Hello all you beautiful and wonderful people!
Thank you to all who came on an off night to movie night at the Green House Collective. As a reminder, we will not be having any events at the GHC this week, but we are excited, and hope you are as well, for a month full of workshops in August.
A beautiful member of the GHC, Matt from Tryon Farm, will be doing our 1st workshop of the month on August 7th about School of the Gardens Program in Portland, and may possibly be accompanied by some other folks from Tryon Farm and Sauvie Island Farms as well. This workshop has been in the planning stages for some time and we are very excited to have Matt and his guest come to the GHC.
Then we have two more workshops the following weeks. Another beautiful memberas you all are, of the GHC, Lish, will be hosting a workshop with an expert guest on the current state of LNG (Liguified Natural Gas) proposed projects in and around Oregon and sensitive habitat areas.
Finally, an amazing activist from Witness for Peace (WFP), SOA Watch, and other organizations, Beth Poteet, will be hosting a panel discussion workshop with three other ladies from WFP about their delegation trip to Columbia and Nicaragua. The WFP delegation was there to document problems with so called free trade agreements, talk to farmers, workers, and others who have been affected by free trade agreements and human rights violations.
We at the GHC, are extremely excited to have a full month of workshops and amazing people to share our space with. In the next few days and coming weeks we will be sending out detailed emails about these upcoming workshops.
We look forward to seeing you all very soon!
Much love, light, and blessings,
The Green House Collective
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
This Week @ The GHC
Hi Loves,
We hope you are all doing wonderful. This week we will be hosting film night on Wednesday instead of Thursday- we hope to see you!
We will be showing Invisible Children, a film that documents the experience of children in Uganda's 23 year old conflict (which is currently undergoing negotiations and a peace process) and aims to raise awareness of Uganda's war through storytelling in the hopes of creating change. This will be an intense film that not only connects to the current and historic situation in Uganda, but relates to protracted conflict throughout the globe and the effects it has on the human experience.
Please join us this Wednesday at 6:00 for a vegan POTLUCK!, followed by a showing of the film at 7:00 with a discussion to follow.
What: Film Night at the GHC; Invisible Children
When: This Wednesday, July 23; 6:00 POTLUCK, 7:00 film & discussion
Where: The GHC 4407 SE Tibbetts St off of buslines 14, 75, 9, and 4, and right off the Clinton St. super bikewaY!
Hope to see you!!
In Peace, Love, and Solidarity,
Rhea and The Green House Collective
"In relationships of violence life becomes a stranger and truth a paradox. In relationships of peace life fulfills and truth liberates." The Great Harry Anastasiou!
We hope you are all doing wonderful. This week we will be hosting film night on Wednesday instead of Thursday- we hope to see you!
We will be showing Invisible Children, a film that documents the experience of children in Uganda's 23 year old conflict (which is currently undergoing negotiations and a peace process) and aims to raise awareness of Uganda's war through storytelling in the hopes of creating change. This will be an intense film that not only connects to the current and historic situation in Uganda, but relates to protracted conflict throughout the globe and the effects it has on the human experience.
Please join us this Wednesday at 6:00 for a vegan POTLUCK!, followed by a showing of the film at 7:00 with a discussion to follow.
What: Film Night at the GHC; Invisible Children
When: This Wednesday, July 23; 6:00 POTLUCK, 7:00 film & discussion
Where: The GHC 4407 SE Tibbetts St off of buslines 14, 75, 9, and 4, and right off the Clinton St. super bikewaY!
Hope to see you!!
In Peace, Love, and Solidarity,
Rhea and The Green House Collective
"In relationships of violence life becomes a stranger and truth a paradox. In relationships of peace life fulfills and truth liberates." The Great Harry Anastasiou!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Doing Homework: Anti-Immigrant Ballot Measures
This year Oregon has two ballot measures that will intensify the perpetuation of the repulsive oppression our immigrant and refugee communities experience daily, IP #19 and IP #112. As is the trend, these initiatives are written in a language difficult to deconstruct that make it easy to elect to work against those whom we struggle to stand in solidarity with. The following is a summary of the measures by the Center for Intercultural Organizing. I encourage everyone to do their best to learn as much as they can about these measures and to use dialogue as a vessel to raising awareness about the importance of these issues and voting against them!!
Oregon's 2008 Anti-Immigrant Ballot Measures - #19 and #112
#19: Prohibits Teaching Public School Student In Language Other Than English For More Than Two Years
Summary of Initiative
* Non-English speaking students who enter the public school system will be limited to not more than two years of English Immersion classes.
* The amount of time for ESL classes depends on the grade of non-English speaking student enter the public school system.
“Yes” statement: “Yes” vote prohibits teaching public school student in language other than English for more than two years (exception for teaching foreign language to English speakers).
“No” statement: “No” vote retains requiring English courses for students unable to profit from classes taught in English, permitting Multilanguage instruction to assist transition to English.
