For the fourth year, the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (CEC) brings The Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour, one of the largest environmental film festivals in North America, back to Houston for two nights—January 24 and 25, 2018—at the historic River Oaks Theatre!
Houston Peace and Justice Center will be having their annual new member orientation and planning retreat, and YOU are not only invited, you are needed. In this new year when our president has already announced we should have no more refugees from “shithole countries”, but instead more (implied) blue eyes blond white people from Norway, it is more important than ever that we use our collective resources! If you are an individual member, a board representative from a member organization, or a wannabe activist, now is the time to pick up your resolve and participate in our annual planning retreat. Come be a part of the solution! We need your help in planning our direction and energy resources so we can have an impact on our neighborhoods, our city, and our world. If not you, then who?
At the January web meeting, we welcome Jaime Gonzalez, Community Conservation Director, Katy Prairie Conservancy, who will address Caring for the Plants that Care for Us. He will discuss the importance of native plants for biodiversity, water absorption, carbon sequestration, the economy, and creating a sense of place. He will link the well-being of eco-systems to human well-being. Jaime will also discuss the work of Katy Prairie Conservancy to restore native prairie, "re-wild" Houston with pocket prairies, offer citizen conservation opportunities and a new initiative to encourage residents to plant the "nine natives" in their yards. Jaime will give details on using these native plantings on your property, will provide resources and outlets for getting native plants, and will even delve into the ethics of saving wildlife by providing native plant habitat. After his talk, there will be time for Q&A to answer your native plant questions. A generous donor has pledged a donation to the Katy Prairie Conservancy if at least 10 people sign up for and attend Jaime’s talk. Please register for this talk, and you will receive an invitation to the web meeting. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at [email protected] with any questions.
On Belonging is a performance by writer/artist Sehba Sarwar, whose work contends with issues of displacement and identity. Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, Sarwar grounds her work in her home city even as she moves between Houston, Los Angeles, and Karachi. Sarwar will perform new writings and launch a site-specific installation containing community responses to the question of belonging. The performance/installation will be held by the oak tree near the Cy Twombly Gallery on the Menil Collection campus. Sehba's performance tackles critical issues at a time when walls are being raised and border crossings are being restricted.
Amnesty International Houston and special guest speaker Gislaine Williams from the Refugee Council USA (RCUSA)
A coalition of 23 national organizations that work to protect refugees and asylum-seekers and advocate for human rights in the United States. She has previously worked with the American Civil Liberties Union
Immigrants’ Rights Project and the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services in Houston.
A film about the very tangible costs of sea level rise in Norfolk, VA, a community on the frontline of climate change.
In commemoration of Black History Month, The Center for the Healing of Racism will screen “America Beyond The Color Line (Episode 1)” on February 19, 2018 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The series, written by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., examines the legacy of the Civil Rights movement since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Episode 1: “South: The Black Belt,” Gates assesses changes in the racial climate of the southern United States. Among others, Gates interviews Morgan Freeman and Maya Angelou. The screening will be following by a discussion.
What can one person do about climate change, torture, racism, xenophobia, gun violence, fracking, Congressional ineptitude, ignorance, war and greed? Write funny songs, says Roy Zimmerman , master satirist, songwriter, and performer.
HPJC is bringing Roy Zimmerman back to Houston in a benefit to raise funds for Peace Camp Houston.
Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church in Houston invites you to a monthly environmental education web meeting series whose theme in 2018 is Stewardship.
At the February web meeting, we welcome Bruce Bodson, President/Executive Director of Lower Brazos Riverwatch, who will address Stewardship of Water. Water is a uniquely versatile medium, functioning as a vital resource, a habitat, a recreation venue, and a waste conveyance. As we have often seen in Houston, it is also a destructive force of nature. Stewardship of water entails balancing these functions and our management of the hazard in a manner that allows for protection of the resource, for all the human benefits to be obtained, and still leave a reasonably unimpaired habitat for other species. Here in Houston, the Bayou City, we are blessed with an abundance of waters, but we struggle with maintaining the balance of uses that allows us to enjoy this abundance without causing irreparable harm to the resource. This presentation will examine the resources we have, and consider the effects of the ever growing demand placed on them. It will also look at some examples of local programs that strive to bring balance to our consumption and regulation of the resource. After Bruce’s talk, there will be time for Q&A. Please register for this talk, and you will receive an invitation to the web meeting. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at [email protected] with any questions.
Free and open to the public:
You are invited you to a special Healing America Together event in Houston on March 3:
If you have even a slight interest in learning about the health virtues of a plant-based diet, the health of our planet, or how diet can promote peace, please consider attending.
Promotion of this event is largely through local grass-roots volunteer efforts. Please forward this invitation to others for us.
