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 16th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!
• February 16th, Friday – SHUT EDMONTON DOWN FOR RAFAH!
• February 17th, Saturday – Weekly Ceasefire Now event at the Market (cold weather caveat)
• February 17th, Saturday – Climate Justice Signage Display (cold weather caveat)
• 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, Thursday – 76 Avenue Renewal
• 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 25th, Sunday – All Out For Gaza
• February 25th, Sunday – Protect Alberta’s Youth
• February 27th, Tuesday – Interagency Stakeholder Black History Town Hall Event
• February 27th, Tuesday – Operation: Find Fossil Fuel Funders?
• February 28th, Wednesday – Pink Shirt Day
• February 29th, Thursday – Elder Climate Conversation
• March 1st to 3rd – Climate Leadership Program – FILLED
• March 3rd, Sunday – Demo Food Day
• March 3rd, Sunday – Tooker: 20 years on
• March 4th, Monday – Tooker Gomberg 20th Anniversary of his Death
• March 6th, Wednesday – Climate Chats
• March 8th, Friday – International Women’s Day
• March 8th, Friday – International Women’s Day Dinner + Discussion
• March 10th, Sunday – International Women’s Day Rally and March
• March 15th, Friday – Canada Overshoot Day
• March 16th, Saturday – Private Screening: Safer for All

Video of the Week

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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.

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

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February 16th, 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 16th, Friday – 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 17th, 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.

February 17th, 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 17th, Saturday – Global March for RAFAH!: Third day of this call to action.
“We the people will not tolerate Canada’s participation in Israel’s brutal occupation and massacre of the Palestinian people!!! We will SHUT EDMONTON DOWN FOR PALESTINE until our demands are met! We demand that the Canadian government and the criminals in charge:
– place an arms embargo against Israel
– reinstate UNRWA funding and facilitate aid into Gaza
– lift the siege on Gaza and call for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine
There will be no business as usual as Canadian arms are used to bomb Rafah – the people will take to the streets until Palestine is Liberated!!!
Bring your keffiyehs, flags, posters, friends and family this Saturday to show your commitment to the cause!!
Share to your stories and tag 4 of your friends that you will be bringing to the GLOBAL MARCH FOR RAFAH!}
Time: 12 noon
Location: Violet King Henry Plaza, 10800 – 99th Avenue

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, Thursday – 76 Avenue Renewal: “76 Avenue between 75 Street and 99 Street has been chosen for renewal. Planning and design is currently underway.”
You can also fill in the survey on this plan – Click here. It is open until March 3rd, 2024.
In addition, you can sign up for community information from Troy Pavlek with their newly launched Connect76.ca website.
Now is a good time to also purchase your community league memberships so they can help keep you up to date.
Time: 6-9pm
Location: Ritchie Community League Hall (7727 98 Street NW)

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 25th, Sunday – All Out For Gaza: Rally for Gaza.
Time: 12:30 pm
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square, 102nd Avenue and 99th Street
Instagram: Free Palestine YEG

February 25th, Sunday – Protect Alberta’s Youth: “Join us in a counteractive rally and march, to protest the recent UCP legislation which targets and oppresses our 2 Spirit, Trans, Gender Diverse, and 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth and Communities. We will be advocating for the importance of continuing to provide 2SLGBTQIA+ education, equity, and safe environments that allow our youth and communities to flourish and grow.
Danielle Smith and her UCP government’s “Parental Rights Policies”, which they have enshrined into law, are a direct attack on trans youth. These policies have already caused widespread harm, and spread misinformation through their reliance on hateful rhetoric and bigotry. We recognize the long term negative impacts of children who are raised in environments that don’t encourage or empower them to be their true, authentic selves.
We will also be affirming that trans women are women, and that they have a place in all women’s spaces – including sports – and that the decisions made by the UCP have gone against all factual evidence, are based on misinformation, and are an active act of violence and oppression against transgender, and gender diverse women.
It is of the utmost importance that we recognize the oppression, violence, and intergenerational trauma our communities have been faced with throughout history. As we build communities rooted in inclusivity, equity, and diversity, we continue to break intergenerational trauma.
We will have guest speakers, live music, and community representation, as well as providing resources and marching.”
Time: 2pm
Location: Violet King Henry Plaza, Alberta Legislature Building 10800 99 Avenue 
Facebook: United for Change

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

February 27th, Tuesday – Operation: Find Fossil Fuel Funders?: “We’re asking parents to start noticing how the big banks show up in our communities, as sponsors of community events and programs. 
While we’re happy that these important programs get funding, we think that banks are trying to distract from their harmful business practices, and buy goodwill through these sponsorships and grants. Canada’s banks are all among the top fossil fuel funders worldwide, making them major drivers of the climate crisis, and many of them finance projects that violate Indigenous rights.
To better understand how banks are buying social license, we’re starting to compile examples from across Canada and map them out. And we need your help!
Join this short session on February 27th to learn more about this action and how you can become a fossil fuel funder detective.
Plus, find out more about other upcoming bank actions and events. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents who are part of the Banking For Our Kids campaign! 
Time: 5pm MT
Location: Virtual
Register: For Our Kids

February 28th, Wednesday – Pink Shirt Day: Very few things upsets me like bullying. I filter many things through this filter – Trump is a bully, Netanyahu is a bully, Poilievre is a bully, quite often police officers are bullies, etc. I know I have bullied. I think everyone is guilty of that – with a sibling, with a partner, with a work colleague, etc.
Pink Shirt Day is a day to remind ourselves that bullying hurts lots of people.
If you got one – wear pink today.

