Tag Archives: North America

National March on Washington March 18 : Peace in Ukraine

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

From the website of United National Antiwar Coalition

​Coinciding with the 20th anniversary weekend of the criminal U.S.-invasion of Iraq a major set of actions including a demonstration at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Saturday March 18 demanding “Peace in Ukraine – Say NO to Endless U.S. Wars” and “Fund People’s Needs, Not the War Machine.”

Demands

Peace in Ukraine – No weapons, no money for the Ukraine War
Abolish NATO – End U.S. militarism & sanctions!
Fund people’s needs, not the war machine!
No war with China!
End U.S. aid to racist apartheid Israel!
Fight racism & bigotry at home, not other peoples!
U.S. hands off Haiti
End AFRICOM

Click here to help build this action

Click here to endorse the action

This action is being called by UNAC, the ANSWER Coalition, Code Pink, Black Alliance for peace and many others listed below. This is the first time in many years that then entire U.S, antiwar movement has been able to get together and build a national action. This is a very important step forward for our movement.

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Questions related to this article:
 
Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

The peace movement in the United States, What are its strengths and weaknesses?

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Endorsers:

United National Anti-War Coalition,
ANSWER Coalition,
Black Alliance for Peace,
The People’s Forum,
CodePink,
World BEYOND War,
Popular Resistance,
Veterans for Peace,
International Action Center,
Party for Socialism and Liberation,
Al-Awda,
The Palestine Right to Return Coalition,
Labor Against Racism and War,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee,
Universal African Peoples Organization,
East Bay Democratic Socialists of America,
Socialist Action,
Nevada Green Party,
Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network,
Ohio Peace Council,
Green Party of Connecticut,
Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Social Justice Committee, Environmentalists Against War,
Pacific Green Party (OR),
Linn-Benton Chapter,
Lauren Faith Smith Ministry for Nonviolence,
Maine Cumberland County Greens,
Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace,
San Jose Peace and Justice Center,
Servicio Particular Alacran,
Minnesota Peace Action Coalition,
PeaceWorks of Greater Brunswick,
UPWARD (Uniting Peace With Actions Respect and Dignity),
Socialist Party of America,
North Country Peace Group,
Workers World Party,
Roger Waters,
PeaceWorks,
Bronx Antiwar Coalition,
Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space,
Chicago Anti-War Coalition,
National Immigrant Solidarity Network,
China-US Solidarity Network,
North American Climate Conservation and Environmental group,
Stop the War Machine – New Mexico,
Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace,
Odessa Solidarity Campaign,
DC Young Communist League,
Uhuru Solidarity Movement,
North American Climate Conservation and Environmental group,
Virginia Defenders for Freedom Justice & Equality…

(Note added on March 25. An email received at CPNN from the UNAC today says “More than 2,500 people participated in the rally, march and teach-in on March 18.” This figure is confirmed in an article from the website Toward Freedom.)

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, North America

Letter To President Biden: Sign The Nuclear Ban Treaty!

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

From the website Nuclear Ban

January 22, 2023 to: President Joe Biden, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Biden,

We, the undersigned, call on you to immediately sign, on behalf of the United States, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), also known as the “Nuclear Ban Treaty.”

Mr. President, January 22, 2023 marks the second anniversary of entry into force of the TPNW. Here are six compelling reasons why you should sign this treaty now:


1. It’s the right thing to do. As long as nuclear weapons exist, the risk increases with every passing day that these weapons will be used.

According to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, the world stands closer to “doomsday” than at any point even during the darkest days of the Cold War. And the use of even one nuclear weapon would constitute a humanitarian disaster of unparalleled proportions. A full-scale nuclear war would spell the end of human civilization as we know it. There is nothing, Mr. President, that could possibly justify that level of risk.

Mr. President, the real risk we are facing is not so much that President Putin or some other leader will purposely use nuclear weapons, although that is clearly possible. The real risk with these weapons is that human error, computer malfunction, cyber attack, miscalculation, misunderstanding, miscommunication, or a simple accident could so easily lead inexorably to a nuclear conflagration without anyone ever intending it to.

The increased tension that now exists between the US and Russia makes an unintended launch of nuclear weapons so much more likely, and the risks are simply too great to be ignored or downplayed. It is imperative that you take action to reduce those risks. And the only way to reduce that risk to zero is to eliminate the weapons themselves. That is what the TPNW stands for. That is what the rest of the world demands. That is what humanity requires.

2. It will improve America’s standing in the world, and especially with our closest allies.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the US response to it may have greatly improved America’s standing, at least in Western Europe. But the imminent deployment of a new generation of US “tactical” nuclear weapons to Europe could quickly change all that. The last time such a plan was attempted, in the 1980s, it led to enormous levels of hostility toward the US and nearly toppled several NATO governments.

This treaty has enormous public support across the world and especially in Western Europe. As more and more countries sign on to it, its power and significance will only grow. And the longer the United States stands in opposition to this treaty, the worse our standing will be in the eyes of the world, including some of our closest allies. 

As of today, 68 countries have ratified this treaty, outlawing everything to do with nuclear weapons in those countries. Another 27 countries are in the process of ratifying the treaty and many more are lining up to do so.

Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium (and Australia) were among the countries who officially attended as observers at the first meeting of TPNW last year in Vienna. They, together with other close allies of the United States, including Italy, Spain, Iceland, Denmark, Japan and Canada, have voting populations who overwhelmingly support their countries signing the treaty, according to recent opinion polls. There are also hundreds of legislators in those countries who have signed the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) pledge in support of the TPNW, including the prime ministers of both Iceland and Australia.

It is not a question of “if,” but only of “when,” these and many other countries will join the TPNW and outlaw everything to do with nuclear weapons. As they do, US armed forces and the international corporations involved in the development and production of nuclear weapons will face increasing difficulties in carrying on with business as usual. It is already punishable with an unlimited fine and up to life in prison if found guilty of involvement with the development, production, maintenance, transportation or handling of (anyone’s) nuclear weapons in Ireland.

As it states very clearly in the US Law of War Manual, US military forces are bound by international treaties even when the US does not sign them, when such treaties represent “modern international public opinion” as to how military operations should be conducted. And already investors representing more than $4.6 trillion in global assets have divested from nuclear weapons companies because of the global norms that are shifting as a result of the TPNW.

3. Signing is nothing more than a statement of our intention to achieve a goal that the United States is already legally committed to achieving.

As you know very well, signing a treaty is not the same as ratifying it, and only once it is ratified do the terms of the treaty enter into force. Signing is just the first step. And signing the TPNW does not commit this country to a goal it is not publicly and legally committed to already; namely, the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

The United States has been committed to the total elimination of nuclear weapons since at least 1968, when it signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and agreed to negotiate the elimination of all nuclear arsenals “in good faith” and “at an early date”. Since then, the United States has twice given an “unequivocal undertaking” to the rest of the world that it would fulfil its legal obligation to negotiate the elimination of these weapons.

President Obama famously earned a Nobel Peace Prize for committing the United States to the goal of a nuclear-free world, and you yourself have reiterated that commitment on a number of occasions, most recently on August 1, 2022, when you pledged from the White House “to continue working toward the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons.”

Mr. President, signing the TPNW would demonstrate the sincerity of your commitment to actually achieve that goal. Getting all the other nuclear-armed nations to also sign the treaty would be the next step, ultimately leading to ratification of the treaty and the elimination of all nuclear weapons from all countries. In the meantime, the United States would be no more at risk of nuclear attack or nuclear blackmail than it is at present, and until ratification, would still maintain the same arsenal of nuclear weapons as it does today.

In fact, under the terms of the treaty, the complete, verifiable and irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons only takes place well after ratification of the treaty, in accordance with a legally-binding timebound plan that all parties must agree to. This would allow for staged reductions according to a mutually agreed timetable, as with other disarmament treaties.

4. The whole world is witnessing in real time the reality that nuclear weapons serve no useful military purpose.

Mr. President, the whole rationale for maintaining an arsenal of nuclear weapons is that they are so powerful as a “deterrent” they would never need to be used. And yet our possession of nuclear weapons clearly did not prevent the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Nor has Russia’s possession of nuclear weapons prevented the United States from arming and supporting Ukraine despite Russia’s threats.

Since 1945, the US has fought wars in Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Libya, Kosovo, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Possession of nuclear weapons did not “deter” any of those wars, nor indeed did possession of nuclear weapons ensure that the US “won” any of those wars.

The possession of nuclear weapons by the UK did not prevent Argentina from invading the Falkland Islands in 1982. The possession of nuclear weapons by France did not prevent them losing to insurgents in Algeria, Tunisia or Chad. The possession of nuclear weapons by Israel did not prevent the invasion of that country by Syria and Egypt in 1973, nor did it prevent Iraq from raining down Scud missiles on them in 1991. India’s possession of nuclear weapons did not stop countless incursions into Kashmir by Pakistan, nor has Pakistan’s possession of nuclear weapons stopped any of India’s military activities there.

