are three-fold:

1. Showing Darfuri children in refugee camps that residents of President Obama's home state stand with them and that they are not forgotten.

2. Showing the world the fact that Illinois' American and Sudanese youth are working together in their efforts to bring peace to Sudan.

3. Showing President Obama that Illinois vocally supports new efforts to end the conflict in Sudan.

In case you are unaware, the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, which began in 2003, has taken the lives of up to 400,000 people and has displaced over 2.5 million people. Although international efforts have attempted to stop President Omar Al-Bashir and his Janjaweed militia from murdering, raping, and displacing so many innocent people, demands for peace and justice have been largely ignored. And yet, there is still hope. Through united actions such as the one that the Student Activists are part of, we can demand that politicians make it a priority to address this ongoing crisis.

Prior to the rally, student groups, including the SAIC Student Activists Group, will be fundraising for the Sister School Program, which supports schools attended by Darfuri refugees in the Djebal refugee camp in Eastern Chad. By supporting these schools, displaced youth will gain the education necessary to eventually return to their homeland and create a better future.

The SAIC Student Activists aim to raise $1,000 to support these important efforts toward the overall goal of $15,000 by April 19^th. We are doing our part in fundraising by asking classmates, teachers, family and friends for small donations that will truly make a tremendous difference (Your donation of $25, $15, or even $5, makes a huge difference!). Please consider donating money to help Chicago’s students successfully support the less fortunate youth affected by the genocide in Darfur.

To make an online donation, visit www.youthunitedfordarfur.org. On the home page, click “Donate.” You will be taken to a page on which all of the student groups involved are listed. Please select the link for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. From there, click the “Donate” button (you can choose how you want to donate; $20.00 will provide a student with a desk and bench, $6.00 pays for a textbook, and $50.00 supports a teacher’s kit, $10.00 buys a basketball) and safely enter your credit card information to make a contribution. If you would like to donate with cash or checks (checks made out to “Enough Project”), you can drop them off in my mailbox in the Columbus Building outside the Sculpture Department Office.

Thanks so much for your help in our efforts! If you have any questions, please email studentactivists@saic.edu or call me at (860) 916- 8278.

Sincerely,

Lisa Nonken

Student Leader, SAIC Student Activists

chicago.indymedia.org Terrific Website for Chicago Activism

2009-03-27T15:05:00.003-05:00

Check out the website for Chicago's Independent Media Center:

http://chicago.indymedia.org/

Their event calendars are great resources for upcoming activist events in the Chicago area.

If there's an event that looks particularly interesting to you, please speak up so we can bring it to the attention of other SAIC Student Activits!

It's great if we can all help each other keep track of the many events going on around the city!

Earth Day Plans

2009-03-27T13:27:00.005-05:00

That's right! Earth Day will be here in less than a month! I bet you have creative ideas for how the Student Activists can capitalize on this momentous day to raise awareness about environmental responsibility at SAIC.

Here are some great links about Earth Day 2009:

http://www.earthday.net/earthday2009

Earth Day Events in Chicago

More Chicago Earth Day Events

Earth Day Events in Chicago's Parks

Even More Chicago Earth Day Events from the Chicago Reader!!

Please share with me your ideas, and consider taking on a leadership role in this initiaitve, as part of the Student Activists' Environmental Sub-Committee.

In our Earth Day activities, we will be able to work with SAIC's office of Instructional Resources and Facilities Management. For instance, their trash and recycling contractor, Allied Waste, would be able to place put a large cube of crushed aluminum outside the Columbus Building for the day. This would function well as the centerpiece to our Earth Day awareness activities ie, members of the student activists could team up for shifts to hand out flyers about recycling in Chicago and at SAIC. It would be great to have some give-aways like stickers or the like.

Want to design flyers or posters or banners for us to use? What messages would you like to send about environmental responsibility at SAIC and in Chicago? Please share your ideas!

Earth Day will also be the kick-off event for our campaign with Res Life and IRFM to make the end of the semester more “Green”, focusing on urging dorm residents to recycle or donate all they can as they clear our their rooms.

I hope you can join us for the meeting with representatives from the Res Life and IRFM offices to discuss Earth Day plans and ways to make the end of the semester more environmentally responsible. Wed April 1^st 12:30 room 820D Sharp.

Right after the meeting, Student Activists who are able will head to the Corner Bakery to snack and solidify our next steps toward the realization of our Earth Day projects.

Join us!

Earth Hour Sat 8:30 pm

2009-03-27T12:49:00.001-05:00

Student Association encourages you to save the date for Earth Hour 2009!

Earth Hour 2009
Saturday, March 28th
8:30pm - 9:30pm

It?s time once again to turn out and take action against global climate change. Nearly a billion businesses, organizations, schools and individuals around the world will turn off their lights on Saturday, March 28, at 8:30pm during Earth Hour, and we encourage you to join in. SAIC will be participating by dimming the lights in classrooms and lounge areas that are not in use during this time frame.

Chicago is proud to return as a flagship city for Earth Hour, a global movement led by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and presented locally by ComEd. Last year, more than 2.7 million adults in the Chicagoland area turned off their lights, resulting in an electricity savings of 7 percent in the region ? the equivalent of taking more than one million cars off the road for one hour, or planting 158 acres of trees.

We hope you?ll help build on last year?s momentum by participating in this exciting global initiative. We encourage you to register your support at www.earthhourus.org/chicago. You can also download outreach materials and get suggestions for Earth Hour activities.

Saturday, March 28th at 8:30 pm: Turn out. Take action. Earth Hour 2009.

For more information on Earth Hour, please visit EarthHourUS.org

The First Free Speech Board is Finally Going Up!

2009-03-20T15:45:00.005-05:00

Introducing the FREE SPEECH BOARD!

SPEAK UP & SHOUT OUT!

Starting next week ,this new message board outside the Student Association Office on the 13^th floor of the Michigan Building will be a place to POST WHATEVER YOU WANT: personal messages, event announcements, questions, requests, ads, love letters, rants, ANYTHING! Unlike the other bulletin boards on campus, messages on the Free Speech Board DON’T need to be approved by SAIC’s office of Campus Activities. Try to include a contact email address on your posting, so that people can respond to your message. All messages will be removed at the end of each month.

The next month will be a “TRIAL” period to see if people actually make use of the board. If the experiment is deemed a success, the project will be become much more ambitious, with the prospect of a Free Speech Board installed in every SAIC building, and a Free Speech channel on SAIC’s portal homepage. With your participation, these Free Speech Boards can become a valuable forum for communication within the SAIC community. So get up to the 13^th floor and POST YOUR MESSAGE TODAY!!

Brought to you by the SAIC Student Activists. saicactivism.blogspot.com

Questions? Contact SAIC’s Office of Campus Activities: 312.629.6883

Note: For info on SAIC’s POSTING POLICY, which pertains to all other bulletin boards on campus EXCEPT the new Free Speech Zone, go to the portal page: Services> Campus Activities> Posting Policy

Full Speed Ahead for April Darfur Rally!

2009-03-18T03:35:00.004-05:00

SAIC’s Student Activists are helping to raise awareness and funds for Darfuri students living in refugee camps. They have teamed up with Youth United for Darfur, a coalition of over 35 student groups from colleges, universities, and high-schools in the Chicago area sponsored by several prominent international organizations such as the Save Darfur Coalition, STAND and Amnesty International. This coalition is staging a major rally in Federal Plaza at 1 pm on Sunday April 19^th to culminate their 10-week fundraising drive supporting education in the Djabal Refugee camp in Eastern Chad. A portion of their donations will also go towards the new Sudanese Community Center, which supports Sudanese refugees living right here in Chicago.

The rally will feature musical acts and rousing speeches by activists, politicians, and survivors of the Sudanese crisis. Artwork by Darfuri students will be on display, and attendees will be invited to record a video message of support that will be played for Darfuri children.

A similar event in 2007 attracted thousands and helped ensure the passage of anti-genocide legislation. (Images posted here are from last year's rally.) This year’s innovative event has three key goals:

-Showing Darfuri children in refugee camps that residents of President Obama's home state stand with them and that they are not forgotten.

