Training

Event Description:

See minutes here for Carol Christian's insightful tips for writing letters to the editor or guest editorials: http://www.paa-tx.org/node/3238

At the next PAA meeting, we can get some great tips and techniques for writing effective op eds and letters to the editors. Carol Christian, a Houston Chronicle reporter, has agreed to come help us learn more about how to write LTE and op eds that get published. Just bring the background information and data for an issue and some paper and pens and/or your laptop computer if you have one.

Event Sponsor:
Progressive Action Alliance

Event Description:

The Workshop series by Greener Living in Houston in collaboration with the City of Houston gives the homeowner the opportunity to learn how to conserve energy and save money. You will learn what changes to make to your home and your habits to reduce your energy use and your energy bill. We will cover electricity, natural gas, gasoline, water and recycling.

Event Sponsor:
Greener Living In Houston and the City of Houston

Event Website:
www.houstonclimateprotection.org

Event Description:

Neighborhood Tax Centers: Volunteer Training – December 2 and 4

Provide economic relief for working families who earn less than $45,000 a year. The Neighborhood Tax Center program, administered by Neighborhood Centers Inc., impacts families by helping them claim the Earned Income Credit — the nation’s largest anti-poverty program that is buried in the tax code.  This is a tax credit that working class families have earned, but generally pay high rates to commercial tax preparers to claim or not claim at all. During the 2009 tax season, Neighborhood Tax Centers need 500 volunteers to prepare 15,000 returns for working families, which will bring in $20 million in refunds and credits for those families so they can meet their basic needs.

Event Sponsor:
Neighborhood Centers Inc.

Event Website:
www.neighborhood-centers.org

Event Description:

KPFT and the Center for the Healing of Racism invite you to join us on Tuesday, August 19 from 7-9 pm at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church for the first in a series of community discussions on race and the key issues that keep us from true community.

Event Sponsor:
KPFT 90.1 FM radio

Event Website:
www.kpft.org

Event Description:

Green Party training session teaching people how to gather Green Party ballot access petition signatures and how to approach prospective petition signers. After petition training, there will be field training and a day of signature gathering.

Event Sponsor:
Harris County Green Party

Event Website:
www.hcgp.org

Event Description:

Low Carbon Diet

Join our Low Carbon Diet class and lose 5,000 pounds in a month. Learn how to measure your greenhouse gas emissions and reduce them.

The next group is starting September 13 and will meet for four Thursdays at Christ Church Cathedral downtown.

Event Sponsor:
Houston Climate Protection Alliance

Event Website:
www.houstonclimateprotection.org

Event Description:

After the Alberto Gonzales hearing the front page of the Washington Post announced: “The Senate Judiciary Committee goes CODEPINK on Gonzales”! Going CODEPINK now means exposing the wrongdoings of the powerful, giving them a public dressing down, holding them accountable. This summer CODEPINK will continue to bust through our nation’s inside-the-beltway politics with a refreshing dash of people power. Come join us on “The Hill” and help us paint the town PINK!

Event Sponsor:
Code Pink

Event Website:
www.codepinkalert.org//article.php?list=type&type=302

Event Description:

Do your share of climate protection
Go on a Low Carbon Diet

Get started on your plan to use less energy with the support of a group of like-minded people.  This class is based on The Low Carbon Diet: a 30 Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds, by David Gershon.  We will meet four Wednesdays: May 23, June 6, June 20th and (skipping 4th of July) July 11th at 7-9 PM at an inside-the-loop location.  The book will be sold at cost at the class.  At this free class you will learn how to save energy by using less gas, gasoline and electricity and more solar, wind and leg/arm power.

By making simple changes to your every-day actions, you can reduce your annual household CO2 output by at least 15%.  And, for those who are more ambitious, we'll explain how to become "carbon neutral" and how to help your church, school or community go on a low carbon diet.

