My Schedule of Workshops & Talks

 

February 16 to March 12, 2017, in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa:

I returned to the Midwest for the 14th time (!!!) in the past four years, with more workshops and other public appearances:

Feb 19: I led my introductory 2-hour Community Rights workshop for about 12 folks on the final day of the Frozen River Film Festival in Winona, MN.

Feb 20: I led my introductory 3-hour Community Rights workshop for about 18 folks   in Viroqua, WI.

Feb 22: Informal meeting with eight CR-active people from across Trempealeau County, WI.

Feb 25:  I led my 3-hour introductory Community Rights workshop for about 28 people in Spooner, Washburn County, WI.

Feb 27: I led my 3-hour introductory Community Rights workshop for about 27 people  in DeForest, WI.

March 1: I participated in an informal conversation on Community Rights at Dancing Waters intentional community near Gays Mills, WI.

March 3 to 5: I led my weekend workshop intensive near Winona, MN. 15 enthusiastic folks were in attendance from numerous counties and two states. 

March 7 & 8: I led an informal Community Rights discussion for 16 people in Waukon, IA.

March 12: I participated in a post-film-screening panel discussion about the new documentary 'We the People 2.0' at the Oneota Film Festival in Decorah, IA.

October 7 to 9, 2016, at Standing Rock camp in North Dakota

I was there in solidarity, and traveled there with friend Mike Mertes (and two others) in his van filled with winter supplies for the camp.

 

October 5, 2016, in Washburn, Wisconsin

I had a follow-up meeting with about a dozen folks who had attended my weekend workshop there in 2015.

 

August 20, 2016, in Benbow, California

I led an informal workshop in a private home.

 

July 15, 2016 in Ukiah, California

I had a follow-up meeting with the Home Rule Charter working group after they narrowly lost their ballot initiative campaign on June 7th.

 

July 13, 2016, in Philo, California

I led an evening workshop at a Joanna Macy week-long training session for her 50 students. It was audio-recorded and will be available soon online.

 

June 19, 2016, in Custer, Wisconsin:

 I led an introductory Community Rights workshop at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair.

 

June 15, 2016, near Gays Mills, Wisconsin:

I co-led an informal evening workshop with colleague Forest Jahnke at Dancing Waters Cooperative (intentional community) for about a dozen people. 

 

 

June 14, 2016 in Iowa City, Iowa:

I led a 2-hour workshop titled, "Is a Truly Sustainable Society Achievable As Long As Corporate Rights Trump the Rights of People?" in the Public Library for a crowd of about 35 people.

 

June 13, 2016, in Des Moines, Iowa:

I led my 3-hour introductory workshop at a local church, for a crowd of about 25 people.

 

 

May 27 to 29, 2016, in Damascus, Oregon:

I led my nationally acclaimed weekend workshop intensive, titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule".

 

 

May 9 to 16, 2016, on Kauai, Hawaiian Islands:

I participated in a series of five public forums across the island, focusing on the CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) that is proposed to be built in Maha'ulepu Valley - which would be the very first ever factory farm on the Hawaiian Islands - this one would be a 2000-head dairy cattle farm.

May 9: Kapa'a Public Library

May 10: Kilauea School Cafeteria

May 11: Kalaheo Neighborhood Center

May 12: Koloa Neighborhood Center

May 16: Cheifess Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria in Lihue

(Event details: http://friendsofmahaulepu.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Midweek-Full-Pa..., or for more info: Bridget Hammerquist <bridgethammerquist@hawaiiantel.net>.)

 

 

April 10 to 17, 2016, in Mendocino County, California:

I participated in a county-wide series of public forums, talking about Measure W - the proposed Home Rule Charter ballot initiative that will be on their county ballot on June 7th. (More info: Robin Sunbeam <bodhirobin@pacific.net>.)

April 10: Garcia Grange in Manchester

April 11: Anderson Valley Grange in Philo

April 12: Long Valley Garden Club in Laytonville

April 15: Saturday Afternoon Clubhouse in Ukiah

April 16, Redwood Coast Senior Center in Fort Bragg

April 17: Little Lake Grange in Willits

 

March 26, 2016, in Portland, Oregon:

I gave a short talk at a benefit event for mayoral candidate Sean Davis.

