NATIONAL WOMEN'S FIGHTBACK NETWORK STATEMENT

IN SOLIDARITY WITH HONDURAN WOMEN IN STRUGGLE

Dear sisters,

The National Women's Fightback Network stands in solidarity with all of our Honduran sisters who are in the resistance movement in opposition to the illegal Micheletti government.

We support all of the courageous women who are opposing the criminal military coup d'etat, with special recognition to all of you who are playing a prominent role in the leadership of the resistance movement.

Your strength, bravery and determination are an inspiration to women worldwide.

The National Women's Fightback Network wholly backs all of those who are fighting for a new society in Honduras, with a Constitution that puts people's needs first, and who are demanding the reinstatement of the democratically-elected government of Pres. Manuel Zelaya.

We join with progressive forces around the world who are speaking out to deplore the coup government’s political repression, its illegal decrees against your democratic rights to organize, march and speak out, and all of its attempts to suppress the strong, and resolute people's movement.

The National Women’s Fightback Network is in solidarity with all of your demands for women's rights, which have been put forward by Women in Resistance and other popular women's organizations and activists.

We are with you in the fight for a true People's Constitution which guarantees women's social, political and economic rights; this includes guaranteed access to employment, land, territory, health, education, and much more. It also insures women's participation in the new Constitutional Assembly--an absolute necessity.

We know that women in struggle throughout the world are with you at this crucial time.

With our utmost solidarity and heartfelt sisterhood,

Nieves Ayres, Working Women for Peace, New York City
Miya Campbell, Boston
LeiLani Dowell, New York City
Phebe Eckfeldt, Boston
Berna Ellorin, BAYAN, USA
Kris Hamel, Detroit
Berta Joubert-Ceci, Philadelphia
Monica Moorehead, Jersey City
Gloria Rubac, Houston

Brenda Stokely, New York City
Maggie Vascassenno, Los Angeles

Representatives of the National Women’s Fightback Network

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Dr. George Tiller, ¡Presente!

National Women's Fightback Network

c/o Solidarity Center

55 West 17th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011

Phone: 212-633-6646

www.iacenter.org

Dr. George Tiller is a hero in the reproductive rights movement.

We Will Never Stop Fighting for Reproductive Justice for All Women!

Women have lost a true friend. Dr. George Tiller stood up for decades and provided vitally necessary medical and reproductive health care for women of all ages and backgrounds.

When an ultraright zealot shot him years ago, Dr. Tiller stood up. When his clinic was vandalized and firebombed, he stood up. When his clinic was harassed day in and day out, he stood up. When he received death threats day after day, year after year, for simply helping women, he stood up.

When the state of Kansas in the person of Phill Kline personally went on a vendetta against Dr. Tiller to close his clinic down, he stood up. When the state subpoenaed him and threw bogus charges at him, he stood up, and a jury acquitted him.

Dr. George Tiller understood the desperation women often faced when seeking his medical care. They came from all over the country to see him, when no other doctors would help them. They came with complicated lives and problems and he would help them, no matter what the risk was to himself or his clinic. He did what had to be done to help women.

Dr. Tiller was well loved by his community and by women from all over the country who knew that he put his life on the line every single day to provide them care. He was courageous and had tremendous integrity and compassion for women.

That the ultraright would madly pursue its attacks on Dr. Tiller shows they have not stopped in their misogynistic mission to stop reproductive care for women and that they will stop at nothing.

We denounce their actions! We denounce the racist, sexist, homophobic, anti-woman rightwing and their murder of a dedicated, brave doctor who was doing what he should--helping women who needed him. We denounce the cold-blooded murder of Dr. Tiller as a vicious act of terrorism, which is calculated to intimidate clinic providers and workers all over the country as well as the entire reproductive rights movement.

We who support women's rights and reproductive justice are standing up — with Dr. Tiller’s family, his friends, his co-workers and the entire pro-choice movement — in denouncing his death. We are determined to continue the fight for national, comprehensive reproductive health care. Dr. Tiller's death only confirms our resolve to continue to fight for reproductive justice for all women.