It is no surprise that Kim Jong-un thinks nuclear weapons will deter an attack on his country by the United States, and yet you would no doubt agree that his possession of nuclear weapons makes such an attack more likely at some point in the future, not less likely.

President Putin threatened to use nuclear weapons against any country that tried to interfere with his invasion of Ukraine. That was not the first time anyone has threatened to use nuclear weapons, of course. Your predecessor in the White House threatened North Korea with nuclear annihilation in 2017. And nuclear threats have been made by previous US Presidents and the leaders of other nuclear-armed nations going all the way back to the aftermath of World War II. 
But these threats are meaningless unless they are carried out, and they are never carried out for the very simple reason that to do so would be an act of suicide and no sane political leader is likely to ever make that choice.

In your joint statement with Russia, China, France and the UK in January of last year, you clearly stated that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.” The G20 statement from Bali reiterated that “the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. The peaceful resolution of conflicts, efforts to address crises, as well as diplomacy and dialogue, are vital. Today’s era must not be of war.”

What do such statements mean, Mr. President, if not the utter pointlessness of retaining and upgrading expensive nuclear weapons that can never be used?

5. By signing the TPNW now, you can discourage other countries from seeking to acquire nuclear weapons of their own.

Mr. President, despite the fact that nuclear weapons do not deter aggression and do not help win wars, other countries continue to want them. Kim Jong-un wants nuclear weapons to defend himself from the United States precisely because we continue to insist that these weapons somehow defend us from him. It is no surprise that Iran might feel the same way.

The longer we go on insisting that we must have nuclear weapons for our own defense, and that these are the “supreme” guarantee of our security, the more we are encouraging other countries to want the same. South Korea and Saudi Arabia are already considering acquiring their own nuclear weapons. Soon there will be others.

How can a world awash in nuclear weapons possibly be safer than a world without any nuclear weapons? Mr. President, this is the moment to seize the opportunity to eliminate these weapons once and for all, before more and more countries are engulfed in an uncontrollable arms race that can have only one possible outcome. Eliminating these weapons now is not just a moral imperative, it is a national security imperative.

Without a single nuclear weapon, the United States would still be the most powerful country in the world by a very wide margin. Together with our military allies, our military spending outpaces all our potential adversaries put together many times over, every single year. No country on earth comes close to being able to seriously threaten the United States and its allies – unless they have nuclear weapons.

Nuclear weapons are the global equalizer. They enable a comparatively small, poor country, with its people virtually starving, to nevertheless threaten the mightiest world power in all of human history. And the only way to finally eliminate that threat is to eliminate all nuclear weapons. That, Mr. President, is a national security imperative.

6. There is one final reason for signing the TPNW now. And that is for the sake of our children and grandchildren, who are inheriting a world that is literally burning down in front of our eyes as a result of climate change. We cannot adequately address the climate crisis without also addressing the nuclear threat.

You have taken important steps to address the climate crisis, through your infrastructure bill and the inflation reduction act. You have been hampered by Supreme Court decisions and a difficult Congress from achieving more of what you know is needed to fully address this crisis. And yet, trillions of taxpayer dollars are being poured into developing the next generation of nuclear weapons, along with all the other military hardware and infrastructure you have signed off on.

Mr. President, for the sake of our children and grandchildren, please use this opportunity to switch gears and begin the transition to a sustainable world for them. You don’t need Congress or the Supreme Court to sign a treaty on behalf of the United States. That is your prerogative as President.

And by signing the TPNW, we can begin the monumental shift of resources that is needed from nuclear weapons to climate solutions. By signalling the beginning of the end of nuclear weapons, you would be enabling and encouraging the vast scientific and industrial infrastructure that supports the nuclear weapons industry to begin to make that transition, along with the billions in private finance that support that industry.

And most importantly, you would be opening up a door to improved international cooperation with Russia, China, India and the EU without which no action on climate will be sufficient to save the planet.

Mr. President, as the first country to develop nuclear weapons and the only country to have ever used them in war, the United States bears a special moral responsibility to ensure they are never used again. As you yourself said in a speech on January 11, 2017, “If we want a world without nuclear weapons—the United States must take the initiative to lead us there.” Please, Mr. President, you can do this! Please take the first clear step to nuclear abolition and sign the Nuclear Ban Treaty.

Yours sincerely,

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Question for this article:

The peace movement in the United States, What are its strengths and weaknesses?

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

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* Organizations in bold = official signatories, organizations not in bold are for identification purposes only

Timmon Wallis, Vicki Elson, Co-Founders, NuclearBan.US

Kevin Martin, President, Peace Action

Darien De Lu, President, US Section, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom

Ivana Hughes, President, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

David Swanson, Executive Director, World Beyond War

Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans, Co-Founders, CodePink

Johnny Zokovitch, Executive Director, Pax Christi USA

Ethan Vesely-Flad, Director of National Organizing, Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR-USA)

Melanie Merkle Atha, Executive Director, Episcopal Peace Fellowship

Susan Schnall, President, Veterans For Peace

Hanieh Jodat, Partnerships Coordinator, RootsAction

Michael Beer, Director, Nonviolence International

Alan Owen, Founder, LABRATS (Legacy of the Atomic Bomb. Recognition for Atomic Test Survivors)

Helen Jaccard, Manager, Veterans For Peace Golden Rule Project

Kelly Lundeen and Lindsay Potter, Co-Directors, Nukewatch

Linda Gunter, Founder, Beyond Nuclear

Leonard Eiger, Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action

Felice and Jack Cohen-Joppa, Nuclear Resister

Nick Mottern, Co-coordinator, Ban Killer Drones

Priscilla Star, Director, Coalition Against Nukes

Cole Harrison, Executive Director, Massachusetts Peace Action

Rev. Robert Moore, Executive Director, Coalition For Peace Action (CFPA)

Emily Rubino, Executive Director, Peace Action New York State

Robert Kinsey, Colorado Coalition for the Prevention of Nuclear War

Rev. Rich Peacock, Co-Chair, Peace Action of Michigan

Jean Athey, Secretary of the Board, Maryland Peace Action

Martha Speiss, John Raby, Peace Action Maine

Joe Burton, Treasurer of the Board, North Carolina Peace Action

Kim Joy Bergier, Coordinator, Michigan Stop The Nuclear Bombs Campaign

Kelly Campbell, Executive Director, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

Sean Arent, Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program Manager, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility

Andrea Jones, Government Relations and Public Policy Director, Georgia WAND Education Fund, Inc.

Lizzie Adams, Green Party of Florida

Lois Gagnon, Co-Chair, Green-Rainbow Party of Massachusetts

Doug Rawlings, Veterans For Peace Maine Chapter

Mario Galvan, Sacramento Area Peace Action

Gary Butterfield, President, San Diego Veterans For Peace

Michael Lindley, President, Veterans For Peace Los Angeles

Dave Logsdon, President, Twin Cities Veterans For Peace

Bill Christofferson, Veterans For Peace, Milwaukee Chapter 102

Philip Anderson, Veterans For Peace Chapter 80 Duluth Superior

John Michael O’Leary, Vice President, Veterans For Peace Chapter 104 in Evansville, Indiana

Jim Wohlgemuth, Veterans For Peace The Hector Black Chapter

Kenneth Mayers, Chapter Secretary, Veterans for Peace Santa Fe Chapter

Chelsea Faria, Demilitarize Western Mass

Claire Schaeffer-Duffy, Program Director, Center for Nonviolent Solutions, Worcester, MA

Mari Inoue, Co-Founder, Manhattan Project for a Nuclear-Free World

The Rev. Dr. Peter Kakos, Maureen Flannery, Nuclear Free Future Coalition of Western Mass

Douglas W. Renick, Chair, Haydenville Congregational Church Peace and Justice Steering Committee

Richard Ochs, Baltimore Peace Action

Max Obuszewski, Janice Sevre-Duszynka, Baltimore Nonviolence Center

Arnold Matlin, Co-Convenor, Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace

The Rev. Julia Dorsey Loomis, Hampton Roads Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (HRCAN)

Lorie Cartwright, Trustee, New England Coalition on Nuclear Pollution Inc.

