newsletter of Western Washington FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION
225 North 70th, Seattle WA 98103, 206-789-5565
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Vol. XXIII, No. 3 May-June 2003-
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
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The People: the Second Super PowerAbbrev.s
: FOR=Fellowship of Reconciliationback to WWFOR homepage
The People: The Second Super Power
Mike Yarrow, WWFOR Co-organizer
We are participants in a huge global peace movement, which nearly prevented a blood bath. The New York Times called the movement "the Second Super Power."
Now we are bathed in brutal triumphalism from the Administration and the media in a desperate attempt to convince us that the war in Iraq was a bloodless war for liberation. For peace people this can be pretty discouraging. But a statement from leaders of Friends (Quaker) Organizations in the US, dated March 20, 2003 provides a helpful reminder: "If the war goes swiftly, and the military objectives of our government are achieved, some will call it a success. But that can never be true. This war, like every war,
represents a profound failure. It shows the failure of individuals and governments to address conditions of poverty, injustice, and oppression that lead to war. It shows our failure as human beings to overcome our own fears and greed, which we are told in Scripture are the root causes of war and strife (James 4:1-2). It shows a failure of will and creativity among those in our own government and others to seek alternatives to military force to resolve our conflicts. Finally, it represents a tragic failure to work through and respect the United Nations as the keystone of an evolving international system of law and diplomacy that can respond to international crises and avert war."
We do not have the luxury of despair. Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore recently wrote, "Unfortunately, Bush and Co. are not through yet. This invasion and conquest will encourage them to do it again elsewhere. The real purpose of this war was to say to the rest of the world, 'Don't mess with Texas-if you got what we want, we're coming to get it!' This is not the time for the majority of us who believe in a peaceful America to be quiet. Make your voices heard. Despite what they have pulled off, it is still our country."
For dedicated FOR folks this is the time to reach out to those who have recently mobilized against the Iraq war. Although some have gotten discouraged, many see this as a long-term effort. They have not taken down the "No Iraq War" signs. We need to start work against the next war now!
Invite friends to join the life-long, joyous struggle for peace and justice, organize a nonviolence workshop, a video film series, a town meeting on the budget implications of war and militarism, an effort to demand that veterans be well cared for and that Iraq be rebuilt and detoxed, a peace potluck, the Spring Assembly on May 10th and the July Seabeck Conference. The world and our children's children cannot afford a US policy of perpetual war, an accelerated polarization of income and destruction of the natural world. As the Seattle Labor Chorus version of a South African freedom song goes, "We shall not give up on peace, we have only started. There's enough for all of us, peace will prevail."
Much love, Mike Yarrow, at 206-789-5565
Ruth Yarrow, WWFOR Co-Organizer
We didn't stop the war. But we can still wage peace. What would waging peace look like? Roll the clock back to September 2001, and consider what if the peace movement had prevailed upon the U.S. Administration to wage peace instead of war. Questions to answer would have included:
Why did the 9-11 attackers do it?
1. Infuriation with US actions that affront other cultures. A better way: to have withdrawn US troops from Saudi Arabia.
2. Outrage at the inequities among the earth's peoples. A better way: instead of conducting three tests of the missile defense system, to have used that $275 million dollars to wipe out polio worldwide.
What could the U.S. do in response? Some examples:
1. Cooperate with other nations on bringing terrorists to justice. Support the International Criminal Court, admitting that Americans also come under international law.
2. Condemn all human rights abuses. Change to a policy of openness about how we treat prisoners. Apologize for the silent complicity of the U.S. in the 1980's when Saddam Hussein used poison gas on the Kurds.
3. Oppose all weapons of mass destruction. Ratify START treaties that lead to an abolition of nuclear weapons. Support ongoing UN weapons inspections in Iraq and other countries including our own.
What can we do to prevent future terrorism?
1. Promote civil rights. Repeal the present Patriot Act and oppose any future legislation such as Patriot II that would cripple our civil rights. Act positively and locally for justice.
2. Promote economic justice. Cut seven unmanned predator drones from our military and spend that $130 million on WIC nutrition for 200,000 families.
3. Promote human rights, economic justice and self-determination for all people. Pay U.S. dues to the U.N.
Come to the Spring Assembly and let's begin! -- Ruth.
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May 10 WWFOR Spring Assembly Making Connections-Building Peace
The Western Washington FOR invites YOU to join with others at our Fifth Annual Spring Membership Assembly on Saturday May 10 in West Seattle. We are people from Western Washington's grassroots, building a stronger movement for social justice, nonviolence and peace.
