Traction » Events

you gotta meet this guy, plus progressive sandwich-making, shuffleboard, etc.

Lanya — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:18:06 +0000

Hey Tractivists,

One of the nicest, coolest guys you’ll ever meet will be in town tomorrow (Thurs), and I really want you to meet him. He’s my buddy Justin Krebs and he’ll be making sandwiches with other Tractivists at Traction HQ before heading over to the Regulator for a reading. Will you join us?

Your guide to Thursday evening:

5pm-6:45pm: Happy hour and sandwich night at Traction HQ (map).

We’ll probably fill up the kiddie pool so you can cool your feet and/or your tush. Bring something that will contribute to a great sandwich, or a veggie side dish. (Bonus points for protein-y side dishes…)

7pm: At the Regulator, Justin reads from his new book, “538 Ways to Live, Work and Play like a Liberal,” about all the little ways you can live out your progressive values every day. He’s awesomely sharing the stage with local folks who live liberally, like Stephen and Rebekah Hren who have a carbon-free home and are helping launch the Durham Central Market. It’ll be a great conversation and I guarantee you’ll learn a new way to up your PQ (Progressive Quotient). Did I mention that Justin talks about Traction in his book???

8:30ish: Justin likes his beers (he’s the founder of Drinking Liberally), so we’ll head back to Broad Street for drinks and pool and shuffleboard at the Green Room. Some of us will surely take a detour to Locopops on the way there.

One reason why this is really important to ME: for years, Justin’s heard me brag about Durham and Traction, and I need you to help me make good on my big talk! Will you stop by for any or all of the festivities? RSVPs appreciated: 538@getTraction.org

Then on Sunday, celebrate the 50th anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book on race and crime in the South. Several Tractivists are acting in, and directing, scenes from this classic work. 3pm at Durham’s Main Library. Like Cliff Notes, but way better.

Stay cool,

Lanya Shapiro

reader, agitator, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Thurs, July 8: Hang out w/ Justin Krebs: founder of Drinking Liberally and author of 538 Ways to Live, Work and Play like a Liberal. 538@getTraction.org
Sun, July 11: Scenes from To Kill a Mockingbird. mocking@getTraction.org

Sat, July 17: Blueberry-picking! blues@getTraction.org

Plus more outdoors events, maybe a green brewery tour, a wine tasting, and other ways to quench your summer thirst…

drink liberally with me (and 537 other progressive things you can do)

Guest Blogger — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:20:13 +0000

Dear Tractivists,

You’re invited to a special event to celebrate the release of “538 Ways to Live, Work and Play Like a Liberal.” It’s my new book, and it’s about the many small ways to live progressive values in your every day life and the bigger idea of what it means to be liberal and why that matters for our country.

Even better: YOU are in the book!

WHAT: Three-part celebration of “538 Ways to Live, Work, and Play Like a Liberal”
WHEN: Thurs, July 8th from 5pm until 10-ish
WHERE: Traction HQ (map), then the Regulator, then Dain’s / Locopops

RSVPs appreciated: 538@getTraction.org

I founded Drinking Liberally back in 2003 and now I’m touring the country, visiting Drinking Liberally chapters and other progressive partners like Traction — who I featured in the book! I’m eager to meet Tractivists and hopefully learn from you a few MORE ways to live like a liberal.

Join me next Thursday, July 8th. We’ll start at..
– 5pm at Traction HQ for a happy hour / sandwich night, then move to a…
– 7pm reading at the Regulator Bookshop, plus conversation including fellow Tractivists and other local liberals — including Stephen and Rebekah Hren of the Carbon-Free Home and Durham Central Market. After that, around…
– 8:30ish, we’ll cap off the evening by drinking liberally down the street at Dain’s. (And since Lanya swears I shouldn’t miss Locopops, some of us will probably take a detour there and circle back to Dain’s.)

Join us for any or all of the evening! If you’re coming to Traction HQ, bring some sandwich-fixings to share and we’ll see what this community can whip up together. Kinda like Stone Soup, but between two pieces of bread. At a time when Tea Party activists dump our national discourse overboard, come discuss the vibrant cultural movement on the Left — and take part.

A little background on me:
Like many liberals during the Bush years, I needed a drink. So my friends and I started Drinking Liberally — getting together in a bar to talk politics. One liberal told another who told another and soon Americans everywhere were taking part. As the organization grew, I realized how much more we could do to live our liberal values beyond voting and campaigning. Food and entertainment choices should reflect our values. We should choose media, retail and community resources free from corporate control. We should bring the spirit of shared goals and common resources into interactions with neighbors and coworkers. It’s all very Traction-esque, no?