 

March 18, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina:

I gave the keynote speech at the 6th Annual Nutrition Symposium at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health on March 18, titled: "Why do large corporations get to decide what We the People eat?". (More info HERE.) My speech will be available shortly online and in CD and transcript form. I will likely be invited to return to lead a weekend workshop intensive in the Fall, co-sponsored by a number of groups.

 

March 13 & 14, 2016 in Asheville, North Carolina:

I led my 3-hour Community Rights Intro workshop in Asheville on the afternoon of March 13, merged seamlessly with a World Cafe/ UnConference event, over a total of five hours. (Details HERE.) On the evening of the 14th, I met with the ex-MoveToAmend group which is now calling itself United to Restore Democracy. I will likely be invited to return to lead a weekend workshop intensive in the Fall, co-sponsored by a number of groups.

March 10, 2016, in Iowa City, Iowa:

I met with the existing Community Rights group in Iowa City, which is working on a proposed county-wide ordinance banning pesticides on public lands.

 

March 9, 2016 in Fairfield, Iowa:

I led my 3-hour intro workshop for a primarily Republican and Libertarian audience. Sponsored by Friends of Fairfield. 

February 28 to March 1, 2016, in Iowa - in Boone & Calhoun counties:

I led a series of workshops along the proposed Bakken crude oil pipeline in three Iowa counties.

* February 28, Panel discussion & breakout workshops on proposed Bakken oil pipeline, in Boone, Boone County.

* February 29, 3-hour Community Rights Intro Workshop, in Rockwell, Calhoun County.

* March 1, 3-hour Community Rights Intro Workshop, in Boone, Boone County.

 

December 26 through 28 in eastern central Iowa:

I did a quick swing through Boone and Des Moines, Iowa, during these three days, to prepare the groundwork for a return trip February 20 to March 1, helping local communities to stop the proposed Bakken crude oil pipeline through Iowa. During this late December trip, I led a 1-hour discussion on Saturday, December 26 at the Smokey Row Coffeehouse in Des Moines, and a 3-hour intro workshop in Boone on Sunday, December 27 at the Boone Historical Society Building. As well as a number of informal meetings with key players in the area.

 

December 3, 2015, in Portland, Oregon:

I gave a presentation to the Thirsters group titled, "We the People of Portland are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe". (You will soon be able to listen to my presentation and Q&A HERE.)

 

November 20, 2015, in Gresham, Oregon:

I gave a presentation and answered questions at a 'Noggin Knockers' event attended by more than 20 East Portland residents.

 

November 13 to 15, in Iowa City:

I led my weekend workshop intensive titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule" for about 30 energetic local folks. Hosted by '100Grannies for a Livable Future'. (More info HERE. Local news story HERE.)

 

November 12, 2015, in Boone, Iowa:

I joined '100Grannies for a Livable Future' at the Iowa Utilities Board regulatory hearing (at the Fairgrounds) on the proposed Bakken pipeline through Iowa. Ten Grannies stole the show, testifying with their backs to the so-called "deciders" and educating the 500 people in attendance about Community Rights. They were a big hit!

 

October 23 to 25, in Washburn, Wisconsin:

I led my weekend workshop intensive titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule". At the Friday evening session, there was a Native Chief Counselor and three local mayors. More than 30 folks attended the entire workshop, and have already launched the beginnings of a campaign to stop the first-ever proposed factory farm from being built there. (All details HERE.)

 

October 17 & 18, in central Iowa:

I twice led my introductory 3-hour workshop. October 17 in Iowa City, with a terrific turnout of 50 folks, including two city council members and a state rep. Hosted by '100Grannies for a Liveable Future'. And on October 18 in Fairfield, with upwards of 70 attendees (!) including a dozen Republicans and Libertarians - with the County Chairperson of the Republican Party in attendance and declaring his excitement and support. Hosted by Community Rights Network of Jefferson County. I will be returning to lead a follow-up weekend workshop in Iowa City November 13-15. And I may also be invited to lead a follow-up weekend workshop in Fairfield sometime this Winter. (More details for Iowa City: Dawn Jones <dawnj@netins.net>, & HERE & HERE. More details for Fairfield: Thom Krystofiak <krysto@natel.net> &HERE.)