We'll gather at Fauntleroy UCC Church, 9260 California SW in West Seattle (near the Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry terminal). On-site registration for those who could not pre-register will begin at 9:00 a.m., with displays and refreshments until the Assembly starts promptly at 10:00.
In the morning we'll share our personal reflections about current wars, and we'll explore how those wars are linked with other peace and justice issues. In the afternoon each person can choose from many creative ways to promote action. We'll end at 3:45.
Please pre-register IMMEDIATELY, if possible. If you didn't receive a registration form in the mail in mid-April, you can download from our website, www.scn.org/wwfor or request one from the WWFOR office, 206-789-5565 It costs the WWFOR approximately $15 per person to put on this Assembly. We welcome participants regardless of ability to pay, and hope those who can afford more will balance those who can afford less. Your registration donation includes lunch.
The theme is "Making a Difference Together: Working Toward A Peaceful World" If you haven't yet received a registration form, contact WWFOR. Scholarships available.
FLASH: Jackie Hudson Convicted
Jackie Hudson (Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, Poulsbo) and two other Catholic sisters face sentences of 5-8 years for hammering and pouring their blood on a Minuteman missile silo in Colorado. Details at Ground Zero.
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Mary Emma Hibbard, Des Moines
Members of the South King County FOR chapter have been regular participants with the Burien SNOW group at weekly Thursday peace vigils at the intersection of South 216th and Marine View Drive. The chapter meets monthly every first Friday. Contact: Mary Emma at 206-870-2005
Cindy Cole, West Seattle
The West Seattle Neighbors for Peace group began the six-week video and discussion of "A Force More Powerful" at Lisa and Katie Kauffman's house on Thursday evenings. We watch the video, discuss and then afterward sing, accompanied by Lisa Kauffman on the guitar. We will be starting another "A Force More Powerful" series on Wednesday, April 30th at the Alki Congregational Church and hope to use a similar format.
We continue our Function in the Junction on Saturdays but feel this will be changing from protest to more of an educational forum with leafleting and a table with educational materials.
In early April we co-sponsored an educational evening with the West Seattle Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on depleted uranium. On April 27th we will host a discussion about the United Nations, its role and what we can do to support it. Our focus is changing and we look to this time to educate and reach out to more of the community. With donations from West Seattle members we've put together six Family Packs (through AFSC) for the people of Iraq.
Al Kammerzall, Tacoma
Tacoma FOR members have taken part in peace vigils at the Federal Building. Some of us are participating in meetings with United For Peace of Pierce County, working to devise other peace-promoting activities. We also act in People for Peace Justice and Healing weekly activities. Info: All Kammerzall, 253-272-9572
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Olympia FOR Serves the Community
Glen Anderson, Olympia
Iraq: From October through March we bought and distributed 1,500 "No Iraq War" signs throughout Thurston County. We also raised special money to pay for 24" x 88" Iraq peace ads on 5 local buses for more than a month, featuring photos of girls from Basra, Iraq, with the caption "War kills the innocent." We vigiled and did other activities.
Vigils: Participation in our weekly vigils increased to about 20 on Wednesday noon-hours in Sylvester Park and to 30-40 on Friday late afternoons at Percival Landing.
TV programs: The Olympia FOR's TV series has reached its 16th anniversary of providing fresh perspectives on issues related to peace, social justice and nonviolence for Thurston County's cable TV subscribers. Upcoming programs include:
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May: Amnesty International Broadens the Concept of Human Rights§
June: Local Success Stories§
July: Nonviolent PeaceforceDeath Penalty: We organized a "Community Conversation on the Death Penalty" on April 1.
Growth: Our many activities continue to attract new people who like the FOR's approach to nonviolence, peace and social justice and feel personally welcome. More and more people around town know who we are and respect what we do. We're building a movement!
Seattle: In Glorious Coalition
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April 12 Rally "Stop the War at Home, Stop the War Aboard" on a cold rainy day! SNOW & FOR helped the great turnout. |
Jean Buskin speaks as supportive King County Councilman Larry Gossett and Jean's prison colleague the Rev. Ann Hall look on. |
FOR members in Seattle are enormously proud of local and regional FOR involvement in SNOW (Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War). SNOW has grown to over 100 member groups, committed to core points of agreement on respect for all, no acts of physical or verbal violence, and to principles of constructive nonviolence. Many FOR people have been active in the several neighborhood groups that formed under SNOW's umbrella and that are continuing with an ambitious mix of vigils and information programs.
