 by Lydia Howell
All this season’s holidays focus on light. Each day shortens until December 21, Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Echoing the Star of Bethlehem, lights decorate our houses and Christmas trees. Both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa share a ritual of lighting another candle every night for a week. Night itself is vanquished by our streetlights, so we see few actual stars.
Kwanzaa, the African “Festival of First Fruits,” was re-created in 1966 as an affirmation of African-American and community-strengthening values that all Americans should ponder: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, faith.
What common ground might we discover if we considered how to apply Kwanzaa values?
 Mass
marketing obsesses on gifts that can be bought. Wiccan/Pagan spiritual practice
urges us to “meditate on the gifts the Goddess has bestowed” upon
us and what we can give of ourselves to others. (See: Teresa Moorey and Jane
Brideson’s “The Wheel of The Year”).
Distrustful of organized religion, I’m ambivalent about Christmas. I’m
infuriated that Mary and Joseph sleeping in the stable isn’t connected
to the number of homeless people increasing every year. Yet, the hymn “Come
All Ye Faithful” still moves me. The Hanukkah celebration of triumph against
oppression inspires. Yet, the complicated, painful Israeli/Palestinian conflict
is a loyalty test on both sides, that can’t be discussed even among many
peace activists.
Holidays bring on frenetic, compulsive consumerism and frantic socializing.
“Holy days” become desperate distraction, and we evade diving within
the deep silence of introspection that increasing darkness could draw us into.
Language is tainted in our racist society. Those with darker skin are identified
as “Other”—to be feared as “evil,” or “enemy”—
to be destroyed.
As in all ancient (so-called “primitive”) spiritual traditions,
psychoanalyst Carl Jung recognized what he called “the Shadow,”
those disowned parts of ourselves we often refuse to acknowledge. Our shadows
don’t disappear. Instead, they’re a subterranean force driving us,
almost always destructively.
This season honors “the Prince of Peace,” while war in Iraq drags
on, exposing new horrors: the U.S. use of chemical weapons (depleted uranium
and today’s napalm, white phosphorus), high Iraqi civilian casualties,
secret CIA prisons, torture. Some Americans angrily deny these ugly truths and
others pragmatically justify them. For many Americans, the suffering of this
war is simply ignored.
Nevertheless, light has no meaning without darkness. If we cannot face our own
follies, we’ll never bring our ideals to full fruition. This is as true
for nations as for individuals.
I’m a stumbling seeker. All religious fundamentalism, especially right-wing
Christianity, turned me toward Eastern paths. Five hundred years before Christ,
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu observed in the Tao Te Ching (translation by Stephen
Mitchell):
“Seeing into darkness is clarity. Knowing how to yield is strength. Use
your own light and return to the source of light.”
If we were guided by these words, “Peace on Earth” might be more
than greeting card verse.
HOLIDAY FESTIVALS
All events are in MINNEAPOLIS unless otherwise noted.
Fri. Nov. 25, Noon-4 p.m.: “Frozen Moon Family Day.” Traditional
Ojibwe tribes think of November as the “Month of Frozen Moons”—preparation
for the long Minnesota winter. Avoid the malls and explore Ojibwe games, crafts,
songs, stories. Minnesota History Museum, 345 W. Kellogg, St. Paul. 651-296-6126.
$8 adults/$6 seniors/$4 children/Age 5 & under, Free.
 Sat.
Dec. 3, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.: MN Tibetan Community Festival. Music, art, dance,
speakers. MN History Center, 345 West Kellogg, St. Paul. Free.
Wed. Dec. 7, 7 p.m.: “Christmas in Minnesota.” Minnesota
comic writers Kevin Kling, Lorna Landvik, Faith Sullivan tell stories; a cappella
singers Voce Freca; ghost of Maud Hart Lovelace! Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th
St., St. Paul. Free.
Sat. Dec. 11, 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: “Family Fiesta” Games/activities
for adults and children. Latin American music, dance, food. Fair trade gift
shopping. Resource Center of Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave. S., near East Lake
Street. 612-276-0788. $5, family of 2/$10, family 3 or more (no one turned away).
Sat./Sun. in Dec., 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: A 1915 Minnesota Christmas at
the historical Purcell-Cutts home, with tour. Get photographed with Victorian
Santa. Live Scandinavian music, treats. Gift shop. Shuttle every 45 minutes
from the Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave. S. 612-870-6323. ArtsMIA.org.
