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mothertongue is searching for a new board member! Looking to contribute to women and art in the DC area? Contribute your time and skills to mothertongue! The Staffing and Volunteer Director manages recruiting and retention of mothertongue’s staff of volunteers. This position is a part of the board (Board of Instigators) of mothertongue. If you are interested, send a current résumé and cover letter describing your interests in mothertongue and skills you could bring to this work to info@mothertongue.org by January 30th. mothertongue is a community-based organization that works to create a safe space where all women may speak freely and powerfully and have their creative and artistic voices heard. Through monthly women’s spoken word events and writing/performance workshops, mothertongue encourages women to use their voices, art, talents, and skills to build just and inclusive communities. For more information about mothertongue or these positions visit www.mothertongue.org or e-mail info@mothertongue.org. mothertongue’s next spoken word show is 8pm Wednesday, December 17th at the Black Cat (1811 14th Street NW).


You had a blast last year – this year will be better. mothertongue 2nd annual auction! mothertongue is collecting items (new/barely used) for our silent auction. No item is too small or insignificant to turn away, but please make sure they are in working condition. Services can also be donated (resume writing, massage, etc.) So clean your closets, go through your exes gifts, get rid of that gift from Aunt Sue, and give your unneeded items to mothertongue. Your clutter could be someone elses treasure. Items due by 2/14/03. Items can be delivered at the mothertongue show on January 21st or contact baisasa@hotmail.com for pick up information. And don’t forget to find new treasures at the show—bring your check book or cash. Bids starting as low as $1. We are also looking for volunteers before, during and after the event. If you are able to donate time as well please contact Sara Akbar at 202 248 8033 or baisasa@hotmail.com


January

25 & 27: HIPS is training again! Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive is a D.C.-based harm-reduction organization dedicated to helping sex workers lead healthier and safer lives. The tri-annual HIPS volunteer orientation and training will be held this month. Prospective volunteers are asked to attend both days: Sunday, January 25 from 1-4pm and Tuesday, January 27 from 7-9:30pm. For more information, email volunteercoordinator@hips.org or check out our website at www.hips.org.

29: Thursday, January 29 7:30 pm Tin Lustre Mobile reading Readings by poets from the region whose work has recently been published or is forthcoming in the Arlington-based web literary journal, Tin Luster Mobile (www.poeticinhalation.com/index1.html). Hear readings by "Lightning Rod," doreen peri, Caryn "Firecracker" Thurman, Levi Asher, Lyn Lifshin, John Lawson, Jennifer Barnes, Kevin Fitzgerald, Perry Lindstrom, H. Amador, and co-editors Andrew Lundwall and Star Smith. Free Admission Arlington Central Library, second floor meeting room, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington. Free parking in the library's underground garage; two blocks from the Virginia Square Metro stop (orange line). The library is accessible to people in wheelchairs. For more information, call the Arlington County Cultural Affairs Division at (703) 228-1850.

31: PANORAMA: A D.C. Community Arts Initiative invites you to the 2004 ART-IN: Affordable, community workshops in visual, performing and teambuilding arts JANUARY 31, 2004 LOCATION: Jelleff Boys and Girls Club, 3265 S St., NW, TIME: 10am-5pm DONATION: $25-$55, sliding scale no one turned away due to lack of funds -Register before January 25th and save $5- Workshops, include: Ceramics, Bookmaking, Collage Painting, Synthetic Geodes, Drumming, Traditional West African Dancing, Spoken Word, Acting/Improv & Mural/Banner Painting Questions/To Register: Contact Alexandra at panoramaDC (at) yahoo.com or 202-431-4840 ALL AGES WELCOME LIGHT LUNCH INCLUDED A GOOD TIME TO BE HAD BY ALLÊ Co-Sponsered by PANORAMA: A DC. Community Arts Initiative, Jelleff Boys & Girls Club, Youth Leadership Support Network, Paul Robeson Study & Struggle Center, and the Rhythm Workers Union.