SNOW and its member organizations greatly influenced Seattle-area response to the Iraq invasion. They helped build a public and media expectation of principled, informed discussion and peace action. SNOW is now planning future action, building on SNOW's powerful base of public respect and support. We look forward to participating!
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A number of FOR Seattle members have been active with Mothers For Police Accountability, including as courtroom observers. On April 13, MFPA honored FOR support. Carol Sinclair and Flora Cole accepted the award and spoke on behalf of FOR. |
Fire Mountain Centralia-Chehalis
Larry Kerschner, Pe Ell
Fire Mountain Chapter FOR continues to keep the beacon lit in conservative Lewis County. Recently the Centralia Community College and the Centralia High School newspapers had articles on our continuing Saturday vigils near the Centralia Library. Responses still are more positive than not for the two dozen who normally show up.
FOR was involved in a recent Iraq War Dialogue series at the Centralia United Methodist Church. We had members attend a Tax Workshop on the Federal Budget with Rep. Brian Baird. Several folks handed out War Resisters League tax information at the post office on April 15. Members have held several meetings to discuss communication strategies. This led to the development of an issues brochure and a recent communication skills workshop. The local conservative newspaper and talk radio continue to regularly hear from FOR.
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Stevens County N.E. Washington
Bruce Pruitt-Hamm, Kettle Falls
The Stevens County FOR chapter, with 8 members and approximately 30 participants, enjoys dramatic progress in what is usually considered a highly conservative region.
1. Iraq/Peace Education
Our focus has been public discussion and protest of the invasion of Iraq. We began by purchasing display ads in the local papers, and maintaining a consistent presence of letters to the editor. The ads kept running until the invasion began.
On February 15th FOR members joined over 100 others for a march and rally in Colville to protest the impending invasion of Iraq. (Proportionally, this is like a demonstration of 10,000 in Seattle).
On March 3rd we organized an interfaith forum, "War on Iraq: Local Clergy Reflect", held at the Catholic Church. We invited clergy without knowing their position on the war, hoping to engender discussion among people of faith. Approximately 150 people crowded in to hear Lutheran, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian and Catholic clergy unanimously question the morality or wisdom of the planned war. Audience members were not unanimous and questions and discussion afterward demonstrated that this event was not simply "preaching to the choir." The newspaper ran a nearly full-page article on the event, extensively quoting the clergy.
On March 15th the chapter organized a vigil in downtown Colville. The event was specifically designed to counter "war mania" that equated patriotism with support for the war. Most of the approximately 75 participants wore a printed placard, stating: "Another Patriot for Peace", on which they wrote a description of themselves. For example, one elderly participant held his sign proclaiming "Veteran of 3 Wars- Another Patriot for Peace". We stood silently next to a large U.S. flag and a sign "Patriots for Peace".
On April 24th we hosted a speaker, Dana Visalli, who visited Iraq in January of 2003 with Voices in the Wilderness.
2. International Criminal Court
On May 10th we are co-sponsoring, with the Stevens County Bar Association and the Junior Statespeople of America (a high school group), a mock trial of Saddam Hussein in the newly formed International Criminal Court. The event will take place in the Stevens County Superior Court. All of the judges, the county clerk and nearly half of the lawyers in the county will be participating, along with a dozen or so high school students, to try Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity committed in the past.
Most people, including many in the peace movement, know little to nothing about the International Criminal Court (ICC), which came into existence in July of 2002. The judges were just elected in March of 2003 and the court is expected to start hearing cases this summer. The Bush administration has "unsigned" the ICC treaty, making the United States the only democracy actively opposing the ICC.
Proponents point to the ICC as an alternative to "war at will" by strong countries who proclaim military invasion as "humanitarian intervention" to liberate oppressed peoples, like Bush did in Iraq, often as pretext for military conquests for other geopolitical reasons. The ICC has the authority to prosecute individuals, including government officials, of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide. It is a standing court, not an ad hoc tribunal like the international tribunal trying Milosevic. If Saddam Hussein had been indicted and convicted for crimes against humanity in the 1980's, when the U.S. was supporting him, the current war in Iraq may have been averted. The ICC is one answer to the question often asked regarding figures like Hussein and Bin Laden, "What, other than war, can be done?"
