LARRICK TOURS NEBRASKA ON BIKE TRAILS . . .Friday, May 23, 2008, US Senate candidate Steve Larrick started a bike tour across the state on Nebraska Bike Trails. Leaving from the Wyoming border, he crossed northern Nebraska from Valentine to Norfolk on the Cowboy Trail to promote alternative energy and transportation, peace, and a more sustainable world. To join the last day of Larrick’s bike tour from Lincoln to Omaha on Saturday May 31, e-mail Steve at slarrick1 at msn dot com or phone 402.435.5612.

CD 1 NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CHAPTER MEETING . . . Tuesday, May 27, 2008 CD 1 Greens will hold the May Chapter meeting at Jones Coffee, 727 South 11th Street, Lincoln, 7:00pm. Representatives to NGP Council from District 1 will be selected at this monthly meeting.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR CONVENTION . . . The Nebraska Green Party Convention will be Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the PS Collective, 6056 Maple Street, in the Benson community of Omaha, 9:30am to 3:00pm. National Green Party Steering Committee member Marc Sanson from Illinois will keynote. Delegates to the National Convention, July 10-13, 2008 at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago, and new NGP Executive Commitee members will be elected. Click here for the convention agenda. E-mail negreenparty at gmail dot com to register.

NEBRASKANS UNITED DECLINE TO SIGN . . . A deceptive California based “Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative” petition seeks to undercut Nebraska’s ability to develop a diverse workforce, and change the Nebraska Constitution. The measure will eliminate scholarships and diminish the University’s ability to attract a diverse student body and faculty. It threatens women-owned businesses, funding for women’s health and domestic violence programs, Nebraskans’ ability to create public policies aimed at fostering fairness, opportunity and inclusion. Nebraskans United is taking a stand against amending the Constitution.  DECLINE TO SIGN this petition, and spread the word to others. Background information here.  Just say no to local signature gatherers when “Civil Rights” means ending Affirmative Action.

NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING . . . LD 28 Senator Bill Avery will answer questions and address concerns about legislative issues Tuesday, May 27, 2008, 7:00 to 8:00pm at First-Plymouth Congregational Church Calvert Parlor, 2000 D Street, Lincoln. The Unicameral passed his priority bill to “help finance” a new arena and convention center for Lincoln. This meeting offers the public an opportunity to express opinions on such issues.

MEET WITH CONGRESSMAN JEFF FORTENBERRY . . . Greens and Peace activists are invited to meet with CD 1 US House Representative Jeff Fortenberry at his office in the Cornhusker Office Plaza, 301 South Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, 1:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm. Arrange encouraged appointments by phone at 402.438.1598 to discuss issues such as the continued occupation of Iraq and environmental concerns.

MEET WITH SENATOR HAGEL’S STAFF . . . A meeting with Senator Hagel’s staff has been organized by Working Assets cell phone service Credo for Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 12:00 noon at his office in the Federal Building, 15th & O Street, Suite 294, Lincoln. Join constituents urging him to vote yes on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, HR 2831. The bill would ensure women receive pay equal to what men receive for doing the same job. Sign up for the meeting here, or phone Susy at 402.464.0065.

WEEKLY PEACE VIGILS CONTINUE . . . Join Greens and other Nebraska Coalition for Peace members every Wednesday, 5:00-6:00pm, at the Federal Building, 15th & O Street in Lincoln. Weekly vigils are in solidarity with peace workers everywhere providing a visible presence against the US occupation in Iraq. Contact Mark at 402.499.6672, or mark at weddleton dot com.

OMAHA GREEN DRINKS INTERNATIONAL . . . Anyone studying or working on environmental issues is invited to meet up at Green Drinks Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 5:30pm to close, in the Whole Foods Market Omaha, 10020 Regency Circle. Walk, cycle, bus or carpool to the education room near restaurant seating across from the coffee bar for fun, inspiration and networking with local environmentalists. In Nebraska City, the first Green Drinks will be Monday, June 9, starting 4:30pm at the Lied Lodge & Conference Center.

OMAHA NEBRASKANS FOR PEACE ANNUAL RICE AND BEANS PICNIC . . . Sunday, June 1, 2008, 2:00-4:00pm at Hanscom Park Pavilion, 32nd and Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, the annual NFP fundraiser will feature UN-L Economics Professor Hank Van den Berg speaking on causes of the current economic recession. NFP will provide the rice, drinks and place settings. Bring a bean dish to share. Rsvp nfpOmaha at NebraskansForPeace dot org with “RSVP Rice and Beans – #___ People” in subject line, or phone 402.453.0776.

NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates filing with the Secretary of State for 2008 elections in Partisan elections are Steven R. Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman; District 3: Derek Glaser; District 5: Susan Koneck. Laverne N. Thraen, Jr. has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a write-in candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.