A study group on the theme of "Marxism and the Working Class" asks why the workers responsible for society's wealth have no say in how society's resources are distributed. The discussion, convened by the International Socialist Organization, begins at 7 p.m. Thursday in room 116 of McMicken Hall on the UC campus. On Feb. 10, the ISO delves into "New Government in Iraq: Why Are U.S. Troops Still in Iraq?" followed Feb. 24 by a discussion of "Racism in Cincinnati: Is it Getting Worse?" For more info, email iso_nati@yahoo.com or call 859-801-2870.

Get Engaged with Peter Block

Internationally renowned consultant and author Peter Block (see "Peter's Principles," issue of Sept. 3-9, 2003) offers his fellow Cincinnatians two free Civic Engagement Series designed to provide the tools to change the nature of the conversation in the civic community. The Saturday series is 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 12 and March 5 and the Wednesday series is 6-9 p.m. March 9 and 16. They're at All Saints Episcopal Church, 6301 Parkman Place, Pleasant Ridge. Space is limited, so RSVP by Feb. 5 to maggie.pbi@att.net, For more info, contact James Reischman at 513-731-3194 or jereisch@fuse.net.

Politics and Pitchers

Drinking Liberally, an informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club, meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside. You don't have to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club; just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. For more info, contact Chris Berger at cberger4@cinci.rr.com.

Calling for Peace Week by Week

Women in Black hold a vigil for peace on the corner of Vine Street and Central Parkway from 5-6 p.m. every Monday. All are welcome and encouraged to wear dark clothing. Grailville hosts prayer vigils for peace 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, followed by Friday's Lie of the Week rally from 4-6 p.m. on the corner of Calhoun Street and Clifton Avenue. For more info, call the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center at 513-579-8547 or visit www.ijpc-cincinnati.org.

Free Tax Help

For the 24th year, students from Thomas More College offer free income tax assistance for low-income and elderly taxpayers. Help is available from 1-3 p.m. at the Contact Center, 1227 Vine St., on Feb. 13 and 27 and March 13 and 27. Help is also available at 1-3 p.m. at the Covington Community Center, 1650 Russell St., on Sunday as well as Feb. 20, March 6 and 20 and April 3. For more info, contact Jodi Schroeder at 859-344-3344.

Women's Holistic Retreat

A women's holistic directed retreat takes place Feb. 9-13 at the Moye Center in Melbourne, Ky. For more information, contact 513-751-3358 or TheCenterWithin@aol.com.

Stop State Killing

The Cincinnati Chapter of Ohioans to Stop Executions meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center. For more info, contact 513-579-8547 or Eunice@ijpc-cincinnati.org.

Peace and Justice Meeting

The next Intercommunity Peace and Justice committee meeting takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center. For more info, call 513-579-8547.

Join the Peace Committee

The Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center's Peace Committee meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center. For more info, contact 513-579-8547 or Kristen@ijpc-cincinnati.org.

Seeking Peace

Peace Seekers meets at 10 a.m. Feb. 19 on the fourth floor of Llanfair Retirement Community, 1722 Larch Ave., College Hill. For more info, contact hrwoodruff@igc.org.

Gather to Strengthen Communities

National People's Action gathers in Washington, D.C. April 22-24. The 33-year-old multi-racial/ethnic, intergenerational and non-partisan coalition gathers hundreds of local community organizations that volunteer their time to make communities safer, healthier and more environmentally stable. In the past few years, National People's Action has addressed predatory lending, community reinvestment, housing, Immigrants' rights, family farm Issues, job training and employment, youth issues, education and neighborhood safety. For more info, visit www.npa-us.org.