Action Alert NSP: advance a strategic vision at the anti-war rallies this weekend

This weekend, United for Peace and Justice (a coalition of which the Network of Spiritual Progressives is a member) is sponsoring regional antiwar rallies in eleven cities around the country. You'll find details at http://www2.oct27.org/.

We are urging our supporters to participate in these rallies, and not passively. We'd like you to use this opportunity to advocate for a deeper vision for the peace and antiwar movements and to begin to build  relationships with others in the peace movement so that you can help move this vision forward.

The primary reason the Democrats in Congress have capitulated on the war is that they don't have a compelling way to counter the accusation that to withdraw from Iraq, much less the "war on terror," would  leave the world in the hands of dangerous extremists. Peace advocates must offer them a way to respond to this legitimate fear on the part of the American people. Our proposal is this: We are not suggesting that the United States withdraw from the world, leaving a vacuum that might be filled by extremist forces. Instead, we are suggesting a new role for the  United States in the world, a role that both exemplifies and inspires in the world a spirit of generosity, open-heartedness, and international cooperation. You can read more about the Strategy of Generosity at http://www.spiritualprogressives.org/article.php?story=20070228183252814.
 

How can you use Saturday's actions to promote this larger vision?

•  Distribute our two-sided leaflet, which you can download here (http://www.spiritualprogressives.org/filemgmt/index.php?id=139), or use the ideas in it to create your own.
•  Make signs that reflect this vision (possible slogans include "Generosity: The New Route to Homeland Security," "Generosity=Security. It's That Simple," Generosity Beats Domination in Fighting Terrorism.")
•  As you are marching, introduce yourself to at least three people you don't know. You don't have to convince them of anything at this point, but try to get to know them a little bit. Why did they come to the rally? What motivates  them? What are their ideas for a long-term vision for the antiwar and peace movements? If they seem like potential allies, be sure to get their contact information. Later, you can invite them to NSP events, to a house party, or just to go out for coffee to build a stronger relationship. Ultimately, we are going to need each other to build a new-bottom-line world.

You might also find out who the key organizers were for the rally you attend and then, if you are up for it, make contact with them later in the week (after they have had time to rest up!) to find out whether they are planning any strategy conversations and whether you could be invited to those discussions. If they aren't planning such conversations—and we are afraid many organizations are not thinking at that level—gently urge them to consider it and offer any help that you are genuinely willing to provide in setting up such a conversation.

Acting now is crucial. If Congress approves President Bush's new request for $46 billion in war funding, total war appropriations will likely reach $1 trillion by the end of his term, to say nothing of the cost in human suffering and environmental degradation. The good news is that this request gives Congress another opportunity to stand up to the administration, if they have the vision. We cannot be silent in times like these. Thank you for your engagement!

Love and blessings,
 
Nichola Torbett
Director of National Programs