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Dear Peacemakers:
For those of you not able to travel to Fort Drum for Trevor Loope's court-martial, please join an important event tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 7pm-9pm, in the Auditorium of the Downtown Library at Lafayette Square, Buffalo: A People's Forum on "Your Rights at the Border," sponsored by the Bar Association of Erie County Human Rights Committee.
Then Thursday, July 2, 2009, 8pm attend a showing of Subversive Theater’s WATERBOARDING BLUES, written & directed by Kurt Schneiderman, at the Manny Fried Playhouse, 255 Great Arrow Avenue, Buffalo. After the play please join us for a talk back on Torture with me, Elea Mihou.
The Camp Peaceprints Volunteer Orientation will be held Thursday, July 9, 1-4pm, and the Parent Orientation will be Thursday, July 16, 6:30pm; details below. Please get in registration forms, download them from www.wnypeace.org and then mail them or fax to 716-894-8705.
Amongst the many upcoming events listed below are two action alerts (at the bottom of the announcements). One is asking everyone to call-in for the release of human rights activists being held by the Israeli Government. A second alert is asking everyone to send in letters to restore the president of Honduras.
In Peace,
Elea Mihou
Executive Director
WNY Peace Center
2123 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14211
716.332.3904
www.wnypeace.org
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WNY PEACE CENTER ANNOUNCES….
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***Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 7pm – 9pm***
***A People's Forum on "Your Rights at the Border"***
Auditorium of Downtown Library at Lafayette Square, Buffalo
The Bar Association of Erie County Human Rights Committee presents a People's Forum on "Your Rights at the Border" featuring presentations by attorneys Sophie Feal, Volunteer Lawyers Project; Dan Joyce, Jaeckle, Fleischmann and Mugel; Alan Bozer, Phillips, Lytle; and law student Hassan Shibly, to discuss border inspections and searches, NAFTA and other visas, and relevant issues affecting admission to the U.S. from Canada since 9/11. Community members, immigration and refugee advocates, and attorneys are all welcome. Contact sfeal@wnylc.com for more information.
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***Thursday, July 2, 2009, 8pm
Subversive Theater: WATERBOARDING BLUES
Written & Directed by Kurt Schneiderman
Talk Back on Torture with Elea Mihou
The Manny Fried Playhouse, 255 Great Arrow Avenue, Buffalo
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***Thursday, July 9, 2009, 1pm – 4pm
CAMP PEACEPRINTS VOLUNTEER TRAINING & ORIENTATION
Nichols High School, Ice Rink Building, 1250 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY
14216
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***Thursday, July 16, 2009, 6:30pm
CAMP PEACEPRINTS PARENT ORIENTATION
Nichols High School, Ice Rink Building, 1250 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY
14216
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***Join 20th IFCO/P4P US-Cuba Friendshipment Caravan in Buffalo or in McAllen Texas on July 18th
Join in breaking the US blockade as aid to Cuba is taken without a US government license. Be with us for 9 days in Cuba in solidarity with the Cuban people as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their revolution and as we learn about the problems caused by the blockade and how they have creatively responded, as well as how they are rebuilding after the hurricanes.
For an application form and information - email cucaravan@igc.org or fill in the form on www.pastorsforpeace.org or call P4P 212-926-5757
Caravan Dates
July 3-18 Caravan routes through US and Canadian cities
July 18-21 Orientation period – McAllen, TX
July 22-23 Border Crossing into Mexico and travel to Tampico
July 24-Aug 1 Fly to Cuba for Cuba program
Aug 2 Fly to Tampico and travel back to border
Aug 3 Reverse challenge crossing into Texas
***SUPPORT The CUBAN FIVE:
Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, Ramón Labañino Salazar, Rene González Sehwerert, Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez and Fernando González Llort. They are sons, husbands, brothers, poets, pilots, college graduates and artists. Three of the Cuban Five were born in Cuba and two were born in the U. S. Also three of them fought in Angola, during the war against apartheid. They are currently serving long prison sentences in the United States. For more info: http://www.thecuban5.org; http://www.freethefive.org
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***Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24:
Social & Environmental Responsibility & Justice
***Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31:
Community Building & Change
2nd ANNUAL CAMP PEACEPRINTS
Held at Nichols High School,
Ice Rink Building,1250 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY 14216
Registration Forms are available at http://wnypeace.org/program/camppp.php
Contact Elea at elea@wnypeace.org or 716-894-2013
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***October 2-4, 2009, McCarthy Retreat, Details to Follow
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***Friday & Saturday, October 9 & 10, 2009
6th Annual World On Your Plate Food Forum
Daemen College, Main Street, Amherst, NY
Visit www.worldonyourplate.org to register and see updates
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***Saturday, November 7, 2009, Doors Open 6pm
WNY Peace Center Annual Dinner & 42nd Anniversary Celebration Featuring Keynote KATHY KELLY on "Build a Better World: Our Urgent Mandate"
Silent Auction & Basket Raffle, Awards, Vegetarian Dinner & More!
