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The Backbone Campaign specializes in the creation of spectacle imagery, innovative messaging and political theater. Most of our work involves what we call Artful Activism, in which we engage progressive activists and organizers in the strategic use of creative tactics such as festival arts, flash mobs, music and other theatrical forms of nonviolent direct action.
Announcements of Trainings, Actions, and Events
Check here for the latest announcements of trainings, actions, and events!
Check out AcronymTV's 29 minute documentary on last week's People's Response to the Bush Lie-Bury opening. I am very proud that Backbone Campaign could play such an important role. I am also deeply honored to have been in collaboration with all those who brought a human face to the folly of militarism and the lawlessness of unchecked Executive power regardless of political party.
Dennis Trainor of AcronymTV has been a great collaborator of ours since Backbone Campaign's engagement with Occupy in fall of 2011. I am proud to be one of the voices reflecting on the movement in his documentary/"OccuDoc" American Autumn (now available via iTunes and Amazon.com).
Thank you to all those who contributed to Backbone Campaign's efforts in Dallas. We are still $700 short of covering our costs for that week of actions. For all those who make a contribution of $20 or more we will send a DVD of this documentary on one of the most important political phenomenons in the past 30 years.
Please pitch in to support Backbone Campaign TODAY, and get a copy of American Autumn or one of our cool T-Shirts. We can't do this work without your support.
In gratitude and collaboration,
Bill Moyer
Backbone Campaign
PS - I just had to scan the paper copy of the Dallas Morning News with that delicious quote that "George W. Bush and Dick Cheney were arrested Thursday..." Feel free to download, print and frame what is sadly as close as we may ever get to actual accountability for these criminals.
Backbone has delivered your most loathed war criminals into the handcuffs of the police.
"George W. Bush and Dick Cheney were arrested Thursday morning during a protest near the Southern Methodist University campus."- Dallas Morning News
Please contribute to support our actions at the Bush Lie-Bury
The Huffington Post article read "We refuse to allow the Bush Library to be a Bush Lie Bury. If anything, it is a monument to folly and should be filled with the biographies of the lives ended, ruined or injured, the principles abandoned, the resources wasted, and the time lost" says Bill Moyer, executive director of The Backbone Campaign.
"Accountability For The Past and Democracy For The Future!" is the Peoples' Response to the Bush Lie-Bury.
Learn more about the artful activism of the Backbone Campaign at http://BackboneCampaign.org/ and communicate with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BackboneCampaign
Deepest gratitude and respect to Dennis Trainor, Gary Egelston, and photographer Bill Perry who were arrested today in Dallas while protesting the truest and worst kind of criminals of the former administration.
Listen to a song by our friend and collaborator Mark Graham. Enjoy and help rid the world of this insane, dehumanizing technology of sanitized murder.
Download to Play: American Achilles, by Mark Graham
Team Backbone participated in the Arc of Justice march to the 2013 Inauguration in January. Thanks to Doug Skove and Evan Simmons for mobilizing our long dormant Giant Backbone, to our Code Pink allies in DC, and all the others who prepped it for the journey. (photos below)
Backbone Campaign is opposed to war as a means for solving conflict. We also strongly oppose the illegal use of targetted assassinations, and the terrorizing of people and communities by weaponized drones. The killing and terrorizing of innocent people recruits more enemies than it kills, violates international law, and is utmost folly in terms of a sensible grand strategy for true and lasting National Security.
Listen to a song by our friend and collaborator Mark Graham. Enjoy and help rid the world of this insane, dehumanizing technology of sanitized murder.
Download to Play: American Achilles, by Mark Graham
Light Actions throughout Seattle targeting corporate tax dodgers who aren't paying their fair shar. We're Not Broke! It's when greedy corporations don't pay taxes that we get austerity for the masses.
In 2010 Boeing paid no U.S. taxes on over $4 billion of income, in fact, they got $124 million back from the taxpayers. (PayUPNOW) Alternet reported that in 2012 in addition to receiving a refund despite $21.5 billion in profits, the company ranked high in job cutting, underfunded pensions, and contractor misconduct.
According to a report by the Institute for Policy Studies, Boeing Co. CEO James McNerney Jr. recieved $18.4 million in pay, which was more than Boeing paid in federal taxes. The report also found that 25 other of America's highest-paid CEOs received more in compensation last year than their companies paid in federal taxes, according to the Washington, D.C., bureau of American City Business Journals.
Unfair tax policy has been placing the burden on middle and low-income families for far too long. We are now experiencing the wave of crippling austerity policies creep across the country closing schools and other vital services. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said, "At a time when we have a $16.6 trillion national debt; at a time when roughly one-quarter of the largest corporations in America are paying no federal income taxes; and at a time when corporate profits are at an all-time high, it is past time for corporate America to contribute significantly."- Common Dreams on March 11th, 2013.
