newsletter of Western Washington FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION
225 North 70th, Seattle WA 98103, 206-789-5565
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Vol. XXII, No. 3 May-Jun 2002
Editor: Tom Savage, plus many helping hands web edition at: www.scn.org/wwforThe Western Washington FOR (WWFOR) seeks to replace violence, war, racism and economic injustice with nonviolence, equality, peace and justice. It links and strengthens FOR members and chapters throughout Western Washington in promoting activities consistent with the national FOR statement of purpose. WWFOR helps members and chapters accomplish together what we could not accomplish alone.
Vision statement of national FOR: The Fellowship of Reconciliation envisions a world of justice, peace, and freedom. It is a revolutionary vision of a beloved community where differences are respected, conflicts addressed nonviolently, oppressive structures dismantled, and where people live in harmony with the earth, nurtured by diverse spiritual traditions that foster compassion, solidarity, and reconciliation.
CONTENTS
·
Message from Mike·
April 20 "Wake Up Washington" rally·
Seattle FOR activist Marie Gilstrap honored·
WWFOR honored by Seattle Peace Chorus·
Doing Peace in Time of War: Spring Assembly·
Your tax dollars at work·
Olympia FOR·
Ellensburg and Yakima report·
Longview·
North Olympic Peninsula: Waging Peace·
Twisp·
Bellingham: In Memoriam for Jacob Brisbine·
Connections: People and organizations·
Donations always welcome·
Extra - not in print versionWWFOR Events Calendar, May-June and beyond
Abbrev.s
: FOR=Fellowship of ReconciliationIFOR=International FOR WWFOR=W. Washington FOR
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Mike Yarrow, WWFOR Organizer
Life is full. The Spring Assembly was full of our lively regulars and a bunch of wonderful newcomers bursting with creative ideas.
In contrast, consider by how much war propaganda relies on inducing forgetfulness, amnesia.
Here is one view of a practitioner:
"Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so. How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar." Julius Caesar
We are manipulated to forget the horror of violence and to focus on the quick, easy and righteous victory. Are we to forget our broader responsibility?
"Individuals have international duties which transcend the national obligations of obedience... Therefore [individual citizens] have the duty to violate domestic laws to prevent crimes against peace and humanity from occurring." Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal, 1950
"Boils hate" Of course the first task of war propaganda is to make us forget the humanity of the enemy. I have been struck by the loving spirit of FOR people who insist that the enemy is human but I have also heard peace people say they are not enthused about working to lift the sanctions on Iraq because they have heard so much about the vile Saddam Hussein. We are asked to forget those Iraqi children dying of bad water, many more than in Palestine.
We are asked to narrow our minds, to forget the history of our country's prior support for our present enemies, forget our government's attempts to control their lives because "our" oil is under their land, to simply view 9/11 as an unprovoked attack. "It ... emboldens the blood."
War propaganda has the job of scaring the pants off of us. Fear is a funny thing. It is socially created. We are taught to fear young black men but not white men who do most of the killing. We are told to fear anthrax, and airplanes and a former ally in Afghanistan, and the Taliban, and Muslims but not law abiding Muslims in the US but of course there are all those terrorist Muslims which our government will lock up without charges
Another reaction is bitter cynical critique without opening a path to hope, to a vision of peace and justice.
This critique discourages us and turns off others who we need to reach. By obsessing on the mighty powers promoting war and the cynical motives behind the killing we disempower ourselves and others. Remember Issa's haiku!"Mighty Warrior
Who can dismount him?
Cherry Blossoms."
Discouragement saps our energy and our hope. A member of my Quaker Meeting observed, "The Meeting seems to have forgot that our country is at war." Our sadness can lead us to forget, to disown our shining moments. War propaganda has the task of making us forget when love was effective.
Isn't our task as peacemakers in times of war to remember, to own the gentle, the compassionate, the different, and to own the big spirits that reside in all of us?
