April 13th, 2010
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
Posted in Environment, Events | No Comments »
March 31st, 2010
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.
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.
Posted in Environment, Events, Tractivists in Action, Walk the Talk | No Comments »
March 24th, 2010
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.
Recent news round-up and linkfest…
Health Insurance Reform passes!
Thanks to the efforts of millions of us, President Obama signed a bill yesterday that…
- extends health insurance to more than 32 million people
- allows you to stay on your parents’ insurance until the age of 27
- bans discrimination based on pre-existing conditions
- and it saves money over the long-term: it’ll cut more than a trillion dollars from the deficit over 20 years.
For many progressives, it stopped short in several key ways — and the reproductive rights sacrifices went too far — but there’s a chance we’ll make it stronger before it’s finally final. And there’s no denying that it’s a good step in the right direction and a historic achievement!
In scary news… the Tea Partiers are getting incredibly nasty, harassing members of Congress (like civil rights hero John Lewis and Barney Frank) using the N-word, the F-word and even spitting. This Brave New Foundation video will frighten you, but you should see it. This John Nichols column from The Nation provides historical perspective on right-wing opposition (Conservatives railed against Social Security too.), although I doubt it was quite this hateful. And the Wake County school board ended Wake’s model diversity policy (again by a 5-4 vote). Let there be no doubt — local elections matter!
Now for the kind of activism we LIKE to see…
Last weekend, 200,000 people marched for Comprehensive Immigration Reform! Check out SEIU’s great 2-minute video. And you may have missed some incredibly brave direct action for equality, with Lt. Dan Choi handcuffing himself to the White House gate to protest Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and bi-coastal sit-ins at Nancy Pelosi’s offices to demand passage of the Employee Non-Discrimination Act.
Last thing: mark your calendars for Green My Ride on Sunday afternoon April 11th. You’ll learn many ways to shrink your carbon tireprint, including how to:
* change your own oil
* improve your gas mileage
* improve the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning
* switch to motor oils that don’t need to be changed often or are made from soy (not petroleum)
* and much more
Space is limited. Write greenmyride@getTraction.org for more info and/or to reserve your spot.
Keep Hope Alive, Lanya
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 tireprint: greenmyride@getTraction.org
Sat 4/17: Trip to new civil rights museum in Greensboro: gbo@getTraction.org
Sun 4/25: Another freezer party (aka the potluck that keeps on giving): freezer@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.
Posted in Civil Rights, Events, Health Care, Peace, Politics, Walk the Talk | No Comments »
March 19th, 2010
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
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!)
Posted in Civil Rights, Events, Peace, Tractivists in Action | No Comments »
March 15th, 2010
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.
Posted in Civil Rights, Education, Events, Parenting, Politics, Tractivists in Action, Walk the Talk | No Comments »
March 5th, 2010
Tractivists,
I grew up in an almost completely white town. During only a few years (8th grade, 10th grade, 12th grade) did I have ANY African American classmates; they never stayed more than a year. Can’t say that I blame them, not one bit. And I know I’m the poorer for the lack of diversity in my childhood.
It’s different here. When it’s working, kids in NC grow up with opportunities to build friendships across difference, to learn from each other’s experiences, to benefit from shared community resources. So when the new conservative majority of the very divided Wake County School Board won a vote this week to reverse Wake’s nationally recognized diversity policy, they hurled us toward resegregation. Tuesday’s 5-4 vote, assuming it passes a second reading later this month and survives a threatened lawsuit by the NC NAACP, will deepen the gap between rich and poor schools. It’s an enormous step backwards.
For a child’s perspective of racially segregated North Carolina life during a different era, don’t miss the film Blood Done Sign My Name, now in theaters.
What: Blood Done Sign My Name
When: this Sunday @ 3:50pm
Where: Southpoint Cinemas (meet in front of the box office)
RSVPs appreciated: blood@getTraction.org
Tim Tyson’s award-winning memoir of his childhood in Oxford, NC tells of the murder of a black man and how it galvanized and radicalized the African American resistance movement in our state.
Join us this Sunday afternoon — RSVP so we can find each other. Stay tuned for more info on Wake County Schools and how you can help. And for an opportunity to deepen your understanding of race and privilege, write to circles@getTraction.org.
Keep Hope Alive,
Lanya Shapiro
film buff, anti-racist, Tractivist
P.S. Don’t forget to check the NC Public Campaign Fund box on your state tax return. It won’t change your tax bill or refund, and it WILL help take big money out of politics and move us toward voter-owned elections.
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »