The Van Gogh’d winter scene of downtown Edmonton was made by Meanwhile in edmonton (to the best of my knowledge).

This week in the Activist Agenda (Edmonton) and now being released on Thursday so you can see what might fit in your weekend:

• November 30th, Thursday – Honouring our Colleagues in Gaza
• November 30th, Thursday – One Ocean Film Tour
• November 30 until December 12, 2023 – COP28
• November 30th, Thursday – The UCP are Climate Criminals
• December 1st, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!
• December 1st, Friday – Rally & Chalk Out for Palestine
• December 1st – 10th – Ignite Change Global Convention
• December 2nd, Saturday – Fading Hugs
• December 5th, Tuesday – JOBS, JUSTICE AND CLIMATE – WORKERS’ WEBINAR SERIES
• December 5th, Tuesday – World Soil Day
• December 8th, Friday – 15th Annual Genocide Memorial
• December 9th, Saturday – Global Day of Action for Climate Justice
• December 9th, Saturday – December Cargo Bike Meetup
• December 10th, Sunday – Human Rights Day
• December 10th, Sunday – Amnesty International Write for Rights
• December 10th, Sunday – Write for Rights YEG 2023! (Edmonton)
• December 13th Wednesday – Building a Stronger Town: An Evening with Charles Marohn
• December 17th, Sunday – December Vegan Potluck
• December 29th, Friday – Pride Corner Winter Meet-Up

I may be posting some items that are for information purposes only. These are in case anyone reading this would like to show up as a counter-protest to the actions, learn about how groups like Take Back Alberta are mobilizing, etc. They are better organized in many cases. I have highlighted these items with a gray background as exemplified by this paragraph.
This article in the National Observer shows some of their tactics. This is not only about climate change and 15-minute cities but many of our social tenants are being pushed to align more to the far-right ideology complete with the religious overtones.
Check out this video by Take Back Alberta lead spokesperson David Parke to hear what they envision for Alberta.

Video of the Week

November 30th, Thursday – Honouring our Colleagues in Gaza: “Calling all healthcare colleagues in Edmonton, please join us on November 30th at the Druze Hall to honor our colleagues in Gaza as part of the National Day of Action for Healthcare Workers in Solidarity with Palestine
⭐️⭐️ No RSVP needed ⭐️⭐️
🩺 Attend in your healthcare attire
🕯️ We will have a short program of speeches and a vigil to honor our colleagues in Gaza.
❄️ Bring winter attire to donate to our winter clothing drive for Tawaw
NOTE: this event is only open to healthcare workers and students”
Time: 6pm
Location: Canadian Druze Centre, 14304 – 134th Avenue
Instagram: Free Palestine YEG

November 30th, Thursday – One Ocean Film Tour: Aquatic Biosphere Project is touring with their latest film volume to raise awareness of the importance of water and about pollution.
“Dive into a world-class series of captivating ocean-loving films featuring adventure, aquatic environments, and inspirational stories. Followed by a guest speaker, an expert in their field.”
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM MST
Location: Stanley A. Milner Public Library, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Tickets: Eventbrite
Cost: 12.25$
URL: Aquatic Biosphere Project

November 30 until December 12, 2023 – COP28 – The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UNFCCC, more commonly referred to as COP28, will be the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, held from November 30 until December 12, 2023, at the Expo City, Dubai. Wikipedia.
If anyone would like to help plan some kind of action around this please get hold me me.
That it is being hosted by a petrostate, headed by an oil executive, and in a state that will be very unsympathetic to protesters is going to make this COP very interesting and possibly useless.

November 30th, Thursday – The UCP are Climate Criminals: Calling them what they are. A small group of Edmontonians will be displaying this signs and and doing some other actions over the COP28 period.
You are welcomed to join us. Bring your signs or use one of ours.
Time: 4pm
Location: Traffic Island at 97th Avenue and 109th Street

December 1st, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!: A weekly reminder to Edmontonians that we are in a Climate Emergency.
Because of the immediacy of situation of the Israel/Hamas conflict we will be using our time at these strikes to focus on Ceasefire Now. The world has dragged its feet on taking acting on the Climate Breakdown for 5 decades I don’t think it will matter much if we shift our time for a bit to Ceasefire Now!
Extra signs will be available for people to use – or bring your own.
This is to promote the event that is happening on Saturday at 2 pm (see below)
Time: 8 am to 9 am
Location: 109th street and 88th Avenue
Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike
Hashtags: #ClimateEmegency #ClimateJustice #EcologicalBreakdown

December 1st, Friday – Rally & Chalk Out for Palestine: “Hi everybody, please join us this Friday, December 1st at 3:00 pm in the UAlberta Main Quad. Following our march, we will have the opportunity to write messages and create art for Gaza with chalk provided. We welcome folks from all backgrounds, religions, cultures, and identities to stand in solidarity with Palestine. 🇵🇸
📣 Bring your kuffiyehs, flags, and signs
📣 Dress appropriately for the weather
📣 Wear a mask if you would like to protect your identity – photos and videos will be taken”
Time: 3pm
Location: UAlberta Main Quad

December 1st – 10th – Ignite Change Global Convention: 75th Anniversary United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights hosted by the John Humphrey Centre in Edmonton.

