[Afsckc-peacealert] KC AFSC Peace and Justice Alerts - September 3, 2010
Ira Harritt
IHarritt at afsc.org
Thu Sep 2 19:17:26 EDT 2010
KC AFSC Peace and Justice Alerts - September 3, 2010
ÿ
Educate Yourself. Share your knowledge. Take Action!
For information about the American Friends Service Committee,
contact us at 816 931-5256 or afsckc at afsc.org<mailto:afsckc at afsc.org>
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"Give us clear vision that we may know where to stand
and what to stand for
- because unless we stand for something we shall fall for anything"
~ Peter Marshall
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Dear Peacemakers,
Thanks to the folks who participated in the Countdown to Withdrawal vigil. While the withdrawal of combat troops is a good step there are still 50,000 U.S. troops and 75,000 DOD military contractors in Iraq. Please respond to the Iraq War Is Not Over Yet Alert below and email the President. (Click here to see comments made at the vigil and the candlelight ceremony<http://afsc.org/story/candlelight-vigil-partial-withdrawal-not-enough>.)
We also invite you to read a commentary by Lewis Diuguid, "On anniversary of 9/11 attacks, focus on peace, healing<http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/29/2185871/on-anniversary-of-911-attacks.html#ixzz0yPrJwUYt>
We also invite you to our planning meeting for the October 1 Visions of Peace at the Crossroads festival this Tuesday, September 14, at 6:45pm at the AFSC office, 4405 Gillham Rd, KCMO. We are excited as we fill in the schedule of performers, musicians, spoken word artists... and get groups involved in the peace parade, school and youth groups in the Lend Us Your Hands for Peace art activity and more.
We will also need volunteers on the day of the festival helping to set up 3-6pm; staff tables 6-9pm; and help clean up 9-10:30pm. Contact us if you can help. Iharritt at afsc.org<mailto:Iharritt at afsc.org> .
Also a groups of educators is gathering to discuss forming an educators for social responsibility and peace groups. Contact me if you would like to be involved.
Thank you for your efforts.
Peace,
Ira Harritt
KC Program Coordinator
American Friends service Committee
816 931-5256
iharritt at afsc.org<mailto:iharritt at afsc.org>
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Click to see full-sized flyer<http://afsc.org/sites/afsc.civicactions.net/files/documents/KC%20peace%20festival%20flyer%2010-1-10.pdf>
Click here for more information about Visions of Peace festival<http://afsc.org/event/visions-peace-crossroads>
Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the Visions of Peace at the Crossroads:
Sponsors, endorsers and participating organizations include: American Friends Service Committee, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Citizens for Justice in the Middle East, Community of Christ/Network Advocating Justice and Peace, Communiversity, Disciples Peace Fellowship, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Grace Covenant Church -Kairos, Greens of KC, Heartland Presbytery Peace Committee, Iraq Veterans Against the War, KC Fringe, KC Iraq Task Force, KC Metro MO NOW and Johnson/Wyandotte Counties NOW, KC Move To Amend Coalition, kcactive.com, KC's News & Entertainment web site, KKFI-90.1FM, Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, MO Association for Social Welfare, Muslim American Society -KC, Outreach International, PeaceWorks Kansas City, People to People International, PROMO, Social Workers for Peace & Justice and Veterans for Peace
Visions of Peace at the Crossroads
Know a performer who would make a great contribution to the festival?
Know a Crossroads business owner who should be involved?
Send them the links below and encourage them to contact us!
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[cid:image006.png at 01CB4ACB.18654E60]<http://afsc.org/sites/afsc.civicactions.net/files/documents/Invitation%20to%20Artists%20and%20Performers.pdf>
[cid:image007.png at 01CB4ACB.18654E60]<http://afsc.org/sites/afsc.civicactions.net/files/documents/Invitation%20to%20Crossroads%20venues%20and%20galleries-%207-27-10.pdf>
[cid:image008.png at 01CB4ACB.18654E60]<http://afsc.org/sites/afsc.civicactions.net/files/documents/Outreach%20flyer%207-29-10.pdf>
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Upcoming Peace and Justice Activities
Click on link or scroll down for more information about the peace and justice activity
August 31, Tuesday, 8:00-9:00pm, Countdown to Withdrawal Candlelight Vigil on the deadline for withdrawal of all U.S. combat troops join us and remind those who profit from endless war that prolonging the Iraq war and occupation is not an option! J.C. Nichols Fountain, 47 & Main, KCMO
September 7, Tuesday, 10 a.m. All-day Preparation for Civil Resistance of the KC Nuke Plant, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 4501 Walnut, KC, Mo. At 7 p.m. that evening, enjoy a festival of hope at All Souls, including talks by Jay Coghlan of NukeWatch New Mexico and Ann Suellentrop of Just Faith, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and PeaceWorks.
