August 31 eNews- Stand for Peace—Act Now!

Stand for Peace — Act Now!

WILPF works to create an environment of political, economic, social and psychological freedom for all members of the human community, so that true peace can be enjoyed by all.

WILPF has a voice and it must be used to promote its mission through nonviolent means.

This month, discover how your branch can be a part of advancing 1325 implementation in the U.S.; how you can make your voice heard regarding the testing of nuclear missile delivery systems on the United Nations International Day of Peace; show your support for ending corporate rule; and be a part of a nationwide call for sustained non-violent resistance to the ongoing wars and corporate criminality.

In this e-News:

• Advancing Implementation in the U.S.
  
• Nuclear Weapons Delivery Systems to be Tested on UN International Day of Peace
• New DVD Roadshow Resource Materials Available for Branches
• A Call to Action—October 6, 2011 and Onward
• Order Your "End Corporate Rule" Bumper Sticker Now

Please let us know what inspires you. Email us at newsletter@wilpf.org

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Nuclear Weapons Delivery Systems to be Tested on September 21, United Nations International Day of Peace

September 21 is the annual United Nations International Day of Peace. So why use it to test nuclear weapons delivery systems?
 
On this day for peace the Pentagon will test an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM nuclear weapons missile. It will be launched toward the Marshall Islands from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Read MacGregor Eddy’s blog here.
 
Why is the USA still testing nuclear weapons ICBMs, costing 10s of millions of dollars a test? Won’t this test be perceived by Asian nations as a deliberate threat? Why have the nuclear industry and labs been given $185 billion to expand nuclear facilities over the next ten years?

Email your own questions and thoughts to President Obama at www.whitehouse.gov/contact. Email nffchairs@wilpf.org for resources and details to share with others in our communities who observe the International Day of Peace. Ministers, teachers and organization leaders  who lead observations on September 21 need to know about the test and urge citizen action to end such abominations.

New DVD Roadshow Resource Materials Available for Branches

Submitted by the Corporations v Democracy Committee (CvD)

The Corporations v Democracy Committee made a strong case at the WILPF Congress this June that each of WILPF's issues is touched by and obstructed by corporate power. So no matter which issue is at the heart of your branch's activity, spending some time addressing and educating about corporate personhood can advance democracy and ultimately advance the interest at your branch's heart.

The CvD Committee has made available a very useful DVD that offers a selection of presentations, which are useful for small or large groups. Each of these excellent presentations provide a stimulating look at the history and impact of corporate personhood. All branches are encouraged to order at least one of the DvDs and use it to connect with your own members and to engage the public.

Cut 1 is the Ultimate Civics animated powerpoint presentation "Democracy Crisis," narrated by Riki Ott, a survivor of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. Riki includes an excellent historic overview, including a usable timeline for Supreme Court decisions favoring corporate power. She concludes by showing how these court rulings impact the environment and how a living economy would offer a better option for the planet and communities. (This is the presentation shown at the CvD Plenary at Congress). Great for connecting with environmental groups and the public.

Cut 2 is an excellent presentation by Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig to The Coffee Party which uses great animation to demonstrate that every political side has a vested interest in reversing the trend towards corporate corruption of our elections. Lessig bridges differences between political sides for a common goal.

Cut 3 is a short but effective film of the Protest in Washington held Jan. 21, 2011 by Move To Amend on anniversary of the Citizens United decision. It's called "Democracy for Sale."

Cuts 4 and 5 are edited versions of "The Jan & Molly Show," the venerable presentation by Jan Edwards and Molly Morgan demonstrating the history and time line of Corporate Personhood in the courts.

Order a copy of the DVD for $10 (plus shipping) from CvD. Contact Marybeth Gardam at mbgardam@gmail.com or call 515-210-7928. Proceeds from these sales benefit the CvD committee work.

A Call to Action—October 6, 2011 and Onward

Submitted by the End the Wars Program Committee

WILPF/End the Wars Issue Committee is supporting a nationwide call for sustained non-violent resistance to the ongoing wars and corporate criminality. A concert and rally will kick off the protest in Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC. Many people are signing the following pledge.

“I pledge that if any U.S. troops, contractors , or mercenaries remain in Afghanistan on Thursday, October 5, 2011, as that criminal occupation goes into its 11th year, I will commit to being in Freedom Plaza in Washington, D. C., with others on that day with the intention of making it our Tahrir Square, Cairo, our Madison, Wisconsin, where we will NONVIOLENTLY resist  the corporate machine to demand that our resources are invested  in human needs and environmental protection instead of war and exploitation.  We can do this together. We will be the beginning."

WILPF women wanting to join a WILPF affinity group contact Marge Van Cleef at mvc@igc.org.

Local protests will commence the following weekend. WILPF branches are asked to participate in these protests. Contact Joan Ecklein at Joanecklein@comcast.net or Marge van Cleef at mvc@igc.org.

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