Chicago, IL, June 2007. George Friday and George Martin at the third annual convention of the United for Peace and Justice Coalition.

It was terrific. Over 300 people from 35 states, representing close to 200 member groups of United for Peace and Justice, gathered in June outside Chicago for the 3rd National Assembly of UFPJ. The energy was high, and the conversation was deep.

Those who came to the Assembly understood the urgency of our common work, as well as the need to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the moment. By the end of the weekend there was agreement on a plan of work for the coming period, as well as a newly elected national steering committee for UFPJ.

The Assembly re-affirmed that the central focus of this coalition is our work to end the war in Iraq and bring all the troops home, now! Here is the plan we agreed to take home to our local communities:

September 14-21: Days of Decision. In September, General Petraeus will deliver his report on the war, and Congress will face a decision on funding another year of war. Republicans and Democrats will consider the future of US operations in Iraq. We, the people, must set the agenda for a change in US policy in Iraq. Therefore, The Declaration of Peace is calling upon people across the United States to take nonviolent action in September to end the US. occupation of Iraq.

September 21, and the third Friday of every month thereafter: Iraq Moratorium Campaign. An escalating, monthly series of actions demanding an end to the war. One day a month, make a break with business as usual: Buy no gas on Moratorium days, hold vigils, pickets, rallies, and teach-ins, host film showings, talks, and educational events, organize teach-ins, school closings, etc.

October 21-23: No War, No Warming. The Iraq war and the threat of climate change are the twin global threats that millions of Americans said they wanted immediate action on after the US. mid-term election. But as Iraq continues to devolve into violence and chaos, and as we hit another year of record warm temperatures, our legislators are failing to respond to the will of the people. We want a safe and healthy planet for years and years to come. Help us plan local and national actions to highlight the connections between the war in Iraq and the global warming crisis, including a mass gathering, with civil disobedience, in Washington DC.

October 27: National Mobilization to End the War in Iraq. Ten massive, regional demonstrations around the US. Details available soon at www.unitedforpeace.org [4].