Traction

handcuffed for school equity

Guest Blogger — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:19:14 +0000

Tractivist sisters and brothers,

I got arrested on Tuesday, July 20th with 18 others all fighting for school equity.

I have never been handcuffed, thrown into a paddy wagon, fingerprinted or had my mug shot taken. It was a sobering experience.

I have been in a jail before, through Prison MATCH (Prison Mothers and Their Children) and Job Start, both programs that seek to decrease recidivism and the impact of the cycle of incarceration. I spent hours with incarcerated young women who look like me. The prison system is full of people of color. I thought about them as I decided that I would take a stand against the elimination of the socioeconomic diversity policy in Wake County schools, which I believe will result in more young people entering the school-to-prison pipeline.

Thousands Rally
My day started marching with my prince kings and several thousand people down Fayetteville Street. We marched because we believe in equity in our schools. It was a powerful march. The diversity of the marchers was beautiful. Speakers spoke eloquently about the history of the struggle against segregation. It was more than 40 years ago that the U.S. Supreme Court made segregated schools illegal in Brown vs. Board of Education.

At the rally, speakers talked about the moral imperative to stand against any effort to segregate our community. It reminded me that we no longer can just sit in our pews and pray. We are God’s weapons against injustice and it will take all of us together to fight for a united community. I was touched by one speaker, who said of the marchers, ”This is what my neighborhood looks like.” I understand that we cannot retreat back into our neighborhoods. We live in a global community. We will either learn to work together or we will all perish together.

We Prayed

We left the rally and went to a prayer meeting at Pullen Memorial Church. This is a predominately white church led by the Rev. Nancy Petty, who was arrested at a school board meeting a few weeks ago with Rev. William Barber, the state NAACP president, Tim Tyson, a Duke University professor and author of ‘Blood Done Signed My Name,’ and Mary Williams, a renowned gospel singer and freedom fighter. They drafted a statement about why they chose to get arrested:

“In the best American traditions, from Henry David Thoreau to Ella Baker to Martin Luther King, Jr., we recognize the necessary place of civil disobedience: breaking a small and unjust law in order to protect a larger and broadly significant law, honoring the very spirit of law by yielding to punishment in order to meet the necessity of an urgent moral crisis. We seek to make a moral and spiritual witness that we feel is urgent, necessary, and right.”

School Board Meeting becomes a Police State
After the prayer meeting I dropped my sons off and I went to the school board meeting which was set up like a police state. Over 50 police had secured the parking lot with metal barriers. I had to park down the street and walk because they were not letting anyone park in the lot.

Opponents of the diversity policy had asked their supporters to fill the meeting room’s 164 seats. They were unable to reach this goal. Outside, Rev. Barber arrived and read a statement. He and three others were immediately taken to jail. The police told people who were standing with Rev. Barber that if they remained on the sidewalk and didn’t move behind the gated parking lot, they would be arrested. Several people refused to move. The police officers asked “Who wants to get arrested?” This was ridiculous because no one was violating the law. The sidewalk is big enough for people to stand and wait. Tensions were rising.

I went inside. At first, I could only get into an overflow room with a blurry television screen to show the proceedings. The school board has been asked many times to move the meetings to a big enough space for the public to attend. Unfortunately, they have refused. A protest broke out in the hallway when people who wanted to see the board meeting were forbidden to enter the main room.

Eventually I was able to squeeze into the main board room (thanks Lauren). When Michele Laws, president of the Chapel Hill chapter of the NAACP, went up to make her statement, I walked to the stand and I was not alone. Many people joined me and we locked arms. We began to chant “Forward ever, backwards never.”

Handcuffed for School Equity

Quickly, the police surrounded us and told us to stop chanting. We refused, and our hold on each other tightened. Michele’s daughter, MD, was in the middle of our group. Police began to pull and push at us, violently twisting arms. At one point, a supporter of the board smacked a member of NC HEAT in the head.

When Keith Sutton, the only black school board member, tried to calm tensions, police grabbed him and forced his arms behind his back in an attempt to arrest him. The crowd began to yell: “He’s a school board member. What are you doing?” Eventually, another officer intervened and Sutton was released.

One by one, they broke our circle apart. Finally, one woman was left. She was on her hands and knees on the floor, surrounded by officers, crying, “Don’t touch me.” When I knelt to pray with her, they arrested both of us.

