PACIFIC CALL September-October 2005PACIFIC CALL September-October 2005
newsletter of Western Washington FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION
225 North 70th, Seattle WA 98103, 206-789-5565
Vol. XXV, No. 4
Editor: Tom Savage plus many helping hands.Web edition at:
www.scn.org/wwfor (may include articles and links that couldn’t fit into the print version).The 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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There Are Moments …Abbreviations
: FOR=Fellowship of Reconciliation… Like when the reality of peak oil edges closer to home with near $3.00 per gallon for unleaded. Or when the grim death toll of American killed in Iraq tops 1,800, and some of the dead are local. Not to mention all those returning home injured in body and spirit ("In war, there are no unwounded soldiers" reads a bumper sticker). And the uncounted thousands of Iraqis. Or I hear a reliable eyewitness account of UN troops massacring civilians in Cite Soleil in Haiti. Or the news briefly reports another crisis of drought and starvation in Africa – not Darfur this time, but Niger. Or another civil liberty is threatened. Or … I could go on. You could too.
Then there are the other moments. When inspired youth leave Seabeck and decide to network with other youth for peace and justice (see FORYA article). Or WWFOR peace activist trainees talk about the program giving them "the stamina, fuel, and skills to help lead this generation and the world" (see PAT article). Or a counter-recruiting student-led coalition begins organizing for a November 2 student walkout. Or Jackie Hudson reports the goal of $500,000 in support of peace & justice causes has been exceeded (see her thanks). Or Cindy Sheehan, grieving mother and political activist sparks more than 1,500 vigils across the country. Or people renew their energy to bring the troops home – building for national demonstrations on Sept. 24 and letter-writing campaigns, bannering, and more.
Maybe it’s really about seizing the moments, the opportunities to connect and to build. Cindy Sheehan alone can’t end the war in Iraq. But can we use this moment to bridge the divide and talk to military families and work together to end this war? Maybe it’s about valuing and respecting our allies and creating new ones. (WWFOR recently affiliated with the national United for Peace & Justice.) We must acknowledge the bad news and the challenges, but it’s our choice what to do with that knowledge. We can throw in the towel. Or chose to persevere and continue to believe that with each effort, individually and collectively, change is possible.
As Howard Zinn wrote, "The history of social change is the history of millions of actions, small and large, coming together at points in history and creating a power that governments cannot suppress." One opportunity to explore this idea is the WWFOR fall retreat, "Creating Common Good in Challenging Times" (see article).
back to WWFOR homepage
A Great July for WWFOR Peace Activist Trainees
By Ellen Finkelstein, WWFOR Organizer"I’ve found such a calling in life now. These have been the most inspiring weeks of my life." These words from one of this year’s WWFOR Peace Activist Trainees capture the hope of and reason for the annual July PAT program. Five fabulous high-school students spent July working with Ellen Finkelstein, Marcia Mullins, Mike and Ruth Yarrow, as well other FOR folks and allies who gave generously of their time and energy. The program is possible thanks to the generous financial support of the Abe Keller Peace Education Fund and the championing of the program by Carl Shutoff.
The program teaches such organizing skills as facilitating a meeting, creating effective leaflets, developing a survey, public speaking, and planning an event, and it exposes PATs to a variety of issues and activists. While structured, it also allows us to tailor the program to mesh with particular interests of trainees and emerging issues.
In the wake of the London bombings, the PAT students chose for their group project the theme "From London to Baghdad: What is Terrorism?" In addition to planning for an evening public presentation and discussion, they developed questions and video-interviewed people-on-the-street about their views on terrorism, editing the footage to 10 minutes. The evening event drew about 50 people who watched the film and then the PATs led three rich discussion groups.
After meeting with Lea Zengage from JusticeWorks! and other activists working on racial justice, the PAT group chose to develop and conduct a survey on Washington State’s "Three Strikes" law. They then met with State Senator Adam Kline to review the results. Other highlights included visits to Tent City 3 and to Real Change newspaper, meeting with counter-recruiting activists, and non-violence training.
