TAKE ACTION

CALL TO JOIN SEATTLE WTO+20 Events

CAGJ & WA Fair Trade Coaltion invite you to join our events marking the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Battle in Seattle, when we shut down the World Trade Organization! OUR ACTION FOR JUSTICE IS NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER - come get inspired!

TAKE ACTION: Join us & invite your community!

SAT NOV 30, 9am – 5pm: CAGJ, UFCW 21 & Town Hall Seattle present Another World is Possible! WTO+20: How a People’s Uprising Shut-Down the World Trade Organization in ‘99 & Why it Matters for Today’s Movements for Justice: FREE Dialogue, Training & Workshops on the role of Direct Action in our Movements:
Register: Co-sponsor: Share Facebook Event: Volunteer
SAT DEC 7: WA Fair Trade Coalition presents 10AM Rally & March, 3:30PM Workshops, 7PM Keynote: Joseph Stiglitz Register for Sliding Scale Tickets: Volunteer & Endorse

CAGJ NEWS & ANALYSIS

Report-back: Kenyan Partners Visit Seattle!

Samuel and Peris Nderitu, the founders of G-BIACK: Grow Biointensive Agriculture Centre of Kenya, and their two children Keith and Anet joined us for several days, during which we hosted a community potluck, exchanges with Black-led urban gardens and farms, and discussions about our work together. On October 17, 30 people joined our community potluck to break bread together and learn from the Nderitu family about their agroecological and empowerment work. Samuel and Peris presented about how G-BIACK gives extensive training in biointensive agriculture methods to farmers, especially young women, on how to grow as much diverse food as possible within a small amount of land, to feed communities and generate income. The Nderitu family also visited Wakulima Farm located in Des Moines, founded by two Kenyans who focus on crop production with immigrants from east and central Africa. Ray Williams of the Black Farmers Collective gave the Nderitus a tour of Yes Farm at Yesler Terrace and Nurturing Roots Farm at the Black Power EPICenter in south Beacon Hill. They also had the opportunity to meet with Got Green’s Food Access Team at their new community garden. we discussed future collaboration between AGRA Watch/CAGJ and G-BIACK. One ask was for us to reach out to our networks for resources about open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) of seeds, in an effort to push back against the domination of hybrid seeds in the Kenyan market by Bayer/Monsanto and the biotech/seed industry. Please let us know if you have resources about OPV seed collection and cultivation to share with G-BIACK! If you didn’t get a chance to donate to G-BIACK at the potluck, please make a donation on the Killili Self-Help website. Follow G-BIACK’s work here: http://www.g-biack.org/ Read the full report-back here.

Oct 30th Rally & Town Hall Event Report-back: Battle for the Future of Food in Africa

The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) launched the “Agroecology for Climate Action” campaign in early 2019. As an allied member of AFSA, AGRA Watch demonstrated our commitment to this campaign this month by organizing a rally and an event with Million Belay, Coordinator of AFSA, and Ethiopian expert on indigenous livelihoods, food and seed sovereignty. Million was joined by activist researcher and author Timothy A. Wise, who came to Seattle to promote his new book, Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and the Battle for the Future of Food (New Press 2019). Agroecology for the Climate, Not Corporate Biotech! Rally in Solidarity with the African Food Sovereignty Movement

At noon on October 30, Million and Tim joined CAGJ activists outside the headquarters of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to call attention to the world’s largest private foundation and biggest funder of biotechnology programs in Africa. The Gates Foundation launched AGRA, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, in 2006, and has poured millions of dollars into the initiative to steer the course of African agriculture toward biotechnology and reliance on hybrid seeds and chemical fertilizers. By influencing policies and monopolizing control over markets, AGRA secures African farmers as a resource pool for the Global North and transnational corporations. Both Million and Timand together we chanted “Agroecology is the solution, not a failing green revolution!” and “Self-determination, not global domination!” Check out the livestream of the rally!

Eating Tomorrow: The Battle for the Future of Food in Africa

That evening, Million and Tim engaged in a discussion at Town Hall Seattle on climate change, farmers, and the future of food, co-hosted by CAGJ and Town Hall Seattle. Read the blog about Million & Tim's presentations. You can watch the full video of the event on YouTube, thanks to our comrade Ed Mays of PirateTV!

How to Cool the Planet? Agroecology is One Answer!