To be peacemakers for real, full bore with joy and laughter we must remember many things.
We must remember that an Israeli Rear Admiral and a Saudi Prince have proposed a just peace for Israel and Palestine. And their proposals are close. Therefore we must remember that a settlement is possible and continued bloodshed is unnecessary and therefore totally unacceptable.
We must remember the refuseniks (the Israeli reservists who refuse to be part of the occupation), heroes that are showing another country the way out of barbarism.
We must remember: the Israelis and Palestinians who work side-by-side to rebuild the bulldozed houses.
The people in Seattle and across the country who took their stand on the steps of the mosques.
The cheerful crowd who puts out the FOR mailings with laughter and good talk.
The Rabbi Michael Lerner who led a sit-in at the State Department calling for a fair settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute and an international force to put an immediate end to the violence.
The new groups of people searching to affirm peace.
The more than 4,500 people from 48 states and over 40 countries who have signed the Peace Pledge saying they will oppose a wider war. Western Washington FOR started that effort and I believe it will double and redouble until even the politicians will notice.
Let our love of all life, joy, and laughter be our retort to war propaganda. Mike
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APRIL 20 "WAKE UP WASHINGTON" BRINGS OUT HUNDREDS IN SEATTLE
Speakers addressed the crowd from a platform beneath the arch, in view of an inflatable Trident missile.
We estimate approximately 1500 people attended, including FOR members from Bellingham and beyond.
Speakers emphasized that real peace comes via shared commitment to mutual respect, justice and nonviolence.
Hundreds signed the FOR-AFSC peace pledge to prevent a wider war against Iraq. If you haven't already, consider signing the Peace Pledge. It's at the WWFOR web site www.scn.org/wwfor or, phone WWFOR.
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SEATTLE FOR ACTIVIST MARIE GILSTRAP HONORED
Jean Buskin, Co-chair Seattle FOR
On April 13, Mothers for Police Accountability honored Marie Gilstrap, Seattle FOR Racial Justice coordinator, as one of their Volunteers for the Year, at MfPA's 5th Annual Paul Robeson Peace & Justice Awards Program.
MfPA has taken the lead in calling for police accountability, while always working in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King's nonviolence principles of making an adversary into a friend and treating all with respect.
Seattle FOR has often worked in coalition with MfPa, and MfPA founder Harriett Walden has done several presentations at FOR. Each year MfPA honors a lawyer, a defendant, volunteers and partner organizations. Marie was chosen as one of MfPA's Volunteers of the Year for her work accompanying a young African American defendant through court proceedings. She received a standing ovation.
WWFOR HONORED BY SEATTLE PEACE CHORUS
Jean Buskin, Co-chair Seattle FOR
The Seattle Peace Chorus honored WWFOR and two other organizations at their annual Earth Day Concert on April 20. The proclamation says in part, "The Seattle Peace Chorus by unanimous agreement of its members in recognition of the Righteous Work done for the Earth, for the People of the Earth and for all Living Things says to all the World that the Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation is to be considered as one of the Just & Peaceful and to them we dedicate today's Concert "Peace Upon This land."
Thank you SPC for this honor and for your fine work combining music and activism.
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"DOING PEACE IN TIME OF WAR" - SPRING ASSEMBLY LIFTED OUR SPIRITS
Glen Anderson, Olympia FOR
Why bother reading an article about an event you did not attend? Two good reasons are: (1) To see how WWFOR is effectively serving local peace activists; and (2) To tempt you to attend future WWFOR events, because they really are good!
More than 60 FOR folks gathered in West Seattle on Saturday April 13 for the Fourth Annual WWFOR Spring Membership Assembly. We came from Seattle and Centralia, from Longview and Bellevue, from Tacoma and Port Angeles, from Olympia and Ellensburg.
We gathered to share our feelings and our hopes. We shared success stories of what our local chapters have been doing to make peace. We developed ideas and skills to help us become more effective peacemakers.