Living Liberally now incorporates Eating Liberally meals, Screening Liberally films, Laughing Liberally comedy, and Reading Liberally book clubs. Around the country, in 300 communities, more than 50,000 proud liberals who have found their political home. Drawing from stories from across the United States, in my book — available at major on-line booksellers like indiebound.org, amazon.com, borders.com, barnesandnoble.com, and at local bookstores near you, including the Regulator — I offer 538 ideas on how you can make a difference in your everyday life.

I’ve been inspired by Traction from afar over the years. This is my first time coming to Durham, and I’m excited to see the city and meet you all in person. Join the fun — I look forward to sharing a night of discussion and some liberal drinking.

Justin Krebs
Roadtripper, Liberal Drinker, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
June 30: Life of Pie (how to get the whole thing instead of just a slice): a life balance workshop. balance@getTraction.org Just 4 spaces left!
July 8: Hang out w/ Justin Krebs: founder of Drinking Liberally and author of 538 Ways to Live, Work and Play like a Liberal. 538@getTraction.org
Plus more outdoors events, maybe a green brewery tour, a wine tasting, and other ways to quench your summer thirst!

Make a splash this Memorial Day

Guest Blogger — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:13:58 +0000

Greetings fellow Tractivists!

After a week of rain, the clouds are starting to clear to reveal full swimming holes and the warmth of late May. Spend time with friends this Memorial Day swimming in the quarry and enjoying a Locopop, in celebration of the start of summer and everything that servicepeople have given to this beautiful country.

WHAT: Memorial Day swimming, community, and frozen treats
WHERE: Eno Quarry and then Locopops
WHEN: Mon. May 31st, 1:00 – 3:30 pm (swimming) + 4pm (Locopops)
We will meet at the Cabe Lands parking lot off Howe St. at 1pm. Those who wish to carpool from Traction HQ (1018 Broad St.) should be prepared to leave at 12:40 sharp. If you would like to set up a carpool from another area or need further directions, then please e-mail outdoors@getTraction.org. We will follow up the fun in the sun with a trip to the Durham Locopops on Hillsborough Rd.

Keep in mind:

- The walk in is about a mile and there are no bathrooms nearby.

- The parking lot is very small, so you are strongly encouraged to carpool!

- The water is deep and rocky in places.

DO BRING: Walking shoes, water to drink, kids of all ages, snacks for yourself or to share, towel, sunscreen, and fun floating stuff
DO NOT BRING: Stereos and dogs. I love ‘em, but it isn’t a good idea with leash restrictions and the presence of many others.

While bathing in the beauty of the Eno River State Park, we should not forget the reason for our day off: personal sacrifice. Whether the large personal sacrifices that come with serving your country or the relatively smaller ones that come in the name of everyday community-building, it is personal sacrifice that helps to move our country forward. Between the splashes and laughs, tell a friend about a sacrifice that you plan on making this year to help a neighbor, a park, or even a whole planet.

See you on Memorial Day!!

James Beidler
outdoor bather, Durham-lover, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Mon 5/31: Memorial Day at the Eno: swim@getTraction.org Wed 6/30: work / life / community balance workshop: balance@getTraction.org
Thurs 7/8: 538 Ways to Live, Work and Play Like a Liberal… with the awesome Drinking Liberally founder Justin Krebs
Plus a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org, more outdoors events and more…

Save $$, heal yourself, heal the world: freezer party

Guest Blogger — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:06:34 +0000

Dear Tractivists,

Summer is on the way! For me, our sunny and hot season means lots of time outside enjoying long beautiful days. It also means I have less time in the kitchen to cook healthy homemade meals.

How is it possible to eat well AND have time to enjoy the great outdoors? Here’s a way to do both….

WHAT: potluck-style Freezer stock-up Party
WHO: health-, eco- and money-conscious Tractivists
WHEN: Sunday, April 25, 3:00pm
WHERE: Traction HQ (1018 Broad St. in Durham)
RSVPs appreciated (and for more details): freezer@getTraction.org

Here’s how it works: You bring a big dish to share (at least seven servings) like a soup or casserole, one copy of the recipe, and empty tupperware containers. You taste lots of other dishes made by fellow Tractivists and take home the ones you want, along with the recipes. The next time you’d rather go for a walk or play frisbee than cook dinner, voila! you have healthy, homemade options right in your freezer.

Why is this a great idea? In addition to having convenient frozen dinners (without all the packaging), you save on money, time, and dirty dishes! You get to make one dish once, yet enjoy the flavors and nutrition from many different meals over many days. You get to meet other Tractivists who like to cook but, like you, would sometimes rather do something else.