You'll learn how to:
       Calculate your CO2 footprint with our easy-to-use "carbon calculator"
       Create "cool household systems" that save the Earth while saving you money
       Take on "cool lifestyle practices" that reduce CO2 emissions without cramping your style
       Purchase carbon offsets to become "carbon neutral" 
       Form a Low Carbon Diet "EcoTeam" with friends, colleagues, co-workers or your faith community

Denis Hayes, a co-founder of Earth Day, said "This book is fabulous!  It's practical, accessible and effective. Getting people to take on global warming at a personal level is critical to tackling the issue."

Enrollment is limited to 10 people. 
To register, email Nan Hildreth at <escramble('NanHildreth','riseup.net');>  ;  or call 713-842-6643.
Inner loop location.  Houston Climate Protection Alliance www.HoustonClimateProtection.org
Your teachers will be Nancy Edwards, who co-taught the first class, and Steven Stelzer, a green architect.

For more climate news visit www.HoustonClimateProtection.org

Event Sponsor:
Houston Climate Protection Alliance

Event Website:
www.HoustonClimateProtection.org

Event Description:

Training with a certified CNVC trainer from Virginia, Gregg Kendrick
in Compassionate Communcation "NVC Everyday...The World Within"
Registration (by April 2nd ) :
Send payment to : Marylinn Schwanitz, 2915 Taylors Glen Ct. Katy, TX 77494
(payable to Decade of Nonviolence Houston)

Event Sponsor:
Decade of Nonviolence - Houston

Event Website:
DecadeofNonviolenceHouston.org

Event Description:

March 27, Tuesday 7pm, support group on becoming part of the global warming solution using Low Carbon Diet. You'll learn how to: Calculate your CO2 footprint with our easy-to-use “carbon calculator”. Create “cool household systems” that save the Earth while saving you money. Take on “cool lifestyle practices” that reduce CO2 emissions without cramping your style. Purchase carbon offsets to become “carbon neutral”. Form a Low Carbon Diet “EcoTeam” with friends, colleagues, co-workers or your faith community. Four sessions every other Tuesday. RSVP to Nancy Edwards, 713-661-9737 nancyedwards(at)houston.rr.com

Event Sponsor:
Houston Climate Protection Alliance

Event Website:
www.HoustonClimateProtection.org

Event Description:

What: TXU, Merrill Lynch and their plan to cook the climate; Creative activism workshop following the presentation

Who: Scott Parkin, Rainforest Action Network Global Finance Campaigner

When: Tuesday, Feb 20 at 7pm

Event Sponsor:
Rainforest Action Network

Event Website:
http://www.dirtymoney.org

Event Description:

At the DFA Training Academy, experienced campaign professionals will cover practical strategies and tactics including communications, fundraising, voter targeting, online organizing, and building a sustainable grassroots movement. We design the program so you can go out and use the skills you learn right away. Then, we follow up with you to make sure you have the support you need to organize your community. March 3,4, 2007 - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, fee includes both days and lunch.

Event Sponsor:
Democracy for Houston

Event Website:
democracyforhouston.org

Event Description:

Compassionate Communication is a language that serves life and which is being practically applied in educational institutions, business and industry, social service agencies and politically charged situations, as well as in families and personal relationships – all around the world.

Compassionate Communication (CC) is a way of interacting that facilitates the flow of communication needed to exchange information and resolve differences peacefully.

• CC focuses on shared human values and needs, and encourages the use of language that increases goodwill and avoidance of language that contributes to resentment or lowered self-esteem.
• CC assumes that enriching life is the most satisfying motivation for doing things, rather than being motivated by fear, guilt, blame, or shame.
• CC emphasizes taking personal responsibility for choices and improving the quality of relationships as a primary goal.
• CC  is effective even when other people involved are not familiar with the process.

To read more about Compassionate Communication or to obtain the book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD.

Brenda Hardt, a board member of Decade of Nonviolence-Houston and the Peace With Justice Coordinator of The United Methodist Church, will give a brief introduction to this process  based on identifying universally shared standards and needs.

Event Sponsor:
Houston Peace and Justice Center

Event Contact Name:
Dave Atwood

Event Phone Contact Information:
832-693-5710

Event Email Address:
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Event Fee:
A free-will donation to HPJC of $10 or whatever you can afford. No one turned away!

Event Description:

This special workshop is for progressive delegates and alternates attending the Texas Democratic Party (TDP) state convention the following week.

