back to WWFOR homepage

Vol. XXII, No. 4 Sept.-Oct. 2002 Editor: Tom Savage, plus many helping hands web edition at: www.scn.org/wwfor

I am just back from a six-day backpacking trip in the North Cascades, feeling a bit disoriented. Meadows of green and flowers of the rainbow, clear mountain lakes, deer bouncing across the high shoulders of mountains - even with the sore muscles these journeys restore my soul. Hope you also have had a restorative summer. I came back to find conservative Republicans raising serious questions about the war plans. Even before the fall a group at Port Townsend has invited me over on August 25 to explore becoming an FOR chapter! I am looking forward to good work with a lot of you. I hope many more of the 1700 on our list will get involved in the effort to stop the planned war on Iraq and create a world worthy of our children and grandchildren.

WISHING WELL TO HOSSEIN ALIZADEH: We will miss the sweet disposition, quick wit and deep knowledge of the Middle East with which Hossein graced us for the past year. He made presentations at many FOR, church and school groups during his year as an intern here with the last presentation being at an interfaith observance in Port Angeles. He has just moved to Nyack to carry on with the Iraq work as a regular staff person. We wish him well. You can contact Hossein at Iraq@forusa.org.

PREVENTING WAR: June 15th 96 people convened for a Peace Pledge Strategy Assembly. Since then others have contacted the office wanting to work to prevent a war with Iraq. A number of efforts are gathering steam. 1) A group is strategizing about possible civil disobedience in response to the threat of war. 2) An effort to make opposition more visible with buttons, bumper stickers, posters and street theatre needs your help - Bellingham has created a puppet. A waitress at a downtown restaurant wears a T-shirt that reads "War is a Bad Idea." She has gotten a heartwarming response. 3) There have been several meetings of a students and teachers group which is preparing article packets, a speakers bureau and an annotated list of videos for use in classes, teach-ins and campus campaigns. The next meeting is Sept 9^th 6pm Seattle Central Community College rm 4143. 4) Lobbying continues with sessions set up the last week of August with both senators and Congressman McDermott. 5) A group on Bainbridge Island has organized an ad for the Seattle Times. 6.) People across the country continue to send in Peace Pledges. We are now well over 10,000 nationally and pushing 2,000 in Washington State alone. The first labor union has endorsed the Peace Pledge - the large SEIU Local 535 representing workers throughout California! We need more volunteers to do data entry!

PEACEFUL RESPONSE TO 9/11: In Olympia, South King County, and Seattle a number of groups are organizing programs to mourn the dead - all the dead - and raise up alternatives to a military response.

back to WWFOR homepage

After the September 11, 2001, attacks, Mr. Bush escalated that crime into a war and exploited the tragedy to serve selfish interests of power and wealth. He told us and other nations that "You're either with us or against us," so if we questioned his absolute authority we risked being branded as enemies.

Amazingly, most Americans and virtually all of the US Congress and news media fell into line. For many months Bush & Co. fooled a supine Congress into passing laws benefiting the rich and powerful, fooled a gullible press into accepting his vacuous and dangerous pronouncements at face value, and exploited public fear to let him grab power that threatens true American values and world peace.

Bush says his war will last for the rest of our lives. Cheney says it might expand to 40 or 50 countries. Bush tells other countries who they can and cannot have as their leaders and plots to overthrow governments he doesn't like. He abandons treaties and says international law does not pertain to him.

Immediately after last September 11's attacks, people asked incredulously, "Why do they hate us?" Anyone who understood US foreign and economic policies already knew.

The September 11 attacks killed about 3,000 Americans, but our economic sanctions have been killing even more Iraqi children under age 5 every month for 12 years. If "terrorism" means using or threatening violence against civilian populations in order to coerce them or their governments, then the US is - and has been - committing terrorism all over the world.

Is this what America is about? In the real America, the people control the government, not vice versa.

But while we reject Bush's simplistic division into "good" vs. "evil," we must be careful not to repeat his error and demonize him and the human beings around him.  Their policies are clearly wrong, but we must recognize the essential humanity of those with whom we disagree

Our efforts for peace and justice are most effective when we explicitly uphold American values such as democracy and openness and human rights. We must root our efforts in the principles of nonviolence as expressed by Gandhi, King and others. Principled and strategic nonviolence harnesses the power of love and truth to change the rules of the struggle and break the cycle.

