newsletter of Western Washington FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION
225 North 70th, Seattle WA 98103, 206-789-5565
Vol. XXIV, No. 5, Nov-Dec 2004-
Editor: Tom Savage plus many helping hands. Web edition at: www.scn.org/wwforThe Western Washington FOR (WWFOR) seeks to replace violence, war, racism and economic injustice with nonviolence, equality, peace and justice. It links and strengthens FOR members and chapters throughout Western Washington in promoting activities consistent with the national FOR statement of purpose. WWFOR helps members and chapters accomplish together what we could not accomplish alone.
Vision statement of national FOR: The Fellowship of Reconciliation envisions a world of justice, peace, and freedom. It is a revolutionary vision of a beloved community where differences are respected, conflicts addressed nonviolently, oppressive structures dismantled, and where people live in harmony with the earth, nurtured by diverse spiritual traditions that foster compassion, solidarity, and reconciliation.
CONTENTS
Message from Mike - and Nov 13 WWFOR Benefit Auction
Ruminations from Ruth
Ellen Finkelstein hired as WWFOR's new Organizer
A note from Ellen
Seattle fast for no cuts to human services: call City Council
Nov 5-6 Fall Retreat: Peak Oil and the peace community
Sep 29 Colombia report from Peace Brigades and FOR
Excellent reading on racial justice
Letter to young men & women about alternatives to military
FOR members stand for free speech in Kelso
Calendar
Connections: People and organizations
Donations always welcome and needed
INSERT: · WWFOR Events Calendar, November-December
Abbreviations: FOR=Fellowship of Reconciliation
IFOR=International FOR WWFOR=Western Washington FOR
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By Mike Yarrow, WWFOR Co-organizer
So this is my last Pacific Call communication with you as your organizer. I'm on a strict word count from our editor so will cut maudlin sentiments. I do want to welcome Ellen Finkelstein, the new WWFOR organizer, chosen from a very strong field of applicants. Ruth and I have worked very closely with Ellen in SNOW over the past two years and are impressed by her ability to help a group work through conflicts, her clear strategic thinking, her hard work and her humorous appreciation of human foibles. What's more Sara Rinehart, who has been wonderful to work with, is staying on as office manager. You all are in luck!
Saturday, Nov 13, join us at WWFOR's Fall Auction in Seattle for a fun evening of dinner, dessert and auction. Check the enclosed flyer for details, or call Jean 206-784-9988
At this summer's area committee meeting we asked each chapter to identify their greatest challenges. The most frequent response was communicating across the widening gulf in this country between conservatives and progressives. I recently read a slim book that suggests ways we might communicate more effectively. George Lakoff, the distinguished linguist, recently wrote Don't Think of an Elephant: Know your Values and Frame the Debate! He stresses that conservatives have dedicated considerable resources to developing a coherent perspective and honing effective ways of communicating it. He observes that the context of values and ideas, the frame, is what people use to interpret new information. If new facts don't fit a person's frame they will likely be ignored.
Lakoff was struck by the continual reference by conservatives to "family values" even when the subject was foreign policy or economics. He concludes that they use an idealized "strict father" family model as a metaphor for the nation with the following assumptions about people and government:
Strict Father
The world is a dangerous place.
Children, born bad, must be made moral through physical punishment from an early age.
The father is the ultimate moral authority of the family, responsible for bringing up children to internalize moral values and self-discipline.
The competitive market place is where people compete and the disciplined succeed.
Government should protect and punish, reward the successful and promote the market.
Social programs spoil bad undisciplined people.
Progressive income taxes punish good successful people.
Foreign policy should impose US moral authority anywhere it can.
Lakoff reckons that 35-40% of the US population adheres to this model and the rest recognize it and may sometimes employ it. Another 35-40% use a "nurturing parent" family model, leading to very different politics:
Nurturing Parent
The world is basically good and can be made better.
Children are born good.
Both parents' role is to nurture them to lead happy and constructive lives.
