Calendar of Past Events – 2014

Thursday, December 18th, 6:00PM

Social Justice Center of Marin Holiday Get-Together

Won't you please join us for a holiday get-together at the Community Media Center of Marin? Our evening activities include:

• 6:00 Organic Potluck Supper
• 7:00 Panel interview conducted by Peter B.Collins and Ginger Souders Mason, panelists include:
  • China Galland – Organized Conscientious Objector Program for Students, Marin Schools
  • Esther Wanning – Health Care for All
  • Peter Franck – Media Action Marin for CMCM
• 8:00pm Group discussion with all participants focusing on crucial issues looming in 2015.

Thursday, December 18th, 6:00PM
The Community Media Center of Marin
819 A Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Google Maps

This is an accessible venue, but seating is limited, please RSVP to Valerie at bertmbartsch at yahoo dot com.

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014, 7:00PM

Palestine, the Legitimacy of Hope, a Narrative by Richard Falk

A renowned international law scholar who recently completed a six-year term as Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Occupied Palestine, Richard Falk will discuss his new book Palestine, the Legitimacy of Hope and be interviewed by Peter B.Collins. This book powerfully illuminates the transformation of the Palestinians' struggle over recent years into a struggle for legitimacy, similar to that pursued by the anti-colonial movements of the twentieth century. Falk has built this compelling narrative around a series of essays he wrote between 2010 and early 2014 for his personal blog.

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014, 7:00PM
First Presbyterian Church
72 Kensington Road
San Rafael, CA 94960
Google Maps

For more information please call (415) 388-2821. Please bring friends of peace.

Friday, November 28th, 2014, 1:00PM – 3:30PM

350 Marin Presents Black and Blue Friday, a Rockin' Production for the Planet!

Music ! Speakers ! Poets ! Art !

350 Marin and the Sweetwater Music Hall are honoured to host a show to benefit Mother Earth with:
Jig, Wendy Johnson, Lucia Lilikoi, Lyla June, Robert Steiner, Jon Symes, Love Rockit, Ancient Baby (Chris Peck) and featuring a message from 350.Org founder Bill McKibben as well as special guest performances.

Black Friday, November 28th, 2014, 1:00PM – 3:30PM
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Google Maps

Donations welcome, no one turned away for lack of funds. Please download a Flyer to share or post. For more information visit the event page.

Thursday, October 30th, 2014, 7:30PM

Immigration: Focus on Marin

Tom Wilson, Executive Director of the Canal Alliance, will discuss issues surrounding the May and June increase of women and children from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras crossing into the US, and explain what actions are being taken in Marin to provide legally mandated services and sanctuary to the undocumented.

In September of this year the number of immigrants crossing the US/Mexico border fell below 2013 totals. Is this due to humanitarian efforts of the countries involved or are there far more sinister causes at work?

Thursday, October 30th, 2014, 7:30PM
Redwoods Presbyterian Church
Redwoods Presbyterian Church
110 Magnolia Avenue (at Alexander)
Larkspur, CA 94939
Google Maps

This event is sponsored by the Task Force on the Americas. A $5-10 donation is requested; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. This event is wheelchair accessible, for more information call (415) 924-3227. Please print and distribute copies of this event flyer, thank you!

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014, 7:30PM – 9:00PM

350 Marin Presents Michael Brune

Michael Brune is the executive director of the Sierra Club and author of Coming Clean: Breaking America's Addiction to Oil and Coal. Michael will show us how we can put our convictions into practice to change our Nation's energy priorities. He will offer an inspiring vision of the clean-energy future within our reach.

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014, 7:30PM – 9:00PM
First Presbyterian Church
72 Kensington Road
San Rafael, CA 94960
Google Maps

Suggested donation $10, no one turned away for lack of funds. For more information please call (415) 388-2018.

Sunday, September 21st, 2014, 1:00PM – 2:30PM

The People's Climate March — Marin

September 21 - Global Day of Action!!!

In September, heads of state are going to New York City for a historic summit on climate change. You may have already read Bill McKibben's invitation to the People's Climate March in New York City:

“This is an invitation to anyone who'd like to prove to themselves and to their children, that they give a damn about the biggest crisis our civilization has ever faced.”

