Please Vote for Department of Peace – by IdeaScale

Looks Promising!

65

I’m Not So Sure…

A Department of Peace, funded by a percent tax on all war contracts, will serve to organize, educate and facilitate peaceful responses to the causes of war, including famine, poverty, and ignorance. The Department of Peace with be a resource for non-profits, non-governmental and governmental organizations to aid and collaborate on alternative to war. The institution will work in conjunction with the goals of the United Nations and be a vessel of action and education on both global and local scales.

Why Is This Idea Important?

The Department of Peace will be an active, engaged institution to increase peaceful means of conflict resolution.

Continued:

Department of Peace – by IdeaScale.

Cabinet department would give peace a chance – Kansas City Star

Barack Obama’s election as president has breathed life into efforts for a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich first proposed the Cabinet-level post in July 2001 — two months before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. He had seen too much violence worldwide and wanted to create a platform in the executive branch to promote alternative ways to resolve conflicts.

Continued:

Cabinet department would give peace a chance – Kansas City Star.

HR 808 Presented to the 111th Congress!

Strategically planned, the bill presented to the 111th session of Congress for a Department of Peace was dropped in numerical order so as to maintain the number of House Resolution 808!

Read the bill. There are some small but mighty changes.

One change is that we have returned to the Department of Peace — the “and Nonviolence” has been dropped.

Another change, requested by the campaign, focuses the bill on addressing violence in our own country. The bill now states that 85% of the appropriated money is spent domestically.

The appropriated money requested is stated in a dollar figure at $10 Billion, rather than cited as a percentage compared to the appropriations of the Department of Defense. This amount is equal to approximately 1% of the Federal Discretionary Budget, and — depending on how much is spent by the Department of Defense — equal to approximately 2% of the money appropriated to the Department of Defense.

Continued:

SoCal Campaign for a US Department of Peace.

Sponsor Justin and Nadia for Washington DC!

Sponsor Justin and Nadia for Washington DC!

Feb 05, 2009

Whether or not you are able to join us in Washington DC for the conference 3/20-23, consider this…

– The Student Peace Alliance has a strong presence at this conference
– Students from the SoCal area want to attend, and need financial assistance!

Justin Bensan is the Los Angeles area lead of SPA, and Nadia Rodriguez is the Ventura County area lead of SPA, and they both want to go to Washington! If they are able to attend, they will share a room with others, and we’ll try to find the best airfare possible — but please consider donating funds to help Justin and Nadia, and perhaps one or two other students, to go to Washington representing Southern California! The sooner the better, so we can get the best airfare possible, and secure a room before they sell out!

Please join us! To register yourself: http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/605/147/

To help Justin and Nadia, please mail your check RIGHT AWAY, made payable to Terry Mason – Department of Peace Campaign, to:

Terry Mason
16425 Otsego Street
Encino, CA 91436

Note on the check that your donation is to support students to go to the 2009 conference in Washington DC. Every donation will contribute to making Justin’s and Nadia’s trip possible — so please help!

SoCal Campaign for a US Department of Peace.

SoCal Campaign for a US Department of Peace

Change.org – Number Two in the Top Ten!

Feb 05, 2009

To all of you who went to the contest at Change.org in December, and in round two in January — thank you! With all of your efforts, and by spreading the word through MySpace, FaceBook, and other methods, the idea garnered support even from Yoko Ono, who posted her support on her site. The goal was to make it into the top ten, and we made it to number two!

Here’s the link to the blog begun by Kathy Kidd of the National office of The Peace Alliance. Please feel free to add your comments!

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/appoint_secretary_of_peace_in_department_of_peace_and_non-violence

And here’s the notification from Change.org, inviting participation on the site.

More to come on this. Change.org has pledged to support our grass-roots efforts to bring this idea to fruition. Thanks to all of you who voted, and who spread the word!

Please write to President Elect Obama, and to your Representative and Senators and ask them to support the creation of a Department of Peace:

Please write to President Elect Obama, and to your Representative and Senators and ask them to support the creation of a Department of Peace:

Click here to write to President-Elect Obama
Click here to write to your US Representative
Click here to write to your US Senators

Congressman Kucinich on CNN Headline News discussing the transformative power of peace, and what a Department of Peace would accomplish:

Thank you!