-Highlighting for the world the fact that Illinois' American and Sudanese youth are working together in their efforts to bring peace to Sudan.

-Demonstrating to President Obama that Illinois vocally supports new efforts to end the conflict in Sudan.

This undertaking is remarkable not only because it is entirely student-driven, but also because it creates a way for Chicago’s students to directly reach out to their peers in the Darfuri refugee camps, who have been cut off from education, opportunity, and the outside world.

For more information, visit youthunitedfordarfur.org, where you can also find the SAIC Student Activists’ fundraising page. Donations of clothing and funds will also be collected at the rally.

Quick summary of the crisis in Darfur:

Darfur is a region of western Sudan, approximately the size of France.

The country has been in violent turmoil since 2003, when the black African Darfuris rebelled against the country’s Arab-ruled government, headed by President Omar al-Bashir. The government responded by arming the Janjaweed militiamen, who brutally attacked the people of Darfur, wiping out whole villages and terrorizing survivors. According to the UN, the ensuing civil war has killed approximately 300,000 people due to warfare and resulting disease and malnutrition, and over 2.5 million more Darfuris have been displaced from their home villages. The displaced are currently living in refugee camps: many remain within the borders of Sudan, although an increasing number are fleeing to crowded camps in neighboring Chad. Last month, the UN’s International Criminal Court released a warrant to arrest President al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity. In response, al-Bashir called for the immediate removal of all major foreign aid organizations who had been providing food, medical attention, and education to the Darfuri refugees. The UN has estimated that if aid organizations are not permitted to resume their work, up to 100,000 Sudanese could die each month. It remains a highly volatile situation, and the lives of millions Darfuri’s lives hang in the balance.

Sources:

UN News Centre: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=30081&Cr=darfur&Cr1=icc

Reuters:

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE52G68P20090318

BBC:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/topics/sudan

Does SAIC really recycle?

2009-03-18T03:33:00.002-05:00

What’s going on with recycling at SAIC? Sure you’ve seen the recycling bins around the hallways, but it’s hard to know if the plastics, papers, etc. you put there really make it to the recycling plant.

There’s some understandable confusion about recycling at SAIC. In the fall there were all these cardboard containers to separate paper, plastic, and cans. Now these new plastic bins are appearing that are virtually identical to the regular trash bins, but have transparent trash bags and stickers reading “SAIC Recycles!” Are these really recycling bins? What am I supposed to put in them? Will the stuff really get recycled?

These new bins are part of SAIC’s new co-mingling recycling policy. Instructional Resources and Facilities Management is in the process of streamlining recycling in all SAIC buildings. Paper, plastic, and aluminum can ALL be put in the same recycling bin, and YES, they really are separated and recycled by SAIC’s trash contractor, Allied Waste. Yes, it would be great to have recycling bins that are easily distinguishable from the regular trash, but at the moment SAIC doesn’t have the funds to purchase a whole new set of recycling bins, and for now we’re making do with what we’ve got.

So keep an eye out for these new co-mingling recycling bins, and USE THEM!!

If you’re concerned about something, don’t just grumble, speak up! The Department of Instructional Resources and Facilities Management welcomes your questions or comments about SAIC’s recycling or other related issues. They can be reached at: (312) 759-1385, 37 South Wabash, Room 1001.

SAIC is Getting Greener!

2009-03-18T03:30:00.002-05:00

To find out what SAIC is currently doing to promote environmental responsibility on campus, representatives from the Student Activists sat down with Michelle Maynard and Bert Schlingmann from the Instructional Resources and Facilities Management office (IRFM). Michelle and Bert are working hard to improve SAIC’s current programs such as recycling services and energy efficiency on campus. They are also constantly seeking out more information about emerging green initiatives, and are striving to make SAIC even more green, with many new projects in the works!

With the goal of bringing SAIC to the leading edge of green innovation, one obvious challenge is that all the SAIC buildings (with the exception of the 162 dorm) are older buildings, built before the current concerns of energy efficiency. IRFM has the long-term goal of having SAIC become an officially certified “Green” campus, but realistically that is a ways off. In the meantime, however, they are taking significant steps towards this goal.

Lights throughout SAIC buildings are being rigged with timers and occupancy sensors to decrease wasted energy. SAIC is working to decrease energy use in its dorms as well. Incandescent light bulbs are being replaced with CFLs in all dorm rooms, which will result in 147.3 tons of coal NOT being burned for electricity, and 206 metric tons of CO2 NOT being released in the atmosphere. 1,729,530 gallons of water will be saved annually thanks to the new low-flow restrictions being installed in dorm showers and sinks.

SAIC is also working to make the campus infrastructure itself more environmentally-conscious. New carpeting is made of recycled and recyclable materials. New flooring is gradually being installed in dorm rooms and campus buildings made of the sustainable and all-natural product, forbo marmoleum tile. Marmoleum is made from entirely renewable resources (jute, wood flour, rosin, and linseed oil.) It is non-toxic in its production, installation, use, maintenance, and disposal, and eliminates the need for toxic chemicals normally used in the stripping and waxing of traditional flooring.

When purchasing new furniture for campus, IRFM seeks out environmentally-friendly companies and products made from renewable resources. For instance, when IRFM constructed their new office core in the Sharp Building about a year ago they purchased new desks made from 100% sustainable materials.

Instructional Resources and Facilities Management is seeking out environmentally-friendly trash bags, paper products, and other consumable items used in housekeeping. In addition, green cleaning products are used across campus by housekeeping staff.

Allied Waste, SAIC’s contractor for trash and recycling removal, supplies SAIC with a monthly report about SAIC’s recycling efforts. For instance, in the month of January alone, SAIC produced over 53 tons of garbage, and 16.62 tons of recyclables. Recyclables in January consisted of 13.3 tons of cardboard, 3 tons of mixed paper, and 0.33 tons of co-mingled paper, metal, and plastics, saving SAIC $830, and keeping 21 cubic yards of recyclable material out of the landfill. Along with collecting and sorting SAIC’s paper, plastic, and metal recyclables, Allied Waste also removes SAIC construction debris. These construction materials are also sorted to identify what can be re-used or re-cycled. It’s not only good for the environment, but it also makes economic sense.

The SAIC Student Activists are working with IRFM and Residence Life to reduce the mountains of waste that are created at SAIC the end of the semester. Last year, when students were moving out of the dorms, 27 tons of trash was created in 3 days! Not only is this shockingly wasteful, but it’s also expensive: SAIC has to pay by the ton and per pickup.

Looking towards the future, Instructional Resources and Facilities Management is seeking out new opportunities to make SAIC more green. Not only because it is the ethical and environmentally-friendly thing to do, but also because long-term it can save a considerable amount of money!

6th Anniversary of Iraq War: March to the Pentagon March 21st

2009-03-17T23:08:00.013-05:00

BUSSES TO THE PENTAGON RALLY LEAVE FROM SAIC'S COLUMBUS BUILDING THIS FRIDAY AT 5PM!!

Chicago's A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition is organizing buses for HUGE March on the Pentagon.

Click here for info on A.N.S.W.E.R.'s Pentagon March

The Chicago Buses to the Pentagon will depart Friday, March 20 at 5 pm and arrive back in Chicago early Sunday morning. The buses will depart and drop-off behind the Art Institute of Chicago (Columbus between Jackson and Monroe).

Click here to purchase bus tickets now!

Tickets are $105 to cover the cost of the bus with a $3 charge for online tickets. Call 773-463-0311 for other payment options.

Click here to watch a short video from A.N.S.W.E.R. Chicago calling for people to join their bus trip!

Click here to watch a video of ANSWER Chicago's Daylan Dufelmeier on why he's marching on the Pentagon.

Make a donation now to help send youth & students to the March on the Pentagon! Click here to make a donation

On Thurs Mar. 14 A.N.S.W.E.R. Chicago will have a Meeeting to Prepare for the DC Bus Trip, and to Report Back on last weekend's rally in Pilsen.

Thurs., March 19, 7 pm
3334 W. Lawrence #202
(Brown Line - Kimball Stop)
773-463-0311 for more info
Click here for directions

At the meeting there will be:

(1) A discussion about building a mass people's movement in a time of economic crisis for workers, brutal government cutbacks, growing racism and endless war.