Report on 11th Annual Food Sovereignty Prize

Every year CAGJ co-coordinates the Food Sovereignty Prize awarded by the US Food Sovereignty Alliance (USFSA), which is awarded around World Food Day, October 16, as an alternative to the World Food Prize. The 2019 winners are Urban Tilth and Plan Pueblo a Pueblo, Venezuela. They received the prize during the Midwest Regional Gathering of USFSA in Ferguson, Missouri. USFSA member Andrew Kang Bartlett wrote an article with photos of the award ceremony and stories about the work of Urban Tilth and Plan Pueblo a Pueblo. “In a world where giant corporations largely shape our food choices and perpetuate a form of agriculture which depends on fossil fuels, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and workers making poverty wages, family farmers and eaters alike are eager to shift towards a more equitable and eco-friendly food-farm system. Agroecology is at the heart of such a system. Agroecology is planet-cooling sustainable and organic agriculture which takes the best of indigenous farming knowledge and practices and combines these with social and political approaches that lead to food sovereignty. Read the rest of the article. Watch the Food Sovereignty Prize livestream.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WTO + 20 EVENTS See more events below

TUES NOV 19, 6:30 pm

Crosscut Talks Live – WTO: Did Everyone Lose the Battle of Seattle?

Location: Cascade Public Media, 401 Mercer St. Seattle, WA 98109. Twenty years ago this November, the world’s attention turned to Seattle where a meeting of the World Trade Organization was disrupted by thousands of protesters who filled the city’s streets. The conflict that followed shook Seattle and laid bare deep frustrations with the excesses of globalization and fears about the impact of free trade. While it failed to stop the WTO, the three days of conflict did renew the power of grassroots political protest in the U.S. It set the course for Occupy Wall Street and other populist movements, and helped to shape the dialogue around economic equity in the 21st century. Joined by prominent figures from the events, historians and today’s political analysts, we look back at the WTO with the benefit of hindsight to revisit those dramatic days, and to consider what the protests, responses and anxieties of those times may have foretold about our economic and political reality today. Panelists include: Nikkita Oliver – Seattle-based creative, community organizer, abolitionist, educator and attorney; John Sellers – WTO protest leader and President of the Ruckus Society; Norm Stamper – Former Seattle Police Chief; Edgar Villanueva – Expert on social justice philanthropy. $25 More info

WED NOV 20, 6:30 – 8 pm

History Café: Remembering the WTO 20 Years Later

Location: MOHAI – Free. Thousands of people took to Seattle’s streets to protest the World Trade Organization (WTO) conference in 1999. Memorialized as an isolated event, this simplified narrative erases significant contributions of activists of color by ignoring the years of international organizing that made it possible. Hear from activists who participated in the WTO protests as they share their reflections on how this protest is remembered and its continuing impact on local activism today. Moderated by CAGJ’s Director Heather Day, panelists include Cindy Domingo, Matt Remle and Jill Freidberg. For disability accommodations, please contact [email protected] two weeks prior to the event. History Café: Remembering the WTO 20 Years Later is presented in partnership with Community Alliance for Global Justice. Share the Facebook Event. For more info, please contact Rachel: [email protected]

SAT DEC 7

WTO+20 Events Coordinated by WA Fair Trade Coalition

10AM Rally, 3-9PM Town Hall Seattle

In 1999, more than 50,000 of us marched in Seattle against corporate-centric globalization spearheaded by the World Trade Organization (WTO). We demanded a more just economy, that puts people before profits - and we caught the imagination of people around the world. Twenty years later, the struggle continues for genuinely fair trade that puts people and the planet first. Join us Dec 7!

10 AM Rally at Occidental Park: Speakers, street theater, music, and a short march to the Federal Building.

3:30 PM at Town Hall Seattle: We plan a short welcome, followed by several interactive breakout sessions on specific topics.

7 PM Keynote by Joseph Stiglitz and Action orientation with Lori Wallach. Lori Wallach is Director and Founder of Global Trade Watch, a division of Public Citizen. Stiglitz is a Nobel laureate in economics, Professor at Columbia University, and chief economist of the Roosevelt Institute. His latest book is Globalization and Its Discontents Revisited: Anti-Globalization in the Era of Trump. Stiglitz will describe a better way forward - an approach to globalization that balances interests of workers, communities, and the environment with business interests. General admission for the keynote is $20. A limited number of free tickets are available first-come-first-serve: Register for FREE & $20 tickets. Contact Hillary for more information: [email protected]

MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS

FRI-SUN NOV. 8-10

Tilth Conference, Growing a Better Future: Production and Beyond

Over the course of three days, farmers, food systems professionals, researchers, and educators have the opportunity to share and learn from one another, as well as to make connections. Throughout the conference, presenters will speak about a variety of related topics, such as livestock production, pest and weed management, marketing, land access, and challenges and opportunities in organic sustainable farming. Learn more here.

MON NOV 11, 7:30PM

Just Food: A Conversation about Food as a Right in Washington

An evening hosted by Town Hall Seattle and Northwest Harvest that includes a panel discussion with a focus on providing equitable access to nutritious food. Experts including US congresswoman Kim Schrier, Business Leader Taylor Hoang, and PLU’s Director of Multicultural Outreach & Engagement Melannie Cunningham will address issues such as racism, classism, and systemic inequalities of opportunity in our communities that lead to chronic poverty and food insecurity. The Great Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue (enter on Eighth Avenue) Seattle, WA 98101. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Learn more here.