September 8, Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. Civil Resistance of the KC Nuke Plant Come as a supporter (no danger of risking arrest unless you wish to) to the All Souls parking lot at for departure to witness site(s). or attend 9am news conference, 10am groundbreaking at HWY 150 and Boots Rd., KCMO contact Jane Stoever at 913-206-4088, janepstoever at yahoo.com<mailto:janepstoever at yahoo.com>.
September 11, Saturday, 8:00pm, Interfaith Remembrance and Recovery From 911, Music, Speakers, Dance, Community Christian Church, 4601 Main, KCMO
September 14, Tuesday, 6:45pm, Planning Meeting for Festival for Justice and Peace. The "Visions of Peace at the Crossroads" festival will take place on 1st Friday October 1. The planning meeting will work on developing festival activities, promotion and publicity, fundraising, etc. and planning for the Crossroads Peace Crawl to take place on October 16. The planning meeting is at the AFSC office, 4405 Gillham Rd., KCMO. Call 816 931-5256 for more information.
September 21, The International Day of Prayer for Peace 2010- "A Future and a Hope." On Earth Peace is inviting faith & community groups to prepare public prayer vigils, prayerful community walks, vespers services, rallies, public art displays, and events ranging from a few minutes to twenty-four hours of coordinated prayer for peace in the International Day of Prayer for Peace.
September 25-26, UNplaza Art Fair, sponsored by PeaceWorks Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m., at All Souls UU Church. Mark your calendar now. Come to this annual PeaceWorks fund-raiser and shop early for the holidays!
October 1, 6:00- 9:00pm, Visions of Peace at the Crossroads festival
October 29-31, 2010 Peace Colloquy with the theme "Children Cry, We Respond!"at Community of Christ Temple, 201 S. River Boulevard, Independence, MO (see below for details)
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EVERY Sunday: Iraq Peace Vigil, 4pm, JC Nichols Fountain, 47th & Main, Streets, Kansas City, MO http://www.kciraqtaskforce.org/
EVERY Tuesday, JOIN THIS Peace Demonstration Every Tuesday between 5PM - 6 PM in the median strip on the south corner of the intersection at 63rd & Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo. For more information email '63rd Street Patriots' at schwartzkatz at sbcglobal.net
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FROM PAIN TO PEACE:
Easing Suffering - Creating Sanctuary
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Join us for
Interfaith Remembrance
and Recovery From 911
Saturday, September 11, 2010, 8:00pm
Community Christian Church
4601 Main, Kansas City, Missouri
Music, Speakers, Dance, Skylight over the Plaza
Participate in letting go pain and blame and embracing peace and hope. This event is open to the public. A freewill offering will be collected for Heart to Heart Int'l. Featured speaker is Dr. Jan Linn with Music by Musica Vocale and Dance by Tuesday Faust. Go up on the roof top for refreshments. Presented by the Kansas City Disciples Peace Fellowship, http://dpfkc.faithweb.com
For information contact Jeff Hon (816-407-7756) or Ron Faust (816-468-1868)
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Resist nuke-making in KC
PeaceWorks, Kansas City
Physicians for Social Responsibility, KC Chapter
East Meets West of Troost
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 30, 2010
Contacts: Ann Suellentrop, 913-271-7925; Henry Stoever, 913-375-0045; Sasteh Mosley, 816-918-6463
Posters: under "Files" at http://groups.google.com/group/kcnukewatch
KC Peace Planters to hold news conference at 9 a.m. Sept. 8,
before groundbreaking at new site for KC Plant
Sowing seeds in the furrows of the field at Mo. Hwy. 150 and Botts Road, farmland that used to sprout soybeans or wheat, the KC Peace Planters will hold a news conference at 9 a.m. Sept. 8. At 10 a.m. that day, groundbreaking will occur there for the National Nuclear Security Administration's new Kansas City Plant, which makes and procures non-nuclear parts for nuclear weapons, including firing systems and guidance systems. Groups bringing statements to the news conference include the KC/St. Joseph Catholic Diocese.
The new plant marks the first major expansion in 32 years for U.S. nuke-production facilities, with two other plants soon to follow: one at Los Alamos, N.M., for plutonium pit production, and one at Oak Ridge, Tenn., for uranium secondaries. It is estimated that the three new plants, combined, will quadruple the nation's ability to make nukes.
The KC Peace Planters' three co-sponsors are PeaceWorks, Kansas City; the KC chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR); and East Meets West of Troost.
"We need to wake up from our psychic numbing, our refusal to admit the horror of these weapons," says Ann Suellentrop, M.S.R.N., of PSR and PeaceWorks. "You can't make nuclear weapons without killing your own people. Exposure to depleted uranium, beryllium and other toxins makes people sick and, at the Kansas City Plant, has probably caused the deaths of the 122 people (see http://media2.nbcactionnews.com/pdf/sickBANNISTERlist.pdf) whose families have put them on the NBC list." Suellentrop discounts the deterrence theory: "You can't deter a terrorist or terrorist state-the only way to stop nuclear terrorists is to eliminate nukes."
A few KC Peace Planters, including peace activists from other states, plan to commit civil resistance at the groundbreaking. "We stand firmly on legal ground in our resistance," says Henry Stoever, chair of the PeaceWorks Board. "In 1968, the U.S. signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and in 1970, our Senate ratified it. We've pledged 'to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race.' But the new plant will extend the life of these weapons of mass destruction, 'enhance' them, make them more deadly and possibly start a new arms race. This violates the NPT. It's not civil resisters who should be arrested but those who are giving new life to these nukes."
Using an "urban blight" category for the field, the city secured a $45 million tax reduction for the new plant, convincing NNSA to remain here. "Kansas City kept more than 2,000 jobs, but the jobs are not consistent with the NPT," says Sasteh Mosley, head of East Meets West of Troost. "We need the 'urban blight' process to fund windmills and solar panels, not to fund more nukes when we've promised to cut back on them. We need green jobs, not mean jobs!"
On Sept. 7, the Peace Planters will meet from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at All Souls Church, 4501 Walnut. The 7 p.m. session features Suellentrop and Jay Coghlan (of NukeWatch New Mexico).
The first gathering focuses on the Sept. 8 groundbreaking at 10 a.m. for the new KC Plant at Mo. Hwy. 150 and Botts Road.
On Sept. 7, Tuesday, join the all-day preparing that starts at 10 a.m. at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 4501 Walnut, KC, Mo. At 7 p.m. that evening, enjoy a festival of hope at All Souls, including talks by Jay Coghlan of NukeWatch New Mexico and Ann Suellentrop of Just Faith, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and PeaceWorks.
On Sept. 8, Wednesday, 9am news conference, 10am groundbreaking at HWY 150 and Boots Rd., KCMO - Or come as a supporter (no danger of risking arrest unless you wish to) to the All Souls parking lot at 8:30 a.m. for departure to witness site(s). To register for free and to offer travelers free lodging (sleeping bag space or a real live bed) Sept. 6-8, contact Jane Stoever at 913-206-4088, janepstoever at yahoo.com<mailto:janepstoever at yahoo.com>.
Also mark your calendar for Oct. 6, Wednesday, to prepare for activities the next day, Oct. 7, Thursday, when we'll rally downtown in conjunction with the municipal court hearing at 11 a.m. for 14 people arrested and quickly released Aug. 16. They nonviolently blocked caterpillars at the site for the new nuclear weapons parts plant and stopped work at the site for two hours. The Oct. 6-7 meeting locations are still to be announced.