I hosted Traction’s last freezer-stock-up party, and it was a huge success. I’m still eating delicious homemade meals from the freezer, and I know several other Tractivists who are too! And this time, feel free to bring questions or thoughts about the current primary election. It’s hard to stay informed about local races — we can swap info while we swap dishes.

I’ll make the same promise as last time: to try to use the most local and sustainably-grown ingredients — even some from my own garden! But you don’t have to. Homemade food made with conventionally grown ingredients is still healthier and more eco-conscious than pre-processed frozen dinners. So whatever your angle, we welcome your creative culinary license!

Enjoy those outdoors and I hope to share some culinary love with you this Sunday!

Jayme Johnson

scientist, teacher, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Sun 4/25: Return of the Freezer Party (aka the potluck that keeps on giving): freezer@getTraction.org
Sat 5/15: Civil Rights Walking Tour of Durham: race@getTraction.org
Mon 5/31: Memorial Day at the Eno: swim@getTraction.org
Plus strawberry-picking (at least once, maybe twice), a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org, and much more…

Spring into Traction Outdoors with a mountain hike this weekend

Guest Blogger — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:40:17 +0000

Greetings fans of the outdoors and other Traction types!

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and spring fever is spreading like pine pollen. Well, friends, it is time to cure that spring fever with a special hike brought to you by Traction Outdoors!

What: Hiking and Picnicking on Occoneechee Mountain
When: Sunday, April 18; picnic at 1pm, hike starts at 2pm
Where: Occoneechee Mountain Picnic Tables
Why: Take in a unique ecosystem right at our backdoor
RSVP: outdoors@getTraction.org (by Saturday please)

This Sunday join us for a strong dose of breathtaking river overlooks, deep-green rhododendron cliffs, and bright wildflowers as we hike through one of our area’s most unique ecosystems: Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area.

Get an extra dose of medicine by coming early for lunch at the picnic tables where we will chat with new and old friends and plan future Traction outdoors events. Even if you aren’t eating, feel free to come early for conversation — we’ll have drinks for you.

The hike has some steep inclines and rocky areas over about two to three miles of moderately difficult trails (about 1.5 – 2 hours), so you will need to wear comfortable shoes. The forecast is for a mild, sunny 75 degrees at this point, but please bring water as you will get thirsty. You can find directions here. We’ll meet at the park’s picnic tables in the shaded area near the parking lot. Friendly, well-behaved dogs that love interesting smells and being on the leash are welcome.

Jutting up over the Eno River near Hillsborough, Occoneechee Mountain is the highest point in the Triangle and one of the most unique places in the state. The park is home to a very diverse ecosystem, thanks to a topography that allows just enough changes in temperature to support flora and fauna common to both the NC Piedmont and the mountains. Along the trails, you will come across pines, laurels, blueberries, hollies, and a wide array of hardwoods — some familiar, some seemingly straight from your last trip to Asheville. The park is part of the Eno River State Park and is made up of former mill and quarry land.

Start getting control of your spring fever now with a hike at Occoneechee Mountain. See you this Sunday!

James Beidler
spring lover, tree hugger, Tractivist

P.S. We would love to see you carpool with a friend or even ride your bike! If you let me know your home area when you RSVP, I’ll connect you with other Tractivists interested in carpooling.

P.P.S. Upcoming event notes…
POSTPONED: The trip to the new civil rights museum in Greensboro. Write gbo@getTraction.org for more info.
Sun 4/25: Return of the Potluck that Keeps on Giving (aka Freezer Party): freezer@getTraction.org
Plus strawberry-picking, a Memorial Day swim, and a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org

Drain. Filter. Rinse. Bank your Savings. Repeat if desired.

Guest Blogger — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:55:28 +0000

Hello out there in TVland,

Earth Month starts tomorrow, and there’s been a lot of talk recently about the new eco-friendly cars — biodiesels, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen-powered Wienermobiles, you name it. And sure, those are all great things. But who can afford one these days? Not us, anyway.

Instead, Traction is proud to bring back, by popular demand, a fun-filled afternoon of ways to make your existing car gentler on both our world and your wallet. You can just come to watch and listen, or dive in and get your hands dirty. Or not. We have gloves. James Beidler and I will be the hosts, but y’all will be the stars.

