"Reclaiming Our Democracy: Reforming the Police" Discussion

Saturday, September 9th 2017, from 1-4pm, at the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Study (1000 North Lombardy Street, Richmond VA), the Richmond Peace Education Center ☮ and the ACLU of Virginia are holding a panel discussion about police accountability and transparency in Virginia, and paths to reform. From the event description:

"The panel discussion features expert speakers who will address the need for police reform with an emphasis on policies and practices that enhance professionalism, transparency and accountability. In order to bring about reform, citizens’ voices need to be heard. If you share our concerns about police misconduct, broken windows policing and civil asset forfeiture, we hope you will join us to discuss an agenda for reform."

The event appears to also serve as the ACLU's annual membership meeting, though it is free and open to the public. Attendees must register by August 31st. For questions or assistance, call 804-644-8022 or email acluva@acluva.org. Lot parking is available.

I don't necessarily believe that mere reform of the police is possible or sufficient, but the discussion may be useful to observe even if you don't participate. For more information and instructions on how to register, see the link.

SURJ Richmond Research and Policy Meeting

Tuesday, July 18th 2017, from 5:30-7pm, location TBA, Showing Up for Racial Justice SURJ Richmond is holding a research and policy meeting. From the event description: "Join other Richmond-area folks using research and policy to advance racial justice alongside key campaign partners. All who support these goals are welcome to attend."

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

Air Pollution Control Board Meeting: Advocate for a Virginia Policy on Carbon Pollution

Thursday, March 16th 2017, from 10am-12pm, at 201 North 9th Street, Richmond VA, the state's Air Pollution Control Board is holding a public meeting. The Sierra Club and supporters will be there to support a citizen's petition to create a state limit on carbon pollution from power plants. 

Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas, meaning it drives climate change — when more of it is released into the atmosphere from activities like burning coal, the greenhouse affect worsens, which causes the ambient temperature of the planet to rise. This is a proven phenomena, and has been a matter of scientific consensus for decades. Trump's  newly-appointed head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, recently publicly announced that he does not believe that carbon pollution has a significant role in global warming. 

Because the head of the federal regulatory agency in charge of mitigating pollution is actually staunchly opposed to environmental protections, it's looking like federal regulations against pollution may not survive for much longer. If we want to at least slow down climate change, to say nothing of stopping or reversing it, we need to impose limits on carbon at the state level. Showing up on Thursday will show the Board that the public demands action to protect our environment and communities. 

To learn more and RSVP, see this link.