Today in 1940: Civilian Public Service camps were established for conscientious objectors following the institution of the first peacetime draft – a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was the first time members of peace-oriented religious groups could legally avoid military conscription.
Though they worked nine-hour days except Sundays, they had to pay their own room and board, and were not released from the camps until 1947.
It’s Today’s Action Calendar!
This afternoon, there will be a Wisconsin Books to Prisoners meeting. Join others interested in getting quality reading material and educational opportunities to those who are behind bars. Donations of new softcover books are also most welcome. This will be at 4pm at Rainbow Bookstore, 426 West Gilman. More info at 257-6050.
Tonight is “Radical Politics and Popular Resistance in Belarus!” Jury Urso will speak about the future of radical politics in his native country, the newly born post-Soviet Eastern European republic of Belarus. He will also talk about a popular educational project, the ‘Rebel Studies Library’ as well show some short videos about state repression of anarchist protests in fall 2010 and life in the squat ‘Masterskaya’ that lasted for eight months in 2008. Hosted by the Madison Infoshop, this is tonight at 6pm at Rainbow Bookstore, 426 West Gilman. More info at 262-9036.
Calling all artists, ice fisherman and other creative minds in the Madison area – construct “Bicicle Shanties” for the Bicicle Shanty Competition held in conjunction with the USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships January 9 through the 13th in Badger Prairie Park! The Competition is meant to showcase some good old Wisconsin culture while also providing artful, cozy places for spectators to seek refuge from the elements during the week of races in January. Registration to enter a shanty is free and must be completed by Friday, December 28th. More info at bicicleshanty.wordpress.com or call Shea at 414-292-6033.