What: Green My Ride

Where: Traction HQ (1018 Broad St., Durham)
When: Sun, April 11th at 2pm

RSVP: greenmyride@getTraction.org no later than 4/7 (that’s Wednesday)

We’ll be discussing and demonstrating (with real cars!):
* how to change your own oil and transmission fluid
* how to switch to motor oils that don’t need to be changed often or are NOT made from petroleum
* geeky ways to improve your gas mileage

* non-geeky (incredibly simple) ways to improve your gas mileage

* and much more

And if your car is due for an oil change anyway, why not do it yourself? Let us know ahead of time and we’ll arrange to help you change it at the workshop. We’ll provide ramps, tools, and new oil and filters, and we’ll help you every step of the way.

If you’ve been itching to get a deeper understanding of the expensive, mysterious contraption that rules your life (not your iBerry; that’s another day); if you want to reduce your environmental impact without springing for a custom plug-in Prius; or if you’re just looking to save a buck or two, then come on down to Traction HQ and join us during Earth Month.

IMPORTANT INFO:

* If you want help working on your own car at the event, let us know ASAP. We need to make sure we have enough equipment for all and SPACES ARE LIMITED.

* If you’re not sure whether you’ll make it, RSVP as a maybe.

* If you have a specific thing you want help with, but you’re not ready to tackle it just yet, please include that info in your RSVP so we can be sure to address it.

* If you came last year and want a refresher, we’d love to have you back.

* and that address once again: greenmyride@getTraction.org

Colin Cannell
smuggler, libertine, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Sun 4/11: Learn to shrink your car’s carbon tireprint: greenmyride@getTraction.org
Sat 4/17: Trip to new civil rights museum in Greensboro: gbo@getTraction.org
Sun 4/25: Return of the Potluck that Keeps on Giving (aka Freezer Party): freezer@getTraction.org
plus a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org
and Spring means the Traction Outdoors group is back! Write outdoors@getTraction.org to be in the loop on hikes, swims, berry-pickings and more.

drink to progress, green your ride, and rethink “support our troops” (and vets)

Lanya — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:40:35 +0000

Hey Tractivists,

It’s been a hell of a week, and it’s barely half over!

Come out at Traction HQ tomorrow night and toast to progress! Then stick around for the film The Good Soldier, hosted by Tractivist and young veteran Jeremy B., and a conversation about U.S. military actions and policies that will change how you think about supporting the troops. RSVPs appreciated to soldier@getTraction.org and you can report for duty at 7pm @ 1018 Broad St.

peace mongers, good soldiers, and you

Guest Blogger — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:37:40 +0000

Tractivists,

When I got out of the Marines in 2004, I never thought that six years later I’d be struggling with PTSD, active in Iraq Veterans Against the War, or even need to be challenging the wars that are still going on – I just wanted to move on with my life.

When I was enlisted I wanted to be the best Marine I could be, but my own concept of what a good Marine might really be like in the context of militarism and also peace has significantly changed the last few years. With wars still going on in Iraq (yeah we’re still there) and Afghanistan, and now spreading into Pakistan and Yemen, maybe we could all be thinking a little more about what it means to serve and also how veterans transition back into our communities.

For a unique view on war, transitioning out of the military, and the complexities of military service don’t miss the film The Good Soldier.

What: The Good Soldier

When: Thurs, March 25 @ 7PM

Where: Traction HQ: 1018 Broad St. in Durham

RSVPs appreciated: soldier@getTraction.org

The Good Soldier follows the journeys of five combat veterans from different generations of American wars from WWII to the current Iraq War as they sign up, go into battle, and eventually change their minds about what it means to be a good soldier. Last summer at a meeting of Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace, I had the opportunity to see a screening with the filmmakers and two of the soldiers in the film and it was so powerful I got a copy to share with you all.

With today being the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, and direct actions (including re: Don’t Ask Don’t Tell) going on all over the country, I’m hoping y’all will consider coming out to view the film next Thursday, and afterwards discuss military service, how our society can better treat soldiers and veterans, and what’s (still) going on with the military actions here and abroad.

Peace,

Jeremy Berggren

peace monger, cool scarf lover, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming Traction events:
Thurs 3/25: ReelPolitik presents: The Good Soldier soldier@getTraction.org
Sun 4/11: Learn to shrink your car’s carbon footprint: greenmyride@getTraction.org
Sat 4/17: Trip to new civil rights museum in Greensboro: gbo@getTraction.org
plus Spring means the Traction Outdoors group is back! Write outdoors@getTraction.org to be in the loop on hikes, swims, berry-pickings and more.

P.P.S. Check out Jon Stewart’s epic hilarious, spot-on parody of Glenn Beck last night. (Thanks to Tractivist Carole Bell for the heads-up!)

bus rides, “neighborhood schools” and what really matters

Guest Blogger — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:33:02 +0000

Tractivists:

I grew up in one of the poorest counties and school districts in the State. During my years in the Robeson County public schools, several poor school districts were embroiled in a decade-long court battle against the State – the Leandro case, which established the right to a sound, basic education for every child in NC.

