Cincinnati's representatives in Columbus need to hear learn more about the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community and straight allies so they can better understand why equality in Ohio's laws and policies is important. Join Equity Ohio and the AFL/CIO in Ohio's capitol from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 17 to build bridges and meet face-to-face with the men and women who shape state laws. Training provided. Please register by April 15 at www.equalityohio.org.

Monthly Peace Meeting

The Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center hosts its next Peace Committee meeting at 7 p.m. April 19 at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 E. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, All are welcome. For more information, call 513-579-8547.

Women, Politics and Spirituality

Enjoy dinner and discussion about women, spirituality and politics from 6-9 p.m. April 20 and every third Thursday at Panera's, 3806 Paxton Ave., Hyde Park Plaza. The program is sponsored by the Grail (www.Grail-us.org). For more information, write JBlackburn@fuse.net.

S.O.S. Art

S.O.S. Art, an exhibition of sociopolitical expression for peace and justice, runs April 21-May 7 at the Mockbee, 2260 Central Pkwy., Brighton. The program includes films, discussions, music and poetry readings, in addition to visual art. Admission is free. For a complete schedule, write saad.ghosn@uc.edu.

FOP President Talks About Cops

The Seasongood Luncheon and Education Awards, sponsored by the Woman's City Club, features Officer Cathy Herald, president of the Queen City Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. The program is at 11:45 a.m. April 21 at the Vernon Manor Hotel. Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Call 751-0100 for more information.

Understanding Islam

Karen Armstrong, an original and inclusive thinker on the role of religion in the modern world, understands the acute differences among the world's great religions and calls our attention to their profound similarities. Xavier University hosts the event at 7 p.m. April 25 at the Schiff Family Conference Center. For more information, call 513-745-2043.

Pay Equity Day

According to the 2004 U.S. Census Bureau, the average woman is paid 76 cents for every dollar a man is paid. Why is there a wage gap? What is pay equity? What is the legal status of pay equity? Discuss these questions and more over cookies from 6-7 p.m. April 25 at First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Avondale. The panel includes State Rep. Catherine Barrett, Allison Steele of the AFL-CIO and City Councilwoman Laketa Cole. For more information, call 513-751-0100.

The Truth About Section 8

Section 8 housing is often blamed for problems of deteriorating property in neighborhoods. The Woman's City Club and the League of Women Voters are partnering to separate fact from fiction and myth. Two meetings will provide information on code enforcement and what neighbors can do to address the problems of neglectful landlords. The program is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 25 at Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church. For more information, call 513-751-0100.

Cincinnati Goes Global

Learn about U.S. foreign policy and discuss global issues at Clifton United Methodist Church's "Great Decisions" series. The program is 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays April 27-June 14. Discussion topics include UN reform, the United States and Iran, energy resources, Brazil, human rights in an age of terrorism, China and India, Turkey and pandemics and national security. The deadline for registration is April 12. Only interested in participating in a specific topic? Call a week in advance of the topic to request discussion literature. There's a $15 fee for a copy of Great Decisions. For more information, call Chris Gutjahr at 513-541-0540.

Take Back the Night

The 17th Annual Take Back the Night Candlelight Vigil and March aims to bring awareness to the trauma of sexual violence in our community. Beginning at Sawyer Point at 6:30 p.m. April 28, the march proceeds across the Taylor Southgate Bridge to the Millennium Peace Bell in Newport. The keynote speaker is Holly Sowels-Jenkins, award-winning author of Daddy, Don't. For more information, contact Sarrah Kelly at 513-977-5550 or Susan Bartels at 859-491-0089.

30-Day Experiment for Peace

This is an experiment using human consciousness to create a field around the earth as real and measurable as gravity. Over 3,000 people are needed to share their daily peace practice with the group field in order to change the discord in Greater Cincinnati. The experiment begins at 9 a.m. April 29 with group meditation and movement at Mirror Lake in Eden Park. For more details, go to movementsofpeace.org or call 513.791.9428.

Price Hill Will

Price Hill Will hosts a community-wide meeting from 10 a.m.-noon 12 p.m. April 29. Call 513-251-3800 for meeting location and agenda.

City Council Works Nights

Cincinnati City Council will meet at least three nights in 2006, with scheduled meetings at 6 p.m. May 10 and Sept. 20. Citizen forums begin at 5:30 p.m. Those wishing to address council must fill out a request card prior to the beginning of each Citizen Forum.

Concentration Camp Poetry

The Xavier Players present I Never Saw Another Butterfly, poetry written by children in the Nazi concentration camp Terezin, at 7 p.m. May 11 at the Krohn Conservatory. For more information, call 513-745-3939.

Women's Political Caucus Honors Local Women

City Councilwoman Laketa Cole, YWCA Executive Director Charlene Ventura and Community Activist Mary Levin will be honored by the Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus at their 21st annual Women of Achievement Awards 5:30-7 p.m. May 18. The event will be held at Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at the door or ordered by sending a check to CWPC-PAC, c/o Barbara Myers, 2392 Dana Ave., Cincinnati 45208.

Holocaust and the Children

The theme of the 6th Annual Holocaust Awareness Weeks, from the end of March through May, is "The Holocaust & the Children." The observance, sponsored by the Center for Holocaust Humanity Education. includes an art and writing contest, a lecture series, dramatic performances and exhibits throughout Greater Cincinnati. For details, visit www.holocaustandhumanity.org or call 513-487-3055.

Kids Peace Camp 2006

A free day camp for kids ages 6-12 meets throughout Greater Cincinnati during June and July. The schedule is 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 19-30, Peaslee Neighborhood Center; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 10-21, Walnut Hills Christian Church; and July 24-Aug. 4, Northside, details to be announced. For more information, call 513-579-8547 or write info@ijpc-cincinnati.org.

Kids Ecology Camp

Ecology Camp is an opportunity for boys and girls ages 8-12 to spend the morning outdoors learning about sensory awareness, animal habitat, plants, insects and Earth Care Partners. The program is from 9 a.m.-noon July 31-Aug. 4. Kids need to arrive with a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellant. Registration and a $50 fee is required one week prior to the event. Call 812-933-0661 or e-mail michaelafarm@seidata.com.

Spanish Bilingual Coffee Hours

Share some caffeine with Spanish speakers at the Bilingual Coffee Hour at the Price Hill Branch Library at 6:30 p.m. every other Monday. Spanish speakers practice their English, and the English speakers practice their Spanish. The head librarian speaks both, and she facilitates. Call Price Hill Will for more information at 513-251-3800.

Drinking Liberally

Raise your spirits while you raise your glass every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Avenue. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. There isn't a policy-wonk requirement top attend, just a desire to learn from your peers, trade jokes, vent frustrations and or hang out where it's not taboo to talk liberal politics. For more information contact Chris Berger via cberger4@cinci.rr.com

Women in Black

Protest the U.S. invasion of Iraq from 5-6 p.m. Mondays on the grassy island at Vine Street and Central Parkway. Show your support for peace by wearing black or dark-colored clothes. For more information, call the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center at 513-579-8547.