Sat./Sun. in Dec., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. & Christmas Eve 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gilded Age Christmas at James J. Hill House. Costumed actors re-enact “Upstairs/Downstairs,”
about the life of the Minnesota railroad baron. Minnesota art. Tours. 240 Summit
Ave., St. Paul. Reservations recommended. 651-297-2555.
Sat. Dec. 17, 7 p.m.: Goddess Night (women only). Performance, music
and ritual honor the Solstice season and the Sacred Feminine. Center for Independent
Artists, 4137 Bloomington Ave. S. 612-331-1814. $5.
Sat. Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Hanukkah (open to all) The Jewish Festival
of Lights, celebrates the tenacity of faith and a miracle. Latke lunch. Children’s
activities. Hosted by Or Emet, the TC Jewish humanist organization. For more
info, call 763-535-2226. OrEmet.org
Wed. Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m.: “Solstice Drum & Dance
Jam” with Mystic Toys and Boiled in Lead drummer Robin Alan Andrews. Illumination
Fire Dancers. Bring your drum! Family-friendly. Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar
Ave. S., West Bank. $8 advance/$10 door.
Mon. Dec. 26, Noon-4 p.m.: KWANZAA: African-American “Festival
of the First Fruits” Storytelling by “Auntie Beverly” Cottman;
folk artist Maurice Carlton. Drumming, dance and children’s activities.
MN History Center, 345 W. Kellogg (near State Capitol), St. Paul. 651-296-6175.
MNHS.org.
 PEACE
ON EARTH
Thru Thur. Nov. 30. Photographs by Chante Wolf, first Iraq War veteran/peace
activist. St. Martin’s Table, 2001 Riverside Ave. S., West Bank. Closed
Sundays.
Sat. Dec. 10, 1 p.m.: International Human Rights Day. TC activists join
the world in rejecting torture and other abuses. Spirit of Lakes Church, 2930
13th Ave. S. off E. Lake Street.
Every Wed. 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Peace Vigil, East Lake Street bridge (between
Minneapolis & St. Paul). Sponsored by Women Against Military Madness. 612-827-5364.
WorldWideWAMM.org.
TC Peace Activities: Call Veterans for Peace, 612-821-9141. MN Alliance
for Peacemakers—E-list of events. Email: dick@chez-nous.net.
THEATER
Fri. Nov. 25-Dec.31 (times vary, includes weekend matinees); “La
Befana,” In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theater holiday classic.
An old Italian woman searches the world for the Holy Child, to discover the
holiness inside everyone. Heart of the Beast, 1500 East Lake St. $24 adults/$16
children (pay what you can). Sun. Nov. 27, 2 p.m., Thu. Dec.15, 7:30 p.m. 612-721-2535.
HOBT.org.
 Fri.
Nov. 25-Dec. 29 (times vary): “Black Nativity.” Gospel musical
of the Christmas story, by the top African-American theater company in the U.S.,
Penumbra, featuring Ashley and Ginger Commodore (of Moore by Four); Patricia
Lacy-Aiken (Sounds of Blackness); T. Michael Rambo. Hollie Q. Brown/MLK Center,
270 N. Kent, St. Paul. 651-224-3180. $15-$40. PenumbraTheatre.org.
Dec. 1-18, Dec. 26-Jan. 2 (Thurs.-Sun.), 7:30 p.m.: “Hanukkah
Lights in the Big Sky.” In Billings, Mont., a brick shatters the only
Jewish family’s window lit by the Hanukkah menorah—and a community
takes an extraordinary action to unite against hate. Minnesota Jewish Theater—at
Hillcrest Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul. 651-647-4315. mnJewishTheatre.org.
$16-$22.
Fri. Dec. 9-Dec.18, 8 p.m.: Charles Dickens’ “The Seven
Poor Travelers.” Local Shakespearean and Fringe fave (“Gilgamesh”),
Charlie Benthel offers a rare Christmas treasure with memorable characters and
wonder. Why settle for Scrooge? Illusion Theatre, 528 Hennepin Ave. S. (at 6th
St.), 8th floor. 612-339-4944. $20, (Sun. Dec.11, pay what you can).
Through Dec. 11, Wed.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.: “Dance on Widows’
Row”—four middle-aged Black women, nine deceased husbands, and three
eligible bachelors. Romance, farce, and the gender wars collide at a party thrown
by four widows looking for love. Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., West
Bank. 612-338-6131. MixedBlood.org.
$11-$22.