My day ended in the Wake County jail, waiting to be processed and watching people of color continue to come into the jail in handcuffs — real handcuffs, not the plastic bands they used on us.

The NAACP has released an official statement to represent the Solid 19 that were arrested on Tuesday. Please read the official statement quoted here.

I have been asked why I got arrested and if it was “worth it.” We took a stand and would not be moved. We know that the Wake County system was not perfect to begin with. Indeed, my son was suspended twice this year. We have a lot of work to do. We still stand against the elimination of the diversity policy because we know it will only make a challenging situation worse.

I did this because:

I am a mother and believe all children deserve a sound basic education and this requires equitable schools, preserving the socioeconomic diversity policy, quality teachers, and parental involvement and eliminating zero-tolerance discipline policies.

Low wealth schools will only serve to widen the school to prison pipeline. The elimination of the diversity policy and the transition to neighborhood schools will result in an increase in the number of low wealth schools. The increased number of low wealth schools will lead to an increased in the number of students that become residents of jails and prisons. Across the country our prison system is filled with young people of color. I recently learned from Critical Resistance that at least 50% of the young people entering our prison system are being sent there by school resource officers that work in our public schools.

We have a right to control/influence/participate in the schools in our communities. We have been shut out of this process. The new school board majority was elected by 6% of the registered voters, but a survey found that over 90% of parents were happy with the school their children were attending. Overwhelmingly the public has spoken out against eliminating the diversity policy. There have been letters to the board, public comment, rallies, town hall forums, data presentations by experts, letters to editor, meetings and much more that have little to nothing to move the board majority. They refuse to hear us, indeed they mock us, call us animals loose from our cages. If they say that about our efforts to challenge their position on this issue, how can they possibly hear our children’s needs?

The data and the research all lead to one conclusion: eliminating the socio-economic diversity plan will yield more high poverty schools. I have heard from many who believe integration has not always served black children. They believe we should control the destiny of our schools. I think they have a point, but I strongly believe that without a socioeconomic diversity policy, we will never have equitable funding across all of our schools in Wake County. They can promise more resources to the segregated all-black school in my part of town, but they will not keep their promises. My sons will be fighting the same battle I am fighting. The cycle has to stop somewhere.

Strong schools are good for the economy and high poverty schools are bad for business. We know that housing, transportation and education are all tied together and necessary for a strong economy. If we allow them to weaken our school system, they will weaken our economic base, we will lose jobs, will lose money. We literally can’t afford to allow this to happen.

Wake County voters fell asleep at the wheel last fall. Turnout was so low that we allowed these ideologues to gain control of the most valuable enterprise in our county-our schools. For that oversight we must all work harder to take back the helm of our schools. We need community investment and control of our schools. We need parents and students working with the experts (teachers and administrators) to create a more just and equitable school system. We need to vote in the upcoming election.

And we need your help. Please join us this Sunday, July 25 for the “After the March – Stay in the Struggle” get-together, 2-5 pm at the YWCA 554. E Hargett St. We will continue to fight. Forward Ever, Backward Never!!

Was it worth it? Yes. Will I do it again? Yes, if it’s necessary. Someone said to me today, “If the struggle ain’t worth going to jail, then it probably it ain’t worth it at all.”

Erin Byrd
Mother
Member of NAACP Political Action Committee, Black Workers for Justice and Southern Partners Fund
Employed by Blueprint NC
Tractivist

don’t let ‘em say summer blue by you

Guest Blogger — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:22:15 +0000

Friendly Tractivist folks,

There are few things more enjoyable than the magnificent little blue fruit of the genus Vaccinium.

Whether they’re topping a tart, slipped into a salad, or sucked down by the sackful, the blueberry is a mouthwatering delight. And what is the best way to enjoy this tiny treat? Why eating them fresh off the bush at a local blueberry farm with your friends from Traction.

WHAT: Traction blueberry picking
WHEN: Sat, July 16th at 9:30am
WHERE: Herndon Hills Farm
RSVP: blues@getTraction.org
WHY: Eat blueberries until you turn into Violet Beauregarde

Herndon Hills Farm is a small family-owned farm just on the South edge of Durham that specializes in pick-your-own berries and grapes. You can pick until your heart’s content among rows and rows of blueberries and (if we’re lucky) blackberries all for $2.75/lb.

