Occupy Peace Archives - United For Peace and Justice https://www.unitedforpeace.org/tag/occupy-peace/ From the local to the global, connecting movements for justice and peace. Sat, 04 Jul 2020 22:44:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.unitedforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cropped-cropped-bullhorn-clipart-1-32x32.png Occupy Peace Archives - United For Peace and Justice https://www.unitedforpeace.org/tag/occupy-peace/ 32 32 Full Report Back from Occupy Peace! https://www.unitedforpeace.org/2012/03/26/full-report-back-from-occupy-peace/ Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:35:55 +0000 http://www.unitedforpeace.org/?p=650 UFPJ’s OCCUPY PEACE SUMMIT February 24-26, 2012 Nearly 100 activists from a wide range of local and national peace organizations attended UFPJ’s OCCUPY PEACE SUMMIT, February 24-26, 2012 in Philadelphia. They brought energy, compassion and commitment to the work of assessing the challenges and the opportunities facing our movement. We left Philadelphia with plans for […]

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]]> UFPJ’s OCCUPY PEACE SUMMIT

February 24-26, 2012

Nearly 100 activists from a wide range of local and national peace organizations attended UFPJ’s OCCUPY PEACE SUMMIT, February 24-26, 2012 in Philadelphia. They brought energy, compassion and commitment to the work of assessing the challenges and the opportunities facing our movement. We left Philadelphia with plans for UFPJ to initiate an Iran Pledge of Resistance [IPOR], a grassroots campaign to build an emergency response network capable of preempting any escalated U.S. intervention in Iran or the Middle East.  And, we began strategizing about how to confront the corporate power that stands behind the U.S. war machine.

 

Our plans reflected analysis of the current political moment. Those who were part of OCCUPY PEACE agreed that 2012 can be one of the most significant years for organizing in a long time, but we need to be doing our organizing differently. We identified three crucial themes:

  • The need to focus on local organizing;
  • The opportunities to broaden our narrative about the human, economic and environmental impacts of war; and
  • The necessity to build a base of power that reflects the synergies among the peace movement and the movements to oppose racism, defend civil liberties, and end poverty.

Above all, the rise of the Occupy Movement presents an unprecedented opportunity to bring our issues to other peoples’ meetings and demonstrate how war affects us all.

 

We must step boldly into this moment and we must do it together!

 

Fortunately, UFPJ is presently well positioned to support this work. Over the last three years, UFPJ has become what is best understood as a hybrid of a network and a coalition. The UFPJ “network” shares information and resources, provides space for member groups to discuss public policy and helps to mobilize local grassroots activism through action alerts. In the role of “coalition,” UFPJ provides space for member groups to organize, lobby, mobilize, and take direct action. At one time UFPJ could count over 1,400 groups as part of our organization; many of these have ceased to exist and there are now around 300 active groups. UFPJ has recovered from being tens of thousands of dollars in debt. We have a modest $23,000 in the bank with a general operating cost of less t

han $4,000 a month. Currently, a Coordinating Committee of nine members and two part-time staff are moving the bulk of UFPJ’s work. We have four working groups: Afghanistan, Nuclear Disarmament/Redefining Security, Legislative, and International.

 

Based upon what we heard from the participants at OCCUPY PEACE, UFPJ members are working on a wide range of issues. At a local level there is broad-based interest in the Move the Money campaign, public schools, and health care. Environmental concerns – climate change, fracking, and creating green-collar jobs – were raised by many. Iraq, Afghanistan, and increasingly Iran are on everyone’s agendas – with much discussion of the unfinished business of th

e war in Iraq (a continuing refugee crisis and the need for reparations) and the urgency of finding diplomatic solutions to the war in Afghanistan and escalating conflict with Iran. Issues concerning the military were numerous: racism and sexism in the military, the need for counter-recruitment, Operation Recovery (taking care of the troops).  How we

fight wars, especially the increased use of unmanned drones is raising difficult legal and ethical issues.  People are also concerned about the militarization of law enforcement at home. Working to abolish nuclear weapons and power, and to create a weapons-of-mass-destruction free zone in the Middle East is ongoing. Organizing for Anti-NATO/G8 activities is widespread. And many people mentioned war-profiteering corporations and how they lead us into wars while corrupting our democratic institutions as key.