Jackie Says Thanks: $552,000 for Peace and Justice Instead of $3100 for Missile Silos !!
On October 6, 2002, three Dominican nuns symbolically disarmed a 300 kiloton (20 times more powerful than at Hiroshima) Minuteman III nuclear missile on high alert in Colorado. Sisters Jackie Hudson, Carol Gilbert and Ardeth Platte prayed, sang, poured their own blood to draw crosses on the 110 ton cover of the missile silo, and tapped on it with household hammers in observance of Isaiah’s vision of "beating swords into plowshares." Charged with Sabotage and Malicious Destruction of Property of the United States, they were sentenced to 30, 33 and 41 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $3080.04 in restitution.
Jackie and her supporters instead began an Alternative Restitution Fund into which people reported money and volunteer time that they have contributed toward peace, social justice and other goals. Jackie was honored at FOR’s Seabeck conference this year, where we made a special appeal.
On August 16, Jackie wrote "I would just like to extend my thanks to WWFOR folks for bringing the Alternative Restitution Fund over the $500,000.00 mark. Many thanks for your tremendous support . The Alternative Restitution Fund for Jackie Hudson, Carol Gilbert and Ardeth Platte now registers $552,039.00!! The next step is to present this to the judge in Denver in lieu of the $3,080.04 demanded in payment to our "victim" - The U.S. Treasury. One half million dollars for LIFE-GIVING instead of DEATH DEALING!"
"The important thing is that WWFOR knows that the three of us are extremely grateful. Peace, Jackie"
To report or add a contribution of time or dollars, contact WWFOR or Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action.
In-depth Nonviolence and Organizing Training, Sep 16-18, Olympia
By Glen AndersonWe have a tremendous opportunity to explore the power of nonviolence – BOTH within our own lives AND for organizing peace and social justice – during an intensive weekend workshop from 9:00 a.m. Friday September 16 through 3:00 p.m. Sunday September 18 at a convenient, pleasant location on the edge of Olympia. The Olympia FOR is organizing this and bringing two high quality trainers provided by the national FOR’s nonviolence training staff. The national FOR has developed the curriculum carefully and used it successfully nationwide.
The Sept. 16-18 weekend is limited to 30 participants. Strong preference will be given for persons who want to organize nonviolently from the grassroots, who want to receive "training for trainers" at a later weekend, and who want to conduct this workshop several times for other groups in other settings. Please apply IMMEDIATELY !
In order to allow diverse participation from low-income folks and others, a sliding scale allows you to pay anywhere from $20 to $300. (We hope to average about $100-$120 per person). This will cover the costs of the trainers, space rental, printed materials and food. If you’re from out-of-town and need to stay overnight we can arrange for you to stay in local members’ homes. The meeting space is wheelchair accessible. For application info contact: Jody Tiller at
being-peaceful@changetheworld.org (360) 956-7231 or Glen Anderson at Olympia FOR info@olyfor.org (360) 491-9093back to WWFOR homepage
Opt-Out Forms at Seattle Public Schools Are Due Back by Oct 10
Parents of students enrolled in high schools can request that their child’s contact information not be shared with the military and other groups. In Seattle, they can fill out and return the "opt-out" form that the school district included in a back-to-school packet that was mailed out at the end of August. The form is also available from Seattle Public Schools, or as a PDF file from the web site
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/dayart/20050823/FERPA2005-2006.pdf In Seattle, completed "opt-out" forms must be returned to the child’s school by October 10.The opt-out form gives three choices to parents of high school students:
1. Release the child’s name, address, phone number and other information to the military, colleges, universities, scholarship grantors and other groups.