Family farming has a long tradition in this part of the state. Unfortunately, sprawl has destroyed many farms and much of the rural character, especially in South Durham where malls and large subdivisions have exploded from the ground in the past decade. By supporting these local farms, we not only reduce our dependence on imported produce that requires loads of fossil fuels to be shipped across the country only to deliver a mediocre product — we also maintain an important connection to this region’s agricultural history.

To reduce the environmental impact of eating produce from afar later, when it’s out of season, why not pick some extra blueberries right now? Blueberries do an excellent job of keeping their flavor and character in the freezer. Preserving them for a taste of summer in a winter dessert is as simple as washing the blueberries, putting them in a seal-able plastic bag, extracting as much air as possible, and freezing them. They can also be dried for a nice portable snack or canned into a delicious jam.

Great news: Toxic Free NC is partnering with Traction on this event — they’ll provide information about the impact of pesticides on people and the environment, and give us ways to make a difference. More great news: Herndon Hills Farm never sprays their crops with pesticides!

Because the picking will take place in a sun-soaked field, I strongly recommend sunscreen and a hat. We want to be there for the blue, not the red. To RSVP, or for more info including directions, preservation tips and carpooling information, email blues@getTraction.org. And be on the lookout for a chance to float down a river in the near future with your best (and/or newest) Tractivist buddies.

I look forward to seeing everyone out there!

James Beidler
local fruit chomper, pun lover, Tractivist

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!

let me help you help yourself (to life balance… and pie!)

Guest Blogger — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:28:56 +0000

Tractivists,

Pie has always held a special place in my heart. Unlike cake, which is always sweet, pie is versatile — there are savory pies that are good for you and sweet pies that are just sinfully good.

Pie and life have some things in common — sometimes you want to gobble it up though you can only eat so much (see: Stand By Me), and sometimes you can’t even seem to get a piece of it (Jeffersons, anyone?). We all want to feel fulfilled without getting too full. So how do we strike a balance when it feels like our life-pie is filling the plate so fast we can’t eat it, but we want more than just a slice?

Find out at a special workshop next week (and eat yummy pie too)!

WHAT: Life of Pie: a Life Balance workshop (how to get the whole thing instead of just a slice)
WHO: Tractivists guided by Jenny Chafe, wellness coach and owner of Art of Embodiment
WHEN: Wed, June 30, 7–9 pm
WHERE: Traction HQ, 1018 Broad St. in Durham
RSVP: balance@getTraction.org (spaces are limited)

This evening is designed to help you take a step back from the chaos and into clarity, calm, and community.

What does it mean to be in balance — within ourselves, with the planet, and within our lives in this fast-paced, stressful, and sometimes fragmented world? How can our community life strengthen and sustain us more?

In this free workshop, we will:

Learn simple mindfulness skills for self-awareness and stress reduction
Take inventory to see how balanced we are among the three major states of being
Choose among the life map ingredients of Self, Home, Work, and Community that we want to bring into more balance
Define our values so we can take baby steps to align with them
Commit to one or more positive choices that strengthen our balance and our ties to our local and larger community

By the end of this evening of reflection, conversation, and brainstorming, we’re hoping you will walk away with some great pie in your tummy plus the following:

A sense of your basic level of balance between the areas of self, home, work, and community.
Three of your top values that can guide your commitments and intentions in life
One to three steps you can commit to that will improve your level of balance in one lagging area
At least one way to — in a future moment — bring yourself back to balance, or into awareness about what might be out of balance

Optional follow-up support after the workshop: buddy up with another Tractivist as accountability partners for your chosen goals, or choose to get email support.

Community, pie, and aligning more with your vision of what your personal Life of Pie looks like. What more could you ask for?

In wellness and enjoyment,

Jenny Chafe, MA
mbira player, organic pie maker, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming Traction events:
June 22: Lobby Day and Reception w/ NCVCE. chase@getTraction.org
June 30: Life of Pie (how to get the whole thing instead of just a slice): a life balance workshop. balance@getTraction.org
July 8: Hang out w/ Justin Krebs: founder of Drinking Liberally and author of 538 Ways to Live, Work and Play like a Liberal
Plus more outdoors events, maybe a green brewery tour, a wine tasting, and other ways to quench your summer thirst!