 

Saturday’s discussions ended with extensive agreement by OCCUPY PEACE participants:  If we are going to shift from the current War Economy to a Justice Economy, we must talk about capitalism!  Sunday’s session did just that as we honed in on three areas of work:

 

  • The Iran Pledge of Resistance [IPOR]
  • Confronting Corporate Power
  • Anti-NATO/G8 Organizing and the Chicago Counter-Summit 5/18 & 19

There was great enthusiasm for UFPJ to launch a grassroots campaign to oppose military action against Iran. People will be asked to make a pledge to join with others to engage in acts of legal protest and/or nonviolent civil disobedience if the United States applies increased sanctions, invades, bombs, sends combat troops or drones, or otherwise significantly escalates its intervention in Iran or the region. The should be many opportunities to increase participation during the training of 100,000 people in nonviolent direct action during the 99% Spring.

The IPOR campaign will also include development of educational materials, promoting the facts about Iran’s nuclear program, and supporting the Iranian people (not their government). “No war, no sanctions, no repression!”  Ultimately we want the campaign to expand to include broader analysis of the Middle East Crisis, including Israel/Palestine and the unfolding situation in Syria.

Turning to issues of challenging corporate power, we observed how two trends are converging in the current political moment.  On the one hand, the Occupy Movement is a revolutionary, anti-capitalist movement that is horizontal and people-powered.  On the other hand, the Corporate Accountability Movement aims to reform corporate and banking practices.  There are many opportunities ahead to challenge war corporations and banks, and to link our issues to housing, education, environmental justice, worker and immigrant rights. These include Wall St. events and shareholder meetings, especially the upcoming annual meeting of the Bank of America in North Carolina. There is also a great need for campaigns focused on war corporations:  drone, weapons and tear gas manufacturers, oil, gas and nuclear companies, and security firms.

 

A great deal of research needs to be carried out to support this work and link it with campaigns of other movements.

  • Which war corporations are in our communities?
  • Which companies are behind the growth of the security state?
  • Which war corporations are unionized?
  • What is the impact on jobs of contracts/cutting contracts for war corporations?

This work will require long-term commitment.  We need our own “think tanks.” We need to learn what corporations are in our communities and what they do.  We can make local links to the Military Industrial Complex – especially universities.

 

Lastly, we discussed Anti-NATO/G8 Organizing and the Chicago Counter-Summit, May 18 and 19.  Submit proposals for workshops at: Natofreefuture.org  Many teaching resources have been developed.  UNAC is organizing a Protest March on May 20.  The Nobel Laureates are also meeting in Chicago.

At the conclusion of our two days together, we came away believing that UFPJ definitely has work to do.  We hope to convene more regional meetings like OCCUPY PEACE in other cities in order to build more support for our campaigns and to strengthen ties with other movements across the country. Together we can make 2012 a year of exceptional organizing to end war and win true justice for our communities and our planet.

 

Download detailed notes of the Occupy Peace Summit here.

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]]> Report on UFPJ’s National Conference from Duncan McFarland https://www.unitedforpeace.org/2012/03/08/report-on-ufpjs-national-conference-from-duncan-mcfarland/ Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:28:22 +0000 http://www.unitedforpeace.org/?p=581 By Duncan McFarland UFPJ held its first national conference in over three years in Philadelphia on Feb. 25-26, 2012.   The working conference was well attended, with 80 people representing/members of about 25 organizations.  The basic goal was accomplished: re-energize the network and begin to again take up coalition work.  UFPJ’s charge, as clearly put by national […]