Christmas Day, 1 p.m.: Jewish/Chinese Buffet. The MN Film Society’s
new tradition imported from NYC Jewish community! Enjoy a Chinese buffet and
a Jewish film.This year it’s “Yentl,” Barbara Streisand’s
directing debut in which she stars as a young woman who impersonates a boy in
order to study the Torah. Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St., East Bank by U of
M. mnFilmArts.org. $10
general/$8 members.
Thru Dec. 31.: “Same Time, Next Year,” a 1970s romantic comedy
of an annual secret encounter by two lovers married to other people for 25 years.
Wise, witty and still charming. Sun., Tues.-Thur. 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 8 p.m.;
Sun. matinee 2 p.m. The Jungle Theatre, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. 612-822-7063. $22-$32.
MUSIC
Acoustic Sundays at Minneapolis Institute of Art, 11 a.m.: Nov. 27:
Ben Glaros. Dec. 13: JoAnna James. Dec. 18: Ellis, MOA. 2400 3rd Ave. S. Free.
Thur. Dec. 8, 6 p.m.: “Drop Beats NOT Bombs!” TC hip-hop
luminaries. Benefit for the counter-military recruitment group that organized
the recent student strike, Youth Against War & Racism. Los Nativos, Dessa,
C.O.R.E., Unknown Prophets, Purest Form, DJ Kool Hanz, MC I Self Divine. Triple
Rock, 629 Cedar Ave. S. West Bank. $6. YAWR.org.
Thurs. Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m.: ”Tribute to John Lennon.” Minneapolis
guitar troubadour Curtiss A. leads TC musicians at this 25th anniversary event.
First Avenue. $10 advance/$12 door.
Sun. Dec. 11, 7 p.m., St. Paul; Sat. Dec. 17, 8 p.m., Mpls.: Rose Ensemble,
the group of classical singers (who favor Medieval and Renaissance music), perform
“Celebramos el Niño,” drawing from the cathedrals of Mexico
and also festive dances of the season. CD release Dec. 11, St. Paul’s
Church on the Hill, 1524 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Dec. 17, Basilica of St. Mary,
88 N.17th St. RoseEnsemble.org.
$25/$15.
Sat. Dec. 17, 9:30 p.m.: “Times 3.” Jazz Vocalist Coalition
(JZVOC) serves up three singers, three sets, three-course meal. Sue Tucker,
Vicky Mountain, Christine Rosholt. The Times, 201 E. Hennepin Ave. 612-617-8098.
 Sun.
Dec. 18, 7 p.m.: “Holiday on Icecubes.” TC folk/rocker Paul
Metsa’s 8th annual benefit for NE Minneapolis seniors foodshelf. Metsa
takes a new direction, debuting his one-man autobiographical theatre piece,
“Sometime Over The Rainbow.” Stories, poems, songs of his “first
50 years—a low-rent Mark Twain,” he says. Plus, music by surprise
guests. At Mayslacks, 1428 NE 4th St. Admission is nonperishable food items
or cash donation.
Sun. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Bravo Combo Holiday Dance Party. Six-time Grammy-nominated
polka band imported from Texas/Arkansas border. Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar
Ave. S., West Bank. 612-338-2674. $14 advance/$16 door.
Thu. Dec. 22., 7 p.m.: Jazz Vocalist Holiday Extravaganza. Trade eggnog
for a cocktail of sophisticated swing and discover these local talents. The
Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall. 612-332-1010.
New Year’s Eve, 8 p.m.: Mark Mallman (known for his “marathon
rock performances,” achieving Guinness World Records), with Dark City
Dames, Goddamn DooWop. First Avenue, 7th St./1st Ave. N. $8 advance/$10 door.
OTHER ARTS
Nov. 25, 26, 27/Dec. 2, 3, 4.: “Chair Sandbag Rose: Grownup Fairy
Tales of Love & War.” See choreography that’s been called “some
of the most powerful antiwar dance to be seen in a long time.” Red Eye
Theatre, 15 W. 14th St. $16 adult/$12 students. (Sun. Nov. 27, Sun. Dec. 4—pay
what you can).
Thru Jan. 15: Photography—“Dance of the Faithful.”
Leonard Freed documents Jewish daily life in Europe, Israel, USA. Free.
Dec. 4-Feb. 26: “Villa America”—American Moderns,
1900-1950. Picasso and other Europeans don’t have the monopoly on modern
art. Check out the homies. Includes Georgia O’Keefe, Arthur Dove, Andrew
Wyeth. Both exhibits at Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S. 612-870-3200.
