NEW YORK PEACE NETWORK Alert #257

Featured Events

Saturday, May 29, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (setup begins at 7:00 a.m.)
STATEN ISLAND. Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier, Fr. Capodanno Blvd & Seaview Ave
ARLINGTON NEW YORK STATE - IRAQ MEMORIAL TO LIFE

Peace Action of Staten Island invites you to participate in a Memorial Weekend exhibit honoring the civilian and military lives lost in war.

BUILD the memorial at the Ocean Breeze Pier Beach. Please arrive as soon after 7:00 a.m. so you can help set up the exhibits. We need many, many Peace Action and community volunteers to help with the setup and to bring food for the day. Kindly email Elaine Brower at mermaid423@aol.com or call (360) 485-3764 to confirm your volunteer assistance.

EXPERIENCE the memorial. Walk through, and remember the civilians, the soldiers. Open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Dedication @ 1:00 p.m. Candlelight Ceremony at Dusk. Speakers from Iraq, Military Families Speak Out & Fellowship of Reconciliation.

CREATE the markers for the memorial honoring civilians killed in Iraq. It only takes a few minutes to make a marker. Tens of thousands are yet to be made. Instructions at www.iraqmemorialforlife.org.

SUPPORT the Iraq Memorial to Life memorial financially through www.iraqmemorialforlife.org . The project is conducted completely by volunteers. Each marker is laminated (~$.50 each) and shipping is costly.

PARTNERS HELPING IRAQIS. Find out who is currently doing reparation work for and in Iraq.

Directions by BUS from STATEN ISLAND FERRY TERMINAL: Take the S51 bus to Seaview Ave. Get off and walk toward the beach and fishing pier (a 5-mile, 53 minute ride).
Sponsored by: Movement for a Democratic Society, Military Families Speak Out/NYC, Peace Action of Staten Island, American Friends Service Committee, Veterans For Peace, Fellowship of Reconciliation.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010, 9:00 - 10:00 p.m.
CONFERENCE CALL BRIEFING • Call 218-936-4141 - access code 5849756
AFGHANISTAN UPDATE BY DAVID WILDMAN

Join us for a conference call briefing by David Wildman, Executive Secretary for Human Rights & Racial Justice at the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church and co-author of the new book Ending the US War in Afghanistan: A Primer. David has just returned from Afghanistan. He will give an update on the humanitarian situation - especially in Badakshan in the north where there are almost no Taliban activities yet some of the poorest communities who get hardly any aid; realities facing women in rural villages where no Taliban are present (they are confined to home and hardly seen because it's conservative society). He will also reflect on President Karzai's recent visit to DC; he managed using words only to get everything he wanted and US had previously refused. David will also speak about hard targets and soft targets of the Taliban in the leadup to the Kandahar offensive. We will then open the call for people's questions and comments. Questions sent in advance to ufpjafghanistan@gmail.com will be asked first. The briefing is sponsored by the UFPJ Afghanistan Working Group. Please forward this notice to those interested. If you are planning to attend, please email Cole Harrison or call 617-466-9274 (rings home & cell) so that a rough count can be obtained in advance.

New York Metro Area Events

Daily through May 30, 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.
Ralph Bunche Park, First Avenue across from UN,just south of 43rd St.
NPT REVIEW CONFERENCE MORNING VIGIL
Info: ccnd@gn.apc.org.

Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 12:00 p.m.
DOWNTOWN NYC. 143 Chambers St. btw. West Broadway & Greenwich St.; 1/2/3 train to Chambers (at W. Broadway) A/C to Chambers St. (at Church); R, W to City Hall (at Broadway & Murray)
COUNTER-RECRUITING VIGIL AT CHAMBERS ST. RECRUTING STATION
Sponsored by Vets for Peace. Map: http://is.gd/c6kQ8-/, Contact: rakmet@msn.com.

Thursday, May 27, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (and every Thursday, weather permitting)
NYC, UNION SQUARE (on the little traffic island at 14th St & Broadway)
WOMEN IN BLACK VIGIL
Express your outrage at the continuing siege as well as the U.S. policy toward Israel--Palestine that allows the blockade to continue. Israel will not permit Gazans to import glass to repair the windows shattered by their bombardment, so schoolchildren must sit in windowless schools in winter. E-mail: is.pales@brooklynpeace.org for local contact information for New York Women in Black.