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]]> By Duncan McFarland
UFPJ held its first national conference in over three years in Philadelphia on Feb. 25-26, 2012.   The working conference was well attended, with 80 people representing/members of about 25 organizations.  The basic goal was accomplished: re-energize the network and begin to again take up coalition work.  UFPJ’s charge, as clearly put by national co-conveners Michael McPhearson and Lisa Fithian, is to both do peace and antiwar work, and make connections and build bridges across issues.  The horizontal facilitation skillfully maximized spirited participation and working together, yet resulted in important new initiatives: working groups on the Iran war danger and confronting corporate power.
On Saturday morning, McPhearson outlined the goals: reconnecting, finding synergies and strategies, ways of collaboration, and getting organized to do the work.   He asked that obstacles to cooperation be identified and considered as opportunities.   The conference was seen as the beginning of a discussion with a decision-making conference possibly projected for after the elections.
A brief look at UFPJ’s history begin with a reading of the original unity statement, adopted at the founding June 2003 conference.  People were amazed (and perhaps a bit saddened) at how accurate the statement still seemed.  UFPJ primarily served as a mobilizing mechanism to oppose the Iraq War, putting together several massive national demonstrations.  Today other activities will need to be emphasized as well, such as doing more coalition work.  UFPJ occupies a particular political space with all the “tools in the toolbox,” including both mobilizing for street protests and legislative work.   The debt that was $60,000 has been paid off and the organization is now in the black with part-time staffing.  Three working groups function: Afghanistan/Pakistan; Legislative; Nuclear Weapons and Power/Redefining Security — as well as an International task force. The coordinating committee is the main national steering group.
Participants joined in to list the many activities in UFPJ’s rich history and then envision where to be 10 years from now — an exercise that produced a wide variety of visions.  McPhearson looked forward to public dialogue where international and domestic issues would be seen as the same.  Breakouts sessions addressed Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, drones, and nuclear weapons; I was in the group discussing domestic connections, which interestingly was by far the best attended.
On Sunday there was spirited political discussion on Iran and the Middle East and confronting corporate power.   The Iran discussion brought forth many points: the importance of the overall Middle East context including Israel, Palestine, Syria and Iraq as all relating to the situation concerning Iran; the importance of putting forth a positive vision such as a nuclear free zone in the Middle East; and ongoing discussion about how American activists can express solidarity with the democracy movement in Iran while avoiding involvement in internal struggles.  A pledge of resistance tactic was suggested, which was very effective in the 1980s in opposing war in Central America.  A working group was formed on to work on the Pledge and to hold a national conference call to prepare action steps for UFPJ.
Lisa Fithian led the discussion on a new line of work, confronting corporate power.  This could connect with the Occupy Movement, Labor, Global Justice movements and be a real way to strengthen ties with allies.  Actions at shareholders meetings, such as Bank of America, were suggested, and the opportunity for the peace movement to engage with a new coalition, Confront Corporate Power. The opportunities for local work abound as the military industrial complex is everywhere but much research is needed to dig up the information, which is often deliberately obscured and the militarists prefer a low profile.
Chicago in May will be the site of many activist activities especially at the NATO/G8 meetings May 17-19.  Lisa pointed out that UPFJ originated G8 protests at Brunswick, Georgia in 2004.  UFPJ plans to participate in the counter-summit and signed on to the UNAC Sun Times ad defending the first amendment right to protest, in face of Mayor Emanuel’s repressive restrictions on the Saturday march.  UFPJ will try to produce a tabloid on its issues to be widely distributed in Chicago.

The meeting also discussed UFPJ infrastructure and people volunteered for the fundraising group and communications team.  The conference closed with an uplifting spirit of coming together and looking ahead

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]]> Vigil to stop a war on Iran: Friday, February 24, 7 pm at Love Park https://www.unitedforpeace.org/2012/02/21/vigil-to-stop-a-war-on-iran-friday-february-24-7-pm-at-love-park/ Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:36:41 +0000 http://www.unitedforpeace.org/?p=541 United for Peace & Justice PROTEST U.S. DOUBLE STANDARDS: END U.S. NUCLEAR MISSILE TESTS! NO WAR ON IRAN! MOVE THE MONEY FROM THE PENTAGON TO THE PEOPLE Vigil: Friday, February 24, 7 pm at Love Park in Philadelphia 15th and JFK on the NW corner at City Hall one block north of Market Street on […]

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]]> United for Peace & Justice

PROTEST U.S. DOUBLE STANDARDS: END U.S. NUCLEAR MISSILE TESTS!

NO WAR ON IRAN! MOVE THE MONEY FROM THE PENTAGON TO THE PEOPLE

Vigil: Friday, February 24, 7 pm at Love Park in Philadelphia
15th and JFK on the NW corner at City Hall
one block north of Market Street on 15th

Download the flier here
As we approach the 9th anniversary of “Shock and Awe,” we are once again seeing U.S. politicians and elected officials targeting an oil-rich nation in the Persian Gulf, claiming that it might soon build nuclear weapons, a claim based on sketchy evidence provided by sources we never see.  This time the target is Iran, and the U.S. is once more trying to drag its allies with it on a path that could lead to war.

