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IRTF Events Calendar

March 22, 2025: 2025 Liberation Lab: Chaos or Community
11am – 4pm
Cleveland State University College of Law Second Floor Atrium 1801 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115

IRTF initiated our annual Social Justice Teach-In (aka Liberation Lab) in 1999. This spring, in particular, we feel a great need to call together justice-minded folks who are committed to human rights, liberation, and respect and dignity for all people.

Every year for the past 25 years, this event has been an informative and inter-generational day of community building and education for high school and college students and other community members seeking ways to take positive action for social justice

This year we will have panels on:
- Choosing Liberation over Nationalism
- Embodied Sanctuary
- Wisdom from the Future: Lessons from Student Organizers
 
The ticket price also includes a delicious lunch
 
 
 

This event is made possible by our Co-Sponsors (list in formation):

Brian Fry on behalf of Eyewitness Palestine

Church of the Resurrection

Cleveland Jobs with Justice

Committee of 500 years

Cleveland Owns

Cleveland Peace Action

Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus

Denver Justice & Peace Committee

Equal Exchange

Fellowship of Reconciliation 

Friends of Nickie J. Antonio

Ida B. Wells Foundation 

Margaret W. Wong & Associates

Michael Melampy 

Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Tremont, OH

Rachel and Peter DeGolia 

Sisters of the Humility of Mary

Sierra Club

Social Action Committee of West Shore UU Church

St Dominic Church

March 24, 2025 to May 4, 2025: War and the Environment: One Course to Address Two Existential Threats
online

“Climate change is the defining issue of our time and now is the defining moment to do something about it.” (António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations).

War and the Environment is a six-week online course that features six core modules, three interactive Zoom sessions, and a strong emphasis on reflective practice, collaborative learning, and community building throughout. As the world races to prevent climate collapse, finding solutions to today’s unprecedented socio-ecological challenges has never been more urgent. While discussions on climate change continue, it is crucial to address the elephant in the room—war. The call to end war is not just about peace and security: it is essential for the survival and flourishing of humanity and the planet.

As wars, preparations for wars, and environmental destruction escalate—and much of the focus remains on human conflict—it is vital to better understand and respond to the far-reaching impacts of war and militarism on people, all living beings, and the planet. This course empowers you to do just that. By doing so, it also addresses a question of central importance to everyone—how can we live together in more sustainable and peaceful ways? This is the most pressing challenge of our time; everything else is secondary.

Format: Online Course
Start Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
Duration: 6 Weeks
Time Commitment: 3 to 6 hours per week
Cost: On a sliding scale from $25 to $100 or more if you can afford it

more information and registration option here: https://worldbeyondwar.org/war-and-the-environment-an-online-course/?link_id=8&can_id=540e92ff874a6b94a0ca720db2a7dff1&source=email-new-course-alert-media-and-communications-for-peace-register-now-5&email_referrer=email_2621983&email_subject=_-war-and-the-environment-one-course-to-address-two-existential-threats-_

March 28, 2025: Northeast Ohio Worker Center annual fundraiser: Bread + Roses Variety Show
7pm
The Elliot 1415 Kenilworth Ave Cleveland, OH 44113

Show your support for fair work in Northeast Ohio an attend the annual fundraiser of the Northeast Ohio Worker Center!

Get to know them and learn more about their imporant work. Join them at The Elliot, to enjoy a variety show featuring local talent, a silent auction and drinks available for purchase. 

By attending the event you will be helping to raise funds for the Northeast Ohio Worker Center. The dollars raised for this event will help to pay for things like staff time to conduct wage theft intakes, connect workers to agencies and legal services so that they can get the money they are owed, and conduct community outreach.

Get your Tickets here: https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/neowc-2025-bread-and-roses-variety-show-fundraiser/

April 5, 2025: A Community Forum: Honoring The Life and Work of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.
10am-1pm
North Church Presbyterian, 4501 Superior Avenue, Cleveland

Join Racial Equity Buddies for a powerful community gathering honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through music, discussion, and action. The program includes live gospel music, a panel on Dr. King’s unfinished work, interactive breakout sessions, and a closing drum circle to inspire collective action. A continental breakfast will be served from 10 - 10:30 AM as part of the program.

Register here: https://sites.google.com/view/racialequitybuddiesofgreatercl/home

April 16, 2025 to May 7, 2025: Equal Exchange Book Club!
online

Equal Exchange invites you to their Book Club Meet-ups:

Join us for an engaging discussion of the Coffee Barons chapter from Austin Frerick’s book, where we will explore the impact of multinational corporations on the global coffee industry. In this session, we’ll dive into how these powerful “coffee barons” manipulate prices, exploit farmers, and perpetuate inequality within the coffee supply chain. 
 
As an independent coffee company, Equal Exchange stands in stark contrast to these monopolistic systems. Together, we’ll reflect on the ways Frerick’s analysis of the coffee industry relates to our mission to create more equitable, sustainable, and fair trade practices. We’ll think through how Equal Exchange’s model—focused on direct relationships with farmers, cooperatives, and ethical sourcing—challenges these corporate giants and promotes a more just food system. This will be an opportunity for us to connect, learn, and discuss how we can continue to support positive change in the coffee industry. We look forward to your insights and hope to see you there!