FRI NOV 15, 6PM Dinner/FUNdraiser, 9-12PM After-Party

Intertwined: A Celebration and Fundraiser for 350.org Seattle

Centilia Cultural Center, 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144

350 Seattle is keeping the pressure on the fossil fuel industry...but by itself, that's not enough. To have to a livable planet we have to offer alternatives — and bring them into being. This past year, with our friends at Got Green, 350 Seattle launched Seattle for a Green New Deal, a campaign calling for a transformative Green New Deal for our city that will eliminate climate pollution by 2030, address current and historical injustices, and create thousands of good green union jobs. Within two months of launching the campaign, the City Council, the City Attorney, and nearly 200 Seattle-based organizations had endorsed our efforts. Also this year, the King County Council passed a ban on new and expanded fossil fuel infrastructure, we changed Governor Inslee's mind on the Tacoma LNG and Kalama methanol projects. It's time to celebrate our successes, and fund this essential work! Tickets and more info!

SAT, NOV 16th, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Hog Slaughter & Butchery Workshop with Regeneration Farm & Falling River Meats

Darron Marzolf of Falling River Meats will provide complete instruction on nose-to-tail on-farm slaughter, scald, scrape, and cleaning at Regeneration Farm in Woodinville followed by a whole hog breakdown and butchering class the same day at his shop in Carnation. The class will showcase how to humanely harvest our pigs along with hands-on training in the methods and will will then break down the entire pig into each cut. Professionals will demonstrate smoking and sausage making and curing techniques as well as discuss how to use every part of the animal and pay it the respect that living beings and healthy humanely raised food deserve. Regeneration Farm, 16215 140th Pl. NE, Woodinville, WA 98072.Cost for the class is $350.00 - scholarships available. No Experience Needed! Register and learn more here.

SAT NOV 16th, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Hog Slaughter & Butchery Workshop with Regeneration Farm & Falling River Meats

SAT NOV 16, 6:00 - 8:30PM

A Seattle CISPES Documentary Screening (With Dinner Provided!)

Join Seattle CISPES for a screening of “María en tierra de nadie” [“María in Nobody’s Land”]. This award-winning documentary follows the difficult journey of three Salvadoran women to the United States. The event will be a chance to discuss this powerful film, enjoy a Salvadoran dinner, and meet friends from the solidarity community. We’ll also be making a pitch to support our partners in El Salvador, including an association of women unionists. Pipsqueak Community Space - 173 16th AVE, Seattle, WA 98122. Learn more here.

SUN NOV 17, 3:00PM and SAT November 23, 7:00PM

People of the Drum

Join Seattle Peace Chorus for People of the Drum, an event to honor Native Americans and and their contributions to our society, community, and environment. This event is an act of solidarity with Native Americans in their struggle to maintain their culture and identity, as well as a collaboration with the Native American community. SUN November 17 event held at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center at 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle, WA 98199 and SAT November 23 event held at Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center 4705 W Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106. $30 at the door, $25 in advance, and $23 for seniors, students, and special needs. Buy tickets here.

THURS NOV 21, 6:30PM

FILM: The Biggest Little Farm

This film that shows the 8-year quest of a couple who transitions from a life in the city to a 200-acre farm to live a more nature centered and sustainable life. It showcases the need to work alongside nature to harvest and plant what we need. Free snacks. Join audience discussion after viewing. Put on by Mt Baker Meaningful Movies. Learn more here.

SAT NOV 23, 1:00 - 3:00PM

Engaging in Nutrition Advocacy & Food Justice

This event will provide a basic introduction to the food system and the diverse intersections and relationships needed to achieve a sustainable, equitable, and just system. The workshop will include personal reflection and discussion surrounding food justice, why it matters, and the health implications of it. Led by accomplished University of Washington Nutritional Science Program Students and hosted by the Greater Seattle Dietetic Association. Green Lake Meeting Room @ Green Lake Library. Cost: $5 (students), $8 (GSDA members), $12 (non-members) RSVP: [email protected] Learn more here.

SUN DEC 8, 2:00PM

Do the Math: Bill McKibben & the Fight Over Climate Change

A film presented by Meaningful Movies Matinee at the Federal Way Library that follows author and environmental activist Bill McKibben and 350.org, the organization he co-founded, as they hit the road to raise awareness about climate change and the fossil fuel industry. Refreshments are provided. Learn more here.

SUN DEC 15, 11:00AM - 2:00PM

Urban Homestead Brunch Fest

Make a $75 donation to Planned Parenthood, and join us for a seven-course brunch made from all locally and ethically sourced foods. Taste backyard pasture eggs with leeks, local pastries, chocolate, and apples, and Goat’s Milk Cardamom Chai. Afterwards, meet the chickens that made the brunch possible! 3905 South Morgan Street; $95. Find more information here.