SLUTWALK Fredericton - Because we've had enough!

SLUTWALK Fredericton is here! August 12th, 2011. We'll be meeting in the Tannery shortly before 8pm for the walk.

But why?
On January 24th 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police Force gave the public insight to how they really feel about victims of sexual assault by stating women should "avoid dressing like sluts".

Historically the term "slut" has held negative connotations and been used to shame women (and men) for their sexual practices. And whether it has been used as a serious insult of character, or an everyday insult among friends, the intent behind the word is malicious, so we're taking it back. We are re-claiming "slut".

We live in a society where we teach young women to protect themselves against rape, and to expect sexual assault at every corner. Our strategies need to change. The dialogue needs to switch from "don't get raped" to "do not rape". Young women need to be taught "it's OK to say no".

Slutwalk is a demonstration, a way for us (men and women alike) to take back the word "slut", to not feel pressured into sex because of what we're wearing. A low cut top is not an invitation.

Let's put an end to "slut-shaming."

Slutwalk is an anti-bullying, anti-rape demonstration. It's about educating people to respect boundaries.

It's about freedom of expression, it's about feeling safe when you're out at the club having fun. It's about freedom of choice and sexuality.

The facebook event page can be found here.

Pro-Choice Call to Action

Dear Pro-choice Supporters,

Please send a letter to your MP asking them to vote against the private member's bill C-510, "an act to amend the Criminal Code (coerced abortion)." The bill was introduced in April and is scheduled for 2nd Reading vote on Nov 1.

Please check out the following link to some media coverage:
"Abortion vote inevitable, MP says"
For more info on the bill, see the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada's press release in:

• English, and
  
• Français

How you can help defend women's rights?

Below is a sample letter that you can copy and paste into an email or a letter. Feel free to edit the letter or write your own. Address your email to your MP.

Look up your MP HERE.
________________________________
Sample Letter/Email:

Subject: Please vote against Bill C-510

Dear [insert your MP's name]

I'm writing to ask you to please vote against Bill C-510, an act to prohibit "coerced abortion", which is slated for a 2nd reading vote in Parliament on Nov 1.

Bill C510 is a private member's bill that would amend the Criminal Code to prohibit coercing a woman into an abortion via physical or financial threats, illegal acts, or through “argumentative and rancorous badgering or importunity”. It was introduced on April 15 by anti-abortion Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge (Winnipeg South), who chairs the Parliamentary Pro-Life Caucus.

I'm pro-choice and part of Canada's pro-choice majority. I believe this is an unnecessary bill that promotes abortion stigma, paternalizes women, and puts providers at risk. The bill is redundant because threats and illegal acts are already illegal under the Criminal Code, and counselors at clinics already screen for possible coercion in women seeking abortion. However, the anti-choice movement falsely believes that clinics coerce women into abortions, so we fear this bill may encourage frivolous charges against providers, as well as harassment and violence. The bill patronizes women by implying they are frequently coerced into abortion, but the vast majority of women make their own decision to have an abortion and take responsibility for it. If the intent is really to protect women from abusive partners, we need better and more comprehensive solutions than this bill.

The bill is supported and promoted by Canada's anti-abortion movement. It represents their latest attempt to get a foot in the door towards recriminalizing abortion. The bill refers to a fetus as a “child,” making it another Trojan Horse for smuggling fetal rights into law. As you may recall, the "Unborn Victims of Crime Act" from 2008 (Bill C484) passed 2nd reading
because its deceptive language fooled a number of pro-choice MPs.

Thank you in advance for voting against Bill C510.

Sincerely,

Call for Solidarity from the Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Support Centre

Please circulate this info to everyone who are interested in supporting women's rights at Carleton University. We need people to write emails, and especially to join our rally next Monday.

Carleton University is being sued by a female student who was brutally sexually assaulted, on campus, while completing her laboratory work, in 2007. In response, the university states that the victim's injuries were "caused or contributed to by the Plaintiff through her own negligence... she was not keeping a proper lookout for her own safety".