P.P.S. Tomorrow is the last day to VOTE in the run-off primary! Click here to see what’s on the ballot in your county, then go to your polling place to vote. Find your polling place (and your voting history) here.

how to save culture and democracy: larry lessig and you

Guest Blogger — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:54:45 +0000

Dear Tractivists,

Do you believe that we, the producers and users of culture should be able to define the rules on how to create it, use it, and share it? Do you believe that our democracy should reflect such values, and be a truly participatory system? If so, this event was made for you!

WHAT: Advocacy Day and Reception with Lawrence Lessig
WHO: All North Carolinians
WHEN: Tues, June 22 at 11am and then 5pm
WHERE: NC General Assembly (map), then Busy Bee Cafe (map)
WHY: Because our democracy needs you!
RSVP: chase@getTraction.org

Lawrence Lessig is the founder of the group Creative Commons, and a pioneer in the open source and technology world. He spent a decade working in the free culture movement, promoting the freedom to distribute and modify creative works in the form of free content.

But after being defeated time and again by the large media conglomerates that make lots of money off of our outdated, creativity-killing copyright system, Lessig realized that his failure to implement change was due in large part to the disproportionate weight that these corporations have in our political system. So he turned his focus to democracy reform — founding the group Fix Congress, First and promoting an alternative, publicly financed election system called Voter-Owned Elections. Until we fix the broken campaign financing system, he concluded, it will be hard to fix our copyright laws, or really, anything else.

Lessig will be in Raleigh next week to boost the reform agenda of the advocacy group I work for, NC Voters for Clean Elections. He’ll be making a presentation at our Voter-Owned Elections Lobby Day at 11am, and then joining us for a reception that evening at 5pm. At both events, he’ll outline a vision for what democracy might someday mean, with the right, smart citizen investments. And he’ll talk about what we as citizens need to do to get our democracy back.

As you probably can tell by now, I’m a Lessig fan. And I think you will be too. Why? Because — unbeknownst to him — Lessig is really all about Traction: he takes a fresh and new tack on political problems, he embraces his inner work, and he believes that change starts from the bottom up. Plus, he does things with power point that are so compelling that they frankly shouldn’t be allowed.

One more reason to go to the lobby day: if you’ve never been to the NC General Assembly, here’s your chance! Come enjoy the amenities of a mid-century modernist building (sometimes lovingly mistaken as a Japanese steak house), eat really good fried okra and banana pudding, brush up on your Robert’s Rules of Order, and hear state legislators express their passion for everything from NASCAR to watermelon festivals.

Please RSVP for either or both events — I hope to see some of you on Tuesday!

Chase Foster
democracy activist, county explorer, billionaire provocateur, Tractivist

P.P.S. Tues, June 22 is the last day to VOTE in the run-off primary! If you’re registered Unaffiliated or Dem anywhere in NC, you can vote for the Dem nomination for US Senate, and certain districts have other run-offs on the ballot. (Durham has a non-partisan School Board district run-off.) See Early Voting info here — right-side of page and down a bit.

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…

What makes you fall in love with a city?

Lanya — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:14:18 +0000

Tractivists,

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when you fall in love. And *love* is what I feel for Durham. When did I fall???

Well, 2005 was an important year in this romance. That’s the year Traction came into being. Locopops too. And 2005 marked the first time I took Preservation Durham’s Civil Rights Walking Tour.

What:    Civil Rights Walking Tour of downtown Durham
When:   Sat, May 15th, 10am
Where: Meet at Farmers’ Market (look for the Preservation Durham sign on Foster St.)
Cost:     FREE
RSVP:   race@getTraction.org

My heart went pitterpat to discover that Durham was home to the first sit-in. (Yeah, I said it. First. BEFORE Greensboro.) I swooned to hear about Martin Luther King’s visits to Durham, where he famously said, “Fill up the jails!” and his close relationship with Floyd McKissick, Sr., who went on to lead CORE (Congress Of Racial Equality). And when the tour guide told us about Black Christmas and the months-long economic boycott of downtown merchants, I knew it was love.

What you learn on this tour stays with you. (I can’t go to the Carolina Theater without relaying to my friends the clever tactics of the students who got it integrated.) I’m forever grateful to Preservation Durham for introducing me to the strength and overall badassness of this city I now call home.