The late Barbara Deming used to say that nonviolence needs two hands: one to hold out at arm's length - palm upright and facing outward - saying "NO" to violence; and the other to extend - palm up in an open and accepting gesture - welcoming people in and affirming the alternatives that we support.

Now, a year after 9/11, the public is ready to hear a fresh analysis and to explore nonviolent alternatives. Now is a great time to reach out and build for peace.

Look for a special expanded edition of Fellowship Magazine "After September 11: A Time for Reflection, A Time for Action". (Limited copies available from WWFOR)

"DIALOGUE NOT WAR", SAYS HANS VON SPONECK IN AUGUST 13 SPEECH

In Seattle at the invitation of INOC (the Interfaith Network of Concern), the distinguished former UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq told an audience of 300,

"The fight against terrorism as against the fight against terrorists, I think there is a distinction. Because when we fight terrorism, we begin to look at the causes ... We are concerned then with poverty. We are concerned with dignity. We are concerned with equality. When you start looking at these aspects then you make, in my view, the first significant step toward eliminating terrorism.

"What is the alternative to a war? Well, I would say that a precondition to any alternative is that the current government in Washington ends its unilateralism.

"The US must support a dialogue at different levels.

"The dialogue at the level of the UN Security Council - give the Secretary-General a chance. Don't muzzle him.

"At the Mid-East level, give dialogue among the Arab countries a chance.

"At the same time what we want, what I as a European envision, is that we build together a strong coalition to fight against terrorism but not a coalition for war against Iraq or any other country."

"I cannot understand, why is it that groups in every community [in the US], that have strong voices, that are repositories of honesty, why they do not penetrate into mainstream media or have a real influence on political decision making in Washington. So I want to make a pitch, a big pitch, for converting that disconnect into a powerful connect. And, I think, all of us in this room and outside, that's we owe to peace."

(Contact WWFOR for a videotape of the entire speech)

back to WWFOR homepage

Pat Clark, FOR National Coordinator, delivered a powerful second keynote speech on July 6 at FOR's Seabeck regional conference. Louise Diamond had already delivered an inspiring first keynote on July 5.

In her remarks, Pat shared some of her experiences with Habitat for Humanity, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Death Penalty Focus of California, and AFSC:

Pat reflected on two remarkable women she knows. One of them is Mrs. Donald, whose son was murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan. The other is Pat's grandmother, whose youngest child was murdered, as was one of Pat's cousins. Both women experienced the murder of loved ones, and yet still held fast to the power of compassion.

Pat described their belief that "We as human beings don't have the right to take life into our own hands. We need to let the situation be rectified by a higher being. And I think those are important words for us regardless of what issue, what communities we are involved in.

"See, Mrs. Donald and my grandmother still experienced those folks who were perpetrators of some of the worst crimes you can imagine as human beings. What they understood and what they appreciated was that everyone has the potential for redemption; everyone has the potential for transformation. And if we approach it from that perspective, we can really think about ways to eradicate violence." (Contact WWFOR for a videotape of the speech)

WWFOR was fortunate in finding four summer interns (their positions funded by a generous grant from the Abe Keller Foundation) who worked and studied during the month of July under the supervision of Mike Yarrow and Marcia Mullins. Sierra Michels-Sletvett, Natasha David, Alena Bruzas and Brian Acabana brought energy, enthusiasm and good cheer to their work both in the office and in the field. Projects in which they were engaged included: attending some of the Seabeck Conference, cataloguing and electronically recording all of the books in the office library (you'll soon be able to see the results of their efforts on the WWFOR Website), entering hundreds of Peace Pledges into our data base, collecting Peace Pledges, collecting data for the survey on military spending, standing in vigil (or, in Brian's case, distributing leaflets) for Women In Black, interviewing local activists such as Bert Sacks and viewing/discussing each of the films in the series "A Force More Powerful".

Evaluation reports from each of the interns reflected appreciation for what they learned from every aspect of the program, particularly from the opportunities to get out into the field and to talk with people about issues related to the Peace Pledge, military spending, popular media and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We are pleased to know that the 80 hours of time together was mutually beneficial.