People's Climate March Marin

If you can't get to New York City (or Oakland) for this historic event, help make history locally by joining 350Marin and your concerned community at Creek Park in San Anselmo on Sunday, September 21st from 1:00PM – 2:30PM for The Largest Climate March In Marin History! We'll gather at Creek Park, march across the street to the hub at Sir Francis Drake and Red Hill Avenue with signs and posters encouraging UN World Leaders to move forward aggressively during the Climate Change Summit. We'll gather afterwards back at Creek Park for a short inspiring talk and music.

Sunday, September 21st, 2014, 1:00PM – 2:30PM
Creek Park
Corner of Center Blvd and Sir Francis Drake
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Google Maps

For more information please call (415) 388-2018 or see the event web page.

To Change Everything, We Need Everyone!

Sunday, September 21st, 2014, 5:00PM

The Task Force on the Americas Annual Dinner Celebration

Celebrating 30 years of Social Justice Activism, The Task Force on the Americas will hold it's Annual Dinner on Sunday, September 21st at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael, California.

Award-winning singer/songwriter Reed Fromer will perform in the long-standing tradition of the Fromer Family's participation in our Annual Fundraiser. This year's featured speaker is Miguel Tinker Salas, Professor of Latin American History at Pomona College in Claremont, California. He is one of the nation's foremost authorities on political and social issues confronting Latin America. His book, “The Enduring Legacy: Oil, Culture, and Society in Venezuela”, examines the cultural and social legacy of multinational oil companies in Venezuela. His interest in how oil suffused the consciousness of Venezuela is personal; he was born and raised in one of its oil camps.

Sunday, September 21st, 5:00PM
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin
240 Channing Way
San Rafael, California
Google Maps

Doors open at 5:00PM. with a social hour, no-host bar, silent auction and boutique. Dinner is at 6:00PM. A $50-100 tax-deductible donation is requested. Please note reservations are required. The venue is wheelchair accessible. For information please call (415) 924-3227 or see the event flyer.

Sunday, September 1st – Tuesday, September 30th

Art Show “Before the Present” Photographs of Burma and Oman (1984-1987)
by Cynthia Abbott

Opening Reception: Friday, September 12th, 5:00PM – 8:00PM

Burma
Photographs capturing Burma's rich culture, Buddhist practices and the perseverance of a people living in ruin after the military junta took control of the government in 1962.

Oman
Little remains untouched in our rapidly changing world, but these photos offer a glimpse into the timelessness of one Arab country during a time of rapid development and modernization.

Gallery hours are 2:00pm to 9:00pm, Tuesday through Thursday and 11:00 to 6:00pm, Friday and Saturday.

Sunday, September 1st – Tuesday, September 30th
The Community Media Center of Marin
819 A Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Google Maps

This is an accessible venue. For more information, please email Cynthia at [email protected].

Wednesday, August 13th, 2014, 9:00AM – 11:00AM

Don't Let Your Tax Dollars Burn Fossil Fuels!

Join 350Marin.org in urging Marin County to re-invest its $1.9 billion public employee pension fund from fossil fuels to clean energy. Insist on the Marin County Employees' Retirement Association upholding their fiduciary duty of pursuing “superior long-term investment performance” with YOUR public funds. We are looking for environmentally minded individuals and organizations who support divesting from fossil fuels.

During the public comment period, you will have 2-3 minutes if you want to speak. Because the Marin County Employees' Retirement Association rigorously enforces this time limit, it may be helpful to prepare a written statement in advance. If you don't wish to speak in public, please just show up and support those who do! (Sheer numbers have a great impact.)

Wednesday, August 13th, 2014, 9:00AM
Marin County Employees' Retirement Association (MCERA)
1 McInnis Parkway
San Rafael, CA 94903
Google Maps

For more information or if you plan on attending, please contact Jody Timms at [email protected]. Please print and distribute copies of this flyer!