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Celebrate International Working Women's Day
Bail Out Women and Our Communities!

"Let There Be Everywhere
Our Eyes, Our Thoughts,
Our Voices, Our Actions
Breathing Hope and Victory"
~Sonia Sanchez~

WOMEN RISE UP!
Uphold The Legacy Of Women's Resistance!
SISTAH SUMMIT

Saturday, March 14
1 pm - 4 pm

Roxbury Community College
Cafeteria, Student Center
1234 Columbus Ave, Roxbury, MA

IWD - March 8, NYC

• The Economic Crisis: Women United in the Struggle---
• Money for Schools, Healthcare, Childcare, Youth Programs and our Communities!
• Jobs and a Livable Income for All!
• Help Build the Fightback Against Racism, Sexism, LGBT Oppression, Budget Cuts, Layoffs, Poverty and War!
• No War on Women at Home and Worldwide! Globalize Women's Solidarity!

Featuring:

Teresa Gutierrez, NYC Coordinator-Bail Out The People Movement(BOPM);
Deputy Secretary General,International Migrant Alliance; Coordinator, May 1st Coalition for Worker and Immigrant Rights;
Layla Hijab Cable, Palestinian Activist; Teacher/Educator; Somerville Divestment Project
Josefina Vazquez, Exec. Director, Boston Women's Fund
Dorotea Manuela, Boston May Day Committee
Amanda Ali, Reflect and Strengthen
Sandra McIntosh, Work 4 Quality
Natural Bliss, Hip Hop/Spoken Word Artist
Miya X, Women's Fightback Network
and others

Join us for a Multi-Generational Women's Panel, Community Speakout, and Spoken Word/Cultural Performances
including La Pinata, Latin American Folklorico Youth Dance Troupe

Childcare & Food Provided, Wheelchair accessible, Arts/Crafts Vendors welcome!

Sponsored by:
The Women's Fightback Network/
Red de Mujeres en Lucha

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March unites issues impacting women

By Brenda Ryan
New York

Hundreds of women, along with male supporters, rallied at Union Square and then marched together on March 8 to commemorate International Women’s Day. They called for “a bailout of women and our communities,” not the banks, in the U.S. and worldwide.

Under the theme, “Every issue is a women’s issue,” speakers noted the fight to keep their homes in the face of massive foreclosures and evictions, to stop the attacks and deportation of immigrant workers, to end wars and occupations abroad and the need to strengthen reproductive justice.

Brenda Stokely, a leader of the Million Worker March Movement, and Valerie Francisco of Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE) chaired the rally. Stokely called on everyone to become an organizer: “Ask yourselves, ‘What am I doing?’ You need to be an organizer and build solidarity. The only thing the opposition listens to is a mighty front. They don’t listen to petitions. They don’t listen to lobbying.”

Sara Rodriguez of the striking Stella D’oro workers noted that women are most affected by this six-month-old strike against the cookie company. In addition to eliminating 12 sick days, a week of vacation and six holidays, the company is also cutting hourly pay for table packers, 80 percent being women.

Representatives of the Women’s International Democratic Federation spoke about the struggle in Latin America and Dima Abisaab from Al-Awda called for an end to the occupation of Palestine.

Other speakers included Christine White, a transit worker from Take Back Our Union; New York State Assemblyperson Inez Barron; health care worker Joyce Chediac, who noted hospital cutbacks that are particularly hurting immigrants; Vickie White, People’s Organization for Progress, who reminded everyone about the domestic violence epidemic; IFCO organizer Alison Bodine, who spoke about the Cuban Five; Katrina survivor Ivy Parker; Bail Out the People organizer Sharon Black; December 12th Movement spokesperson Amadi Ajamu; Julie Fry and Miya Campbell from Fight Imperialism, Stand Together (FIST); Marina Diaz from the May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Worker Rights; Nieves Ayress of La Peña del Bronx; Suzanne Ross from the New York Free Mumia Coalition, who spoke on women political prisoners; and Christina Hilo of FiRE who described how the 60,000 U.S. troops stationed in the Philippines are harming women and children.

