This week in the Activist Agenda (Edmonton) and now being released on Thursday so you can see what might fit in your weekend. This list is constantly being updated so I do suggest that you check throughout the week for any updated actions. Visit Activist Agenda to see the latest version.

• February 8th, Thursday -How and Why: Mobilizing Faith-Based Advocacy for Trans Equality
• February 8th, Thursday – Structure 101 Workshop
• February 8th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!
• February 9th, Friday – Hymn Sing Vigil for Peace in Palestine-Israel
• February 10th, Saturday – Weekly Ceasefire Now event at the Market (cold weather caveat)
• February 10th, Saturday – Climate Justice Signage Display (cold weather caveat)
• February 11th, Sunday – Together in Faith: Confronting Racism
• February 11th, Sunday –  Sing with Love
• February 11th, Sunday – Brunch at Padmanadi
• February 12, Monday – Hands off Rafah
• February 13th, Tuesday – Climate Cafe
• February 14th, Wednesday – Generative Somatics External Session
• February 15th, Thursday – Deep Dive: How to disrupt an AGM (Annual General Meeting Workshop
• February 15th, Thursday – SHUT EDMONTON DOWN FOR RAFAH!
• February 18th, Sunday – February Potluck
• February 20th Tuesday – World Day for Social Justice
• February 21st, Wednesday – Garneau School Bike Bus
• February 21st, Wednesday – Telling the Story of your City
• February 22nd to 24th – 2024 YEG Winter Cycling Congress
• February 23rd, Friday – YEG Coffee Outside
• February 23rd, Friday – Live Podcast Recording: The War on Cars with special guest Don Iveson
• February 24th, Saturday – Ukrainian Rally
• February 27th, Tuesday – Interagency Stakeholder Black History Town Hall Event
• March 1st to 3rd – Climate Leadership Program – FILLED
• March 6th, Wednesday – Climate Chats

What’s going on with encampments?

People are contacting Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (ECOHH) asking for updates on what is happening about people who are camping on streets and parkland.
People who are camping are experiencing a ferocious assault on their human rights, safety, and dignity. After a small period when a court ruling required campers be given 48 hours notice before their shelters could be demolished, things have returned to the situation in place for years before– with no notice, the City arrives and throws everything a person cannot salvage into a garbage truck and takes it away.
Worse, since January 16 this has been happening at a much greater speed and frequency that has ever been seen before. One location, for example, had its shelters torn down on three different times between January 3 and January 22.
During the three week period when notice was required, ECOHH could spread word of
actions on social media and it was helpful to have significant media coverage as well as many ordinary people coming to see what really happens at such times. Most expressed surprise and concern to see the reality was not as kindly and helpful as they had imagined.
But with no notice required and sometimes several removals happening at the same time in different locations, it is difficult to share information and invite witnesses in time. But ECOHH continues to urge anyone seeing a tear-down happening to take photos and share them and to post the location on whatever social media they use.
A major challenge created by the new accelerated approach is that people no longer have time to accumulate all the materials they need to make good shelters to resist the cold and wet of the weather so the simple little places being made now leave people exposed to more dangers than ever before. And the repeated attacks are leading to some of those who camp beginning to say they have lost any hope, and to give in to discouragement, which is a threat to mental well-being.
City Council declared what is happening an emergency, but has taken no actions to assist people who are living in informal settlements so continuing to contact elected people and call for real action is important. So too is sharing blankets, tarps, warm clothes, snack food, good footwear and other essentials. Contact ECOHH for suggestions about how this can be done if you do not already have an organization to support. And you can always keep up to date with what is happening by using the ECOHH website or the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness Facebook page.

[I have some more resources listed on the Housing page if you are wanting to find more information about housing/homelessness/houselessness in Edmonton.