We're Not Broke! this country is full of wealth, but the fact that Corporations are getting away with hiding their profits oversees and aren't fully contributing back to the communities that made them so successful means hard-working already stressed families are left with the burden. We're tired of school closures crippling our communities. It's time these Tax Dodgers Pay Up!
Backbone Campaign, members of GMOP (Get Money Out of Politics in Seattle), with the help of Other 98% did a rolling light action. The public outside the Mariners game was treated to a dazzling display, a giant projection of a interactive Tax Evaders video game. While dodging austerity and sequester bombs, citizens can shake down corporate tax evaders to take back the resources our communities need to rebuild vital public services like schools, fire fighters, hospitals and more. This is part of a nationally coordinated week of actions across the country with groups like the Overpass Light Brigade, Luminous Intervention, Occupy Wall Street, and US Uncut.
Read an artcile about the actions on Alternet
Great photos taken by the ever impressive Alex Garland and Jeff Dunicliff! (Contact them to photograph and/or film your non-activist events and occasions too).
Our friend and ally Elizabeth Maupin is helping to organize this event and has been a strong advocate for the rights of families and individuals who aren't afforded basic necessity of shelter.
As you may have noticed, Seattle and King County have too much housing that people can’t afford, and too little housing that is affordable. Our governing bodies are reluctant to create incentives for building an adequate supply of truly affordable housing or for keeping rents within bounds.
Consequently, we have a situation in which around 80,000 people with jobs located in King county can’t afford to live here, and two out of five households who do live here pay unsustainably high rents every month, seriously impacting their ability to pay for childcare, transportation, education and groceries. And a good many properties stand empty.
For the 9,000 + people are still without a place to call home every single night, the county’s shelter system can provide places for 1,704 individual adults on a given night.
Until this year, the Committee to End Homelessness in King County has been reluctant to put energy or money into homeless shelters, although most service networks and housing programs were accessible only through the shelter system. So, for many reasons, people have found their own alternative shelters, mostly tents and vehicles. A group of homeless people and allies have put together 3 events so that the public can from those who are finding some measure of safety and shelter in self-managed encampments or on our streets in vehicles, and can consider if these inexpensive ways to reduce the harm of homelessness should not be incorporated into our county plans for addressing homelessness in the face of so much unmet need for permanent affordable housing or even temporary shelter.
iMatter Now Earth Day March for Youth and Children
April 20th, 2013 at 11 am
Victor Steinbrueck Park
Join in HERE
Join the Art Build at the Freemont Powerhouse this Sunday April 14th.
Children Bring your parents, parents bring your children!
See the photos from the art build last week.
Calling all children, youth, young adults and the adults who love them! iMatter invites you to Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday April 20thwith the march that's more than a march, it's the launching of a new movement! Join with children, youth and families from all over Puget Sound to demonstrate our commitment to protecting the earth for generations to come. Be inspired by youth activists, march alongside giant puppets, and spend your Earth Day doing something meaningful. At the end of the march, more Earth Day fun awaits at Seattle Art Museum’s Earth Day for Kids festival.
If you want a healthy planet and livable future, your voice is needed - and your hands! To get ready for the march, the Backbone Campaign, Get Money Out of Politics and other volunteer artists will be leading workshops on Sundays April 7th and 14th to create the art that will bring the march to life. Even if you can’t participate in the march, you can help make the magic happen! No experience required – we will have artists on hand to show you what to do.
Know that the Earth needs some help, but you aren’t sure how to talk about it with your family? Attend one of Mike Foster’s Climate Change for Families presentations, featuring an age-appropriate presentation of climate science, profiles of real young people who are taking action to create a better future, and a facilitated discussion to get your family working together for a healthy planet. Upcoming workshops will be held on April 11 and May 2. More information can be found at www.
Earth Day March details:
iMatter Now Earth Day March for Youth and Children
Saturday, April 20th, 2013 at 11 am
Meet at Victor Steinbrueck Park by Pike Place Market for a pre-march rally featuring youth activists. Following the rally, marchers will process along the waterfront, ending at Olympic Sculpture Park.
Pre-March Art Workshops: Sundays April 7th and 14th from 10 am – 4 pm (drop-in anytime)
Meet at the Powerhouse in Fremont, 3940 Fremont Ave. N. Workshops are free and open to the public even if you cannot attend the march. If you have extra one gallon milk jugs, brightly-colored latex paint, latex primer, bamboo poles or large sheets of cardboard, please bring them along.
Climate Change for Families Presentations
Wednesday, April 3rd from 6:30 to 8:00 at the Lincoln High School Library.