The marchers went to the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire where 146 women workers and girls died in 1911 because the bosses had barricaded the exits to the factory. Along the way the march stopped in front of Bank of America to protest the billions of dollars the government has paid to BofA and other banks.

The march also stopped in front of the Kimmel Center of New York University, which students occupied last month to demand a freeze on tuition hikes and divestment from Israel. After the march, people gathered at the Solidarity Center for a delicious meal cooked by male allies and to listen to additional talks and music.

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In Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’s Birthday
and African American History Month

FIGHTBACK CONFERENCE
Bail Out the PEOPLE,
Not Wall Street!
endorse download flyer download call
Download BOPM Working Paper

Bail Out The People Movement - Boston

SAT., FEBRUARY 28th - 1-5:00 pm
Endorsed & hosted by the Boston School Bus Union USW Local 8751
at the USW 8751 Hall, 25 Colgate Rd., Roslindale
(from Forest Hills T Stop on Orange line, take bus on Washington St 4 blocks to Archdale Rd. and walk back one block.)

Uniting & fighting against WAR and for economic & social justice in the biggest crisis since the depression of the 1930s!

Topics include: Organizing a movement to fight foreclosures, evictions and homelessness / mobilizing students & youth / solidarity with immigrant workers / turning back the rightwing attacks on women and lgbt workers / organizing unemployed workers / international solidarity / merging the antiwar and social justice movements /  fighting back against budget cuts, wage freezes, layoffs, and concessions / The racist attack on school desegregation in Boston / standing against the attack on Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner and other elected leaders of the African American community / relevance of King’s legacy today

for more information or to endorse:bopmboston@gmail.com
Boston: Bail Out The People Movement - Boston
National: Bail Out The People Movement

Endorsers (partial list):Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner; Boston School Bus Union USW 8751; Women's Fightback Network; Bishop Filipe Teixeira, OFSJC; Miya X; Rev. Franklin Hobbes, Heal Our Land*; Tony Van Der Meer, Prof. UMASS Boston*; Dorotea Manuela, Boston May Day Committee; International Action Center; Fight Imerpialism Stand Together; Ahmad Kawash, Palestinian Club; Stonewall Warriors; Jorge Marin, MLK Bolivarian Circle*; Rhode Island Peoples Assembly; Boston May Day Committee -- * id only

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UNITE TO DEFEND EQUAL QUALITY EDUCATION IN BOSTON

Dec. 14, 1974 March on Boston Say No to Racism!

Stop the School Closings! Postpone the School Committee Vote! Pack 26 Court Street! Wed., Nov. 5th - 6:00 PM download flyer

On Wednesday, November 5th, the Boston School Committee is scheduled to vote on a plan that will mean cuts to students and parents in Boston’s communities of color. The plan calls for the burden of the cuts to fall once again most heavily on Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. As City Councilor Chuck Turner stated in his Nov. 2, 2008, letter to School Superintendent Carol Johnson, “Residents of Greater Roxbury have witnessed the closing of over 70 schools in the last thirty years. These changes have left us with the feeling that our children are viewed as pieces on a chess board rather than human beings who have a right to be treated respectfully. Given the fact that children of Greater Roxbury don't have enough seats to go to school in their neighborhoods and that other neighborhoods are working to limit our access, we are very suspicious of any change and want to be able to clearly understand the impact of any changes, particularly where we are going to see our children again losing seats.”

As a result of massive community opposition and protest, the School Committee rescinded some of the school closures, and postponed until 2009 the decision on the racist and segregationist 60%/40% preference for “walk-to” neighborhood schools. They also postponed the vote on the closing and consolidation plan by one week. Even with the modifications, and absent any serious analysis of the impact of plan on communities of color, the plan should not go forward!