(2) An orientation for people who are getting on the bus from Chicago to the Saturday, March 21 March on the Pentagon

Click here to Join A.N.S.W.E.R. Chicago's Facebook group!

Please Donate to Help Darfuri Students!

2009-03-15T23:06:00.005-05:00

In preparation for our Fed Plaza Rally on April 19th, Chicago's Youth United for Darfur (the coalition of schools and youth groups including the SAIC Student Activists) are raising funds to support educational resources for Darfuri youth currently living in the Djabal Refugee Camp in E. Chad.

We are doing our part by asking family, friends, and classmates to make small donations that will truly make difference.

Please visit the SAIC Student Activists' special fundraising page:

http://www.educationpartnership.org/groups/426.

Your donations of $35, $20, even $5 really do add up, and it only takes a minute.

In addition to making a personal donation, please share this link with others!!

Many thanks!

Sign up to attend Youth Darfur Rally!

2009-03-15T21:47:00.002-05:00

Take a sec to sign up on SaveDarfur.org to attend the Youth Darfur Rally in Chicago April 19th. Higher attendance = MORE PRESS and this issue needs all the attention we can bring to it.

Click here for the sign-up page.

Got a little extra time over over Spring Break? VOLUNTEER!!

2009-03-10T20:09:00.002-05:00

What are you doing over Spring Break?

Along with sleeping in and catching up on projects, why not take a few hours to volunteer here in Chicago?

There are many organizations around Chicago always looking for volunteers. Chicago Cares is an excellent network of charity organizations around the city, and their online calendar makes it easy to find a local volunteer project.

Here are some of the many projects you could help with over spring break:

Saturday, March 14, 2009:

+Crafts and Games on Lunt
+Discover ESL at Mc Cormick
+Discover 1st Grade at McCormick
+Discover 2nd Grade at McCormick
+Discover Art and Culture at Henderson
+Discover Art and Culture at McCormick
+Discover Martial Arts at Henderson
+Discover Martial Arts at McCormick
+Discover Physical Fitness at Ryerson
+Discover Ryerson Reading
+Discover Ryerson Rhythms
+Discover Science at Henderson
+Discover Science at McCormick
+Just Click Here at KIPP
+Read-with-Me at Lydia Home
+World Foods and Cultures
+Write it Out
+Blue House Diner
+Groceryland South
+Shopping On Lake
+BMCC Soup Kitchen
+Greater Chicago Food Depository
+St. Columbanus Food Pantry

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Come H.O.M.E. to Pat Crowley House

Monday, March 16, 2009

+Job Coaching at ODS
+Alphabet Adventures
+Mini Whiz Kids
+Dinner at REST
+Lakeview Seniors Bingo
+Lakeview Seniors Pet Therapy
+Young Artists at Cabrini Connections

Check out chicagocares.org for more info on these and many other volunteer opportunities!

Anti-War Demonstation March 14th in Pilsen

2009-03-09T12:35:00.002-05:00

On March 14th in Pilsen, a united coalition of Chicagoland activists is staging a short rally to oppose continuing U.S. wars abroad and war on immigrants at home.

Join in!

Marshall Boulevard & Cermak Road
(2 blocks from the "California" stop on the Pink Line "el")

Go to www.chicagomassaction.or g for more info

Call to Artists: SAIC Pangea Day

2009-03-06T15:52:00.002-06:00

This year artists are invited to submit work on the concept of the universal human experience. In a world that hosts 6 billion people, all who have developed their own traditions, beliefs & ways of being, our differences have become all the more apparent.

But it's the aspects of life such as experiencing love, fear & pain are features that link us through time and space. It could be said that they are the only truth.

SAIC Pangea Day seeks to help people see themselves in others through the power of digital media.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
*Artists must be a current SAIC student, faculty or staff member
*Artists may submit only 1 piece of work pertaining to 1 of our themes:

- WAR & FEAR:
- ENVIRONMENT:
- POLITICS & GOVERNMENT:
- SPIRITUALITY:
- LANGUAGE:
- LOVE & SEXUALITY:
- BOUNDARIES & FREEDOM:
- HOME/LAND:
- ACCESSIBILITY

*All artwork must be submitted on DVD format or video file. In the case of video file, it should not be bigger than 1 Gb and should be in quicktime format.
*Each submission should not exceed 6 minutes
*Include a typed list including the artists idea/concept for the video, the title of the piece, the time & length of the piece & the date it was produced
*The deadline for submitting all materials is March 20, 2009 at 4:30pm

SAIC Pangea Day Film Screening & Celebration will be held in the Ballroom on April 22nd, 2009

DOCUMENTATION SHOULD BE DELIVERED TO:
Multicultural Affairs
Suite 1203 J2
36 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
Email: multicultural_affairs@saic.edu
Phone: 312.629.6868
For more information please contact Multicultural Affairs

Darfur Now screening and panel discussion Friday

2009-03-05T09:48:00.002-06:00

Hope you can join me at this film screening and panel discussion at Columbia College tomorrow (Friday.)

Darfur Now film screening & panel discussion with local activists and represenatives from the Sudanese Community Center
Film Row Cinema
1104 South Wabash Ave. 8th floor
5:30 - 9:30

free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted.

The film won't start until 6:30. Before the screening there will be an opening reception for the guests for about an hour or so.

If you have any additional questions, please let me know.

Hope to see you there!

Aftermath of NYU Student Occupation

2009-03-03T13:37:00.003-06:00

The 40-hour student occupation at NYU ended on 2 weeks ago. For those of you who haven't already been following their blog, check it out. It raises some very poignant questions about the state of student activism today.

http://takebacknyu.com/

Recycling Meeting this Thursday 10 am

2009-02-24T14:34:00.001-06:00

This THURSDAY morning, join Tricia and I as we meet with Michelle Maynard and Bert Schlingmann from the Facilities Management office to discuss recycling at SAIC: changes that are being implemented, suggestions for further improvements, etc.

10 am Sharp Building room 1001

Here’s part of the email from Michelle: “It will be a great opportunity for Bert and I to tell you about the new campus co-mingle recycling we're rolling out (bins with green stickers) and some of the work we're trying to initiate with the Residence Halls to reduce their waste during the Summer Move -Outs. We would also like to get some recycling program FAQs posted on the school's website, perhaps
you can brainstorm with me regarding what the community would be interested in knowing about the program, etc.”

Hope you can join us to add your voice to our discussion!

Homelessness and Hunger Outreach

2009-02-24T14:33:00.003-06:00

This SUNDAY afternoon, from 3:30-6:30, join me to volunteer as a Guest Chef at the Laboure House, just north of the loop (3938 N. Leavitt St Chicago, IL 60618).

Laboure House is an intergenerational assisted living residence for impoverished seniors run by the Saint Vincent De Paul Center, and is affiliated with the Chicago Cares Network.

If you would like to join me for the activity, please call/ shoot me an email and/or contact project coordinator Stephanie Keeney: 219 629 4659, stephanie.keeney1@gmail.com.

Sign up on the Chicago Cares network at chicagocares.org to learn more about this and other local volunteer opportunities.

Some of you expressed interest in coordinating a donations drive to go to the Lincoln Park Community Shelter or other local homeless shelters, but I can’t do this alone! This would be a great project, but it would require your participation for publicity, manning tables, etc. Let me know if you’d be interested in helping to set up tables in SAIC lobbies to ask for monetary donations to purchase food for LPCS. Additionally, we could coordinate a drive asking for donations of food or supplies. I have sent emails to the managers of local supermarkets asking if they would be interested in donating food for LPCS, but have yet to receive a response. Let me know if you could help me to get in touch with these or other grocery store managers.

Also, would our group be interested in becoming a CORE team with the Chicago Coalition for Homelessness? This could be a great opportunity for us to do some meaningful long-term outreach work. I’ll be meeting with leaders from their organization in two weeks, and would love for you to join me. Shoot me an email if you’d like to be a part of our meetings, since we are currently in the process of securing a meeting time.