ArtsMIA.org. (closed on Monday, Dec. 25.)
$6 adults/$5 students.
Sat. Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: “Leap of Faith.” Eclectic
artists ask questions of religion, politics and seeking spirit. Dec. 10 includes
sale of past exhibits’ cards and art. Exhibit through Dec. 29. Susan Hensel
Design, 3441 Cedar Ave. S. 612-722-2324. SusanHenselDesign.com.
Free.
Fri. Dec. 16: Local Arab-American poets and writers read from new edition
of Mizna: Arab-American Literary Arts Journal. The Loft, Open Book Center, 1011
Washington Ave. S. Mizna.org.
Free.
Mon. Dec. 19, 7 p.m.: “The Christmas Miracle.” TC novelist
Roger Barr shares his eighth holiday installment of his fictional Bartholemew
family of Pinehurst Avenue (published Dec.14 in Highland Villager). Barr is
known for “Treasure Hunt,” inspired by the Winter Carnival. Highland
Branch Public Library, 1974 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul. 651-222-3242 TheFriends.org.
Free.
Through Jan. 5: Homeless Awareness. Art by 10 formerly homeless people,
curated by Outsider Gallery and Ch. 9’s Robyne Robinson. Art is for sale.
Mall of America, 4th level, Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 612-338-3435. Free.
Fri. Dec. 23 through Thu. Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m. (No screening Dec. 24/25):
Film. “Ronia: The Robber’s Daughter.” Astrid Lindgren’s
childrens’ classic book is a holiday tradition of bandits in the forest
and a brave girl. Bell Auditorium, Natural History Museum, 17th/University Ave.
S.E., U of M East Bank. $4 all/children under 5, Free.
Through Dec. 31: “Home Sweet Home Again”—Art/poetry
by homeless people. Curated by Family Housing Fund. St. Paul City Hall, lower
level, 15 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. 651-266-8524. Free.
Through Jan. 6: “Faith in Women,” third installation in
the “Immigrant Status” series, includes Mexican artist Patricia
Mendoza and other artists working in diverse mediums to express their home cultures
and spirituality. Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., 612-871-4444. Free.
ADULT ALTERNATIVES
 Fri.
Nov. 25-Jan. 7 (NO SHOWS Dec. 24, 25, Jan.1) 7 p.m., 9 p.m.: “Manger
Crashers: 3 Wise Guys With Pack of Camels.” Since 1959, BNW provides a
comic cure for Scrooges. Not for children or the “overly sensitive.”
Brave New Workshop, 2605 Hennepin Ave. S., 612-332-6620. BraveNewWorkshop.org.
Price varies. Bring nonperishable food donation & get free popcorn &
soda.
Wed. Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: “Nutcracker Burlesque Spectacular.”
The Loring’s resident “Cirque Rouge,” with its sexy holiday
cheer, goes downtown. First Avenue, 7th St./1st Ave. N. $6 advance/$8 door.
PROGRESSIVE GIFT GUIDE
Challenging corporate consumer culture doesn’t mean becoming Scrooge,
but it does mean becoming conscious. Shop to support local artists, small businesses
and shops that support peace international “fair trade” (as opposed
to corporate globalization exporting sweatshops) with the gifts you give. Here
are some of “my favorite things,” plus, sources for gifts that also
support “good causes.”
SHOP INDEPENDENT: Forget the Big Box and national chains. Shop with
an eye for sustaining your local economy. Independents like Electric Fetus carry
TC musicians and “special interests,” like World Music and jazz
that aren’t Top 40.
MINNESOTA MUSIC
“THE BOOTLEGS: Commemorating 35 Years at First Avenue,”
$14. Relive that 1995 Suburbs show, Throwing Muses, Guided by Voices, Kristen
Hersh solo, and more at the TC venue that’s hosted more musical joy than
any other.
PAUL METSA: “Texas in the Twilight.” Rediscovered treasure
of TC local luminary doing acoustic remakes (like “Floretta’s Junkyard,”
“Second Avenue Sunset,” others) and 4 new tunes, including title
track. Hear a sample and interview with Metsa, Fri. Nov. 25, 11 a.m., “Art
Matters,” KFAI Radio (archived two weeks, KFAI.org).