February

1: mothertongue*east ~ Women's Writing Group Sunday, February 1st @ 4:30 pm (and 1st Sunday of Every Month!) Stompin Grounds/Murky Coffee 7th & Pennsylvania Ave. SE (diagonal from Eastern Market Metro) Writing exercises and support for your creativity... For info contact - info@mothertongue.org **No sign up required, just show up at the door

5: Thursday, February 5, 2004,6:00PM 1st Thursday Poetry Open Mic Fest: In Honor of Black History Month Featured Poet: Bryan Winslow aka Compose Poetry Open Mic, Positive Vibes and Much More Free Starbucks Chinatown, 800 7th St., NW 2nd Level in DC Hosted by Ashawarrior Presented by CUDC and Desho Productions Sponsored by Starbucks For more information email to aashawarrior@yahoo.com or call 202-289-1576

6: 2nd Annual Art Opening to benefit Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice Location: Whitman-Walker Lesbian Services Building 1432 U Street NW, Washington, DC When: Friday, February 6, 2004 - 6:00pm RSVP by January 30, 2004 Email: astraea0206@aol.com Phone: 301.559.7189 2nd Annual Art Opening to benefit Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice featuring ten local lesbian artists. Ovaworked? Spend a Friday evening at this lively event that includes spoken word, film screenings, a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. Requested donation: $50 (includes Astraea annual individual membership). Facility is wheelchair accessible.

7: Creating, maintaining & preserving Lesbian Love Relationships, a practical workshop for lesbian couples. Explore the joy, sacredness, challenges, and unique dynamics of your lesbian love relationship. Celebrate what is right with your relationship, identify what needs work and learn how to reach a mutually satisfying solution. Saturday, February 7, 2004, 10:00 am-5:00 pm in Fairfax, VA. $190 per couple. Call presenters dava giuli, LPC 703/591-9600 x 101 or karen blomberg, Th.M., 202/737-4494 for information and to register. www.mainstreetchi.com

Saturday, February 7, 2004,5:00PM Poetic Beats Featuring Lady Di Open Mic, Positive Vibes and Much More $5.00 adults, free under 21 Dar Es Salaam Bookstore, 4000 34th St. Mt. Rainier, MD Hosted by Ashawarrior and Dar Es Salaam For more information email to aashawarrior@yahoo.com or call 301-209-0010

18: mothertongue's annual anti-valentine's day slam at the Black Cat. Doors at 8pm. $5-7 cover. tired of red roses and cheesy poetry? slam valentine's day with mothertongue--DC's best spoken word artists compete for fabulous prizes! plus, mothertongue's 2nd annual silent auction! stay tuned for more details...

19: Thursday, February 19, 2004, 7:30PM A Night of Poetry In celebration of Black History Month, bless the Mic with, African American poetry, songs, readings, or create your own with substance of inspiration of the occasion Performing Live: The vibrant Sounds of “Yamama N’ym” $5.00 cover charge Trinity College, Kerby Lounge,125 Michigan Ave. N.E,Washington DC Hosted by Ashawarrior and Coordinated by Trinity College Campus Activities Association For more information contact the coordinator Ayana Howard at ayanahoward@hotmail.com

21: Saturday, February 21, 2004,5:00PM Poetic Beats Featuring Billye Okera Open Mic, Positive Vibes and Much More $5.00 adults, free under 21 Dar Es Salaam Bookstore, 4000 34th St. Mt. Rainier, MD Hosted by Ashawarrior and Dar Es Salaam For more information email to aashawarrior@yahoo.com or call 301-209-0010


Calling all stressed out nonprofiteers! Take care of yourself! Massage therapist Steph Karpinski (occasional musician onstage at Mothertongue, partner of Natalie Illum...you know the one right?) is now offering discounted on-site chair massage to hard working folks employed by DC area nonprofits. Contact Steph of You're Kneaded Inc to schedule the self-care you need at prices that will fit your budget: 15min/$10, 20min/$15, 25min/$20, 30min/$25. Minimum group of six people required. 202-518-8410 coreofbeing@yahoo.com

