A huge thank you to the 35 neighbors who gathered at Historic Takoma last Tuesday to reconnect, debrief on the midterms, and recommit to TPM’s important work! We were pleased to see old-timers and new faces; institutional memory combined with fresh perspectives has us feeling invigorated and ready to continue the fight on so many crucial fronts.
TPM was founded as a way to engage after the 2016 election, and our work has changed and broadened over the last two years to address a wide range of social justice issues. Attendees discussed how each group and individual can work to support and communicate effectively with others, as well as our goals of outreach to the wider community.
TPM has many active committees doing exciting work, and others that plan to be active again in the near future. These groups gave brief updates and calls to action:
- Immigration (and subcommittees: Political/Legislative, Direct Support) (immigration@tpmobilization.org)
- COOL (Communication, Operations, Outreach, Logistics) (cool@tpmobilization.org)
- Environment (environment@tpmobilization.org)
- Ending Mass Incarceration (subcommittees: Expungement, Restorative Justice) (incarceration@tpmobilization.org)
- Indivisible (indivisible@tpmobilization.org)
- Breaking Bread (breakingbreak@tpmobilization.org)
- Education & Training (subcommittees: Non-Violent Direct Action Study Group, Book Group) (education@tpmobilization.org)
- Arts (art@tpmobilization.org)
- TALLE (Takoma Alliance for Local Living Economies) (talle@tpmobilization.org)
- War & Militarism
Members de-briefed on the midterm elections, and what national and local results will mean for Takoma Park and TPM. We were encouraged by so many victories on the local level; the large number of progressive representatives will be excellent partners for us going forward.
We were able to recruit a few additional members to our COOL committee, the folks who run our website, social media, and e-mail list, and handle of TPM-wide documents. We need additional techies and people who are interested in outreach activities like creating a community survey, in marketing, planning quarterly meetings/parties, etc. Contact COOL@tpmobilization.org.
We’re grateful for the commitment of our members, and welcome new folks interested in working for justice and strengthening local ties through community building. Onward!
Book Group, Nov. 29
In November, TPM’s Book Group will be reading
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik. We’ll be meeting on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Lilac Room at the Takoma Park Community Center. RSVP for the book group here!
From the publisher: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg never asked for fame—she has only tried to make the world a little better and a little freer. Notorious RBG It draws on intimate access to Ginsburg’s family members, close friends, colleagues, and clerks, as well an interview with the Justice herself. An original hybrid of reported narrative, annotated dissents, rare archival photos and documents, and illustrations, the book tells a never-before-told story of an unusual and transformative woman who transcends generational divides.
Ida will be leading the discussion. Bonus points to anyone who brings her a lace collar to wear (or wears one yourself!)
Spokes meeting, Dec. 11
TPM’s Spokes Council — our governing assembly, with representatives from each committee and working group — meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The next meeting takes place Tuesday, December 11, 7pm at Historic Takoma, 7328 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park.
Environmental Committee meeting, Dec. 12
The next Environmental Committee meeting is December 12th at Historic Takoma at 7 pm. Our guest speaker will be Dori Cantor Pastor, an environmental activist, who will talk about the upcoming MD legislative session. For information, contact environment@tpmobilization.org.
Immigration Committee meeting, Dec. 13
Please join TPM’s Immigration Committee at our next meeting, Thursday, December 13, 7pm at Historic Takoma, 7328 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park. Contact immigration@tpmobilization.org.