 

August 22, 2015, in Portland, Oregon:

I gave a short presentation and answered many questions at the Portland Right to the City Coalition Garden Party & Potluck. About ten of us had a long and spirited discussion about possible collaboration between our two groups. (Details HERE.)

 

August 18, 2015, in Orange County, California:

I met with a local organizer, and he hopes to bring me back for a formal event sometime in the near future.

 

August 4, 2015 in Portland, Oregon:

I shared the speaker's stage with my colleague and friend Matt Guynn at the monthly Eastside Democratic Club meeting. 28 folks were in attendance, and we had a VERY lively discussion.

 

June 16 to 18, 2015, in Ashland, Wisconsin and nearby communities:

I led my introductory workshop at Northland College on June 16. Details HERE. I participated in an informal follow-up meeting the next evening with ten of the workshop participants, from Bayfield and Ashland counties. I will be returning October 23-25 to lead a follow-up weekend workshop.

 

June 9, 2015, near Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin:

I co-led an introductory evening workshop with Forest Jahnke at the Dancing Waters intentional community where he lives. They hope to have me back in the near future for a full weekend workshop.

 

June 5 to 7, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota:

I led my weekend workshop intensive, titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule". Eight very energetic women attended, who will soon be attempting to launch a CR group in the Twin Cities. And I will likely be back to lead a second weekend workshop that they will be organizing sometime in the Fall or Winter.

June 4, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota:

I gave a brief talk and then led a group conversation at Gallery 13 in downtown Minneapolis.

 

May 14, 2015 in Portland, Oregon:

I offered a repeat presentation of my new speech on climate change and community rights, originally offered in Minneapolis on February 23rd. 70 people were in attendance. It took place at the First Unitarian Church downtown and was co-sponsored by CommunityRightsPDX.org, Alliance for Democracy, Portland's local 350.org, Environmental Justice Action Group, Cascadia Education Project, and KBOO Radio. (More info HERE.)

 

May 13, 2015, on a local Wisconsin NPR radio station

I was interviewed on WOJB 88.9 FM and WOJB.org from Hayward, WI.

 

May 1 to 3, 2015 in Ashland, Oregon:

I led my weekend-long workshop intensive in the Ashland area for 26 very impressive and energized folks from across Jackson and Josephine counties who appear to be ready to launch a new ordinance campaign group. (Details HERE.)

 

April 9 & 10, 2015 in Eugene, Oregon:

I was a second speaker at two events with Katie Singer, a leading expert in the health and environmental impacts of electro-magnetic fields, and author of An Electronic Silent Spring. The events were organized by Friends of Amazon Creek, which is trying to prevent the placement of a cell tower there.

 

March 27, 2015 on the radio:

I was interviewed on KFUG 101.1 FM in Crescent City, CA, by Dan Schultz on his New Culture Radio show. Listen HERE.

 

March 18, 2015 on internet radio:

I was interviewed on blogtalk radio in Maine by Merry and Burl Hall on their Envision This radio show. Listen HERE.

 

March 6, 2015 in Eugene, Oregon:

I participated on a panel at the annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference at the U of Oregon. Title of panel: "From Commodity to Community: Restoring Celilo Falls as an Essential Step Toward Restoring the Reciprocal Rights of People and Fish". You can watch a related powerpoint HERE.

 

March 3, 2015, near Ashland, Oregon:

I led my introductory evening workshop in Talent, near Ashland. More than 70 people attended, and they have already requested that I lead my full-weekend workshop intensive for them as soon as possible - probably May 2nd weekend.

 

February 27 to March 1, 2015 in Portland, Oregon:

I led a two-hour workshop at the Fourth International Economics of Happiness Conference, hosted by Helena Norberg-Hodge and her organization Ancient Futures. It was attended by at least 35 people. (More info HERE.)