2. Refuse to release the information to the military only.
3. Refuse to release the information to all groups.
Under the No Child Left Behind Act, high schools are required to release to military recruiters information on juniors and seniors who have not opted out. Schools also are required to give military recruiters the same access to students as other recruiters, including talking to students on campus even if they have returned a fully-signed opt-out form for choice #2 or #3. Recruiters may also gather information from other, non school district sources.
Students in other districts also can "opt-out" if they act before their school’s deadline. Contact your school or
www.leavemychildalone.org for information.back to WWFOR homepage
Just Out, For High School Students: A New Music and Message CD
By Larry KerschnerAs the immoral and illegal war drags on in Iraq, the Department of Defense has stepped up efforts to induce the youth of this country to join the military. In many instances recruiters do not tell the truth to the young people. Concerned people are finding ways to counter some of this military propaganda.
Fire Mountain Chapter FOR (Lewis County) has developed a CD for counter-recruitment. This tool will be available to distribute free to high school students. The CD consists of veterans speaking from their personal experience about what they think anyone considering the military should know. These statements are interspersed with original music from a number of NorthWest bands. We hope that members of each chapter will arrange to re-produce this CD and distribute it locally. For information contact Larry Kerschner at peacepoet@gmail.com.
Nationally FOR has launched the "I will not kill" campaign to educate youth about the realities of war (www.forusa.org). The American Friends Service Committee presents alternatives to the military as a way out of poverty (www.afsc.org/youthmil). The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors offers "The Military Out of Our Schools Organizing Kit" as a download at www.objector.org. Veterans who oppose the war are commonly available to speak to groups (www.veteransforpeace.org). Washington Truth in Recruiting (www.watir.org) has developed resolutions on military recruiting for local school boards.
FORYA Fellowship Of Reconciliation for Young Adults!
By Newt and JessicaFORYA is an up and coming peace and nonviolence group for young adults ages 15 to 25. We hope to create a network of young adults so we can inspire, support, and encourage each other in the peace movement.
We imagine young adults from Washington, Oregon, and British Colombia connecting and communicating via phone and email. Once we have a network of active people, we hope to start meeting face to face by gathering to take part in different FOR chapters' events. This is going to be a fun group -- fewer meetings and more action!
We want support! We want input! We want advice! For more information about FORYA: Newt and Jessica at 360-767-0161 or je_kw@hotmail.com
Check the FORYA website http://www.freewebs.com/forya/
"Creating Common Good in Challenging Times" – Save Nov 4-5 for Fall Retreat
By Janice Orcutt
"Creating Common Good in Challenging Times" is the theme of the Western Washington FOR’s Fall Retreat in Lacey, just north of Olympia, Friday evening and Saturday November 4-5. Do you find the current times challenging? Are you one of the many people who are very concerned about growing militarism, imperialism, fascism and declining democracy, human rights and commitment to a common good? These are just some of the challenges we face. In the context of all of this, join us to ENVISION the world we want and create the plans and connections that will EMPOWER us all to create our vision!
Friday’s potluck dinner begins at 5:30. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. and continues until 3:00 p.m. Saturday. Friday will have a panel Q&A about the challenges and opportunities of our times. Small groups will have time to discuss ideas from the panel speakers. Afterwards you can choose to watch videos, join a discussion or a sing-a-long before we end the evening.
Saturday breakfast begins at 7:30. The morning will be spent creating a VISION of the world you would like to live in and identifying things we could do to MAKE IT A REALITY. Saturday afternoon FOCUSES OUR EFFORTS on the few key next steps. We’ll end at 3:00 p.m. The cost is very low. Look for details and registration information soon on the WWFOR website
www.scn.org/wwforback to WWFOR homepage
Seabeck: Two Great Speeches, and Plan
Now to Visit British Columbia, June-July 2006!
Rich Lang Rabia Harris Marion Pape and John Taylor
Participants rated this year’s 47th annual Seabeck July regional conference among "best ever", with powerful keynote speeches by Rev. Rich Lang ("Nonviolent Politics of Rabbi Jesus") and Rabia Harris ("Nonviolence is jihad"). Texts of both are available from WWFOR and at the WWFOR web site www.scn.org/wwfor Marion Pape and John Taylor described the World Peace Forum, to be June 23-26, 2006 in Vancouver, B.C. in cooperation with the UN’s World Urban Forum, June 19-23 bringing attendees from worldwide. Then, July 7-9, 2006 in Nelson, B.C. the Our Way Home National Reunion will celebrate US war resisters who came to Canada and the thousands of Canadians who helped them resettle in Canada, from the Vietnam era to now. Start planning now for June-July 2006!
Time to Establish a Department of Peace?
By Nancy Jarmin 509-782-5058 njarmin@aol.com
Each year over 1,500 American women are murdered by husbands or boyfriends. Each year the U.S. has over 16,000 cases of murder and non-negligent manslaughter and more than 90,000 reported cases of rape. The cost of incarceration is over $30,000 per person per year and we currently have over 2 million people locked away in our prisons – more per capita than any other nation. Valuable tax dollars are sucked up establishing "weapons free zones", hiring police to monitor the halls, and installing metal detectors in an effort to maintain safe schools – having never purchased a book, a computer, a musical instrument or microscope. Violence has not brought us international peace; it has not kept us safe from terrorism, school shootings, gangs, domestic violence, homelessness, child abuse, elder abuse or poverty.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D) of Ohio first introduced a bill calling for the creation of a federal Department of Peace in April, 2003. The legislation has been steadily gaining support and will be presented to Congress this September, 2005.
So, what would a U.S. Department of Peace look like? What would it do for us? What would it cost us?
FOR’s national office recently endorsed the legislation and will be actively working for its passage. What can we, in local groups, do? A Team Leader has been appointed in each of Washington State’s Congressional Districts. To find yours go to the Peace Alliance website: http://www.dopcampaign.org On the Peace Alliance side of the home page click "Learn More"; look for the U.S. map and click on Washington State.
FOR folks know how to campaign for peace and justice. We know that endless war will not bring peace, that domestic violence, the cycle of poverty, violence in our schools and on our streets breeds further violence and opens the door for repression. This is a piece of legislation that we can fully support. Please contact me if any questions! -- Nancy
Send Your Poem(s) (still possible!)
If you’ve got a poetic bent and would like to help WWFOR, we’d like to publish your poem or haiku in a collection as a fundraiser. Contact Larry Kerschner,
peacepoet@gmail.com First-time poets are welcomed!back to WWFOR homepage
Still waging peace all over!
Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War Puget Sound & beyond http://www.snowCoalition.org, Olympia plus http://www.OlyFOR.org, Seattle plus http://www.scn.org/activism/calendar, Bellingham http://www.bellinghampeace.org Tacoma http://www.tacomapjh.org, Tri-Cities http://www.tcfn.org/wcpOngoing 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 over 25 years) witness for peace and nonviolence; bring signs or use ours; info Glen 360-491-9093Ongoing 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 5:15 - 6:15 pm, on Pacific Ave. & S. 19th St. at Union Station, Tacoma; Tacoma Women in Black's Vigil for Peace; No signs please. info Alison 253-678-7053 or arboreal@speakeasy.org
Ongoing Thursdays,
9 p.m. & Mondays 1:30 p.m., TCTV channel 22 in Thurston County, Olympia *FOR* TV monthly program, Sept "This War's True Costs", Oct "Food"; info Glen 360-491-9093 or http://www.olyfor.orgOngoing 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 group in the tradition of the women who vigil weekly in Israel / Palestine, info 206-208-9715Ongoing 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., info 360-738-9205