I recently relocated from the Triangle back to Robeson County. Since being home, I have become increasingly frustrated by the blatant bigotry propelling the Wake County School Board debate. The actions of a well-financed group of parents are threatening Wake’s diversity policy, which has been heralded as a “beacon of hope” for failing school districts.

My frustration spurs primarily from the weak one-legged concern raised by the “neighborhood schools” proponents – long bus rides. The anti-diversity crowd has pointed to the most extreme cases of bussing. The truth is, the vast majority of Wake County students attend a school within ten miles of their home.

The selfish and short-sighted “neighborhood schools” supporters threaten access to equitable education for every child and the future of our communities. That’s why the Wake Superintendent submitted his resignation and the NAACP-NC filed a complaint with the schools’ accrediting body. “Neighborhood schools” will inevitably lead to “tri-segregated” schools: with high concentrations of poor students, students of color and students with disabilities.

Here’s what we can do about it:

1) Speak up! Tell the school board (and anyone else who will listen) that a diverse school system improves achievement and builds better citizens and communities. There’s a second (and final) vote next Tues, the 23rd, so contact them NOW. Learn more about educational policy at a forum this Saturday or online at Great Schools in Wake and enter the debate with facts and in the interests of equitable education for ALL. More education advocates are needed to counter the current anti-student agenda.

2) Vote in your local elections and tell others about the importance of these races. The low voter turnout in the Wake County school board elections gave conservatives a 5-4 majority now bent on dismantling decades of progress. Register now and vote in every single election to ensure the interests of all are protected.

Equitable education in Wake County (one of the fastest growing areas in the country) affects our state’s economy and therefore affects us all. North Carolina cannot afford to create high-poverty schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods to benefit a few spoiled parents and their children.

So many children in this state face much harsher circumstances than simply a long ride home on the bus – including here in Robeson County where violent discipline (corporal punishment) still takes place in the schools. It is time for us to put things in perspective and to fight for all children’s right to a sound basic education.

With love,

Beth Jacobs, J.D.
Fulltime righteous radical, founder of Brown Babies, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming Traction events:
Thurs 3/25: ReelPolitik presents: The Good Soldier soldier@getTraction.org
Sun 4/11: Green My Ride is back by popular demand: greenmyride@getTraction.org
Sat 4/17: Trip to new civil rights museum in Greensboro: gbo@getTraction.org
plus Spring means the Traction Outdoors group is back! Write outdoors@getTraction.org to be in the loop on hikes, swims, berry-pickings, canoe outings and more.

pssst! (confessions of a budding financial guru)

Guest Blogger — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:39:36 +0000

Hey Tractivists,

I have a confession to make.

When I got involved with planning Traction’s Mad Money series, I had some misgivings. Thinking about my personal finances, and especially about ways to increase my wealth, seemed selfish to me. Now I realize that planning for my financial future isn’t selfish, on the contrary, my financial security will ensure that I can do the kind of work that really matters to me AND my community.

Please join us for the last two workshops in this Mad Money series. This Wednesday, Greg Davis of G. Davis Capital will answer your questions about long-range investments, real estate, and planning for retirement:

WHAT: Planning for the Long Haul: Real Estate and Retirement
WHEN: Wed. Sept. 16, 6:30-8 PM
WHERE: Traction HQ, 1018 Broad St.
RSVP: money@getTraction.org

And next Wednesday, Greg will be back with Jennifer Lazarus of Lazarus Financial Planning to talk about ways to make sure that your investments line up with your values. I’m psyched to get advice on how to take care of my future while making sure my money is working for the causes I care about. Because growing my assets isn’t just an end to me… to have a clear conscience, I need to focus on the means as well. It’s really important to me to know where my money’s going in the meantime and what it’s funding: I want my investments to help fund a more fair and progressive future. To join me at one or both workshops, RSVP to money@getTraction.org.

Also, Traction is looking for volunteers to help with our annual “outing” (kidding!) to Durham’s Pride Parade (Sat, Sept 26), which I helped organize last year. Write to pride@getTraction.org to get involved!

See you soon!

Cara

budding financial guru, coffee lover, Tractivist

P.S. Join Traction and special guests for Robert Greenwald’s film Rethink Afghanistan. Where is this war heading us? This Sun, 9/20, 7 PM, Manbites Dog Theater in Durham. Write to rethink@getTraction.org for more info.

a moment, a day, a month — how much silence?

