Dare to Look at the War
Eyes Wide Open: the Human Cost of War in Iraq is a multimedia journey through words, images and sounds. The program is at the academic mall and in the main library at Xavier University from 4-10 p.m. Monday through Sept. 22. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center at 513-579-8547. See also http://eyes.peacechicago.org.
Artists for Change
Politics gets an artistic treatment Sept. 30 when Artists for Change takes over Fountain Square for a 24-hour protest against apathy. Sponsored by Cincinnati Experimental Arts (CineX Art), the event features Only We Who Guard the Mystery Shall Be Unhappy, a new work by acclaimed playwright Tony Kushner. Organizers also hope to see a wide spectrum of artistic works on themes ranging from the need for regime change in the United States to changes in Cincinnati's homophobic city charter. "Artists for Change" runs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 30 and 11 a.m.-midnight Oct. 1.
To enter an artistic work, contact Jason Bruffy at 513-319-9385 or visit www.cincyfringe.com.
Remember the Prisoners
Staughton Lynd presents Lucasville, his book on the 1993 prisoner riots at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, from 7-9 p.m. Sunday at St. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor Ave., Clifton. Lynd, a movement historian, labor lawyer and longtime activist, has extensively documented miscarriages of justice in the trials of four men sentenced to die for the aggravated murder of Officer Robert Vallandingham during the uprising. How the County GrowsManaging growth is the topic of a candidates' forum at 9 a.m. Saturday, sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Western Hamilton County. Candidates for county commissioner and the state legislature will respond to the organization's questions. Admission is free. The program is at the Miamitown Fire Station. For more information, call Clare Johnson at 513-574-2980.
Arts Community Backs Repeal
Members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra present "Serenade for Harmony and Inclusion" at 5 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Isaac M. Wise Temple, downtown. Victoria Morgan, artistic director of Cincinnati Ballet, and Nicholas Muni, artistic director of Cincinnati Opera, will speak about Article 12 of the city charter. A wine and cheese reception follows the concert. Proceeds from the event go to Citizens to Restore Fairness, the group working to repeal Article 12. Call 513-675-2143 for more information. Rock the VoteRock the Vote has a free festival from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 16 at the main branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The festival includes live music, panel discussion, films and a meet-up at noon with State Sen. Mark Mallory. For more details, contact [email protected] or 513-369-6971 or visit CincinnatiLibrary.org.
Protect the Election
You, too, can help defend democracy Nov. 2 by becoming an Election Protection Volunteer. The Election Protection Coalition has designated Ohio a state at high risk for voting rights violations and is seeking volunteers in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Youngstown. For more information and training, visit www.workingforchange.com/vote.
Karma for the Vote
A vigil for the electoral transformation of the country takes place at Lone Star Pavilion in Clifton from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 2 and Oct. 23. The vigil starts with a potluck picnic at 5:30 p.m., followed by meditation and non-verbal prayer through music, dance and drama. From 8-8:30 p.m. participants will line Clifton Avenue with signs and banners as a public statement of their commitment to reversing America's course in the upcoming election. The New Jerusalem Community seeks co-sponsors for the event; contact Anne at 513-591-2942 or [email protected].
Nurture Your Grassroots
The Grassroots Leadership Academy is accepting applications for enrollment into its leadership-training program. The program is designed to teach the tools and techniques to develop better communities. The curriculum includes grant writing, strategic planning, conflict resolution, economic development, building community-based organizations, media relations and understanding government. This eight-week training program, free to any Cincinnati resident, meets at 1634 Central Parkway at 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, Sept. 21-Nov. 18. For additional information or to apply, contact Margie Wells-Davis at 513-872-0100.
Lobby Your Neighbors for Kerry Cincinnati Labor Council AFL-CIO is gearing up for an election year battle to deliver Ohio to Sen. John Kerry. Volunteers are needed for the annual Get Out the Vote Ward Walk, a neighborhood canvassing operation in support of labor-endorsed candidates. The walk takes place October 29-31, the weekend before the election. Sign up by calling 513-421-1846.