3. Youth and Militarism
As the specter of a ground war loomed ominously, many felt called to reach out to high school youth to counsel them on conscientious objection, the prospect of a new draft and to counter military recruiting propaganda by obtaining equal access. We contacted the principals at each of the major county high schools and also Superintendents in several school districts where recruiters have traditionally appeared.
On March 12th we brought Cris Currie, a draft counselor from Spokane, to speak. About 12 people, including two high school students, met with Cris and indicated their interest in assisting with further efforts to reach youth on these issues.
In a related effort, FOR members worked with a local high school teacher and other concerned community and school members in Kettle Falls School District to request equal access. On April 15th several FOR members joined approximately a dozen community members to meet with the Superintendent of Kettle Falls School District, a couple Board of Education members, the high school principal and several teachers to discuss how the district can respond to our request for equal access. Under the binding precedent of San Diego Committee v. Governing Board of Grossmont Union High School District, 790 F.2d 1471 (9th Cir.1986), school districts in Washington state are required, if they allow military recruiters and/or military literature in the schools, to allow equal access to others posing an alternative viewpoint.
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In Memoriam: Betty Hogenauer and Morgan Griffin
Betty and her husband Irwin were long time WWFOR stalwarts. She was a joyful presence at University Friends Meeting until shortly before her death.
A former bassoonist for the Seattle Symphony, Morgan and his wife Marilyn ordered the first 3,000 "No Iraq War" signs. This launched an effort that ultimately saw the distribution of over 100,000 signs to all states of the US and many other countries and created a visible sentiment of peace.
Connections: people & organizations
FOR National
PO Box 271, Nyack, NY 10960 845-358-4601 www.forusa.org publisher of Fellowship magazine.Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action 360-377-2586
www.gzcenter.org Thoughtful, imaginative, powerful local nonviolent action confronting Weapons of Mass Destruction.INOC Interfaith Network of Concern and Citizens Concerned for the people of Iraq
www.saveageneration.orgMothers For Police Accountability PO Box 22886 Seattle 98122 206-329-2033 Provides help with complaints about police harassment and excessive force. Positive, constructive.
Pacific Call
Sep-Oct issue deadline is August 15. Send articles to savaget@msn.com or call Tom at 206-522-6201SNOW 206-798-2684
www.snowcoalition.orgWWFOR office Mike and Ruth Yarrow, organizers 206-789-5565 email at
wwfor@connectexpress.comWWFOR web site
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Still waging peace all over! See Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War SNOW website for neighborhood groups around Puget Sound & beyond http://www.snowCoalition.org/contact.php, more events: Olympia plus http://www.OlyFOR.org; Seattle plus http://www.scn.org/activism/calendar, Bellingham http://www.bellinghampeace.org or http://www.revolutionz.org Tacoma http://www.tacomapjh.org, Tri-Cities http://www.tcfn.org/wcp
Ongoing, Wage Peace & other Yard Signs info 206-789 5565, or http://www.geocities.com/noiraqwarsigns/kiosk.html
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 *FOR’s* 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 8 Amnesty International "Human Rights & Death Penalty"; debut June 12 "Local Success Stories: Don't be discouraged! Many local grassroots efforts are succeeding!"; info Glen 360-491-9093 or http://www.OlyFOR.org
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., in front of the Bellingham Federal Building; join Bellingham *FOR* members and others in the Whatcom Peace Vigil followed by open discussion at Port of Subs, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m., vigil may be extended to 6 p.m., info Rob Baxter bbaxter@openaccess.org or 360-738-9205
Ongoing Fridays, 4:30 - 6 p.m., Percival Landing, 4th & Water, Olympia; Please join Olympia *FOR* in this very friendly peace vigil for all or part of this time. Signs provided or bring your own. info 360-491-9093
Ongoing Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Junction, California SW and SW Alaska West Seattle; "The Junction Function" a Peace Presence by West Seattle *FOR* and others Be ready for lots of waving and maybe more intersection dancing. info John Repp jmrepp@attbi.com or http://www.snowcoalition.org/westseattle
Ongoing Sundays, 2 p.m., at Greenlake, near the intersection of 63rd and East Greenlake Way N, Seattle; Peace Vigil, all peaceful people invited, bring signs, leaflets, and your friends and dogs, info greenlakepeacevigil@hotmail.com