Jessie Pauline Collins, Co-Chair, Citizens’ Resistance at Fermi Two (CRAFT)

Keith Gunter, Chair, Alliance To Halt Fermi-3

Hendrica Regez, Chair, Galena Green Team

Julie Levine, Co-Director, MLK Coalition of Greater Los Angeles

H.T Snider, Chair, One Sunny Day Initiatives

Topanga Peace Alliance

Ellen Thomas, Director, Proposition One Campaign for a Nuclear-Free Future

Lynn Sableman, Branch President, WILPF St. Louis

Mary Faulkner, President, League of Women Voters of Duluth

Sister Clare Carter, New England Peace Pagoda

Tracy Powell, No More Bombs

Ann Suellentrop, Program Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility – Kansas City

Robert M. Gould, MD, President, San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility

Cynthia Papermaster, Coordinator, CODEPINK San Francisco Bay Area

Patricia Hynes, Traprock Center for Peace and Justice

Christopher Allred, Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center

Jane Brown, Newton Dialogues on Peace and War

Steve Baggarly, Norfolk Catholic Worker

Mary S Rider and Patrick O’Neill, Founders, Father Charlie Mulholland Catholic Worker

Jill Haberman, Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi

Rev. Terrence Moran, Director, Office of Peace, Justice, and Ecological Integrity/Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth

Thomas Nieland, President Emeritus, UUFHCT, Alamo, TX

Henry M. Stoever, Co-Chair, PeaceWorks Kansas City

Rosalie Paul, Coordinator, PeaceWorks of Greater Brunswick, Maine

New York Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (NYCAN)

Craig S. Thompson, White House Antinuclear Peace Vigil

Jim Schulman, President, A Thousand Friends of Virginia’s Future

Mary Gourdoux, Border Peace Presence

Alice Sturm Sutter, Uptown Progressive Action, New York City

Donna Gould, Rise and Resist NY

Anne Craig, Reject Raytheon Asheville

Nancy C. Tate, LEPOCO Peace Center (Lehigh-Pocono Committee of Concern)

Marcia Halligan, Kickapoo Peace Circle

Marie Dennis, Assisi Community

Mary Shesgreen, Chair, Fox Valley Citizens for Peace & Justice

Jean Stevens, Director, Taos Environmental Film Festival

Mari Mennel-Bell, Director, JazzSLAM

Diana Bohn, Coordinator, Nicaragua Center for Community Action

Nicholas Cantrell, President, Green Future Wealth Management

Mary Hanson, Chair, Seattle Fellowship of Reconciliation

Charles Michaels, Coordinator, Pax Christi Baltimore

Sven Lovegren, Coordinator, UUCA Peace Network

Rachel Roberts Bliss, Founder and Administrator, Western North Carolina for Peace

Jane Leatherman Van Praag, President, Wilco Justice Alliance (Williamson County, TX)

Ernes Fuller, Vice Chair, Concerned Citizens for SNEC Safety (CCSS)

The World Is My Country

Carmen Trotta, Catholic Worker

Paul Corell, Shut Down Indian Point Now!

Patricia Always, West Valley Neighborhoods Coalition

Thea Paneth, Arlington United for Justice with Peace

Carol Gilbert, OP, Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters

Susan Entin, Church of St. Augustine, St. Martin

Maureen Doyle, MA Green Rainbow Party

Lorraine Krofchok, Director, Grandmothers for Peace International

Jasmin Nario-Galace, Facilitation Committee, Pax Christi Asia-Pacific

Bill Kidd, MSP, Convenor, Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Nuclear Disarmament

Ed Lehman, President, Regina Peace Council

Dr David Hutchinson Edgar, Chairperson, Irish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament / An Feachtas um Dhí-Armáil Núicléach

Marian Pallister, Chair, Pax Christi Scotland

Ranjith S Jayasekera, Vice President, Sri-Lanka Doctors for Peace and Development

Juan Gomez, Chilean Coordinator, Movimiento Por Un Mundo Sin Guerras Y Sin Violencia

Darien Castro, Co-Founder, Wings for Amazon Project

Loreta Castro, Co-President, Pax Christi Philippines

Lynda Forbes, Secretary, Hunter Peace Group Newcastle, Australia

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, North America

USA: Ilhan Omar Vows to Continue Speaking Out Against Israel’s Abuse of Palestinians

TOLERANCE AND SOLIDARITY .

An article by Jake Johnson in Common Dreams (licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.)

Rep. Ilhan Omar vowed Thursday that the House GOP’s vote to remove her from the chamber’s foreign affairs panel would not stop her from criticizing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, a pledge that came after the Israeli government carried out  its latest bombing campaign in the occupied Gaza Strip.


Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) speaks to reporters on February 2, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

“My critique of our foreign policy, Israel’s policy towards Palestinians, or that of any foreign nation will not change,” Omar (D-Minn.) wrote in a Twitter post   following passage of a Republican resolution forcing her off the House Foreign Affairs Committee—a seat she has used to speak out against human rights violations and demand accountability   for war crimes, including those committed by the U.S. and Israel.

“As a person who suffered the horrors of war and persecution,” Omar added, “my advocacy will always be for those that suffer because of the actions of governments.”

The House vote was held hours after Israel’s far-right government launched a series of airstrikes in the densely populated “open-air prison” of Gaza, bombings that came a week after Israeli forces killed 10 Palestinians at a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. When two rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza in the wake of the massacre, Israel bombarded the enclave, reportedly hitting a refugee camp at the center of the strip.
During t
he floor debate ahead of the GOP resolution’s passage, Republican lawmakers made clear that Omar’s criticisms of Israeli policy—which are frequently conflated with antisemitism  —were a driving force behind the effort to remove her from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) specifically cited Omar’s past characterization of Israel as an “apartheid” state, calling the description “appalling”—even though mainstream organizations, including Human Rights Watch   and Amnesty International, have offered the same assessment of Israel’s decades-long occupation and brutalization of Palestinians.

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Question for this article

Presenting the Palestinian side of the Middle East, Is it important for a culture of peace?

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“Rep. Ilhan Omar was booted off of the House Foreign Affairs Committee today for one reason only: her firm and unequivocal opposition to Israel’s brutal apartheid rule over the Palestinian people,” wrote   Josh Ruebner, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and the former policy director of the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights.

“All other pretexts,” Ruebner argued, “are just designed to obscure this fact.”

The House GOP passed its resolution kicking Omar off the powerful committee as rights groups warned that Israel is ramping up its assault on Palestinian rights and livelihoods.

“This circus is happening while the Israeli government is escalating an entirely new phase of state violence against Palestinians,” Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, told The Intercept’s Akela Lacy, who argued   Thursday that congressional Democrats “paved the way” for the GOP’s attacks on Omar.

“If you actually look at what the Israeli government is doing right now,” Miller said, “the mask is off completely.”

Over the weekend, Israel moved to seal—and signaled plans to demolish—the West Bank homes of two Palestinians suspected of deadly attacks against Israelis. Human Rights Watch condemned   Israel’s response as an act of “collective punishment.”

“Deliberate attacks on civilians are reprehensible crimes,” Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement Thursday. “But just as no grievance can justify the intentional targeting of civilians in Neve Yaakov, such attacks cannot justify Israeli authorities intentionally punishing the families of Palestinian suspects by demolishing their homes and throwing them out on the street.”

Amnesty International noted earlier   this week that Israeli forces killed 35 Palestinians in January alone. Last year was one of the deadliest in decades   for Palestinians in the occupied territories.

“The devastating events of the past week have exposed yet again the deadly cost of the system of apartheid,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty’s secretary-general. “The international community’s failure to hold Israeli authorities to account for apartheid and other crimes has given them free rein to segregate, control, and oppress Palestinians on a daily basis, and helps perpetuate deadly violence.”

“Apartheid is a crime against humanity, and it is frankly chilling to see the perpetrators evade justice year after year,” Callamard added. “Israel has long attempted to silence findings of apartheid with targeted smear campaigns, and the international community allows itself to be cowed by these tactics. Until apartheid is dismantled there is no hope of protecting civilian lives, and no hope of justice for grieving families in Palestine and Israel.”

North America, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Tribunal in Washington Calls on President Biden to End Prosecution of Julian Assange and to Defend Rights of Journalists and Whistleblowers

. . HUMAN RIGHTS . .

An article by Chris Garaffa from Covert Action Magazine

Nearly 13 years after WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange released the video Collateral Murder exposing the brutal and intentional killing of Iraqi civilians and two Reuters journalists, over 150 people packed the same room in the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. for the Belmarsh Tribunal. January 20th’s sitting was the third of the Tribunal, following events in London and New York City in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Many thousands also watched the event live online. See video of Tribunal below.


Video of Tribunal

Organized by Progressive International and co-chaired by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! and Croatian philosopher and author Srećko Horvat, the Belmarsh Tribunal brought together a panel of whistleblowers, activists, lawyers and more in support of Assange, WikiLeaks and journalistic freedom.

Held just two blocks from the White House, the Tribunal called on President Biden to end the prosecution of Julian Assange and to defend the rights of journalists and whistleblowers.

Belmarsh, the prison near London where Assange has been held since 2019 is a high-security facility often referred to as the “British version of Guantanamo Bay.” Beginning with the so-called “war on terrorism” in 2001, Belmarsh has been used to house suspected terrorists. Today, many of its prisoners are people who have committed brutally violent crimes like murder and rape.