December 2nd, Saturday – Fading Hugs: “The Interfaith Community is coming together in remembrance of the countless innocent lives lost in Gaza. Come out and join us for an hour of reflection and solidarity.
Everyone is welcome.
Please bring a teddy bear or cuddly toy to this gathering to represent the martyred children of Gaza.
All toys will be donated to a local charity.
Please bring the whole family.
Please dress for the weather as this is an outdoor event.
A peaceful protest will follow the event.”
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square

December 5th, Tuesday – JOBS, JUSTICE AND CLIMATE – WORKERS’ WEBINAR SERIES: The Council of Canadians and a coalition of other groups have pulled together this series about the future of employment under a changing climate, ecological breakdown, and stress on the society that will inflict.
“It has been impossible to escape the impacts of climate disasters this summer. Fires, floods, and heat domes have impacted our safety, our health, and how we support our families.
We know that workers across sectors are already navigating climate impacts, from dangerous levels of heat in their workplaces to uncertainty about how decarbonization will affect their jobs – in this sense, we are all climate workers. Simultaneously, the federal government is debating the Sustainable Jobs Act that will shape the future of work as we transition away from fossil fuels.
To ensure that this legislation gives all impacted communities the tools they need as we make the necessary transition off fossil fuels, we need to listen to workers and ask our MPs to do the same!
Join us for a regional webinar series featuring conversations with workers impacted by the climate crisis and energy transitions. They will discuss their hopes, fears, and demands as the world addresses the impacts of climate change and shifts away from fossil fuels.”
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m. MST
Location: Virtual
Register: Zoom

December 5th, Tuesday – World Soil Day: “Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95 percent of our food originates from these two fundamental resources. Soil water, vital for nutrient absorption by plants, binds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems.
However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life.
Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
World Soil Day 2023 (WSD) and its campaign aim to raise awareness of the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. WSD is a unique global platform that not only celebrates soils but also empowers and engages citizens around the world to improve soil health.”
In many ways, we are kicking to pillars that prop our species up. We are polluting the biosphere, we are eroding the soils, we are raping the land through deforestation and land use changes, we are waging war against the very systems that sustains us, we are committing suicide and murder for present and future generations. We need to be better – Michael.
More information: United Nations World Soil Day
Hashtags: #WorldSoilDay #WSD #WSD2023

December 8th, Friday – 15th Annual Genocide Memorial: “The annual genocide memorial service, initiated by Community Minister Reverend Audrey Brooks, stands as witness to violence committed against human beings because of war, greed, ethnic cleansing, slavery, gender bias, of neglect, political oppression and colonial expropriation of Indigenous lands that result in mass extinction of helpless families. We invite you to join us in solidarity and remembrance. The memorial service will feature the Raging Grannies for Peace and Social Justice, The Ubuntu-based Soul Singers, local artists and guest speakers to share their experiences and perspectives through stories and poetry. Reverend Audrey extends thanks to The Edmonton Interfaith Centre for years of financial and spiritual support; The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, and The Unitarian Churches of Edmonton; voices that stand for the rights of all families to dignity, worth, thrival and peace.”
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM MST
Location: Shiloh Baptist Church10727 114 Street Northwest Edmonton, AB T5H 3K1
Register: Eventbrite

December 9th, Saturday – Global Day of Action for Climate Justice: (UK centred but they call it a Global Day of Action which would mean Edmonton is invited).
“NOW WE RISE
The hottest summer on record. Politicians backtracking on climate commitments. Corporate profiteering fueling the climate and cost of living crises.
As world leaders come at the COP28, we are coming together to demand climate justice!
Extinction Rebellion UK is part of the Climate Justice Coalition of NGO’s and grassroots organisations joining the GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION on DECEMBER 9TH.
Join us and stand with people from around the world who are committed to addressing the root causes of the #climatecrisis.
Find your local action: Click the link in bio or visit: https://xrb.link/n92sQH8I
Together, let’s send a clear message: It’s our time.
Temperatures are rising. Corporate profits are rising.
NOW WE’RE RISING!”
I will be marking the call out for an action. I will have banners and signs at the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market starting at 11am.
Time: 11am – static demo
Location: Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market and the little parklet on the east side of Gateway and 83rd Avenue.