LSP Support Groups. Non-Custodial Moms Support Group Are you a separated, non-biological mom? Do you have shared or partial custody of your children, or are you in the process of pursuing custody or visitation? Do you face challenges in communicating with your "ex?" Are you concerned about how your children are adjusting, or will adjust to the separation? If so, the Lesbian Services Program offers a new support group where you can openly discuss the challenges of raising children after a separation. Group members can safely and openly discuss the difficulties they face, and share resources, ideas, and strategies for making the best of this life situation. This group will meet the 1st and 3rd Wed of every month beginning February 4th, from 6:30 to 8:30 at LSP, 1432 U Street, NW (LSP is moving in late March, will then meet at 1810 14th Street, NW). For information, call (202) 939-1580, or just show up! Feel free to bring your dinner or snacks. The group is free, and donations are appreciated! Pregnant Women's Support Group For "graduates" of our Alternative Insemination or Maybe Baby support groups, the Pregnancy Support Group provides a monthly venue for meeting other pregnant women and their partners to discuss adjustment to pregnancy, preparation for birth, coping with physical and emotional changes, facing difficult pregnancies, diet and nutrition, sexuality and pregnancy, and a host of other issues that are commonly experienced during this stage of life. Learn from each other, share stories, recipes, resources, and build relationships with others who will soon give birth and become parents. Begins Wednesday January 14th meets twice monthly, Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm at LSP Please call 202-939-1580 to register or for more information Livin' Large Living Large is a group of fat lesbian, bisexual and transgender women with multiple identities. We use creativity, movement, storytelling, and discussion to learn from each other how to live in our bodies whole and healthy in a narrow world. We build community and nurture our sense of self worth by sharing resources and taking action to create a world where all bodies are valued, respected, and seen as beautiful. Starts Monday January 19th Meets weekly, Mondays 6:30 pm at LSP. Eight-week commitment. Suggested fee of $10 per person. Please call (202) 939-1580 to register or for more information.

Call for Entries: The Washington Prize sponsored by The Word Works, is an annual poetry competition that awards $1500 and book publication to a full-length poetry manuscript submitted by a living American poet. Submissions should be postmarked between February 1 and March 1, 2004 (inclusive). For full details on the competition, check www.wordworksdc.com.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS THE SEEN + HEARD FESTIVAL 2004 - GA Deadline: January 30, 04. EstroFest Productions, an Atlanta-based arts production company, plans to present its second Seen + Heard Festival in April 2004. We are currently seeking submissions in theater, film/video, dance, spoken word, performance art, guerrila art, music, and visual art that demonstrate progressive perspectives on women-based or feminist issues. Submissions open to all genders (trans-inclusive). This year, the festival will explore four themes: Politics: engaging community, state, national, international issues. Gender/sexuality: exploring identities, expressions, habits, beliefs. Violence/healing: transforming oppression and injustice. Spirituality: honoring cross-cultural experiences of spirit. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Due date: Jan. 30, 2004 Include: Artist biography. Contact information. Specific technical needs for your work. Indicate what theme(s) you think your work best fits. All submissions maximum 20 minutes. Qualifications: Specific Additional Requirements by Genre. Theater: Send script. (Only plays with minimal sets can be considered.) Film/video: send VHS or DVD. Dance: send VHS or DVD of work sample + description of intended performance. Spoken word: send writing sample (8 pages maximum). Performance art: send VHS or DVD work sample + description of intended performance. Guerilla art: send still images, VHS, or DVD of past work + description of intended work. Music: send CD or cassette Visual art: send slides (one sleeve maximum). The Seen + Heard Festival 2004 has received some funding, but still runs on volunteer fuel. We apologize that we cannot offer financial remuneration at this time. How to Apply: Email OR post-mark by January 30, 2004 to: estrofestinc@yahoo.com OR EstroFest Productions, Inc.; ATTN: Kathryn Colegrove; 664 Linwood Ave. NE; Atlanta, GA 30306. Questions? Contact estrofestinc@yahoo.com

DC Writers' Way. When was the last time you had a whole afternoon to pursue your thoughts, to indulge in ideas? Writer's Way invites you to take a time-out at our creative writing workshop. Together with other writers, you'll be treated to timed writing periods, exercises designed to get your juices flowing, and positive feedback that will cradle, not crush, the eggshell of your newest creation. Small groups, all styles, beginners welcome. Enroll now! http://www.dcwritersway.org

Beltway is celebrating its fourth birthday! The new issue of Beltway: An On-Line Poetry Quarterly is now available for free access at http://washingtonart.com/beltway.html. The winter 2004 issue features five accomplished DC-area poets. REED WHITTEMORE is the author of 13 books of poetry, and is a former Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress. RICHARD BLANCO is the author of the poetry book City of a Hundred Fires. DONNA FOULKE is a graphic artist for the US Geological Survey who won the 2000 Alaska Native Writers Award. DANIEL GUTSTEIN teaches at The George Washington University and is Associate Editor of StoryQuarterly. And MYRA SKLAREW is a professor of literature at American University, the former President of Yaddo, and the author of 6 books of poems. Beltway also offers many services for writers in the DC area! Don't forget to check the Poetry News section, updated monthly, for information about readings, contests, calls for entries, and new publications. See the Archives for a growing anthology of DC-area poets, and the extensive links to other web sites by area poets, among other features. For more information about Beltway, please see http://washingtonart.com/beltway.html or write to the editor at beltway.poetry@juno.com.