News on our Save Darfur projects

2009-02-24T14:27:00.003-06:00

Check out the Youth Darfur Rally's new website: http://www.youthunitedfordarfur.org/

This Sunday at 9 pm join the Youth Darfur Rally conference call, to participate in planning for the event. Conference Call Number: (712) 432-1100 Access Code: 224081# Let me know if you want to meet up here at SAIC Sunday night to call in together via speakerphone.

This Friday March 27^th you’re invited to join former Lost Boys of Sudan and other members of Chicago’s Sudanese refugee community to watch the film “God Grew Tired of Us” followed by a discussion.

7 PM - Friday, February 27^th
Meiley-Swallow Hall - North Central College campus

(Accessible via bus/train. Allow about an hour from downtown.)
31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL Building #14 on this campus map: http://www.northcentralcollege.edu/x8880.xml
RSVP to: Karly Kupferberg / Karly@SudaneseCommunityCenter.org / 847-636-9177

In our efforts to foster friendships between Sudanese families and local supporters, the Sudanese Cultural Center has also organized a party where both communities will come together to watch Sudanese native Luol Deng and his Chicago Bulls play the Golden State Warriors at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, March 4^th. Please join us and make some new friends. Here are the details:

Watch the Chicago Bulls vs. the Golden State Warriors with Illinois Sudanese Community
7:30 PM - Wednesday, March 4^th
Rolland Center Boilerhouse Café - North Central College campus
29 N. Loomis St., Naperville, IL
(Accessible via bus/train. Allow about an hour from downtown.)

Building #9 on this campus map: http://www.northcentralcollege.edu/x8880.xml
RSVP to: Karly Kupferberg / Karly@SudaneseCommunityCenter.org / 847-636-9177

On Friday March 6^th Columbia College will screen “Darfur Now” and hold a panel discussion to follow, in preparation for the Youth Darfur Rally. I’ll get you the exact time/ location as soon as I know.

Want to put your DESIGN skills to good use? Create a poster/flyer for the Youth Darfur Rally (taking place April 19^thin Fed Plaza)! You can see current flyer designs (with the relevant info of time/ location, etc.) in the “photos” section of the Youth Darfur Rally Student Reps Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=49268190167&view=all

Please email me your designs!

What would you like us to do here at SAIC in preparation for the April 19^th Youth Darfur Rally? The rally is in part intended to raise awareness of the ongoing crisis in Darfur, and in part to raise money to provide educational resources to Sudanese refugees here in Chicago and in the camps in Chad. (Our group’s fundraising page will be online shortly.)

-We could host Film Screenings (The Devil Came on Horseback, Darfur Now, etc.) at SAIC and invite speakers from the Sudanese Community Center. What do you think would be the best time of the week? An evening Mon-Thurs? A Friday evening? I’ve been in touch with the Sudanese Community Center, and they would welcome our group’s collaboration in their work, and in organizing educational programs for the SAIC community if we are interested. What do you think?

-We could design informational posters to educate the SAIC community about the crisis in Darfur. Let me know if you’re interested in designing an informational poster, or just send me your designs!

-We could set up informational tables in SAIC lobbies, handing our informational flyers, asking for donations, selling “Save Darfur T-Shirts” etc. (Do you think it would be a good idea to sell Save Darfur T-Shirts here at SAIC? Let me know and I can put in an order.)

There's lots we can do to make SAIC an active participant in Chicago's Save Darfur efforts, but it requires YOUR active participation to make this happen!

Google Earth + VolunteerMatch.org = Awesome way to find volunteer opportunities nationwide!

2009-02-20T02:27:00.001-06:00

New VolunteerMatch Google Earth Demo

Source: www.youtube.com

Greg Baldwin, president of VolunteerMatch, demonstrates how easy it is to use our new Google Earth plug-in to get the big picture about what is going on in your community so you can find a great place to volunteer.

Amazing program allows you to find local volunteer opportunities!

Sign up for "Chicago Cares!"

2009-02-20T01:40:00.004-06:00

This is a fantastic online database of current volunteer projects in the Chicago area.

Sign up as a member today, and look over the MANY volunteer projects currently going on around Chicago. You're welcome to sign up as a solo volunteer, but this is also a great opportunity for our group to connect with other volunteers around Chicago.

Check out their website, and let me know what you think!

http://www.chicagocares.org

Graphic Artist/ Illustrator Volunteer for Chicago's Homless!

2009-02-19T23:40:00.001-06:00

Stand Up for Kids is seeking dedicated and talented volunteers to help us tell the story about homeless and street kids on the web! Please visit our site and see what we've done already: http//www.standupforkids.org. We have many ideas and concepts we wish to implement on our site, and we always need new volunteers that can be original in their work on-line! Volunteer and collaborate directly with the Founder and CEO of StandUp For Kids, Rick Koca. CLICK HERE for more info.

Development Volunteer needed for Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

2009-02-19T23:12:00.002-06:00

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is looking for a work-study student, intern or volunteer to assist with data entry, donor acknowledgement and special event prize solicitation. You will be working in the

development department. The time commitment is flexible, but work must take place during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mon. to Fri.). We prefer volunteers able to work long-term--for
at least several months--but welcome all interested volunteers. College students are welcome! Database experience is preferred but not required; you must be detail-oriented. Please email a resume or brief description of yourself to Mimi Chubb at mchubb@chicagohomeless.org.

Competition for Visionary Thinkers

2009-02-19T22:50:00.001-06:00

Re:Vision is a revolutionary competition to create the prototype for an innovative, sustainable urban community.
Learn more at http://www.urbanrevision.com/competition.php

Apply for intn'l art symposium on sustainability!!

2009-02-19T22:46:00.001-06:00

International artistic symposium/exhibition on global sustainability

In a Planet of Our Own
A vision of sustainability from across six continents

15-22 March 2009
AEC World Expo 2009, Bombay Exhibition Centre, NSE Complex, Mumbai, India
IIT, Mumbai, India and other venues.

This international event is aimed at creating awareness on sustainability and simultaneously offers a platform for interaction for professionals and activists from various fields and the general public. The events are centered around the interests of students, educationists and practicing professional designers, engaged in any manner with a broad vision of sustainability and aims to address the need to reach a wider audience and create greater awareness. The event has been designed to be lively, interactive and thought provoking and will provide great opportunity to interact with stalwarts in the field of sustainable development and related practices, connect with thought leaders and listen to visions by
outstanding speakers.

The event comprises many exhibition opportunities and provides a wide platform for sustainability-related work done by individuals and institutions over the years. We are organizing public installations along with film/video screenings for the same. The films will be used for screenings within the exhibition and as part of a larger compilation to be exhibited in public spaces across Mumbai. We expect to exhibit work that deals with a wide variety of themes within a broad ambit of sustainability, especially culturally specific endeavours, and will appreciate work that is visually stimulating and engaging in its depiction.

If you have relevant work in this area, we would like to include it after a preliminary viewing. There is no restriction and the work could span any visual representation from prints to photographs, film/video/animation or work in any other digital media.

PLEASE FORWARD US YOUR WORK AS A CD/DVD IN ANY VIEWABLE FORMAT KEEPING IN MIND THE FACT THAT IT MUST BE SUITABLE FOR PROJECTION/PUBLICATION, HENCE NEEDS TO BE A GOOD QUALITY PRINT (AVI/MPEG/DVD FOR VIDEO AND IMAGES IN 300 DPI JPEG OR TIFF).

For film/video submission, please include -

- 5(or more) high-resolution images from your film
- Brief write-up of less than 150 words about your work/ideas
- Short biography and photograph of yourself

This information will be used for inclusion in the exhibition and related publicity material with your permission.

PLEASE SEND US YOUR WORK BEFORE 28TH FEBRUARY 2009.

You could send us your work at the following address:

Exhibition - In a Planet of Our Own
c/o Vaibhav Singh
Industrial Design Centre (IDC)
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Powai, Mumbai 400076

For an overview of the event please visit http://www.inaplanetofourown.net

For all queries please email us at sustainability.iit@gmail.com

Call for Proposals: Catalyst Arts, Belfast, N. Ireland

2009-02-19T22:43:00.002-06:00

Exciting progressive art project in N. Ireland!!!

