Ten Things You Can Do For Peace
Philadelphia, PA - As stunned as we are by the horrific acts of September 11, in
the midst of heartfelt grief, anger, and fear there are those among us who believe
that a call to war will do little to stop the tide of despair and hopelessness from
which terrorism feeds.
As we turn to thoughts of peace on earth this holiday season, here are 10 things
you can do to support a call for justice, not war, vengeance or retaliation:
1. CALL OR WRITE YOUR CONGRESSPERSON and tell them how you feel. Encourage
them to support peace not war and encourage them to seek diplomatic international
solutions not vengeance or retaliation. Support US political leaders -- such as Barbara
Lee, US Representative from California -- who are calling for nonmilitary alternatives
war and violence.
2. VOICE YOUR OPINION. Write letters to the editor in your local paper. You
can use the AFSC media guide (www.afsc.org) to
send e-mail to local or national media. Call radio talk shows and attend public forums.
If you participate in opinion polls, be sure to suggest diplomacy or peace as an
option, since this category is usually not available.
3. Young children need AN OUTLET too. Youngsters can draw pictures to express
their feelings, if they are too small to write.
4. ATTEND PUBLIC EVENTS. Organize a vigil for peace with faith-based or other
groups in your community. Visit www.peaceresponse.org
to learn about events near you.
5. LEARN ALL YOU CAN about the Islamic faith, particularly Islam's positive
stand on peace and nonviolence.
6. WORK AGAINST VIOLENCE aimed at others because of race, color, creed, ethnicity,
religion, nation of origin, gender or sexual orientation. Make a special point to
reach out a hand of support to anyone who is perceived as Muslim or Arab. Contact
a local mosque or civic organization to express your support and identify ways you
can help.
7. LEARN ABOUT THOSE COUNTRIES that the US government holds accountable for
terrorist acts. Knowing the history, the geography, the accomplishments, and problems
facing countries like Pakistan or Afghanistan will help us let others see the peaceful
majorities that live in these countries.
8. HOLD THE MEDIA ACCOUNTABLE for biased reporting. Don't hesitate to call
a local media outlet if you see evidence of unfair or slanted reporting. Be sure
to watch and read a variety of media sources and include foreign press in your assortment.
9. INSIST ON MAINTAINING AND PROTECTING THE CIVIL LIBERTIES that citizens
in the United States have worked so hard to create; you have the right to speak freely,
to associate freely, to assemble in lawful groups to express opinions, and, at the
same time, you have the right to privacy. Working in your communities to use and
protect these rights in the weeks ahead will guarantee that terrorism has not destroyed
the fabric of liberty or undercut our Constitution. True patriotism upholds the founding
principles of our country and embraces the Bill of Rights.
10. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON ALTERNATIVES TO WAR. Order a copy of The Little Book
of Peace, by Patricia J. Chui, which contains anecdotes from well-known promoters
of peace including Buddha, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahandas Gandhi, as well as
quotes from Jimmy Carter, Eleanor Roosevelt, Malcolm X and more. Also available:
Speak Truth to Power, a study of international conflict that represents a Quaker
search for alternatives to violence. Its message is every bit as relevant today as
it was when it was first published in 1955. Both publications are available from
the AFSC Literature Resources Unit.
The AFSC No More Victims campaign is designed to highlight peace and promote peaceful
solutions in aftermath of the September 11 tragedies, in an attempt to break the
cycle of violence and retribution. For more information or to make a contribution,
access the AFSC web site at www.afsc.org.
Founded in 1917 to provide conscientious objectors with an opportunity to aid civilian
victims during World War I, AFSC is grounded in Quaker beliefs respecting the dignity
and worth of every person. AFSC has programs in the United States, and in Africa,
Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East that focus on issues related to economic
justice, peace-building and demilitarization, social justice, and youth. In 1947,
the AFSC and the British Friends Service Council received the Nobel Peace Prize on
behalf of the Religious Society of Friends for humanitarian service and work for
reconciliation during World Wars I and II, and the spirit in which these were carried
out.
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has published
a new report entitled After September 11: Standing on the Brink of a Brave New World
that explores the new challenges to basic principles of democracy and civil liberties
in the aftermath of September 11. To order an AFSC publication, contact our Literature
Resources Unit, at 1-888-588-2372, extension 2.
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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that
includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace
and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of
every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and
injustice.
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