Spring poetry series. We invite you to join us for our spring series of Poetry Readings at the Takoma Park Branch of the D.C. Public Library: Poetry AT TAKOMA PARK 2004 Spring READINGS BY LOCAL POETS TUESDAYS AT 7:30 p.m. March 2 E. Louise Beach W. Luther Jett Elaine Maggarell April 6 Yvonne Patrick Roseanne Singer Rosemary Winslow May 4 Afrika M.A. Abney Parris Garnier Kay Lindsey DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC LIBRARY TAKOMA PARK BRANCH 5TH & CEDAR STREETS, N.W. (202) 576-7252

PUB: flyway sweet corn fiction/nonfiction/poetry contest. 5th Annual Flyway Sweet Corn Prize! $150 and a book bag of Iowa sweet corn for top entries in each category: fiction, nonfiction and poetry! Deadline March 1st. Previous judges include Jane Smiley, Richard Bausch, Mary Swander, Sheryl St. Germain, and Evelina Galang. Send up to three poems, one story, or one essay (4,000 word limit), with a reading fee of $18 (which will include a subscription). Please leave your name off the entries, but include a separate cover sheet with your name, titles of pieces submitted, genre, and contact information. All submissions must include a SASE. No previously published work will be considered. Visit us at: www.flyway.org Email us at: flyway@iastate.edu Deadline: March 1st postmark Mail work to: Flyway Sweet Corn Prize Department of English Iowa State University 206 Ross Hall Ames, IA 50011

Poetry for students. I teach 6th grade English as a second language in Alexandria Public Schools. We are currently in the middle of a big poetry unit. Students are learning about various elements of poetry and applying them to original poems. Our culminating project will be a team-wide poetry slam in early February where each student on the team reads at least one original poem in front of approximately 100 teammates. Many of these students are writing poetry for the first time, and all of them are writing poetry in English for the first time. Some have taken to it quite well, but others are shy and/or struggling. I was wondering if any of the ladies on this list who have spoken word experience would be interested in coming to my classroom for a day (or part of a day) and giving a brief performance. I would love to introduce the students more to the performance area of poetry in preparation for their own poetry slam. I realize this is last minute, but it would have to be sometime next week. If you are interested, please email me at this address or call me on my cell at (202) 253-8448.

DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES Small Projects Program The Small Projects Program (SPP) offers grants up to $1,000 to District of Columbia individual artists and arts organizations. The program seeks to make grant funds more accessible for small-scale arts projects. Projects may include but are not limited to: * Art presentations * Assistance in fundraising, marketing, and management * Documentation of artistic activities through photography, brochures, portfolios, and demo tapes * Conferences, workshops, or seminars that will enhance artistic and professional development Upcoming deadlines for Small Projects Program applications is: * Thursday, March 4, 2004, 6:00 pm Workshops to help artists fill out applications will be held on the following dates: * Thursday, February 26, 2004, 12:00 - 1:00 pm The SPP workshop will be held at the Commission's office at 410 8th St., NW, Fifth Floor, Washington, DC 20004. Download the FY2003 Small Projects Program Guidelines and Application* For more information on the Small Projects Program or to receive an application in the mail, please call Lionell Thomas at (202) 724-5613/(202) 727-3148 TDD.





word from the mothertongue is a weekly e-mail newsletter serving the dc women's community-published every Friday. Please e-mail your announcements, as you would like them printed, to info@mothertongue.org or leave a message at 202/726-1821. Event updates run until the date of the event. Announcements run for two weeks. All announcements received before 3 pm on Friday will be posted. Please keep your submissions to 100 words or less. We only print nonpartisan announcements. Lenghty announcements will be truncated. Thanks.

word from the mothertongue is provided as a free service to the community. The above info is not necessarily endorced by, nor does it reflect the views of, mothertongue.