Wednesday, August 6th – 7:15AM

Livermore Laboratories – Hiroshima Day, 2014

On the 69th anniversary of the U.S. Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we invite all who seek peace and justice to gather at Livermore Laboratories, at 7:30AM. There will be speakers, music, art, and a solemn moment of silence to honor radiation victims. At 8:30AM there will be a short procession to the gate where those who choose to do so will peacefully risk arrest.

Each new weapon developed by Livermore Laboratories involves upgraded features able to rain unimaginable devastation on a moment's notice anywhere on Earth. The budget request reveals that 89% of Livermore Laboratories' funding (more than a billion dollars) will go to nuclear weapons activities in the coming year. Stand with the Hibakusha (A-bomb survivors) to proclaim “Never Again – No Nukes”.

Wednesday, August 6th – 7:15AM
Livermore Laboratories' Northwest Corner
Vasco and Patterson Pass Roads
Livermore, Ca 94550
Google Maps

There will be parking set up at the rally site and vanpools from the Dublin-Pleasanton BART Station. To reserve a vanpool seat, or for more information, please call Scott at (925) 443-7148 or email [email protected]. Please print and distribute copies of this event flyer.

Wednesday, July 2nd 6:00PM

Celebrating Success in Guatemala

A celebration of the work of the Guatemala Accompaniment Project (GAP). will be held on Wednesday, July 2 at the Redwoods Presbyterian Church in Larkspur. A light supper will be served at 6:00PM and a presentation will begin at 7:00PM.

GAP Director Bridget Brehen, visiting from Guatemala, and Megan Whelan and Todd Kolze of the Bay Area Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala will discuss the significance of the Rios Montt Trial; the continuing struggle against mining and dams in indigenous territories; and the ongoing work of the Guatemala Accompaniment Project.

Wednesday, July 2nd, 6:00PM
Redwoods Presbyterian Church
Redwoods Presbyterian Church
110 Magnolia Avenue (at Alexander)
Larkspur, CA 94939
Google Maps

This event is sponsored by the The Task Force on the Americas. The venue is wheelchair accessible. A $10-25 donation is suggested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Refreshments will be served. For more information please call (415) 924-3227 or see the event flyer.

Tuesday, July 1st – Friday, August 1st

Art Show – Paintings and sketches with “political overtones” by B. Emily Sykes

Opening Reception with music by the “Whistle Blowers”, Friday, July 11th, from 5:00–8:00PM. Please come see the work of renowned local artist, B. Emily Sykes, on display at the Community Media Center of Marin. The show will be up until August 1st. Gallery hours are 2:00pm to 9:00pm, Tuesday through Thursday and 11:00 to 6:00pm, Friday and Saturday.

Tuesday, July 1st – Friday, August 1st
The Community Media Center of Marin
819 A Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Google Maps

This is an accessible venue. For more information, call 415 721-0636 or 415 388-2821. Please print and distribute copies of this event flyer. Sales will benefit CMCM, the Community Media Center of Marin.

Saturday, June 18th 2:00PM – 4:00PM

Commemorating the 5th Anniversary of the U.S. Backed Honduran Coup

The Task Force on the Americas will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the US – backed military coup in Honduras on Saturday, June 28 from 2PM – 4PM. The gathering will be held at the The Task Force on the Americas offices at the Redwoods Presbyterian Church in Larkspur.

Members will report on their experiences during the November 2013 election. As official election monitors, they will talk about observations at various polling sites and the overall tenor in a country where the vibrant new Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) exerts a strong presence on the political scene.

Saturday, June 28th, 4:00PM
Redwoods Presbyterian Church
110 Magnolia Avenue, Lower Level (at Alexander)
Larkspur, CA 94939
Google Maps

This event is not wheelchair accessible. Refreshments will be served. For more information please call (415) 924-3227 or see the event flyer.