 

February 23, 2015 in Minneapolis, Minnesota:

I gave an original new speech titled "The Community Rights Movement: A Grassroots Strategy to Protect Our Climate". The event was sponsored by Minnesota 350.org, Honor the Earth, Pachamama Alliance, Minnesota Green Party, Cool Planet, Citizens Climate Lobby, Vote Climate, Future First, Alliance for Sustainability, Idle No More (Twin Cities) and many other groups. David Barsamian's 'Alternative Radio' show will be nationally broadcasting the speech in April or May.

 

January 29 to February 23, 2015 in the Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin:

I traveled for the seventh time in 21 months to Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. This trip was quite different than my previous six trips, as I mostly offered informal unrushed consultative support to the half a dozen counties which are at various stages of launching local Community Rights groups. On January 29 through February 1, eight of us met in Minneapolis to work to launch a new national Community Rights support organization, which should be up and running by March or April. On February 8th, in Whitehall, Wisconsin, I attended the second regional gathering of at least fifteen counties working together to develop a strong Community Rights movement in the Driftless region and beyond. About 50 folks attended.

 

November 21-23, 2014 in SE Portland, Oregon:

I led my weekend workshop intensive, titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule". Eleven people attended and we had a wonderful weekend!

 

November 8, 2014 in west Portland, Oregon:

I gave a talk at the Progressive Grange Sustainable Food Conference in a century-old grange. Details HERE.

 

 

October 2 to 10, 2014 across Mendocino County, California:

I returned to sunny, hot and parched Mendocino County to support the Community Rights campaign which will have on the ballot on November 4th, California's first-ever rights-based ballot initiative - this one is a ban on fracking. We traveled to nine towns in eight days for the Community Rights RoadShow - an exhausting and truly exhilarating trip! Details HERE.

 

September 20 & 21, 2014, in Augusta, Wisconsin:

I led my weekend workshop intensive, titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule" at the Augusta Community Center. Sponsored by Citizens for Environmental Stewardship. 22 folks attended (including a number of local elected officials) and are now moving forward towards launching a county-wide Community Rights ordinance campaign.

 

September 17, 2014, in Trempeleau County, Wisconsin:

I led an evening workshop in Trempeleau County - in the Township Hall in the city of Arcadia at the Community Center. A majority of the attendees were local elected officials. The next evening we met again informally and started to nail down the first draft of a Community Rights ordinance for the county.

 

September 15, 2014, in Winona, Minnesota:

I returned for my sixth workshop tour to this area since May 2013, to continue to support local communities that are working to stop frac sand mining and other corporate catastrophes. This one was an evening workshop with about 30 energetic participants.

 

September 5, 2014, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota:

I had an informal and wonderful follow-up evening meeting with about ten of the folks who attended my workshop back in April of 2013.

July 11 & 13, 2014, at the Oregon Country Fair near Eugene, Oregon:

I gave two talks at the Oregon Country Fair that were both very well received. What an honor! 

July 12 at Spirit Tower: "Becoming more like The People and less like sheeple: Yes we CAN dismantle corporate rule here and now!"

July 13 at Chez Ray's: "Corporate Constitutional 'Rights': Pretty darn funny!" (my first ever attempt at stand-up comedy!)

July 2, 2014 in Ettrick, Wisconsin:

I led my introductory evening workshop. Another Ettrick evening workshop is planned for mid-September.

 

June 27 to 29, 2014 in Viroqua, Wisconsin:

I led my full-weekend workshop titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule". This was my second workshop intensive to be held in Viroqua.

 

June 7/8, 2014 in Cottage Grove, Oregon:

I led my full-weekend workshop titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule".

 

June 2, 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota:

I led my introductory evening workshop at Powderhorn Park Bldg. (For more info: click HERE.)

 

May 27, 2014 in Whitehall, Wisconsin:

I led my introductory evening workshop at Whitehall City Center Community Room. Sponsored by Concerned Citizens of Lincoln Township, and Save Our Town Whitehall.

 

May 23-25, 2014 in Viroqua, Wisconsin:

I led my full-weekend workshop titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule". In addition, we succeeded in videotaping the entire workshop with broadcast quality sound, and will soon have some promos ready for sharing.

 

May 21, 2014 in Augusta, Wisconsin:

I led my introductory evening workshop at the Augusta Community Center. Presented by Citizens for Environmental Stewardship. Sponsored by Save the Hills Alliance. (Another workshop is planned in Augusta for mid-September - this time the full weekend workshop.)