Nurturing involves 1) empathy, caring for how others feel, and 2) responsibility, taking care of others.
The political values that derive from this model are fairness, protection of others, freedom, fulfillment in life, two-way communication, and community building.
Government should provide an adequate safety net, protection by police and military, universal education, equal treatment, open government and an economy that benefits all.
Taxes are our investment in the good society for all.
Foreign policy should promote cooperation and extend these values to the world.
According to Lakoff people often vote according to their model rather than their economic interests. Should we have a conversation about whether Lakoff's "nurturing parent" model adequately summarizes FOR's core beliefs?
Lakoff's main message is that we need to think carefully about how to communicate our perspective to others and not get bogged down in facts and specific policies. He asserts that Republicans do not move towards the center for elections, although they may use Orwellian terms such as the "Clear Skies Act" for legislation allowing more pollution in deference to public support for environmental protection. The Democrats' have a tendency to pitch their messages to the polls and thus become more conservative, reinforcing the conservative frame and presenting a hodge-podge of proposals rather than a coherent perspective.
I urge you to pick up Lakoff's slim book and visit his website www.rockridgeinstitute.org How might we frame "peace" in an effective way to communicate with the public? Might we first recognize everyone's need for protection from harm and then explain a much more effective approach than the never-ending war on terrorism?
I leave my position as WWFOR staff confident in Ellen's abilities and in our members' determination to keep WWFOR staffed with volunteers and financially supported. I am excited by new peace and justice work we will explore together. Let me leave you with my current favorite quote, graffiti in Latin America, "Let's save pessimism for better times." Love to you all, Mike Y
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By Ruth YarrowMaybe the quilt on the wall of the WWFOR office has an answer to a question I've been pondering: What has made FOR a long distance runner in the peace movement? Along with the words and symbols for peace and justice are people in a Haitian taxi, a couple holding hands, lots of flowers, butterflies, birds and animals, and many hearts. The quilt squares indicate that our Fellowship has some real elements of fellowship, engaging our hearts along with our minds and hands. What does that mean? Here are a few examples I've observed in my two years at WWFOR:
People encourage new leadership. Our new younger Seattle chapter co-chairs and secretary and Fire Mountain's new young members are bringing fresh ideas and energy.
People give support to people going through tough periods. Visits, cards, calls, casseroles - FOR folks are thoughtful and generous.
People keep a sense of humor in trying times. At Area Committee meetings, where many have to drive a long way to be there and under time constraints to make major decisions, there is jolly teasing and laughter.
People are in touch with their emotions and use them to promote peace and justice. FOR members feeling angry about the mayor's proposed budget cuts for human services used that energy to be part of the Church Council's sit-in and fast.
Churches often do well at the personal support, but I find them often reluctant to commit to action for justice and peace. Peace and justice groups often push for action but can get deadly serious and forget to share leadership or to support members in need. WWFOR has weaknesses - too few young members, just bare beginnings on racial justice, a low budget, to mention a few. But we can feel good that our fellowship involves minds, hands and hearts as we try to piece together some patches of justice and peace for our shivering planet.
Ellen Finkelstein hired as WWFOR's new
Organizer
When Mike and Ruth retire from WWFOR's Organizer position on December 31, they will leave our work in exceptionally good hands. We are absolutely delighted to announce that Ellen Finkelstein has been hired to be our next Organizer. She will begin on December 1 for one month of working alongside Mike and Ruth to learn the job's many procedures and details.
Ellen is well known and greatly respected as one of the most highly skilled activists in SNOW (Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War), which was founded in 2002 by FOR members and others, and is housed in the WWFOR office. Many activists also appreciate her skills as a planner of major events and a trainer of nonviolence and peacekeeping skills.
Ellen is extraordinarily skilled in many aspects of grassroots organizing. Her activism extends back to the 1980s in Chicago, where she worked on disarmament, Central America, and a variety of other issues.
She also brings her professional talents from her previous career as a technical writer, editor, and project manager for print and online communications.