Join with City Councilors Chuck Turner and Charles Yancey, the Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts (BEAM), Work 4 Quality/Fight 4 Equity, Boston Parent Organizing Network (BPON), the Women’s Fightback Network, the United Steelworkers Local 8751 (Boston school bus drivers), the International Action Center, Community Partners, parents, students and education activists to demand that the School Committee vote be postponed.

Call Mayor Menino 617-635-4500 * School Committee 617-635-9014 *
Dr. Carol Johnson 617-635-9050

The December 14th 1974, 25,000 strong “March Against Racism” showed that Solidarity between the Community, Labor, students, and other activists can turn back the racist tide. It’s time to march again.

For more information: USW Local 8751 617 524-7073

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Restore Our Heat & Lights Campaign!

Planning Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 - 4:30-5:45 pm
Global Ministries Christian Church - 670 Washington St., Dorchester, MA
(corner of Washington St. & Euclid St. near Codman Square)

Join with Boston City Councilors Chuck Turner, Charles Yancey, & Sam Yoon and community, labor & youth activists to help build the "Restore Our Heat & Lights Campaign!" This winter is expected to be severe and while there is a moratorium, from November to May, preventing heat and electricity from being shutoff in peoples homes it does nothing for the thousands whose utilities have been shutoff in the interim. Last May 100,000 shutoff notices went out to low-income families. According to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) 83,000 shutoffs took effect last year. It is estimated that at least 10,000 are still without these essential utilities as winter approaches.

On Monday, October 27, City Councilors Chuck Turner, Charles Yancey and Sam Yoon were joined by community and labor activists at a press conference at City Hall to tell National Grid and NStar: restore heat and light immediately to the thousands of Massachusetts residents who have been shut off! The councilors and speakers made clear that if the utility companies won't do the right thing, then the Governor and the Mayor must declare an Economic State of Emergency and direct the utilities to restore power so that no one is without heat and lights this winter.

Come to the planning meeting on Wednesday, November 19 and get involved with the campaign to make sure that NO ONE goes without heat or lights this winter!

Following this meeting participants will attend the "Community Housing Forum" being held at the The Great Hall, 6 Norfolk St., Dorchester (Codman Sq.) from 6-9:00 pm on Wednesday, November 19. This forum will focus on providing assistance to people facing foreclosure. The Forum is sponsored by: The Greater Four Corners Action Coalition, The Codman Square NDC and co-sponsors Councilor Charles Yancey and Councilor Chuck Turner. For more information contact: Mayra Duran of the Greater Four Corners Action Coalition at 617-436-0289.

Endorsers (partial List): City Councilor Chuck Turner; City Councilor Charles Yancey; City Councilor Sam Yoon; Women's Fightback Network; USW Local 8751, Boston School Bus Union; Tony Hernandez, Organizer, District Council 35, Painters and Allied Trades*; Bishop Filipe Teixeira, Diocese of St Francis of Assissi, CCA*; Black Educators' Alliance of Massachusetts (BEAM); Jenny Cintron, ABCD*; Jean-Claude Sanon, Candidate, City Councilor at Large, Boston; New England Human Rights; Fight Imperialism Stand Together (FIST); Lenore Pereira, Survivors, Inc.*; Jason Leyden, Minister, Community Church of Boston*; International Action Center * id only

Heat and Lights Campaign

Chuck Turner: 617-635-3510 Charles Yancey: 617-635-3131
USW L. 8751, Boston School Bus Drivers: 617-524-3507
The Most Rev. Filipe Teixeira, OFSJC: 617-816-7795
Women’s Fightback Network: 617-522-6626

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Join City Councilors Chuck Turner & Charles Yancey and Community Activists & Trade Unionists
PRESS CONFERENCE - RALLY

Monday October 27- 4pm Curley Room, Boston City Hall

National Grid and NStar: Restore Heat and Light to all those who have been cut off NOW!
Governor Patrick: Declare an Economic State of Emergency and issue an executive order to insure that no one goes without heat or light this winter!
Mayor Menino: Declare a State of Emergency in Boston and ensure no one is without heat and light in the city!