Healing America Presenters: Dr. T. Colin Campbell (author of the China Study and the father of “nutritional science”) and his son Nelson Campbell (Founder and CEO of Plantpure Nation)
Amnesty International Houston welcomes special guest speaker Judge Mike Fields; of Harris County Criminal Court 14, who will discuss the drug war, bail reform, mass incarceration, indigent defense, mental health services for defendants and overcriminalization.
This special program will be held this Saturday, March 10, 7-9 pm, in Room 114 of The Montrose Center, 401 Branard St., Houston. The program will include two presentations on the danger of fascism and how the masses of people can overcome this danger. The program will also include plenty of time for discussion and dialogue. This event is being organized by Houston Socialist Movement and Refuse Fascism Houston. Light refreshments and adult beverages will be served.
Join us at our upcoming Transition Houston meeting. Socializing starts at 6:30pm and the meeting begins at 7:00pm at the Haven’s Center, 1827 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098. The Houston Climate Movement is leading the way for local action on climate change. Texas, and Houston particularly, faces unique risks and challenges due to the […]
Hurricane Harvey brought historic challenges to Houston. Compassionate responses from so many reveal our city's hidden strengths. How can we continue to be a compassionate city for those who are still impacted by Harvey and beyond?
Jill Carroll, PhD is a scholar, writer, and expert on World Religions and public life. For many years she has taught and provided religious diversity and global skills training for corporations and non-profits. She has published numerous books and articles on world religions, interfaith relations, and public life.
Join us for a compelling presentation where Dr. Jill Carroll will enlighten us on how our city of diverse faiths, backgrounds, and perspectives helped us all rise and respond with compassion in the wake of Harvey.
If you need FREE legal advice on ANY subject, please allow a volunteer attorney to advise you THIS Saturday from 9:00am- 2:00pm!
All information is confidential!
The arts play an important connecting role in society in ways that other sectors cannot. Artists can move through a variety of environments using music, performance, visual arts and other media to address difficult topics, challenge cultural stigmas, bring diverse people together, and provoke new ways of thinking that can lead to powerful social and political changes. In a time of censorship, political bullying, and polarization between people, where do the arts stand today, locally and nationally? What is the role of the arts as commentator and catalyst for social justice? And what is the responsibility of cultural institutions and patrons for preserving the arts as a voice for the public?
In partnership with Houston Grand Opera and in conjunction with their initiative Seeking the Human Spirit, join the Rothko Chapel for a conversation exploring arts and activism in society today from the perspectives of the artist, cultural institution and funder.
The conversation participants include Peter Sellars, renowned opera and theater director and professor at UCLA; Debbie McNulty, Director of Mayor Turner's Office of Cultural Affairs; and Patrick Summers, Artistic and Music Director of Houston Grand Opera; moderated by the Rothko Chapel’s Executive Director David Leslie.
If you could know the truth about the threat of climate change — would you want to know? Before the Flood, presented by National Geographic, features Leonardo DiCaprio on a journey as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, traveling to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand. He goes on expeditions with scientists uncovering the reality of climate change and meets with political leaders fighting against inaction. He also discovers a calculated disinformation campaign orchestrated by powerful special interests working to confuse the public about the urgency of the growing climate crisis. With unprecedented access to thought leaders around the world, DiCaprio searches for hope in a rising tide of catastrophic news. March 21, 2018, at Rice Media Center. 6:30 PM conversation, networking, and a light meal; 7:00 PM screening. Free to the public, though donations are kindly appreciated.
Step Up to the Challenge and join us at the Fight For Air Climb. When you participate in a Fight For Air Climb, you are stepping up to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by lung disease. Participants raise funds to support the mission of the American Lung Association while training to climb 48 floors, 1,062 step to the top of The First City Tower. Whether you are climbing alone or with friends and family, as a part of a healthy lifestyle or in honor of all those who are affected by lung disease, you will achieve a sense of personal accomplishment as you reach the top of the building and the height of your fundraising potential. Every step you take moves us forward in our fight for healthy lungs and clean air.
"When people in a democracy are not educated in the art of living --- to strengthen their conscience, compassion, and ability to question and think critically --- they can be easily manipulated by fear and propaganda. A democracy is only as wise as its citizens, and a democracy of ignorant citizens can be as dangerous as a dictatorship."
After the recent mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas, students of the school have organized a nationwide protest including Houston, TX to plea for a strengthening of gun laws.
If you would like to have a serious conversation about gun control, the time is now. Students, Teachers, Parents, and concerned citizens are invited to march in solidarity with us. Please share this page with your loved ones and ask them to join as well.
Day of:
* Meet at 9am at Tranquility Park
* March begins around 9:05am — we will march 8 blocks total; to Ted Cruz’s office, then back to Tranquility park going with the flow of traffic
* Rally begins around 10am in Tranquility Park
This event is being put together by local students, parents, and teachers hoping to give a voice to those seeking change. As this event grows and changes, more information will be shared on this page. If you have any resources or wish to help in any way, we are welcoming you.