Held at the Buffalo/ Niagara Convention Center, BFLO, NY
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WNY PEACE CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS:
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1. Cleaning & Packing at the 2123 Bailey Avenue Building of the WNY Peace Center:
Next Dates TBA: 3-4 more weeks will be scheduled this summer
Seeking all types of volunteers and materials, including:
People with trucks
People who can move heavy items
People to pack books and files
WE NEED:
Boxes
Tape
Cleaning products, brooms, sponges, other
Potluck food and drinks
Lots of help
2. Helping at Sweet Sounds of Peace: A Concert for Peacemakers, Sunday, June 28
Seeking Volunteers to help Pilgrim St Luke’s Peace People,
716-885-9443:
Move tables and chairs
Sell tickets
Collect tickets
Help with clean up and/or set up
3. Peace Action New York State is looking for a WNY Membership Chair, contact Cheryl@panys.org to volunteer.
If you are able to do any of the above, please call 716-332-3904 or email elea@wnypeace.org
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ALLIES IN PEACE & JUSTICE ANNOUNCE…
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***IIB Forges New Relationship with Federal Hosting Program***
The International Institute of Buffalo has recently partnered with the U.S. State Department's Forte International Exchange Program. This project will focus on high school student exchanges for the 2009 – 2010 school year. A major benefit for Western New York host families is a tax deduction, totaling $450.00 for the academic year. In addition, high school aged children from host families will have the opportunity to travel to China for two weeks in July 2010, free of charge. Most students will come to us from China or Korea.
For more information, please contact: Julienne Mascellino, International Visitors Coordinator, 883-1900 ext. 328 or visitorhosting@iibuff.org.
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The DVD of Manny Fried's performance of his one character play Boilermakers and Martinis is now available, which includes how FBI and several anti-progressive forces deliberately tried to wreck Manny's marriage -- making his life on the pro-labor and anti-Vietnam War track crash against the track of his life married to artist Rhoda Lurie, one of the owners of The Park Lane -- trying to make Manny do what an FBI agent said to a close friend of Manny's: "Tell Manny he must publicly condemn his politics -- (meaning his political activity) -- and stop what he's writing or he'll end up in jail." Highly praised by all the critics when he performed it for 4 weeks, produced by Road Less Traveled Productions:
"A MUST SEE!" - you can still keep seeing Manny's Boilermakers and Martinis performance on DVD -- $20 plus $5 shipping and handling – by phoning 716-568-4410 or clicking on www.roadlesstraveledproductions.org.
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***2nd Thursday of Every Month, 12-3pm
Indigenous Women’s Initiatives Invites you to attend a Talking Circle
IWI Office @ Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Avenue,
BFLO
More Information Contact Agnes Williams, Seneca 716-332-6988
Please bring Organic Snacks to share
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***1st FRIDAY of the Month: DANCE ALIVE!
Begins at 6pm, Features the Blood Thirsty Vegans, @ UU Church of Bflo
695 Elmwood www.BloodThirstyVegans.com
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***Every Saturday Afternoon, 12-1 pm
Women in Black VIGIL against the War in Iraq - Elmwood & Bidwell, BFLO
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FROM NYS DIRECTION FOR PEACE:
New York State Direct Action for Peace (NYSDAP) invites you to an evening of celebration and support for the DeMott-Grady family. As you may remember, Peter DeMott died this past February while cutting down trees, part-time work he took on, as needed. Peter and Ellen and their four children lived the life of Catholic Workers, committed to the works of justice and the works of mercy, living a lifestyle of simplicity and nonviolent resistance.