WWFOR's Hiring Committee worked hard for nearly a year to assess our needs, conduct a nationwide search, and carefully evaluate every application. This rigorous process gives WWFOR confidence that Ellen is the very best person available for the Organizer position.
The Hiring Committee consisted of George Lindsay, Brenda Collier, Jean Buskin, Larry Kerschner, and Glen Anderson.
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By Ellen Finkelstein
I am delighted and honored to be joining you as WWFOR organizer. No one can fill Mike and Ruth's shoes; they will be deeply missed. I offer a different pair of shoes - journeying down the path that Mike, Ruth, WWFOR members, and others who strive for peace and justice walk. I am excited by the possibilities and humbled by the challenges. I find hope and strength in the power of community and look forward in the coming months to getting to know you, to listening and learning from each other, and to working together to act for positive change.
" If we remember those times and places - and there are so many - where people behaved magnificently, this gives us energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction." -- Howard Zinn
Seattle fast for no cuts to Human Services
Flora Cole, Stephen Hildman, Ruth Yarrow, Nan
McMurry, Sara Augustine, Mike Yarrow, Rosy Betz-Zall, Bert Sacks and Steve Richmond fasted at Seattle city hall on Sep 29, in support of Seattle Religious Leaders' Task Force appeal to the mayor and the city council for no cuts in 2005 to city funding for human services. If you live in Seattle, please contact the city council (684-8888) by early November! They welcome your comments.back to WWFOR homepage
Nov 5-6 Fall Retreat - Peak Oil, War, Sustainability and the Peace & Justice Community
Signup has been strong but some spaces may still be available for WWFOR's fall retreat, Nov. 5-6, Friday eve and Saturday
, at Gwinwood Center in Lacey, just north of Olympia. The topic this year is the predicted end of oil, its implications for our lives, for world tensions and for the peace and progressive communities. We'll cover this fundamental challenge in depth with outstanding speakers, media presentations and handouts. To sign up or for more information contact the WWFOR office 206-789-5565Colombia report - PBI & FOR, Sep 29
Two recently returned human rights workers, Eric Schwartz of Peace Brigades International (PBI) and Sarah Weintraub of FOR's Colombia Peace Presence program, spoke at a gathering co-sponsored by Seattle FOR. They also met with and spoke to several Seattle high school classes.
Sarah spent part of the past year as a human rights observer living in a peasant farming community in northern Colombia, thus serving to "accompany" a community that has declared itself an experiment in nonviolence, supporting neither the government military and its allied forces, nor the opposing FARC. The farming community lies on land contested by both militaries and chooses to not be uprooted into city slums. Observers like Sarah help protect such communities because the military from both sides fear the consequences of international reporting of human rights violations, and of injury to an observer. Unprotected communities are at high risk. Sarah described that in 2000, for example, paramilitaries publicly massacred six village leaders (above, see mural by survivors). International coverage and stopping U.S. support of abuses is key to community survival in Colombia.
Photographs by Tom Savage
More at
www.forusa.orgback to WWFOR homepage
Excellent reading on racial justice
Ruth YarrowDo you sometimes feel as if you don't know where to begin confronting the racism in our society? I'd like to whet your appetites with brief descriptions of three new books on the issue. You can borrow them from our WWFOR library.
Beverly Tatum's Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? opens windows into understanding the development of racial identity. As an African-American mother and psychologist, she uses compelling real life examples - very readable.
Paul Kivel, a violence prevention educator, has written Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice in delightfully short punchy chapters, aimed at helping those of us with white skin better understand how to be effective allies in undoing racism.
Jim Myers, in Afraid of the Dark: What Whites and Blacks Need to Know About Each Other, confronts the myths and fears that whites and blacks have about each other. As a white man married to a black woman, he faces the issue with honesty and reader-friendly style.
