|
What follows is a synthesis of the ideas presented at the
September 23rd emergency mobilization meeting. A group of
individuals who were present at the meeting came together to examine and
synthesize all the input that was given. The top four areas were those most
mentioned in the small groups. Following the top four priority areas is a
listing of other items that were suggested by the small groups. A full report
is available at the Merton Center if anyone is interested. Also included in
this mailing is a list of the committees that were formed or are in the process
of being formed, with the initial contact person if you are interested in
joining these smaller groups. Also, a reminder that the next major event
planned is a public forum, entitled, “Terrorism and Globalization: The Need
for Global Justice in the Shadow of War.” The date and time of the forum is
Sunday, September 30th, 2:00-4:00 pm, David Lawrence Hall, Room
121, University of Pittsburgh. Please encourage everyone you know to
attend. I also suggest that some of the committees may like to schedule a
planning meeting either immediately before or following the event on Sept. 30.
The room will be available from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Hope to see you all there!
REPORT FROM
SEPT 23rd MEETING
Most points raised fell under four major topic areas:
(1)
EDUCATION
-
Methods to educate identified include teach-ins, public forums,
speakers bureau
-
The content of educational events include a need to understand WHY
there is so much anti-American sentiment which ultimately led to the terrorist
attack. This education needs to be focussed in such a way that it can be
grasped and accessible to the mainstream American public. This should
include as much as possible an analysis of the historical, political, social and
economic context out of which terrorism gains a foothold. Note that the
Sept. 30 forum will directly address this issue.
-
There is also a need to educate the public (and ourselves) about
ethnic and religious diversity and how ignorance of this leads to a backlash
against innocent people.
(2)
VISIBILITY
Means of increasing the visibility of the efforts of
peacemakers include:
-
Rallies, demonstrations, and other public actions, including
street theatre and puppets. Note that a public rally is already being
planned by Abolition 2000 for October 11th , 1:00 pm, at Market
Square
-
Letters to editor, radio shows and other efforts to get into
mainstream media
-
The need for alternative symbols for peace, other than the flag or
symbols that represent war
(3)
ANTI-RACISM/XENOPHOBIA
-
Education, advocacy and accompaniment for and with those at risk
of being targets of hate crimes or government restriction of civil liberties
(Arab Americans, Muslims, etc.)
-
Support for immigrants in US and refugees as a result of war
(4)
COMMUNICATIONS
-
The Thomas Merton Center can serve as a clearinghouse for various
groups
-
Phone banking, THE NEW PEOPLE, mass mailings to generate large
turnout at events
-
There is a need for a user-friendly, updated website and email
lists to facilitate communications and maintain contact during this crisis.
Note that the Thomas Merton Center Website has already been redesigned at
www.thomasmertoncenter.org
Other Items of Priority Suggested:
-
Formulating a nonviolent alternative utilizing an International
Court
-
Interfaith coalition to plan prayer vigils, support groups,
fasting, etc.
-
Lobbying elected officials
-
Draft counseling
-
Monitoring violations of and threats to civil liberties during
this “war on terrorism”
-
Arts events, concerts, street theatre
-
Developing a more structured peace coalition
LIST OF COMMITTEES AND CONTACTS
Addressing Racist Attacks/Civil Liberties:
Symbols/Art/Music:
Advocacy/Lobbying:
Education/Public Forums/Analysis (includes developing
a nonviolent response to terrorism):
Activism/Public Action/Rally:
Media Relations:
Tim Vining 412-361-3022
timvining@mindspring.com
*If you are interested in forming an affinity group, (for
example, interfaith coalition, etc.) please let us know and we can get the word
out to others who may also like to join the group. Each committee will need to
select someone to be on a steering committee to maintain communications among
all the groups.
|