 

May 21, 2014 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin:

I gave a public talk, titled "Asserting our Inherent Right to Genuine Democracy in the USA" at the Unitarian Church. Sponsors: Save the Hills Alliance, and members of WHYS Community Radio 96.3 FM.

May 8-10, 2014, in Eugene, Oregon:

I participated in a panel discussion linking community rights, Native sovereignty and bioregional vision, at a conference titled "Alternative Sovereignties: Decolonization Through Indigenous Vision and Struggle", at the University of Oregon. Conference details HERE.

 

May 6, 2014, in Portland, Oregon:

 

I was the guest lecturer in Erin Elliott's class, 'Introduction to Civic Engagement', at PSU.

 

April 20, 2014, in Portland, Oregon:

I participated in a panel discussion linking community rights, Native sovereignty and bioregional vision, at a conference titled "Cascadia Rising Confluence", at Portland State University. (Details HERE and HERE.)

 

April 12 & 13, 2014 in Columbia County, Oregon:

I led my full-weekend workshop near Clatskanie at the Great Vow Zen Monastery, on the lower Columbia River, titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule". (More info HERE.)

 

April 4-6, 2014, in Portland, Oregon:

I co-led my weekend workshop intensive with acclaimed song-leader Laurence Cole, and Theatre of the Oppressed-trained Kelly Hogan, April 4th through April 6th. Sponsored by Mother Earth School. It took place at Tryon Life Community/Farm in SW Portland.

 

March 14-16, 2014 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin:

I led my weekend workshop intensive for about 30 folks, at the Ho-Chunk Nation's community center, sponsored by the tribe, as well as Save the Hills Alliance and Act Now.

 

March 13, 2014 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin:

I led my introductory evening workshop for about 35 people at the community college.

 

March 12, 2014 in Viroqua, Wisconsin:

I led my introductory evening workshop at The Ark for a crowd of 78 people! Sponsored by Crawford Stewardship Project.

 

March 7-9, 2014 in Decorah, Iowa:

I led my third 2-day intensive workshop in the past ten months, this time for about 30 folks, sponsored by Community Rights Alliance of Winneshiek County.

 

March 2, 2014, in Clatskanie, Oregon:

I led a public conversation on Community Rights with about 35 local residents at the Clatskanie River Inn.

 

February 22 & 23, 2014, in Willits, California:

I led my 2-day workshop intensive in Willits. I led a previous 2-day workshop in this same community in October 2013.

 

February 15 & 16, 2014, in Mendocino, California:

I led my 2-day workshop intensive in the town of Mendocino for about 30 folks, including three high school students.

 

February 5, 2014, in Rainier, Oregon:

I led my 3-hour introductory workshop at the Riverside Community Church to an audience of 11 folks including a town council member. (More info click HERE or HERE.)

 

February 2, 2014, in McMinnville, Oregon:

In the morning, I gave the guest sermon at the Unitarian Church, titled "Awakening to Our Power as We the People".

In the afternoon, I led an introductory workshop at the First Baptist Church with an audience of about 37 people. Not bad for Super Bowl Sunday!!!

 

January 30, 2014, on the radio:

I was interviewed for an hour on Mendocino County's public FM radio station KZYX from 9am to 10am by host Paul Lambert, with call-in questions. I don't believe they archive their past shows. Bummer!

 

January 26, 2014, in Portland, Oregon:

I was one of the guest speakers at the monthly Research Club Brunch, open to all.

January 25, 2014, in Eugene, Oregon:

I participated in the second Oregon Community Rights Network (OR-CRN) Summit. We elected our Council of Delegates from seven counties. We finalized our bylaws. We're on a roll...

 

December 11, 2013, in Hood River, Oregon:

 

I was interviewed live on Hood River's own KODL 99.1 FM on "Coffee Break" with host Al Wynn.

I gave a public talk at the Rockford Grange to 40 enthusiastic local folks, following a terrific potluck dinner. (Organized by Aram Sohiki <arhood@charter.net>.)

