Would people please let me know what actual day you receive your Activist Agenda in your email? Thank you.

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

• December 1st – 10th – Ignite Change Global Convention
• December 7th, Thursday – First Day of Chanukah
• December 8th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!
• December 8th, Friday – Coffee Outside
• December 8th, Friday – 15th Annual Genocide Memorial
• December 9th, Saturday – Global Day of Action for Climate Justice
• December 9th, Saturday – Ceasefire Now Gather for Peace
• December 9th, Saturday – December Cargo Bike Meetup
• December 10th, Sunday – Time to Take Action
• December 10th, Sunday – Human Rights Day
• December 10th, Sunday – Amnesty International Write for Rights
• December 10th, Sunday – Write for Rights YEG 2023! (Edmonton)
• December 10th, Sunday – Edmonton Chapter Council of Canadians 2023 Annual General Meeting
• December 12th, Tuesday – Climate Cafe
• December 13th Wednesday – Building a Stronger Town: An Evening with Charles Marohn
• December 13th, Wednesday – Take Back Alberta Christmas Party in St Albert
• December 15th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!
• December 15th, Friday – Weekly Coffee Outside
• December 16th, Saturday – All Out for Gaza
• December 16th, Saturday – Ceasefire Now Gather for Peace
• December 16th, Saturday – EDMONTON PROTEST/HEALTH CARE FORUM
• December 17th, Sunday – December Vegan Potluck
• December 18th, Monday – MP Day of Action
• December 22nd, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!
• December 22nd, Friday – Weekly Coffee Outside
• December 29th, Friday – Pride Corner Winter Meet-Up
• December 29th, Friday – Edmonton Critical Mass Ride With Pride

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 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.

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 7th, Thursday – First Day of Chanukah: Check out the video of the history of this ‘Festival of Light’ by local amazing person – Paula Kirman.

December 8th, 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 8th, Friday – Weekly Coffee Outside: “Edmonton’s outdoor coffee club. We meet every Friday, rain, snow or shine between 7 & 9 am at Ezio Faraone Park.”
Time: 7 to 9 am
Location: Ezio Faraone Park, Edmonton
Twitter: YEG Coffee Outside

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 – Ceasefire Now Gather for Peace: “We will stand together in solidarity with people around the world calling for an immediate Ceasefire Now in all conflict zones and all parties work towards a just, respectful, and long-lasting peace.”
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market, 10310 – 83rd Avenue
Facebook: Gather in Peace

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 – Time to Take Action: Rally and March to support the global call for a Ceasefire Now, end the siege, end the occupation, and to achieve an equitable, just, and long-lasting peace in the region.
Time: 1 pm
Location: Paul Kane Park, 10220 – 121 Street

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 10th, Sunday – Edmonton Chapter Council of Canadians 2023 Annual General Meeting: “We are looking forward to time spent sharing hopes for meaningful action in the coming year and opportunities for members and guests to get involved.” 
3:00 – 4:00 pm Welcoming remarks, annual reports & election of officers
4:00 – 5:00 pm Round Table discussions including all those present
5:00 – 6:00 pm Potluck, Vegan Chili, tea/coffee, dishes & cutlery provided
6:00 – 8:00 pm Open stage: musicians, environmental & social justice themes appreciated
Time: Starting at 3 pm
Location: Allendale Community Hall, 6330 – 105a Street
Parking is available on 105a St. East of the Allendale Public School ground.  #701 and #9 bus service and wheelchair access

December 12th, Tuesday – Climate Cafe: COP28 will be over and it is a time to come together to talk about it and to check-in with our climate emotions.
Time: 5pm (yes, some of the posters say 6 pm but the time has been changed to 5 pm start).
Location: Mood Cafe,

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: (Location change due to accessibility barriers) Room 1-430, Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (CCIS), University of Alberta11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9
Registration/Tickets: Eventbrite

December 13th, Wednesday – Take Back Alberta Christmas Party in St Albert: It looks like David Parker is going to be the special guest at this event (he is the founder and president of the group).
Time: 6:30pm – 10pm
Location: Skybox (inside Servus Credit Union Place), 200 Campbell Road, St. Albert it looks like (per the Twitter post below) that they are having problems locating a venue for their event.