The best news is that we have already seen the interns at some FOR events following their "official" period of employment and we are pleased to know that they are interested in continuing their activism as well as their association with FOR in the years ahead. Our sincere thanks to Sierra, Alena, Natasha and Brian and best wishes for peaceful, peacemaking lives ahead.

back to WWFOR homepage

Shulamit Dector will serve as WWFOR's representative to Washington State Jobs With Justice. WSJWJ is a local affiliate of the nationwide (29 states, 40 cities) labor-based Jobs With Justice coalition focusing on workplace and community social justice campaigns.

"We are pro-Palestinian. And we are pro-Israeli. We are pro-people. We are for the right of all people to live in peace, free from terror." Richard Deats, National FOR Communications Coordinator, commenting on FOR's 28^th Interfaith Peacebuilders delegation, working with Israelis and Palestinians toward a just resolution to the conflict.

To be human is to make choices. When problems arise, we figure out solutions. Even when bad things happen to us, we can still choose how to respond.

A year ago on September 11, each of us was flooded with a mix of emotions. Now a year later our nation is reflecting on what it all means and what we should do. Now is a good time to open up a wider space in the public arena so the entire community can reflect on the recent past and choose a better future.

In April the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation sensed this need and started planning a way to devote the first anniversary of September 11 toward peace. What began as a hope to have one or a few events struck a responsive chord in the larger community and blossomed into Choosing Peace: A Series for the Whole Community", a two-month series with dozens of events and activities sponsored and hosted by a great variety of local organizations and venues. It includes speakers, music, films, youth activities, religious observances, radio and TV programs, art exhibits, vigils, discussions, workshops, and linkages with related concerns such as race, the environment, and practicing nonviolence in our daily lives.

Yes, we do have choices. During difficult times it is especially important to make choices that reflect our best thinking and our deepest yearnings. Join with others in our Olympia community in choosing peace.

back to WWFOR homepage

We are continuing to have a get together on the first Friday at 7:00 PM at Wesley Terrace in Des Moines

We are organizing an interfaith service of prayer for peace at the Riverton Park United Methodist Church in Tukwila on the 11^th at 7:30 PM, seeking Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist participation in addition to Christian.

Constance Trowbridge will speak at our regular September meeting, about her recent visit to Israel and the West Bank as observer and activist.

We are planning a Peace Fair for the Saturday after UN Day (October 24) at the Des Moines United Methodist Church. We're hoping to get the Raging Grannies to make an appearance. We are encouraging a variety of peace and justice groups to have tables, and with any luck to include some Highline Community College activists!

As part of the Decade of Nonviolence we are participating with the Lewis County Tree Of Life Coalition in planning events such as the Lewis County Domestic Violence Summit community event "Through the Eyes of the Children" Friday, October 11. A follow-up symposium "Children at Risk: Communities Partnering for Effective Solutions" will be held Oct 17 for professionals who work with families and children.

back to WWFOR homepage

back to WWFOR homepage

See the Olympia *FOR* web site http://www.OlyFOR.org for more Olympia area events including scores of Choosing Peace events commemorating victims of 911 and electing nonviolent solutions; for many more Seattle area peace events see http://www.scn.org/activism/calendar

Continue, to phone the President 202-456-1111, End the Economic Sanctions killing hundreds daily! oppose any war against Iraq, Only Congress can declare war. Phone Sen. Patty Murray 206-553-5545 and Sen. Maria Cantwell 206-220-6400; 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 *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; 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 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 Sept 12 "Nonviolent Peaceforce"; debut Oct 10, "Alternatives to a Gigantic Jail"; info Glen 360-491-9093 or glen@olywa.net

Ongoing Fridays, 4 -6 p.m., at the Allen Street Bridge, Longview; Cowlitz County *FOR* peace vigil, info Janey 360-423-7338

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

Mon Sept 2, 1 - 3 p.m., at University Friends Meeting, 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle; Nonviolent Peaceforce meeting, reviewing written flyers, evaluating recent outreach, & planning a very full calendar of activities for the Work-a-Day-for-Peace campaign, info David Berrian 425-482-3026 or dberrian@earthlink.net

