I am working to relaunch the Activist Agenda so that we can have one central place to share information about upcoming events/actions, tools, and anything else that will help us be more effective.

May 7th, 2023 International Harm Reduction Day – We have several different groups in Edmonton that do some amazing work around harm reduction – 4B Harm Reduction Society, Bear Clan Beaver Hills House, Streetworks Edmonton, The Alberta Alliance Who Educates and Advocates Responsibly, and many more great people and organizations doing essential work.
We also need to have the government of Alberta to reinstate the safe consumption sites that the United Conservative Party removed through their blind ideology.

May 12th, 19th, 26th, Fridays from 7AM to 9AM – Coffee Outside is a group of cyclists that meet every Friday morning to share coffee, conversations, and the early morning. See the Facebook page. It is held at Constable Ezio Faraone Park.

May 13th, Saturday from 2:30pm to 4:00pm – Alberta Bike Swap. If you wish to consign your bicycle(s) you can do so from 8 am to 2 pm. If you wish to donate your bicycle to Bike Edmonton you can drop it off from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

May 13th, Saturday is Fair Trade Day. May is Fair Trade Month for Canada and internationally the second Saturday of the month is World Fair Trade Day. Try and choose some products that are Fair Trade Certified (and organic to make it the best choice). You can pick them up at many stores. Chocolate, coffee, and tea are the largest categories of food you can find in many stores.

May 14th, Sunday – Mother’s Day – you know what to do.

May 17th, Wednesday – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people, and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, or expressions, and sex characteristics.

May 17th, Wednesday @ 4 pm to 6 pm – Solar & Friends Networking & Trade Show Event. There will be mixing and mingling from 4pm onward. At 4:30pm, there will be an engaging panel of movers and shakers in the solar, EV and green building sectors: Pam Goertzen, Peter Amerongen, and Andrew Batiuk! Throughout the event there will be an opportunity for attendees to check out booths from organizations including net-zero builders and architects, deep energy retrofitters, solar installers and suppliers, green NGOs and more!
Get your FREE Tickets at this EventBrite Link.
The event will take place at The Creative Hive (16819 111 Avenue).

May 19th, Friday – Bike to the Symphony – Join Paths for People and Bike Edmonton on an easy, friendly group ride from Old Strathcona to a special concert at the Winspear Centre with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Hop on a bike, scooter, or however you roll, for a ride to an exciting performance of new music with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on Friday, May 19, 2023. The ride begins at 6pm. At the concert, composer and conductor Samy Moussa will be our guide for this unique performance of music by living composers

May 26th, Friday @ noon – Edmonton Youth for Climate is organizing a die-in at the Alberta Legislature.

May 28th, Sunday from 3 pm to 7:30 pm – No Period Without Fundraiser. To raise funds for menstrual product. Location: SOHO 11454 Jasper Avenue
Obtain tickets at this EventBrite Link.

May 29, Monday, All Day – Alberta Election Day – be sure to vote. Our friends over at Edmonton Climate Justice have created a great resource to help you when you talk with the candidates when they come to your door about Climate Change. You ‘should’ be able to access it through this link. Candidates need to hear that the Climate Crisis is an important issue for them. Check out the excellent information that Dave Cournoyer puts up on his website about Alberta politics.

June 2023 is Bike Month in Edmonton – Bike Edmonton is hosting many events throughout the city. Stay tuned for some great events.

June 24th, Saturday VegFest Edmonton from 11am-7pm, Borden Park
VegFest Edmonton is excited to finally bring back your favorite all-plant-based and family-friendly event to Edmonton!
You can look forward to mouth-watering plant-based food, dazzling merch, environmentally friendly vendors, our beloved vegan DJ Johnny Infamous, a Beer Garden, Veggie Kid Zone and so much more at this year’s new location!
 And you betcha… as it’s in a public park, this year’s event is dog friendly! 
They are looking for volunteers to help out with the events so if you are able to help sign up for a volunteer shift.
You are likely going to eat something when you are there – it is all about food. Please consider taking your own plate/container, utensils, water bottle, and mug. Being vegan/plant-based is one of the best things you can do for the planet but reducing your waste stream is also a good goal.

Information and Suggestions

If you are interested in municipal politics then I suggest checking out the “Speaking Municipally” podcast made by Mac Male and Troy Pavlek. They really keep an eye on our city council. Mac Male is also part of the team that produces Taproot which is a great source for what is happening municipally.

Please share information with me so that I can populate this with more details and information. I intend to eventually get it so that it is emailed out to people and have a better site but for now, this is what I have to offer you.

Please send things that should be on this list to michael.kalmanovitch@gmail.com

Disclaimer – the Activist Agenda tries to ensure that the information contained within it is accurate but mistakes do happen. Please double-check events and information that are relevant to you to make sure you have the correct date, time, location, and any other relevant information.

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