 

November 20, 2013, in Cottage Grove, Oregon:

I led my 3-hour introductory evening workshop in downtown Cottage Grove at the Healing Matrix, sponsored by Sustainable Cottage Grove. About 50 folks turned out. It was a high-energy evening!

 

November 15-17, 2013, in Portland, Oregon:

CELDF.org led its Democracy School, hosted by Community Rights PDX. There were about 28 of us in attendance. Thanks to the SEIU folks for welcoming us into their big hall for the training!

 

November 13, 2013, on the radio in California:

I was interviewed on KZYX-FM (Mendocino County public radio) about the relevance of Community Rights work in Mendocino County. I was joined by Peter Norris, the organizer who sponsored my two recent workshops in Willits, CA. It's likely that you can listen to it via their archive at KZYX.org.

 

November 8, 2013, in Eugene, Oregon:

I led my introductory 3-hour evening workshop, sponsored by Community Rights Lane County at LCC's downtown campus, for a crowd of almost 50 enthusiastic folks, many of them new to CR ideas. (Details HERE.)

 

October 29 & 30, 2013, in Newport, Oregon:

On the 29th, I participated in a panel discussion about the proposed raw logs export plan for downtown Newport's future, attended by about 90 people. On the 30th, I led an introductory 2-hour workshop attended by about 17 people. Both sponsored by Lincoln County's fledgling Community Rights group.

 

October 24, 2013, in Medford, Oregon:

I led my introductory 3-hour evening workshop at the Public Library. Sponsored by Precious Dirt, Freedom from Pesticides Alliance, and Community Rights Josephine County.

October 22, 2013, in Cave Junction, Oregon:

I led my introductory 3-hour evening workshop at the County Bldg. Sponsored by Precious Dirt, Freedom from Pesticides Alliance, and Community Rights Josephine County.

October 19 & 20 in Willits, California:

I led my weekend workshop intensive at the LIttle Lake Grange for 30 enthusiastic participants.

 

October 12, 2003, in Portland, Oregon:

I gave a 15-minute speech at the Bees and Seeds Festival at Holladay Park. (Details HERE.)

 

October 7, 2013, in Portland, Oregon:

I was scheduled to lead a 3-hour introductory evening workshop for members of Oregon Save Our Schools. But it has been postponed until later in October or early November. This workshop is open to anyone connected to public schools, as a teacher, staff, PTA, parent or kid. (Lots more info HERE.)

 

October 3, 2013, in Cedar Falls, Iowa:

I led my 3-hour introductory workshop at the Unitarian Church. Only four folks attended, but we had a terrific workshop nevertheless.

 

September 26 to October 2, 2013, in Decorah, Iowa:

I gave a major new speech on Sept 26th, titled "Our Government Doesn't Serve us - By Design", which will later be broadcast on 'Alternative Radio'; followed by a weekend workshop the evening of the 27th through late afternoon on the 29th, which was attended by 27 amazing folks from 10 counties in three states. (Details about the workshop HERE.) Both speech and workshop were sponsored by the Community Rights Alliance of Winneshiek County.

The title and description of my speech follows:

 

"Our Government Institutions Don't Serve Us - By Design"

Did you know that the US Constitution is actually our second constitution, and that the first one was much more democratic? Did you know that state laws prohibit local governments from protecting the health and welfare of their local residents? Did you know that the Supreme Court has been granting constitutional "rights" to corporations since 1819 and continuing to this day, and that corporations now have more Constitutional rights than do We the People?

Come and learn why our local elected officials' hands are tied and what we can do to untie them. Find out about the fast growing Community Rights movement, launched in conservative Pennsylvania farm communities in 2000, which has now spread to 155 communities in nine states among Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and many others. Please join us for this provocative evening!

 

On Sept 30 and Oct 1, I participated in follow-up meetings with participants from my May and Sept weekend workshops. On Oct 2, I led an abbreviated version of my full-day workshop, Taking Our Local Mass Media Back From Large Corporations. An absolutely amazing week in NE Iowa. I will likely return there yet again this Winter to continue to support the groundbreaking Community Rights work being launched in Winneshiek and Allamakee counties.

 

September 21 & 22, 2013 in Portland, Oregon:

CELDF's Executive Director and lead attorney, Thomas Linzey, was in town giving two major public talks and participating in a $50/person fundraising dinner for Community Rights PDX. Both events went very very smoothly, with 80 and 130 people present.