Poor and working people face a humanitarian crisis this winter: thousands are without heat and light as the winter cold season begins. Last May, when the annual November to April moratorium on utility shutoffs ended, over 100,000 in Massachusetts received utility shutoff notices, as reported in the Boston Globe. The growing economic crisis is devastating Boston as well as communities throughout Massachusetts resulting in an untold number of people unable to pay their utility bills and who have been shut off or, in many cases, not had their utilities turned back on. How many of these shutoffs are in communities of color? How many are women and children, elders, and the disabled?

National Grid and NStar must open their books and reveal exactly who has been and remains shut off, and restore power to these families immediately!

Governor Patrick should utilize his powers under state law (Chapter 639) to declare a Gubernatorial State of Emergency, and issue an executive order insuring that no one is left in the cold and dark this winter.

The Winter of 2008 is predicted to be very severe. We will not stand by while people freeze, or go without lights while NSTAR ($7.8B in assets) and National Grid make millions in profits. $150M a day is going to the war in Iraq, and Bush bails out the banks to the tune of over a trillion, while poor and working families are homeless, jobless and children are going hungry - we need to bring this money back here to our communities. Youth need education and jobs, NOT jails. Heat, Housing, Food and Fuel are a Right! Together we have the power to build a movement to turn this around.

This press conference / rally is part of nationally coordinated local protest actions demanding "Bail Out the People, Not the Bankers". Actions will occur in over a dozen cities around the country on October 24-27 saying:

IT'S TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DECLARE AN ECONOMIC STATE OF EMERGENCY AND GIVE DIRECT HELP TO THE PEOPLE--NOT THE BANKS The following are some of the growing list of emergency measures that people across the country will be raising at protests during the Days of Action:

• Emergency moratorium on home foreclosures and evictions
• No budget cuts in education, healthcare and all social services
• No layoffs, extend unemployment benefits
• No utility shut-offs
• Debt relief for students, poor and working people
• Protect public and private pensions
• Jobs at a living wage

Local Endorsers (partial list): City Councilor Chuck Turner; City Councilor Charles Yancey; Frantz Mendes, President, USW Local 8751 (Boston School Bus Union); Bishop Filipe Teixeira, OFSJC, Diocese of St. Francis of Assissi, CCA; Tony Hernandez, Organizer, District Council 35, Painters and Allied Trades; New England Human Rights for Haiti; Women's Fightback Network, FIST (Fight Imperialism, Stand Together)

Initiators of the national days of action include:Ad-hoc National Network to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions, Bail Out the People Movement, Women's Fightback Network (Massachusetts), Frantz Mendes, President, USW local 8751 (Boston School Bus Drivers), Bishop Filipe Teixeira, OFSJC, Moratorium Now Coalition To StopForeclosures and Evictions (Michigan), Labor/Community Coalition to StopForeclosures and Evictions (California), Service Employees International Union, Local 721, Latino Caucus, SEIU Local 721, Gloria Saucedo, Hermandad Mexicana Nacional, BAYAN USA, NY May 1 Coalition For Workers and Immigrants Rights, Chris Silvera, Secretary Treasurer, Teamster local 808, Brenda Stokely, New York Solidarity Coalition with Katrina/Rita Survivors, La Peña Del Bronz, Trabahadores Por La Paz, Rebel Diaz, Queers for Peace and Justice, Action Center for Justice (North Carolina), FIST (Fight Imperialism, Stand Together), Troops Out Now Coalition (partial list)

For more information contact:
Councilor Turner's office - 617-635-3510
Women's Fightback Network - 617-522-6626 - wfn@iacboston.org

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