Thursday, April 11th from 6:15-7:45 at the Greenwood Public Library.
Thursday, May 2nd from 6:15- 7:45 pm at the Ballard Public Library.
Thursday, May 16th from 6:15 - 7:45 pm at the NE Public Library.
Presentations are free and open to the public.
iMatter empowers youth to become the voice of the climate crisis so that our society will wake up and actually begin to live as if our future matters. The Seattle iMatter March has been organized by a collaboration of the Backbone Campaign, the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, Idle No More Washington, Get Money Out of Politics, and the Sierra Club Cascade Chapter. Additional support has been provided by the Fremont Arts Council, the Seattle Art Museum and CoolMom.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words- STOP Bank Evictions!
March 13th, 2013 Backbone Campaign and SAFE (Standing Against Foreclosure and Eviction) In Seattle mobilized the Overpass Light Brigade illuminating our demands to "STOP Bank Evictions" as part of the 11-city nationwide day of action and launch of the coalition organization Right To The City's "Housing For All" national campaign.
"We have a RIGHT TO RECLAIM, REMAIN IN & REBUILD THE COMMUNITIES WE CALL HOME! WE REFUSE TO BE DISPLACED!"
Backbone is thrilled by the model organizing of SAFE, and excited to continue our collaboration. Our Localize This! Action camp last year supported SAFE and amplified their organizing efforts with an influx of organizers from across the country for a week of actions, trainings, and community outreach. Since then SAFE has grown and evolved tremendously over a short period of time to be a real threat to banksters and those complicit in furthering the foreclosure crisis. SAFE is building power in their community and offering real support for families facing foreclosure and eviction. Wells Fargo recently closed down their entire downtown Seattle building when they got wind that SAFE was en route for a recent direct action.
Listen to the Bail-Out America Podcast - The podcast includes conversations with some of the nation's leaders at the forefront confronting the home foreclosure crisis and organizing to secure justice for families and rebuild our communities. SAFE has modeled some of their most effective organizing after City Life/Vida Urbana, and New Bottom Line's report shows how the push for a national principle reduction could end the foreclosure crisis and add 1 million new jobs.
View the short slideshow from the action or click HERE to see them in a new window
Photo's taken by Alex Garland
SAFE is an organization dedicated to building a movement to fight foreclosures and evictions through the courts, through public pressure and through direct action. Anyone in need of help and/or interested in the work of SAFE, please go to the website www.safeinseattle.org and/or come to our weekly community meetings at UCC Bethany Church (6230 Beacon Ave S) at 7pm on Tuesdays.
More than 6 actions and events kept Backbone busy last week!
Click the slideshow to see some "iconic" images and read below about a few highlights.
Backbone Campaign started out the week outside of Town Hall Seattle to remind the media the public opposition to Coal Trains exporting coal isn't going away. Backbone Brigadiers and friends Mandy, Lisa, Maureen, Nic, Laura, David, and more mobilized our Salmon puppet, tested the ropes with snowflake the polar bear, the giant Coal = Poison Banner and attendees even got to try light projection on the venue. During the forum it was clear our region's mobilizations have paid off with the purveyors of this pollution spewing proposal changing their tune to be on the defensive. Inside there was a lively forum and a rowdy applause arose from the audience when in response to an advocate for the terminal saying coal isn't illegal, one of our crew said "...yet!"
On Friday, our phenomenal friends and allies of Seattle's GMOP (Get Money Out of Politics) and other friends of Backbone mobilized Backbone's Overpass Light Brigade over I-5. Their message "STOP (In the form of a stop sign) KXL PIPELINE" ensured thousands of Washington residents could feel the solidarity of our movement for a clean energy future. They led the charge in Solidarity actions with the Forward On Climate Rally happening over the weekend. The amazing photos were taken by Alex Garland, activist and artist with tremendous skill.
Backbone Brigadiers Denise Henrikson, Doug Skove, and Eric Ross travel to DC to relaunch the Giant Backbone Spine! We met amazing friends in DC. Friends at CodePink including Tighe and Joan equipped and housed us. Backbone pre-assembled our 70 foot-long puppet at the Unitarian Universalists All Souls Church which has a long intriguing history of social justice.Their generosity and welcoming attitude made us feel right at home. In fact, their church became a hub bringing us into connection with old and new allies and friends on the eve of the rally.