Ongoing Sundays, 10 p.m., on TCTV channel 22 or 29 in Thurston County; Olympia *FOR* sponsors interesting videos, different each month; May "Good Kurds; Bad Kurds" documents what the politicians and mainstream news media don't say; info Carol 360-866-7645 or carolburns@olywa.net
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May 2 – 3, Seattle University, 900 Broadway, Seattle. "Peace and War in the Age of Globalization" conference with peacemakers including Thomas Gumbleton, Roman Catholic Bishop of Detroit,. Rev. Drew Christiansen, S.J., Assoc. Editor, America Magazine, Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Lutheran Theologian. workshops on peace & non-violence, $75, info: www.seattleu.edu/go/peaceconf, 206-296-5320
Fri May 2, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, at Wesley Homes, 815 S. 216th, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, call for topic, info Mark Fredericksen 206-243-9238 or mark@fredericksen.net
Sat May 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70th, Seattle; *WWFOR* Area Committee meets to plan, coordinate and make decisions for our regional FOR. info 206-789-5565
Sat May 3, 3 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 Rich Gamble 206-632-6021
Sun May 4, 11 a.m., Meet at Maiben Park behind the Police Station in Burlington; 15th Annual Farm Workers Solidarity March. March to Skagit Valley College where food and program will follow
Sun May 4, and subsequent 1st Sundays, 1 - 3 p.m., at Douglass-Truth Library, 23rd Avenue & Yesler Way, Seattle; meeting of the Nonviolent Peaceforce -- Seattle Area Support Group, considering forming a local group that will provide an on-going resource for peacekeeping presence and training; info David Berrian 425-482-3026 or dberrian@earthlink.net
Sun May 4, 2 p.m. at Centralia Library; Fire Mountain *FOR* shows and discusses the final episode of "A Force More Powerful," a video about successful uses of nonviolence in world history. info Stephen 360-736-8784
Mon May 5, 7 p.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1110 14th Street, Bellingham; Presentation by National Coordinator of Pax Christi, David Robinson. Pax Christi is a peace organization affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church
Sat May 10, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Fauntleroy UCC Church, 9260 California SW in West Seattle; 5th *WWFOR* Annual Spring Membership Assembly "Making Connections - Building Peace"; join with other FOR folks to strengthen the movement for social justice, nonviolence and peace. suggested $15 donation (pay what you can) includes refreshments and lunch, preregistration recommended, registration forms available at http://www.scn.org/wwfor, info 206-789-5565
Sun May 11, Stevens County Chapter *FOR* annual meeting & election of new officers and committee chairpersons, info Bruce Pruitt-Hamm, Kettle Falls, info 509-685-1230
Sun May 11, 5 p.m. business mtg, 6 potluck, 7 program, at Hillside Comm. Church, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* program with presentation by Roger Rader and Al Kammerzell on "Alternate Media Sources"; info Al Kammerzall 253-272-9572
Fri May 16, 7:30 p.m., at the PUD, 960 Commerce Ave, Longview, Cowlitz County *FOR* and others will hear County Commisioner George Raiter discussing the new jail proposal which will be put before the voters, info Janey 360-423-7338
Sat May 17, at Seattle Central Comm. College, Room 3115, Seattle; The National Coalition Building Institute is devoted to eliminating prejudice and ending oppression of all people. The Ending Violence Workshop focuses on empowering strong leadership teams to support each other around ending violence. $30-$80/workshop (sliding scale). Register at http://www.scn.org/ncbisea/, Calendar of Events, info NCBI Seattle office 206-323-5427
Sun May 18, 2:30 to 4:30 at the Olympia Friends Meeting House, 219 B Street SW, Tumwater (just across the freeway from the brewery); Everyone is invited to the Olympia *FOR's* annual meeting. Longtime Olympia peace and human rights activist Anna Schlecht will be the featured speaker. refreshments, brief review of the past year's activities, election of Steering Committee. Small group reflection on the current situation and generate answers to questions such as: What am I going to do next? What would I like the Olympia FOR to do next? What messages would be good for new vigil signs? info Glen Anderson 360-491-9093
Sun May 18, 5 p.m. potluck, 6 p.m. announcements, 6:30 - 8 p.m. program, at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70th near Greenwood, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* presents Lois Canright of United for a Fair Economy on The Growing Divide: Inequality and the Roots of Economic Insecurity; Free, an offering will be taken. info 206-789-5565
