October 2007 Branch Mailing
contents:
Jane Addams
Hello to WILPF Branch Contacts! October 2007
This branch mailing, as always is full of resources for your branch to use in local actions. As we engage in this period of transition and strategic planning, we are coming from the framework of “watering the seeds of WILPF”. WILPF branches are the lifeblood of WILPF and we hope that these resources assist you in your work.
Women Challenge US Policy: Building Peace on Justice in the Middle East Campaign included a statement reacting to Condoleezza Rice’s recent trip to the Middle East. The efforts of the United States to create peace in the Middle East are at best shallow and disingenuous so long as the siege on Gaza continues. Read the WCUSP statement for more information. We encourage you to use the statement as a flyer, basis for a letter to the editor, or as an educational piece for your branch.
The Save the Water Campaign is especially excited about the “Bottled Water Free Zone” initiative. By working with local restaurants, schools, community centers and local governments, you can have an impact on the growing bottled water boycott! This is a direct action campaign that includes elements of media, community outreach, education, and targeted action. The toolkit is included in this packet, as well as an order form for the Bottled Water Free Zone stickers.
We are horrified by the events in Jena, Louisiana and by the torture and rape of an African-American woman named Megan Williams in West Virginia. WILPF’s Building the Beloved Community Issue Committee is taking action on both of these issues. Educate yourself and your branch around the issue of hate crimes, and update the Beloved Community Issue Committee with your reports of solidarity efforts to support the victims of these crimes. You can find contact info on the website at www.wilpf.org/BBC
The summer branch report is finished and enclosed! Find out what other branches are working on and connect with them and with similar work!
Peace,
Kate Zaidan, Program Coordinator