Join me and other Tractivists this Saturday morning for 60-90 minutes of walking, talking, and maybe even falling in love. Lunch afterward at Beyu Caffe?

Lanya Shapiro
mulberry enthusiast, stander on the shoulders of giants, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Sat 5/15: Civil Rights Walking Tour of Durham: race@getTraction.org
Mon 5/31: Memorial Day at the Eno: swim@getTraction.org
Plus a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org, a workshop on work / life / community balance, another fruit-picking and much more…

Tomorrow: organic strawberry pickstravaganza! Friday, May 7, 2010 9:16 AM

Guest Blogger — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:12:47 +0000

Good morning, Tractivists!

Strawberry season is a fleeting thing. For barely four weeks, the little strawberry plants squeeze out plump, happy berries at incredible speeds. And then, before you know it, it’s all over, and all we have to eat are pale, watery berries from California. You think, “Is it over already? I totally forgot!”

Well, not this time, Tractiberries!

WHAT: Traction’s annual Strawberry Pickstravaganza
WHEN: this Sat, May 8th, 11am – 2pm
WHERE: Whitted Bowers Farm

WHO: You. And your kids. And your mom. And your neighbor. And that guy from work who always brings salads to meetings. Invite ‘em all.
PRICE: special Traction group rate of $2.50/lb.

RSVP: strawberries@getTraction.org

Non-organic strawberries are one of the infamous Dirty Dozen: the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables, according to the Environmental Working Group, even after washing. EWG testers found that 90% of conventional strawberries had at least one pesticide on them, and 70% had at least two. All these pesticides aren’t very good foryou, farm workers, or the environment.

Yet picking local organic strawberries is a win-win-win situation (and a finger in the eye of the agricultural-industrial complex):

- You win because your strawberries are cheaper, fresher, tastier, and longer-lasting.
- Farm workers and the environment win because these strawberries were grown without heavy pesticide use.
- Local farmers win because your money goes directly to the farmer instead of through distributors.

Traction is excited to partner again with Rob and Cheri of Whitted Bowers Farm, a certified organic pick-your-own strawberry farm. (More than organic, they’re also biodynamic. ”What’s biodynamic?” you ask. Stick around on Saturday — Rob will explain when he gets back from the Carrboro Farmers’ Market sometime after 1pm.)

So if you’re of a mind to fill a basket with sweet berry goodness before the season ends, drop an e-mail to strawberries@gettraction.org. Please include in your RSVP:
a. How many people you’ll bring (best guess)
b. Whether you’d rather carpool with us or meet at the farm.

Jake will reply to RSVPs with directions to the farm, the meeting point and carpool spots in Durham and Orange Counties; info on how to get the Traction group rate; etc.

Remember also that strawberry season marks the beginning of swimming season. On Memorial Day, Monday 5/31, Tractivists will be swimming, potlucking, and Locopopping together. Look for more info soon, or write to swim@gettraction.org.

I look forward to plundering the berry harvest in your company.

Colin Cannell
Smuggleberry, libertine, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Sat 5/8: Pick your own organic Strawberries!strawberries@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 a conversation group on race and privilege:race@getTraction.org, a workshop on work / life / community balance, and much more… And anyone want to go to the National Hollerin’ Contest in Spivey’s Corner? Holla back at holler@getTraction.org

Vote for Lanya!

Guest Blogger — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:14:22 +0000

Dear Tractivists,

I’ve hijacked the listserve to toot Lanya’s horn!

Traction’s phenomenal founder and leader, Lanya Shapiro, is a finalist for a major award recognizing progressive activists.

The Maria Leavey Tribute Award is given each year by the Campaign for America’s Future. The award recognizes a progressive who is:

A Convener
A Persistent Advocate
A Selfless Organizer
An Idea Generator

If you don’t think those four traits describe Lanya, then just read the nomination statement that Traction Board Chair Celeste Richie wrote on her behalf (the statement is below).

Personally, I don’t know a single person who is better qualified for this recognition. I was at the first organizational meeting that Lanya convened to share her vision for Traction. Over the last 5 years, I’ve seen how Lanya has thrown herself fully into creating a progressive movement that draws on the talents of young people who will make a difference in the long haul. Traction has accomplished a ton already, and will bear fruit in so many ways for years to come.