Guest Blogger — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:55:55 +0000

Dear Tractivists,

Today, September 11th, I’m sharing with you all a poem by Emmanuel Ortiz about war, remembering, silence, and voices.

But before I start this poem, an invitation:

In honor of the people who have died in violence around the world and as a result of September 11, 2001, please join Traction, Traction Action Fund, and the Independent Weekly next week for Robert Greenwald’s newest documentary:

WHAT: Rethink Afghanistan: film + discussion
WHEN: Sun., Sept. 20, 7 PM
WHERE: Manbites Dog Theater, 703 Foster St, Durham
TICKETS: $5 suggested donation
RSVP: rethink@getTraction.org

We’ll be joined after the film by Khalilah Sabra of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation NC and other special guests to talk about where the war in Afghanistan has gotten us and what we can do for the future.

Also, this Wednesday, please come to the second-to-last of our Mad Money financial skills workshop series — Planning for the Long Haul: Real Estate and Retirement (9/16, 6:30 PM, Traction HQ, 1018 Broad St., money@getTraction.org). Financial planner Greg Davis will walk us through long-term savings and investments.

And now, the poem:

Before I Start This Poem (excerpted)
Emmanuel Ortiz, September 11, 2002

Before I start this poem,
I’d like to ask you to join me

in a moment of silence
in honor of those who died
in the World Trade Center
and the Pentagon
last September 11th.

I would also like to ask you
to offer up a moment of silence
for all of those who have been
harassed, imprisoned, disappeared,
tortured, raped, or killed
in retaliation for those strikes,
for the victims in both
Afghanistan and the U.S.

And if I could just add one more thing…
A full day of silence
for the tens of thousands of Palestinians
who have died at the hands of
U.S.-backed Israeli forces
over decades of occupation.

Six months of silence
for the million and-a-half Iraqi people,
mostly children, who have died of
malnourishment or starvation
as a result of an 11-year U.S. embargo
against the country.

Before I begin this poem:
two months of silence
for the Blacks under Apartheid
in South Africa,
where homeland security
made them aliens
in their own country.
…

A year of silence
for the dead in Cambodia and Laos,
victims of a secret war … ssssshhhhh ….
Say nothing … we don’t want them to learn
that they are dead.

Two months of silence
for the decades of dead
in Colombia, whose names,
like the corpses they once represented,
have piled up and slipped off
our tongues.
…

Before I begin this poem,
You want a moment of silence
You mourn now as if the world will never be the same
And the rest of us hope to hell it won’t be.
Not like it always has been

Because this is not a 9-1-1 poem
This is a 9/10 poem,
It is a 9/9 poem,
A 9/8 poem,
A 9/7 poem
This is a 1492 poem.
This is a poem about
what causes poems like this
to be written
…

This is a poem
for every date that falls
to the ground in ashes
This is a poem for the 110 stories
that were never told
The 110 stories that history
chose not to write in textbooks
The 110 stories that CNN, BBC,
The New York Times,
and Newsweek ignored
This is a poem
for interrupting this program.
And still you want
a moment of silence
for your dead?
We could give you
lifetimes of empty:

The unmarked graves
The lost languages
The uprooted trees and histories
The dead stares on the faces
of nameless children
…

If you want a moment of silence
Then stop the oil pumps
Turn off the engines and the televisions
Sink the cruise ships
Crash the stock markets
Unplug the marquee lights,
Delete the instant messages,
Derail the trains, the light rail transit
…

If you want a moment of silence,
Then take it
On Super Bowl Sunday,
The Fourth of July
During Dayton’s 13 hour sale
Or the next time your white guilt
fills the room where my beautiful
people have gathered

You want a moment of silence
Then take it
Now,
Before this poem begins.

Here, in the echo of my voice,
In the pause between goosesteps of the second
hand
In the space
between bodies in embrace,

Here is your silence.
Take it.
But take it all
Don’t cut in line.
Let your silence begin
at the beginning of crime

But we,
Tonight we will keep right on singing
For our dead.

Eileen
war protester, optimist, Tractivist

P.S. Emmanuel Ortiz is a third-generation Chicano/Puerto Rican/Irish-American community organizer and spoken word poet residing in Minneapolis, MN. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Spoken Word Association, and is the coordinator of Guerrilla Wordfare, a Twin Cities-based grassroots project bringing together artists of color to address socio-political issues and raise funds for progressive organizing in communities of color through art as a tool of social change. The poem can be read in its entirety at Scoop Media.

break the bank habit: join a credit union

Guest Blogger — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:14:26 +0000

Dear Tractivists,

Long before the government committed nearly 1 TRILLION dollars to bailing out the financial system — a system that for years advocated for less regulation and less oversight so that it could make more money for shareholders at the expense of consumers — many progressives hoped to revolutionize that predatory system rather than just perpetuate it.