We urge all community members who believe in women's rights to email your thoughts to:

• President Roseann O'Reilly Runte: presidents_office@carleton.ca
• Vice President Duncan Watt: duncan_watt@carleton.ca
• Equity Services: equity@carleton.ca

The Coalition for a Carleton Sexual Assault Support Centre is launching a campaign in response:

"Accountability, safety, respect, dignity: We're Asking For It!"

We are organizing an emergency rally for next Monday, Aug. 17th:

A demonstration, organized by Carleton Students and members of the Ottawa community, is being held to bring attention to Carleton's stance on sexual assault. Student demonstrators will meet at at 2:30pm in the atrium of the University Centre and will head to the CU's administration offices at 3:00pm to present petitions and opposition letters. We will then march to the Bronson/Sunnyside entrance where we will be joined by members of the larger community for a rally from 4:30-6:00pm.

For more information:

• Check the blogspot and twitter page: http://asking4it.blogspot.com/
• Facebook group: Carleton University's Views on Sexual Assault Do Not Represent Me

To get involved, contact: coalitionforcarleton@gmail.com

Independent media by and for New Brunswickers to be launched on New Brunswick Day

For Immediate Release

July 29, 2009

Fredericton - The New Brunswick Media Co-op is launching a province-wide independent, news website (nbmediacoop.org) and monthly print publication, The Brief, on Monday, August 3rd. The launch will include an information and activity table at the Family Fun Day in Wilmot Park from 1-4pm, and evening party at Dolan's Pub starting at 8pm. The Brief--a 2-page broadsheet--will be distributed free of charge across New Brunswick.

"We aim to give voice to alternative views while covering communities and events that are ignored by the virtual media monopoly held by the Irvings," said Alex Murphy, member and writer for the NB Media Co-op.

"More now than ever, we need media to be a tool of accountability and democracy. This is impossible when the province's media is almost entirely controlled by one company, which has its own corporate interests at heart, rather than those of the public. We wish to fill that void by making independent media widely accessible to all New Brunswickers," added Murphy.

The NB Media Co-op is seeking members, contributors, and journalists from across the province, and will accept submissions in both French and English.

"We believe that operating democratically in a member-funded, co-operative model will provide greater accountability to the public. We are seeking out people to serve on an advisory committee, with representatives from diverse and under-represented communities. This will ensure that the issues that matter to all New Brunswickers are covered," explained Marie-Christine Allard, a member of the Co-op.

When the corporate domination of the province's media led to the closure of the Carleton Free Press, it became apparent that citizens would have to band together to provide a true voice for the people of New Brunswick. The NB Media Co-op was officially formed at a day-long conference in May that included journalists and concerned citizens from across the province.

"New Brunswick Day is an appropriate day for the launch, since the virtual media monopoly is one of the most pressing issues in the province today," added Allard. "In light of the recent announcement that a dozen professors are now refusing to provide political commentary for the province's main newspaper, in protest of the dismissal of journalism intern, Matt McCann, the NB Media Co-op will provide a welcome and accountable alternative to the uncritical for-profit media."

-30-

Media contacts:

Alex Murphy, 455-7424
alexmurphy@nbmediacoop.org

Marie-Christine Allard, 454-3795
marieallard@nbmediacoop.org

CALL OUT for N.B. Media Co-op Advisory Board Representatives

This is a call out for all those interested in representing one of the identified groups or issues on the N.B. Media Co-op Advisory Board. Representatives will be elected by the N.B. Media Co-op members.

About the N.B. Media Co-op:

The New Brunswick Media Co-op proposes a grassroots, democratic, reader-funded alternative to the corporate press. We're looking for readers, contributors, members, volunteers and sustainers. The Media Co-op belongs to all members and contributors. All forms of media (print, radio, video) are welcome for inclusion on our website and our monthly publication, The Brief (both soon to be launched). Our approach combines journalism, community organizing, and online collaboration to create a financially sustainable, independent, member-run Media Co-op network that spans the country.