Dept of Peace National Call on Tuesday Oct 7

Please join us Tuesday Oct 7 at 6PM Pacific/9PM Eastern for our National Monthly Call. This month we will have a guest speaker, Ari Cowan, renowned for his groundbreaking work in prisons. A reminder will be sent on Monday and you can always check our home page at www.thepeacealliance.org, top right-hand corner for details of our monthly calls. Thanks!

Call-in number: (712) 432-1601 Access Code: 470821#.

About Ari Cowan:

Writer, theorist, and artist living in the Pacific Northwest.

Developed a new model for understanding and responding to violence — the “Violence Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model.”

Recipient of the United States national public health award from the US affiliate of the international physician organization which received the

1985 Nobel Prize for Peace.

Cited — along with Nobel Peace Prize recipient and former US President Jimmy Carter, 1980 Nobel Prize recipient Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, and others — for his assistance in bringing the first edition of The International Bill of Human Rights to publication.

The late science-fiction author Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner) referred to Mr. Cowan as “a new and original thinker.”

Current book projects include Violence and the Alchemy of Being, Acts of Courage, and Acts of Cowardice: Transcending the Culture of Violenc.

Former member of the adjunct faculty of the University of California, Irvine Graduate School of Management (Irvine, California) for eight years.

Former member of the Workplace Violence Task Force of the University of Washington Graduate School of Public Affairs, Institute for Public Policy and Management.

Peace Partnership International

Dear Friends,

Jeffrey WeisbergOne of the greatest privileges of being an active Peace Partnership International board member is to roll up our sleeves and jump into the activities of Peacebuilding. My wife and I have served on the boards of The Peace Alliance – which is our close partner in our efforts to create a Culture of Peace and also the U.S. working group associated with the Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of Peace – as well as that of Peace Partnership International. We are also active in our local peace group, raising awareness through community outreach, networking, and sponsoring events that highlight the Peacebuilding Community.

As Peace Partnership International continues to lead in Peacebuilding efforts ranging from establishing the National Peace Academy to promoting structures in government internationally, we strive to model ways of changing the paradigm of aggressive reaction to one of deeper listening, understanding, and solution-based responses that are necessary in building bridges of peace.

One of the greatest challenges in our daily lives is how do we make the time to commit our resources of wisdom, expertise, money, and passion to "Being the Change" we want to see in this world. Having so many choices is a wonderful thing, yet we must also dig deeper in order to reach the "good stuff."

As we align our sights and efforts in the direction of Peace, I know that the results will continue to impact our lives, our communities, and the future of our world. Thank you for joining in this most exquisite opportunity in generating what is possible.

Blessings to you,

Jeffrey

Jeffrey Weisberg

Board Member and Executive Committee

National Peace Academy Update

Since the April 2008 National Peace Academy Vision Meeting in Cleveland, we have been delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response to our National Peace Academy initiative. We have made great strides in putting an infrastructure in place for the design process and have set a date for the Global Stakeholder Summit, a critical stage in the design process. And our first two National Peace Academy Founders Circle members have stepped forward with pledges of $25,000 each! Learn more!

Profile of Peace: Elise Boulding

Elise BouldingMary Lee Morrison, Founding Director of Pax Educare, Inc., offers this Profile of Peace. Both Mary Lee Morrison and Elise Boulding are on the Advisory Board for the National Peace Academy.

"Elise Boulding has been called the 'matriarch' of the twentieth century peace research movement. Boulding, sociologist emeritus from Dartmouth College, is noted for her scholarly accomplishments in three key academic areas of study – peace, women, and futures. She was in 'on the ground floor' of each of these emerging disciplines and eventually played pivotal leadership roles within each." Read the full profile here.

Business Partner: Cascadia Peace Development Fund

Cascadia Peace Development FundPeace Partnership International has signed a memorandum of understanding to serve as fiscal sponsor for Cascadia Peace Development Fund, a for-profit enterprise working to promote "practical peacebuilding." Cascadia supports a variety of peacebuilding program types. Opportunities include investment in or grants to programs impacting international relations, conflict risk areas, peacekeeping, prisons, schools, public information, and family and community health. These may involve conferences and symposia; school and university curricula; e-learning programs, documentary film and television programming; certification programs for policy professionals; research in partnership with groups such as the World Health Organization; publication of books and professional articles; audio programming; and resource center (including web) development. Read more here.