Fri Sept 6, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, at Wesley Homes, 516 S. 216th, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, with Constance Trowbridge and Sarah McElroy on their trip last spring to Israel, info Mark Fredericksen 206-243-9238 or mark@fredericksen.net

Fri Sept 6, 6:30 p.m., at 911 Media Arts, 117 Yale Ave. North, Seattle; a Premiere Viewing of video produced by the Seattle Nonviolent Communication community, "Love the Jackal, Talk Giraffe", Using puppets with adults to teach and practice NVC; requesting $5 - $20 contribution, no one will be turned away

Fri Sept 6, 6:30 - 9 p.m., in the Lincoln School cafeteria, 213 21st Ave. SE, Olympia; An Introduction to Nonviolent Communication: Communicating to Connect; donation $10 - 25 strictly optional; info Liv 360-357-4503

Sat Sept 7, 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

Sun Sept 8, 12:30 - 4 p.m., at Antioch University, 2326 6th Ave, Seattle; Seattle People's Assembly with Conversation circles on Democracy, Nonviolence, and Peace; suggested $5 - $10, bring a lunch or money to order pizza; info or RSVP or childcare reservations dickburkhart@attbi.com or 206-721-5672

Sun Sept 8, call for details; Centralia-Chehalis area Fire Mountain *FOR* meeting, call for topic, info Stephen 360-736-8784

Sun Sept 8, 5:15 p.m. business meeting, 6 potluck, 7 program, at Hillside Community Church, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* presents a Video about US and Iraq relationships; info Al Kammerzall 253-272-9572

Mon Sept 9, 6 p.m., at Seattle Central Community College, Broadway just north of Pine, room 4143, Seattle; Stop the War Before It Starts, organizing meeting of a network of students and teachers against the war; info 206-789-5565 or nowariraq@icaer.org or http://www.icaer.org/nowariraq

Mon Sept 9, 7 p.m., in Koinonia Hall, First Christian Church, 7th & Franklin, Olympia; Teach-In: Community Reflection On Sept 11: Looking Back, Moving Forward: Panel with Helena Meyer-Knapp, Therese Saliba, Glen Anderson, and audience share insights and recommendations, info Nathan 360-866-4433

Tues Sept 10, 7 p.m., in the Great Room, Baran Hall, St. Martin's College, Lacey; Nonviolence Is How The Universe Wants To Work, Presentation by Glen Anderson uses ideas from Gandhi, King and others; info Katie O'Neill 360-438-4381

Tues Sept 10, 7:30 p.m., at Central Lutheran Church, 1710 11th Ave, Seattle; planning meeting: No War Against Iraq, endorsed by Eastside *FOR*, and others; info 206-292-8809

Weds Sept 11, Wear White to Support Peace and Nonviolence; info http://www.globalcoalitionforpeace.net

Weds Sept 11, all day from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Percival Landing, Olympia; Convergence for Peace; Stay as long as you want. bring picnics, guitars, readings and artwork to share. closing from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with music, speaker, & reflections; Organized by the Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace as part of Choosing Peace series. info Rachel Corrie 360-753-1794

Weds Sept 11, noon - 1- p.m., at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple Garden, 1427 South Main St., Seattle; A Buddhist Memorial to All Victims of September 11, info Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery, 425-481-6640

Weds Sept 11, 5 p.m., at Seattle Central Community College, Broadway north of Pine, Seattle; Eastside *FOR* joins a number of organizations in a Rally Against U.S. Wars, info 206-984-6256

Weds Sept 11, 7:30 p.m., at the Riverton Park United Methodist Church, 140th S. and Military Rd. S. in Tukwila; South King County *FOR* will sponsor a Service of Prayer for Peace. As a part of that service we will make a peace quilt, info Mark Fredericksen 206-243-9238 or mark@fredericksen.net

Sun Sept 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 Jajat Burhanudin, a Muslim Indonesian, and Farsijana Adeney-Risakotta, a Christian Indonesian, on "Interfaith Dialog in Indonesia and the U.S."; Free, an offering will be taken. info 206-789-5565

Tues Sept 17, 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

back to WWFOR homepage

Tues Sept 20, 7 p.m., at Traditions, 5th & Water St., Olympia *FOR* "In Search Of The Big Picture" video & discussion series "Faces Of The Enemy" documentary on how we demonize and dehumanize people we make war on, info Carol 360-866-7645