Advisory Board members will:

• Work with the editorial board and contributors to ensure that their group/issue has a voice, and is represented fairly;
• Suggest potential news stories or topics for coverage;
• Attend 4 meetings per year;
• Act as a liaison between their group, the editorial collective, and, if needed, the contributors;
• Monitor what is being produced by the N.B. Media Co-op to ensure ethical reporting;
• Keep an eye out for potential new contributors;
• Promote the N.B. Media Co-op, and encourage new members and sustainers;
• Commit to 1-2 year terms on the board.

Representative Positions Open:

• Acadian/Francophone New Brunswick
• Anti-Poverty/Social justice
• Arts & Culture
• Disabled
• Environmental Justice
• Farmers/Rural
• Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, Queer
• Health
• Indigenous
• Labour
• Multi-cultural
• Post-Secondary Student
• Women
• Youth (High school or younger)

To apply: Submit 1-2 paragraphs about yourself stating your interest in the position and your experience with the group/issue you would like to represent. Submission of interest must be sent by August 3 to admin@nbmediacoop.org

JUNE 17: KEEP THE BUS TERMINAL DOWNTOWN

Plans are in the works to move the Acadian Bus Lines terminal, currently conveniently located in downtown Fredericton, to an out of the way location on Woodside Lane (just off the Hanwell Road).

The Fredericton Chapter of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick invites you to a town hall meeting to share your views on this proposal. The meeting will take place at the Fredericton Public Library from 7-9 on Wednesday, June 17th.

Mayor Woodside, city councillors, and Acadian Bus representatives have all been invited to attend and hear what we have to say. Let them know that keeping the terminal in the downtown core is of utmost importance!

Also, check out this website and sign the petition: www.keepitdowntown.org

DEMOCRATIZING OUR MEDIA - Saturday, May 30

Join us in building a grassroots and democratic alternative to the corporate press in New Brunswick.

What: A day long workshop on democratizing the media in New Brunswick including workshops on print, radio and Internet journalism.

When: Saturday, May 30

Where: Renaissance College, 811 Charlotte St., Fredericton NB

AGENDA

9:30AM - Registration, muffins & tea.

10:00 AM SHARP - Opening/Introductions

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: N.B. MEDIA COOP PROPOSAL
Presentation & discussion.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: BRAINSTORMING/VISIONING
Discussion topics: What is our point? / What do we want to do? / How are we going to do it? / How do we know if we are succeeding?

12:00 PM - LUNCH BREAK (Note: Lunch is not provided. The Farmers' Market is around the corner. There is a kitchen at the venue if needed.)

1:00 PM - OUR "COFFEE NEWS": Presentation of a monthly 1-page print piece of journalism.
Discussion topics: Content / Printing / Distribution / Name.

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM JOURNALISM SKILL SHARES
Free workshops on the basics of print, radio and Internet journalism. Learn how to create a compelling piece of grassroots journalism.

2:00 - 3:00 PM - PRINT JOURNALISM. Facilitator: Justin Dupuis, a journalist with L'Acadie-Nouvelle. This will be an interactive workshop where we take the participants through each step of the article writing process. We'll discuss finding stories, who and how to interview, and how to build an article that's clear, engaging and ethically written.

3:00 - 4:00 PM - RADIO JOURNALISM. Facilitator: Nick Scott from CHSR. Learn more about CHSR -- your community radio station -- and the process of creating radio journalism.

4:00 - 5:00 PM - INTERNET JOURNALISM. Facilitator: TBA. How to set up an effective blog and be the media.

For more info, please email info@frederictonpeace.org

New Brunswick Health Minister Resignation Demand

Hi friends,

Recently New Brunswick Health Minister Michael Murphy told CBC he is "not entirely" comfortable administering abortion policy because of his pro-life beliefs. As New Brunswickers, this makes us MORE than uncomfortable. We are joining with the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada to demand Mr. Murphy's resignation.