Saturday, May 24th, 2014 – 6:30PM to 8:30PM

Cindy Sheehan for California State Governor

Please Join Cindy Sheehan at the Community Media Center of Marin in San Rafael

Our goals in the Peace and Freedom Party are to decrease prison populations and increase funding for schools and publicly financed healthcare; greatly reduce fees for public colleges and universities; wean our state off of fossil fuels and expand usage of renewable and clean energy and expand public transportation (free for seniors and students); institute a State Bank; increase job training programs and repair existing infrastructure; house the homeless; stop the unconstitutional Bay Delta tunnel project and put all utilities under the control of communities that are served; fully decriminalize marijuana; legalize hemp; expand worker control of workplaces; expand people's participation in state government; make the wealthiest citizens of this state pay their fair share; reform CPS and institute public review boards for police that have real power.

Saturday, May 24th, 6:30PM
Community Media Center of Marin
819 A St
San Rafael, CA 94901
Google Maps

This is an accessible venue. Donations respectfully requested, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information, please call Jolie at (415) 235-9187.

Thursday, May 15th, 2014 – 7:30PM

MITF is Proud to Present:
“An Update on Chevron, Our Neighbor”, a talk by Paul Paz y Miño

(Courtesy Steven Donziger)

In 2011 Chevron, was found liable for dumping 18 billion gallons of toxic foundation waters in Ecuador. Chevron, has refused to pay the $9.5 billion judgment and promises to fight “until hell freezes over.” The oil giant has sued the Ecuadorian communities, their lawyers and supports under the US RICO Act – labeling them “global extortionists” to prevent them from collecting on this judgment.

Amazon Watch, named as a “co-conspirator” by Chevron, is organizing communities to respond. Paul Paz y Miño will give an update on these events, including visuals, and tell people how they can join the effort to bring Chevron, to justice by joining a world day of action later in May.

Thursday, May 15, 7:30PM
The Redwoods Presbyterian Church
110 Magnolia Avenue (at Alexander)
Larkspur, CA 94939
Google Maps

This event is sponsored by the Marin Task Force on the Americas. A $5-10 donation is suggested. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. The venue is wheelchair accessible. For other needs or more information, please call (415) 924-3227 or visit Marin Task Force on the Americas – www.mitfamericas.org.

Monday, May 5th, 2014, 7:00PM

Lynne Stewart – A Celebration of Life & Struggle

Please join MPJC in welcoming home Lynne Stewart

Lynne Stewart is a radical human rights and criminal defense attorney who has devoted her life to the oppressed. She was falsely convicted of conspiracy to aid and abet terrorism because she issued a press release on behalf of her famous client, Omar Abdel-Rahman an anti-Mubarak Egyptian cleric. This was an obvious attempt by the U.S. government to silence dissent, curtail vigorous defense lawyers and install fear in those who would fight against the U.S. government. She was arrested in April 2002 and convicted after an outrageously biased trial. She initially received a 28-month sentence in October 2006 but was free on bail until 2009 while she and the government appealed. In late 2009 Lynne was re-sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and sent to the Carswell Federal Medical Center in Ft. Worth, Texas. While there, her breast cancer progressed to Stage IV, leading to a massive campaign for her compassionate release from federal custody, as required by federal law for those with terminal illness. Finally, after over a year of tremendous effort involving thousands, Lynne was released this past New Year's Eve and is living with her family in New York City. Her husband Ralph Poynter is joining her on the trip to the Bay Area.

7:00PM
Basement, First United Methodist Church
9 Ross Valley Road (at Fourth Street),
San Rafael, CA 94901
Google Maps

This event is free, accessible and open to all. Donations are always appreciated but never required. This event is sponsored by the Marin Peace and Justice Coalition. For more information please contact [email protected]. To print or distribute copies of the event flyer, please visit: http://sjcm.org/doc/lynne.pdf

Saturday, May 3th, 2014, 2:00PM – 4:00PM

People United For A Better Life In Oakland (PUEBLO)
Proudly Present
Dr. Victor Rios

Uncovering GRIT through Restorative Justice: The School to Prison Pipeline and the Power of Transformation

Dr. Victor Rios, Ph.D., is an award winning college professor, speaker and author of the favourably peer-reviewed works: Punished: Policing the Lives of Black and Latino Boys and Street Life: Poverty, Gangs and a Ph.D. His personal story of transformation from a drop out gang member on the streets of Oakland to a college professor at University of California, Santa Barbara is inspirational and compelling. Combined with evidence from more than a decade of research, Dr. Rios' work highlights the power of positive reinforcement in the lives of marginalized youth and young adults. An active and involved community member and mentor, Dr. Rios continues to transform the lives of the people with whom he studies and works.