Video of the Week

Around the world, many jurisdictions are bringing in legislation that restricts dissenting voices. It doesn’t matter what those voices are saying – whether it is about racism, LGBTQ rights, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights, Climate, CPP – whatever! The tendency is to squash the voices by making what they do illegal.
You can’t do that here, you can’t use a megaphone, not more than three people can gather, you can’t block traffic, you can’t chalk on the sidewalk, you need permit, etc.
The police enforcement agencies are being given more tools to enforce restrictions on the citizens of Edmonton. Besides having a HUGE budget they are failing to ensure a safe environment.
The City of Edmonton are going to vote on some new measures and they need to hear from as many people as possible that we do not consent.
Please sign the petition. Click on the image above to add your name to the call to stop this kind of oppression.
Everyone that wants to ensure that it is the right… and responsibility, for people to be able to raise their voices in opposition needs to sign this. You may not support someone else’s issue or reason that they are on the streets, etc but do you support their right to be able to do so?
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”
This campaign is co-led by Climate Justice Edmonton, Independent Jewish Voices, Tawâw Outreach Collective, and Public Interest Alberta.

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“…. the International Court of Justice (ICJ) released its important decision imposing preliminary measures on Israel to avert the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.  Among other things, the ICJ demanded that Israel 1) take measures to end any genocidal violence in Gaza, 2) prevent and punish incitement to genocide by its leaders, and 3) allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.  While the ICJ did not demand a ceasefire, South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Minister asserted that “by implication, a ceasefire must happen.”  Please join CJPME in insisting that Canada strongly affirm the Court’s legally binding ruling. Among other things, Canada should 1) firmly condemn Israel’s genocidal violence in Gaza; 2) pressure Israel to fully comply with the ICJ’s emergency provisions; 3) end all arms trade between Canada and Israel, and 4) reassess Canada’s diplomatic stance toward Israel.
Send an email now.

Important petition: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-4745

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February 8th, Thursday – How and Why: Mobilizing Faith Based Advocacy for Trans Equality: Join Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble and Society of Queer Momentum for this important webinar on February 8th. Tune in to hear more about why people and communities of faith play an important role in advocating for trans equality.
Time: 6pm MT
Location: Zoom
Registration: Zoom
Instagram: Affirm United

February 8th, Thursday – Structure 101 Workshop: “The goal of this workshop is to equip participants with decision-making reflections and frameworks that help them guide their groups towards establishing a group structure that lines up with the group’s purpose and Theory of Change.
In this workshop, we cover the inherent tensions between the rejection of hierarchy in most grassroots groups and the need for a functional and visible decision-making flow that will keep things moving and also help avoid group burnout.
This workshop was created because this topic was often requested by climate justice organizers. The curriculum material was drawn from a collaboration between several senior movement thinkers including Amara Possian and Tom Liacas, and also draws on sources and wisdom from many other folks in the Momentum Training Community, Mobilisation Lab and Blueprints for Change.”
Time: 5pm
Location: Virtual
Register: HUB

February 9th, Friday – Winter Bike to Work Day: Bring your bikes and join us for treats and warm drinks!
Please consider bringing your own insulated travel mug. Reuse and refill and lets cut down on waste (it will also keep your drink warmer longer).
Time: 7:30 am to 9 am
Location: Garneau Lamp post, 88th Avenue and 109th Street

February 9th, 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/Gaza 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!
(I use the term conflict but that is not really the right word because the sides are so uneven. It is like when a protest is happening and a few people pick up bricks to throw at the authorities and then the authorities open fire on the whole crowd – and doesn’t stop. Is that a conflict or something quite different)?
Extra signs will be available for people to use – or bring your own.
Time: 8 am to 9 am
Location: 109th street and 88th Avenue
Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike
Hashtags: #CeasefireNow

February 9th, 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/Gaza 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!
(I use the term conflict but that is not really the right word because the sides are so uneven. It is like when a protest is happening and a few people pick up bricks to throw at the authorities and then the authorities open fire on the whole crowd – and doesn’t stop. Is that a conflict or something quite different)?
Extra signs will be available for people to use – or bring your own.
Also, the Winter Bike to Work
Time: 8 am to 9 am
Location: 109th street and 88th Avenue
Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike
Hashtags: #CeasefireNow

February 9th, Friday – Hymn Sing Vigil for Peace in Palestine-Israel: Building on the January 16 singing protest on Capitol Hill, in Washington DC, we will sing 10 familiar peace hymns together, joining our voices with Mennonites and Mennonite allies across North America.  (Organized by the Palestine-Israel Network, Mennonite Church Alberta)  Please contact Suzanne Gross (suzannegross@netscape.net) if you have questions. The vigil is also available by Zoom: Meeting ID: 816 7920 4311 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81679204311 No passcode is necessary.
Time: 7pm
Location: First Mennonite Church, 3650 91 Street NW