 

September 12, 2013, in Corvallis, Oregon:

I co-led (with Kai Huschke) the founding meeting of the Oregon Community Rights Network. 26 people from eight counties were in attendance, plus Kai Huschke from Spokane. We agreed on our founding document, which we call the Corvallis Declaration, which you can read HERE.

 

August 14, 2013, in southern Oregon:

I co-led a 2.5 hour workshop titled "Class, Money & Shame... Busted!: Turning our feelings of embarrassment and numbness into empowerment, possibility and action", at a private group retreat in the back-country of southern Oregon.

 

August 2-4, 2013, in Forest Grove, Oregon:

 

July 29, 2013 in Bend, Oregon:

I led my introductory evening workshop at Central Oregon Locavore. (More details here: <https://www.facebook.com/events/565552366842138/>.)

 

July 26-28, 2013, in John Day, eastern Oregon:

For the last year ever, as SolWest closed its doors after 15 amazing years, I led my introductory workshop, with a focus on renewable energy and democracy, at the annual SolWest Renewable Energy Fair. (Scroll down this link for details: HERE.)

 

July 20, 2013, in Eugene, Oregon:

I gave a 45-minute talk at the annual Bite of Eugene festival in Alton Baker Park, to an audience of about 25 folks, many of whom then volunteered to help with Community Rights Lane County's campaign work. (Details HERE. )

 

July 1, 2013 in Willits, Mendocino County, California:

I led my introductory evening 3-hour workshop in Willits at the Little Lake Willits Grange.

June 14, 2013 in Florence, Oregon:

I led my introductory evening workshop, with a focus on the Food Bill of Rights local ordinance, which both Benton and Lane counties (Oregon) have filed with their county elections offices, to be placed on the ballot May 2014.

June 13, 2013 in Eugene, Oregon:

I led my introductory evening workshop, with a focus on the Food Bill of Rights local ordinance, which both Benton and Lane counties (Oregon) have filed with their county elections offices, to be placed on the ballot May 2014. (More info HERE.)

May 29 & 30, 2013 in Portland, Oregon:

I was invited to coordinate/facilitate an evening at the annual Village Building Convergence, titled "Sprouting a Local Culture Where We The People Govern. After giving a 50-minute talk, I was joined on stage for a panel discussion with city council member Amanda Fritz, City Repair founder Mark Lakeman, Occupy activist and  previous city council candidate Cameron Whitten, and local neighborhood activist Emi Soga. We then broke into four-person groups for further conversation. The following afternoon, 16 people attended my follow-up workshop. (Details HERE.)

 

May 25, 2013 in Portland, Oregon:

I gave a rousing 15-minute speech at the March Against Monsanto, in a Portland park, to a crowd estimated by the police at 6000 people. You can read the text of my speech HERE. You can watch my speech HERE, starting at 25:30 on the tape. (Event details HERE.)

 

May 14, 2013 in Viroqua, Wisconsin:

I led my introductory evening workshop, focusing on a Food Bill of Rights local ordinance. Rumor has it I will be invited back this Summer or Fall to lead my full-weekend workshop intensive. (Details HERE.)

 

May 10-12, 2013 in Decorah, Iowa:

A co-led a weekend workshop for 30 participants, with famed song leader Laurence Cole. The event was titled:  "Becoming We The People: Learning to Make a Sound That's Greater Than the Sum of the Parts".  It was so successful that we will most likely be invited back to do the same workshop again this Summer or Fall with a whole new set of participants. (Details HERE.)

 

May 9, 2013 in Decorah, Iowa:

I spoke to a class at Luther College and then met with some professors over lunch.

May 2 to 5, 2013 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota:

I gave two speeches on Thursday, May 2nd, and led a full-day workshop on Friday, May 3, attended by 21 engaged participants, three of whom were current or recent town council members. I gave a guest sermon at the Unitarian Church the morning of May 5th, and a 3-hour workshop extra session that afternoon.

