We are honoured to announce the visit of trade union leader and, survivor of the Pando Massacre: Cristian DominguezDomínguez., National Secretary of Environment and Resources, CSUTCB (Confederación Sindical Unica de Trabajadores Campesinos de Bolivia) United Confederation of Bolivian Campesino Workers

Since Evo Morales historic victory gainingwith 67% of the vote in the recall referendum, the landholding, wood-manufacturing, drug-trafficking and racist oligarchy, which is entrenched in the east of the country, swore to stop by any means the irreversible advance of the “Process of Change” by any means. This oligarchy have links with multinational companies who share their interest in cheap land for bio-fuel and cheap natural resources. The new constitution, which was written by an elected assembly, had included the prohibition to use GM seeds, and put a limit on land holding at 5000 hectares. This triggered a vicious attack at the beginning of September 2008, when the oligarchy started a Civil Coup against democracy, with the assault and destruction of state institutions and social organizations. It culminated on September 11th with the massacre inof Porvenir (Pando). Cristian Dominguez was part of the contingent that was ambushed and many men, women and children were murdered.

The events in Bolivia are linked to the insatiable search for fuel to the point of converting food into fuel. Cristian’s community are at the forefront of these struggle to keep at bay the multinational companies that yearn their land at bay. read full story / add a comment

10am to 4.30pm
Southville Centre, Bristol.
The acclaimed Palestinian singer Reem Kelani will be leading a full day’s workshop, which will introduce the techniques of singing traditional Arab music. Reem travelled through the Middle East recording traditional songs. Reem has over many years been an important contributor on the radio networks to many aspects of cultural traditions of the Arab world. For more information see www.reemkelani.com/ read full story / add a comment

Wonderful Palestinian Dinner
Special Guest Speakers
Oriental Dancers
Dabka Dancing
Bar available
Campaign Stalls
Fund-raising Raffle read full story / add a comment

This is what this this weeks reflexologists Rebecca Dawson and George Rose had to say about it : "Time to relax, rebalance and and restore the spirit. Reflexology is a healing art that works with the bodies natural energies, by massaging and stimulating different points on the feet/hands to create a feeling of well-being and balance.Specific points on the feet/hands relate to the different organs and body parts, offering opportunities to treat a multitude of ailments through a very relaxing and non invasive massage. Come and experience the pleasures and learn some top tricks to good health." read full story / add a comment

(and if it's raining or chilly - we have umbrellas and hot tea!) read full story / add a comment

Picket at Trinity road police station - where migrants in Bristol are forced to 'sign on'.

(and if it's raining or chilly - we have umbrellas and hot tea!) read full story / add a comment

B&NES Council bosses go on taxpayer funded holiday whilst planning huge council job cuts read full story / add a comment

13 NOV 2009, 7pm, Arnolfini auditorium, FREE
On the first leg of their UK campaign tour, as part of the C Words season, powerful speakers Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, Heather Milton-Lightening and Melina Laboucan-Massimo of the Athabascan Chipewyan, Lubicon Cree and other indigenous communities tell it how it is. Also specifically, what we in Britain can do about this ongoing monstrous abuse of human rights and the environment. read full story / add a comment

A spark of fun in the heart of winter with dance, African drumming, meditation, holistic therapies, kids area, stalls, fire spinners, cafe and much more! Easton Community Centre Saturday 5th December 11am - 5.30pm Adults £3 Children (under 13) FREE.
Contact: localevents100@gmail.com read full story / add a comment

What is the state of the economic crisis?
Discussion led by Pete Wearden read full story / add a comment

Every year the Bristol branch of the National Union of Journalists aims to bring top-level media debate to Bristol through the Benn Lecture. Started in 2006 with Tony Benn, the Arnolfini series has also included acclaimed journalists Andrew Gilligan and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. read full story / add a comment

Guest speaker Isaac Marín from COSPACC, Colombia introduces and explores the situation on the ground in Casanare. The leader of this grass-roots organisation looks at the social and enviromental effects of BP in the region. Yasmine Brien (Rising Tide) re-contextualises climate change and global energy politics in terms of climate justice, including a look at so called “green” solutions such as biofuels. read full story / add a comment

On Tuesday night, Cinema Klandestino open their Cine Rebelde mini-season and kick off Enironmental Justice week with 'Our Oil and Other Tales', a look at oil geopolitics in Venezuela.