His story is inspirational and insightful about how the investment in punitive, repressive systems makes it difficult for youth who are at risk to receive the support they need to redirect their energies and abilities. Dr. Rios Provides captivating, evidence-based professional development to educators about the power of positive quality of interactions in the lives of young people. He speaks to middle, high school and college students about overcoming adversity, leadership and the power of a higher education.

Saturday, May 3th, 2014, 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Castlemont High School
Phillip Reeder Performing Arts Center
8601 MacArthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94605
Google Maps

This event is free, accessible and open to all. Please pre-register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-victor-rios-phd-tickets-11189976521 or by calling (510) 535-2525. Donations are always appreciated but never required. To donate or support PUEBLO, please visit http://www.peopleunited.org/. This event is sponsored by People United For A Better Life In Oakland. For more information please call (510) 535-2525.

Sunday, April 27th, 2014, 5:45-8:30PM

SJCM Annual Spring Dinner

The Social Justice Center of Marin would like to invite you to attend our Annual Membership Dinner and Awards Ceremony. We are honoured to present Lisa Rudman, executive director of the social justice national radio series, “Making Contact”, which can be heard on KPFA, 94.1 FM on Friday afternoons. Lisa will speak on “Acts of Journalism: How Changes in Media Making are Changing our Lives”

Before the talk, the Social Justice Center will present the following awards:

Norman Carlin

– Lifetime Achievement Award

Colleen Rose

– Activist of the Year

Larry Rose & Bill Rothman

– Clean Water Advocacy Award

Please join us in celebrating our gratitude for the achievements of these activists and enjoy a buffet style dinner with Lisa Rudman on

Sunday, April 27th, 2014, 5:45-8:30PM
The West End Delicatessen
1131 4th Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Google Maps

The cost for the dinner is $35 –$50 on a sliding scale. RSVP by April 20 to Justine at (415) 883-8188. Of course the venue is accessible to all, but please call in advance if you have a special situation or need.

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2014, 7:00PM

Gaza Writes Back

Come Hear the Stories from Young Writers Living under Occupation

There is a profound imbalance against the Palestinian People in the mainstream U.S. media. In the hope of showing the truth about the occupation, the First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo is proud to host an evening with four young writers on U.S. national tour from the book “Gaza Writes Back”, edited by Refaat Alareer. It is a compelling collection of short stories from 15 young writers in Gaza, members of a generation that have suffered immensely under Israel's siege and and blockade. Their experiences, especially during and following Israel's 2008-2009 offensive known as “Operation Cast Lead”, have fundamentally impacted their lives. Their stories are acts of resistance and defiance, proclaiming the endurance of Palestinians and the continuing resilience and creativity of their culture in the face of ongoing obstacles, indignities and attempts to silence them. Through their writing these authors have brought to life the real issues that the people of Gaza face. Introduction by Annie Robbins, editor-at-large for Mondoweiss.

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2014, 7:00PM
First Presbyterian Church
72 Kensington Road
San Rafael, CA 94960
Google Maps

This event is free, accessible and open to all. Donations are always appreciated but never required. This event is sponsored by 14 Friends of Palestine, If Americans Knew, Jewish Voice for Peace, San Francisco Chapter, Keep Hope Alive, the Marin Peace and Justice Coalition, NorCal Sabeel and the Social Justice Center of Marin.

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2014, 7:00PM

The Mill Valley Seniors for Peace Feature Chasing Ice

In honor of Earth Day, the Mill Valley Seniors for Peace will show this phenomenal photographic feat guaranteed to exceed any previous glacier melting visual. Aside from the stunningly beautiful photography, this film should inspire everyone to restrain their consumption and better evaluate how to preserve our planet.

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2014, 7:00PM
The Redwoods
40 Camino Alto
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Google Maps

This event is free, accessible and open to all. For more information, please call (415) 383-2741.