February 10th, Saturday – Weekly Ceasefire Now event at the Market: “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: 11am
Location: Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market, 10310 – 83rd Avenue. I made a What Three Words for the exact location where we normally stand. If we move away from this spot we will be noticeable and easy to find.
Facebook: Gather in Peace

February 10th, Saturday – Climate Justice Signage Display: I will erect these signs beside the bus stop on Gateway and 83rd Avenue. This is a static display since I normally go over and stand with a group of people doing Ceasefire Now activism in front of the market (see event above).
I invite you to join me at this display of signs and you can easily stand there and talk with people to discuss the issues. The signs displayed also include signs about homelessness/houselessness.
Hope to see you out to demand a change that will lessen the impact of the climate emergency we are experiencing (and homelessness/houselessness).
Why do I have UCP on this sign? Well, they form the present government in Alberta and like all previous Alberta governments (including the NDP) have pushed the fossil fuel agenda to the detriment of the planet while knowing what impacts their actions would have on people and planet.
Time: 11 am
Location: Grass area on the NE corner of 83rd avenue and Gateway (104th Street)
Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike

February 11th, Sunday – Together in Faith: Confronting Racism: Come join us for “Together in Faith: Confronting Racism,” a powerful in-person event where we unite to address the pressing issue of racism.
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM MST
Location: YMCA Boyle Street Plaza, 9538 103A Avenue
Registration: Eventbrite

February 11th, Sunday –  Sing with Love: “Join us for this big, noisy, songful show of love and support for the trans community. First, a concert at McDougall United Church, featuring members of Edmonton’s amazing choral community singing songs of solidarity and pride — and you will have the chance to sing with us, too! Admission will be by donation with proceeds to support the Fyrefly Institute.
Accessibility Note: McDougall United Church has an accessible entrance on the south side of the church. There is reserved accessible seating. For folks with sensory concerns, please note this event will involve a fairly high level of noise and joy and singing, including cheering and applause. Hearing protection might be helpful for some!
Following the concert, we will march to Churchill Square for a communal sing-in and show of solidarity.” 
Time: 2 pm – Community Concert at McDougal United. 3pm depart on march to Sir Winston Churchill Square. 3;30pm – Solidarity Sing-in at the square
Location: McDougall United, 10025 – 101st Street
Facebook; Sing with Love

February 11th, Sunday – Brunch at Padmanadi: “Join us for our first brunch of the year held at the downtown Padmanadi location. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy some great conversation and extraordinary food.”
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Padmanadi 10740 101 Street
Facebook: Vegans and Vegetarians of Alberta

February 11th, Sunday – Human Chain for Palestine: There will be a human chain of people along 97th street betwwen 132th avenue and 137th Avenue.
Join our social media campaign by:
✅ tagging 4 friends to attend the human chain
✅ tagging 3 coworkers to sign the letter against bylaw
✅ tagging and calling your elected officials to support Palestine
✅ tagging media outlets to cover the human chain
Daily scripts and instructions to follow! #Edmonton4Palestine#YEGHatesGenocide
Time: 1pm
Location: 97Street (Between 137 and 132 Avenue)
Instagram: FreePalestineYEG

February 12, Monday – Hands off Rafah: Emergency rally – global call to action.
Time: 4:30 pm
Location: Violet King Henry Plaza, 10800 – 99th Avenue

February 13th, Tuesday – Climate Cafe: A community conversation about climate.
The Climate Cafe is a new initiative the CAUA has launched this year, and so far they have achieved all our hopes for a safe and inclusive space to chat about how we can support each other through our current global weirding moment.
Time: 6pm
Location: Mood Cafe, 7601 115 St NW

February 14th, Wednesday – Generative Somatics External Session: A free, online, two-hour generative somatics session led by somatic practitioners Nazbah Tom (Diné) and Fayza Bundalli (South Asian).
What is generative somatics? Generative somatics supports building our awareness of our bodies and felt senses. Through skills development we learn to trust the cycles of emotionality, collaboration, allyship, rest and restoring, grieving, and fighting for each other and what we care about. The body (somatics) is a place for transformation, collective healing and change. 
Integrating generative somatic practices is a valuable addition to the Indigenous climate movement. While we work for climate justice and Indigenous rights, we want to nurture space for collective transformation.”
Time: 12 – 2pm MT
Location: Zoom
Registration: Zoom