Letter to young men and women about alternatives to military service
Tom Savage & Mike Y.Suppose you are 14 years old and in 9th grade. You are really busy, with classes, sports (maybe basketball or soccer), all your friends, and maybe even a new school this year. In only four to six years from now you could get a greetings letter from the Selective Service System saying you must report for two years of military service. You may then have only about 3 days to reply in writing and fully document and explain the reasons why you request Conscientious Objector (CO) status and request alternative service involving work with tools of peace and construction instead of with weapons of war and killing. Will you really have choices if you get a letter? It all depends on you.
If you want a choice, the time to start is now. Begin keeping an ongoing written record of your thoughts and actions. Use registered mail or some other way to date-stamp your records as you go. You will need this if you have to reply to a greetings letter.
Your high school is required (by the No Child Left Behind law) to give names and address of Juniors and Seniors to the government for use by military recruiters. During a short period every September or early October, you and your parents can "opt-out" of giving your name.
Unlike signing up to join the military, there is no simple path to follow if you want to be able to choose to be a conscientious objector to war. That makes it harder, but also interesting. You don't have to be a member of a temple, synagogue, church or mosque, but you will have to present convincing evidence that you have a sincere and deeply held belief that moves you to object to fighting in war.
You will follow your own journey of exploration, but you won't be alone. Find people who have been COs or who have performed alternative service. They tend to be pretty modest about themselves, but ask around your family, place of worship, or call a group like FOR or American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). You'll be amazed by the fine people you meet and their great stories. You may find interesting projects where you'll build a record of peace and justice work. Consider joining FOR. Ask to meet with a CO counselor. You don't have to make a decision right away about becoming a CO, but you do need to understand the best ways to keep your choices open. That's where a CO counselor can help.
Your journey will also take you on an inner exploration. Discuss your beliefs and questions with others. FOR and AFSC have lots of good books and articles. You don't have to read them all, just the ones that look interesting. After reading, discuss with people. Keep pulling on the string and the ball of discovery will keep rolling with you until you find people with whom you are comfortable. Check at:
nisbco.org Center on Conscience and War
forusa.org FOR in Seattle 206-798-5565
afsc.org/youthmil AFSC in Seattle 206-632-0500
sdmcc.org Seattle Draft & Military Counseling 206-789-2751
objector.org Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I ---
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. Robert Frost
WWFOR chapters are invited to participate in CO counseling.
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FOR members stand for Free Speech in Kelso
By Tom Savage
A Sep 9 candlelight vigil to commemorate those killed in Iraq, including 1000 U.S. military, has proven nettlesome for Kelso officials. Six Kelso police officers told the eight vigilers that they would have to move from public property next to the Allen Street Bridge because they lacked a parade permit. The vigil resumed at a gas station parking lot across the street, with signs "50,000 Died. Why?" and "Support the troops". FOR member Dan Smith had requested a parade permit earlier in the day but did not receive one. Even though Cowlitz County FOR had applied for monthly permits for the last three years, Dan was told the police chief wasn't there to sign it. No one else is authorized to sign.
At a city council hearing on Sep 21, Dan noted the First Amendment right of citizens to peaceably assemble: "Democracy is not easy, but it's the freest form of government. ... We supposedly are fighting for freedom (in Iraq). This is what it's all about." Kelso Police Chief Wayne Nelson told the council that permits are intended merely to assist planning for police patrolling, not to limit who may demonstrate. Most times applications come in three days in advance, which is plenty of time for him to sign them, and sometimes are made valid for up to a month.
Neighboring Longview does not require parade permits. Dan asked why does Kelso. No one on the council could remember why the ordinance was adopted, decades ago. Councilwoman Kathleen Johnson said it was embarrassing for the city to tell citizens honoring military dead that they had to move across the street. City Attorney Paul Brachvogel said the council could change the ordinance but there is a need for "some sort of control to mitigate anarchy in the streets." Councilman Todd McDaniel said, "I think this is something that's a little bigger than we thought it would be."
On Oct 1 seven people gathered without a parade permit at the Allen Bridge public site with signs "Dissent is how America makes progress" and "Free speech makes America strong". Passing motorists honked and police drove past with no response other than an occasional hand wave.