February 29th, Thursday – Elder Climate Conversation: “Are you an elder concerned about the climate crisis? Are you already active in climate and global justice issues? I’m interested in getting people together to talk informally about what activities they are involved in and brainstorm ideas about what we might be able to do together.”
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Idylwylde branch of Edmonton Public Library, Bonnie Doon
Event: 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 3rd, Sunday – Demo Food Day: Vegan store is having a food demo day.
Take your own container to take home some extra food samples.
Time: 10:30 – 6:30 pm
Location: Orii, 10156 – 114th Street

March 3rd, Sunday – Tooker: 20 years on: “March 3rd marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of Tooker Gomberg – one of Canada’s most daring and courageous political figures, as well as friend, co-conspirator and guiding light to so many of us.
We invite you to join in reflection and celebration of this exemplary writer, activist, politician, videographer, public speaker and advocate for a better world. You’re invited to share your reflections at this memorial event.
Who was Tooker to you? Share a favourite story of him. What do you think he’d be doing today? Besides story-telling, we’ll do some Tooker Trivia, and show some video. Sign up to share your story at the event: angela@cleanairalliance.org
Learn more about Tooker here.
Time: 5pm
Location: Virtual – Zoom
Register: Zoom

March 4th, Monday – Tooker Gomberg 20th Anniversary of his Death: Unsure whether anything will happen on this day in Edmonton. I might go for a ride on what I would like to see called “The Tooker Trail” (Unity Square to 118th Avenue bicycle trail).
I will let people know if I do go for a ride and you can join me.

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

March 8th, Friday – International Women’s Day

March 8th, Friday – International Women’s Day Dinner + Discussion: “Women around the world have gathered on International Women’s Day for 114 years to lay our claims on society for what belongs to us by right. All around us is the proof that no one defines our place in society. Far from it, women are fighting on all fronts to defend their rights and the rights of all, for a society fit for all human beings. Our IWD banquet and forum is an opportunity for women to speak in their own name about the problems they and their collectives face, our efforts and battles for our rights and for our future, our successes and challenges.
The forum will be organized to provide a space for as many women as possible to speak, and also an opportunity to connect with each other. Last year we pledged to support each other through the year, and this has found expression in many ways.
The call for an end to genocide in Gaza and for a Free Palestine grows ever more powerful. Our public services are in crisis and hundreds of thousands of public sector workers, the majority of whom are women, are raising their demands for the working and living conditions they need to do their duty to society. Migrant workers are resolute in their fight for regularization of undocumented workers and Status for All. Indigenous women continue to lead the fight for justice for MMIWGTS. The assault on the unhoused and attempts to silence and suppress our rights to gather, to rally and march, have met strong opposition and success in rejecting the Public Spaces Bylaw. So too the threat to use executive powers to dictate medical care of trans youth and curriculum in the schools. These fights and many more concern us all. Together we Fight to Win!
We look forward to hearing everyone’s views and sharing a delicious meal together. While our event is organized to bring women together, all are welcome.
Organized by Women for Rights and Empowerment.
Time: 5:30 PM MST
Location: Alberta Avenue Community Centre, 9210 118 Avenue 
Cost: Free – That is what it says on the Eventbrite page but in their email they had this information: “The full price of hosting this event is $60/person. If you are supported by an organization and/or can afford to pay the full price, please do so. A reduced price of $30 is also available for those with more limited funds. Kids 12 and under are free. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.“
Register: Eventbrite

March 10th, Sunday – International Women’s Day Rally and March:
Organized by Women for Rights and Empowerment
Time: 11am
Location: Corbett Hall, University of Alberta, 112th street and 82nd Avenue

March 15th, Friday – Canada Overshoot Day: “A country’s overshoot day is the date on which Earth Overshoot Day would fall if all of humanity consumed like the people in that country.”
If the rest of the world lived like the average Canadian the Overshoot Day would be March 15th, 2024.
This is not sustainable.

March 16th, Saturday – Private Screening: Safer for All: “You are invited to an invite-only screening of a new Edmonton-centred police accountability documentary, SAFER FOR ALL. Inspired by the award-winning Calgary documentary NO VISIBLE TRAUMA, SAFER FOR ALL captures the journey of a group of public safety advocates, academics, and former police officers as they meet with those with lived experience of police misconduct to better understand police accountability is so broken in Alberta/Canada, and what can be done to make our community safer for all.
Feel free to share the TRAILER online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5RCJS0yqi8
This film was produced by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights with support from Lost Time Media. 
Time: 6pm
Location: Landmark Cinema City Centre Mall, 102nd Avenue and 101st Street
Register/RSVP: Safer for All: Private Screening RSVP

You are invited to RSVP Here.

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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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