Tues May 20, 4 - 6 p.m., at Meany Middle School library, 301 21st Ave E, 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 20, 7 p.m., at Traditions Cafe, 5th & Water, downtown Olympia: Join with others to watch and discuss "Salt of the Earth" as part of Olympia *FOR's* "In Search of the Big Picture" series, this classic film Supports Labor and Women; info Carol 360-866-7645 or carolburns@olywa.net
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Sun June 1, and subsequent 1st Sundays, 1 - 3 p.m., at Douglass-Truth Library, 23rd Avenue & Yesler Way, Seattle; meeting of the Nonviolent Peaceforce -- Seattle Area Support Group, considering forming a local group that will provide an on-going resource for peacekeeping presence and training; info David Berrian 425-482-3026 or dberrian@earthlink.net
Fri June 6, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, at Wesley Homes, 815 S. 216th, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, call for topic, info Mark Fredericksen 206-243-9238 or mark@fredericksen.net
Sat June 7, 3 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 Rich Gamble 206-632-6021
Sun June 8, 5 p.m. business mtg, 6 potluck, 7 program, at Hillside Comm. Church, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* program with presentation by Eloise Holden on "My Life in FOR from the Midwest to Tacoma"; info Al Kammerzall 253-272-9572
Sun June 15, 5 p.m. potluck, 6 p.m. announcements, 6:30 - 8 p.m. program, at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70th near Greenwood, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* presents a program; Free, an offering will be taken. info 206-789-5565
Tues June 17, 4 - 6 p.m., at Meany Middle School library, 301 21st Ave E, 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 June 17, 7 p.m., at Traditions Cafe, 5th & Water, Olympia: Join with others to watch and discuss interesting videos in Olympia *FOR's* "In Search of the Big Picture" series, info Carol 360-866-7645 or carolburns@olywa.net
Weds June 18, 7 p.m., at SGI-USA Seattle Culture Center, 3438 S. 148th St., Seattle; Professor Majid Tehranian, professor of international communication at the University of Hawaii and director of the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, will share his insights on several issues of global concern in a toalk "Clash or Dialogue ... of Civilizations, old and new silk roads", Professor Tehranian recently co-authored a book, "Global Civilization, a Buddhist Islamic Dialogue" to be released in May. info 206-244-0268 or majid@hawaii.edu
Thurs June 19, 5 p.m. at Rose Garden Kitchen of Priest Point Park, Olympia; Steering Committee Meeting, followed by Olympia *FOR* Potluck Picnic at 6:30. Everyone is invited to both events! info 360-491-9093
Fri June 20, dinner 6:30 p.m., program 7:15, at Charlie's Restaurant Banquet Room, 1826 -1st Ave, Longview, Cowlitz County *FOR* program Richard Dillman will speak about homelessness and the most crucial needs of this population, info or rides Janey 360-423-7338
July 1 - Aug 15, Your presence is needed in Palestine! The International Solidarity Movement is urgently calling for international volunteers to come to the Occupied West Bank and Gaza to participate in nonviolent direct action in support of Palestinian human rights. info http://www.palsolidarity.org
Thurs - Sun July 3 - 6, at Seabeck Conference Center, on Hood Canal, Seabeck WA, 45th annual *FOR* Northwest Regional Conference, "Making A Difference Together: Working Toward A Peaceful World" with keynote speakers Jim Douglass and National *FOR* Coordinator Pat Clark, registration before June 1 urged, info 206-789-5565
Sat July 19, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Yakima Valley Regional Library; 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
Sun Aug 17, 4 - 7 p.m., at Shelter #6, Woodland Park, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* Potluck Picnic, everyone of all ages welcome, info 206-789-5565
Tues Aug 19, 2 - 4 p.m., at Meany Middle School library, 301 21st Ave E, 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
Thurs Aug 20, 5 p.m. at Rose Garden Kitchen of Priest Point Park, Olympia; Steering Committee Meeting, followed by Olympia *FOR* Potluck Picnic at 6:30. Everyone is invited to both events! info 360-491-9093
Sun Aug 24, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., at the Seattle University Ballroom in Seattle; national conference, "Simplicity: Integrating Sustainability, Social Justice & Spirit - A Participatory Conference." Featured speakers include Duane Elgin, Vicki Robin, Cecile Andrews, Wanda Urbanska, John de Graaf, and Jerome Segal. registration $25 with free parking, co-hosted by Seeds of Simplicity and the Simplicity Forum, for a detailed invitation email seeds@seedsofsimplicity.org or call 877-UNSTUFF with a landmail address
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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.
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