Communique 004: Will the Egg See Its Shadow? w/ Caitlin of SEEK + FIND

Stream or download here.

CW: We discuss self-defense against stalking, sexual assault, and other physical attacks in this episode. We also discuss mental health concerns in both the context of an assailant’s motives and survivors’ struggles post-attack. We are not mental health professionals.

We talk to Caitlin of SEEK + FIND Boston about art’s place in the struggle, why cheap and free entertainment matters, and an upcoming zine on free women’s self-defense classes in the Boston area. We also celebrate the Vernal Equinox by talking about balancing various types of eggs and egg replacers, phallic food, and the beginning of a new year for a different calendar.

Talking Points: Read the fucking bread book, art as activism, who’s in yr post-apocalypse crew, shamrock climbing, dog brain/snake brain, de-escalation, 4 hours to cross the parking lot, 100 lbs of under-cooked potatoes, c’mon Joe, N.I.C.E: Not Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Happy Vernal Equinox, y’all!, hang out with a baguette, will the egg see its shadow?, bumming out the mail thieves, skunk sisters, as your attorney…

Playlist:
Slant 6 – What Kind of Monster Are You?
Erase Errata – Tongue Tied
The Petticoats – Normal
The Fall – C.R.E.E.P.

Relevant links:
Women’s Self-Defense
Sex Object by Jessica Valenti
Violence Girl by Alice Bag
Ladyfest Boston 2017
Pepper Spray Laws in MA
BARCC – Boston Area Rape Crisis Center

Today: National Day of Action for Trans Women of Color

If you caught our interview with Dr. Raechel of Feminist Killjoys, PhD live yesterday, you may have heard her mention the National Day of Action planned today to support and protect Trans Women of Color. She lamented that we hadn’t seen any events planned for the Boston area, but it looks like there is a local gathering planned! Join BostonGlass to celebrate and support TWOC today with a vigil at 5 p.m.

Also check out Raechel’s syllabus for today’s Day of Action, which she has painstakingly compiled for anyone who is looking for further resources to #studytostruggle.

Events & Actions: Monday, 3/13-Sunday, 3/19

Monday, March 13th

Tuesday, March 14th

  • 350 Boston Node Meeting for climate action at First Church in JP (Eliot Street).

Wednesday, March 15th

  • 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Somerville Ward 2 Committee Meeting at NU Cafe and Juice Bar in Somerville (195 Washington Street)
  • 6:00-9:30 p.m. – Intro to NVDA for POC, presented by the FANG Collective at their office in Pawtucket, RI (545 Pawtucket Ave – Park in the lot and enter building through lots entrance and follow the wolf signs!). This is a brief workshop for People of Color ONLY that offers an introduction to the history of Nonviolent Direct Action and its implementation as well as examples of intersectionality within our community/movements, affinity groups and their formation, consensus decision making, and a discussion on self-care and community care. Register online and contact Sherrie by email for any childcare/accessibility needs. 
  • 6:30-9:00 p.m. – Matty’s St. Paddy’s at American Fresh, Assembly Row (301 Canal Street) in Somerville. This is Ward 1 Alderman Matt McLaughlin’s annual fundraiser. Food will be served. Donations gratefully accepted. If you cannot attend please consider making a donation online.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Boston Food Not Bombs has its weekly planning meeting during this time at Encuentro 5 (9 Hamilton Pl Suite 2a) in Boston. This is, of course, the long-running, non-sectarian, but definitely radical free food organizations that’s been serving in MA for decades now.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. Black & Pink has weekly volunteer drop-in hours on Wednesdays, as well. They’re at First Baptist Church (633 Centre St) in Jamaica Plain. “Bring a laptop, if you can. If not, you can help write birthday cards!”

Thursday, March 16th

Friday, March 17th

Saturday, March 18th

  • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs cooks for its Saturday Central Square Meal in Cambridge. E-mail us for details.
  • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. – Movimiento Cosecha’s allies group is holding its first CosechAllies day-long retreat in Boston! Trainings will clarify the role of allies within the movement to provide permanent protection, dignity, and respect for the 11 million undocumented workers in the US. Participants will also learn about and join working groups that will support Cosecha’s national expansion. Please register here.
  • 12:00-3:00 p.m. – Black & Pink holds drop-in volunteer hours at this time each week at Swissbakers (168 Western Ave) in Allston.
  • 12:30-4:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Central Square Meal is served at this time each week.
  • 2:00-4:00 p.m. (tentatively) – Boston DSA Annual Meeting and Local Elections at the 32BJ SEIU 615 office (26 West Street) in Boston.
  • 6:00-11:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Haymarket Produce Rescue happens during these hours each Saturday. Volunteers meet up near Faneuil Hall at Haymarket (corner of Blackstone and North, across the street from a Hard Rock Cafe) to rescue and sort produce destined for the compost heap or landfill and deliver it, by car, to shelters in the Boston/Cambridge area to stock them with food. Volunteers with cars are especially needed.

Sunday, March 19th

  • 12:00-1:30 p.m – Boston Homeless Solidarity Committee weekly meeting at Encuentro 5 (9A Hamilton Pl in Boston). All are welcome, including people who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness. For an idea of what will be discussed, including the proposed agenda, or to be added to their mailing list, please contact them by email.
  • 1:00-5:00 p.m. – “Buy Art. Support Resistance.” Activist Art Pop Up Market at Aeronaut Brewing Company in Somerville (14 Tyler Street). Activist artists, groovy tunes, delicious beer – all for a good cause! Vendors are donating to: Planned Parenthood, ACLU, Flint Water Crisis, Standing Rock, Black and Pink, and more!