February 19-21, 2005 St. Louis, MO

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New Steering Committee >>
Proposals Passed by the Assembly >>
New Strategic Framework >>
Revised UFPJ Structure >>



Almost 500 people from at least 275 member organizations of United for Peace and Justice converged in St. Louis. Over the course of three packed and inspiring days, the assembled delegates took part in wide-ranging discussions about how to end the Iraq war and build a diverse and broad-based movement for peace and justice, and made a series of key decisions for the coalition.

*New Strategic Framework: The Assembly adopted a new Strategic Framework, which outlines the broad parameters for UFPJ's work in the coming period. It defines UFPJ's immediate goal as working to end the war in Iraq, and outlines ways that we will work to link the war to a broad range of connected issues, both foreign and domestic.

*Program of Action: Delegates approved a range of proposals which, taken together, constitute an ambitious and strategically focused program of action for the coming 18 months.

*New National Steering Committee: Delegates elected a new 41-person Steering Committee to serve for the next 18 months. The new Steering Committee represents a diverse mix of local and national groups, and a wide range of constituencies; it is 56% people of color, 61% women, 17% youth, 12% queer, and 51% local/regional groups, 49% national organizations. Because the required percentage of youth (20%) and LGBT people (15%) were not met the new Steering Committee will be adding several other people to this body.

*Revised Structure Document: Delegates approved a number of changes to UFPJ's structure document, including adopting a requirement that member groups make an annual financial contribution based on their ability to pay; outlining the responsibilities and expectations of Steering Committee members; and mandating the creation of a web-based system for member groups, to be used for reporting, surveying, information and resource sharing, as well as discussion and debate.

Throughout the weekend powerful cultural presentations added another dimension to the gathering. In music, poetry and dance, the urgency of the issues was expressed and the emotions that so many of us feel were tapped into as an energizing force. In a way rarely experienced at a gathering like this, there was a powerful interweaving of art and politics. Cultural presentations were made by a troop of student dancers from Los Angeles, rap artists 144K Collective, poets Suheir Hammad, Kathy Engel and Melanie Kaye/Kantrowitz, and by musicians/singers Tiye Giraud, David Lippman, David Rovics and Ukalalies for Sanity.

And in a last minute change of plans, we were able to combine our scheduled evening with Danny Glover with a presentation at St. Louis University by Angela Davis.

In addition to skill- and alliance- building workshops and several time slots for networking, the Assembly also featured a range of excellent speakers, including Phyllis Bennis of the Institute for Policy Studies, Michael Hoffman from Iraq Veterans Against the War, Mr. Konishi who is a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the following panelists:

"What Will It Take to End the War in Iraq - A Strategic Discussion": Moderated by Felicia Eaves of Black Voices for Peace and Amy Quinn of the Institute for Policy Studies, presentations were made by Nancy Lessin of Military Families Speak Out, David Cline of Veterans for Peace, Fred Mason of the DC/MD AFL-CIO and co-convenor or US Labor Against the War, Maleena Lawrence of Organized Community of United People in Oakland, Terry O'Neill from the National Organization for Women, Rahul Mahajan of Third Coast Activist Resource Center and Tom Hayden, activist and author.

"Building Alliances - Challenges to Our Movement": Moderated by Damu Smith of Black Voices for Peace, presentations where made by George Friday of the Independent Progressive Politics Network, Cliff Suk-Jae Lee of Young Koreans United of USA, Angela Sanbrano of CARECEN in Los Angeles, and Howard Wallace from Pride At Work.

"The Artist and Social Change": Moderated by Rev. Osagyefo Sekou on the UFPJ National Staff, this session was a discussion between three artists/activists: Danny Glover, Suheir Hammad and Tiye Giraud.

All told, it was an exciting, powerful weekend; a gathering that re-energized everyone and gave new focus to our work to end the Iraq War and resist the Bush Administration's agenda. Without a doubt, the anti-war movement is becoming broader, more diverse, and more strategic -- together we will bring the troops home!