It worked! The keynote address by Rev. Rod Romney, a retired Baptist minister with strong peace commitment, confronted the hard realities of the current wars, lifted up examples of peace and hope, and affirmed some nonviolent principles that can guide our actions. (Contact the WWFOR office for a copy.)
Seven afternoon workshops focused on practical solutions, including moving mainstream public opinion toward peace, being "patriotic peaceniks," and applying nonviolent principles toward prompting the news media to report more accurately.
This Fourth Annual WWFOR Spring Membership Assembly was another great opportunity to meet wonderful FOR folks from throughout Western Washington (and the "Near East" of Ellensburg) - and to share information, ideas and successes in ways that can inspire us all.
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Mike Yarrow and Jean Buskin
Ruth Yarrow designed a wonderful flyer for activists to survey people about government spending for security (which was $365 billion last year and is proposed to be over $400 billion next year), based on an exercise from Lutheran Peace Fellowship. First people are asked their preferences for how much they would like to see spent in five categories; then they are asked how much they think the government is actually spending in these categories. Then they are shown the actual figures.
Here are results from the first 150 people surveyed by Seattle FOR and University Friends Meeting. The group plans to collect at least 300 responses, then get the results published in the paper and send it to our representatives.
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OLYMPIA FOR REACHES PEOPLE BY MANY DIFFERENT ROUTES
Glen Anderson, Olympia FOR
When Procter & Gamble wants to sell laundry detergent, they don't just make one kind. They know that some consumers would buy a powder and others would buy a liquid. P&G makes lemon-scented and unscented. P&G makes a great variety of laundry detergents, because they want to reach many different "niche markets."
Likewise, when the Olympia FOR works for peace, we devise different activities to reach different "niche markets." Our own members are motivated enough to drive downtown to hear guest speakers, but we can also interview guest speakers on TV so we can share their message with the general public and channel-surfers. We hold signs at vigils to reach a lot of motorists and pedestrians. We collaborate with the religious community and hold events in churches. We also collaborate with college students and hold events on campus. We publish a newsletter to inform Olympia FOR's own constituency. We serve the larger peace movement by organizing workshops to deepen activists' knowledge and commitment and skills. We even organize picnics to build a sense of community and have fun (e.g., our summertime picnics).
Rosemary Harrell, Ellensburg
The Yakima Valley Peace Advocates Network (Pax Christi, Quakers, etc) are bringing Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton to speak on "Creating Peace Through Justice" May 30th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Yakima, at 7 p.m. Other activities include: peace vigils every Thursday afternoon; regular meetings with Senators and Representative's aides; and coordinated Letters to the Editor. Information: the Parrishes, 509 965-0827
The Peace and Justice Alliance in Ellensburg has initiated a "Crucial Public Issues Series", with Gina Aaf speaking on conditions in Afghanistan, and Bert Sacks speaking on the effects of economic sanctions on Iraq. Information: Stefanie Wickstorm 509 962-9599, Andrew Cottonwood 509-925-2784
Jody Chastain Cowlitz County FOR
CCFOR has been busy lately. Cowlitz County is still trying to deal with itıs so-called jail problem and FOR has a jail committee to keep on top of the matter. Last year, the voters rejected a proposed 30 million dollar jail facility so itıs back to the drawing board for the County Commissioners. As of March 15th, we're doing a weekly anti-war vigil at the west end of Kelso's Allen St. Bridge.
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NORTH OLYMPIC PENINSULA: WAGING PEACE, AND VIOLENCE TO WHOLENESS
Bev Ludwig, Port Angeles
Community neighbors joined us at Port Angeles Library on April 27 for Mike Yarrow's first-hand account of the Stop the War march in D.C., and for discussion.
The ten-week "From Violence to Wholeness" class utilizing Ken Butigan's superb workbook is going very well.