Saturday night, Backbone Campaign treated DC to a caravan light show... Well, we shined a light of truth and accountability on some of the key players who are pushing profit and pollution before people and the planet. In our caravan was Lowell Chandler, a strong ally and friend of Backbone who attended our Localize This! Action summer camp in 2012 and then went on to organize the Coal Export Action in Montana. Also with us was Libby and Evan who traveled from Boston to represent the Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice. Also, Jill of 350.org and a Bellingham Washington native became a pro at using the bat-signal like light projection. On the American Petroleum Institute we shined a giant skull and cross bones and poison 12 stories up. Knowing that the API is the chief lobbying arm for the fossil fools who are fueling the climate crisis we projected our declaration that "Tarsands = WMDs." Also on our tour, we paid visits to the CATO institute and the Heritage Foundation who are funded by the secretive oil tycoon Koch brothers and have perpetuated climate change denialism. Our light canons illuminated "Climate Cooking Criminals" and "The World Is Watching" to let them know we see their complicity.
Sunday was an amazing day of actions in DC and across the country that inspired many, rekindled the media focus, sent strong message to our elected officials and those pushing the paradigm of profit without regards to the planet and people their poisoning. We are thrilled the resources that were brought together by 350.org, the Hip hop Caucus, Sierra Club (who is stepping up embracinig non-violent civil disobedience to fight for environmental justice) and so many more. Despite bitter cold and huge gusts of wind, many friends and allies (Including Paul from our own Washington state who accurately represented Backbone when interviewed by NPR) helped erect the Giant Spine. The Backbone Campaign Spine demanded "Separate Oil & State" and "Just Say "No" To Keystone." We called on Obama to spine up! and stand for the people with a strong backbone against pollution pushing profiteers and declared to the world our movement has the backbone it will take to defend our planet for future generations.Providing this camera-catching impossible to ignore imagery paid off with the majority of news outlets utilizing it as the image of the day. The coverage was extensive spanning above the fold print, television, radio, and far-reaching online articles. Caroline and Christine from Fredick Maryland rocked the Grim Reapers outfits during the march along with the rest of Denise and Joan's crew grabbing a few headlines themselves. One of the most excitign aspects of the day was that the indigenous and first nations people led the charge and were given credit for doing so. It was apparent that we are in a new chapter of engagement where our movements truly span national and cultural lines to push for justice for all, people, planet, and all things sacred. What might have been the largest circle dance closed out the Forward On Climate rally events.
In Seattle Lisa, Maureen and friends brought Snowflake the polar bear puppet out with the giant banner and a bullet train to help visualize the alternatives to bringing coal trains through our region. Organizers including the local Sierra Club ensured that they'd garner tv coverage from 3 separate stations and Seattle PI noted the imagery was courting the media. In fact, according to a service that tracks television publicity, the viewership on just one broadcast was over 50,000 people, every 30 seconds being worth about $4,000, talk about EARNED MEDIA!!! In the background of the broadcasts we saw our friends Mark and Ronda from Occupy Bellingham rock a "Fossil Fools Are Not Cool" using the Giant Overpass Banner materials. The turnout was great with 300 people surprising the cameras. We can't hep but think that we're having way more fun than those pushing pollution.
In Olympia, Bill and our fabulous Non-violent Direct Action trainer Danielle had 8 hours of workshops and tainings for Evergreen students and the Washington Student Association. With that foundation they sampled some of the creative tactics at the Olympia capital as a prelude to the march on Moday. Onto the Capital, students shined a light projection declaring "Education = Human Right" and "Tax the 1%" to adequately fund education as our legislators has been mandated to do by a State Supreme Court decision. Rod Tharp, Olympia based agitator and member of the Backbone Builders Guild used a drill press to carve out the metal GOBO stencils making the light projection possible. Rod organized a "No KXL" light projection on the capital building and at its steps he deployed the Backbone Overpass Light Brigade to illuminate a thumbs down for coal and a thumbs up for solar!
Meanwhile in DC that same Sunday evening Backbone Campaign, friends, and leaders of the Indigenous Environmental Network Richard and Marty Cobenais surprised the Candian Embassy with a light projection on the building demanding "No Pipelines" and "No Tar Sands!" We wanted to make sure they didn't feel left out with all the attention at the White House and Obama. When capital police showed up they declared our gorilla exhibition quote "ICONIC." Billowing Canadian flags outlined the building and we caught a nice photo of the Backone logo on the building's pillars that read "friends, nieghbors, partners, allies" and our added "NO TAR SANDS" projection beneath. We are so glad they agreed. Afterwards Marty suggested we head over to the American Indian Museum and there he took a stunning picture of the IEN demand to stop tar sands, the clearly identified museum, and the illuminated capital building in the background.
The following day, Presidents day, Bill and Rod and a mass of students from across the state march from the Rafah mural to the Capital building for Student Lobby Day. Our debt ball was dragged by students feeling the unbearable weight of student loan debt and led with a percussion procession and a giant student graduation cap declaring Education to be a Human Right! Like when we impromptly took to the streets suprising the police at the Seattle Coal Export Hearing, everyone gets excited flexing the muscle of people power, including friends in Black Bloc whose matching flag fit perfectly with the days color scheme as they gaurded the sides of the march.