News from the Global Alliance: The Canada Campaign

Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of PeacePeace Partnership International is a founding member of the Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of Peace and works in strategic partnership with the Global Alliance and national campaigns around the world, including The Peace Alliance and the grassroots campaign for a U.S. Department of Peace.

We will spotlight in each issue of this newsletter one of the national campaigns associated with the Global Alliance. The spotlight this month is on the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative. Saul Arbess reports:

Campaign to Establish a Canadian Department of Peace"The Canadian Department of Peace Initiative now has the support, through its member organizations, of nearly a million Canadians from a total population of 32 million. We are approaching the critical mass we need to make a department of peace irresistible to politicians. Canada is in the midst of a federal election, and we are working hard to have our proposal become part of the national dialogue on the way forward for Canada. Our goal is to reinvigorate Canada's role as a middle power pursuing a course of conflict transformation by peaceful means working with other middle powers as a counterpoint to the influence of the great powers. As the country that first proposed UN peacekeeping and whose Prime Minister won the Nobel Peace Prize for that work, we want to build on that peacebuilding example."

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Newsletter: Department of Peace Southern California*

* Specifically, the areas covered are Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley north to Lancaster area, and Ventura area north to Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo. The congressional districts covered are 23-25, and 27-36. Don’t know what district you’re in? Go to www.congress.org, and input your zip code (you may also need to input your address) — you’ll find out who all of your elected officials are! IN THIS ISSUE Calendar of Events QUICK LINKS The Peace Alliance LA Cityview Channel 35 website Dept of Peace on TV Find What district are you in? The International Day of Peace is September 21, 2008, with events all month long Click here! This is the LINK to your FREE COPY of Peace Day Magazine packed with events in every major city on Earth, and stories about people making strides in peace building around the world. This exciting issue will tell you all about Peace Day 2008, and how you can get in on the fun and excitement. There are festivals, concerts, marches, conferences, kids parades and lots more. Find an event near you, or put on one of your own – you’ll find it all in this FREE digital magazine hosted by NxtBookMedia – with music and flash! — check out page 72 for an article on The Peace Alliance! Please forward this email to all of your friends and contacts! By spreading the word about Peace Day, you will help bring thousands of new people into these peacebuilding organizations so that they can expand their reach! Peace will prevail if we build it! Peace is a choice! Get the tools in Peace Day Magazine Peace In Action There are extremists in all faiths who misguidedly act in violence against the message of their doctrines. Check out the similarities of major religions. It becomes clear that at the core, we all want the same things for the common good of everyone. Click HERE JOIN OUR LIST Civilian Diplomacy If we know enough we’ll never go to war again By ROBERT C. KOEHLER Tribune Media Services August 14, 2008 Peace is no more – and no less – than the audacity of sanity, reaching past the dubious geopolitics of national self-interest and standing, as Hank Brusselback did, underneath the ancient bridge in Esfahan, Iran, listening to the men who had gathered to sing. It’s called civilian diplomacy, and it is one way we will create the peace our leaders don’t believe we’re ready for. “If the government isn’t willing to talk to people, then the people need to be willing to (talk to each other),” Brusselback said. “It comes from a belief in the nature of security – it’s not about weapons, fear and posturing on the world stage. It’s about communication, talking to people, everyone having their basic needs met. If you understood security that way, you’d see that security is about dialogue.” Full article here: SPA Corner by Nicole Nabulski Student Peace Alliance tabled at the Jack Johnson concerts at San Diego and Irvine. Twelve students volunteered their time to table five hours and enjoy another 3 hours of Jack’s show. Jack Johnson met personally with some of our members where he thanked