Selected Upcoming Events

Join us for our first meeting in February! Our central topic will focus on organizing an antiwar action on Saturday, March 20th. Little time remains before the scheduled date for this rally, and we wish to get feedback from our coalition groups, members, and individuals in the greater Madison community at large.

The antiwar movement has been on its heels since the advent of the Obama Administration despite the fact that it is business as usual in D.C. It is high time that the vast majority of Dane County residents begin to remobilize and create the vision of peace and a diminished Pentagon. There is no longer any justification to wait. Obama has clearly stated that he will 'reduce' the deficit by decreasing public funding by $14 Billion and increasing military spending by $44 Billion. If you have been waiting for Obama to begin a progressive movement in the White House, you must now know that he prefers to perpetuate the totalitarian policies of the Bush Administration.

We must stand together for the long haul and force whoever is in power to command real change. Change for demilitarization worldwide; change back to freedom and liberty; change to single payer health care; change for immigrant rights. MAPC hopes this meeting will work as a catalyst to bringing these issues - and other leftist concerns - to light.

This event welcomes progressives and activists alike, beginning with Mike McCabe, Ed Garvey, State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, Sen. Mark Miller, State Rep. Fred Clark, Rep. Steve Hilgenberg,  Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts, Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, and Steve Montoya of the Feingold Campaign. (9:30-11:15a.m.)

Morning sessions will follow with topics including: Where Democracy Reform Stands in Wisconsin; The Race to the top in Education Reform; Moving Forward with the Regional Transit Authority; Learning how Words Frame your Message; What can we do to Improve Fuel Economy; Adding Stategy to our Passion for Social Justice. (11:15a.m.-12:15p.m.)

Lunch with Tammy Baldwin and Music by the Raging Grannies. (12:15-1:30)

Afternoon Sessions include:

Organizing for Action; Afghanistan: How to Explain a Disastrous War; Auto Industry Turmoil; The Progressive Approach to Dealing with Crime; How did we get into this Economic Mess?; Health Care Reform in Wisconsin with Baldwin, Miller, and Erpenbach. (1:30-2:30)

Reengaging Climate Change Here; Economic Myths that Matter; Phoning - or Writing a letter - can be Fun; Practical Solar Power; Running fo Office for the First Time; Taking a Look at Grassroots Organizing with Shirley Barnes, Tim White, and Nate Timm. (2:40-4:15)

Mixer and Dinner Follows at The Old Feed Mill. (4:30-6:30)

MAPC is showing 'Why are We in Afghanistan?' at our second general meeting in February. The presentation lasts only about 28 minutes so that should give ample time for discussion. A brief description from the website 'whyareweinafghanistan.org' is listed below.

U.S. military action in Afghanistan originated in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. That was then. This is now. Reasons for the war have become more cloudy as other factors have developed.

This film looks at domestic pressures and geo-strategic interests that keep the U.S. in the region, and the long history of U.S. foreign interventions that forms the broader context for this war.We also see today peace movement continuing another long tradition-popular resistance to war.

Why Are We in Afghanistan? is an educational resource for communities, unions, veterans and active duty military, classes, and anyone who wonders why we are in Afghanistan, and what to do about it.

The Immigrant Workers Union in Madison is holding a film series on the first Wednesday of each month until May. The following movies, dates, and times still remain for this series:

Abandoned: The Betrayal of America's Immigrant: Wednesday, March 3rd; 6:00 p.m.

10,000 Black Men Named George: Wednesday, April 7th, 6:00 p.m.

Salt of the Earth: Wednesday, May 5th, 6:00 p.m.

This event is still in planning. More details will be available soon.

University of Wisconsin faculty, students, and concerned citizens
are planning an "Afghanistan/ Pakistan Teach-In" on the Madison
campus March 19 and 20:
March 19 (Friday evening) - Faculty and Invited Speakers (one large
room)
March 20 (Saturday all day)
8:00 AM - Noon - Contributions by People and Groups to the
"Teach-In" (two medium-size rooms)
Noon - 2:00 PM - Rally, March
2:00 - 5:00 PM - Continuation of "Teach-In"