Yet while the U.S. government lectures and threatens Iran and North Korea about the evils of nuclear weapons, it routinely test fires its own long-range nuclear missiles from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, sending a clearly implied nuclear threat to the world. The next test launch of the U.S. “arsenal of hypocrisy” is scheduled for February 25, 2012.

The last test was conducted June 22, 2011, when the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command launched a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg. The missile, carrying a simulated nuclear warhead, traveled 4,200 miles before hitting its pre-determined target in the Marshall Islands. According to missile director Col. David Bliesner: “Minuteman III test launches demonstrate our nation’s ICBM capability in a very visible way, deterring potential adversaries while reassuring allies. These launches provide valuable information on the missile’s effectiveness in its intended operational environment.” The U.S. maintains 450 Minuteman III missiles on high-alert in missile silos in Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Colorado, with another 50 operational missiles held in reserve.

On Feb. 9, 2012, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland declared that “with regard to U.S. sanctions… we don’t want to hurt [the Iranian people] any more than we need to. But they are living in a state with a government that would rather spend money on a nuclear weapons program than on the welfare of its people, and that’s why we are compelled to increase the pressure and increase the isolation until they see the light.”

Whose government was she talking about?  In a time of sustained economic crisis when the American people are really hurting, President Obama has projected investments of well over $200 billion by 2020 to sustain and modernize U.S. nuclear warheads and their delivery systems, including a next generation ICBM.  According to John Clay, Vice President for Missile Systems at Northrop Grumman corporation: “The last ICBM cost $100 billion.”

It’s up to us to increase the pressure and increase the isolation of the 1% until they see the light!  On Feb. 24 and 25 protests against the ICBM test launch are planned at the gates of Vandenberg Air Force Base and the Space and Missile tracking center in El Segundo, California.  In Philadelphia, please join us Friday. Feb. 24 at 7 pm in Love Park to demand an end to U.S. double standards. Download the flier here!

End U.S. missile tests.  No War on Iran. Slash spending for wars and weapons systems and redirect those funds to meet urgent human needs and save the planet.  Beyond war, a new economy is possible!

– Initiated by the United for Peace & Justice Nuclear Disarmament/Redefining Security working group –

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]]> Meeting Goals: UFPJ Occupy Peace Meeting in Philadelphia, February 24-26 https://www.unitedforpeace.org/2012/02/12/meeting-goals-ufpj-occupy-peace-meeting-in-philadelphia-february-24-26/ Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:36:36 +0000 http://www.unitedforpeace.org/?p=464 Register      GOALS       AGENDA        TRANSPORTATION          ACCOMMODATIONS      HOMESTAYS UFPJ has identified that it is not interested in creating a series of workshops, speakers’ panels, etc. that are often typical of activist conferences. The methodology for the facilitation will focus on horizontal participation with an emphasis on “wisdom […]

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]]> Register      GOALS       AGENDA        TRANSPORTATION          ACCOMMODATIONS      HOMESTAYS

UFPJ has identified that it is not interested in creating a series of workshops, speakers’ panels, etc. that are often typical of activist conferences. The methodology for the facilitation will focus on horizontal participation with an emphasis on “wisdom from the floor” rather than having one-way sharing by experts.

Goals
1.  Begin an ongoing conversation about how to build a new future of domestic and international justice and peace, and how to work together to achieve it. (A discussion with activists from the Occupy movement and a cross spectrum of people from various domestic struggles)

    • Discuss and clarify the connectivity of our issues and our movements
    • Identify the roadblocks and opportunities for working together and moving past single-issue organizing
    • Build a calendar of actions, events, and key dates over the next year where collaboration could happen

2. Provide space for the anti-war movement to regroup, evaluate, and move forward in an environment where U.S. foreign policy and progressive social movements in the U.S. have changed.