Significant Impact/Concerns
* This initiative does not consider individual learning levels or students with special needs.
* What are the consequences for non-English speaking students who are prematurely forced into English only classes?
* How will this affect refugee children who have come directly from refugee camps with little formal education
* How will this affect ESL funding, school funding, and curriculum?
#112: Allows state cooperation with Immigration Enforcement; Requires “Legal Presence”/Citizenship for Specified States Rights/Privileges
Summary of Initiative
* No Statute, regulation, or agency/instrumentality of the state can prohibit public employees from cooperating with federal agencies in the enforcement of federal immigration law.
* First time Oregon voters must provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
* Proof of legal residence is required for driver license applicants.
“Yes” Statement: “Yes” vote allow state/local cooperation and resources for immigration enforcement; requires certain documentation of citizenship for voter registration, “legal presence” for driver/identification documents.
“No” Statement: “No” vote retains current state/local limits on cooperation and resources to enforce immigration laws, current requirements for voter registration, and grant of driver/identification documents.
Significant Concerns/Impacts
* Would state and local police have the ability to arrest undocumented immigrants on a regular basis? Would state and local police receive proper training, funding and support to carry out federal immigration enforcement?
* Would this initiative require all government workers (hospitals, schools, etc.) to report undocumented immigrants? Would this initiative promote racial profiling?
* Would this eliminate the ability to hold street-side voter registration drives?
* How long will it take to verify a voter’s status under the new system?
Oregon's 2008 Anti-Immigrant Ballot Measures - #19 and #112
#19: Prohibits Teaching Public School Student In Language Other Than English For More Than Two Years
Summary of Initiative
* Non-English speaking students who enter the public school system will be limited to not more than two years of English Immersion classes.
* The amount of time for ESL classes depends on the grade of non-English speaking student enter the public school system.
“Yes” statement: “Yes” vote prohibits teaching public school student in language other than English for more than two years (exception for teaching foreign language to English speakers).
“No” statement: “No” vote retains requiring English courses for students unable to profit from classes taught in English, permitting Multilanguage instruction to assist transition to English.
Significant Impact/Concerns
* This initiative does not consider individual learning levels or students with special needs.
* What are the consequences for non-English speaking students who are prematurely forced into English only classes?
* How will this affect refugee children who have come directly from refugee camps with little formal education
* How will this affect ESL funding, school funding, and curriculum?
#112: Allows state cooperation with Immigration Enforcement; Requires “Legal Presence”/Citizenship for Specified States Rights/Privileges
Summary of Initiative
* No Statute, regulation, or agency/instrumentality of the state can prohibit public employees from cooperating with federal agencies in the enforcement of federal immigration law.
* First time Oregon voters must provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
* Proof of legal residence is required for driver license applicants.
“Yes” Statement: “Yes” vote allow state/local cooperation and resources for immigration enforcement; requires certain documentation of citizenship for voter registration, “legal presence” for driver/identification documents.
“No” Statement: “No” vote retains current state/local limits on cooperation and resources to enforce immigration laws, current requirements for voter registration, and grant of driver/identification documents.
Significant Concerns/Impacts
* Would state and local police have the ability to arrest undocumented immigrants on a regular basis? Would state and local police receive proper training, funding and support to carry out federal immigration enforcement?
* Would this initiative require all government workers (hospitals, schools, etc.) to report undocumented immigrants? Would this initiative promote racial profiling?
* Would this eliminate the ability to hold street-side voter registration drives?
* How long will it take to verify a voter’s status under the new system?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Hand Off the Poor!
Hands Off the Poor! Stop Police Harassment!
Join the Portland Coalition Against Poverty (PCAP) in presenting a demand to the Portland Police Bureau and Clean and Safe to stop targetting and harassing poor and houseless people in our community. Over 100 people have been swept from underneath Portland's bridges in the last week. Help show that Portland will not tolerate harassment or arrest of a community based on their economic or housing status. Help Get the Word Out!
When: Wednesday Jul 09, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Followed by free food and a community forum
Where: North Park Blocks - at the Elephant
W Burnside and Park
Portland, Oregon 97205
More Info: On Tuesday June 24th, following the regular meal service under the Burnside
Bridge, Portland Police awakened and dispersed over 50 people from above and
beneath the Bridge. On Wednesday June 25th, the police and Clean and Safe
awakened and dispersed 16-20 people from the East side of the Morrison Bridge
and 10-14 people from the East side of the Hawthorne Bridge. The people were
removed with no alternative sleeping locations given. Alan Pyrah, who was
sleeping on the Burnside bridge at the time of the sweep, asked an officer
where he was expected to go. The unnamed officer replied, "Go across the
river." Pyrah went to sleep under the Morrison Bridge, and was disturbed
again the following evening. These aggressive acts on the part of the Portland
Police highlight the continued contempt of the Portland Police bureau for the
houseless and impoverished.