Dana Visalli, Twisp
In late March Hossein Alizadeh and Mike and Ruth Yarrow traveled to Twisp. On March 22 Hossein spoke to a gathering of 70 people at the local theater building, on "Iran, Iraq and the Axis of Evil Hossein was confronted in the discussion period by a fundamentalist Christian with a litany of complaints about Islam. As their heated debate continued after the program it was evident that Hossein's loving presence was earning the trust of the frightened Christian.
The next day Mike and Ruth led a workshop on non-violence with 12 local residents participating.
Also in March, a local mother of two (Ann George) spent two weeks in Columbia visiting poor people displaced
and terrorized by the war there, and as I write this she is in Washington D.C. lobbying to discontinue US military aid.
BELLINGHAM: IN MEMORIAM FOR VIGILER JACOB BRISBINE
There has been a regular vigil for peace and justice at the Bellingham Federal Building for 35 years. Every Friday between 4 and 5 p.m., many people drive by smiling and honking. A few others curse and yell.
In recent years, Jacob Brisbine and his beautiful dog Alex have been faithful vigilers, despite his confinement to a wheelchair. Paralysis overtook Jacob in his sleep on March 27. We and all who pass the Friday afternoon vigils will miss his steady presence.
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people & organizationsFOR National
PO Box 271, Nyack, NY 10960 845-358-4601 www.forusa.org with links to the Peace Pledge campaignPacific Call Aug-Sep issue deadline is August 15. Send articles to Tom at 206-522-6201 fax 522-0396
savaget@msn.comWWFOR office
Mike Yarrow, organizer 206-789-5565 email at wwfor@connectexpress.comWWFOR web site
www.scn.org/wwfor includes some great articles we couldn't fit into the print version of Pacific Call!Western Washington FOR needs your financial support. Many people tell us they like what we are doing, but not enough people are contributing toward the costs of doing our work. If you like what we are doing, please send your donation to: WWFOR, 225 N 70th, Seattle WA 98103. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. FOR is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Name:________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________
City:___________________________ State:_____ Zip:________
Phone: _______________ email address (optional):___________
Amount enclosed: ________________ Thank you!
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EXTRA INFORMATION - not in print version
$5.1 BILLION OF IRAQ HUMANITARIAN SUPPLIES AND CONTRACTS IS ON HOLD
Under the program of economic sanctions on Iraq, the UN Security Council's 661 sanction committee reviews proposed contracts. The committee can place contracts on hold. Nearly all holds are placed by the US and the UK.
As of April 12, $5.1 billion of contracts, for the purchase of various humanitarian supplies and equipment, were on hold. Of this total, about $4.4 billion are for humanitarian supplies and $713 million is for oil industry spare parts and equipment. (Source of data: UN Office of the Iraq Programme, 16 Apr 2002)
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Continue, to phone the President 202-456-1111 to urge No Military Action against Iraq; End the Economic Sanctions killing thousands monthly! http://www.endiraqsanctions.org, now it is especially important to oppose any war against Iraq, call *WWFOR* 206-789-5565 or see http://www.scn.org/wwfor
Ongoing Wednesdays, noon - 1 p.m., NW corner of Sylvester Park, corner of Legion & Capitol Way, Olympia, Peace Vigil, come for all or part of the hour to sustain Olympia *FORs* persistent (every week for 21 years) witness for peace and nonviolence; bring signs or use ours; info Glen 360-491-9093
Ongoing Thursdays, 9 p.m. & Mondays 1:30 p.m., TCTV channel 22 or 29 in Thurston County, Olympia *FOR* TV monthly program repeats twice weekly until next debut; debut May 9 "Colombia"; debut June 13, topic TBA; info Glen 360-491-9093 or glen@olywa.net