Fri Sept 20, dinner at 6:30, forum 7p.m., at Charlie's Restaurant Banquet Room, 1826 -1st Ave, Longview, Cowlitz County *FOR* presents a forum of all the candidates for the PUD commissioner, info Janey 360-423-7338

Sat Sept 21, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at Seattle Town Hall, 9th Ave. & Seneca St., Seattle; A Public Hearing on the Impact of 9/11 on the Immigrant Community in Seattle, info Hate Free Zone 206-723-2203

Sun Sept 29, tentative, call to confirm, 1 - 3 p.m., at University Friends Meeting, 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle; Nonviolent Peaceforce meeting, finding alternative ways to resolve global conflict, info David Berrian 425-482-3026 or dberrian@earthlink.net

Thurs Oct 3, 7 - 9 p.m., at Capital High School Commons, Olympia; Youth Forum: Teens Speak To Teens About International And Local Peace Volunteer Opportunities, info Don Foran 360-352-5733

Fri Oct 4, at Arts Walk, Buck's, 209 5th Ave SE, Olympia; Hands And Words Are Not For Hurting : an activity helps kids commit themselves to nonviolence hosted by Olympia *FOR*; info Ramona Hinkle 360-491-5483

Fri Oct 4, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, at Wesley Homes, 516 S. 216th, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, topic TBA, info Mark Fredericksen 206-243-9238 or mark@fredericksen.net

Sat Oct 5, 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

Sat Oct 5, 1 - 4 p.m., at Seattle Center House, Seattle; Peace Day Seattle, celebrating the 3rd year of the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonvilence for the Children of the World, info Jack Bucher 206-323-8325

Sun Oct 6, 6:30 - 9 p.m., at Seattle Buddhist Center, 3315 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle; Buddhist Peace Fellowship meeting focusing on defining goals for the coming year and articulating our mission and basic principles for social action and practice; BPF is an affiliate of *FOR*, info Viki Sonntag 206-781-2726

Mon Oct 7, at Lower Columbia College, Longview; appearance by consumer advocate Ralph Nader, tickets via student services 360-577-3427

Mon Oct 7, 6 to 8 p.m. in Sylvester Park, Legion & Capitol Way, Olympia; family-friendly candle-light vigil and peace observance to mark the one year anniversary of when the US started bombing Afghanistan, info Rachel Corrie 360-753-1794

Sun Oct 13, at the Olympia Center, 222 N. Water; Olympia *FOR* will staff a table with Hands And Words Are Not For Hurting activity at Children's Day, info Ramona 360-491-5483

Sun Oct 13, 2 p.m., at Centralia Library; Centralia-Chehalis area Fire Mountain *FOR* meeting, call for topic, info Stephen 360-736-8784

Sun Oct 13, 5:15 p.m. business mtg, 6 potluck, 7 program, at Hillside Comm. Church, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* program on Alternative Sources of News with Roger Rader and other members; info Al Kammerzall 253-272-9572

Tues Oct 15, 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

Tues Oct 15, 7 p.m., at Traditions, 5th & Water St., Olympia *FOR* "In Search Of The Big Picture" video & discussion series "Peace Trees Vietnam", documentary, Vietnam vets return long after the war to clear landmines, plant trees where landmines had been, and get to know people, info Carol 360-866-7645

Fri Oct 18, dinner at 6:30, program 7p.m., at Charlie's Restaurant Banquet Room, 1826 -1st Ave, Longview, Cowlitz County *FOR* presents two films "Military Tribunals" and "Immigrant Rights Since 9/11", info Janey 360-423-7338

Sun Oct 20, 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* program with topic Diversity: Getting Beyond Our Stereotypes; Free, an offering will be taken. info 206-789-5565

Sat Oct 26, 9:30 a.m. social time and refreshments, Workshop 10 - 4:20 p.m., in the Garden Room at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1515 W Harrison, Olympia; Theory and Practice of Peace Activism: A Workshop with philosophy and training in grassroots organizing skills. Brownbag lunch. Low sliding-scale donation. info Glen Anderson 360-491-9093 or glen@olywa.net