There are five finalists for the award. We need you to show how much you value Traction and Lanya by voting for her in the online balloting.

VOTING ENDS THIS FRIDAY and it just takes one minute. Please vote today! And then please post this as your status on Facebook and send it on to anyone else you know who will support Lanya’s amazing progressive leadership.

Thanks,

Graig Meyer
Educator, Lanya-lover, Tractivist

Nominating Statement from Celeste Richie:
Lanya is a kick-ass social entrepreneur, a tireless activist and organizer, and part of the vanguard of the modern progressive movement. Her most recent cutting-edge endeavor is Traction, a Durham NC-based offline social network designed to turn young voters into energized and engaged activists who will, over time, power the progressive movement as volunteers, donors, board members and elected officials.

Lanya’s work with Traction hits all your notes: she worked for years without pay (persistent advocate, selfless organizer) to launch this innovative organization (idea generator) which leverages the power of community (convener) in order to create more passionate activists.

Traction has made a name for itself with creative and provocative events and collaborations, and we think deserves partial credit for turning NC more progressive in 2008. A few highlights: Electile Dysfunction (about the Voting Rights Act), Drop Beats not Bombs, Festivus for the Left of Us, Green My Ride, Speed CandiDating, and Below the Belt: Religion, Reproductive Rights and O.P.P. Who else would think to educate young folks about mercury in NC’s waters by throwing a Radical Sushi-making workshop?

Lanya identifies and mentors young activists and “potential” activists. But Traction’s model is about more than just reaching individuals. It’s about advancing the movement. By putting a creative spin on classic progressive issues, Traction helps the forward-thinking nonprofits with whom it collaborates to reach and engage a younger audience, something these nonprofits and the movement desperately need in order to remain viable over the next 20-30 years. Partners include Demos, Nat’l Women’s Law Center, the NAACP, Planned Parenthood, and MANY local orgs.

Lanya is no one-hit wonder. During the three years before she started Traction, her political organizing in the Dean grassroots earned her the respect of DFA staff; when Bush brought his Social Security privatization tour to Raleigh in 2005, Lanya organized the counter-rally. Lanya served on Durham’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee, which advises local electeds on CDBG allocation and helped transform the CAC into a force that the council/commissioners are aware of and actually listen to. She served on the NC Democratic Party executive committee and NAACP-NC’s political committee and currently serves on our local Planned Parenthood affiliate’s Action Fund board.

Her work in 2005 to elect a grassroots-focused NCDP chair (Jerry Meek) included an event which had DNC members and over 20 members of the state executive committee listening (!) to over 100 local activists’ hopes for the party, and was covered in US News & World Report.

Maybe the secret to Lanya’s effective political activism is her solid graduate and professional training in public health and social work. She spent years designing and managing award-winning large-scale behavior change programs. While the behaviors back then were health-related (condom use, cancer screening), she applies the same social marketing expertise to promote progressive activism through Traction.

P.S. Upcoming…
Sat 5/8: Pick your own organic Strawberries! strawberries@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 a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org, a workshop on work / life / community balance, and much more…

todos somos ARIZONA — please take action today

Guest Blogger — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:37:44 +0000

Fellow Tractivistas,

No soy muy bueno para escribir, pero cuando veo tanta injusticia y odio, y gente que se aprovecha de la ley para crear un terrorismo local con algunas personas solo porque lucimos diferentes, me siento triste y molesto. Creo que no puede ser posible que este mundo esté lleno de más gente mala o ignorante dispuesta a actuar que de personas buenas, o personas que sólo piensan, “O qué mal está esto,” y se preguntan, “Por qué existen leyes tan malas?” pero al final deciden NO HACER NADA al respecto. En verdad me da tristeza pensar que vemos tantos correos pasar, donde lo único que tenemos que hacer para apoyar es o reenviar un e-mail o hacer una corta llamada a algún político.

[I'm not a very good writer, but when I see so much injustice and hatred, and people who take advantage of the law to create a local terrorism among some people just because we look different, I get sad and frustrated. I think it can't be possible for this world to be full of more bad or ignorant people ready to act than good people, or people who just think, "Oh, this is so awful," and ask themselves, "Why do such bad laws exist?" but at the end of the day decide TO DO NOTHING in response. Truthfully it makes me sad to think that we see so many emails go by, where all we have to do to help is forward the message or make a short phone call to a politician.]