We closed out the week that Thursday night with a Celebrity Bartending Night with John Sellers of The Other 98 and Agit Pop, our very own Bill Moyer, and new Backbone Board Member Sandra Vanderven at Vashon's Hardware Store. After, a long and full week we thought Backbone and friends deserved a cold beer and warm company. Don't you think so? Join us for actions, trainings, workshops, and good ol artful activism agitation and help spread our good cheer!
From Vashon to the White House: Make sure Obama Gets the Message
- Monday February 11th
- 6-8:30 PM
Help us at the Backbone HQ paint letters for the message on the Giant Spine for the Stop the Keystone XL Rally in DC. We'll also Build a few more OLB LED Light Panels.
Backbone Campaign is located in the Sheffield building at 18850 103rd Avenue Southwest, Vashon, WA
Non-Violent Direct Action & Creative Tactics Training
Sponsored by Evergreen Geoduck Student Union
Sunday 2/17 in SemII A 1107 at Evergreen in Olympia.
Presented by awesome Backbone Trainers Bill and Danielle
Hop On the 1st Network-Wide Strategy Call Among Backbone Allies
- Wednesday March 6th
- 4PM Pacific / 7 PM Eastern
- http://backbonecampaign.org/chat
- Dial-in Number (218) 339-4300
- Access Code:1037729
Join a peer-to-peer conference call among Backbone Allies to strategize and learn from one another.
Our experience at our trainings and workshops has helped us realize that some of the best learning is done through conversation with others who hold similar aspirations and are also striving for justice.
With your participation we can create a similar environment for shared learning and inspiration.
Facilitated by Kyle Tanner
More details coming soon...
Kenyon Hall in West Seattle
7904 35th Ave SW - Seattle, WA 98126
Tickets $12 - $15 advance purchase discounts available
Reservations @ (206) 937-3613 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Emma’s Revolution: Pat Humphries and Sandy O whisk through
seattle on Friday, April 12. The stunning duo will uplift and delight
with their famous compositions, arrangements and frequent whimsy.
For more information regarding the group and location please check
out http://emmasrevolution.com/
"The epitome of great contemporary political music." Sing Out!
Here are some links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7q36lWLqZ4 - newish piece "Change"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbkGcA79FKo&list=PLFB5450DFEF8757CC
- they tour and record often with holly near "I aint afraid"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xPfOcw-nLo&list=PLFB5450DFEF8757CC -
pat's famous "swimming to the other side" at People's voice in NY
************************************************************
about emma's revolution
Smart, funny and informative. Like Rachel Maddow and Jon Stewart with guitars.
emma's revolution's song,
"Occupy the USA!," was featured in the Washington Post
and their anthem,"Peace, Salaam, Shalom", written in September 2001,
is sung around the world.
"Great melodies and harmonies with a driving beat that just makes you want to, well,
RISE! These are anthemic songs in the folk tradition that are calls to action . . . truly
exciting, fun, invigorating and right on point." -- WMNF Radio
With hauntingly beautiful harmonies and powerful acoustic instrumentals that deliver
the energy and strength of their convictions, emma's revolution creates new standards
in the art of social justice. Their songs have been sung for the Dalai Lama, praised by
Pete Seeger and recorded by Holly Near.
emma's revolution is the duo of activist musicians, Pat Humphries & Sandy O. Based in
the Washington DC area, the duo won Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting
Contest for "If I Give Your Name", about the families of undocumented workers killed
on 9/11. "Peace, Salaam, Shalom" is sung around the world and has been called the
"anthem of the anti-war movement." emma's revolution's music has been featured on
NPR's "All Things Considered" and Pacifica's "Democracy Now!"
In the spirit of Emma Goldman's famous attribution, “If I can't dance, I don't want to be
part of your revolution,” emma's revolution brings their uprising of truth, hope and a
dash of healthy irreverence to concerts and peace & justice, labor, human rights,
environmental, LGBT and women's rights events around the world. Touring over 200
days a year, emma’s revolution has performed at hundreds of events from Canada,
Chile, Korea, Scotland, England, Israel/Palestine, Nicaragua, Cuba and throughout the
US spreading their message of peace and justice. emma’s revolution consistently
delivers performances that are an uprising of hope and harmony so powerful audiences
leap to their feet.
Creating the Wasington Investment Trust
- Thursday February 14th
- 1:30 pm
- Olympia
- Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Housing & Insurance
This is a bill that has the potential to fulfill one of Backbobne Campaign's long-time platform issues, the creation of State Banks. You have probably heard of the success of the Dakota state bank which has funneled interest back into their state as opposed to the wealth of their communities being syphoned to enrich Wall Street fat-cats.
