Structure and Function | Registration and Meals | Room and Costs | Getting There | Extra Services

Structure and Function

What is the purpose of the National Assembly?
The National Assembly is the highest decision making body of United for Peace and Justice. As required by our structure, UFPJ organizes a national peace and justice assembly approximately every 18 months in order to:

1. Set the overall political direction and priorities of UFPJ for the coming 18 months.

2. Elect the national Steering Committee.

3. Facilitate movement-building connections.

4. Review and evaluate the work of UFPJ since the last national assembly.

• 2 per independent local organization or coalition
• 2 per national organization
• 1 per local chapter/affiliate of a national group

The people who are likely to contribute to and get the most out of the Assembly are those who are most active in your group or organization; have a good sense of the group’s overall vision, strategy and activities; and are avid networkers.

Registration and Meals

What is included in the registration fee?
The registration fee of $145 includes five meals, assembly materials and participation in all assembly activities, (If you register by November 1st the fee is $115, after December 1st the fee is $165.)

What is the registration deadline?
It is best to register as early as possible, especially since the registration fees go up the later it gets! The last date to register by phone is December 10th; the last date to register online is December 11th; and you can register on-site the weekend of the Assembly. For more information, see the Assembly logistics page.

What if I need to cancel?
See Assembly logistics page.

Is there a vegan option?
Foods appropriate for a vegan diet will be available at all meals.

Can I opt out of meals for a reduced registration rate?
No. We regret the inconvenience but need to keep things simple. You are of course welcome to bring your own food or eat elsewhere, such as in a hotel restaurant or one of the many restaurants in the neighborhood, for the same registration fee.

Room and Costs

Will UFPJ reserve my room?
No, Assembly participants will make their own room reservations directly with the hotel. We'll be staying at the Wyndham O'Hare in Chicago, which can be reached at 800-333-3333. Please see the Assembly logistics page.

Can I room with more than one person?
Yes, you may room with up to three other people. UFPJ is willing to match you with one other roommate. If you would like UFPJ to match you with one, please indicate that and provide your dates of stay, gender, and smoking preference on the registration form.

Assembly Registration Fee

What is the fee to register for the Assembly?
Assembly Registration Fee -- $145 -- includes five meals, assembly packet, and other materials

Early Registration Fee -- $115 -- if you register anytime before November 1st

Late Registration Fee -- $165 -- if you register anytime after December 1st

Youth/Students/Low-Income -- $75

One-Day Registration Fee (Friday or Sunday) -- $50

One-Day Registration Fee (Saturday) -- $90

Why does it cost this much for the Assembly?
We have kept costs for this assembly to an absolute minimum, negotiating with the hotel for low meal costs and no meeting room fees. The early bird registration fee is substantially below our costs. Compared to registration fees for many other conferences, this is not that expensive.

How can I attend if my budget is limited?
Following are some ideas for making your participation affordable:

1. Register early to save $25 on registration.

2. Book your flight early and/or use frequent flyer miles.

3. Organize with others in your area for a group rate on a flight or train ride.

4. Drive or get a ride. Consult the ride board.

5. Find up to three roommates to share a room with. If you would like UFPJ to match you with a roommate, please indicate that and provide your dates of stay, gender, and smoking preference on the registration form.

   You may find others by networking with local member groups or other groups that you would like to attend.

6. Flights into Midway may be cheaper. Take the elevated train or shuttle bus from Midway. (See the Assembly logistics page for more details.)

7. Hold a fundraising event or sale with your group or others in your area.

8. Ask for a donation from a person of means who wants to help stop the war.

9. In a group of twenty members, if each kicked in $25, you’d have a budget of $500 for travel, room, and registration.