February 15th, Thursday – SHUT EDMONTON DOWN FOR RAFAH!: “Join us for the first rally of three on the 15th of February at 4:30 PM at Violet King Henry Plaza to answer Palestinian Youth Movement’s call to SHUT IT DOWN FOR RAFAH!! All Edmonton organizers are coming together to answer PYM’s call – Edmonton will mobilize until the Canadian government stops arming Israel! Join the global movement to show the criminals in charge that the people continue to be united for the Liberation of Palestine!
Bring your posters, keffiyehs, flags and friends!”
Time: 4:30 pm
Location: Violet King Henry Plaza, 10800 – 99th Avenue
Instagram: Palestine Solidarity YEG

February 15th, Thursday – Deep Dive: How to disrupt an AGM (Annual General Meeting: “Learn about the Annual General Meetings (AGMs) of fossil fuel corporations and banks – key opportunities for disruption and protest.
Come to this workshop if you’re curious but unsure of where to start this AGM season. We’ll talk about planning and hear about tactics that have worked in the past.”
Time: 11 am MST
Location:
Register: Tipping Point

February 18th, Sunday – February Potluck: “Join us for our first potluck of the year being held at the Riverdale Rinkhouse (smaller building). Bring your own plates, cutlery ,beverage and serving spoon plus a favourite vegan potluck dish to serve at least 6 people (per adult attending). Everyone is welcome! Cost is $3 for members or $5 for non-members.”
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Riverdale Community League 9231 100 Ave
Facebook: Vegans and Vegetarians of Alberta

February 20th Tuesday – World Day for Social Justice: “Social justice at the centre of international, national and regional policy agendas.”
Read more at the website below.
More information: UN World Day for Social Justice

February 21st, Wednesday – Garneau School Bike Bus: Want to see how a School Bike Bus works?
Time: 8 am
Location: Queen Alex Community League, 10425 – University Avenue
More information: Bike Bus

February 21st, Wednesday – Telling the Story of your City: “You are invited to join hit youtubers Jasmine Steffler and Patrick Murphy, (Oh The Urbanity), Uytae Lee (About Here) and Tom Babin (Shifter) to hear more about how you can tell the story of cycling and city building in your community. Topics will include telling urban stories, building an audience, production, and the creative process. These storytellers are hit educators and entertainers, so don’t miss out.
Tickets are free, venue TBD, but will likely involve a presentation and then an afterparty, so sign up now to help us find the right venue size!”
Time:  6:00 PM MST
Location: TBD
Registration: Eventbrite

February 22nd to 24th – 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.

February 23rd, Friday – YEG Coffee Outside: Special location in cooperation with the Winter Cycling Congress.
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 am (Note shorter hours)
Location: Louise McKinney Park, 9999 Grieson Hill (not exactly sure where in the park they will meet so you may have to smell the coffee and look out for a group of cyclists)

February 23rd, Friday – Live Podcast Recording: The War on Cars with special guest Don Iveson: “The War on Cars is a top podcast about the epic, hundred years’ war between The Car and The City.One of my favourite podcasts, the ironically named, WAR ON CARS, is coming to do a ticketed, public live show in Edmonton on Friday, Feb 23rd as part of their appearance at the Winter Cycling Congress. You might recognize their special local guest… I think it’s former Mayor Iveson’s first public local event in two years!”
Time: 7:30 PM MST
Location: The Westin Edmonton, 10135 100 Street 
Cost: from 14.11$
Registration: Eventbrite

February 23rd, Friday – Live Podcast Recording: The War on Cars with special guest Don Iveson: “The War on Cars is a top podcast about the epic, hundred years’ war between The Car and The City.One of my favourite podcasts, the ironically named, WAR ON CARS, is coming to do a ticketed, public live show in Edmonton on Friday, Feb 23rd as part of their appearance at the Winter Cycling Congress. You might recognize their special local guest… I think it’s former Mayor Iveson’s first public local event in two years!”
Time: 7:30 PM MST
Location: The Westin Edmonton10135 100 Street
Register/Tickets: Eventbrite