Lawyers of the ACLU of Washington have now advised Kelso that the ordinance is unconstitutional, and offered to assist in rewriting it. After a last-minute postponement, the council will take up the matter again at the end of October.
Save a tree?
Optional tree-free, postage-free Pacific Call!
Would you prefer to receive Pacific Call as a DOC or PDF file, online via email? If yes, tell us at WWFOR or at savaget@msn.comback 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 24 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;
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 Thursdays, 9 p.m. & Mondays 1:30 p.m., TCTV channel 22 or 29 in Thurston County, Olympia *FOR* TV monthly program; Nov program: "Competing Worldviews." Dec program TBA. info Glen 360-491-9093 or glen@olywa.net or http://www.olyfor.org
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., info 360-738-9205Ongoing Fridays, 4:30 - 5:30 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 Saturdays, 3 p.m., at Post Office, North Bend; Peace Vigil. Bring signs, make signs, flags and yourselves, and of course your children and grandparents. info hayden@rcia.com
Ongoing 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.orgOngoing 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 or 29 in Thurston County; Olympia *FOR* sponsors documentaries on peace and social justice, info Carol 360-866-7645 or carolburns@olywa.netWeds Nov 3,
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
Nov 5 - 6,
Fri eve & Sat day, Simple, low-cost overnight accommodations at Westwood Retreat Center, Gwinwood Conference Center, Lacey, near Olympia; *WWFOR* Fall Retreat "Peak Oil, War, and Sustainability: Opportunities for the Peace & Justice Movement." We will enjoy music, our own cooking and wonderful fellowship. See article. *WWFOR* Area Committee meeting follows. Please pre-register. info WWFOR 206-789-5565 http://www.scn.org/wwforFri Nov 5,
everywhere, Visible Opposition to War in Iraq. Hold a "Stop The War" sign during morning rush-hour. info Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War, SNOW, (Seattle) 206-784-2684, Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace (OMJP) Glen Anderson 360-491-9093or http://www.omjp.orgFri Nov 5,
and subsequent 1st Fridays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., at Cascade People's Center 309 Pontius, Seattle; new *FOR* affiliate Justice Works! meeting, an organization whose mission is undoing racism in the criminal justice system as experienced by African Americans; info justice_works@yahoo.com or 206-309-2087Fri Nov 5, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, lower level, 816 S. 216th, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, info Mark 206-243-9238 or Mary Emma 206-870-2005
Sat Nov 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Catholic Church, 1531 Bradner Place S. east of MLK Way near 28th Ave S, .Seattle; A Day with Native American Elders: "Day to Listen, Day to Learn." elders will share their wisdom on how we can protect and restore culture, community and the earth. . Coordinated by Seattle Kateri Circle and Pax Christi Northwest. Lunch provided by Chief Seattle Club. info Bob Zeigler 360-570-0848
Sat Nov 6, 1:30 - 2 p.m. social time 2 - 5 p.m. meeting, at First Christian Church, 7th & Franklin, Olympia; "Post-Election Peace Summit" part of a nationwide weekend of protest against the war. planned by Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace (OMJP) and other peace folks including some active *FOR* members), info Larry Mosqueda 360-867-6513
lmosqueda@comcast.net, or http://www.omjp.orgSat Nov 6,
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 206-632-6021Sun Nov 7, Meditation 6:30 pm, discussion 7 - 8:30, at the Seattle Buddhist Center, 3315 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle; Buddhist Peace Fellowship Monthly Gathering. The theme of this month's discussion is: After the Election: Holding Peace. If you are new to our monthly gatherings please come at 6:15 for a brief introduction to BPF-Seattle. info bpf@riseup.net
Mon Nov 8,
7:30 p.m., at Antioch University Seattle campus, 2326 Sixth Ave. in Belltown, Seattle; Claude Anshin Thomas is a Vietnam veteran who became a Zen monk and peace activist. He speaks about his book, "At Hell's Gate: A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace," a fascinating account of his life after Vietnam. This event is free and open to the public. info Mary Lou LaPierre 206-268-4483, or mlapierre@antiochsea.eduSat Nov 13,