States government under the Trump and Biden administrations seeks to bring him to trial in the U.S. He could face up to 175 years in prison under the Espionage Act for publishing proof of U.S. war crimes. It would be a death sentence for the 51-year-old whose physical and mental health has already deteriorated during his confinement.

Solidarity was a key theme of the event. Human rights lawyer Steven Donziger opened his remarks by saying “Half the battle is this” as he motioned around the crowded room. “It’s the solidarity,” he continued, expressing his appreciation for those who came out to defend him in his struggle. “I cannot tell you how completely uplifting that was. Part of the challenge when truthtellers speak truth to these entrenched pools of power is how to turn the attacks into opportunities.”

Donziger brought and won a lawsuit against oil company Chevron/Texaco on behalf of indigenous people in Ecuador for destruction of their lands through oil extraction in the Lago Agrio oil field. Chevron retaliated after a $9.5 billion award was levied against them, filing an outrageous RICO suit against Donziger, who was placed under house arrest for a total of 993 days (in addition to 45 days in prison) until he was finally freed in April of 2022.

Solidarity was also extended to Daniel Hale, a whistleblower who exposed the deadly U.S. targeted killing and drone program. Attorney Jesselyn Radack spoke on his case and its connection to Assange’s. Hale is being held in a Communications Management Unit (CMU) at the U.S. Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois, A.K.A. “Gitmo North,” where his connection to the outside world is monitored and severely limited.

(Article continued in the column on the right)

Question related to this article:
 
Is Internet freedom a basic human right?

Julian Assange, Is he a hero for the culture of peace?

Free flow of information, How is it important for a culture of peace?

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“I have been shut out of my own clients’ unclassified hearings. The parts of the hearings that are public often include code words and substitutions that make the proceedings very difficult for the public to understand. In one case, the government attempted to prevent defense attorneys from using the word whistleblower, or the word newspaper.” Radack’s account suggests that should Assange be extradited to the United States, he will not be able to receive a fair and impartial trial.

The prosecution of Assange is an example of naked political aggression and intimidation. It’s not only aimed at Assange himself and WikiLeaks, but puts whistleblowers, journalists and activists squarely within the crosshairs.

Former UK Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said, “What’s Julian charged with? Telling the truth. Telling the truth all over the world about what governments do and what governments want to hide…I, as an elected politician, am very well aware that elected politicians don’t like being questioned on the decisions that they make. But it’s fundamental to a democratic society that they are constantly under surveillance and under question. [While] they are very keen on putting everybody else under surveillance, their decisions should be under surveillance at the same time.”

In addition to calling for the Biden administration to end his prosecution, Corbyn also called on journalists and media outlets to continue to stand up. In November 2022, an open letter from The New York Times, El Pais, Le Monde, The Guardian and Der Spiegel published an open letter with the same demand: “This indictment sets a dangerous precedent, and threatens to undermine America’s First Amendment and the freedom of the press. Holding governments accountable is part of the core mission of a free press in a democracy.”

Corbyn went further and called on journalists around the world to stand up for Assange: “I say this to journalists who may be watching this around the world: You might say ‘well ok that’s Assange, that’s different…’ sorry it’s not! It’s you as a journalist because if Julian Assange ends up in a maximum security prison in the United States for the rest of his life, every other journalist around the world will think ‘oh, should I really report this information I’ve been given? Should I really speak out about this denial of human rights, miscarriage of justice in any country around the world? Because the long arm of United States espionage might reach me and an extradition treaty might put me in that same prison.’”

Kristinn Hrafnsson, the current WikiLeaks Editor-In-Chief, appeared by video at the suggestion of his lawyers, as travel to the United States could be dangerous for him.

Hrafnsson broke down the story of WikiLeaks into two chapters: “One is about the publications, the most important journalistic work of this century. The other chapter is about the reaction to this work, and it is equally revealing.”

On one side of that reaction are the attacks on WikiLeaks and journalism, as well as the weakening of basic democratic norms, principles and domestic and international processes. On another is the attention and support that WikiLeaks, Assange and whistleblowing have received. Hrafnsson discussed his recent trip around Latin America, meeting with leaders to discuss the case.

“Argentinians, as do others in the region, know fully well the capability of the CIA in planning kidnapping or killing of individuals.” he said of his meeting with Alberto Fernández and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of Argentina. Bolivian President Luis Arce “fully committed himself in support of Assange.” The newly-elected President of Brazil, Lula, said “the fight to end the injustice entailed in the Assange case would be a priority in his foreign policy.” Gusavo Petro of Colombia also provided words of support, as did Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North America

STOP U.S. Wars: MLK Week of Actions, Jan 13–22 The Next Step

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article from The United National Antiwar Coalition

“The greatest purveyor of violence in the world : My own Government, I can not be Silent.”
  –  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. April 4, 1967

As you know, after the October antiwar actions, more than 75 actions, we held a meeting to discuss next steps.  It was decided that we should have another week of actions and the week around Martin Luther King Day, Jan 14 – 22 was proposed.  So, we are moving forward organizing STOP U.S. Wars actions again during that week.  Many organizations endorsed the October week of actions and are anxious to continue.


As Martin Luther King, Jr. so correctly reminded us, the U.S. is the greatest purveyor of violence in the world.  Since WWII, the US has initiated more than 60 military interventions in foreign countries.  The US/NATO proxy war in Ukraine brings the US in direct confrontation with a major nuclear power as does the U.S. provocation against China over Taiwan.

It is extremely important that we build a strong, unified antiwar movement that can break through the media propaganda and censorship and end the US military aggression around the world.

Each of our actions are based on building local connections among various solidarity organizations. A variety of actions are encouraged from demonstrations, teach-Ins, banner drops, chalk-ins to street meetings.

Actions linking ALL the continuing US wars and sanctions is a unifying focus and helps break through the propaganda that saturates each war.

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Question for this article:
DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, North America

USA: Statement from Faith Organizations and Leaders  Calling for a Christmas Truce in Ukraine

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

A petition from Code Pink

SIGN ON STATEMENT:

As people of faith and conscience, believing in the sanctity of all life on this planet, we call for a Christmas Truce in Ukraine. In the spirit of the truce that occurred in 1914 during the First World War, we urge our government to take a leadership role in bringing the war in Ukraine to an end through supporting calls for a ceasefire and negotiated settlement, before the conflict results in a nuclear war that could devastate the world’s ecosystems and annihilate all of God’s creation.  

Initiated by Fellowship of Reconciliation-USA, CODEPINK, and the National Council of Elders. 

Background and Context:

As the war in Ukraine rages on, the toll of death and destruction continues to mount and the potential for escalation and the use of nuclear weapons grows. The direct catastrophic impact the war has already had on the people of Ukraine is still unknown but countless thousands of civilians have already died and 14 million have been displaced. The war’s impact is multiplied outside of Ukraine’s borders as rising prices for wheat, fertilizer and fuel are creating growing crises in global hunger and poverty. 

Whether it’s Christians around the world preparing for Christmas or Jews awaiting the Festival of Lights holiday of Hanukkah all of the Abrahamic faiths embrace the prophetic voice of Isaiah who exhorted us to transform swords into plowshares. In this winter holiday season of peace, we ask our government’s leaders to recall another murderous conflict between nations that took place on the European continent over a century ago. In 1914, roughly 100,000 German and British soldiers along the Western Front in World War I declared an unofficial Christmas Truce and ceased hostilities for a short period. 

It was a moment so shocking to our usual expectations that it continues to reverberate in our collective imaginations over 100 years later. Another Christmas Truce could save lives and pave the way for critical peace talks. 

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Questions related to this article:
 
Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

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The way out of the war in Ukraine will not be a military solution. The path toward peace in Ukraine requires powers of a different sort: negotiation and imagination.

As leaders of a diverse group of faith communities, we sign onto the petition below and pray that our leaders have the courage and conscience to use those powers instead.