Please send the following letter (or one of your own!) to Mr. Murphy, at MichaelB.Murphy@gnb.ca, or you can call him at (506) 457-4800. Feel free to CC or BCC nbrebelles@gmail.com on your email!

Please circulate widely!

In solidarity,

NB Rebelles - Fredericton

Also check out the ARCC press release, and the CBC story.

***********************************
Dear Hon. Mr. Murphy,

I am writing to express my displeasure with your performance as Health Minister for the province of New Brunswick, and to demand your resignation.

Recently you spoke publicly, in your capacity as an elected MLA, at an anti-abortion rally in Fredericton. This was followed by your admission to the media that you are “not entirely” comfortable administering the province’s policies on abortion.

Mr. Murphy, this is appalling. You are free to hold whatever personal beliefs you like, but when they begin to interfere – by your own admission – with how you do the job you were appointed to do, it is my belief that you should consider whether or not you are capable of holding that position.

Added to this is the fact that your handling of abortion policies in New Brunswick has been severely lacking. Women still face long wait lists in hospitals for what is undeniably a time sensitive procedure, their other option being to pay up to $750 at the Morgentaler Clinic in Fredericton. The policy that requires women to obtain referrals from two different doctors is illegal and contravenes the Canada Health Act. You have turned a deaf ear to the women of this province. You do not deserve to represent us.

Mr. Murphy, because of your stated inability to do your job without your personal beliefs interfering, and because of your continued lack of compassion and care for the women of New Brunswick on this issue, I demand your resignation.

Sincerely,

Women in Radio: Calling for your support

Calling all feminists,

This is an appeal for your financial support to assist women – particularly those who face multiple systemic barriers – to attend two community radio broadcasting conferences in Montreal.

From June 7 – 13, community-access radio broadcasters from all parts of Canada will converge in Montreal for the annual conference of the National Campus and Community Radio Association. Within that conference is the one-day annual Women in Radio Conference on June 11, where a diverse range of women, trans people, and feminists will build skills, share experiences and strategies, and build a stronger network of community broadcasters who are concerned with equitable representation and opportunities in the media landscape.

Your contribution of $100 – 500, will provide travel and accommodation subsidies as needed for one or more women who are active in their local campus or community radio station as volunteer or staff. We prioritize diverse rural and urban representation, including Quebec and the North, and participation from women of colour, low-income women, Aboriginal women, queer women, transgendered women, women with disabilities, older women, and otherwise systemically marginalized women.

The National Campus and Community Radio Association has had women and feminist-led initiatives within it since the mid-80s, creating spaces for greater and more empowered women's participation, more representative programming, and safer spaces. We are thankful for all contributions that will help the movement continue. Cheques can be made out to Radio CKUT, with a memo of the Women in Radio Conference.

Please notify us as soon as possible of your contribution and send checks to:

Radio CKUT
3647 University
Montreal Quebec H3A 2B3

Sincerely,

Sharmeen Khan
Equity Officer, NCRA

NCRA Women's Hands and Voices
NCRC - National Campus-Community Radio Conference

May 1st Pay Equity Action - From your desk!

We're calling on you to take part in a May 1st pay equity action - from the comfort of your home or work!

This Friday, take a few minutes out of your day to send an e-mail, mail a letter, send a fax, or make a phone call to our Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Hon. Mary Schryer. We'd like Ms. Schryer to know that there is more work to be done on the pay equity front in our province, and that we're keeping an eye on the progress.

Please feel free to use the example letter (in French and English) we've put together and address information to create your own correspondence. The New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity has some great resources you may want to take a look at to help you write your own letter. Also, feel free to send similar messages to any of our other representatives! And our PM!

This is a decentralized action, but please CC or BCC the NBRebELLEs - Fredericton on any e-mails, so we can keep you posted on how many people take part.

In Solidarity,
NBRebELLEs - Fredericton