9 am - 4 pm, in Anderson Hall, the basement of Alki Congregational Church, 6115 S.W. Hinds, West Seattle; Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War, SNOW, and West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice invite interested people from the Seattle peace movement to attend a MAP (movement action plan) workshop. Beverages and light snacks will be provided, participants are encouraged to bring sack lunches for the noon meal. $5 pre-registration fee, RSVP to Shannon Turner-Covell shannonturnercovell@hotmail.com or 425-485-0145, Send the $5 fee to Shannon, 10515 Woodinville Dr #85, Bothell, WA 98011Sat Nov 13, 1 - 4 p.m., at Horizon House, 900 University Street, 19th Floor Sky Lounge, Seattle; Health Care for All WA Annual Meeting which is open to everyone; This is your chance to meet the board, and give us your input. We will also have a raffle this year, just to add to the fun. directions 206-382-3785, info 206-323-3393
Sat Nov 13, 4 - 8:30 pm, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 6512 23rd Ave NW, Ballard, Seattle; fundraising auction with silent auction, dinner, and live auction, to benefit *WWFOR*, our bigest fundraiser of the year and a fun event. Fun for a good cause, do your holiday shopping here! more details soon, info 206-789-5565
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Sun Nov 14,
2 p.m., at the Centralia Timberland Library; Fire Mountain (Centralia-Chehalis area) *FOR* meeting, Current concerns include de-militarization, globalized economy, Decade of Nonviolence. info June 360-748-9658 or Larry 360-291-3946Sun Nov 14, 5 - 7 pm, at 160th 26th Ave in the Central Area, Seattle; Buddhist Peace Fellowship-Seattle reception with Maia Duerr, BPF's new national Executive Director. Light refreshments, contributions welcome. Please RSVP, info elainewr@speakeasy.org
Sun Nov 14,
6 potluck, 7 program, at the Friends Center, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* program, departing *WWFOR* Organizers Ruth & Mike Yarrow, giving us some farewell overviews & encouragement to keep working for peace & justice; info Sharon 253-396-1275 or Al 253-272-9572Sun Nov 14, 7 - 8:15 p.m., at Seattle University Campus Campion Hall Ecumenical Chapel, 914 East Jefferson, Seattle; Help Close The SOA, School of the Americas, known as the School of Assassins where US tax dollars have been used to train torturers and murderers. Join a send-off gathering for a Seattle Delegation to Fort Benning, GA, for demonstrations there. Slide presentation, music, former prisoner of conscience to speak, memorial service. Reception to follow. info 206-632-1523
Tues Nov 16, 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 Nov 16,
7 p.m., in Tumwater; Death Penalty Abolition committee of Olympia *FOR* meeting. info and directions Chuck or Rozanne 360-705-8520Thurs Nov 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at St. John's Episcopal Church, 20th & Capitol Way, Olympia; Town Meeting: "What Is Security?" What threatens our security nationally and as individuals? How do we achieve and sustain security? A facilitated community discussion will help people hear and understand each other. Register at mgibbs@olywa.net or 360-412-1519
Fri-Sun Nov 19 - 21, at Fort Benning, Georgia; Shut down the U.S. Army's "School of the Americas" known as "School of Assassins" where our taxes pay to train perpetrators of human rights abuses throughout Latin America. info http://www.soaw.org
Fri Nov 19,
7 p.m., at the Longview United Methodist Church, 2851-30th Ave., Longview; Cowlitz County Longview/Kelso area *FOR* presents Larry Kerschner on being a Veteran for Peace; info or help with transportation Janey 360-423-7338Sun Nov 21, potluck 5 p.m., announcements 6, program 6:30, at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70th, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* program, departing FOR organizers Mike and Ruth Yarrow sharing their wisdom in "How Do We Speak Our Peace?", info 206-789-5565
Weds Dec 1, 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 206-441-4969