MAUD HIXSON/ARNE FOGEL: “Let’s Not Be Sensible”—Classy
duets of romantic jazz standards. Fogel, longtime TC jazz radio DJ, echoes Fred
Astaire’s low-key warmth. Hixson is amazing newcomer, who sounds the way
Grace Kelly looks. For performances, see www.jzvoc.org.
www.tcjs.org.
LIVE AT THE DAKOTA—From the “Queen of Clubs” diva
Barbara Morrison to Cuban pianist Nachito Herrera and more, experience jazz
as it’s meant to be: live!
GUY DAVIS—“Legacy”—The son of activist-actors
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee carries on the blues tradition.
ROBIN AND LINDA WILLIAMS: “The First Christmas Gift.” West
Bank folkies offer acoustic carols and Appalachian chestnuts for the season.
These are just two of the blues and folk artists on the TC label, REDHOUSE RECORDS.
BAO PHI: “Refugeography.” Long-awaited 2nd CD from the TC
spoken-word wonder. Includes “Hip-Hop Haiku,” “Crossroads
of Convenience Stores,” “Brother.” Backed up by TC musicians,
with live performances. Unforgettable.
BOOKS
MINNESOTA HISTORY? Fine art? Nature and science? Find the perfect present
and support local culture at museum gift shops. Literature? Politics? Biography?
Independent bookstores are an endangered species that carry local writers, progressive
politics and hidden history the chains ignore.
WINONA LADUKE: “Reclaiming the Sacred.” Newest collection
of essays by northern Minnesota activist for Native American rights and environmental
preservation.
MINNESOTA LABOR HISTORY: It’s the 20th anniversary of the Hormel
P9 Strike that divided Austin, Minn., documented by Macalester College Professor
Peter Rachleff. Books about Iraq war by Nobel Prize-nominee Kathy Kelly, independent
journalist Christian Parenti & others. Ecology, Zapatistas, and more for
the progressive rebels on your list. MayDay Books, 301 Cedar Ave. S. West Bank.
Noon-7 p.m. Closed Sundays. 612-333-4719.
LINDSEY G. ARTHUR JR.: “The Litigators.” Debut mystery novel
by a Minneapolis attorney that takes on environmental toxins, public health
and civil lawsuits. Raises provocative questions along with suspense. Move over
John Grisham!
CATHY SULTAN: “Beirut Heart.” Memoir by Eau Claire, Wisc.,
housewife married to a Lebanese doctor, who lived through the civil war in Lebanon
from the mid-1970s to 1982. Surviving suicide bombers, Sultan is now a peace
activist, who regularly returns to the Middle East. BOTH books are from the
new TC publisher SCARLETTA PRESS, started by KFAI’s Ian Leask of Write
On Radio (Thu.11 a.m.), a good source of literary gift ideas.
ADVENTURE DIVAS by Holly Morris: From the PBS series. Meet extraordinary
global women like former Black Panther Assata Shakur (Cuba); 50-something painter
Hinewehi Mohi (Iran); police chief, Kiran Bedi (New Delhi, India).
AMAZON BOOKS has the best selection of feminist/literary books and CDs
by women. Plus, truly diverse children’s books. Fair trade crafts, local
jewelry. 4755 Chicago Ave. S., 612-821-9630. AmazonFemBks.com.
“OUR TIME IS NOW: YOUNG PEOPLE CHANGING THE WORLD.” Thirty
youth from 20-plus countries tell stories of their activism for social justice
and peace. $20 supports International Youth Foundation. IYFnet.org.
“HOLDING HOPE, WAGING PEACE.” Anthology of international
voices for peace, including Walter Cronkite, primatologist Jane Goodall, Body
Shop founder Anita Ruddick, more. $15.95, plus, get free copy of “Today
Is Not A Good Day For War.” Supports the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.
WagingPeace.org.
 LOCAL
PEACE & JUSTICE GROUPS
Thu., Dec. 2, 6 p.m.: Fair Trade Arts Fair. Crafts from and books about
Latin America. Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave. S., 612-276-0788.
Fri. Dec.3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Antiwar Holiday Crafts & Bake Sale,
Friends’ Meeting House, 1725 Grand Ave., St. Paul.
Grassroots Katrina Relief
ART: For 30 years, RICARDO LEVINS MORALES’ art has promoted local
social justice and cultural events. Morales’ beautiful KATRINA poster
is a gift of affordable beauty. $10. Other posters on peace, labor, American
heroes (Woody Guthrie, Malcolm X, Emma Goldman) also available, from this union
shop. NORTHLAND POSTER COLLECTIVE, 1631 East Lake, 612-721-2273. NorthlandPoster.com.