  • What is the peace movement’s trajectory? What is the peace and justice narrative?
  • Discuss current and potential efforts in response to U.S. Iran/Afghanistan/ Iraq policy (emphasis on Iran), growing tensions with Russia and the new U.S. military focus on the Asia Pacific Region (China)
  •  Clarify UFPJ’s role in supporting member group efforts

 

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]]> Homestays and Hotels: UFPJ Occupy Peace Conference, Feb 24-26 Philadelphia PA https://www.unitedforpeace.org/2012/02/12/hotels-ufpj-occupy-peace-conference-feb-24-26-philadelphia-pa/ Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:14:22 +0000 http://www.unitedforpeace.org/?p=457 Register      GOALS       AGENDA        TRANSPORTATION          ACCOMMODATIONS      HOMESTAYS Join us In Philadelphia PA, February 24-26  Member groups of United For Peace and Justice are gathering with members of Occupy Philly and activists across the spectrum of social and economic struggles to discuss charting a course of a […]

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]]> Register      GOALS       AGENDA        TRANSPORTATION          ACCOMMODATIONS      HOMESTAYS

Join us In Philadelphia PA, February 24-26

 Member groups of United For Peace and Justice are gathering with members of Occupy Philly and activists across the spectrum of social and economic struggles to discuss charting a course of a united efforts for peace and justice for all.

This is an important meeting for UFPJ as we will build a joint calendar of events and activities. We will discuss our efforts to stop a war on Iran and our joint response to U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

See goals here.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Homestays

We will try very hard to match those needing homestays with hosts. Please sign up for a homestay here.

Hotels

The closest hotels to Friends Center and Arch Street UMC are:

Le Meridien Philadelphia

http://www.lemeridienphiladelphia.com/

1421 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA

(800) 543-4300

Embassy Suites Philadelphia – Center City

http://embassysuites.com

1776 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA

(215) 561-1776

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

http://loewshotels.com

1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

(215) 627-1200

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

http://fourseasons.com

1 Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA

(215) 963-1500

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel

http://starwoodhotels.com

North 17th Street & Race St, Philadelphia, PA

(800) 640-7324

Marriott Suites

http://marriott.com

1201 Market St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(215) 402-7200

Hampton Inn & Suites Philadelphia

http://hamptoninn.com

1301 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA

(215) 665-9100

The Windsor Suites Philadelphia

http://windsorhotel.com

1700 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA

(215) 981-5678

Has large suites that can accommodate a crowd with eat-in kitchens. Can be a budget option if folks share.

The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia

http://ritzcarlton.com

10 Avenue Of The Arts, Philadelphia, PA

(215) 523-8000

Travelodge Philadelphia Convention Center

http://travelodge.com

1227 Race St, Philadelphia, PA

(215) 564-2888

Hyatt at the Bellevue

http://bellevue.hyatt.com

200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

(215) 893-1234

Crowne Plaza Hotel Philadelphia Downtown

cpphiladelphia.com
1800 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
(866) 618-0410

Sofitel

sofitel.com
120 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 569-8300

Club Quarters Philadelphia

clubquarters.com
1628 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 282-5000

Small rooms but very centrally located and sometimes it’s easy to get good deals.

The Westin Philadelphia

starwoodhotels.com

Warwick Hotel
99 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 0

(215) 563-1600

The Latham Hotel

lathamhotel.com
135 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 563-7474

Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City

marriott.com
1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 557-0005

Holiday Inn Express Hotel Philadelphia

hiexpress.com
1305 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 735-9300

Rodeway Inn Center City

rodewayinn.com
1208 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 546-7000

Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center

starwoodhotels.com
1201 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 496-2700

Budget options

 

Alexander Inn

www.alexanderinn.com

12th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107

)215) 923-3535

(877) ALEX-INN (toll free)

In the Gayborhood.

The Gables Bed and Breakfast

gablesbb.com

4520 Chester Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

(215) 662-1918

Very charming B&B in West Philly run by a lovely couple with extra green thumbs.
Society Hill Hotel

societyhillhotel.com

301 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 925-1919

Best Western Center City Hotel

http://bestwesternpa.com/hotels/best-western-center-city-hotel

501 N 22nd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130-3507

(215) 568-8300

Usually a very good deal right in the museum district.

Hostelling International – Apple Hostel

www.hihostels.com

32 S. Bank St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922 – 0222

 

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