|
|
Toward a United Strategy for Peace and Justice
an article by Robin
"The peace and justice movement is very alive, very well," this is the introduction and conclusion to the article about the National Conference of United for Peace and Justice that was posted on their website June 13. The Conference, June 6-8 in Chicago, brought together over 500 activists from 38 states representing about 350 organizations.
"There were weaknesses and occasional frustrations," according to author Ted Glick. What were they? For one thing, the movement needs, as always, to be broader. Responding to this the newly elected steering committee is 48.5% women, 51.5% people of color, 11.5% youth, and 11.5% lbgt (see list of members on the UFPJ website. Also, "We are still learning how to combine a maximum of inclusive democracy with a decision-making process that is effective and coherent." Finally, the author suggests that the conference failed to come to grips with the need to defeat the Bush agenda in the next election.
A "UFPJ Strategic Framework" was adopted which states in part: "UFPJ's over-arching goal in the coming year to 18 months is to impact and mobilize public opinion in order to force a shift by the US government away from its present policy of permanent war and empire-building, and to address the ramifications of that policy both abroad and at home."
Two action proposals received the greatest support. One was a proposal to develop an on-going campaign against attacks on immigrants and civil liberties, to repeal the Patriot Act, etc. The second was a proposal to actively support developing campaigns for actions around the September 10-15 meeting of the World Trade Organization, the November 17-21 meeting of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, and the November 22-23 protest at the Fort Benning School of the Americas.
Ted Glick is the National Coordinator of the Independent Progressive Politics Network. You may read his article in its entirety on the UFPJ website.
|
|
DISCUSSION
Question(s) related to this article:
How can the peace movement become stronger and more effective?,
* * * * *
Latest reader comment:
The peace movement can become stronger and more effective in two ways: recognizing peace movements in other countries such as Iraq this week, and in the US by continuing the momentum. On April 15th, several actions are planned reminding tax payers how much of their tax dollars go to fund the war machine, April 29, Bruce Gagnon's Global Network vs. Nuclear weapons in Space will meet in NYC, followed by the Mayors for Peace Non-Proliferation Treaty renewal rally in Central Park.
And Jonathan Schell will be speaking at the West Hartford Town Hall on Tuesday April 12 at 7:00 p.m. He is one of the leading philosophers of the peace movement.
|
|
by program area
Become a CPNN Reporter