301-891-7770 * www.DemocracyRising.US May 9, 2007 Join the SWARM of Peace Advocacy
Be Part of this Historical Summer of Action This summer is going to be one of increased action for the peace movement. It is a key time because when the Congress returns in the fall the 2008 elections will be staring them in the face and incumbents need to know that if they vote for more war funding they will pay a political price for doing so. Peace advocates are preparing for an exciting PEACE SWARM in Washington D.C as Congress again takes up funding for the Iraq War, the Pentagon budget and continues to hold hearings on civil liberties, torture, and more. These actions are intended to compliment, not compete with the vital local work people are doing every day. It's not an either/or situation: the local, decentralized actions must continue and strengthening the visible, vocal presence of the antiwar movement on the streets of Washington and in the halls of Congress is critical. If you want to get involved with a national network of local peace activists contact me at KZeese@DemocracyRising.US.
Spread the word: there is plenty to do in Washington and a steady flow of people into the nation's capital will have a tremendous impact in the coming months.
Monday, May 14th: Mother of a March
Organized by Cindy Sheehan and the Camp Casey Peace Institute: "We mothers have to stand up and put our bodies on the line for peace and humanity. We must look into the best parts of ourselves that make us mothers willing to care for and protect all children of the world, not just our own. We need to access our hearts and souls to lead from a place of compassion and love not from war/fear mongering, hatred and disgraceful threats and use of bullying force.” All mothers and everyone with a mother is invited!
Join us in Washington DC for a "10,000 Mother of a March" on the day after Mother's Day, Monday, May 4th, 2007. Marches on the weekends are not effective, we need to shut the city of DC down! We will surround Congress and demand an end to this evil occupation! Meet at Lafayette Park at noon. We will rally then march to Congress."
For more information: http://www.thecampcaseypeaceinstitute.org/
May 15 to July 31: SWARM on Congress
Initiated by Marine Mom Tina Richards of Grassroots America, the SWARM on Congress is part of the summer of action to tell Congress, "No more business as usual" until they end the illegal occupation of Iraq. Actions will include visits to the office of members of Congress, attending hearings on Capitol Hill, acts of nonviolent civil disobedience including sit-ins, media events and a series of workshops and trainings throughout the summer. All of the activities are being designed to to throw sand into the gears of government. See www.WHYNotNews.org for examples of such actions.
This summer has the potential to be a significant moment in the history of the end of the Iraq War. We made lots of progress in the first part of the year putting pressure on the Democrats to use the power of the purse, but our power will increase as we get closer to elections -- if we use it. We need to let incumbents of both parties know they will lose votes if they vote for war funding. That is a message for Republicans and Democrats who continue to vote billions for the war. The "SWARM" will build on the successful efforts of activists in DC and around the country who have been occupying offices, protesting in the Halls of Congress and sending a consistent message. It will build on the Occupation Project, Voices for Creative Non-Violence, and the Declaration of Peace as well as the work of Code Pink and DC area peace coalitions."
For more information: http://www.grassrootsamerica4us.org/
June 10 and 11th: National Mobilization to End the Israeli Occupation
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, United for Peace and Justice is working with the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation on what promises to be an historic march on Washington. On Sunday, June 10th people from around the country will gather on the West Lawn of the Capitol for a rally at 2 pm, which will be followed by a march to the White House and the next day, Monday, June 11th, we will visit members of Congress. We are going to Washington to call for an end to the U.S. economic, military and political support for this immoral occupation.
For more information: http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?id=1281
We encourage you to participate in the June 11th Lobby Day and then stay on in Washington, DC for several more days so you can participate in the SWARM of ongoing antiwar activities.
June and July: CODEPINK DC ACTIVIST HOUSE
This summer CODEPINK is offering week-long trainings sessions during June and July as part of their efforts to keep constant pressure on Congress to bring the troops home, and the work to build a strong peace movement throughout the U.S. Immerse yourself in the busy and exciting actions CODEPINK is creating in Congress every day; learn how to do media work, create giant banners, and speak effectively about ending the war. Plus, hear from experts about the current situation in Iraq, find out how a bill really becomes a law, and discover how you can make a deeper impact with CODEPINK's campaigns in your home city.
For more information and the application: http://www.codepinkalert.org//article.php?list=type&type=302
Get inspired by CODEPINK's daily actions in DC by reading an article by Medea Benjamin at: http://www.codepinkalert.org//article.php?id=3004
June 27 through July 1, 2007 U.S. Social Forum
One of the most important political events in recent history will take place in Atlanta, Georgia. The United States Social Forum (USSF) will bring together generations of movement organizers and activists who realize that it is crucial that we come together to define a truly alternative political vision for the United States – a vision that unites us in a common cause against the exploitation of our labor, the poisoning of our environment, the militarization of our borders, the theft of our lands, and the invasion of other nations. If Another World is Possible, Another U.S. is Necessary! Sincerely, Kevin Zeese
Director, Democracy Rising
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