Friday, May 28, and Monday, May 31. Doors open @ 6:30 p.m., Boat departs @ 7:30 p.m.
MIDTOWN WEST. On the party boat "The Temptress," Pier 81, west end of 41st Street.
THE UXO TOUR FLEET WEEK SHOWS
Featured Bands: Jello Biafra and the Guantanmo School of Medicine
Morning Glory • Tim Barry of Avail • Snake Rattle Rattle Snake.

Docked in the heart of the US Navy's fleet, the UXO Tour launches with two shows with a killer line-up to harass the brass and kick off a summer of GI resistance. IVAW has partnered with the UXO Collective to sponsor these GI outreach concerts in major cities and near military installations around the country. (UXO is a play on the "USO" shows service members are accustomed to attending overseas and is also a military acronym for "unexploded ordinance," or artillery/bombs that were dropped but have not detonated.) Visit the UXO tour website to purchase tickets and see the rest of the tour dates. Outreach events are planned for Sailors and Marines coming off the Fleet Week boats. Shows are free for active duty service members. If To get involved or volunteer contact: Adam Jung, Students for a Democratic Society (424) 220-0528, ahdham@gmail.com or Nick Morgan, Iraq Veterans Against the War, (970) 769-9496, ahdham@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 29, 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
JONES BEACH.
MEMORIAL DAY VIGIL AT JONES BEACH
Memorial Day is the time to reflect on the consequences of war, to commit ourselves to end the cycle of violence, and to the return all those in harm’s way to their loved ones. We will gather in a central area to reflect, and to display and read the names of the fallen. This is an opportunity to be the voice for Americans, Iraqis, Afghanis and all those silenced by wars and for all who are threatened by the continuing violence. Endorsed by: Code Pink LI, L.I. Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, North Country Peace Group, Pax Christi LI, SOA Watch, Suffolk Peace Network, Veterans for Peace LI. Please wear a black shirt.
Get driving directions here. Parking fee $10.00. Meet at Parking Lot #4, the largest lot at the beach, at the Northwest corner of the famous "needle" on the NOT-beach side. Go to southernmost end of Parking Lot #4 (all visitors will be streaming there) Go through tunnel and follow path a few short steps toward mall. We will meet at the bottom of the grassy square, opposite the flagpole, and nearest the roadway.
Email PaxChristi.LongIsland@verizon.net for more information.

Sunday, May 30, 12:00 p.m.
NYC, BATTERY PARK. Meet near Pier 1 in front of WW II Memorial on the waterfront.
MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE FOR PEACE
The New York City Chapter of Veterans For Peace (034) will host a Memorial Day Observance For Peace, to honor our fallen comrades and all victims of war. For information, call Bill Gilson at 914-419-9728

Monday, June 7, 7:30 p.m.
GREENWICH VILLAGE. NYU, Skirball Center, 566 La Guardia Place (at Washington Square South).
BLUEPRINT FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Culture Project's fusion of theater, film, journalism and debate. Tickets: www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu.

Tuesday, June 8, 6:30 - 11:00 p.m.
LOWER EAST SIDE. East Fourth Street Theatre, 83 East 4th St.

AN EVENING WITH NOAM CHOMSKY; BENEFIT PERFORMANCE OF "PROPHECY"
6:00 p.m.: Wine Reception. You will have the opportunity to meet and speak with Noam Chomsky. 7:30 p.m.: Private performance of Prophecy. 10:00 p.m.: Talk-back with Noam Chomsky. Cast of Prophecy: Kathleen Chalfant, 2-time Obie, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Award winner, Tony nominee; George Bartenieff, 4-time Obie winner (Acting & Producing), Drama Desk; Najla Said, Author of Palestine, her one-woman play; co-founder of Arab-American theater collective Nibras; André De Shields, 2-time Tony, 4-time Drama Desk, Audelco and Obie winner; Brendan Donaldson. Wine reception only: $100. All three parts: $150. RSVP BY MAY 17 to kitty@panys.org or call Kitty Reddington, 646-723-1749.