A constant nonviolent resister, Peter found his way to those places where power and might rule over others: to the White House; to the Pentagon; to Blackwater headquarters. Show up, take a stand for justice and let the chips fall as they may. Ellen Grady, a second generation Catholic Worker, shared the resistance work with Peter, and took the lead in the recent March to Ft. Drum, a 9-day Walk to support the soldiers who opposed the occupation of Iraq. The children follow in those strong footsteps.
The DeMott-Grady family can use your help and support.
So we invite you to gather with us on Saturday, July 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Worker House, 42 South Avenue, here in Rochester, to come together and offer whatever financial support you can to the DeMott-Grady family, to share desserts and drink, and to share words of inspiration: poems and prose that inspire you and keep you keepin’ on. Peter loved the written and spoken word. His Mom began her wonderful remarks at his funeral celebration by reading e e cummings poem i thank you god,” one of Peter’s favorite. His strong booming voice frequently smoothed over picket lines, sit-ins, and marches.
For more information, give Peg Gefell a call (585-313-6674). If you cannot attend but want to offer support, checks can be made out to the Ithaca Catholic Worker and sent to Peg at 66 Harvard St., Rochester, NY 14607.
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***Friday July 10 at 8 pm
HAITI IN COLOR
Haitian Folk Art in Oil and Acrylic. 50 Paintings representing many of Haiti's great artists. The paintings are for sale at very reasonable prices. Proceeds will go to the artists and to the Asakivle Community in Haiti.
****Haitian Drum Rhythms provided by Emile Latimer & Franck Desire,
Opening July 9 from 7 pm to 9 pm Admission Free
Horizons Gallery / WNED Studio
140 Lower Terrace / Downtown Buffalo
***Concert For Haiti Featuring Trio Gitano
Admission $12
Tickets available in advance at El Buen Amigo
114 Elmwood Ave / 885.6343 or at the concert
WNED Studio 140 Lower Terrace, Downtown Buffalo
For more information (especially on the paintings): www.asakivle.org
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Dear Friends of Justice,
Applications are now being accepted for two justice-organizing jobs based in the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations Washington Office. Priority will be given to young adults, students and seminarians. Most applicants hear about these positions from fellow UUs, so please forward this message to people who might be interested!
Both positions:
* Are part of the UUA Social Justice Internship Program, the program goal is to combine effective work for justice with faith development in order to produce energetic young adults with professional skills and strength of character to be lifelong leaders in Unitarian Universalism and social justice. Interns invest their time and energy in two main areas: advocacy/organizing and theological reflection.
* Start August 10, 2009, or as soon as possible thereafter
* Have a salary of $29,500 and benefits
* Have an application deadline of Monday, July 13, at 9:00 AM Eastern
Online Community Organizer - Standing on the Side of Love Campaign
Basic Purpose: To assist in implementing the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign, an intensive initiative to raise Unitarian Universalism's voice and exercise influence in the public square on issues related to identity based exclusion, oppression and violence. This position will have a primary focus on online organizing and the use of new media.
Qualifications: Applicants must be US citizens, comfortable working in a liberal religious environment, and 18 years old by the start of the position. Priority will be given to young adults, students and
seminarians. Successful applicants will have excellent writing skills; passion for both advocacy and theological reflection; the ability to work independently; and some experience with both a UU congregation or organization and some type of justice organizing.
Click http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp\?v=2&c=x%2FKS%2BJn9v91s8j4oN4G%2B7GSLJufWTw0H> here for the full job description and application (pdf)
Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth Program Associate for Environmental Justice
A partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
Through this partnership, the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth (UUMFE) and Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) have created a staff position dedicated to promoting effective environmental justice work among Unitarian Universalists. The staff person will be an employee of the UUMFE based in the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy.