Tal vez pensamos, “O, eso a mí no me afecta.” Tal vez no nos damos cuenta que SI nos afecta, porque cuando le niegan los derechos humanos a un peque n~o grupo de gente sólo porque lucen diferentes, es sólo el principio. Si no actuamos, después nos tocará a nosotros.

[Maybe we think, "Oh, that doesn't affect me." Maybe we don't realize that it DOES affect us, because when human rights are denied to a small group of people just because they look different, that's only the beginning. If we don't act now, it will be our turn next.]

Esta ley en Arizona está dando poder a personas que ya discriminan, para que sigan odiando. Porque no importa si eres un residente legal o no, solo porque luces brown es motivo suficiente para detenerte, y si por algún motivo olvidaste tu tarjeta en casa, es motivo suficiente para que te den un cargo por delito menor.”

[This law in Arizona is giving power to people who already discriminate so they can continue hating. Because it doesn't matter if you are a legal resident or not, just looking brown is reason enough to detain you, and if for some reason you left your ID at home, it's reason enough to give you a misdemeanor charge.]

Por favor ayúdame a contactar a la gobernadora de Arizona para pedirle que no encienda esta mecha que generará más odio racial y discriminación.

[Please help me contact the governor of Arizona and ask her not to light this fuse that will generate more racial hatred and discrimination.]

Julio Cesar Olmos

community organizer, soccer player, Tractivista

“What we perceive and what is reality can drastically change once we start to educate ourselves and base our beliefs and opinions on the truth.” JC.

P.S. Upcoming…
Sun 4/25: Freezer stock-up Party (aka the potluck that keeps on giving): freezer@getTraction.org
Sat 5/8: Pick your own organic Strawberries! strawberries@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 a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org, and much more…

P.P.S. Gracias to Luke Hirst for translating!

———- Forwarded message ———-

Arizona is on the verge of creating a dangerous standard

Tell Arizona’s Governor: Don’t Legalize Racial Profiling

Dear Tractivist,

Imagine driving through the neighborhood you grew up in and being pulled over for no apparent reason. Your crime? Being brown in Arizona.

This might seem unimaginable in the 21st-century United States, but the Arizona State Legislature is on the verge of passing a law that would authorize officers to pull over, question, and detain anyone they have a “reasonable suspicion” doesn’t have proper documentation. The legislation would essentially legalize racial profiling, creating a police state for immigrants.

The bill will be on the Governor’s desk as soon as today.¹ This is a moment for all of us to stand with the people of Arizona against this injustice. Please join us in telling Governor Jan Brewer to do the right thing and veto this bill, and ask your friends and family to do the same:

http://presente.org/ref/ad/31/campaigns/arizona

According to the LA Times, “The bill, known as SB 1070, makes it a misdemeanor to lack proper immigration paperwork in Arizona. It also requires police officers, if they form a ‘reasonable suspicion’ that someone is an illegal immigrant, to determine the person’s immigration status… Immigrant rights groups say it amounts to a police state.” ²

If this bill passes, Arizona is declaring itself an apartheid state, where people who “look” undocumented are treated differently than the rest of the population. Leading police chiefs and sheriffs have even come out against the bill, saying that it will cause immigrants to avoid reporting crimes, and divert officers’ attention from going after violent offenders.³

The future of Arizona is now in the Governor’s hands. Please join us in telling Governor Jan Brewer to veto this bill.

http://presente.org/ref/ad/31/campaigns/arizona

Thank you and ¡Adelante!

Laurie, Favianna, Roberto and the rest of the Presente.org team

References
1. “Backers defend AZ crackdown on illegal immigrants,” Associated Press, 4-15-10,
http://bit.ly/a47Yjc
2. “Arizona passes strict illegal immigration act,” L.A. Times, 4-13-10
http://bit.ly/b6f9IL
3. “Racial profiling, SB 1070 will go hand in hand,” Arizona Daily Star, 4-16-10
http://bit.ly/cnoLiP

Subscription Management:
This is a message from Traction and ACORN and Presente.org. By taking action you are agreeing to occasional updates from Presente.org. To change your email address or update your contact info, send an email to subscriptions@presente.org.

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.