December 15th, 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 15th, Friday – Weekly Coffee Outside: “Edmonton’s outdoor coffee club. We meet every Friday, rain, snow or shine between 7 & 9 am at Ezio Faraone Park.”
Time: 7 to 9 am
Location: Ezio Faraone Park, Edmonton
Twitter: YEG Coffee Outside

December 16th, Saturday – Ceasefire Now Gather for Peace: “We will stand together in solidarity with people around the world calling for an immediate Ceasefire Now in all conflict zones and all parties work towards a just, respectful, and long-lasting peace.”
Time: 12pm
Location: Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market, 10310 – 83rd Avenue
Facebook: Gather in Peace

December 16th, Saturday – All Out for Gaza: “Since the beginning of October, at least 278 health workers have been killed, at least 38 health workers have been kidnapped, and 26 out of the 35 hospitals in Gaza have been left non-functional by Israel’s attacks.
Join us on Saturday at 1pm at Paul Kane Park to rally for Gaza as part of worldwide rallies led by healthcare workers.
✊🏽The rally is open to all community members
🩺 The rally this week will be led by healthcare workers. If you are a healthcare worker, please join us in your work attire
🧤 Please bring a donation of mittens and gloves to support Tawaw outreach collective
We call on everyone to join us in this rally in solidarity with the health workers of Gaza and around the world to demand:
* An immediate and permanent ceasefire
* An end to the targeting of hospitals and health workers
* An end to the siege on Gaza
* An end to the occupation and system of apartheid”
Time: 1pm
Location: Paul Kane Park, 10220 – 121st Street
Instagram: Free Palestine YEG

December 16th, Saturday – EDMONTON PROTEST/HEALTH CARE FORUM: Tired of long ER wait times?
“We are a group of concerned citizens who are fed up with the government’s dismantling of our public health care system. We are organizing a peaceful protest at The Alberta Legislature Saturday, December 16, 2023, to voice our opposition to the government’s plans to dismantle AHS, privatize care homes, and sell off AHS assets to private corporations.
The Citizens Health Care Forum is a protest hosted by OneAlberta and PoPAB to demand more transparency from the government of Alberta. We believe this vision is flawed, harmful, and driven by ideology rather than evidence. We want to send a clear message to the government that we do not support their agenda, and we demand better health care for all Albertans.
We invite you to join us at the protest, which will take place outside The Alberta Legislature, where the protest is being held. We will gather at 10:30AM, when we will hold signs, chant slogans, and hear from speakers. Our goal is to inform and educate people about what is happening, and how detrimental it is to public health care.
We need your support to make this protest a success. Please spread the word to your friends, family, and colleagues, and bring them along. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates and information. Together, we can make a difference and protect our health care system.”
Time: 10:30am -12:30pm
Location: East Steps (the ones facing 107th Street), The Alberta Legislature, 10800 97 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton. The bus transit station is about 500M to the north and the 109th Street LRT station is about 600M to the NW.
Website: One Alberta
Twitter: One Alberta
Reddit: One Alberta

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 18th, Monday – MP Day of Action: MPs will once again be back in the constituencies and their local offices. The Palestinian Youth Movement is calling for a day of action to demand that they support a ceasefire in Gaza.
Sign up to participate: Google Doc

December 22nd, 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 22nd, Friday – Weekly Coffee Outside: “Edmonton’s outdoor coffee club. We meet every Friday, rain, snow or shine between 7 & 9 am at Ezio Faraone Park.”
Time: 7 to 9 am
Location: Ezio Faraone Park, Edmonton
Twitter: YEG Coffee Outside

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.

December 29th, Friday – Edmonton Critical Mass Ride With Pride: “Critical Mass rides are to make visible the number of cyclists in a city and remind city administrators that we require safe, smart, and effective infrastructure to all us to use our bicycles (or other human-powered devices).
We will join the people at Pride Corner for their last gathering of 2023 – ergo, the Ride with Pride theme. Lights, glam, flags, etc are all encouraged.
Bring noise makers, lights, signs/messages (if safe to do so), cameras, etc and join your community in a celebration of the intelligence of the bicycle.
The route will likely be about 8 kms. There could be a social afterwards.
Please check back for updates before the event 
Time: We will leave Sir Winston Churchill Square at 5:30pm
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square, 103rd Avenue and 99th Street
Facebook: Edmonton Critical Mass Ride

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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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