Basic Purpose: To promote effective environmental justice work among Unitarian Universalists. Responsibilities include (among others):
1. Identifies, analyzes, and promotes existing environmental justice work, in part through sharing stories, best practices, and common challenges
2. Promotes education, organizing, advocacy, and public witness on UUMFE/UUA-identified priority issues, typically through specific campaigns
Qualifications: Applicants must be US citizens, Unitarian Universalists, and 18 years old by the start of the internship. Priority will be given to young adults, students and seminarians. Successful applicants will have excellent writing skills; passion for both advocacy and theological reflection; the ability to work independently; and some experience with both a UU congregation or organization and some type of justice organizing.
Term: One-year with a possible second year if the partnership and staff person are a good fit.
Click http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp\?v=2&c=ZLJumZ3wBm9Qn9sohPekOGSLJufWTw0H> here for the full job description and application (doc)
Congregational Advocacy & Witness
25 Beacon St | Boston, MA 02108 | Phone 617.948.4656 | Fax 617.742.03213
Washington Office for Advocacy
1100 G Street NW, Suite 800 | Washington DC, 20005 | Phone: 202.393.2255
Fax: 202.393.5494
email: socialjustice@uua.org | website: www.uua.org/socialjustice
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp\?v=2&c=eao95SlbvkhwdXH3owpZ
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30 June 2009
ISRAEL ATTACKS JUSTICE BOAT; KIDNAPS HUMAN RIGHTS WORKERS; CONFISCATES MEDICINE, TOYS AND OLIVE TREES
For more information contact: Greta Berlin (English) tel: +357 99 081 767
/ friends@freegaza.org
Caoimhe Butterly (Arabic/English/Spanish): tel: +357 99 077 820 /
sahara78@hotmail.co.uk www.FreeGaza.org
[23 miles off the coast of Gaza, 15:30pm] - Today Israeli Occupation Forces attacked and boarded the Free Gaza Movement boat, the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY, abducting 21 human rights workers from 11 countries, including Noble laureate Mairead Maguire and former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (see below for a complete list of passengers). The passengers and crew are being forcibly dragged toward Israel. "This is an outrageous violation of international law against us. Our boat was not in Israeli waters, and we were on a human rights mission to the Gaza Strip," said Cynthia McKinney, a former U.S. Congresswoman and presidential candidate.
"President Obama just told Israel to let in humanitarian and reconstruction supplies, and that's exactly what we tried to do. We're asking the international community to demand our release so we can resume our journey."
According to an International Committee of the Red Cross report released yesterday, the Palestinians living in Gaza are "trapped in despair." Thousands of Gazans whose homes were destroyed earlier during Israel's December/January attacks massacre are still without shelter despite pledges of almost $4.5 billion in aid, because Israel refuses to allow cement and other building material into the Gaza Strip. The report also notes that hospitals are struggling to meet the needs of their patients due to Israel's disruption of medical supplies. "The aid we were carrying is a symbol of hope for the people of Gaza, hope that the sea route would open for them, and they would be able to transport their own materials to begin to reconstruct the schools, hospitals and thousands of homes destroyed during the onslaught of "Cast Lead". Our mission is a gesture to the people of Gaza that we stand by them and that they are not alone" said fellow passenger Mairead Maguire, winner of a Noble Peace Prize for her work in Northern Ireland. Just before being kidnapped by Israel, Huwaida Arraf, Free Gaza Movement chairperson and delegation co-coordinator on this voyage, stated that:
"No one could possibly believe that our small boat constitutes any sort of threat to Israel. We carry medical and reconstruction supplies, and children's toys. Our passengers include a Nobel peace prize laureate and a former U.S. congressperson. Our boat was searched and received a security clearance by Cypriot Port Authorities before we departed, and at no time did we ever approach Israeli waters." Arraf continued, "Israel's deliberate and premeditated attack on our unarmed boat is a clear violation of international law and we demand our immediate and unconditional release."
WHAT YOU CAN DO!
CONTACT the Israeli Ministry of Justice
tel: +972 2646 6666 or +972 2646 6340
fax: +972 2646 6357
CONTACT the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
tel: +972 2530 3111
fax: +972 2530 3367
CONTACT Mark Regev in the Prime Minister's office at:
tel: +972 5 0620 3264 or +972 2670 5354
mark.regev@it.pmo.gov.il
CONTACT the International Committee of the Red Cross to ask for their assistance in establishing the wellbeing of the kidnapped human rights > workers and help in securing their immediate release!