Ongoing Thursdays; 5 - 6 p.m., near the Westlake Park arch at 4th and Pine, downtown Seattle; Peace Vigil and leafleting by Women in Black, a peace group in the tradition of the women who vigil weekly in Israel / Palestine, info 206-208-9715
Ongoing Fridays, 4 - 5 p.m., outside the Bellingham Federal Building; join Bellingham *FOR* in supporting the weekly Whatcom Peace Vigil, ongoing on since the Viet Nam war
Ongoing Fridays, 4:30 - 6 p.m., in downtown Olympia along W 4th Ave near the fountain, join Olympia *FOR* weekly vigil; current focus promoting peace and human rights in light of the current intl. crisis; info Glen 360-491-9093
Ongoing Saturdays, 4 - 5 p.m., Westlake Park near 4th and Pine, Seattle; Peace Vigil and leafleting to Stop the war on Afghanistan, or any other country, and to defend civil liberties, by 911 Peace Coalition; info Fred Miller, 206-527-8050
Fri May 3, 1:30 -3 p.m., in room 109 Condon Hall - UW Law School, Campus Parkway near 11th Ave NE, Seattle; Professor George Bisharat, who teaches law at Hastings in San Francisco, will speak on "Sanctions on Iraq and the Law of Genocide"
Fri May 3, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, at Wesley Homes, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, topic Nonviolence in Schools, info Mary Emma 206-870-2005
Sat May 4, 4 p.m., at Keystone Congregational Church, 5019 Keystone Place N, Seattle; regular meeting of the Interfaith Network of Concern for the People of Iraq challenging the U.S. embargo against Iraq; info Dick Blakney 206-522-4934
Sun May 5, 1 - 3 p.m., at the University Friends Meeting, 4001 9th Avenue NE, Seattle; Organizational Meeting for a Local Effort to Support the Global Nonviolent Peace Force, a well-trained, multiethnic, international body ready to respond to conflict situations with mediation, education, and nonviolent intervention which will be sent to conflict areas; join Mary Lou Ott, a founder of the U.S. efforts to build the Nonviolent Peace Force, Nick Mele, a volunteer for the past year with these efforts, and many local people dedicated to nonviolent practice at a meeting to learn about the current status of the Nonviolent Peace Force and to develop strategies for its support; info David Berrian dberrian@earthlink.net or 425-482-3026
Sun May 5, 2 p.m., at Centralia Library; Centralia-Chehalis area Fire Mountain *FOR* meeting, info Stephen 360-736-8784
Mon May 6, noon, at Keystone Church, 5019 Keystone N, Seattle; send-off for delegation going to Iraq to observe first-hand effects of the economic sanctions which kill 150 children every day
Tues May 7, 7 - 8 p.m., at the University Christian Church, 4759 15th Ave NE, Seattle; join Seattle *FOR* and others for a presentation and reading by the Rev. Kenneth Kennon, author of "Prisoner of Conscience," describing his act of civil disobedience and 6 month imprisonment for protest at the Schools of the Americans, (School of Assassins), where US tax dollars are used to train Latin Americans soldiers in human rights abuses; info Marge Beatty 206-524-4711
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Fri May 10, 7:30 p.m., at Kane Hall 110, University of Washington, Seattle; "Helping Russia to Control Its Nuclear Infrastructure" by Laura Holgate, Russia Programs of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, series on "Arms Control, Disarmament and the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction after September 11"; info Dr. Charles A. Meconis 206-543-9031
Sat May 11, approx 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Keystone Church, 5019 Keystone N, Seattle; *WWFOR* area committee, quarterly business meeting, all welcome! info 206-789-5565
Sat May 11, 1 - 4 p.m., at Seattle Center House; annual Mother's Day Weekend Million Mom March Event "Ready, Aim, Sing!", for common sense gun legislation, a music and entertainment festival for kids and adults, info 206-769-9666