Initial signers include:

Bishop William J. Barber, President Repairers of the Breach
Dr. Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary
Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Liz Theoharis, Poor People’s Campaign co-chair
Reverend Graylan Scott Hagler, FOR-USA Advisor, Racial and economic justice advocate
Dr. Zoharah Simmons, civil rights movement veteran, National Council of Elders
Reverend Dorsey, Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco, National Council of Elders
Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary Emeritus, Reformed Church in America
Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, President, Sojourners
Rev. Janet Wolf,  National Council of Elders
Jim Wallis, Georgetown University
Bridget Moix, General Secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation
Rev. William Lamar, IV, Metropolitan AME Church, Washington, DC
Rev. Freeman Palmer, Conference Minister, Central Atlantic Conference of the UCC
Rev. Dr. Dorsey Blake, Presiding Minister, The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, National Council of Elders
Imam Abu Nahidian, Manassas Mosque
Sư Cô Thích Nữ Chân Không, Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism
Thầy Thích Chân Pháp Ấn, Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism
Pastor Bob Roberts, Church in Keller, Texas
Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, Executive Minister & President, United Church of Christ
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President, Unitarian Universalist Association
Nicholas Sooy, director of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship
Imam Mujahid Abdul Malik, President, Sound Vision Foundation
Rabbi Phyllis Berman, ALEPH Ordination Program’s Hashpa’ah Program
Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia, Executive Director, Religions for Peace USA
Ariel Gold, Executive Director, Fellowship of Reconciliation USA
Rev. Michael McBride, Pastor, The Way Christian Center; Director of Urban Strategies, Faith in Action
Dr. Daisy Khan, Executive Director & Founder, Women’s Islamic Initiative for Spirituality & Equality
Rev. Terrence Moran, Director of Peace, Justice, & Ecological Integrity Office, Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth
Dr. James Zogby, President Arab American Institute, Professor, Author
Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili, Metropolitan Bishop, Peace Cathedral

If you are not a lay or ordained faith leader, please take this to your faith community/congregation and ask them to sign on.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, North America

Say NO to U.S. wars! Actions took place in more than 70 areas across the US and Canada

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article from Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement

During the past week (as of October 23, 2022), antiwar actions were held in more than 70 areas.  The actions took place mostly in the United States in answer to a call from the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC), but we were joined by a coalition of antiwar groups from Canada and also by some European countries.  We did not expect such an overwhelming response from our movement, but we learned people are ready to hit the streets and build a strong unified antiwar movement.


Understanding that the 2 main parties in the US are both imperialist and pro-war, the actions were called right before the US midterm elections.  Although the US and NATO are neck deep in their war with Russia in Ukraine and we may be closer to nuclear war than at any time in the past, there was no debate about war during this election period.  This despite that fact that the sanctions on Russia along with the US destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines has led to an economic crisis in the US and especially in Europe that is causing great hardship to the working people in North America and Europe.

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Question for this article:

The peace movement in the United States, What are its strengths and weaknesses?

Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

(Article continued from left column)

The Ukraine war is also exposing deep cracks in the US empire that will change the world.  After the humiliating defeat of the US and NATO in Afghanistan, the looming defeat of the US and NATO in Ukraine along with the economic crisis is moving countries out of the orbit of the US as power is shifting to the East.  Few countries, especially in the Global South have gone along with the US sanctions on Russia.  We have also seen cracks in NATO and the European Union as the US uses the crisis to try and move Europe away from its trade relationships with Russian and China in order to bring more profit to US corporations at the expense of Europe.

So, it is extremely important that our actions took place and it is extremely important that they continue.  In Canada, a coalition was developed to build the actions that has the potential of strengthen their movement and, in the US, we must do the same.  Although, the major news media ignored our actions, we were in the streets and visible and are stronger for it.

If your group is not a member of UNAC, it is more important than ever that it joins.  In unity, there is strength.  To have your peace or social justice group join UNAC,  please go here.

UNAC demands:
Stop Washington’s war moves toward Russia and China
Stop endless wars: Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Palestine, everywhere

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, North America

Guest Opinion: Why become an International City of Peace?

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article by Frank Thacker from The Westerly Sun

In early 2018 the Westerly Area Peace and Justice Group learned about the International Cities of Peace. After some discussion we decided to submit an applicate to become an ICP.

Why? As you can surmise there were more than a few reasons, but the major motivation was rooted in the well-known slogan “Think globally, act locally.” ICP is a global association of cities acting locally, and since Westerly Area Peace and Justice is a group acting locally and thinking globally, it seemed like good fit.

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Question related to this article:
 
How can culture of peace be developed at the municipal level?

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Even before BEOC was formed, Pittsburgh City Councilman Ricky Burgess, whose We were also very much aligned with their foundational vision of ensuring everyone’s right to safety, prosperity and quality, with their essential mission of building a scalable network of “in situ” teams committed to peace-building in cities around the world, and their essential goal of certifying and recommending thousands of self-organized municipalities as Cities of Peace in order to put in motion a tipping force for global peace.

In addition to the deep-rooted common values that motivated us to become an International City of Peace, there is an almost infinite array of resources available for members of ICP. These range from information of “how to” materials, to education including access to exhibits and teaching tools, to online learning via videos and documents. In addition, ICP provides a free website page for our community as well as a blog presence.

While the above is important and we are grateful for all the benefits of Westerly-Pawcatuck being an International City of Peace over the years, we have learned that the greatest benefit of being a member of ICP is the sense of hope and inspiration we have received as we learn about all the powerful work being done by hundreds of cities around the globe to create a culture of peace.

The writer is a resident of Westerly and a member of the Westerly Peace and Justice Group.

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, North America

Fresno, California: Community commemorates Sudarshan Kapoor during 33rd annual Gandhi celebration

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

An article from Collegian CSU Fresno

Fresno State hosted the annual celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 153rd birthday while also honoring the work of Sudarshan Kapoor on Oct. 4 at the Fresno State Peace Garden.

The celebration, which served to spread the message of “Stop the Hate, Stop the Gun Violence, Build a Culture of Peace,” commemorated Kapoor’s efforts in spreading peace and anti-violence rhetoric. He was the founder and first director of the Peace and Conflict Studies Program and also served on Fresno’s Human Relations Commission for 12 years. 

To this, he said change was needed to achieve for development and added that Kapoor is currently a philosophy professor at Fresno State and founded the Peace Gardens project to fund the Peace Garden where the event was held.

The event featured speeches from guests such as Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, who emphasized the importance of building a culture and community of peace in Fresno.

“Our students and faculty come from all backgrounds and corners of the world, and it’s especially important that we promote Gandhi’s legacy of nonviolence,” Jiménez-Sandoval said. “Indeed, Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of social concern and care for human dignity are more relevant today than ever.”

Kapoor is currently a philosophy professor at Fresno State and founded the Peace Gardens project to fund the Peace Garden where the event was held.

The event featured speeches from guests such as Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, who emphasized the importance of building a culture and community of peace in Fresno.

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Questions for this article:

Can festivals help create peace at the community level?

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“Our students and faculty come from all backgrounds and corners of the world, and it’s especially important that we promote Gandhi’s legacy of nonviolence,” Jiménez-Sandoval said. “Indeed, Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of social concern and care for human dignity are more relevant today than ever.”

Dyer reiterated the necessity of a united community. 

“We have a vision today of being an inclusive, prosperous, beautiful city where people take pride in their neighborhood and their community,” Dyer said. “[We need] the message of nonviolence, peace, oneness and unity.”


Dyer announced that Oct. 4 would be recognized as Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Day in Fresno, presenting Kapoor with a plaque of the city’s proclamation to recognize the professor’s service to the community.

Kapoor was also awarded the Community Service Excellence Award by the Central California Society of India (CCSI).

Deepika Shiroy, the current president of the CCSI, presented Kapoor with the award and commending his devoted work in Fresno. 

“Community work sometimes can be [a] disheartening, back-breaking affair,” Shiroy said. “Every community needs a pioneer that inspires us to continue the good work day in and day out.”

During the event, Kapoor spoke about the hardships he experienced in his life. Having moved from India across the continent and then across the world to the U.S., he came to the San Joaquin Valley in 1967. 

“[My family and I] love Fresno. We have raised our children here,” Kapoor said. “ I belong to Fresno State, and Fresno State belongs to me. That’s the kind of relationship I have with this university.”

Songs and dances were performed during the celebration, including a performance by Fresno Unified School District students of “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram,” a prayer song popularized by Ghandi. The event also featured a performance by the Raging Grannies, an activist group composed of older women who sing songs promoting social justice and peace.The celebration was part of a larger event known as “The Highway to Healing: Understanding the Ocean of Oneness.” The two-day program featured talks about Gandhian principles and Jain/Hindu Dharma traditions, discussing how they can help people find peace during times of disorder.

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, North America

United States and Canada: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

Here are 196 events for the International Day of Peace located in 44 of the 50 United States, as well as 13 events in Canada in seven of the ten provinces. In order to save space, only one event is given in detail for each state and province while internet links are provided for the others.

The events were listed in Google during the weeks of September 17-28 this year under the key words “International Day of Peace,” “peaceday” or “Journée Internationale de la Paix” or were listed on the following websites:
– Campaign Nonviolence
– International Cities of Peace Facebook

In addition to the above events, there were several hundred singing events listed on the websites of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but it was not possible to distinguish events of 2022 from events in previous years, except for those Montessori schools that were new this year, as listed below.


Students at Montclair High School in New Jersey on the International Day of Peace

Here are excerpts from the articles.

