Friday Rally & March for Peace and Justice

Please join us this Friday in solidarity with Iran

A post from member group AIFC:

Portland Stands with Iran, a non-partisan group of ordinary people from the Portland Metropolitan area and from Vancouver, WA will continue Friday night vigils in solidarity with the courageous people in Iran who have been protesting ever since the election results were announced and their will was disregarded. We came together because we are heartbroken by the violence inflicted upon the Iranian people. We are also tremendously proud of our fellow Iranians for their perseverance and non-violent presence in streets demanding change and justice.

We unite with people in Iran in demanding an end to the violence, the release of all those detained and democracy for Iran. We share President Obama’s message of concern while refraining from direct US intervention.

This Friday we will link with the international campaign “green scroll,” which intends to create the longest petition by collecting and stitching together green scrolls from all over the world with the message "Ahmadinejad is not Iran's President:" http://greenscroll.blogspot.com

The citizens of Portland will have an opportunity to join the world community by adding their signatures to the scroll on Friday, July 10. 

"Portland Stands with Iran" Vigil
Friday, July 10 at 6:30pm
in the South Park Blocks (corner of SW Harrison)
in front of Smith Center by Portland State University

www.portlandstandswithiran.org

Celebrate Friday night with the Dances of Universal Peace. These energy and consciousness raising circle dances, formerly known as Sufi Dancing, blend folk-style dancing with words and themes from the world's religions.  They are a way to joyfully experience the innate heart-connection with each other and with The One, the Spirit that moves through all.

Each dance is fully taught, very EASY to learn, and guided. So fear not! First-timers are welcome and greatly encouraged to participate. In fact, each dance is taught as if the group has never danced before. Children who can follow instructions and maintain a sacred atmosphere are also welcome.

We meet every Friday at the Acadia Ballroom building (1829 NE Alberta St, Portland OR) at 7:30pm Contact Jack: 503-954-2942. $5.00 donation requested.

You can dance once a week or once a year, it doesn’t matter. Just bring your smile, the light in your eyes, and a desire to have fun!

Thank you!

Jack

  +++   Additional Information +++++ As in these timeless mystic traditions, the Dances use simple music, lyrics, and movements to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and others. No musical or dance experience of any kind is required and everyone is welcomed to join in. Participation, not presentation, is the focus. No special attire is required, although comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is best. Participants join hands forming a circle with the Dance leader and other musicians in the center. Throughout the evening, the leader teaches the group the words, melody, and movements for the next Dance and often provides some background history about that particular Dance. The teaching is always done from a compassionate heart in a comfortable, quiet, and often sacred setting. 

The movements and songs drawn from over 400 Dances include themes of peace (both inner and outer), healing (the Earth, individuals, and the global family), and the celebration of life's great mystery. Dancers focus on peace and harmony creating a sense of solidarity and community while celebrating the underlying unity of all the spiritual traditions of the Earth. By experiencing these many traditions, a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures, as well as one's own heritage, is gained. 

When Dance lyrics include sacred phrases in their own native languages, special attention is given to insure that all have ample opportunity to pronounce the foreign words comfortably and correctly. Leaders usually make a point to have the group first speak and then sing the unfamiliar words. Most Dances are only four lines long and repeated many times, so learning is usually quick and easy - within ten minutes people are moving, singing, and sharing together. 

The mood of the Dances is infinitely variable, evoking feelings of love, joy, and compassion. Whether invoking the compassion of the Buddhist Qwan Yin, celebrating the playful energy of Krishna, or experiencing the related emotion of any other spiritual figure, dancers take part in a dynamic relationship between the group, individuals, and the self.

Friday Rally & March for Peace and Justice

Please join us this Friday in solidarity with Iran

A post from member group AIFC:

Portland Stands with Iran, a non-partisan group of ordinary people from the Portland Metropolitan area and from Vancouver, WA will continue Friday night vigils in solidarity with the courageous people in Iran who have been protesting ever since the election results were announced and their will was disregarded.

At one point it was announced that these vigils were cancelled, but they have been resumed. Please read below for an explanation if you want to know more.

"Portland Stands with Iran" Vigil
Friday, July 24 at 7:00pm
in the South Park Blocks (corner of SW Hall)
in front of the Portland State University Library

www.portlandstandswithiran.org

Celebrate Friday night with the Dances of Universal Peace. These energy and consciousness raising circle dances, formerly known as Sufi Dancing, blend folk-style dancing with words and themes from the world's religions.  They are a way to joyfully experience the innate heart-connection with each other and with The One, the Spirit that moves through all.

Each dance is fully taught, very EASY to learn, and guided. So fear not! First-timers are welcome and greatly encouraged to participate. In fact, each dance is taught as if the group has never danced before. Children who can follow instructions and maintain a sacred atmosphere are also welcome.

We meet every Friday at the Acadia Ballroom building (1829 NE Alberta St, Portland OR) at 7:30pm Contact Jack: 503-954-2942. $5.00 donation requested.

You can dance once a week or once a year, it doesn’t matter. Just bring your smile, the light in your eyes, and a desire to have fun!

Thank you!

Jack

  +++   Additional Information +++++ As in these timeless mystic traditions, the Dances use simple music, lyrics, and movements to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and others. No musical or dance experience of any kind is required and everyone is welcomed to join in. Participation, not presentation, is the focus. No special attire is required, although comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is best. Participants join hands forming a circle with the Dance leader and other musicians in the center. Throughout the evening, the leader teaches the group the words, melody, and movements for the next Dance and often provides some background history about that particular Dance. The teaching is always done from a compassionate heart in a comfortable, quiet, and often sacred setting. 

The movements and songs drawn from over 400 Dances include themes of peace (both inner and outer), healing (the Earth, individuals, and the global family), and the celebration of life's great mystery. Dancers focus on peace and harmony creating a sense of solidarity and community while celebrating the underlying unity of all the spiritual traditions of the Earth. By experiencing these many traditions, a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures, as well as one's own heritage, is gained. 

When Dance lyrics include sacred phrases in their own native languages, special attention is given to insure that all have ample opportunity to pronounce the foreign words comfortably and correctly. Leaders usually make a point to have the group first speak and then sing the unfamiliar words. Most Dances are only four lines long and repeated many times, so learning is usually quick and easy - within ten minutes people are moving, singing, and sharing together. 

The mood of the Dances is infinitely variable, evoking feelings of love, joy, and compassion. Whether invoking the compassion of the Buddhist Qwan Yin, celebrating the playful energy of Krishna, or experiencing the related emotion of any other spiritual figure, dancers take part in a dynamic relationship between the group, individuals, and the self.