Thursday, June 10, 4:00 p.m.(start)
BROOKLYN. Start: St. Mark's Catholic Church, Ocean Avenue and Avenue Z.
End (with food!): 2812 Voorhies Ave (between 28th and 29th St)

Join Jews, Christians, Muslims, and all people of good will, as we walk together in a spirit of peace. Questions? E-mail tomnmartinez@gmail.com.

Sunday, June 13, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
GREENWICH VILLAGE. Casserly Hall, St. Joseph's Greenwich Village Church, Sixth Avenue and Washington Pl.
ANNUAL PEACEMAKER AWARDS RECEPTION. Pax Christi Metro New York (PCMNY) invites you to help come honor Peacemakers at their annual Awards Reception. There will be international refreshments, live music, and prizes. Donations will benefit the work of PCMNY. Contact PCMNY for further details and to register at nypaxchristi@igc.org, www.nypaxchristi.org, or 212-420-0250.

Upstate Events

Monday, May 24, 7:00 p.m.
GENESEO. Syracuse Stage, 820 East Genesee St.
THE INFLUENCE OF HAUDENOSAUNEE WOMEN
Sally Roesch Wagner will explore how the woman’s rights movement took form in the territory of the Haudenosaunee, along with all the other “radical reform” movements of the 19th century. Based on her most recent book, “Sisters in Spirit: Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Influence on Early American Feminists”, Dr. Wagner will share her research on how contact with the Haudenosaunee fired the revolutionary vision of early feminists and radical reformers by providing a model of freedom for all based on a balance of responsibilities in an egalitarian system. Jeanne Shenandoah will describe the world she inhabits as a Haudenosaunee woman. The democratic governmental system, established long before Columbus and based on peace, provides equality for everyone with a balance of responsibilities between women and men based on a matrilineal clan system. Together the women explore the impact that the Haudenosaunee, living in absolute equality, had on Euroamericans, who came from a tradition of power from above, rather than power with. Followed by a reception and the opportunity to participate in small group discussions.

Tuesday, May 25, 12:00 p.m.
CORTLAND. Christ Community Church (formerly Christ Presbyterian) at 292 Tomkins St.
IMMIGRANT LABOR AND LOCAL AGRICULTURE
Michael McMahon of Homer is among the growing number of dairy farmers employing Hispanic workers. It is estimated that at least 55% of New York's milk is harvested by immigrant labor. Mike will present an informative program which will demonstrate the benefits to our agriculture and to the Mexican workers and their families at the Social Justice Cluster's meeting. People attending are encouraged to bring their lunch. Beverages will be provided.

Saturday, May 29, 7:00 p.m.
STONY POINT. Stony Point Center, 17 Cricketown Road
BUILDING INTERFAITH BRIDGES WITH IRAN: AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH DR. RASOUL RASOULIPOUR
Join Community of Living Traditions for a rare opportunity to dialogue with one of the leading proponents of interfaith dialogue in Iran, Dr. Rasoul Rasoulipour. Dr. Rasoulipour teaches in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at the University of Tarbiat Moaliem in Tehran. He served as director of the Center for Interreligious Dialogue, Organization for Islamic Culture and Relations, Tehran, Iran from 2007-2009 and hosted the first Interfaith Conference of American Jews and Islam in Teheran during a Fellowship of Reconciliation delegation lead by Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb and Ethan Vesley-Flad. Dr. Rasoulipour is currently a visiting professor at University of Notre Dame teaching Shiism and Catholicism. Join us for tea, fruit and open conversation. Donation $7.