* * * CANADA * * *

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

OTTAWA : Today, on the International Day of Peace, we reflect on the efforts we have made to make peace a reality around the world. In the face of rising violence, authoritarianism, and threats to democracy globally, more work needs to be done to build a stable world for everyone. According to the United Nations (UN), our planet is witnessing the largest number of violent conflicts in over 75 years. . . Canada has long been a leader in international efforts to advance peace, and continues to be a strong voice for human rights. Along with liked-minded partners in the UN, we are working to promote the rule of law, build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels, and provide access to justice as part of our ongoing commitment to fulfill the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). As Co-Chair of the UN SDG Advocates group, I will continue to work closely with our global partners to address the world’s biggest challenges and help create a more peaceful and prosperous future for people in Canada and around the world. . . . On this International Day of Peace, we recommit to building a better, more stable world for all.”
.

ALBERTA

CALGARY : Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Come Peace. We will have SAIT’s portable Labyrinth on hand for you to walk through and our SAIT Chaplains will be available for you to engage with as we discuss this year’s theme, “End Racism, Build Peace.” We will also have plenty of artisan “Peace cookies”, coffee and tea for you to enjoy as you enjoy taking a moment for Peace.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

KOOTENAY : September 21, 2022, is the International Day of Peace and the 15th anniversary of the official opening of the Mir Centre for Peace at Selkirk College. Please join us . . . We will unveil and celebrate the newly refurbished Conversation Bench, in the presence of the artists who both created and restored it. We look forward to seeing you there!

MANITOBA

WINNEPEG : Official proclamation of the Province of Manitoba: Peace Days September 15-21, 2022

NOVA SCOTIA

ANTIGONISH : We are chocolate makers located in Antigonish Nova Scotia. Originally from Damascus Syria. Today is the 2022 United Nations Day of Peace. We are taking a concrete step towards a world that is more peaceful. Our new strategic partnership with the Institute for Economics & Peace will create 100 new voices for peace by facilitatiing 5 positive peace workshops in prioritized countries.

ONTARIO

WATERLOO : University of Waterloo: On September 21, 2014, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement opened its doors for the first time in celebration of the International Day of Peace. . . .After a two years of online opportunities and small gatherings, the Centre for Peace Advancement is once again marking Peace Week by hosting a public community calendar of events and activities.We invite you to be in community with us during #PeaceWeek2022.

SAUGEEN SHORES

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

CHARLOTTETOWN : A day-long series of events in Charlottetown will mark International Day of Peace on September 21. The highlights will include a sunrise sing-along, song and dance celebrating Mi’kmaq culture, John Lennon’s peace songs, an origami peace crane giveaway, yoga for wellness, and a panel on human rights, liveable income, education, inclusive diversity, and pillars of peace.

QUEBEC

MONTREAL : The eighth edition of Peace Days , an initiative of the Network for Peace and Social Harmony, will be held from September 21 to October 2. The event kicks off with the International Day of Peace and concludes with the International Day of Non-Violence, both declared by the United Nations. . . . For 12 days, the theme Acting for equality: ending racism, building peace is available in more than forty activities, proposed by some fifty partners from the community, cultural, educational and philanthropic sectors. Gathered under four main categories (Learning, Arts and culture, Community, In dialogue), the most varied program is aimed at all audiences: workshops, artistic events, exhibitions, round tables, picnics, storytelling, conferences, documentaries , public concert… The program offers online and face-to-face activities — mostly in Montreal, but also on its outskirts — and the vast majority of these are free, although registration is required for some.

SAINT LAURENT
SHERBROOKE
TROIS RIVIERES

* * * UNITED STATES * * * *

ALABAMA

OPELIKA : On September 24th, community organizers and civic groups in Opelika, Alabama held a March Against Violence/Gun Violence. This was the 5th Annual MLK Jr. Youth Nonviolence Peace March And Rally Against Violence & Gun Violence, honoring loving memories of the late Otis Gray, Sr. (Pastor Morton’s father). Mayor Gary Fuller issued a proclamation declaring a day of peace and calling for an end to violence. Pastor Carolyn Morton received an Achievement Award for her work to end gun violence. Auburn Moms Demand Action was honored with an MLK Jr. Social Justice Award during a celebration of International Day of Peace at Christian Care Ministries. Opelika Councilman George Allen was a special guest at the celebration. Other participants included the CEO of Lee County Community Outreach Stop The Violence Activists Group, Samford Stop the Violence Group, Opelika & Auburn Moms Demand Action Local Chapter Group, and Opelika Fire Department.

ARIZONA

KINGMAN : Kingman’s event is scheduled to be held at Locomotive Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.   Planned activities include guest speaker Jack Ehrhardt who will speak on climate change, making and displaying of past peace flags, a group discuss ion on the meaning of peace, a smudging ceremony, and of course the traditional bell ringing ceremony at noon.  Bring your own lawn chair, peace sign, liquid refreshment …. and your passion for peace!!

PRESCOTT
SEDONA
TUCSON

ARKANSAS

LITTLE ROCK : Join us for Arkansas Peace Week! Each year Arkansas Peace Week includes numerous events, hosted by dozens of organizations throughout our state. These events feature education, service and outreach activities promoting peacemaking, non-violence, social justice, ecological stewardship, and community building

CALIFORNIA

SAN DIEGO : Peace Week San Diego is a project of the Peace Resource Center in collaboration with the Campaign NonViolence Week of Actions. San Diego collaborations: American Friends Service Committee, activist Andrea St. Julian, artist/activist Antonia Davis, Climate Mobilization Coalition, Veterans For Peace, Women Occupy San Diego, Treat M.I./Don’t Mistreat M.I., Mothers Against Torture, Cop Watch. . . . 9/17 – Peace Week Kicks off with the Kale Festival at the Peace Garden . . . 9/18, Author Francesco da Vinci reads from his book, I Refuse to Kill – about his work in peace activism in San Diego during the tumultuous 60s. . . . 9/20, Tuesday, No MAS w/ San Diego Veterans For Peace, Carroll Canyon Overpass, Miramar Base. A protest against the Miramar Air Show. . . .Wednesday, 9/21, noon, County Court House – A birthday cake for Geo with a side of Justice. Geo is in prison, living with mental illness and no treatment. . . . Wednesday, 9/21, 4 PM – Kids 4 Peace International Day of Peace Rally

CASTRO VALLEY
MANHATTAN BEACH
MONTEREY
MORGAN HILL
MORRO BAY
ORANGE
SAN FRANCISCO
SANTA CLARITA
SANTA CRUZ
SEBASTOPOL
STANISLAUS
VISALIA

COLORADO

GREENWOOD VILLAGE : Pinwheels and pledges mark World Peace Day at Timberline Elementary School. “This year we implemented social-emotional time in the morning, and our teachers have taken that time to talk about how we can lead a peaceful life and also have peace within ourselves,” Bowens said. Teachers and students have also discussed ending racism, which is the theme of this year’s international celebration. “We’ve been talking about cultural differences and how we respect and accept each other and learn to love and care and be kind to one another.” To mark World Peace Day, every student wrote a “peace pledge” that highlighted the ways they will try to foster peace at school, at home and in their community.

CONNECTICUT

NORWICH : On Wednesday, members of the Norwich community marked the International Day of Peace with a rededication of the peace poles. . . . This year’s dedication was the first one since the pandemic. Highlights of the ceremony included Norwich middle school students reading essays about peace, reading the peace pole by people who speak some of the non-English languages, and Jennifer Hubbard, president of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, donating local plants from the sanctuary’s pollinator garden to help create a pollinator garden at the poles. . . .
Norwich is also part of the International Cities of Peace, which represents cities around the world that are committed to working on peace.

DELAWARE

WILMINGTON : From October 8-16, 2022, peace-loving people across our state will celebrate Peace Week Delaware—a statewide series of events and actions raising awareness and hope for peace in our communities, nation, and world. . . . We will also commemorate International Peace Day (Sept. 21) and the efforts of the United Nations to achieve international harmony.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

WASHINGTON, D.C. : The United States Institute for Peace (USIP)! will open its doors for an open house on September 21, featuring guided tours and informative exhibits. There will also be interactive stations for visitors of all ages, including a live wall painting led by the renowned Afghan art collective, ArtLords, and activities to participate in the USIP #PeaceDayChallenge directly from the USIP headquarters!

FLORIDA

FORT MYERS : SWFL Peace Day Celebration continues to be a community favorite event where the community comes together to celebrate all that’s right in the world, experiencing a single day of peace in SW Florida. . . .Peace Day is at Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park in Fort Myers on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. . . . The day will include kids’ activities, rides, local vendors, unique artisans, live art, blood drive and live entertainment.

CORAL SPRINGS
DUNEDIN
GAINESVILLE
MIAMI BEACH
WELLINGTON
WINTER PARK

GEORGIA

SAVANNAH : On Sunday Sept. 25 from 12 to 4 p.m., local nonprofit the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire will host the first annual Savannah Day of Peace at Daffin Park. . . .The Savannah Day of Peace is an intentional peacebuilding event designed to help bridge gaps and unite the community. The event arose from a need recognized by the Mediation Center team members, a need that became particularly prominent during the onset of the pandemic. “During that time, we learned a lot and we also saw that our community is more in need than ever for conflict resolution skills,” said Jill Cheeks, executive director of the Mediation Center.