Call for Proposals Summer 2009 - Catalyst Arts, Belfast

Deadline : 20 March 2009

Catalyst Arts are looking for proposals for its Summer 2009 Project: Capitalyst Arts.
Capitalyst Arts will consist of an exhibition, a series of interventions, discussions, and works in the public realm. We're interested in practices which explore the idea of value, exchange and map alternative modes of commerce, and we aim to get work out of the gallery into the city, exhibiting site specific work and utilising vacant retail properties.
For complete information visit http://www.catalystarts.org.uk/index.php?page=call-for-submissions

Election Underway for Chicago's 5th Congressional Dist.

2009-02-19T22:25:00.002-06:00

Are you registered to vote in Chicago's 5th Congressional district? This includes Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Schiller Park, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Melrose Park and Northlake.

If so, don't pass up the opportunity to participate in the important current election to select a new Congressional Representative to replace Rahm Emmanuel, who left to become Obama's Chief-of-Staff.

CLICK HERE for an editorial by Don Rose about this election.

Early voting is already underway, and the official election day is March 3rd.

Among the candidates is labor lawyer Tom Geoghegan, who's received endorsement from Democracy for America & the Nation among many others. He was an early opponent of the war in Iraq, and advocates for cutting the military budget, single-payer health care, increases in Social Security payments, no more blank check bailouts, an end to foreclosures and abusive bank card interest rates, etc. etc. You can check out his website for a detailed list of positions (www.tom09.com).

Final Vet Art Project Events! Show Mon Feb 23 and Final Workshops Tues Feb 24

2009-02-19T17:21:00.004-06:00

All month long the Vet Art Project has hosted Community Building Workshops,

Community Discussions, and Creative Arts Programs. These events have inspired a

wealth of new art to be featured in a culminating Public Performance to be held:

Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

Reserve your tickets NOW!!!!

For tickets to this performance contact the DCA Theater Box Office by calling (312) 742-8497, or go to www.dcatheater.org.

To learn more about the Vet Art Project, please visit www.vetartproject.com .

You can also check out their blog, http://vetartproject.blogspot.com/

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

The following day, Tues February 24th, the Vet Art Project, in association with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs Theater, will also host TWO MORE at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph Street) :

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m Tuesday, February 24, 2009 Workshop exploring the art and science of soul retrieval. This Final Vet Art Workshop Explores A Powerful Alternative Healing Art, hosted by alternative healing artists Mary Kay Ryan and Lindsley Field. They have more than fifty years

of combined experience in their field, and together they will discuss both the process of

assisted soul retrieval and the different ways soul retrieval is practiced in other cultures.

This workshop is free of charge. (This event will take place in the Washington Room, on the 5th floor. It is recommended that attendees use the Washington Street entrance.)

6 to 10 p.m Tuesday, February 24, 2009 Presentation by Dr. John Fisher of the Soldier’s Heart Foundation. The presentation will explore how trauma affects veterans and how our communities can help. Dr. Fisher is a Vietnam Veteran and coordinator for the Colorado/Southwest Soldier’s Heart Foundation. Soldier’s Heart (www.soldiersheart.net) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating nationwide safe-return programs for veterans. Dr.

Fisher’s presentation is open to the public and free of charge. This event will be held at the Studio Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center.

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

The Chicago-based Vet Art Project creates opportunities for veterans to work in

collaboration with artists from all disciplines to create new art about war for public

performance and viewing. The program aims to support veterans, create stronger voices

among veterans, provide new opportunities for artists, offer a venue to hear the voices of

veterans and artists, and foster discussions about how war affects everyone. The Vet Art

Project, spearheaded by lead artist Lisa Rosenthal, has been in residence at the DCA’s

Studio Theater throughout February 2009 as part of its Incubator Series.

The Vet Art Project is made possible, in part, by the Puffin Foundation, the Illinois

Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois General

Assembly, and is fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas.

2009-02-18T12:08:00.000-06:00

Our new FACEBOOK page!

2009-02-15T12:42:00.003-06:00

Make sure to join the SAIC Student Activists' new FACEBOOK page!

The page is set up to let everyone upload links, photos, comments, etc!

Join the member list today!

Exhibition Opportunity!!

2009-02-12T21:36:00.001-06:00

"Bearing Witness: Art as Social Action..."

...How and why do artists act as social witnesses? This juried exhibition seeks artwork made in response to witness--artwork that expresses social issues that may be inspired by personal, interpersonal or societal events. Beyond containing the experiences and providing a vehicle for investigation, these pieces shine light on events, making them available to others.

Juried by Barbara Fish, artist, art therapist, and psychologist who is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Graduate Art Therapy Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Dr. Fish's work focuses on response art and the artist's ability to use images to contain, explore, or express what they have witnessed. Her own images lead the way in her investigation of the concept of harm's touch, which she defines as how we are affected by what we witness. She presents this work nationally, and is in the process of writing about it for publication.

Click here for more info and a detailed Bearing Witness prospectus

Deadline for submissions: March 1, 2009; Exhibition Dates: May 27-June 20, 2009.

Send Petition to Obama!

2009-02-12T12:42:00.004-06:00

From Amnesty International:

Take action. Send an email to US President Barack Obama and ask him to demonstrate a commitment to human rights in his first 100 days in office.

CLICK HERE to sign!

Vet Art Project in the News!

2009-02-12T00:38:00.003-06:00

Click here for a great article on the ongoing Vet Art Project, featuring Matt Ping, a new student at SAIC and recent Army vet.

Chicago Recycling (or lack thereof!)

2009-02-12T00:26:00.003-06:00

Click here for a great NPR article/radio spot about the current status of recycling in Chicago!

"Chicago's Recycling Bin Overfloweth" Produced by Gabriel Spitzer

"For many environmentalists, there’s a big flaw in Chicago’s green image: a lackluster recycling program. The city ditched its controversial blue-bag recycling system last spring. But phasing in the new blue cart program is taking years. So for most Chicagoans, there’s only one option for city-sponsored recycling: a network of drop-off centers. Some recyclers say those centers are a half-hearted solution—symbolic of a city that’s been behind on recycling for years...."

More info on Darfur

2009-02-10T15:28:00.002-06:00

Here's a message from one of the leaders of the Youth Darfur Rally:

Three sites for you all to check out if you haven't done so already...

Sudanese Community Center: www.sudanesecommunitycenter.org

Sister Schools: www.darfurdreamteam.org

Here's the official FB Sister Schools link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=57769477188&ref=mf

i-ACT (Stop Genocide Now): www.stopgenocidenow.org

This is Katie-Jay and Gabriel who will be going to the camps and documenting with video coverage and you can see the type of footage that they have done their previous 5 or 6 trips to the camps in eastern Chad

Global Activism in Chicago + on the Radio!!

2009-02-08T22:03:00.004-06:00

CLICK HERE for a line-up of "Global Activism" programs aired on WorldView (an excellent Chicago Public Radio program), which highlight Chicago-based activist organizations!

From the website:

In this ongoing collection of interviews, we showcase individuals with Chicago-area ties who are working to improve the world through grassroots efforts. We've profiled activists fighting at the local level in the global battle against HIV, campaigning for sustainable water use in Nepal and combating illiteracy in Brazil. Tune in on Thursdays to hear stories from the series.

91.5 WBEZ

Also, CLICK HERE for a list of some of the many organizations they involved in the 2008 Global Activism Expo!!

Filmanthropy Scholarship Competition

2009-02-08T13:24:00.003-06:00

Change the World Through Film!

Activist Short Film Competition!!

Create a short film that tells the untold story of an American foundation
and one of its good works in this country.

- - -
Your film should show:

By whom the foundation was founded and why.

How the foundation's good work is permanently improving the lives of individuals,
communities, or worthy causes in America.

How the foundation's good work is inspiring its beneficiaries to pay it forward ...
to help others the way they themselves were helped.

- - -
Your film can be comedic or dramatic, scripted or documentary-style,
live-action or animated. You're limited only by your imagination!

THE REWARDS

Twelve $10,000 Scholarships

Forty $500 Honorable Mentions

Winning films will premiere on a premium Web TV mega-portal!

CLICK HERE for more info

Sign Petition asking Obama to create Secretary of Culture!