April 25, 2013 in Portland, Oregon:

I led a short presentation about the fast growing Community Rights movement, preceded by a short presentation by my colleague Cindi Fisher, a leading advocate for the rights of people labeled as mentally ill. The event was a teaser for our upcoming 2-day workshop on May 31 & June 1, on creating a local Mental Health Community Bill of Rights - see above calendar for details.

April 18, 2013 in East Oakland, California:

Because of major airline delays, I was unable to reach the San Francisco Bay Area in time that evening to give a talk in Oakland. Very upsetting indeed.

[I will be leading a discussion at Canticle Farm. This event is hosted by Joanna Macy and Anne Symens-Bucher.]

March 2, 2013, in Eugene, Oregon:

The Community Rights movement presented three back-to-back sessions at the annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC.org) on Saturday, March 2 at the U of Oregon. Executive Director Thomas Linzey of CELDF.org gave a fiery keynote speech, immediately followed by a breakout session with Thomas Linzey and Kai Huschke (300 attended), immediately followed by a Panel of Community Rights organizers from four local campaigns (75 attended) - Spokane and Bellingham, WA, and Portland (myself) and Benton County, Oregon.

 

February 23/24, 2013 in Port Townsend, Washington:

I led my full-weekend workshop, titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule". 29 people were in attendance, and are now intending to launch a Jefferson-County-based Community Rights campaign group.

 

February 9/10, 2013, in McMinnville, Oregon:

I led my full-weekend workshop, titled "We The People Are More Powerful Than We Dare to Believe: First Steps in Dismantling Corporate Rule". Details HERE. 17 people attended, and are now intending to launch a Yamhill-County-based Community Rights campaign group.

 

February 5, 2013, in Portland, Oregon:

I was invited to give a talk at the monthly Eastside Democratic Club. The other speaker was famed local progressive talk show host Carl (in the Morning). About 20 folks were in attendance.

 

January 23, 2013, in Salem, Oregon:

Fifteen local Community Rights active citizens from five nearby counties converged at the fourth of four Oregon Dept of Agriculture (ODA) regulatory hearings on the planting of canola in the Willamette Valley, to educate those in attendance about the profound fraud of the regulatory hearings process. Regardless of how huge a majority of local residents oppose new corporate activities in their backyards, the regulatory process all but guarantees that they will be utterly ignored and the corporate activity approved. As usual, this is what happened here, when the ODA approved the planting of canola on 2/8/2013. There IS a better way. But it requires We The People of our local places standing up collectively and EXERCISING our inherent right of local self-government. The fifteen of us used the opportunity of this public hearing to create a teachable moment for the approx 80 mostly farmers who were in attendance. Quite a few of those farmers stayed after the hearing was over to chat with our folks about other possibilities for more effective political control of our communities' futures.

 

December 20, 2012, in Portland, Oregon:

I gave a brief talk to the Democratic Breakfast Forum in SE Portland.

 

December 15, 2012, in McMinnville, Oregon:

I led my introductory 3-hour workshop at the First Baptist Church. About 20+ folks in attendance. They're now meeting regularly and hope to launch a Community Rights ordinance campaign soon for Yamhill County - more info here: Linda Grove <lgrove@onlinenw.com>. Click HERE for a printable flyer with additional details.

 

 

December 6, 2012 - my first-ever Introductory Workshop via TeleConference:

Listen to an mp3 recording of my 2.5 hour Introductory Workshop, via my website, anytime between November 17 and December 14, and then join me for a lively Q&A 90-minute discussion via phone on December 6, at 6pm Pacific Time. This was a wonderful first try, with one participant calling in from Manitoba, Canada! We had a GREAT conversation. See my current schedule for more of these.

 

My 3rd nationally broadcast speech was broadcast in late October 2012 and rebroadcast the first week of 2013...

Weekend of October 5, 2012 in/near Port Townsend, WA:

Portland colleague Susan Rankin gave a short talk at 145pm, at the 4th annual Midsummer's Green Neighborhood Festival and Community Celebration, in a park at NE Summer Ave and 72nd. (Details HERE.)

Colleague Matt Guynn and I co-led a 2-day intensive Organizers Training for the Community Rights movement's increasing number of active local groups in OR and WA. 24 folks attended from seven towns and cities in OR and WA. A good time was had by all! (Details HERE.)