The police awakened the sleeping citizens using foghorns and boots, and gave
them two minutes to collect their possessions. Clean and Safe, the security
branch of the Portland Business Alliance, had brought large dumpsters with
them, and all possessions not collected within the two minute limit were thrown
into the dumpsters. A Portland Police officer stood by with a timer.
This method of dispersal is a break from standard Portland Police policy:
Ordinarily, possessions are seized and taken to a central storage facility,
where they can be claimed the next day. Additionally, city policy requires the
police to give 24 hour posted notice before enforcing the no-camping law.
These dispersals are in accordance with the regular pattern of ticketing and
harassment during the summer festival season. Interviews conducted at several
nightly feeds immediately following the raids confirmed the worst suspicions of
houseless advocates.
Larry Reynolds, a disabled veteran who sleeps outdoors, said, "They're
targeting homeless people...taking people's gear and throwing it away. They're
not posting notices or inviting social service agencies [as specified under the
no-camping law] as they do it."
Two weeks before the Waterfront Blues Festival, the city has begun to increase
pressure on people sleeping outdoors. It began with verbal warnings, and has
been followed by ticketing and dispersal on a nightly or bi-nightly basis. This
police aggression is intended to insure that attendees of the Blues Festival
will not be confronted by the City's issues of poverty. Cheyenne, a houseless
person affected by the dispersals, said, "It's the rich and the middle class
stealing [sleep] from the poor."
In response to the targeting of poor and houseless people in the community, a
demonstration is planned for Wednesday, July 9th. It will start in the North
Park Blocks at 5pm. "Hands Off the Poor," a demonstration organized by the
Portland Coalition Against Poverty demands an immediate end to police
harassment and arrest of poor and houseless people in the community.
Please Distribute Widely
For more information or to help out - Please Contact us by email at
PDXCAP@gmail.com or call 503. 839. 3670
Join the Portland Coalition Against Poverty (PCAP) in presenting a demand to the Portland Police Bureau and Clean and Safe to stop targetting and harassing poor and houseless people in our community. Over 100 people have been swept from underneath Portland's bridges in the last week. Help show that Portland will not tolerate harassment or arrest of a community based on their economic or housing status. Help Get the Word Out!
When: Wednesday Jul 09, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Followed by free food and a community forum
Where: North Park Blocks - at the Elephant
W Burnside and Park
Portland, Oregon 97205
More Info: On Tuesday June 24th, following the regular meal service under the Burnside
Bridge, Portland Police awakened and dispersed over 50 people from above and
beneath the Bridge. On Wednesday June 25th, the police and Clean and Safe
awakened and dispersed 16-20 people from the East side of the Morrison Bridge
and 10-14 people from the East side of the Hawthorne Bridge. The people were
removed with no alternative sleeping locations given. Alan Pyrah, who was
sleeping on the Burnside bridge at the time of the sweep, asked an officer
where he was expected to go. The unnamed officer replied, "Go across the
river." Pyrah went to sleep under the Morrison Bridge, and was disturbed
again the following evening. These aggressive acts on the part of the Portland
Police highlight the continued contempt of the Portland Police bureau for the
houseless and impoverished.
The police awakened the sleeping citizens using foghorns and boots, and gave
them two minutes to collect their possessions. Clean and Safe, the security
branch of the Portland Business Alliance, had brought large dumpsters with
them, and all possessions not collected within the two minute limit were thrown
into the dumpsters. A Portland Police officer stood by with a timer.
This method of dispersal is a break from standard Portland Police policy:
Ordinarily, possessions are seized and taken to a central storage facility,
where they can be claimed the next day. Additionally, city policy requires the
police to give 24 hour posted notice before enforcing the no-camping law.
These dispersals are in accordance with the regular pattern of ticketing and
harassment during the summer festival season. Interviews conducted at several
nightly feeds immediately following the raids confirmed the worst suspicions of
houseless advocates.
Larry Reynolds, a disabled veteran who sleeps outdoors, said, "They're
targeting homeless people...taking people's gear and throwing it away. They're
not posting notices or inviting social service agencies [as specified under the
no-camping law] as they do it."
Two weeks before the Waterfront Blues Festival, the city has begun to increase
pressure on people sleeping outdoors. It began with verbal warnings, and has
been followed by ticketing and dispersal on a nightly or bi-nightly basis. This
police aggression is intended to insure that attendees of the Blues Festival
will not be confronted by the City's issues of poverty. Cheyenne, a houseless
person affected by the dispersals, said, "It's the rich and the middle class
stealing [sleep] from the poor."
In response to the targeting of poor and houseless people in the community, a
demonstration is planned for Wednesday, July 9th. It will start in the North
Park Blocks at 5pm. "Hands Off the Poor," a demonstration organized by the
Portland Coalition Against Poverty demands an immediate end to police
harassment and arrest of poor and houseless people in the community.
Please Distribute Widely
For more information or to help out - Please Contact us by email at
PDXCAP@gmail.com or call 503. 839. 3670
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