There is an opportunity for the public to comment, offer thier suggestions and advocate for making this wise policy a reality!
Read the full or digest versions of the bill Here.
EarthFix: Exploring the Powder River Basin Coal-Train Proposals
Wednesday February 13th
7:30 – 9:00pm at the Great Hall in Seattle
More info HERE
First 10 volunteers to animate Snowflake, the Giant Salmon, hold our big Coal = Poison banner, and do light projection get a Free ticket!
Join us to welcome folks to the event, meet some kindred spirits and get people excited about upcoming actions etc.
We are going to display a sampling of our imagery including The Salmon Puppet, Snowflake the Polar Bear, Giant banner, Light Projections, and maybe some windmills.
We are meeting at the Town Hall at 5:30pm tomorrow. The Address is 1119 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. If you park at the Town Hall lot you enter at 7th and Seneca St., or parking after 5pm at the Washington State Convention Center (2 blocks from the event) for the night is $5 with a voucher from Town Hall.
Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Seattle Overpass Light Brigade
This and subsequent other "Say No to Keystone XL Pipeline" solidarity events will use Backbone imagery!
Friday February 15th
4:30-6:30
pm
50th St. Overpass on I-5
Go to the G.et M.oney O.ut of P.olitics facebook page here for final details!
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to take action!
Afterwards we're heading to the Meaningful Movies to warm up and watch Chasing Ice…
Keystone XL Pipeline Action at the White House
- Sunday February 17th
Forward on Climate Rally on the National Mall in Washignton DC and March to the White House
If you want to hold the 70 foot long spine carrying the message to the White House please arrive early at 11 AM. Up to 10 people can carry it, or more taking turns.
The afternoon before we will be asembling the spine, many hands make light work.
Saturday night the 16th we will do some light projection as protest at some financiers of this climate cooking proposal!
To join us please contact us
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Seattle Solidarity March with DC STOP Keystone XL Pipeline Action
Sunday February 17th
Rally at 11:30 Picture and March at Noon
Golden Gardens Park in Seattle, at the shelter (N end of park)
https://www.facebook.com/CoalFreeWA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
if you want to help mobilize Snowflake our polar bear puppet and our Bullet Train (Not Coal Train).
Olympia Actions in Solidarity with Keystone XL Pipeline Protest in DC
RALLY February 17th, 3pm Heritage Park, Olympia.
6pm Potluck Gathering at Traditions Fair Trade Café
More Info: Confronting Climate Crisis Blog
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Environmental Lobby Day
In Olympia on February 19th
Washington Environmental Priorities Coalition
Education Is A Human Right March on the Capitol
Monday, February 18th
9 AM at Rafah Mural, March at 10
Washington Student Association and 10+ Universities Student Lobby Day
Western Washington Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign
February 19th at Noon
More Info at 350 Bellingham & WWU Divestment
Guest Bartender Night at the Hardware Store!
- Thursday February 21st
For Healthy Food and EcoSystem, No FrankenFoods! - It's a Monsanto Mutant Mash.
Saturday May 25th is the international day of action: March Against Monsanto.
Join Backbone Campaign and affiliated Seattle activists hosting Monsanto's Mutants imagery building workshops on Sundays the 5th, 12th, and 19th from 11-5pm.
Last week we made major progress on some visuals, join us to make it all come together!
- Sunday the 5th 11-5 at the Fremont Abbey - 4272 Fremont Ave N Seattle
- Sunday the 12th 11-5 at Blakely Manor - 2401 NE Blakeley St, Seattle, WA 98105
- Sunday the 19th 11-5 at Blakely Manor - 2401 NE Blakeley St, Seattle, WA 98105
- Bee and monarch butterfly wings and hats with antennas for children to wear.
- Giant Bottle of Roundup Ready
- Mutant Apple backpack puppet
- Giant Ear of Corn
- Light Panels
- Giant Overpass Banners
- Giant Mosquito
- TomatoFish
Other imagery ideas:
- Frankenfish/SalmonStein
- Giant monarch butterfly
- Puppet master pulling strings of fda, usda, courts,
- Little Garden of Horrors plant / Super Weed
- Genetic Roulette wheel.
The creators of Agent Orange have set about toxifying the health of the people, the biosphere and food system, and any semblance of democracy. We're aiming to make Seattle's March Against Monsanto one of the most visually impressive cities. We need your help building (no experience necessary, always appreciated), gathering materials, or donating to the supplies (click the link and you can specify under "program" you want it to go to imagery).