Ongoing Fridays, 4:30 - 6 p.m., south end of Percival Landing, W 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 Fridays, 5 - 6 p.m., on the south side of W. 4th Ave. at Water St. near the fountain, Olympia; Women in Black Silent Vigil for Peace. Signs provided. A network committed to peace since 1988. info Cynthia 360-352-4891 or pru4444@hctc.com
Ongoing Saturdays,
noon - 1 p.m., along Pearl St. at Locust, along Washington Park in front of library in Centralia; Vigil with focus on Peace and on Education by Fire Mountain *FOR*; info June Butler, 360-748-9658 or Larry Kerschner 360-291-3946Ongoing Sundays, 12:30 -1:30 p.m., at the Brackett's Landing sign, Main Street and Railroad Avenue, in downtown Edmonds; Snohomish County Women In Black, Silent Vigil For Peace; Everyone is welcome. info Beth Burrows beb@igc.org
Ongoing Sundays,
2 p.m., at Greenlake, East Greenlake Way N near N 63rd, Seattle; Peace Vigil, all peaceful people invited, bring signs, leaflets, and your friends and dogs, info greenlakepeacevigil@hotmail.comOngoing Sundays,
10 p.m., on TCTV channel 22 in Thurston County; Olympia *FOR* sponsors documentaries on peace and social justice, Sept "Tough Guise" is a documentary which examines how pop-cultural imagery promotes violent masculinity. Oct TBA. info Carol 360-866-7645 or carolburns98@comcast.netSept 1 - Oct 1,
at Retail Therapy, 905 E. Pike, Seattle; Afghanistan Photo Documentary Art show by Gazelle SamizayThurs Sept 8, 7 p.m., at Seattle First Baptist Church, Harvard & Seneca, Seattle; Book reading from Sexual Violence: The Sin Revisited, updated classic book by Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune. Part of the Seattle Spiritual Synthesis series. Free. info 206-624-6600
Sept 9 - 11, at the Villa Maria Center, Frontenac, MN; Midwest Regional *FOR* Gathering "We Make The Road By Walking - 90 Years Of Interfaith Peacemaking!" put on by the Minnesota FOR, info chris385@umn.edu
Sat Sept 10,
1 pm, at the Shoreline Library on 175th St NE, Shoreline; "Mahatma Gandhi, World Citizen" portrayed by Bernie Meyer, sponsored by the library as part of the national September 11th commemorationSun Sept 11, 1 - 4 p.m., or Tues Sept 13, 6:30 - 9 pm, at Traditions, 5th & Water, downtown Olympia; Workshop by Liv Monroe on talking with people about Iraq: More people suspect that the war against Iraq is wrong. A people-to-people outreach campaign will connect with the public and help them take a stand for peace now. free. info Glen 360-491-9093 or info@olyfor.org
Sun Sept 11,
2 p.m., at Matrix Coffeehouse, 434 NW Pringle, Chehalis; Fire Mountain (Centralia-Chehalis area) *FOR* meeting, We are going to plan the Arlington West Memorial, discuss fundraising (bring ideas!), hear about Janice’s findings on the possibility of hosting WWFOR’s PATs (Peace Activist Trainees) and other things. info June 360-748-9658 or Larry 360-291-3946Sun Sept 11, 3 p.m. business meeting, 4 program followed by potluck, at the Friends Center, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* program will show Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 911" with discussion; info Vivi 253-572-4912
back to WWFOR homepage
Mon Sept 12,
7 pm, at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70th Street, Seattle; Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War, SNOW, general meeting, *WWFOR* and several chapters belong. info 206-789-2684 or http://www.snowcoalition.orgWeds Sept 14,
7 pm, at Kane Hall room 114, University of Washington, Seattle; Community Forum on Immigrant Rights with Benjamin Johnson, Director of the Immigration Policy Center, American Immigration Law Foundation, and Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, National Immigration Forum. info Ibrahim al-Husseini 206-406-4967 or Ibrahimal@yahoo.comThurs Sept 15,
6:30 pm, at American Friends Service Committee, University District, Seattle; Activists Workshop, Presented By The Arab American Community Coalition, American Friends Service Committee PNW Region, and American Civil Liberties Union - Washington, RSVP to info@theaacc.org info Ibrahim al-Husseini 206-406-4967Sept 16 - 18, 9 am Fri - 3 pm Sun, in Olympia; National *FOR*'s Training in Nonviolence & Organizing: Deepen your own understanding of nonviolence, and develop more skills in nonviolent grassroots organizing social change movements. sliding $20 to $300. Must apply in advance! Sponsored by Olympia *FOR*. info Glen 360-491-9093 or
