Screening of "Documented: a Film by an Undocumented American" (2013)

Thursday, November 30th 2017, from 6:30-9pm, at the Virginia Historical Society (428 North Boulevard, Richmond VA), there will be a screening of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas’ 2013 film, "Documented: a Film by an Undocumented American." In this documentary, Vargas chronicles his childhood journey from the Phillipines to the U.S., his role in the fight for immigration reform, and his reunion with his mother, who he hadn’t seen in 20 years. 

Free. Street parking only. 

For more information and to register, see this link. 

VCUarts Adjuncts Organizing for Fair Pay

Check out the Facebook page for VCUarts AOFP, the VCUarts Adjuncts Organizing for Fair Pay, and their website. 

Non-tenure-track faculty do much of the work in institutions of higher education (and make up two-thirds of the faculty), but are paid poverty wages. The average pay for adjunct teaching positions in the U.S. is $30,000 per year and some positions have benefits— by contrast, the average yearly pay for VCUarts adjunct instructors is $10,000 with no benefits. Of the top 10 arts schools in the country (of which VCU is consistently ranked in the top 3), VCU is dead last for adjunct pay. Tuition keeps going up: what's the administration spending it all on?

This is relevant even if you aren't a VCU adjunct or student. As one of the largest employers in the city, the university helps "set" wages. When VCU employees win better pay, it gives other workers in the area another lever to use to exert pressure on their employers. 

Books For a Better World: "Sis, You OK?" with Nikkea Shareè

Tomorrow, Tuesday November 14th 2017, from 6:30-8pm, at the Hull Street Library (1400 Hull Street, Richmond VA), the library will be holding the final event of the Books for a Better World Series. This event will include a screening of the short documentary, "Sis, You OK?", followed by a discussion with creator Nikkea Shareè. This film addresses domestic violence and mental health. From the event description:

"Social justice, healing, and history are the themes we’ll explore in the "Books for a Better World" author series held on second Tuesdays (March-November) at Hull Street Library. Join local authors and scholars for engaging book discussions followed by Q&A and book signing, and light refreshments."

Free, open to the public. Children are welcome but should be accompanied by an adult, and some material may not be appropriate for children. 

For more info or to ask a question, call 804-646-8699 or email natalie.draper@richmondgov.com. 

Ethics Lessons from the Flint Water Crisis: Siddhartha Roy and LeeAnne Walters

Wednesday, November 15th 2017, from 6:30-9pm, at the Science Museum of Virginia (2500 West Broad Street, Richmond VA) Siddhartha Roy of Virginia Tech and LeeAnne Walters, Flint resident and activist, will describe their experiences living through the water poisoning crisis which began in 2014 and what transpired to allow this modern tragedy to unfold. 

Free, open to the public, lot parking available. 

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

SURJ RVA Research & Policy Committee Meeting

Tuesday, November 14th 2017, from 5:30-7pm, at the Main library (101 East Franklin Street, Richmond VA), the Richmond chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice will be holding a meeting of its Research and Policy Committee. “All who are interested in working to dismantle systemic racism in the RVA area and beyond are welcome to join.” 

For more info and to RSVP, see this link. 

Showing of "Disturbing the Peace"

Thursday, November 16th 2017, from 6-8:45pm, at the Main library (101 East Franklin Street, Richmond VA), the Arab American Association of Central Virginia and the Richmonders for Peace in Israel and Palestine are cohosting a showing of the documentary film DISTURBING THE PEACE. Dr. Michael Fischbach will lead Q&A after the film. 

Free, light refreshments provided. 

For more info and to RSVP, call 804-646-7223 or see this link. 

Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board Meeting: Stand Up for Carbon Standards

Thursday, November 16th 2017, from 9:45am-12:45pm, at the Virginia State Capitol (1000 Bank Street, Richmond VA), the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board is meeting to discuss the state's implementation of carbon pollution standards. The Sierra Club is encouraging environmentalists to come out and show the board that they will be held accountable for their decisions. 

Identification is required to get into the building. For more info and to RSVP, see this link. 

Pocahantas Redefined: Native American Storytellers Film Festival

Friday through Sunday, November 17th-19th 2017, at the Byrd Theatre (2908 West Cary Street, Richmond VA), the first annual Native American Storytellers Film Festival will be held. Created by leaders from several Virginia tribes, this celebration of American Indian cinema will include films and performers, and it is free to attend. 

To see the schedule of films and performances, or to find out more, see this link. 

Virginia Legislature Advocacy Training

Saturday and Sunday, November 18-19 2017, from 9am-4:30pm both days, at VCU's Learning Center (1000 Floyd Avenue, Richmond VA), the Virginia Civic Engagement Table, SEIU Virginia 512, the Virginia Latina Advocacy Network, and more, are holding a two-day training on the state legislative process and how to advocate at the General Assembly. 

Lunch will be provided. Free. 

For more info, contact elena@engageva.org. To RSVP, see this link. 

8th Virginia Immigrant Advocates Summit

Wednesday, November 15th 2017, from 8:30am-5pm, at Faith Lutheran Church (3313 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington VA), the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations and others will hold their annual summit to bring together statewide immigrant rights advocates, supporters, and allies serving the immigrant population in Virginia, to discuss and strategize on issues affecting the state's immigrant community.

$35 registration, some scholarships are available.

For more information and to find out how to register, see this link.

Enrollment for 2018 Health Insurance Marketplace Plans Opens Today

Enrollment for 2018 insurance plans opened today, and will remain open until December 15th. If you need to enroll, re-enroll, or change an insurance plan you got through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you need to do it in the next 45 days. If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) you can apply at any time, and if you have some life event you might qualify for the Special Enrollment Period. 

If you need help enrolling, you can contact ENROLL Virginia at 1-888-392-5132 or info@enroll-virginia.com, or visit enrollva.org/events/ to find a free workshop near you.

The Trump administration shortened the enrollment period and cut funding for advertising about it, so try to share this around to make sure people who need it see it.