 March 2002
American Friends Service Committee Peacework Magazine Patrica Watson, Editor Sara Burke, Assistant Editor Pat Farren, Founding Editor 2161 Massachusetts Ave. Telephone number: Fax number:
pwork@igc.org Peacework has been published monthly since 1972, intended to serve as a source of dependable information to those who strive for peace and justice and are committed to furthering the nonviolent social change necessary to achieve them. Rooted in Quaker values and informed by AFSC experience and initiatives, Peacework offers a forum for organizers, fostering coalition-building and teaching the methods and strategies that work in the global and local community. Peacework seeks to serve as an incubator for social transformation, introducing a younger generation to a deeper analysis of problems and issues, reminding and re-inspiring long-term activists, encouraging the generations to listen to each other, and creating space for the voices of the disenfranchised. Views expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily of the AFSC. |
September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows Family members of people killed on September 11 gathered in New York on February 14 to announce the founding of a new organization, September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows. They plan to work together to promote effective, nonviolent ways to counter terrorism and to advocate for an open discussion about peaceful and just responses. "We chose Valentine's Day to launch Peaceful Tomorrows because our families have been comforted by the love, compassion, and sympathy of people all over the world," said Colleen Kelly who lost her brother William Kelly Jr. at the World Trade Center. "It is this spirit of healing and understanding that we want to bring to the world in memory of our lost loved ones."
"We believe that the American people have been denied a dialogue on appropriate responses to the events of September 11," said David Potorti, East Coast Co-Director of Peaceful Tomorrows, who lost his brother at the World Trade Center. "Our single-minded rush to war has been made without thoughtful consideration of long-term consequences for our safety, security, and freedom. We will use our voices to promote a discussion about better solutions, ones based on justice, not vengeance." One of the first projects the group is undertaking is the Afghan Sister Families Campaign to help families in Afghanistan suffering from the effects of the US military campaign. Kelly Campbell, sister-in-law of Craig Amundson who died in the Pentagon, and West coast co-director of the group, was one of those who made the trip to Afghanistan: "We met many Afghan families who lost loved ones due to the US bombing because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, just like our loved ones were on September 11. These families are suffering just as we are yet many of them are also struggling to feed their children, let alone rebuild their homes. Helping these innocent victims of our government's action is simply the right thing to do." The group is asking the US government to conduct a study of civilian casualties in Afghanistan, and to provide compensation to affected families. "We are delivering a valentine to President Bush today, asking him to help us set up a fund for the innocent Afghan victims," said Phyllis Rodriguez, who lost her son Greg Rodriguez at the World Trade Center. "By helping others who are suffering from the effects of violence and war, we honor the memory of our lost loved ones in a positive way." Peaceful Tomorrows members will speak at public events, join with like-minded organizations working for peace and justice, and endorse policies to promote peace and understanding throughout the world. The group invites other families and friends of those lost on September 11 and supporters of their message to join Peaceful Tomorrows. To learn more, visit on the web at www.peacefultomorrows.org
Contact: Kelly Campbell, 415-518-1991 (cell) or Rita Lasar, 212-253-7651
Previous Article Next Article 
|
|
|