December 9th, Saturday – December Cargo Bike Meetup: “In lieu of a playground meetup this month we invite you to join us at Candy Cane Lane for their first of three Open Streets Nights.
Whether you’re a cargo bike owner, cargo bike curious, or just passionate about everyday biking, all are welcome. These meetups are designed to be kid-friendly but having kids is not a requirement to attend!”
Time: 5pm We will ride over to Candy Cane Lane (a couple blocks away) by 5:15pm
Location: Parkview Community Playground
Website: Let’s Bike There YEG

December 10th, Sunday – Human Rights Day: I think it would be a good idea – Michael
While we are experiencing several wars across the world, more neo-liberal/Conservatives being elected, a shift in governing bodies to the more fascism end of the political spectrum, etc we need to remember that we are humans and the same level of rights, respect, humanity, justice, equity, etc should exist for everyone.
The John Humphrey Centre is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights with their Ignite Change 10 days conference (see above staring on December 1st)

December 10th, Sunday – Amnesty International Write for Rights: This is a focused annual letter writing event that brings results for 10 prisoners of conscience, and/or causes. Materials provided. All are welcome.
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Unitarian Church of Edmonton. 10804 119 Street

December 10th, Sunday – Write for Rights YEG 2023! (Edmonton): “Join us at Stanley Milner (Main Library on Churchill Square) to write letters defending the human rights of 10 people across 10 countries! If this is your first time doing this, don’t worry! We’re here to help! Just some people who care about human rights, listening to some music, writing letters, and *crossing fingers* listening to a great speaker live in person! (Will update when the speaker is confirmed!) You don’t need to bring anything – just yourself!”
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Location: Edmonton Public Library – Stanley A. Milner Library (Downtown), 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
More information: Amnesty International Edmonton Group

December 13th Wednesday – Building a Stronger Town: An Evening with Charles Marohn: Charles Marohn has an excellent YouTube channel which has some excellent commentary on urban design, taxation, land-use, etc.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM MST
Location: Metro Cinema, 8712 109 Street Northwest Edmonton, AB T6G 1E9
Registration/Tickets: Eventbrite

December 17th, Sunday – December Vegan Potluck: What better way to celebrate the season than with good people, great food, and no dead animals on your plate.
“Bring your own plates, cutlery, beverage and serving spoon(s) plus a vegan potluck dish to serve at least 6 people (per adult attending).
Everyone is welcome!
No cost for December’s potluck!
(The regular fee is to help cover the hall’s cost and since this is at a private home we don’t need any payments)
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: private home in Riverdale. Please email Margaret at margdmarean@gmail.com for the address.

December 29th, Friday – Pride Corner Winter Meet-Up: “We want to ensure everyone is aware of our upcoming schedule changes!
November through April, we will be decreasing our gatherings to the last Friday of each month with reduced hours of 4:30-6:30 pm.
This is for a number of reasons, one being that it is just too cold to be out there for long!
Another being that we need a break from organizing our very busy spring and summer, and to allow regrouping and rest before May rolls around again.
We are hoping to plan a few indoor hangouts over the winter months, and already have something VERY exciting lined up for March! Stay tuned here for details.”
Time: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: Though Pride Corner is location at the SE corner of 104th Street (Calgary Trail) and 82nd Avenue (Whyte) they gather normally gather at 103rd Street (Gateway) and 82nd Avenue (Whyte). If you don’t see them at one location then check the other.

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Start Planning for the Future

There are global days of action happening throughout the world. Edmonton can participate in these actions – all it takes is you.

• February 5th – 9th – International Week at the University of Alberta: “A warming globe, increasing numbers of refugees and displaced persons, gender disparity, economic inequalities, freshwater shortages, famine, war… We are bombarded with these issues and many others facing the planet and its inhabitants daily. 
  To address these issues, the UN established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. The Goals, adopted in 2015, call on governments and civil society worldwide to address the world’s most pressing issues, from poverty and education to health and the environment.
  I-Week is a chance to hear international and local perspectives on global issues. On February 5-9, 2024, International Week speakers connected their work to the SDGs. 
  U of A’s annual International Week is an incubator of ideas and a source of inspiration for us to work together for a better world. Stay tuned for updates on I-Week 2024.
• 2024 YEG Winter Cycling Congress is happening in Edmonton this year: “Join us in February 2024 [22nd to 24th] for an unforgettable multi-day event filled with informative sessions, bicycle excursions, and a community of passionate winter cyclists. Discover new possibilities while exploring the cycling-friendly city of Edmonton. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and learn from experts in the field.” [I think the “cycling -friendly” is a bit of a stretch – Michael].
  You can register here. Early bird rate is only until September 30th, 2023 so if you want to save a bit of money because the 450$ could be a bit of a deterrent. Mind you, if you go as a representative of a non-profit group the cost is only 200$. Good time to step up as your Community League cycling advocate and representative.

Petitions/Letter writing

To trim this page down a bit I have moved the petitions to their own page.

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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