February 24th, Saturday – Ukrainian Rally: Two Years of Full-Scale War.
Time: 5 pm
Location: Violet King Henry Plaza, 99th Avenue and 108th Street
Instagram: UNYF.Alberta

February 27th, Tuesday – Interagency Stakeholder Black History Town Hall Event: “Join our Interagency Stakeholder Black History Town Hall Event, where we will address one of the most pressing challenges facing our city today: the housing crisis!
This crisis profoundly affects the most vulnerable members of our society, particularly those of African descent. Housing is a crucial social determinant of health for vulnerable members of Black communities living with multifaceted intersectionalities. We invite you to this Black History Month community town hall event, where your input will form part of a strategic recommendation to all levels of government and stakeholders.
This event will feature testimonials from members of the Black community who have direct lived experiences, along with key panel speakers who are experts in the field of housing and shelters. The evening will also include food and drinks.
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM MST
Location: 9210 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Cost: Free
Registration: Eventbrite

March 1st to 3rd – Climate Leadership Program: This program has been fully booked up.

• The basics of climate science and climate change
• Indigenous perspectives on climate change and climate action connections between climate change and the health of Indigenous communities, peoples, and nations
• Root causes of climate change while demonstrating the integral role that Indigenous resilience has in Mother Earth’s survival
• Legal mechanisms used to undermine Indigenous sovereignty as well legal strategies to assert rights
• The impacts of human economic activity on Mother Earth
• The impacts that climate change is having on life on Mother Earth
• Climate solution projects and stories at community, national, and international scale

Time: 10:00AM-2:30 PM MST
Location: Virtual – Zoom
Registration: Indigenous Climate Action Google Form

March 6th, Wednesday – Climate Chats: Presented in partnership with Waste Free Edmonton.
Do you feel disengaged from climate action? Do you see the terrifying outcomes that are already happening to our neighbours and think “this is hopeless, what could I possibly do”? Do your feelings overwhelm you when talking to others about the climate emergency?”
Our community centered Climate Chats work directly with attendees to re-engage with local climate action, work through your big feelings of anxiety, grief and sadness, and re-ignite hope in the possibility of a brighter future.
Climate Chats is not therapy. This peer-led workshop will help you process your eco-distress and build your emotional tolerance, but it is not a replacement for direct therapeutic intervention.
For more important information about the event, and prior to purchasing your ticket, we strongly suggest you review the content on our site: https://notladylikecommunity.ca/climate-chats/
Time: Doors: 6:20pm. Event starts promptly at 6:30pm. Wrap up and casual connections 8:30 to 9:00pm
Location: Stanley Milner Library (downtown), Civic Employees Fund Room 3
Cost: $10

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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.

• Bye Nye the Science Guy is coming to Edmonton on March 2nd. “In his new live stage show, “The End Is Nye”, Bill Nye the Science Guy will be discussing climate change, natural disasters, and how we, all of us, can make the world a better place…with science! All delivered in the unique, hilarious, and fun way that only Bill Nye the Science Guy can.
  Engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, audiences revere this good-natured Renaissance man’s infectious blend of humour, intellectual curiosity, and devotion to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges through science. You don’t want to miss this!”
  Perhaps some group could use this event as a place to present local climate action to the crowd of people that will be showing up and not activists yet. I think his skit on John Oliver was brilliant and said it like it is.
• The Decline and Fall of Western Civilization: Our Choice? April 12-13, 2024 in Red Deer. This is a right-wing ‘freedom’ fest. They are hosting climate change denier Dr. Patrick Moore and Maxime Bernier (People’s Party of Canada).
  Others include: John Robson (columnist at Epoch Times and National Post), Michelle Stirling, Stockwell Day, Paul Hinman, Andrew Lawton, and Marc Morano (from Wikipedia – “founded and runs the website ClimateDepot.com… a US non-profit organisation that promotes climate change denial“. It is being sponsored by The Heinze Group.
  [This event is only listed for reference in case anyone was interested in disruption and such].

Science Literacy Course

We are often told not to believe everything we read online or see on TV—but how do we tell the difference between sensationalized statistics and a real scientific study? Learn how to spot sound science in this 5-week course.
This course is free and offered through the University of Alberta.
Register: University of Alberta you will then need to register at Coursera

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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