http://www.olyfor.orgSun Sept 18,
potluck 5 p.m., announcements 6, program 6:30, at Woodland Park Presby. Church, 225 N 70th, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* program, Ginny NiCarthy on "Afghanistan: Elections, Women, Progress and Problems"; info 206-789-5565Tues Sept 20, 4 - 6 p.m., at Planned Parenthood, 2001 E. Madison, Seattle; Safe Schools Coalition meeting, *WWFOR* is a member, working to help schools become safe places regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, please RSVP to beth@safeschoolscoalition.org with "RSVP Sept 20" in the subject line, info http://www.SafeSchoolsCoalition.org
Fri Sept 20,
7 p.m., at the Longview United Methodist Church, 2851-30th Ave., Longview; Cowlitz County Longview/Kelso area *FOR* meeting, topic TBA; info or transportation needs Janey 360-423-7338Fri - Sun Sept 23 - 25, Weekend to Talk with the Public about Iraq: More and more people suspect that the war against Iraq is wrong. A people-to-people outreach campaign will connect with the public and help them take a stand for peace now. See workshops Sept 11 or 13. info Glen 360-491-9093 or glen@olywa.net
Sept 24 - 26,
national days of action to end the war in Iraq: see http://www.unitedforpeace.org/septmobe, FOR sponsored local activities:Sat Sept 24, details TBA; Fire Mountain (Centralia-Chehalis area) *FOR* presents a discussion on the resolution calling for the withdrawal of Washington’s National Guard from Iraq and on how to create public awareness and put pressure on the governor and state legislator. info June 360-748-9658 or Larry 360-291-3946
Thurs & Fri Sept 29 & 30, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Location TBD, Seattle; The Undoing Racism Workshop, offered by The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, Register by Sept 9. $300, info and registration 206-938-1023 or
pinwseattle@yahoo.comTues Sept 20,
at University of Washington, Kane Hall, Seattle; Stand Up and Be Counted: No to War and Occupation. British MP George Galloway will Speak Against War in Iraq. $12 general, $8 students, Ticket Window http://www.ticketwindowonline.com or 206-325-6500, info Vicky 206-851-4862 or seattleiso@yahoo.comSat Oct 1,
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 working for peace in Iraq; info Rich Gamble 206-632-6021Sat Oct 1, 7:30 p.m., at Matrix Coffeehouse, 434 NW Pringle, Chehalis; Fire Mountain (Centralia-Chehalis area) *FOR* and others welcome Peace Activist and, Singer/songwriter Tom Rawson. $10-20 sliding scale donation. info Jessica je_kw@hotmail.com
Weds Oct 5,
and subsequent 1st Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., at Labor Temple, Hall 8, 2800 1st Ave, Seattle; Jobs With Justice Seattle Organizing Committee meeting, *WWFOR* is a member of JwJ, info 206-441-4969back to WWFOR homepage
Fri Oct 7,
Buck's Fifth Avenue, 209 5th Ave SE, Olympia; Children's Peace Art display, part of Olympia's Arts Walk. Olympia *FOR* organizes this annually. info Kristen Dahle 360-357-3553 or kjdahle@comcast.netFri Oct 7,
6:30 pm, at Cascade People's Center, 309 Pontius Ave N, Seattle; *FOR* affiliate Justice Works! meeting; an organization whose mission is undoing racism in the criminal justice system as experienced by African Americans; info 206-303-7559, http://www.justiceworks.infoSun Oct 9,
3 p.m. business meeting, 4 program, 5 potluck, at the Friends Center, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* program Update on the United Nations by Eloise Holden; info Vivi 253-572-4912Sun Oct 16, 3 - 5 pm, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Social Hall, 1634 - 19th Ave. at Madison, Seattle; *FOR* Affiliate The Freedom Project Fundraiser "A Vision of What's Possible: Forging Community Founded on Genuine Safety through Connection." Special guest performance by Total Experience Gospel Choir. The Freedom Project supports the transformation of prisoners into peacemakers. followed by refreshments and informal gathering.