2009-02-07T18:55:00.003-06:00

CLICK HERE to sign Quincy Jones's petition asking President Obama to create a new position in his Cabinet: the Secretary of Culture. Click here to read Rolling Stones' article about it.

More info on Youth Darfur Rally in April

2009-02-07T13:14:00.005-06:00

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Chicago-based coalition of university and high-school students involved in the Youth United for Darfur Rally taking place in Feb Plaza April 19th. CLICK HERE for info on the Chicago Coalition to Save Darfur and Chicago's Sudanese Community Center which they opened less than a year ago.

Tell You Senators To Support The Arts!!

2009-02-07T11:29:00.004-06:00

Got a minute? CLICK HERE and go to the American Arts Aliance's website to automatically send a letter to your Senators telling them to

Vote NO on the Coburn "Limitation on Funds Amendment No. 175"

from the website:

Urge your Senator to vote NO to Senator Tom Coburn's (R-OK) amendment prohibiting any funds in the economic stimulus bill from going to theaters and arts centers. By raising your voice, you will be joining thousands of other advocates in the arts and non-profit communities calling for Congress to support the arts and our economic recovery.

The arts community throughout the United States has been heavily impacted by funding reductions due to stock market declines and cut-backs in state and local support because of revenue shortfalls. Consequently, countless jobs and services are at risk and non-profit arts organizations in communities nationwide are in need of immediate assistance.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has existing mechanisms that can allocate funding quickly to these non-profit organizations to retain jobs. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009 designates $50 million to the NEA to provide direct grants along with block grants to state arts councils to fund grant projects and activities vital to communities nationwide.
You can also CLICK HERE to send your senators a letter urging them to SUPPORT the inclusion of $50 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009.

Bill Ayers lecture Mon Feb 9!

2009-02-04T10:32:00.002-06:00

Save the Date!

The Right to Think:

Expanding Imaginative Space

A lecture by educator and social activist BILL AYERS

Monday, February 9
6:00 p.m.
SAIC Auditorium
280 South Columbus Drive

What's happening to intellectual space and what does the moment offer us as a way to resist? What's damaging the academy (including our own dogma) and how can we push back?

Sponsored by the Dean's Office, Art Education and Multicultural Affairs.

For more information contact the Dean's Office at:
312-899-1291 or at anepokroeff1@saic.edu.

This event is only open to the SAIC community.
A valid SAIC ID is required for admission.

Image created by Ryan Alexander-Tanner

SaveDarfur Rally April 19th Fed Plaza

2009-02-03T23:46:00.006-06:00

I've been in contact with Ethan Barhydt, a Chicago high school student, who is organizing a Darfur Rally for students that will take place on April 19th at Federal Plaza in Downtown Chicago. I'll be talking with him tomorrow to find out more about how the Student Activists might be involved with this rally and preparations for it. In the meantime, Click Here to find out more about the violent crisis in Darfur from the organization ENOUGH: the project to end genocide and crimes against humanity. and CLICK HERE to find out more about what other activists with the Save Darfur Coalition are doing to address this humanitarian catastrophe.

This is from Ethan:

"Currently, about 14 high schools, 3 colleges, and some youth groups are involved in planning the rally. In addition, organizations like the Save Darfur Coalition, STAND, the Enough Project, and Amnesty International are involved in the organizing (I am working with people like John Prendergast, who wrote Not On Our Watch, and Rich Stasinski, who is the National Outreach Coordinator of the SDC). The goals are to 1.) unite students around Chicago, 2.) spread awareness about the genocide in Darfur through media attention, and 3.) raise over $10,000 for schools in Chad and Southern Sudan.

It would be great to have even more students and schools involved, as it will increase our voice and make our statement against genocide more powerful. Do you and your group have any interest in getting involved?"

Let me know what you think: studentactivists@saic.edu

The Vet Art Project

2009-02-03T22:59:00.008-06:00

Art and Outreach

to Veterans and the Chicago Community!

This is a great project for artists who are interested in issues about the war, veterans, community engagement. Plus you get to engage with the Chicago Art Scene AND exhibit your work at the posh Chicago Cultural Center! Sound intriguing? Read on:

The Vet Art Project creates opportunities for veterans to work in collaboration with artists from all disciplines to create new art about war for public performance and viewing.

Matt Ping, new SAIC student and recent Veteran is very active in the project, and they're looking for more artists to participate!

For more info about the project go to www.vetartproject.com or Click Here for their blog.

The Big Upcoming Showcase Event for The Vet Art Project will be:

Monday, February 23, 7:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Studio Theater
78 E. Washington St.
FREE admission

Let me know if you're interested in participating, or shoot me an email for more information: studentactivists@saic.edu

Want to help the homeless in Chicago?

2009-02-03T21:57:00.007-06:00

Here's some information sent to me from the Lincoln Park Community Shelter (LPCS). Look it over and let me know what you think/ what kind of volunteer work you might be interested in!

Their mission statement reads:

"The Lincoln Park Community Shelter brings our community together to empower homeless men and women to make life changes."

Click here for more info on LPCS's vision and values.

Click here for info about the history of LPCS

Also, click here to see artwork and poems of LPCS guests. From the site: "These are the creative expressions of the individuals here at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. Guests have submitted art ranging from poetry to drawings, creative-nonfiction to photography. Guests have chosen to share this work with the larger LPCS community as a way of expressing their unique and diverse perspectives."

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

HOW YOU CAN HELP AT LPCS

Volunteering your time to work directly with people experiencing homelessness is one of the best ways to learn about homelessness and help to meet immediate needs at the same time.

Call LPCS at (773) 549 6111 x 202 or e-mail LPCSinfo@lpcsonline.org to schedule.

Daily Needs

Nightly Meals: Purchase, prepare, and serve a nutritious dinner for 35 homeless guests. Timeframe for this activity is 6:00-8:30pm. Dinner Volunteers provide meals 365 days/year. Great for groups!

Overnight Supervision: Provide supervision for the shelter and the guests (8pm-7/8am). Volunteers are not expected to stay awake all night. In a separate room they can read, finish work, or sleep. In the morning volunteers help set out the breakfast and help guests prepare for their day. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Sack Lunches: Purchase and prepare 30 bag lunches for the guests. A sample lunch consists of: Meat & cheese sandwich, piece of fruit or cookie, juice drink box, and bag of chips.

Front Desk: Monday – Friday, 6-8pm, Sat/Sun11-2, 2-5 and 5-8pm – Volunteers are needed to oversee front desk duties, including answering and directing phone calls, answering the front door, signing in/out guests and visitors, and other light administrative duties. Great way to work with staff, guests and fellow volunteers. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Other Opportunities

Saturday Hot Lunches: Purchase, prepare and serve a nutritious hot lunch for the guests on Saturday. Timeframe for this activity is 12:00 – 2:30pm. Lunch is served at 1:30pm.

Track Activities Volunteer (TAV): Spend one hour during the day or evening to host a TAV class, which focuses on enhancing guests’ personal and professional life skills (legal, health, computer tutors, reading and/or math tutors, financial, stress management, communication, art, hair dressers). Share another talent – we are open to fun and new ideas!

One on One Volunteer: The One on One Program provides direct financial assistance up to $500 in rental assistance. Work one-on-one with applicants on topics such as budgeting and goal setting.

Committee Members: Join one of five committees as a way to get involved with Shelter operations:

Resource Development: Ensures the Shelter’s financial health and assists in the development of the Shelter’s strategic vision; includes budget monitoring & developing fundraising strategies.
Marketing & Communications: Develops and implements strategies and tools to build awareness and support of LPCS through various communication channels.

Committees Continued:

Special Events: Plans and executes the Shelter’s special event fundraisers including the quarterly happy hours, The Metamorphosis Party in the Spring, and A Taste of Fall.
Program: Assist the LPCS Program Director in monitoring each of the Shelter’s programs (for the homeless) and will recommend and oversee changes to improve upon the programs. Volunteers should have experience working in Social Services.
Volunteer: Assists in recruiting and retaining volunteers by strengthening existing relationships and developing new ones with community organizations.

Supply Drives: Contribute items to assist our shelter and its guests. Collect much needed items such as breakfast foods, socks, shirts, and underwear. Supply drives are an easy way to get your co-workers, family, students or friends involved! Call ahead to coordinate your donations and for an updated list of Shelter needs, (773) 549-6111 ext. 202.