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The International Day of
Prayer for Peace 2010
"A Future and a Hope"
On Earth Peace is inviting faith & community groups to prepare public prayer vigils, prayerful community walks, vespers services, rallies, public art displays, and events ranging from a few minutes to twenty-four hours of coordinated prayer for peace in the International Day of Prayer for Peace on September 21.
In previous years, we've only registered groups as part of our IDPP efforts. This year, we are offering options for individuals<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103451632983&s=1427&e=001ZqaMbRCzBUnd70o4yYv1DEfHvDNO-yjq4c-hD4JUlqWyMhdMcbq5qAaMwGYhx1OD0Zoa9eE1vHIsAYHwYvw-1wza6oxqpdBfe6Gt_n6c6qB6yxBVDXjfKD-D-K-CZ3675eTM9jf17Wj5F-3e57PhoeuEZm3uGh22> and families<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103451632983&s=1427&e=001ZqaMbRCzBUlCwJk1N1O2vPadEnWTMrqIkNijPJSJn-7ct7UW0TcrMVsS9yQSsHB3zJEljdMLbiTNjz8-9bDWjW2u7g93W6ll9eBRjB8NdN2uy_u8qiQQ0qKNo11gNrjrM6iEC20ILAZeLWVXVUNVNVS7SKofT6I7> to participate, also! And our invitation remains strong to faith & community groups<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103451632983&s=1427&e=001ZqaMbRCzBUlDledyySWYb8Dd4yN5aMFItLKJEHuaiCB4R9_TD1pkFxK4p6HQZpBoKKean51gDF7goV6h_UHbmrce3ee78ahRDwdq9SjS5WKHOSpn3SSCCw_xXpZon8q0qDmkPJ_wa_ytxK6PzsLqT9WtrbSCmkeTMdRkbmHqIoVtdelLGzjmEw==>.
How to Participate
· Faith Communities & Groups should begin here.<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103451632983&s=1427&e=001ZqaMbRCzBUmMcFmNChR_ewFs43eNuabdNlk0SstEzdQk0UYzcb-8PTaAYg_HkbMEY5c7FwgramEiKLLMSHfsn1WhRlgPqYH7nLnUc23pTu8W9u17yVosYFUWnbwqwUgM13nIhO0gy1BMj5QFs69KkCAswMVUmUgmJdPq7xBpVBw=>
· Individual participants start here.<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103451632983&s=1427&e=001ZqaMbRCzBUnO4s6O_jnpM0vcoR7kcsAbQjDuzQnbLuIgcoAUklRe6TXLbSh0dMzWD37X5s5qegA1VflRVHdI9iT_vS4OsIvzV3AyvBE1z9QUtNQ35BZYk5V4nDNdwiXnrR533bJSCSHvgrxWWWh1Fctf4ewNBRBn>
· Families can register here.<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103451632983&s=1427&e=001ZqaMbRCzBUkd2dLUcw_xhn6fztaMIChVz6_iRmZlqYLCDCy9yXWFNkKnU1849B4JoEDXdbLyIaTy6FpJRZUunvvj7wtQO3Ka03iZJvReuz0tunYmnSEZT9A_Xskk8-MVRTtw0ypowPnMG-gKAJDpcA==>
Since 1974, On Earth Peace's education, reconciliation and organizing programs have touched thousands of people in hundreds of congregations and groups. Rooted in the Church of the Brethren, On Earth Peace grows from a three-hundred year faith legacy of opposing war and seeking reconciliation. Through the 2010 IDPP campaign, On Earth Peace hopes to connect with many individuals and emerging leaders for peace and nonviolence, so we can walk and work together to build more peaceful communities and organize alternatives to violence, oppression, and poverty.
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2010 Peace Colloquy
October 29-31, 2010
The Temple
201 S. River Boulevard
Independence, Missouri, USA
Register Online<https://www.formrouter.net/forms@COFC/PC2010registrationONLINEform.pdf>! (closes Thursday, October 28 at 5:00 p.m.)
Registration Form<http://www.cofchrist.org/peacecolloquy/2010/2010PCbrochureRegister.pdf> (PDF to mail)
The 2010 Peace Colloquy will run October 29-31 at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, with the theme "Children Cry, We Respond!"