Sat Oct 26, afternoon, at Des Moines United Methodist Church, 22225 9th Ave. S., Des Moines; South King County *FOR* presents a United Nations Day Peace Fair, info Mark Fredericksen 206-243-9238 or mark@fredericksen.net

Weds Oct 30, call to confirm, 7 p.m., at St, Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E, Seattle; meeting of Episcopal Peace Fellowship, info Thomas Walker 425-641-9247

Fri Nov 1, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, at Wesley Homes, 516 S. 216th, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, topic TBA, info Mark Fredericksen 206-243-9238 or mark@fredericksen.net

Sat Nov 2, 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

Thurs Nov 7, 6:30 - 9 p.m., in the Lincoln School cafeteria, 213 21st Ave. SE, Olympia; An Introduction to Nonviolent Communication: Communicating to Connect; suggested donation $10 - 25 strictly optional; info Liv 360-357-4503

Sun Nov 10, 2 p.m., at Centralia Library; Centralia-Chehalis area Fire Mountain *FOR* meeting, call for topic, info Stephen 360-736-8784

Fri evening - Sat afternoon Nov 15 & 16, in Lacey, near Olympia; *WWFOR* annual Fall Retreat, includes quarterly Area Committee meeting, info 206-789-5565

back to WWFOR homepage

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 70^th, 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!

back to WWFOR homepage

Eastside, Telling the Truth with a Sense of Humor by Diane Love

The Eastside chapter of FOR has been focusing on the relationship between terrorism/war and the damaging effects of globalization on people, environments and cultures around the world. Our objective is to educate and activate public awareness about current events that are simply not adequately covered by either print or broadcast news.

We hold monthly public meetings in the Bellevue Library to present a variety of documentaries and speakers followed by discussion and suggestions for action. In July we tried to wrap up our spring series with a forum of local experts and activists on Iraq sanctions, Palestinian issues, media, and globalization. Instead we opened up a whole world of new in-depth programs for fall and winter. It's clear that our community has a great hunger for not only information but also real understanding of what is going on in our world.

In August we focused on the Rolling Thunder Democracy Tour which was 'chaos theory' in action and, somehow still, wonderful and very well attended. We performed Michael Tivana's play "El Presidente", a parody on globalization. Michael followed with a workshop on globalization. Along with the Western Washington chapter, we also set up display tables and networked our hearts out.

From now until the November elections we have committed to working on the Heidi Behrens-Benedict campaign for US Congress, 8th district. Replacing Jennifer Dunn would be a visible step in the right direction. Come and help.

September 16th at 7 pm Paul Richmond will be our guest speaker at the Bellevue Library. A local attorney and activist, Paul will present a new documentary "Urban Warrior" about the militarization of police. Opportunities for questions and discussion will follow. This is one of many concerns arising out of increasing constraints on our civil liberties. We look forward to seeing you there.

North Olympic Peninsula Service for Peace and Reconciliation by Vince Murray

"...to guide our feet into the way of peace" Luke 1:79b

Dear Friends,

The Port Angeles Association of Religious Communities (PAARC) sponsored a Hiroshima Remembrance Day interfaith service for Peace and Reconciliation. Hossein AliZadeh, a summer intern for WWFOR spoke to the failure of the sanctions against Iraq, and Rev. Dr. Rodney Romney gave a stirring message proclaiming Jesus way of peace rather than complacently counting God "on our side." Ninety plus people sang, celebrated and examined our consciences to see if we had truly set "our feet into the way of peace."

The offering taken was a peace pledge which asked those present to commit themselves to peace making. The results were as follows:

• 28 people pledged to join a peace fellowship or organize a peace group in their faith community.
• 33 pledged to join or support efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully.
• 36 pledged to build peace in our community through public service.
• 5l committed to understanding the relationship between globalization and war.
• 63 committed to living more simply.
• 55 committed to global peace by purchasing locally and regionally grown food.
• 55 pledged to speak out or write congress persons against further escalation of the war on Iraq.
• 31 committed to protest publicly or perform other acts of civil disobedience if war becomes immanent. and
• 55 pledged to learn non-violent communication skills.

I wanted to share with you these encouraging signs of peacemaking in our community.

Sincerely, Vincent D. Murray, Port Angeles, WA.

back to WWFOR homepage

Seattle Community Network
SCN Activism Menu