News to Use

Mayoral Forum on Social Justice

A mayoral candidates forum using deliberative dialogue to mine the theme of social justice in Cincinnati takes place 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Taubman Auditorium of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which co-sponsors the forum with the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Cincinnatus. For more information, call Robert Harris at 513-381-4660.

Eat Well to Save Yourself and the World

EarthSave Cincinnati, which emphasizes the effect our food choices have on our bodies and the world around us, hosts a program about "Healthy Living in an Unhealthy World" at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 at Off the Avenue Studios, 1546 Knowlton St. in Northside. Bring a vegan or vegetarian dish to share, as well as your own plates, cups and utensils. A $3 donation is requested of non-members. For more information, call 513-929-2500 or visit http://www.cincinnati.earthsave.org.

Make New Money

Those who buy into the idea of local, or "complementary," currency think it can be a tool for social justice, community development and economic and environmental stability (see "New Money," issue of April 13-19). The next discussion about developing a local currency in Cincinnati takes place 7-9 p.m. Aug. 23 at New Thought Unity Center, 1401 E. McMillan St. For more information, visit www.consciousmoney.org or call 877-372-9870.

Tibetan Buddhist Initiation

Gaden Samdrup-Ling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery hosts an initiation of the Eleven-Headed Avalokitesvara at 7 p.m.

Aug. 19. The colorful, fragrant ceremony honors the Bodhisattva of Glancing Eyes, the embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas. The monastery is at 4529 Mellwood Ave. in Winton Place. For more information, call 513-542-7116 or visit www.ganden.org.

Young Professionals Meet the Next Mayor

Cincinnati's mayoral candidates square off about issues affecting young professionals in a Town Hall Forum at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30 in WCET studios, 1223 Central Parkway. The first 250 people to register for the free event will have live, in-studio access, while the rest can watch from an adjoining room. A reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. precedes the forum, which is organized by young professionals groups LEGACY and Give Back Cincinnati. For more information or to register, visit www.givebackcincinnati.org.

Fundraiser for Project Connect

Project Connect, an educational program serving homeless children, holds its 8th annual fundraiser from 7 p.m. to midnight Nov. 18 at the Drees Pavilion at Devou Park in Covington. The program features tunes from Savvy, dinner-by-the-bite, a silent auction and a raffle. Project Connect serves homeless children in Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren Counties, providing tutoring, transportation to and from school, academic and educational enrichment programs and some social services. For more information about the benefit, call Ann Gibson at 513-236-7398. For more information about Project Connect, to volunteer or make a donation, call 513-363-1060.

Wear Black, Demand Peace

Ever since the Bush regime launched its unprovoked invasion of Iraq more than two years ago, the Women in Black have maintained a vigil calling for peace. Participants -- men and children are welcome, too -- are encouraged to wear black or dark clothes. The weekly peace protest is from 5-6 p.m. Mondays on the grassy island at the corner of Vine Street and Central Parkway.

Beer for the Sake of Politics

Drinking Liberally, an informal, an inclusive Democratic drinking club, meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. You don't have to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club; just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. After roaming the first Tuesday of every month, the group regularly settles back into The Comet in Northside. For more info, contact Chris Berger at cberger4@cinci.rr.com.

Ride for Change

Join Critical Mass, a bicycle ride beginning at Fountain Square at 6 p.m. the last Friday of each month. It might seem like just a pleasant bicycle ride, but participants are actually helping to spread the word about a healthful, non-polluting means of transportation that helps combat traffic congestion. For more information about the Critical Mass movement, which is active in hundreds of cities across the United States, visit http://www.criticalmassrides.info/index.html.