WHAT: (Un)Making Bank: what you should know about credit unions
WHEN: Wed. Sept. 2, 6:30-8 PM
WHERE: Traction HQ (1018 Broad St. in Durham)
RSVP: money@getTraction.org

But if not revolution, is remorse too much to ask? Apparently so. Credit card rates are soaring before new reforms take effect, and many major banks are piling new debit card and overdraft fees on those who can least afford them.

The good news: YOU don’t have to participate in this predatory system! There is an alternative:as not-for-profit member-owned cooperatives, credit unions focus on what is best for consumers, not investors. CU’s are another opportunity to live your values.

On Wednesday, you’ll learn the answers to these questions and more:

- What is a credit union, and how is it different from a bank?
- Why are their customers called ‘members’?
- Who can join one?
- Does it really matter where I keep my money and take out loans?

I oversee political affairs for the NC Credit Union League, and I’m excited to answer all of your credit union questions and talk with you about options. RSVP to money@getTraction.org if you can make it!

See you soon,

Mickey
beekeeper, advocate for the little guy, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming Traction events…

Mad Money workshops (both with Greg Davis):

-Sept 9: Money Where Your Mouth Is: Green & Socially Responsible Investing
-Sept 16: Planning for the Long Haul: Real Estate and Retirement

And stay tuned for… ReelPolitik: Rethink Afghanistan, ‘how to be a good ally’, and Traction’s Pride festivities.

are you up to date on your (jello) shots?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:01:20 +0000

Hey there Tractivists,

August is the hottest month, for both weather AND politics. (My god, the fanatics at recent town hall meetings need an intervention — seriously.) So next week, we’re throwing a hot-and-cool happy hour!

What: Thermo-dynamic: a hot-and-cool Happy Hour

When: Thurs Aug 20th, 5:30-7:30pm

Where: Traction HQ, 1018 Broad St. in Durham

Swimsuits: optional

RSVP: happy@getTraction.org

Next Thursday, have some fun in the sun outside where we’ll have a kiddie pool, some sprinkler action, live music from the one and only Adam Sampieri , and maybe even a slip-and-slide. Inside, we’ll cool off with jello shots, drinks, eats, newly repaired a/c (yes!) and smart, cool-as-cucumbers Tractivists who know their stuff on the two hottest issues in politics today: health care and climate change.

Come hang out with folks like Avery Book from Health Care for America Now ; Jenny Cook, sassy scholar of health policy; Chris Gianino from 1Sky NC ; and other special guests. And, we’ll celebrate progressive successes that Tractivists have helped achieve in the state legislature this year, including passage of the Racial Justice Act, Healthy Youth Act, School Violence Prevention (anti-bullying) Act and more.

Stay cool, and be sure to RSVP: happy@getTraction.org .

Lanya Shapiro

swimming hole enthusiast, pesto maker, Tractivist

Local Fruit Trifecta, Part 2: Great Blueberry Pickstravaganza

colin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:44:40 +0000

It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since a passel of Tractivists descended on Orange County to denude a bountiful patch of local, organic blueberries. Or maybe not so hard to believe if, like me, you’re looking at your freezer and finding blueberries conspicuously missing next to the strawberries you picked in May.

In any case, our course of action is clear — we must make another foray deep into the den of the savage wild blueberry. That’s right, grab your sun hat and a bucket, and come on out for the Second Annual Great Blueberry Pickstravaganza!

What: 2nd Annual Great Blueberry Pickstravaganza: an organic U-pick adventure
When: Saturday morning, July 18th, 8:30 AM
Where: Carpool from Durham Farmers’ Market; or meet at Cedar Grove Blueberry Farm
RSVP: blueberry@getTraction.org

Cost: $2.00 / lb.

Why:

1. Because picking local blueberries is a finger in the eye of the agricultural-industrial complex.
2. Because blueberries are insanely good for you and taste insanely good.
3. Because picking local blueberries is a win-win-win situation:
- You win because your blueberries are cheaper, fresher, tastier, and longer-lasting.
- Local farmers win because your money goes directly to the farmer instead of through distributors.
- Your local environment wins because you’re supporting the growth of a native plant with an important place in the existing local ecosystem; native crops like blueberries require fewer chemicals than highly industrialized and subsidized crops like feed corn.
4. Because local and organic berries require less energy to get to your table than conventional berries from far away; you can gorge on berries with little contribution to climate change.
5. Because right now $5 could buy you one pint of blueberries at the local farmer’s market or TWO AND A HALF POUNDS if you pick them yourself!
6. Because Traction will hand out tips on how to pick, preserve, and prepare blueberries.
7. Because last year you picked four pounds and your best friend picked seven, and this year it’s war!
8. Because your freezer is empty.
9. Because your freezer is full, and you need an excuse to cook the package of shrimp you bought in December.
10. Because, as we all know, going to a Traction event is like emptying a bottle of delirious joy goo all over your head.