Monday, May 31, 9:00 a.m.
ROCHESTER. Sister Cities Bridge, Genesee Crossroads Park (behind the Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown.)
A SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE FOR LIVES LOST IN THE WARS IN AFGANISTAN AND IRAQ
A Memorial in Time of War, Remembrance and Hope. A reflection for healing and hope. It only seems appropriate that this Memorial Day service, which is to be a remembrance of all who have died in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq be announced on Mother's Day. Our hope is that the memory of each life be held in an embrace of dignity and compassion, and in that remembrance there is comfort for the grieving and healing for all of humanity so that peace may come. The service will be sign language interpreted

Monday, May 31, 11:00 a.m.
ROCHESTER. East Avenue and Main Street
MEMORIAL DAY PEACE PARADE
David Dornford has obtained a permit for us to hold the Peace Parade immediately following the Memorial Day parade along East Avenue and Main Street, Rochester. So please save the date and time, and please notify your other peace, social justice and faith-based groups of the importance of their participation in this year’s Peace Parade. As always, it is essential that we have a strong pro-peace, anti-war presence at this Memorial Day event, to serve as an antidote to the glorification of the military that remains typical of the traditional Memorial Day parade.

Sunday, June 6, 1:00 p.m. for lunch, 1:30 meeting
GENESEO. Omega Restaurant, 4182 Lakeville Road (Rt 20A)
MONTHLY MEETING, GENESEE VALLEY CITIZENS FOR PEACE

Saturday, June 12
GENESEO
DISTRIBUTE FREE BUMPER STICKERS
Call Hank Stone at 585-624-3673 to schedule a two-hour shift.

July 23 – 25
ALBANY.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 10 Eyck Plaza, State and Lodge Streets
NATIONAL PEACE CONFERENCE: BRING THE TROOPS HOME
SCHEDULE:

Friday evening, July 23: Panel discussion on “Strategies & Tactics in the Struggle to End the Empire’s Wars and Occupations”; Presentation of Action Proposal
Saturday, July 24: Keynote Speakers; Workshops; Lunch panel on Government Repression, Defense of Political Prisoners, and Guantanamo Detainees; Plenary Discussion of Action Proposal, Amendments & Resolutions
Saturday evening, July 24: Public Forum with speakers & cultural performances
Sunday, July 25: Plenary Discussion and Vote on Action Proposal; Workshops

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

NOAM CHOMSKY, Internationally renowned political activist, author, and critic of U.S. foreign and domestic policies, MIT Professor Emeritus of Linguistics
DONNA DEWITT, President, South Carolina AFL-CIO; Co-Chair, South Carolina Progressive Network; Steering Committee, U.S. Labor Against the War; Administrative Body, National Assembly to End the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and Occupations

ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS: Joel Kovel, Dahlia Wasfi, Leila Zand, Cheri Honkala, Medea Benjamin, Kathy Kelly, Michael Ferner, Kevin Martin, Michael McPhearson, Nada Khader, Larry Holmes, David Swanson, Glen Ford, Blanca Missé, Pam Africa, Cindy Sheehan, Fahima Vorgetts (partial list)
Each person attending the conference will have voice and vote. Attendees will have the opportunity to amend the action proposal submitted by conference co-sponsors, add demands, and submit resolutions for consideration by the conference.
Cosponsoring National Organizations: After Downing Street, Arab American Union Members Council, Bailout the People Movement, Black Agenda Report, Campaign for Peace and Democracy, Campus Antiwar Network, Code Pink, International Action Center, Iraq Veterans Against the War, National Assembly to End the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and Occupations, National Lawyers Guild, Peace Action, Peace of the Action, Progressive Democrats of America, The Fellowship of Reconciliation, U.S. Labor Against the War, Veterans for Peace, Voices for Creative Nonviolence, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, World Can’t Wait.
Get more info and register at www.nationalpeaceconference.org.

Ongoing Events

Many local peace groups hold regular events, vigils, "Honk for Peace" actions, etc.
See our list: www.panys.org/ongoing.htm

Out of State and National Events

All Summmer
NEW MEXICO and other locations.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOMB's DISARMAMENT SUMMER.
Think Outside the Bomb, the largest youth-led anti-nuclear network in the US, is organizing Disarmament Summer near Los Alamos, New Mexico, in partnership with the Tribal Environmental Watch Alliance, TEWA Women United, the Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment, Products of Atzlan youth group, and the Southwest Indigenous Uranium Forum. For further information please check out www.thinkoutsidethebomb.org, call (408) 676-TOTB (8682), or email Rebecca Riley, totbchicago@gmail.com or Lisa Putkey, lisaputkey@gmail.com.

Going out of state? Check UFPJ's national Events Calendar: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php .