Clothing Items: new socks and underwear; gently used professional clothing

Food: Cereal, oatmeal, coffee, creamer, sugar, peanut butter, juice, breakfast bars, napkins

Toiletries: Deodorant, travel size toothpaste & brushes

Laundry & cleaning: detergent, sponges, bath towels, bleach, dish soap, dishwasher soap

First aid: pain relievers, alcohol-free cold and cough medicine, band-aids, ice packs

Office supplies: copy paper, file folders, pens, and pencils

600 West Fullerton Parkway ¨ Chicago, Il 60614

www.lpcsonline.org ¨ (773) 549-6111

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

So, think it over and let me know what kind of volunteer work at LPCS you might be interested in! Thanks! -Lisa

Catching Up on Recent Events

2009-02-03T13:12:00.005-06:00

A lot has been going on since we last met! We've got a new Governor of Illinois, peaceful elections have taken place in Iraq, war has broken out in the Gaza Strip, the American military continues deadly drone attacks in Pakistan, Iran's launched a satellite in space, the economy continues to take a nose dive, the RNC has appointed its first African-American chariman, and what else... oh, we also have a new administration in Washington with new agendas for the environment, the arts, the military, and much more! Obama has already signed initiatives to make Presidential Records public property, close Gitmo end torture-interrogations, overturning Bush's tactics in the war on terrorism (althogh he has decided Not to End Extraordinary Rendition Program), set high standards on fuel efficiency, provided $21m in relief aid to Gaza, repealed the Mexico City Policy Gag Rule, signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, set a policy of an open and transparent government and more. While everyone in the administration seems to be looking ahead with enthusiasm, they are also making sure that crimes of the past adminstration do not go unpunished. (for more on the pursuit of Bush administration crimes, check out this editorial from the San Francisco Chronicle.)

Take a look at the "agenda" section on the new White House Website. It gives a pretty frank, straight-forward overview of where Obama plans to focus his efforts in the coming weeks and months. There is a whole variety of topics addressed including civil rights, iraq, the environment, education, as well as the new Office of Public Liason (fostering "participation" and "changing the way Americans engage with their government" ) as well as the general "contact us" section on the webiste, where you can tell the White House what you think about their policies.

Here are a few excerptsfrom Obama's agenda that you might find interesting:

Create the American Opportunity Tax Credit: Obama and Biden will make college affordable for all Americans by creating a new American Opportunity Tax Credit. This universal and fully refundable credit will ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. Recipients of the credit will be required to conduct 100 hours of community service.
Simplify the Application Process for Financial Aid: Obama and Biden will streamline the financial aid process by eliminating the current federal financial aid application and enabling families to apply simply by checking a box on their tax form, authorizing their tax information to be used, and eliminating the need for a separate application.
Arts
Our nation's creativity has filled the world's libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling books —Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope — President Obama uniquely appreciates the role and value of creative expression.
===========================================
For more info and commentary about Obama's new initiatives for Arts Policies, there is some great informatoin in the most recent edition of F News Magazine (click here)

There have been a lot of great F News articles, including "Crisis of Democracy in America" and "Prop 8 Protests."

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

Also, DemocracyNow.org continues its excellent coverage concerning Obama's Continuation of Bush's Policy of Deadly Air Strikes in Pakistan, the failure of international diplomacy to combat the gruesome violence in the Gaza Strip, and much more. Check it out!

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

There's lot to keep track of, and a lot to consider. What do you think?

First Meeting of the Semester!

2009-02-03T12:59:00.002-06:00

Hi Activitsts!

Welcome back!

This is a reminder that the Student Activists’ FIRST WEEKLY LUNCH MEETING OF THE SEMESTER will be TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY FEB 4^th 12:15-12:45. We’ll meet in Michigan rm 1302 (right by the Student Assoc. office and the radio station.) and we’ll continue these weekly meetings all semester, provided it works with most peoples’ schedules. It’ll be a quick meeting just to touch base and discuss plans for the semester, and it would be awesome if you could make it!

See you there!

-Lisa Nonken

Student Leader, Student Activists Group

cell= 860 916 8278

Seeking Artists X 2016 Olympic Bid

2009-01-23T13:35:00.003-06:00

Fellow artists, activists, hackivists, community organizers and lovers of green things and economic justice --

HELP US STOP THE 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES FROM COMING TO CHICAGO!

Chicago is $420 million in debt and rife with corruption and incompetence. Basic services suck and our public schools are failing to serve our children:

Only 6 of 100 Black and Latino high school freshmen males will graduate from a four year college.
Between 2003 and 2007, white students' reading scores went up while African American, Hispanic and low-incomes student's scores went down.
Money spent in Illinois on: Housing an adult prisoner: $21,000 Educating a child in Chicago: $10,000
Only 9% of African American 4th graders ranked proficient or above in reading, ranking Illinois 38 out of 41 states.
Illinois has the largest unaddressed district-to-district funding gap in the nation.
2005-2006 School Year Graduation Rates in Chicago
- Black males - 37%
- White males - 62% (source for these stats: http://www.saveourschoolsnow.com/facts.html)

SPENDING $100 MILLION TO CAMPAIGN FOR THE 2016 GAMES IS A HUGE WASTE OF PRECIOUS FUNDS. ACTUALLY GETTING THE GAMES WOULD BE THE BIGGEST BOONDOGGLE IN CHICAGO'S LONG HISTORY OF CORRUPT AND BLOATED CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. NOT TO MENTION BUILDING OLYMPIC VENUES IN PUBLIC PARKS WOULD DESTROY DOZENS OF ACRES OF PRICELESS PARK LAND AND ACCELERATE GENTRIFICATION ON THE NEAR SOUTH AND WEST SIDE.

Join the Artists Anti-Olympic Brigade! Create graphics, street art and online work to help us explain and dramatize what a MISERABLE plan this is for Chicago's future. For example,
we're thinking about a campaign "How Would Spend $2 billion?" - the conservative estimate of how much money Chicago could loose building and running the 2016 games.

Come to a public forum on Saturday, January 31st, at 6pm at UIC Student Center, 750 S. Halsted, #605

For more information: www.nogameschicago.com
Contact: 312-235-2873
Email: nogameschicago@gmail.com

---please pass this message on to your networks, fellow travelers, allies, colleagues, lovers and MySpace lurkers ---

Looking Ahead to the Spring Semester.

2008-12-14T12:47:00.005-06:00

As our group’s first semester comes to a close, I’d like to thank all of your for your involvement in the Student Activists, and look forward to our group’s new projects next semester.

One student who stopped by our info tables last week had a very interesting idea: the Student Activists could spend the week of spring break doing a hands-on volunteer project. Initially we thought about helping with Habitat for Humanity doing a construction project, but unfortunately (though understandably) Habitat for Humanity in Chicago shuts down in winter, and won't really get going until June.

Instead, we thought why not then head to warmer climes and spend spring break week volunteering in New Orleans? One excellent volunteer organization is Hands On New Orleans.

Hands On provides food and housing for volunteers and coordinates daily service projects ( ranging from construction work repairing homes and schools to helping in animal shelters, tutoring in schools and much more. Click here for more info). All we have to do is show up and be willing to help out! They are so well-organized it would make it very easy for us to spend a few days there doing very meaningful work. Click here for more details on the volunteer experience.

My sister and her wife spent 3 months volunteering with Hands On New Orleans last fall and had a very positive experience. You can read their blog about their experience in New Orleans here.

The obvious big hurdle to get over is funding: transport to get down there (appx $250 flight or $180 greyhound bus) and the HandsOn fee of $25 per person per day to cover room/board. I’m currently looking into availability of funding from the school, or feasibility of organizing a fundraising effort. I’m sure many of you have experience in seeking funds, etc. and I'd welcome any and all suggestions!
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Other smaller project ideas for the Student Activists next semester include:

-Recycling Campaign on Campus

-Homeless Outreach at Lincoln Park Community Shelter

-Establishing Free Speech Boards on campus and on the portal

(where postings do not need approval from campus activities office)

-Volunteering at the South Side Community Art Center (where there is a lot that could be done, including helping to clean up/ repair the building and grounds to make it a more useable community art center)

-Participating in rallies, letter-writing campaigns and the like for various causes such as Labor Right and Peace

-Inviting Guest speakers to give talks at SAIC.