us for our work. Student Peace Alliance held a picture petition at the concert,where people wrote their names and addesses (so we can send their picture and name to their congressman) and took pictures of each concert goer. We collected many pictures and e-mails! Woot woot! Already, 2 concert-goers plan on starting chapters at their schools! Options:Edging Toward Humanity K. Skatula – 2008 Always opt for kindness. Always opt for manners. Always opt for joy. Always opt for humor and happiness. Always opt for forgiveness. Always opt for taking the high road. Always opt for gratefulness and grace. Always opt for compassion. Always opt for empowerment of another. Always opt for the optimism of possibilities. Always opt for character, conscience, and courage. Always opt for trust in your own identity. Always opt for faith in God’s design for us. Always opt for the patience of a listening heart. Always opt for seeing God’s light in a stranger’s eyes. Always opt for the healing wisdom of music. Always opt for passion. Only opt for “love one another.” Walk For Peace Join the Los Angeles area Walk for Peace Sunday, September 21st, 9 am – noon, Santa Monica Dear Supporters: Department of Peace activists from the greater Los Angeles area will be holding a Walk for Peace on Sunday, September 21, 2008 — the United Nations International Day of Peace. Please join us for what will surely be a fun and inspiring morning. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. We will meet at the Santa Monica Pier parking lot, and be walking south to Venice Beach and return. We plan to raise awareness and money for the campaign to help establish a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence! Our Walk for Peace will conclude with a minute of silence at noon. This Los Angeles area walk is coordinated in solidarity with the Heartwalker peace project (www.heartwalker.org) and will be incorporating the heart shape. Our Walk for Peace is a fun and fitness activity for everyone. Please come prepared — sunscreen, hats, bottled water… Please spread the word. We plan on making this Walk for Peace a great success. It goes without saying, the more participants and contributions we receive, the greater likelihood is that we will achieve our goal. Thank you very much for your participation! We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, September 21st, 2008!! Details For Flyers and Forms Click HERE WHAT: Los Angeles area Walk for Peace Part of the 3rd Annual National Department of Peace Walk-a-thon, and in solidarity with the Heartwalker Peace Project (www.heartwalker.org) WHEN: Sunday, September, 21, 2008 (The International Day of Peace) TIME: 9 am – noon Registration 9 am, Walk 9:15 – noon, Minute of Silence at noon WHERE: Santa Monica, CA 90401 Walk from Santa Monica Pier to Venice and return MEET: 9 am in the Santa Monica Pier parking lot, just north of the pier at 1550 P.C.H. (for map / directions, visit www.santamonicapier.org) WHO: YOU, your friends, and others ready to literally walk the talk of peace. COST: Free This is a Dept of Peace National Walkathon and donations are welcomed. WHY: Raise awareness and donations for The Peace Alliance / Campaign for a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence! Model being the change, Inspire others, Have fun! Support International Culture of Peace Month / The International Day of Peace! WHAT TO BRING: H20 & sun protection, Pledge forms/contributions, Signs for the walk (positive, pro peace only, please; suggestions available on request). We’ll have some Department of Peace (& International Day of Peace) signs available. FLYER / FORMS: contact Sherri RSVPs/Qs: Sherri Jaye, sherrijaye@sbcglobal.net, 310.625.9658 Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots Day of Peace Dear Friend, Every year, the United Nations International Peace Day is held on 21 September, when people around the world express their desire for peace. So that the majority of Roots & Shoots groups and JGI friends can be involved, I have chosen to have the “Roots & Shoots Day of Peace” take place in late September in support of the United Nation’s peace endeavors. This year our day for celebrating peace will be Sunday 21 September. I do hope that you and your friends and families will join groups around the world to fly Peace Doves and celebrate the desire for peace in the human spirit! Read entire note. The Dept of Peace will be tabling at Dr. Jane’s event on Sept 21st and we need volunteers from 11-4pm. Please contact Pat Tallman! It’s fun for the whole family! On the lawn by the carousel in Griffith Park. Follow the signs. Pat will send all the info you need.More on the Day of Peace event:

Issue: # 9 September 2008 September is internationally acknowledged as a month for peace, with events occurring all over the world, most particularly in relation to September 21, the United Nations International Day of Peace. Know that, especially during this month, we are joined by people everywhere searching for peace with prayer, meditations, dreams, peaceful actions and celebrations. Do this today — the deadline is 9/9, as the petition will be delivered to Congress 9/11: sign the petition “I Stand for Peace” on the national website, Click here to SIGN! We’re hoping for 5000 signatures, and are nearly there — with your help, we’ll make it, or go over the top! The regular monthly meetings are cancelled this month due to all of the fun events! Go and enjoy, by yourself or with your family and friends, and we need volunteers to help table with us at a few of them — so please check the calendar, and join in the fun for peace! With warm regards, Terry Mason and Tory Haslinger September Actions see the Calendar for more details! September 11-13 — Peace Jam. SPA has a booth. Seven Nobel Peace Laureates speaking! Space still available — register here now! September 18 – “IN” workshop September 19-21 – Living Peace in Ojai – www.livingpeaceinojai.com September 21 — two GREAT events in the LA area! Go to both for a double dose of peace on International Peace Day! – National Department of Peace walks – our local Santa Monica Peace walk – Click HERE! also Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots Peace Day Celebration, locally in Griffith Park by the merry-go-round – volunteers contact Pat at paxtallmanus@yahoo.com September 28 – 24th Annual Abbot Kinney Festival, Venice – volunteers contact Tory at amzonbabe@aol.com Calendar September 2008 Key: Events in blue All Calls in purple Meetings in Green Volunteers needed in Red City Team Meeting location: Arcana Workshops 3916 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 107 Culver City, CA 90230 Valley Team Meeting location: Terry Mason’s residence 16425 Otsego Street, Encino, CA 91436 RSVP to Terry at terry@lupineproductions.com 818-687-2942 24hours in advance SEPTEMBER (Culture of Peace Month) Sept 9 (6 pm PT): National ALL CALL; 712.432.1601, access code 470821# Join us for our monthly All Call! On these calls, we celebrate recent local activities, share ideas, and hear updates on upcoming actions. All active campaigners or anyone interested in learning about what we are doing are encouraged to join us for these monthly calls. Check website at www.thepeacealliance.org for details regarding this call. Thurs, Sept 11: Patriot Day; 102nd anniversary of Gandhi’s 1st nonviolent action Sept 11-21: 11 days of Global Unity Thurs, Sept 11: ‘I Stand for Peace’ petition will be delivered to our Congressional leadership. Thurs-Sat, Sept 11-13: Peace Jam Call to Action Conference, Loyola Marymount University, L. A. Over 3,000 youth (age 14-25) from around the globe will be there, as well as 7 Nobel Peace Prize Winners! For details: click here! Student Peace Alliance deadline for the conference is Friday, Aug 22. It is IMPORTANT to include that you heard about the conference through SPA. ($345 / youth participant / adult sponsor). If you are interested in joining the SPA National Group at the conference, contact TJ Bowen at spa.field@thepeacealliance.org Sun, Sept 14 (5 pm GMT, 10 am PDT): World Peace Intention Experiment . The first in a series of Peace Intention Experiments testing the power of group intention to lower violence in areas around the world. This could be the largest scientific study in history, with hundreds of thousands of participants sending an intention of peace under highly controlled scientific conditions. Lynn McTaggart, author of The Intention Experiment, has assembled a scientific advisory body of leaders in consciousness research, to devise a strict protocol and measure violence levels before and after the intention is sent, to see if there is any effect. More information read more here! CANCELLED DUE TO PEACE DAY Sept 20 Combined Team Meeting – City CANCELLED Sept 21 Combined Team Meeting – Valley Thur, Sept 18 (7-10pm): “IN” Workshop I ; Torrance (just off the 405); Japanese Meditation that combines breath, sound, and movement;1st in a series of 2 free workshops, 2nd date is Sept 28 (12 – 4pm); Instructor: Uran Snyder, artist, peacemaker, peace pole local contact; Details HERE RSVP required click HERE!: URAN contact info: URAN4U@aol.com, 562.422.7711. Sat, Sept 20 (or alternate day): 3rd Annual National “Walk for Peace” (visit www.ThePeaceAlliance.org) Sun, Sept 21: International Day of Peace Call In Action! Click here: SPA National Action (in conjunction with DoPNV): National Call-in for a U.S. Department of Peace How to, click here for every thing you need to know: Host a national call-in on your campus