So if you think you’ve got what it takes to pick up a spear, or just a bucket, and join the ancient hunt for the dangerous wild blueberry, or if you just want to spend a couple of hours in good company and eating more or less everything you see, then send an RSVP right now to blueberry@getTraction.org for more information. We’ll head off early so we don’t get sunstroke. Bring yourself, your kids (there’s a swingset), your dog (we checked; dogs are OK), your neighbor… Invite ‘em all.

Please include in your RSVP:
a. How many people you’ll bring (best guess)
b. Whether you’d rather carpool with us from the Market or meet us at the farm

I will reply to RSVPs with detailed information on the meeting point, directions to the farm, a list of what to bring, copies of handouts, etc.

Stay tuned for our fall outing to pick apples and complete Traction’s 2009 local fruit trifecta. I look forward to once again plundering the berry harvest in your company!

Colin Cannell
Smuggler, libertine, Tractiberry

P.S. Quinton, Traction’s bike-riding, Locopop-loving, YouTube-lobbying intern, says:
"I need your recommendations for progressive fun — as weird as pig wrasslin’, as flexible as improv at DSI Comedy, as funny as "Yoga in the Hood". Tell me your favorite hang-out or restaurant/coffee bar/pastry shop. Where can I go for a live performance, a good book, or an open mic night? What about salsa or music lessons? Which progressive and locally-owned businesses do you support? Email me at quinton@getTraction.org !"

P.P.S. Upcoming Traction events:
7/9 Drinking Liberally: Tonight and every Thursday. Bull McCabe’s, 8 PM – 10 PM
7/19 Outdoors group: Plant Stalkers. Write to outdoors@getTraction.org .
early Aug Reel Politik: King Corn. Write to corn@getTraction.org .
8/5 Improve your financial know-how: Series kick-off. Write to cara@getTraction.org .

The Electric Slide: energy, health, and the Earth

Guest Blogger — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:27:38 +0000

Greetings fellow Tractivists,

Growing up, my mom always thought I’d make a good social worker. Today, here I stand, a professional environmentalist.

The way I see it, reducing the impact of global warming has everything to do with people: Avoiding the strongest effects of global warming will make our future more healthy in terms of weather, food, and drinkable water. It’s also about helping other people who live in vulnerable places escape flooding, drought, and disease and live happy, healthy lives.

This Tuesday evening, 6/30, come hang out with me and fellow Tractivists. We’ll enjoy the film Kilowatt Ours , about our energy use in the southeast, and we’ll chat about ways we all can use energy wisely.

WHAT: ReelPolitik: Kilowatt Ours with Tractivists Rachel Della Valle, Eileen Thorsos, and Maria Mauceri.
WHEN: Tuesday 6/30, 7 PM – 9:30 PM
WHERE: Traction HQ, 1018 Broad St., Durham
WHY: Documentary watchin’, door blowin’, energy conservation plannin’ and good conversation!

RSVP: rachel@gettraction.org

Kilowatt Ours first looks at how using energy from coal hurts communities in the southeast. Then we’ll see ways that individuals, like film maker Jeff Barrie, and institutions are working to kick the coal and nuclear habit through energy efficiency and green energy.

We all can take a few simple steps at home to save a little money and be more energy efficient. Similarly, we all are part of groups of people — where we work, go to school, go to church, or volunteer — whose buildings are probably ready for an energy face lift.

I know about buildings. I work at Southern Energy Management , where I assess building energy use. We’ll also be joined by Tractivists Eileen Thorsos, from Durham’s Sustainability Office , and Maria Mauceri of Advanced Energy .

After the film, we’ll take a quick tour of the weatherizing upgrade that Tractivists gave to Traction HQ this winter, I’ll use a blower door to show you the kinds of leaks that buildings have, and we’ll talk about easy ways to start shifting energy use within the institutions we’re part of. We’ll also get the current word on the climate legislation that’s before Congress and how you can help support it.

Remember, if I own a car again one day, you may see stickers reading "Save the Whales" and "Save the Humans" right next to each other. We’re all in this together. Let’s turn the slide around.

Looking forward to our movie night,

Rachel
nut roaster, kilowatt counter, Tractivist