Sat May 11, 2:30 p.m., at Traditions Fair Trade Restaurant, 5th & Water St. downtown Olympia; "Peace Tales" performance; Enjoy international folk tales illustrating principles of nonviolent conflict resolution, egalitarianism, etc. info Andra 360-491-8572 or http://www.scattercreek.com/~gwalchmai/ofor.htm
Sun May 12, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, 16159 Clear Creek Road, Poulsbo, Mother's Day for Peace; oppose all weapons of mass destruction including Trident missile conversions to the D-5 missile and Tomahawk cruise missiles, info 360-377-2586
Sun May 12, 5:15 p.m. business mtg, 6 potluck, 7 program, at Hillside Community Church, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* presents a segment of the video "A Force More Powerful," showing how nonviolence has overcome oppression and authoritarian rule; also honoring mothers; info Al Kammerzall 253-272-9572
Fri May 17, Dinner at 6:30, program 7:15, at Charlie's Restaurant Banquet Room, 1826 -1st Ave, Longview, Cowlitz County *FOR* meeting with guest speaker Glen Anderson on Nonviolence in the Local Community, all are welcome, info Dan Smith 360-423-7338, Carpooling from Thurston and Lewis Counties 360-491-9093
Sun May 19, 5 p.m. potluck, 6 p.m. announcements, 6:30 program, at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70th near Greenwood, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* program on a recent delegation and Compassionate Listening Project in Israel and Palestine; info 206-789-5565
Sun May 19, 2 - 4 p.m., at Apollo's Pizza & Pasta, 2010 W. Harrison, Olympia; Olympia *FOR* Annual Meeting & Election to review the past year, look ahead to the next year, and elect Steering Committee members and officers, Olympia FOR will buy the first few pizza. Participants may buy additional ones; info Glen 360-491-9093
Tues May 21, 4 - 6 p.m., at Meany Middle School library, 301 21st Ave E, parking lot off Republican near 19th, Seattle; Safe Schools Coalition meeting, *WWFOR* is a member, working to help schools become safe places regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, info http://www.SafeSchoolsCoalition.org
Tues May 21, 7 p.m., at Traditions, 5th & Water St., Olympia *FOR* "In Search Of The Big Picture" video & discussion series presents "Saul Alinsky & Grassroots Organizing", info Carol 360-866-7645
Weds May 22, 7 p.m., at Char Simons' home, 420 Lybarger SE, Olympia; First meeting to Plan One-Year Peace Observances for Sept 11: The one-year anniversary of Sept 11 (and the Oct 7 US bombing of Afghanistan) will be full of flag-waving and war celebration. Let's start now to plan peaceful observances; info 360-754-1642
Weds May 22, 7:30 p.m., at All Souls Unitarian-Universalist Community, in Knights of Columbus Hall, 6794 Martin Way, Lacey; "Peace Tales" performance; Enjoy international folk tales illustrating principles of nonviolent conflict resolution, egalitarianism, etc. info Andra 360-491-8572 or http://www.scattercreek.com/~gwalchmai/ofor.htm
May 25 26, at Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif; 3rd National Organizing Conference on Iraq: "Forging National Strategies"; info nnewai@usa.com or PPJC 650-326-8837
Fri May 31, 7:30 p.m., at Kane Hall 110, University of Washington, Seattle; "The U.S. Nuclear Posture Review and Weapons Reductions Announcements: Where Do We Go from Here?" by Robert McNamara, former Secretary of Defense, series on "Arms Control, Disarmament ..."; info Dr. Charles A. Meconis 206-543-9031
Sat June 1, 4 p.m., & subsequent 1st Saturdays, Keystone Cong. Ch., 5019 Keystone Pl. N, Seattle; meeting of Interfaith Network of Concern for the People of Iraq challenging the U.S. embargo against Iraq; info Dick Blakney 206-522-4934
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Sun June 9, 2 p.m., Centralia-Chehalis area Fire Mountain *FOR* meeting, info Stephen 360-736-8784
Sun June 9, 5 p.m. potluck, 6 p.m. announcements, 6:30 program, at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70th near Greenwood, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* program with speaker *WWFOR* Organizer, Mike Yarrow; info 206-789-5565