or in your community to have people call Congress in support of the Department of Peace. Call members of Congress asking them to cosponsor HR 808, or to thank those Representatives who are already cosponsors. For additional info, visit: UN designated international day of peace and nonviolence, and worldwide movement to create a global ceasefire. A wealth of information is available on the website, including how to celebrate — in our schools, places of worship, libraries, parks, municipal buildings, with city/government officials …Please observe a minute of silence at noon. Fri-Sun, Sept 19-21: “Living Peace in Ojai 2008”, Ojai celebrates The International Day of Peace For Info go HERE check back for major updates: For schedule of events click here: Will include an interfaith service celebrating many faiths and spiritual traditions (Ojai Interfaith Alliance) Fri-Sun, Sept 19-21: 50th Anniversary Catalina Art Festival, Catalina Island; Redondo Beach Participants Augustin Garnier and Willie Davis will also table DoPNV. Sun, Sept 21: Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots Day of Peace celebration, Griffith Park, near the Merry Go Round. L.A.Celebration & grand parade with hundreds of Giant Peace Doves. This event is free. Volunteers needed! DoPNV Table Contact Pat Tallman, paxtallmanus@yahoo.com Sun, Sept 21 (9 am-noon): 3rd Annual National Department of Peace “Walk for Peace”, Santa Monica Meet at 9 am at the Santa Monica Pier parking lot (north of pier — 1550 P.C.H.), walk to Venice and return (observing a heart shape), and close with a minute of silence at noon. Join the national walk-a-thon in our L. A. community. All are welcome! Contact: Sherri Jaye (CA-33): sherrijaye@sbcglobal.net, 310.625.9658 Sun, Sept 21: “STAND-UP for International Peace” A night of comedy in recognition of Peace Day. At a comedy club near you. Comedy dates may vary. Check site HERE for updates. Sun, Sept 21: Global Mala Yoga for Peace Join a 2008 event. Check for updates HERE!. Sept 23 (6-6:45 pm PT): National CDTL Call; 712.432.1601, access code 470821# Sept 25 (6 pm PT): Nonviolent Communication Call; 712.432.1601, access code 470821# Sun, Sept 28 (10:00am-6:30pm): 24th Annual Abbot Kinney Festival, Venice DoPNV booth. Volunteers needed! Contact Tory Haslinger, amzonbabe@aol.com, 310.855.1303. OCTOBER National Crime Prevention Month / Domestic Violence Awareness Month(CA: www.safestate.org) Thurs, Oct 2: International Day of Non-Violence in recognition of Gandhi’s birthday Tues, Oct 7 (6 pm PT): National ALL CALL; 712.432.1601, access code 470821# Thurs, Oct 16: Conflict Resolution Day (www.acrnet.org) Oct 28 (6-6:45 pm PT): National CDTL Call; 712.432.1601,access code 470821# Oct 30 (6 pm PT): Nonviolent Communication Call;712.432.1601,access code 470821# MARCH 2009 Looking Ahead!! Fri-Sun, Mar 27-29: 5th Annual National Conference, Washington, DC “PEACE WITHIN REACH: People and Politics Partnering for our Common Security” Fri: Leadership Program; Sat/Sun: Conference; Mon: Meetings with our Members of Congress on Capital Hill; Confirmed Speakers: Riane Eisler (The Chalice and The Blade), Ocean Robbins (Youth for Environmental Sanity (YES!)), Rita Marie Johnson (Academy for Peace of Costa Rica; Campaign for a Ministry of Justice and Peace), Rich & Yvonne St. John-Dutra (Challenge Day founders), and more in the works; Hotel: Hyatt Crystal City, Arlington, VA: http://crystalcity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp; single or double $165, increase for 3 or 4 / room. Mon, Mar 30: Meetings with our Members of Congress on Capital Hill Insight from our South Florida partners The South Florida team lead by Ana Campos is a fun and powerful group, making contact with many on the campaign trail directly. Recently, Ana shared a story of tabling at an event put on by the Bryan Pata Foundation www.BryanPataFoundation.org. The Army set up their table right next to theirs. They spent the day, one by one, going to the Army table, befriending, honoring and appreciating them — in addition to sharing information with hundreds of attendees. At the end of the day, each soldier gave them positive feedback, acknowledging that they understood what the campaign is about, and that they were supported — and thanked our volunteers! Then they met Robert Bozeman, who offered to help pass this bill, saying that we need to prevent violence. Ana wrote: “On February 28, 2005 when he was 22 years old, he was shot at 18 times in front of 32 witnesses. He’s missing half of his skull and has a beautiful smile. He is also a living crime statistic that we talk about and he’s a walking miracle. Meeting him puts things and life into perspective. When I have a bad day or get bummed or we start fussing about meetings, copying flyers, walks, donations – thinking about Robert will always remind us of a living, breathing, feeling