This year's colloquy will focus on peace and justice for our children. Children are suffering the atrocities of war, poverty, malnutrition, and slavery. They lack access to clean water and air, shelter, education, and medical care. Come to the 2010 Peace Colloquy to help us consider how each is called to engage in peace and justice for our children.
Highlights will include presentation of the Community of Christ International Peace Award, workshops, keynote speakers, a prayer retreat, a children's program, and a youth retreat.
Including Friday, October 29, 7:30 p.m. Peace Award Ceremony (open to public) & Keynote: Three Cups of Tea-Greg Mortenson
Watch www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquy<http://www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquy> and future Heralds for more details.
-Brad Martell, Peace Colloquy co-director
News and Alerts
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Iraq War Is Not Over Yet
View this message as a web page.<http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=87fMmlA8l6MFUDRIlybnOA..>
Dear Peacemakers,
This week, President Obama announced that the combat mission in Iraq is over. Although this is an important step, the war will only end after the last U.S. soldier leaves the country, scheduled to happen by Dec. 31, 2011.
Email the White House<http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=RUylgyReIwiKfaPzcvKxlQ..> to commend the ongoing withdrawal of U.S. forces, and help us reaffirm our call for complete removal of all U.S. forces and bases from Iraq.
The relationship between the U.S. and Iraq for the last twenty years has been defined by conflict: sanctions, war and occupation. The steps taken by the U.S. in the next year can make the difference in transforming this relationship.
There is an important role for you to play. It begins with reminding our elected officials that peace is not simply the absence of fighting. Peace requires a relationship defined by dignity and justice between our peoples.
Write the White House today.<http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=hfwxivchugyXkJoqA1fwCQ..>
Wage Peace,
Mary Zerkel and Peter Lems
AFSC Wage Peace Campaign
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"If I Had a Trillion Dollars" Youth Video Contest
****Deadline Extended to November 30, 2010****
The economic cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan reached $1 trillion on May 30, 2010. Youth are affected by the ongoing cost of the wars and our federal budget priorities (budget cuts, future debt incurred) but are often not part of the conversation or the anti-war, pro-peace movement. National Priorities Project and American Friends Service Committee are teaming up to make sure youth have a voice!
If you work with youth or in schools, this is a chance to get them involved in making a video with the theme "If I Had a Trillion Dollars!". You can download the IHTD Outreach/FAQ packet and Curriculum by going to: http://drop.io/ihtdmaterials<https://webmail.afsc.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=b68cf00cf42e49738b218ef832b1f895&URL=http%3a%2f%2fdrop.io%2fihtdmaterials>
The Rules:
* Entries must be produced by youth between the ages of 13 and 23.
* Due by November 30, 2010.
* Must be between 1 and 3 minutes in length and address the $1 trillion price tag for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
First Prize - $500 and trip to Washington, DC to show video to home legislator
Second and Third prizes - Flip video cameras
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=118557224837620&ref=ts<https://webmail.afsc.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=b68cf00cf42e49738b218ef832b1f895&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fhome.php%3f%23%21%2fevent.php%3feid%3d118557224837620%26ref%3dts>
http://afsc.org/action/if-i-had-trillion-dollars-youth-video-contest
Contact Information:
mzerkel at afsc.org<https://webmail.afsc.org/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>
312.427.2533
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We need your support to keep our life affirming peacemaking work alive.
Contribute. Volunteer. Spread the word!
Contact us and mail your tax deductible contribution to:
American Friends Service Committee
4405 Gillham Rd., KCMO 64110
(816) 931-5256
The information and events described in AFSC Peace and Justice Alerts are intended to educate and assist members of our community in becoming active in working for a more just and peaceful world. Inclusion of a listing does not necessarily imply that AFSC KC agrees with all points of view that will be represented at the event.
The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service.
Its work is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice
To subscribe or unsubscribe to this list go to:
http://list.afsc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/afsckc-peacealert
Ira Harritt
KC Program Coordinator
American Friends Service Committee
816 931-5256
iharritt at afsc.org
Ira Harritt
KC Program Coordinator
American Friends Service Committee
816 931-5256
iharritt at afsc.org
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