Sun Oct 16, potluck 5 p.m., announcements 6, program 6:30, at Woodland Park Presby. Church, 225 N 70th, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* program with Stephen Gloyd, M.D., on Global Economic Policy and HIV/AIDS in Africa, info 206-789-5565
Tues Oct 18, 4 - 6 p.m., at Planned Parenthood, 2001 E. Madison, Seattle; Safe Schools Coalition meeting, *WWFOR* is a member, working to help schools become safe places regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, please RSVP to beth@safeschoolscoalition.org with "RSVP Sept 20" in the subject line, info http://www.SafeSchoolsCoalition.org
Fri - Sun Oct 21 - 23
, National Weekend of Faith in Action on the Death Penalty: Amnesty International sponsors this special weekend every year. info Kristin Houle 202-544-0200, ext 496 or http://www.amnestyusa.org/faithinactionFri Oct 21,
7 p.m., at the Longview United Methodist Church, 2851-30th Ave., Longview; Cowlitz County Longview/Kelso area *FOR* meeting, topic TBA; info or transportation needs Janey 360-423-7338Sat Oct 22, 9 a.m. - noon. Olympia location pending; "Bringing it Home: Nonviolent Resistance to the Iraq War" Yes, we can withdraw our consent and actively resist the war. Olympia *FOR* & others sponsor. info Glen 360-491-9093 or glen@olywa.net
Tues Oct 25,
7 p.m., in Tumwater; Olympia *FOR* Death penalty abolition committee meeting. info Chuck or Rozanne 360-705-8520Thurs - Sun Oct 27 - 30, in Austin, Texas; National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty's Annual Conference. info NCADP 888-286-2237 or http://www.ncadp.org
Weds Nov 2,
and subsequent 1st Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., at Labor Temple, Hall 8, 2800 1st Ave, Seattle; Jobs With Justice Seattle Organizing Committee meeting, *WWFOR* is a member of JwJ, info 206-441-4969Fri eve & Sat day Nov 4 & 5, near Lacey; *WWFOR*'s annual fall retreat "Creating Common Good in Challenging Times"; start with potluck supper through Sat mid-afternoon to address serious current crises and plan constructive solutions. Followed by Area Committee Quarterly Meeting, our governing and coordinating board. Low cost. info 206-789-5565 or http://www.scn.org/wwfor
Sat Nov 5,
in Yakima; Statewide Peace & Justice Conference will stimulate multi-issue networking. info Tony Zaragoza zaaragozazaragoza@yahoo.comSat Nov 5,
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 working for peace in Iraq; info Rich Gamble 206-632-6021Sat Nov 12, in Olympia; The Thurston County Progressive Network (TC Pro-Net) first annual Thurston County Progressive Fall Conference. Find other folks on your issues and interrelated ones. info Glen 360-491-9093 or http://www.tcpronet.org
Dec 1- 14,
*FOR* fact-finding and friendship delegation to Iran. A 2nd delegation will be in April. The new Iran Initiative at FOR is part of our mission to promote international understanding and work to prevent or stop conflicts. Applications due ASAP, info Hossein Alizadeh iraq@forusa.org or 845-358-4601, ext. 27back to
WWFOR homepageConnections: people & organizations
FOR National
PO Box 271, Nyack, NY 10960 (845) 358-4601 www.forusa.org publisher of Fellowship magazine (excellent!).Western Washington FOR needs your financial support. 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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