Thurs & Fri Dec 2 & 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Location TBD, Seattle; The Undoing Racism Workshop, offered by The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, a national multiracial, antiracist collective of veteran organizers and educators dedicated to building an effective movement for social change; an intensive two-day workshop designed to educate, challenge and empower people to "undo" the racist structures that hinder effective social change. Registration $300, info and registration 206-938-1023 or pinwseattle@yahoo.com
Fri Dec 3,
5 - 7 pm, at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35th NE, Seattle; Abe Keller Peace Education Fund is celebrating its activities in the Puget Sound community with its first annual "Wine and Cheese Fun-Raiser" with the "No Venue is Too Mundane" Klezmer ensemble & a video featuring the summer peace activist training program at *WWFOR* info Don Whitmore 253-833-2941Fri Dec 3, and subsequent 1st Fridays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., at Cascade People's Center 309 Pontius, Seattle; new *FOR* affiliate Justice Works! meeting, an organization whose mission is undoing racism in the criminal justice system as experienced by African Americans; info justice_works@yahoo.com or 206-309-2087
Fri Dec 3, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, lower level, 816 S. 216th, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, info Mark 206-243-9238 or Mary Emma 206-870-2005
Sat Dec 4, 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 206-632-6021
Wed Dec 8, 7 p.m., Olympia *FOR* Steering Committee meeting, info 360-491-5483 or monieram@earthlink.net
Sun Dec 12,
2 p.m., phone to confirm and for location; Fire Mountain (Centralia-Chehalis area) *FOR* meeting, Current concerns include de-militarization, globalized economy, Decade of Nonviolence. info June 360-748-9658 or Larry 360-291-3946Sun Dec 12, 6 potluck, 7 program, at the Friends Center, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* program, showing of the War Resisters League's video "Military Myths", with discussion following; info Sharon 253-396-1275 or Al 253-272-9572
Mon Dec 13, 7 - 8:30 p.m., at Traditions, 5th & Water, Olympia; "Peace Talks - Persisting for Peace"; brief presentations flow into community discussion. info Terry Zander 786-1693 tezzer1@msn.com
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Fri Dec 17,
7 p.m., at the Longview United Methodist Church, 2851-30th Ave., Longview; Cowlitz County Longview/Kelso area *FOR* Winter Solstice Party with tapes from the Daily Show.; info or help with transportation Janey 360-423-7338Sat Dec 18, noon to 1 p.m., at Percival Landing, Olympia; Olympia *FOR*'s 29th Annual Holiday Peace Vigil. info Glen 360-491-9093 or http://www.olyfor.org
Sun Dec 19,
5 - 8 pm, at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70th, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* Holiday Party, honoring departing FOR organizers Mike and Ruth Yarrow, festive potluck, music, info 206-789-5565Fri Jan 21, 7 p.m., at the Longview United Methodist Church, 2851-30th Ave., Longview; Cowlitz County Longview/Kelso area *FOR* meeting on Yearly Goals. Prioritize 2005's goals.; info or help with transportation Janey 360-423-7338
July 1 - 4, at Seabeck on Hood canal, WA; *FOR*'s annual regional conference, over 200 people from WA, OR, BC, and beyond gather for talks, workshops, fun and fellowship. FOR is a 90 year old international pacifist organization. info 206-789-5565
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Connections: people & organizations
FOR National
845-358-4601 forusa.org publisher of Fellowship an outstanding magazine that is the oldest continuously published peace journal in America.Pacific Call Next issue story deadline is Dec 10. Send articles in Word or text to
savaget@msn.com fax/voice 206-522-6201Eastside FOR sign up for events notices at
eastsidefor.orgOlympia FOR
360-491-9093 olyfor.orgSNOW 206-789-2684
snowcoalition.orgWWFOR Mike and Ruth Yarrow, organizers 206-789-5565
wwfor@connectexpress.com web site scn.org/activism/wwforWestern 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.Name:________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________
City:___________________________ State:_____ Zip:________
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Amount enclosed: ________________ Thank you!
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