THERE MAY BE NO U.S. WAR lately, but that doesn't mean Maryland's peace and social justice activists are on vacation. To the contrary: those who take a global view of problems find much to be concerned about.
The 13th annual conference of Maryland United for Peace and Justice and the Institute for Positive Action will be held on Saturday, April 19 at the Episcopal Diocesan Center, 4 East University Parkway.
This year's theme is "Indigenous Peoples: Joys & Struggles for Justice." The program offers an opportunity to hear about aboriginal land rights in Australia, human rights problems and solutions in Burma, the current situation in Liberia, Native American concerns, humanitarian efforts in Haiti and Nicaragua, oppression in East Timor and Uganda, and the effects of World Bank and International Monetary Fund policies on Third World peoples.
The speakers will be natives of the countries and peoples discussed.
The day begins with a panel discussion, "On the Front Line: Courageous Actions for Justice," and continues with networking and workshop sessions to permit all participants an opportunity to be heard.
During the event, the Gomez Gallery, of Baltimore, will be displaying and selling paintings and prints of indigenous Amazonian peoples and their land. Crafts from other lands will also be available.
This year's conference is dedicated to the memory of Helen Hollingsworth, a noted Baltimore peace, justice, and environmental activist who died on December 10 of last year at the age of 71.
Conference admission is $20. Call 363-3140 for more details.

Persons with video cameras are needed to film conference workshops (on a volunteer basis). Call Dan Gerstenberger at 366-0411 if you can help.