Saturday, April 19th, 2014, 11:00AM

Earth Day San Francisco Action Parade & Rally

On April 19th, up to 10,000 people from the San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond, will converge at U.N. Plaza/ Civic Center to celebrate Earth Day San Francisco 2014. The event will feature three stages of Multi-Cultural Music and Performance, Renowned Keynote Speakers, Interactive D.I.Y. Workshops, Green-Economy and Businesses Info and more.

The public is promised a fantastic day with exposure to various informative & interactive learning experiences, such as Green Jobs Info, Cutting-Edge Eco-Fashion Shows & Eco Artist Grove, Organic Food Cooking Demos, a Huge Green Kids Zone & Eco-Carnival.

Saturday, April 19th, 2014, 11:00AM
UN Plaza – San Francisco Civic Center
1131 4th Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Google Maps

Join Thousands in a “CALL TO ACTION”!!!

Sunday, April 6th, 2014, 11:00AM – 5:00PM

Earth Day Marin

A Fun Family-Friendly Festival with Music, Speakers, Food, a Day of Action and Hand-on Activities!

Redwood High School
395 Doherty Drive
Larkspur, CA 94939
Google Maps

You've heard about the climate change problem — join us for a fun-filled day and be part of the solution!

Sunday, April 6th, 2014, 2:00PM

Occupy Oakland Earth Day to May Day Direct Action Assembly

We are having an assembly to plan direction actions from April 22nd to May 1st to raise awareness about the intersections of labor, immigration and environmental issues. You can propose actions or events. Examples include film screenings, sit-ins, tree-sits, guerrilla gardening, pickets, marches, blockades, strikes, etc. After the proposals are voted on we will have a discussion about strategies to unite workers and environmentalists against the bosses.

Following this will be a screening of the film “Rocking the Foundations”, about the Builders Labourers Federation of Australia.

Mosswood Park Amphitheater
3612 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94609
Google Maps

To email event/action proposals or for more information please contact [email protected].

Thursday, April 3rd, 2014 – 7:30PM

MPJC Hosts Gareth Porter

Truthout Contributor and 2012 recipient of the Martha Gellhorn Prize for Journalism, Gareth Porter, will discuss his new book “Manufactured Crisis, the Untold Story of the Iran Nuclear Scare” with Peter B.Collins. A veteran investigative journalist, Gareth Porter has been following the facts and accusations regarding Iran's nuclear research for over six years. His research serves as a disturbing indictment of US and Israeli policies. There has never been conclusive evidence that Iran's Islamic leaders want to have or use nuclear weapons, therefore talk of an “Iranian nuclear threat” is premature. This is an important event you won't want to miss.

Thursday, April 3rd, 2014 – 7:30PM
Wesley Hall
199 Greenfield Ave
(Across from First United Methodist Church)
San Rafael, CA
Google Maps

This event is free and accessible to all, but seating is limited. For more information please call (415) 459-7210. Presented by MPJC, the Marin Peace and Justice Coalition.

Monday, March 3, 2014 – 7:00PM

7:00PM Film Night with the Marin Peace and Justice Coalition

Featuring: “Take Back Your Power, Investigating the Smart Grid”, by Josh Del Sol, a new documentary and winner of the Transformational Film of the Year, AwareGuide Award, exposes in-home surveillance issues, customer billing corruption, potential health risks and other problems of the Smart Grid. Running time: 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Q and A to follow with the Director of StopSmartMeters.org, Josh Hart. A researcher and writer, his work has appeared on the BBC, and been published in the Guardian, Tehran Times, The Daily Mail, Surveyor, Walk and Make magazines, The Wall Street Journal and Lonely Planet's Flightless: Incredible Journeys without Leaving the Ground. He has been interviewed on PBS Newshour and countless other TV and radio stations. He has been fighting the forced deployment of “smart meters” in the US and abroad.

7:00PM
Basement, First United Methodist Church
9 Ross Valley Road (at Fourth Street),
San Rafael, CA 94901
Google Maps

Wheelchair accessible; plenty of parking. This event is free and open to all, of course donations are always appreciated but never required.