Red Cross Israel
tel: +972 3524 5286
fax: +972 3527 0370
tel_aviv.tel@icrc.org
Red Cross Switzerland:
tel: +41 22 730 3443
fax: +41 22 734 8280
Red Cross USA:
tel: +1 212 599 6021
fax: +1 212 599 6009
Kidnapped Passengers from the Spirit of Humanity include:
Khalad Abdelkader, Bahrain
Khalad is an engineer representing the Islamic Charitable Association of Bahrain.
Othman Abufalah, Jordan
Othman is a world-renowned journalist with al-Jazeera TV.
Khaled Al-Shenoo, Bahrain
Khaled is a lecturer with the University of Bahrain.
Mansour Al-Abi, Yemen
Mansour is a cameraman with Al-Jazeera TV.
Fatima Al-Attawi, Bahrain
Fatima is a relief worker and community activist from Bahrain.
Juhaina Alqaed, Bahrain
Juhaina is a journalist & human rights activist.
Huwaida Arraf, US
Huwaida is the Chair of the Free Gaza Movement and delegation co-coordinator for this voyage.
Ishmahil Blagrove, UK
Ishmahil is a Jamaican-born journalist, documentary film maker and founder of the Rice & Peas film production company. His documentaries focus on international struggles for social justice.
Kaltham Ghloom, Bahrain
Kaltham is a community activist.
Derek Graham, Ireland
Derek Graham is an electrician, Free Gaza organizer, and first mate aboard the Spirit of Humanity.
Alex Harrison, UK
Alex is a solidarity worker from Britain. She is traveling to Gaza to do long-term human rights monitoring.
Denis Healey, UK
Denis is Captain of the Spirit of Humanity. This will be his fifth voyage to Gaza.
Fathi Jaouadi, UK
Fathi is a British journalist, Free Gaza organizer, and delegation co-coordinator for this voyage.
Mairead Maguire, Ireland
Mairead is a Nobel laureate and renowned peace activist.
Lubna Masarwa, Palestine/Israel
Lubna is a Palestinian human rights activist and Free Gaza organizer.
Theresa McDermott, Scotland
Theresa is a solidarity worker from Scotland. She is traveling to Gaza to do long-term human rights monitoring.
Cynthia McKinney, US
Cynthia McKinney is an outspoken advocate for human rights and social justice issues, as well as a former U.S. congressperson and presidential candidate.
Adnan Mormesh, UK
Adnan is a solidarity worker from Britain. He is traveling to Gaza to do long-term human rights monitoring.
Adam Qvist, Denmark
Adam is a solidarity worker from Denmark. He is traveling to Gaza to do human rights monitoring.
Adam Shapiro, US
Adam is an American documentary film maker and human rights activist.
Kathy Sheetz, US
Kathy is a nurse and film maker, traveling to Gaza to do human rights monitoring.
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International Action Center / Centro de Acción Internacional
Founded by / Fundado por Ramsey Clark
5C - Solidarity Center - 55 West 17th Street - New York, N.Y. 10011
212-633-6646 - fax 212-633-2889
actioncenter@peoplesmail.net ; En Español: IAC-CAI@peoplesmail.net
www.IACenter.org
Donate | Sign Up for Action Alerts | IAC on Twitter | IAC Books and
Resources
Condemn Honduran Coup and Restore Honduran President Zelaya NOW!
Sign the Emergency Petition!
To: President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
CC: Vice President Joe Biden, Congressional leaders, U.N. General Assembly
President d'Escoto-Brockmann, U.N. Secretary General Ban, and major media representatives including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press, and Reuters.
I demand that the Barack Obama administration and the U.S. Congress unequivocally condemn the unconstitutional and anti-democratic military coup in Honduras and insist that the military regime and the newly appointed but illegitimate president of Honduras restore President Zelaya to office, free all the imprisoned popular leaders and remove the curfew.
I further demand that the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras be recalled immediately until such time as President Zelaya is restored to office.
Sincerely,
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