example of exactly why we’re doing this and why we need this. These are his videos – please watch one: Video 1 Video 2 Dept of Peace Presence at the DNC & RNC From Jerilyn Stapleton, reporting on the Democratic National Convention in Denver: I was privileged to be able to attend the DNC convention with the Feminist delegation who had their reception, The EqualiTEA, on Monday. I was so excited the DOPN had a presence at this convention, I would not have missed our reception for anything. Tuesday was the hottest day of the week, so having the reception at The Gelato was perfect (nice cold eats and drinks.) It was great to see Kathy Kidd and Wendy Greene who always represent us with such class. I enjoyed seeing and talking to Linda Henderson from MI. I was able to meet the Denver team, great people all. I was given a new button that says “Peace is Sexy!” in red and white, I will wear and treasure. I was able to meet TJ Bowen, the national field organizer for the SPA. We talked about the upcoming Peace Jam event at Loyola Marymount, September 11 – 13, 2008. He said he would like another youth from Los Angeles to attend the event along with him and Nicole. Another highlight, was getting my picture taken with Congressman Conyers, what a treat! All in All it was a great event! And an excerpt from Wendy Greene, reporting on the Republican National Convention in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN: Sadly, as most of you know, there was conflict between citizens and police in the preceding days, and it didn’t do much to make the town inviting. A Republican Delegate friend of mine actually described St. Paul as being “locked down.” So at 8:00 a.m. on the final day of the Convention–our randomly assigned speaking time–the streets of St. Paul were quite dead. Nearly a dozen of our incredible Minneapolis/St Paul area grassroots supporters came out, despite the very late night before, the cloudy and chill morning and the tense aura in town. It was a really wonderful show of support and the level of commitment in this campaign! At the last minute, we enrolled Mel Duncan, Executive Director of Nonviolent PeaceForce, to join us on stage, and Patty Kuderer gave her speaking time to him. The promised press never materialized, so he, Mary Jane LaVigne and I played it for the police on the other side of the ugly iron barriers. It was, as advertised, a bit like speaking in a cage, which had been constructed out of fear of angry protests (that certainly never materialized at that site). The entire experience was a powerful reminder of the deep need for the work we’re doing. The Open Forum stage staff was most courteous and helpful, and let us know that we had the largest turn out of anyone so far that week! They actually came around to the front of the stage to listen directly to our presentation for awhile. And, of course, we added our brochures to the collection of what they described as “websites people think we should go look at.” So who knows–maybe we’ll gain some new grassroots supporters! Questions From You! FAQs from the desk of State co-leads Terry Mason and Tory Haslinger Q: What is tabling? What will I be asked to do if I volunteer at an event like Roots and Shoots, or the Abbot Kinney Festival? A: Simply put, tabling is putting up a table with literature where people are expected, and sharing the information about the campaign with passers-by. We distribute literature, and buttons and bumper stickers for donations, and have a container available for additional donations. Sometimes we also offer baked goods or water for donation. We sign people up, and later add them to the database to receive National and local emails. At each one of the events that we table, we will always have experienced volunteers to assist anyone that is newer to the campaign. If you don’t know the answer to a question that is asked, someone at the table will — and by the end of the few hours you spend, you will become much more expert at sharing information about the bill and the movement, and much more effective at taking it back to your personal sphere of friends and family. You will become more empowered and have fun at the same time! It’s really one of the most fun things that you can do — because sharing the information with people, and watching their faces light up as they realize that there’s something exciting going on that they can be a part of, will put a smile on your face. Do you remember the first time you heard about the campaign? That’s what happens when you table — you create that first experience for many, many other people. So volunteer! Come join us for a few hours, and share the message with people Yours in Peace, Terry Mason and Tory Haslinger State co-coordinators, Los Angeles, Valley and Santa Barbara areas Volunteers for the Department of Peace and Nonviolence campaign