Potential speakers include:

-representatives from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (inviting in formerly-homeless people to speak about their life and experience)

-representatives from the Chicago Recycling Coalition

-representatives from some of the many Gang Prevention Coalitions in Chicago

-or others! Please let me know if you have suggestions on guest speakers!

I would very much appreciate your input and/or willingness to take a leadership role on these or other new projects. Your interest and participation directs our group activities!

Historic Victory in Chicago Factory Strike

2008-12-14T11:26:00.004-06:00

In case you missed the headlines, after a 7-day sit-in and heated negotiations attracting international attention, the stiking workers at Chicago's Republic Windows and Doors factory won their fight to get the money and benefits owed them when their plant was shut down earlier this month.
UE Director of Organization Bob Kingsley spoke on behalf of the National Union, describing the outcome of the occupation as “a victory for workers everywhere,” and as “an historic victory for America’s labor movement.”
Get full details of the victory here and click here for excellent videos and coverage on on how this event is already impacting the future of the labor rights movement. Photo slideshow is here.

Protesting Workers Occupy Chicago Factory

2008-12-07T22:30:00.005-06:00

SUPPORT THE WORKERS' OCCUPATION OF THE REPUBLIC WINDOWS AND DOORS PLANT IN CHICAGO!

During the week of December 8-13
Organize Protests in Front of Your Local Bank of America Office or Building

About 250 employees of Republic Windows and Doors plant in Chicago, IL began an occupation of the plant on Friday, Dec. 5, the last scheduled day of the plant's operation. The workers, members of the United Electrical Workers Union Local 1110, were not given the legally mandated 60-day prior notification of the plant´s closing; also the plant´s management and owners did not show up to a meeting with the workers scheduled for Dec. 5.

The workers decided to occupy the plant. They have vowed to stay in the plant until they receive, at the very least, 60 days pay. The owners say that they had to close because Bank of America refused to extend them any more credit. The Bank of America has received hundreds of billions of dollars over the past three months in bailout money from the government.

These workers, who are overwhelmingly Latin@ immigrants, have taken a courageous stand by putting their bodies on the line in their fight for the right to feed their families and to be treated with respect and dignity like all human beings. In a way, they are fighting for the rights of all workers who are under attack, whether they are restaurant workers, public employees or auto workers fighting to hold on to their jobs and union.

We must stand with them.

To all--no matter what your circumstances are--who are outraged over mass layoffs, home foreclosures and are watching the government spend literally trillions of dollars to bail out banks while doing nothing to stop the massive layoffs and evictions that are beating down working and poor people, take a stand in solidarity with these workers in Chicago. You could be next.

Jobs at a living wage are a right!

Support the Demands of the Republic Windows and Doors Workers:

--Management Must Meet with the Workers
--Workers Must Receive 60 Days Full Pay
--No Repression Against the Workers; No Attempts to Remove, Arrest or Charge Them

"We are sending a message to all the workers in America. We will try to keep up the fight and we ask for your support."
Vincente Rangel, United Electrical Workers' Steward and participant in the occupation

Local Actions:
Chicago:
Sun, Dec 7, 10:30 AM Jessie Jackson and Rainbow PUSH deliver turkeys to workers occupying Republic Windows and Doors factory, 1333 N Hickory st. (near corner of Halsted and Division)
Monday, Dec 8th, 12 noon - Press Conference before UE workers meet with Bank of America and company executives. Supports welcome, bring food and monetary donations.
Tuesday, Dec 9th, 12 noon - Solidarity action at Bank of America, 231 S. LaSalle, Chicago, IL

Charlotte, NC:
Monday, Dec 8th, 12 Noon - Picket at Bank of American national Headquarters to support Republic workers. Corner of Trade St and Tryon in downtown Charlotte. Organized by UE local 150. call Dante Strobino at 919-539-2051 for more info

Detroit, MI:
Wednesday, Dec 10 12:00 noon - PROTEST RALLY, WEDS., DEC. 10, 12:00 NOON - BANK OF AMERICA, Guardian Building, Congress at Griswold, downtown Detroit

for more info, visit bailoutpeople.org

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In Addition, if you'll be near NYC over break:

In Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’s Birthday

A FIGHTBACK CONFERENCE

Bail Out the PEOPLE,
Not Wall Street!

Uniting & fighting against WAR and for economic & social justice in the biggest crisis since the depression of the 1930s!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17th -12 to 6 pm
Public School 41, 116 West 11 St., NYC

• Panels
• Invited Guests
• Breakouts
• Workshops, including:

the current crises
the elections
the first 100 days in the new administration: what can we do to forward the struggle?
mobilizing students & youth
solidarity with immigrant workers
organizing workers
international solidarity
merging the antiwar and social justice movements: is it possible?
the relevance of King for today
and more.

Dear activists and organizers:

The Bail Out the People Movement invites you to come together on Jan. 17, 2009 to talk, share and plan to fight back. If there was ever a time for us to recommit ourselves to Dr. King’s struggle for economic and social justice, there can hardly be any doubt that now, 80 years after his birth, is that time.

The people made history by electing Barack Obama president. Certainly that accomplishment realizes a measure of King’s dream. Yet poverty, racism and war remain a growing part of our reality--especially now, as people’s lives are being devastated by the biggest worldwide economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

In addition to the almost $1 trillion dollars that the U.S. government has wasted on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it plans to spend almost $8 trillion dollars to save the crisis-ridden economic system. Most of this fortune has been given to the big banks. An undetermined yet small percentage of that money is pledged towards an infrastructure renewal project that promises to create jobs. Yet unemployment is rising so fast that the infrastructure renewal proposal is far too little and too distant to have any impact on the depression-level joblessness that we face.

Given the remarkable scope of the government’s intervention into the financial sector of the economy to shore up the banks, it is shockingly criminal that the government hasn’t declared a moratorium on the evictions and home foreclosures that throw thousands of families onto the streets everyday.

It is no less shocking that the government has done nothing to stop the waves of cruel budget cuts that are forcing students to quit school, raising public transportation fares, making healthcare even more inaccessible for millions, and pushing more workers onto the unemployment line. read full call here

Get Creative - Improve the Environment

2008-12-06T10:31:00.000-06:00

Young People are Invited to Submit Ideas to Improve the Environment

MTV and Ashoka GenV Invite Young People to Submit Their Ideas to Improve the Environment

Deadline: December 31, 2008

MTV Switch (http://mtvswitch.org/ ), MTV Networks International's global climate change campaign, and Ashoka GenV ( http://genv.net/ ) are inviting young people to submit their creative ideas to help improve the environment through the "Dream It. Do It. Challenge."

Applicants will be eligible for seed funding awards of up to $1,000 each to make their ideas a reality. Up to twenty-five grants will be awarded for this challenge. The best projects may also be featured in a half-hour MTV documentary scheduled for Earth Day 2009. In addition, the Lemelson Foundation will award five project leaders a trip to Boston, Massachusetts, to take part in a roundtable discussion on climate change at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The challenge is open to all youth between the ages of 12 and 20 in North America and Europe and 12 and 24 everywhere else. Each participant will be required to submit an action plan showing what activities will be carried out and how the grant will be spent. Each participant will need to form a team with at least two other youth to qualify for funding.

Ideas and action plans may be submitted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French. Project ideas are evaluated and grants are awarded on an ongoing basis. Applicants are advised not to wait until the December 31, 2008, deadline to submit their ideas.

Visit the program's Web site for complete entry guidelines:
http://www.mtv-venture.org/

RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15015947/mtvventure

For additional RFPs in Environment, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_environment.jhtml

President Pickets Congress

2008-12-05T09:55:00.004-06:00

The Congress Hotel disgraces Chicago. The home of the longest Hotel Strike in the history of America.

Barack Obama walked the picket line as our Senator. He will walk it again as our President.

Go to PRESIDENTPICKETSCONGRESS.ORG for more info.