Please call if you'd like to help in other ways like graphic design for t-shirt screen printing, outreach, or more: 805-776-3882
Materials Needed:
- Folding tables
- Drop cloths & tarps
- Butcher paper
- Fabrics - Waterproof, lightweight fabrics - solid colors preferred
- Acrylic Paints
- Fabric Paints & Markers
- Waterproof Paint Pens & Markers
- Sharpies
- Brushes - all sizes, especially med. & large
- Poster Board
- Foam Board
- Stencils & Stencil materials
- Glues & Adhesives - Elmer's, Modge Podge, YES! paste, home-made, etc.
- Dowels
- Framed Backpacks - Will be used to help carry giant puppets
- PVC pipes - 1/2"
- Heat guns
- Tapes - Duck tape, electrical, masking, etc.
- Pipe cleaners - preferably black
- Styrofoam Balls - small size for antennas
- Armature or other flexible wire
- Fiberglass poles - that can be bent and molded
- Carpet tack rolls - used to help create wings
- Screens - used to help create wings
- Black or yellow t-shirts - Children's sizes to be painted for bee costumes
- Black or yellow caps/hats - Children's sizes to be painted for bee costumes
- Paper Mache - newspapers, newsprint rolls, glues, etc.
- Painter's Overalls - for Haz Mat suites
- Gas Masks - or items we can use to make them
- Empty plastic containers - like yogurt or other food containers
- And any other art supplies you have that you think we can use
On Saturday, May 11, Backbone Campaign will support people of faith and other advocates for immigration reform as we gather at a privately owned prison in Tacoma that is a secret to most the Puget Sound region.
When: 12 noon to 2 pm, Saturday, May 11
Where: Northwest Detention Center, 1623 East J Street, Tacoma.
Please join us to raise our GIANT banner and lift Lady Liberty's torch for real and compassionate immigration reform.
Mothers Day and Lady Liberty: What's Compassionate Immigration Reform?- Half Page Handbill
Backbone Action Brigadier Charles Torrey and chair of the Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Committee on Vashon Island points out this Northwestern Detention Center "houses up to 1,575 people from several Northwestern states, most of whom have committed no significant crime. It was built next to a Superfund site. No coincidence that our country has used it to handle its new “disposable toxic waste”, the adventurous and often desperate people who have come to this country seeking a better life. But the people are telling our leaders that it is time for change. We need true reform of our immigration system. We need to end the enforcement first, boot-jack laden policies of the past. We need a policy that reflects our real values, of openness, acceptance, welcoming of the stranger and the other, and a system of genuine laws and protections. Persons imprisoned here are not terrorists. They have not come here to steal jobs from “true Americans.” They have come like every immigrant before them to feed their families and to keep their families united."
"For years many people of faith have spent weekends standing vigil outside this prison, giving solace and support to families and friends coming to visit those detained within. The stories are heartbreaking, the many children a tragedy, the people brave beyond belief. Once a year there has been a special event to coincide with Mothers Day, to bring attention to this travesty. This year above all others is a year of hope that things can change, and fear that the new energy toward immigration reform will once again fail. But it IS time for change. Come vigil with us. Lady Liberty of the Backbone Campaign, bandaged and weak as she may be, will rise again!"
Celebrate Seattle’s growing cooperative economy at this month’s Greendrinks!
We Heart Co-ops!
Greendrinks mixer hosted by YES! Magazine
Tuesday, May 14th
5:30-9:00pm
Second Use (new location in SODO)
3223 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Enjoy free Wilridge wine, Fremont Brewing beer, food from Central Co-op, Snoqualmie Ice Cream, and Raaka chocolate while connecting with co-op experts and getting to know the diverse Seattle communities who are meeting their needs through cooperation. YES! Magazine is throwing this festival on the heels of its successful Spring issue, “How Cooperatives are Driving the New Economy”—pick up a copy plus a free 1-year subscription at the party!
$5 suggested donation at the door; More at the Seattle Greendrinks website: http://s.coop/1m13w.
Please help us reduce waste - even compostable waste - by bringing your own mugs, wine glasses, and the like. Compostable cups will be available for a $5 suggested donation. Plan your trip with Metro Trip Planner:http://tripplanner.kingcounty.
Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery, Bainbridge Graduate Institute, SLICE: Strengthening Local Independent Co-ops Everywhere, Equal Exchange Espresso Bar, Domestic Fair Trade Association, Black Coffee Co-op, Moving Images (producers of Shift Change), NW Cooperative Development Center, One PacificCoast Bank, Seattle Good Business Network, Black Dollar Days Taskforce, Clean Greens Farm and Market, Washington Fair Trade Coalition, Universal Declaration Communication,People's Memorial Funeral Cooperative, Post Growth Institute, Fremont Arts Council, Backbone Campaign, Homestead Community Land Trust, Delridge Grocery Co-op, Seattle Farm Co-op, Homestead Community Land Trust, Northwest Staging & Sound
Thanks also to Seattle Greendrinks’ 2013 sponsors: The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Snoqualmie Ice Cream, Keeney's Office Supplies, Tonnemaker Family Orchard, HonestTea, The Essential Baking Company, and Chaco Canyon Cafe!