Sun June 9, 5:15 p.m. business mtg, 6 potluck, 7 program, at Hillside Community Church, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* presents a program with Susan Donaldson on "Simple Living as a Patriotic Act"; info Al Kammerzall 253-272-9572
June 15 - 20, at Manhattan College, New York City; :The Power of Nonviolence - Exploring Alternatives," an *FOR* Biennial Conference, with US and international FOR participants, including Rev. James Lawson, Civil Rights leader, registration $100 until May 5, afterwards $150, inexpensive accomodations available; info conference@forusa.org or 845-358-4601, online registration http://www.forusa.org
Tues June 18, 4 - 6 p.m., at Meany Middle School library, 301 21st Ave E, parking lot off Republican near 19th, Seattle; Safe Schools Coalition meeting, a public-private partnership of 91 organizations *WWFOR* is a member, working to help schools become safe places regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, info http://www.SafeSchoolsCoalition.org
Thurs June 20, 6 p.m., at Rose Garden Kitchen, Priest Point Park, Olympia; Olympia *FOR* Summer Potluck Picnic, info: Ramona 360-491-5483 or Glen 360-491-9093
Sat & Sun June 22 & 23, near the Fremont Bridge, Seattle; the Fremont Fair, which raises money for the fine work of the Fremont Public Association, with crafts, entertainment, food, and lots of nonprofit organization booths, look for *FOR* Plants for Peace booth raises awareness and money for scholarships to FOR's Seabeck Conference, info 206-789-5565
Tues June 25 - Tues July 2, in Washington DC; "Democracy Summer", 2nd annual week of training and activities for diverse young activists to work on electoral reform, voting rights, and more profound democracy. Sponsored by The Democracy Action Project, info Nick 202-234-9382 ext.257 or http://www.democracysummer.org
Thurs - Sun July 4 - 7, Seabeck Conference Center, on Hood Canal, Seabeck WA, 44th annual Fellowship of Reconciliation Regional Conference with speakers, workshops, music and fun for all ages, theme Global Reconciliation, adults $158-198, children less, scholarships available, info 206-789-5565
Mon July 8, call to confirm, 7 - 8:30 p.m., at Fairhaven Library's Fireplace Room, 1117 12th Street, Bellingham; join Bellingham *FOR* for "Colombia: another Viet Nam?" with Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach, coordinator of the *FOR's* Colombia Program; info Jamie K. Donaldson 360-676-2491
Tues July 16, 1 - 3 p.m., at Meany Middle School library, 301 21st Ave E, parking lot off Republican near 19th, Seattle; Safe Schools Coalition meeting, a public-private partnership of 91 organizations *WWFOR* is a member, working to help schools become safe places regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, info http://www.SafeSchoolsCoalition.org
Aug 11 - 17, at Reedwood Friends Quaker Church in Portland, Oregon; The Northwest Peacemaker Training Institute is a nonviolence training for youth 18-24 sponsored by *FOR* to give young people the skills they need to organize their communities and create the just world we dream of; $150 - $200, Scholarships available for people of color. Applications due July 10, info 360-696-4840 or nwpti@earthlink.net
Sun Aug 11, at Jim Cassidy's house; call for details and to confirm; Tacoma *FOR* Summer Picnic; info Al Kammerzall 253-272-9572
Sat Aug 17 , noon - 3 p.m., check for location, Seattle; Safe Schools Coalition picnic, a public-private partnership of 91 organizations *WWFOR* is a member, working to help schools become safe places regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, info Beth Reis 206-296-4970 or http://www.SafeSchoolsCoalition.org
Sun Aug 18, 4 - 7 p.m., at Magnusson Park; Seattle *FOR* summer potluck picnic, info 206-789-5565
Fri & Sat Nov 15 - 16, Fri evening and daytime Sat, at Camp Gwinwood, Lacey, near Olympia; mark your calendars for the *WWFOR* fall retreat, info 206-789-5565
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