HAWAII

WAIANAE : The Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center and Towers of Kuhio Park created a Zone of Peace and Nonviolence in Waianae, Hawai’i. On September 21st, the International Day of Peace, they put up a sign at the entrance of the community and established a focus of peace and nonviolence in the neighborhood. Children, youth, elders, parents, and community members rallied and carried banners, including for Campaign Nonviolence Hawaii. 

HONOLULU

IDAHO

BOISE : The Boiser Peace Quilt Project plans an action on September 21 for the International Day of Peace

ILLINOIS

CHICAGO : Hundreds of people will gather in Daley Plaza to International Day of Peace. It is the 44th year Chicago has celebrated the holiday. More than 1,000 students are expected to carry flags of all of the world’s nations and share signs promoting peace. The event is free and begins at 11:45 a.m.

BATAVIA
ELGIN
JOLIET
NORMAL

INDIANA

FORT WAYNE : Actions for the International Day of Peace partnering with the Franciscan Action Network

IOWA

IOWA CITY : Veterans for Peace, University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Office of Equity & Human Rights, Peace Iowa, and Johnson County United Nations Association will mark International Day of Peace with a program at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at Mercer Park, Shelter #1.

CLINTON
DES MOINES
MUSCATINE

KANSAS

MANHATTAN : This year, in conjunction with Peace Day 2022, the K-State conflict resolution program is inviting K-Staters to join them in a celebration of peace on Sept. 20 over the lunch hour. Students, faculty and staff are invited to gather in the front lobby of Justin Hall at noon. Starting at 12:15 p.m. a peace walk will begin. Participants will be encouraged to link up with other walkers and have discussions on peace using provided prompts and questions. The walk will end on Anderson lawn where a photo of the group will be taken in the shape of a peace sign. Following the photo, conflict resolution program staff will encourage discussion among attendees with additional prompts and questions around the topic of peace.

KENTUCKY

LOUISVILLE : Students at Louisville’s Presentation Academy are practicing peace by participating in several activities with “International Peace Day.”  Students at Presentation Academy are sharing simple but strong messages of peace, statements of affirmation and positivity they are displaying for anyone passing by their school. “We are making tags for what we need to see in the world for peace,” Freshman Bryce Jackson tells Spectrum News 1. Their messages are written on paper cards and tied to leaves on a campus tree.

LEXINGTON

LOUISIANA

LAFAYETTE : Actions for the International Day of Peace by Compassionate Communication of Lafayette, LA Citizens Climate Lobby, Lafayette Chapter

MARYLAND

NATIONAL HARBOR : On the eve of the International Day of Peace, and in solidarity with all who are participating in the coming days in Campaign Nonviolence and the Catholic Days of Action, Mike Walli, Bob Cooke, Jack McHale, Scott Wright and Art Laffin vigiled outside the annual Air Force Association (AFA) “Air-Space-Cyber Conference and Technology Exposition.” The peace activists call this an “Arms Bazaar” and made their presence felt by weapons contractors and military personnel. During this faith-based event, they held banners and signs.

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2022) for the International Day of Peace?

(Survey continued from left column)

MASSACHUSETTS

BOSTON : Once again this year, local peace activists and faith groups will be on Boston Common to commemorate the International Day of Peace. This year a major focus is on local youth alternatives to gangs. Ian Harrington, co-chair for International Day of Peace Boston, said the event will include music, dance, poetry and song as well as spoken presentations from local peacemakers. This is our eighth year,” he said. “(We) like to use our event to bring together people who work in various types of peace; and especially people who, peace is international, together with people who the peace they seek is on the local streets.” Harrington said some of the local groups that provide activities aimed at diversion from gangs will participate. The event begins at 1 p.m. Sunday on Boston Common.

BRIDGEWATER
CHELMSFORD
FOXBORO
MEDFORD
SPRINGFIELD

MICHIGAN

SAGINAW :  The Mridha International Institute of Peace & Happiness (MIIPH) is hosting a Saginaw Peace Walk on Wednesday, September 21, International Peace Day. The walk will be preceded by a Partners in Peace Expo with 16 other Saginaw-based non-profit organizations. The event begins at 4:00pm and will be held at the historic Montague Inn Bed & Breakfast, 1581 S. Washington Ave. Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore will issue a proclamation recognizing MIIPH’s efforts to promote peace in the community through events and the development of its online peace education platform, which will debut in 2023. Food trucks, live music, and local nonprofit activities and information will be featured.

ANN ARBOR
DETROIT
HOUGHTON AND HANCOCK
LANSING
MIDLAND
NEWAYGO
OXFORD

MINNESOTA

ST. PAUL : International Peace Day, Dinner at St. Paul UU Church. . . Come learn about how the Golden Rule sailboat helped stop nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s and how she continues to fight the possibility of nuclear war today.On this International Peace Day, Golden Rule Project Manager Helen Jaccard and congregant Mike McDonald invite us into the Golden Rule’s work for peace!

MISSOURI

CAPE GIRARDEAU : Members with the Cape Girardeau County Rotary Club came together at Peace Park in Cape Girardeau to help out another organization on World Peace Day. A check for $1,000 was given to the Feed My Starving Children organization. Rotary International has designated September 21st as World Peace Day and Rotarians are challenged to imagine what it would be like if world peace were to be achieved in our lifetime. We talked with club President Rick Fischer who says they want to keep making efforts to make a difference in helping others. “At the local community level, start there and hope that good will will propagate and actually from a local level to a county level, to a city level, to a state level,” Fischer said. “Then, before we know it, have a national campaign to accomplish world peace in our lifetime.”

HANNIBAL
ROLLA
ST.LOUIS
STE.GENEVIEVE

NEW JERSEY

MONTCLAIR

At Edgemont Montessori, students, staff and families celebrated International Day of Peace with their annual Peace Parade. They started with a mindful minute, discussed International Day of Peace and the theme, listened to student speakers share reflections (in English and Spanish), and then finished with the Peace Parade celebration.  . . . . Montclair High School’s Center for Social Justice (CSJ) planned and participated in observing the International Day of Peace. Students recognized this day by learning its history, signing a pledge and sharing words of hope while surrounding the CSJ/MHS Peace Pole. CSJ students encourage all people to “Say It, Do It, Share It”: Say what peace means to you, do something that demonstrates your commitment to peace, and share it on social media with #CSJPeaceDayChallenge and inspire others to do the same.

CAMDEN
PRINCETON
WESTFIELD

NEW MEXICO

SANTE FE : The combined sponsorship of Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety, Veterans for Peace, and Nonviolent Santa Fe, present to the County Commission of Santa Fe, New Mexico, A Resolution Recognizing September 21, 2022, as The International Day of Peace and Urging the United States Congress to Reduce Funding to the United States Department of Defense and Reallocate Those Funds to Domestic Needs.

NEW YORK – UNITED NATIONS

UN HEADQUARTERS : The International Day of Peace was observed on 16 September 2022 at United Nations Headquarters. The programme began with the traditional Peace Bell Ceremony in the Peace Garden at 9:00 a.m. EDT. At that event, the Secretary-General and President of the General Assembly rang the Peace Bell. Following that, a Youth Observance was held in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber at 9:30 a.m. EDT, in which more than 500 students interacted with the Secretary-General and high-profile artists and activists. Young people presented projects that illustrated the action they had taken to combat racism and thereby foster peace. Watch the Youth Observance at https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace?gclid=CjwKCAjw4c-ZBhAEEiwAZ105RRDRMQLlv40Eaqhy2HZZDdijXtcI-hoJdnTbk5XqtGVV_L8nBNB-CBoCxqsQAvD_BwE See the Youth Observance’s programme here:
https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/intl-day-of-peace-2022_event-programme.pdf

NEW YORK

SARATOGA SPRINGS : Saratoga’s Peace Week coincides with international Peace Week events, with Sept. 21 commemorated as the United Nations International Day of Peace.  The Spa City’s Peace Week was started 15 years ago by Elizabeth Meehan as a one-day event, but has since expanded.  “It continues to grow as more organizations get involved,” she said. Now the week-long event is held at different venues and features a variety of programs, including international speakers, musicians, yoga, and art and museum exhibits.

ALBANY INTERFAITH PROGRAM
ALBANY SCHOOLS
AMITYVILLE
NEW YORK CITY

NORTH CAROLINA

ASHEVILLE : We’ll have Declaration of Peace from the Western North Carolina People of Peace read at our gathering at the Ekder and Sage Community Garden in Downtown Asheville. We will recognize our Peacemaker of the Year Ponkho Bermejo of Beloved Asheville. We will also begin a Peace Day Honor Roll this year recognizing those who have given decades to non-violence in WNC. After that, we will chalk sidewalks with peace messages downtown.