We Heart Co-ops! on Facebook: http://s.coop/1m19z
Hope to see you there!
Kayaking in the Park
May 19th 12-4pm
West Bay Park Olympia, 700 West Bay Olympia, WA
RSVP for free Kayaking! -Water Safety Training Provided
Olympia activists are building allies and connections to stop the great Frack Attack on America. It's high time our un-representatives Listen To The Many, Not The Money, because Fackcidents Happen, and Happen, again and again. We have a right to clean air, clean water, and a livable planet, but the massive invasion of fracking equipment through our ports to frack in the Dakotas, the Western Plateau, and beyond threatens what we hold sacred.
Join us for a day of food, friends, and free kayaking as we amp up a campaign for Our Ports, Our Planet, Save the Salish Sea, Stop the Frack Attack!
KAYAK & WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR: Trip Jennings first became a kayak instructor in 1998 and since then has shared his love of water as an instructor, competitive whitewater kayaker, expedition kayaker and filmmaker. In 2008 he was recognized by National Geographic as an 'Adventurer of the Year' for a kayak expedition to Papua New Guinea and was featured in the January 2013 issue of National Geographic Magazine. But most passionately, Trip is a climate justice activist working to confront the root causes of climate change. He is a member of Portland Rising Tide, campaigning to stop the onslaught of energy export proposals in the NW and professionally Trip works with groups such as the Power Past Coal Coalition and Columbia River Keeper as a videographer. He is currently producing a documentary on the oil, gas and coal export proposals in Oregon and Washington.
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SAFE (Standing Against Foreclosure & Eviction) is organizing a RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK to contact you on short notice to protest and, if necessary, nonviolently blockade the bank eviction of South Park resident Jeremy Griffin. Here's how you sign up:
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The blockade will start very early Wed. morning, May 15, and will continue in shifts round-the-clock until the Sheriff arrives. Please come as soon as you receive our text. Timing is critical. We're planning a press conference for 11:30 AM on Wed.; so please come then to show your solidarity. Jeremy's home is at 725 So. Henderson Street, Seattle. (See driving directions below.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
For years Jeremy Griffin has labored as an ironworker on construction projects, reading plans, and physically carrying on his shoulders tons of rebar each day. When the Great Recession hit, the construction industry dried up, along with Jeremy's income.
After the stress of years of unemployment and underemployment, his life partner left him. Soon his mortgage went into default. Then in 2012, the construction industry began to revive, and Jeremy got a job again as an ironworker on a bridge near his South Park, Seattle, home.
He told Wells Fargo, his bank, he could now pay his mortgage, but they were not interested. He even delivered to Wells Fargo's Seattle headquarters $1800 rent checks. On his first rent delivery, Wells Fargo threatened to call the police. On his second delivery, they opted to close the entire 47-story headquarters for the afternoon, rather than accept his money. Today, after a King County Superior Court commissioner denied Jeremy's motion to stay his eviction, the Sheriff posted a notice ordering him to vacate his home by early Wed. morning.
1. Head west on Pine St. toward 2nd Ave
2. Turn left (south) onto 2nd Ave.
3. Turn right (west) onto Columbia St.
4. Slight left to merge onto WA-99 S
5. Slight right toward WA-99 S
(signs for WA-99 S/W Marginal Way/South Park/WA-509/Burien)
6. Continue straight onto WA-99 S
7. Take the WA 99 S exit toward
West Marginal Way/South Park
8. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for South Park/Cloverdale St.
9. Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
10. Take 2nd left onto S Cloverdale St.
11. Turn right onto 7th Ave. S
12. Turn left onto S Henderson St.
13. 725 S Henderson St. is on your right
Join friends and allies for the 5th annual cross-movement Creative Tactics, Direct Action, and Organizing Training Camp:
Localize This! - July 31st- Aug 5th 2013
Anti-Oppression Day-Long workshop on July 31st
Tips for Crowd-Funding your camp paticipation- HERE
What is Localize This? Watch the video below to find out!
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More info on last year's Localize This!
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Join Friends & Allies for the 5th Annual Cross-Movement Artful Activism, Strategy, Creative Tactics & Community Organizing Intensive Training Camp!
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1st-Time Contributions DOUBLED this June
 Partner with Us! If you would like your organization listed as a Partner, please call the Backbone Campaign office 206-408-8058 |