This is being organized by members of the PAA, PPC, DFH, and other local progressive groups.  It is NOT for all delegates -- just for those wanting to help turn the TDP around in a positive direction, that focuses on electing progressive candidates who will talk about issues like election reform, the prison-industrial complex, improving public education, health care for all, regulation (such as for pollution, energy, and more) being controlled by the regulated, getting out of Iraq, impeachment, ending the assault on our civil liberties, and more. If you are reading this on the PAA home page, click on the title of this event for details.

Event Sponsor:
Progressive Action Alliance, Progressive Populist Caucus, others

Event Contact Name:
Bill Crosier

Event Phone Contact Information:
713-641-4941

Event Email Address:
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Event Description:
Agenda for Harris County Democratic Party (HCDP)Democracy For Houston (DFH) Education Workshop

May 6, 2006 12:30pm-4pm

1445 N. Loop W. @ Ella Blvd, suite #110

Event Sponsor:
Harris County Democratic Party and Democracy for Houston

Event Contact Name:
Murvin Auzenne

Event Phone Contact Information:
713-802-0085

Event Email Address:
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Event Website:
www.hcdp.org

Event Fee:
10 dollar donation

Event Description:

The SE Texas Progressive Populist Caucus will join Democracy For Houston and the Progressive Action Alliance by hosting a workshop training session focused on the Precinct Convention(s) that are held immediately following the closing of the polls on Primary Election Day on March 7th.

Event Sponsor:
Progressive Populist Caucus, Democracy for Houston and the Progressive Action Alliance

Event Description:

Bicycle Safety Class
Learn How to Cycle in Traffic
Weds, February 1st & Saturday Feb 4th

- Does the thought of bicycling on the street make you nervous?
- Would you like to learn techniques to teach your child to ride a bicycle safely?
- Are you interested in learning to change a tire and other basics of bicycle maintenance?

The Effective Cycling? program is designed to develop the craft and science of bicycling - the basic ability to use a bicycle with confidence and competence for pleasure, utility and/or sport under various highway, climate, terrain and traffic conditions.  This introductory course combines classroom discussion/activities and on-road practice of the principles of vehicular-style bicycling. Instructors are certified by the League of American Bicyclists and as such have undergone extensive and on-going training.

This basic 9 hour course is perfect as a primer for those cyclists who wish to gain a full understanding of how to safely operate a bicycle in a variety of situations. The 9 hour class includes learning how to perform a bicycle safety check, fixing a flat, interactive discussion, on-bike skills practice and student manual. Students will gain confidence knowing that they are riding legally and safely. Crash avoidance techniques and crash types will be discussed. Recommended for adults and children above 14.

WHEN:
Wed., Feb. 1, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm   Classroom (no bike needed)
Sat., Feb. 4, 9:00 am -  3:00 pm   On-bike Skills (need bike & approved helmet)

WHERE:  First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin, at the northwest corner of Southmore and Fannin, in the Museum District, Central Houston.

SPONSORS:  BikeHouston.org and First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston  www.firstuu.org

COST: Cost is $40.00, please mail a check as soon as possible payable to "BikeHouston" to P. Wang, 7711 Silent Star Ct, Houston TX 77095, or use PayPal to this email address. Please provide your e-mail address and phone number along with your check or PayPal payment. Fee can be reduced or waived if student has financial constraints.

INSTRUCTORS:   David Dick, Peter Wang, and Steve Colvin, League Certified Instructors.

CONTACT: For further information call Peter Wang at 713-513-2168.

Event Sponsor:
Bike Houston & First Unitarian Universalist Church-Social Ministries

Event Contact Name:
Peter Wang at 713-513-2168

Event Email Address:
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Event Fee:
$40 - includes book. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Event Description:

The SE Texas Progressive Populist Caucus will join Democracy For Houston and the Progressive Action Alliance by hosting a workshop training session focused on the Precinct Convention(s) that are held immediately following the closing of the polls on Primary Election Day on March 7th.

Event Sponsor:
Progressive Populist Caucus, Democracy for Houston and the Progressive Action Alliance