ASHEVILLE SCHOOL
CHARLOTTE
HILLSBOROUGH

OHIO

TOLEDO : Peace March in Toledo, Ohio, September 21, noon-1 p.m. – Peace Walk around the Courthouse for the UN International Day of Peace. Wednesday, September 21, 2022, noon to 1 p.m. Lucas County Courthouse, Toledo, Ohio. We’ll gather at the statue in front of the Lucas County Courthouse and follow the peace pole around the block with song and prayer. All are welcome: the event is inclusive, multi-faith, non-violent, and non-partisan. Organized by Social Justice Advocates.

BRUNSWICK
CINCINNATI INTERCOMMUNITY PEACE AND JUSTICE CENTER
CINCINNATI XAVIER UNIVERSITY
CLEVELAND
FINDLAY
LOVELAND
PUT-IN-BAY

OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA CITY : On Wednesday, September 21, Oklahoma City organizations will come together to celebrate the International Day of Peace with a free event hosted by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization of Oklahoma.. . . . The event will take place at Dr. Doug Baker Auditorium at the OSU-OKC University Learning Resource Center (LRC100), 900 N Portland Avenue and begins at 6:30 p.m. . . . Participating groups include: United Nations Association of Oklahoma City, Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma, Hindu Temple of OKC, First Unitarian Church of OKC, Respect Diversity Foundation, Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma, Baháʼí Faith, Sikh Gurdwara of Oklahoma, Shirdi Sai Temple of OKC , and the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization.

OREGON

HILLSBORO : Working with Habitat For Humanity, the Oregon Peace Builders will be planting and dedicating a Peace Pole at Alder Commons homesites Saturday Sept. 24 10am, in front of a new Habitat site. Location: 13th St and Alder Ct in Hillsboro OR. Also on 09/25/22 we will hold a church service dedicated to nonviolence

EUGENE
PORTLAND
SALEM

PENNSYLVANIA

PHILADELPHIA : Peace Day Philly 2022. September 21. Philadelphia will join with groups and organizations around the world to make this global day of local opportunity. The global Peace Day theme, set by the United Nations, is End Racism. Build Peace. Guests will speak to this theme and we will share in the global act of observing one minute of silence at 12 noon. Live music, poetry and artmaking will also be a part of this event. Special speakers will include: – Romana Lee-Akiyama, MSS, MLSP, Director – Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement – Kia Ghee, Esq., Executive Director- Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Performers will include – L’Tajh Carter – Poetry – Marcy Francis and Jan Jeffries – Drumming – Hugh Taft-Morales – guitar and singing Artmaking: We welcome people to “Chalk 4 Peace” by sharing words and images of peace with sidewalk chalk. Creating peace buttons (thanks to Artwell) and mini murals (hanks o Mural Arts)

ALTOONA
CHELTENHAM
CRANBERRY
GERMANTOWN
HAVERFORD
LANCASTER
MONROEVILLE
PHILADELPHIA GRANNIES
TARENTUM

RHODE ISLAND

KINGSTON : The University of Rhode Island, Kingston Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies invites you to celebrate the  International Day of Peace in Memorial Student Union 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. You are welcome to explore, exchange, express, sing, practice, learn, and enjoy the peace!

PROVIDENCE
SOUTH KINGSTOWN

SOUTH CAROLINA

CHARLESTON : Photos of children celebrating the International Day of Peace at the Murray-LaSaine Montessori School.

SOUTH DAKOTA

RAPID CITY : Alan Sutton: Rolling Protest – The “Nonviolence Means” Posters that I got from Pace e Bene are on both sides of the camper on the back of my truck. It’s a continuous action in pursuit of a culture of nonviolence. The truck pulls my tiny house which is where I live, currently in Rapid City SD; heading further west for winter warmth in November.

TENNESSEE

JACKSON : The Community Montessori School and Arlington Elementary met each other halfway Wednesday in a walk of peace. “Today we made the decision so happily to join Arlington, our neighbors,” said Community Montessori Principal Dr. Melinda Harris. “We had a peace walk and joined the students of Arlington, sang songs together, talked about peace education and what it means to love and care for each other.” Students from both schools sang songs of peace, and CMS students performed their school song. . . . The school principals say they hope to continue a walk of peace each year.

CHATTANOOGAJEFFERSON CITY
JOHNSON CITY
KNOXVILLE
MEMPHIS

TEXAS

EL PASO : A celebration of International Day of Peace hosted by Unity Through Creativity Foundation and the Interfaith Alliance of the Southwest was held on September 21, 2022. Nine speakers/performers and 18 vendors welcomed people to Keystone Heritage Botanical Garden. Around 83 people of all ages participated. Attendees added to “The Nectarine Singing Tree Mural of Peace”, the 111th mural in a project that invites the whole world to make a painting together. . . . The celebration went on all day long. Television and radio broadcaster Monica Gomez emceed the day. Grandma Beatriz Villegas opened the day with a ceremony. Neema Soratgar, the first woman to drive in Afghanistan in 2001 when the Taliban fell who carried the Afghanistan flag in the Olympics in 2004, spoke about her experience narrowly escaping with her children in 2021.  She is a guest Scholar in Women Studies at University of Texas in El Paso.  

AUSTINHOUSTON
SAN ANTONIO

UTAH

PARK CITY : Park City Library. Throughout the week the Library will be observing International Peace Day and Voter Registration day. These two events help promote and strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among nations and people by  encouraging active civic participation and voting. At this event, register to vote or make sure your voting information is correct and celebrate International Peace Day. You will be able to make a desktop peace pole to bring home.

VERMONT

LINCOLN : Please join us for the Global 40TH Anniversary of the celebration of the International Day of Peace with these distinguished speakers discussing “End Racism. Build Peace through Bioresonance.” Tuesday, September 21; . . . .Sunray is also honored to join with many global Peacebuilders with this on the Equinox as part of the Fall Peace Week included in the 99 Days of Peace —which started on June 18 with the beginning of World Unity Week, and will end on Saturday September 24. We are doing many prayers and meditation actions as part of this.

VIRGINIA

SUFFOLK : Pause at 12 noon with the Suffolk Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.for the International Day of Peace.

NORFOLK

WASHINGTON

WEST SEATTLE : The newest Peace Pole planted by the Rotary Club of West Seattle now stands in front of C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) after a dedication ceremony this morning. Keith Hughes  from the Rotary explained that this dedication is special because it was arranged to happen on the United Nations International Day of Peace. . . . Each pole is decorated and inscribed differently; this one carries its message of peace in Hawaiian, Japanese, Lushootseed, and English – and a solar-powered light on top. The Rotary has at least five more to install around West Seattle; the next scheduled dedication will be in November along Fauntleroy Creek. .

KITSAP
SEATTLE

WEST VIRGINIA

MORGANTOWN : The West Virginia University Native American Studies Program will hold its annual Peace Tree Ceremony Wednesday, September 21 at 12 p.m. at the WVU Peace Tree located between Martin and Elizabeth Moore Halls. . . . This year’s ceremony marks the 30th anniversary of the planting of WVU’s first peace tree by Chief Leon Shenandoah, Tadodaho of the Grand Council of the Haudenosaunee Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy.

WISCONSIN

RACINE : The Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice continuing its participation in the yearly Peace Day Celebration at Jefferson Lighthouse. The Future appears be looking up! (with photo)

***** MONTESSORI *****

In addition to the events listed above, there were 55 new events in North America to celebrate the International Day of Peace on the website of the Montessori Schools, i.e. events that were not listed last year:
Arizona : Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa
California: Bakersfield, Berkeley, Carmichael, Garden Grove, Moraga, San Diego
Colorado: Parker
Florida: Oviedo
Georgia: Atlanta, Chattahoochee, Decatur, Sandy Springs
Hawaii: Hanamaulu
Idaho: Spirt Lake
Illinois: Chicago
Indiana: Angola, Indianapolis (2)
Kansas: Stilwell
Louisiana:Abita Springs
Maine: Fryeburg, Nobleboro
Massachusets,:Beverly, North Chelmsford, Rowley
Michigan: Rochester
Minnesota: Pinckney ,Minneapolis
New Jersey: Berkeley Heights, Metuchen, Morris Plains, Union City, Warren
New Mexico: Albuquerque
New York: Ithaca, West Hqrrison
North Carolina: Asheville, Mebane
Oklahoma: Tulsa
Ontario: Blenheim, Burlington
Pennsylvania: Allison Park
South Carolina: Greenwood
South Dakota: Aberdeen
Tennessee: Nashville, Pasquo,
Texas: Cedar Hill, Georgetown, Richmond
Virginia: Arlington, Danville, Hampton, Springfield

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North America