FILM
 TC
filmmaker MARK WOJOHN’s “What America Needs,” City Pages’
2004 Best TC Film, now on DVD. A post-9/11 “road movie,” where Wojohn
asked 500 people the title’s question—with surprising answers, more
relevant than ever. Also a gorgeous meditation on America’s geography.
$15 ($5 to relief). Check/money order: Mark Wojohn, 653 Galtier St., #205, St.
Paul, 55103. mark@whatamerica-needs.com.
CALENDARS
GIFT CHALLENGES? Calendars always work and even support great causes!
Concerned about U.S. torture policy? AmnestyInternational.org
Vegetarian/ peace activist on your list? The 80-year-old War Resisters League
datebook includes great recipes without meat. WarResistersLeague.org.
Consider “Cat Lovers Against The Bomb” to the Sierra Club to the
annual SHEROES Calendar (BigRedMedia.com).
Available at independent bookstores.
 GO
GLOBAL!
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL gives to “Third World” peoples by giving
them the tools for economic development. Invest in a water buffalo for a farmer,
chicks for an African mother or set up a beekeeping business. Heifer.org.
GLOBAL EXCHANGE has 80-plus Fair Trade products—toys, jewelry,
clothes, coffees, art—from around the world. Bypass exploitive corporate
trade policies by going to the source, creating sustainable global connections.
Store.gxOnlineStore.org
For more good things to give that support peace with justice, check out
the website OneWorld.net.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVISTS INFO
Not sure what you want to volunteer for? Get on the Progressive Calendar e-list
(shove001@tc.umn.edu) for regularly inspiring
ideas in the Twin Cities.
ANTIWAR/PEACE
Friends for a Nonviolent World: Quaker-based, works to end war. Also
does Alternatives To Violence workshops with prisoners, youth and others. FNVW.org
MN Alliance of Peacemakers (includes many churches). MAPM.org
Nonviolent Peaceforce: Creates alternatives to violence, intervenes
to create space for conflict resolution in areas of civil unrest. NonviolentPeaceForce.org
Veterans for Peace: Military veterans working to end war since the 1991
war in Iraq. 612-821-9141 vfpchapter27@hotmail.com
Women Aganst Military Madness: All-women group (20 years strong) working
to shift national priorities from war to peace. 612-827-5354. WorlWideWAMM.org
CIVIL LIBERTIES & CIVIL RIGHTS
Communities United Against Police Brutality: Offers support for victims,
litigation, protest and policy reform. Meets Sat. 1:30 p.m., Walker Community
Church,16th Ave.S/31st St., Mpls. 612-874-STOP
National Lawyers Guild: Engaged in protecting civil liberties and preserving
the U.S. Constitution. nlgMinnesota.org
ENVIRONMENTALISM
Environmental Justice Advocates Minnesota: TC-focused, challenges toxins
that are placed primarily in areas of the poor and people of color. 612-588-9122.
EJAM.org
Great River Earth Institute: Betsy Barnum 612-305-1232.GreatRiv.org
or betsy@greatriv.org
Land Stewardship Project: 651-653-0618. LandStewardshipProject.org
Organic Consumers Association: 612-331-7309.
PureFood.org
FAIR TRADE
Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy: 612-870-3400. IATP.org
INDEPENDENT THOUGHT
 May
Day Books, West Bank, Mpls.: Nonprofit progressive bookstore & community
ctr. Volunteers 3 hour shifts. 612-333-4719. MayDayBookstore.org
Arise! Bookstore: 2441 Lyndale Ave S., Mpls.: Nonprofit progressive
bookstore & infoshop. Volunteers 3-4 hour shifts. 612-871-7110. AriseBookstore.org
POVERTY/ECONOMIC JUSTICE
Sisters Camelot: Young activists providing free organic food. 612-722-1627.
SistersCamelot.org
Welfare Rights Coalition: Works to maintain the social safety net and
help get families out of poverty. 612-822-8020 WelfareRightsMN.org
PRISONER REHABILITATION
Women’s Prison Book Project: Only organization of its kind, sending
books to incarcerated women across the U.S. Every Sunday, noon, help with mailing.
E-list for occasional events. You can donate books (NO HARDBACKS) anytime in
wooden bin outside Arise! Bookstore, 2441 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. 612-349-9731.
wpbp@prisonactivist.org
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