A Political Engagement Workshop: Sunday, April 2, 4-7pm

Has the new political situation got you keyed up? Are you getting deluged with requests to make phone calls, sign petitions and show up for demonstrations?

Kehilla is organizing a one-day workshop with experienced activists who can help you take effective political action without getting overwhelmed.

Political Engagement Speakers Announced

A diverse range of California activists will share their expertise at a Political Engagement Workshop taking place at Kehilla April 2 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The tentative list of speakers includes current and former staffers from the U.S. Congress, Oakland Community Organizations, the Alameda County Food Bank, the Coalition for Police Accountability, and 350.org.

Rabbi Dev Noily will offer a brief convocation, and speakers will introduce themselves. Participants will then divide into breakout groups where they will learn about specific actions they can take to further the following goals:

• Vulnerable Populations: Protect immigrants and other populations targeted by hate and discrimination. Speakers: Emma Paulino of the Oakland Community Organizations and Lindsay Schubiner of the Center for New Community.
• Climate Change: Reverse the greenhouse effect that is causing global environmental damage. Speaker: Jan Kirsch of 350.org.
• Healthcare: Guarantee access to affordable healthcare and family planning. (Speakers to be announced.)
• Social Services: Expand government support for seniors and people with low incomes and disabilities. Speakers: Stephen Knight of the Alameda County Food Bank and Randy Morris of the Alameda County Social Services Agency.
• Voting Rights and Voters’ Power: Expand opportunities for voting and make use of Tea Party-style lobbying for progressive causes. Speakers: Dotty LeMieux of GreenDog Campaigns and Jonathan Klein, a former chief of staff to two members of Congress.
• Criminal Justice: Prevent mass incarceration and ensure fair policing. Speakers: Rashidah Grinage of the Coalition for Police Accountability and Sister Mary Amora of Oakland Community Organizations.
• Civil Liberties: Protect freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, separation of church and state and other constitutional rights. Speaker: Jim Hausken of the American Civil Liberties Union.
• Spirituality: Center your activism in your spiritual practices. Speaker: Rabbi Dev Noily.

After spending 40 minutes in the first breakout group, participants will have an opportunity to meet in a second breakout group for another 40 minutes.

Light refreshments will be served.

Reserve your place at this workshop with an email by 3/31 to Karen at karenrachels@gmail.com.  Please put “4/2 Workshop” in subject line.