On Wednesday afternoon, explore the concept of Environmental Justice with Bolivian activist and trade unionist Cristian Domínguez, Professor Malcolm Eames from the Low Carbon Research Institute at Cardiff University and Judy Ling Wong, director of the Black Environment Network.

On Wednesday evening, hear Colombian social movement activist Isaac Marin explain BPs social and environmental devastion in Casanare in Colombia, with Yasmine Brien from Bristol Rising Tide re-contextualising climate change and global energy politics in terms of climate justice, including a look at so called “green” solutions such as biofuels, at an event entitled "What Does Climate Justice Look Like? Copenhagen & The Energy Crisis: The Case of BP in Colombia". read full story / add a comment

Are you a qualified solicitor or paralegal ? Do you want to get involved on some current legal challenges concerning green space use in Bristol.

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The first of our Overcoming Dyslexia Workshops that we ran on the 3rd November gets the thumbs up from everyone who took part.

The purpose of the workshops was to explore our perceptions of dyslexia. We did this by carrying out several exercises that Antonio used within the dyslexia support programme that he developed as part of his PhD research.

One of the exercises that we did was a Self-characterisation Sketch (click here http://dyslexicbrian.com to read about this exercise) – this appeared to go down really well and got the ball rolling for a really interesting discussion about how dyslexia can affect people’s lives.

Following this, everyone in the group did an exercise that assisted them to describe their perception of dyslexia. It was so fascinating how each person described their view of dyslexia in such a uniquely individual way – lots of interesting drawing were produced too (see photo).

What’s coming next?

Moving forward, the next workshop that we are running on Monday 9th November will focus on beginning the process of developing a Super Charged Dyslexia Mindset.

We will be exploring if your current view of dyslexia to discover if it is holding you back from achieving your goals in life. And, if this is the case, we will be assisting you to re-conceptualise your dyslexia in a way that will enable you to liberate yourself from your dyslexia.

If you are interested in attending this workshop then please contact us now on 07969789893 to book your FREE place. read full story / add a comment

Dialect Radio is a Bristol (UK) internet broadcasting podcast produced by volunteers. Our main activity is our weekly current affairs and arts magazine programme Dialect, which is recorded at our Queen's Square studios and posted for download every week.
Want to volunteer? Volunteering Bristol, Royal Oak House, Royal Oak Avenue, Bristol. BS1 4GB Tel: 0117 989 7733.
Listen on air: 93.2 FM (BCFM), Saturdays between 9-10 pm http://www.bcfm.org.uk/ read full story / add a comment

The Bristol Branch of Amnesty International is looking for donations of good quality art to be sold in a fundraising auction at the Watershed on 5 December to raise money for its campaigns and local charities. The auctioneer will be Ed Rising from Sotheby's. More details are available here: http://bristol.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=727 or by emailing the auction team: amnestyartauction@googlemail.com read full story / add a comment

Regular bi-monthly workday at Royate Hill Community Orchard and allotment
Saturday 7th November
11am-4pm (drop-in)
map:
http://www.kebelecoop.org/images/flyer_permaculture_may...8.pdf
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To buy, or not to buy...

Saturday November 28th is Buy Nothing Day (UK). It's a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from shopping and anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!

Shop Less Live More Everything we buy has an impact on the environment. Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of shopping. The developed countries - only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage and an unfair distribution of wealth.

As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries? The argument is infinite - while it continues we should be looking for simple solutions and Buy Nothing Day is a good place to start. read full story / add a comment

Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night is an annual celebration on the evening of 5 November. It marks the downfall of the Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605, in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, in London, United Kingdom.

We need 'Bristol Guy / Effigy suggestions urgently!

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