Dear CODEPINKer,
We are just back from the first CODEPINK activist retreat, renewed, inspired and energized for the work ahead. Good thing, because there is still so much work to be done to pressure our elected officials - and candidates - to end the war in Iraq.
September will be an action-packed month for us. Several ongoing and upcoming campaigns need your energy:
* Troops Home Fast: The fast we began against the war on July 4 will continue until International Peace Day, September 21. Over 5,000 of you have participated in the fast, some for a day, a week, a month, and some intrepid souls, like our cofounder Jodie Evans, are now on Day 59. If you'd still like to be part of the fast, sign up at www.troopshomefast.org. We'll have a ceremonial Break Fast in front of the White House on September 21. Please join us! Many plan to continue to fast one day a week after September 21, most on Wednesdays, as a way to remember those suffering in Iraq and deepen their own commitment to peace.
* Camp Democracy: From September 5-20 in Washington DC, we will participate in an exciting series of anti-war activities called Camp Democracy. The official CODEPINK day of the camp is September 20 - we hope you'll join us. Howard Zinn will be offering a teach-in, and we'll visit the offices of the Armed Services Committee members to give out big hugs as part of our Arms are for Hugging action. So come to Washington on September 20 and stay for a wild and wonderful weekend (see below).
* Declaration of Peace: From September 21-28, in Washington and across the nation, we'll participate in vigils, rallies, demonstrations and civil disobedience against the occupation of Iraq. We'll kick off the week with house parties for peace. Will you consider hosting a party in your home on September 21? We'll send you a powerful anti-war DVD and ideas for making it an effective organizing tool. During the week, be sure to pay a visit to your local congressperson or senate office. If you join us in Washington September 20-24, we promise you a weekend of colorful and creative anti-war actions!
As we mark the 1st anniversary of Katrina and look toward the 5th anniversary of September 11th, we remember once again that when our leadership fails, we need to rise up to help one another and demand justice. Let's make September a month of glorious rising up, glorious acting up, glorious and lasting change.
With peace and hope and love,
Anedra, Dana, Erin, Farida, Gael, Jodie, Katie,
Laura, Medea, Nancy, Rae, Samantha and Tiffany
P.S. Don't forget to forward this email to your friends!
|
