A Conversation
 on
Our 3rd Conversation Leads to Action Plan
Monday, October 15th, 2001 |
About 35 people gathered to talk about non-violent responses to the violence of the terrorist attack of Sept. 11. The group spent most of the evening in small groups discussing how to proceed. The task of the small groups was to talk about methods, ways to implement non-violent responses to the violence of Sept 11. The group created the following ideas. These areas will be topic of discussion for the next gathering on Monday Oct. 29, 7:00 PM in Hospitality Hall. At the Oct. 29 gathering participants will be asked to choose one of the 5 areas listed below. People in each of these areas will then work to create a way to implement that particular area. Again, everyone is welcome, new comers as well as those who have participated in the other gatherings.
Education:
- Create a curriculum that addresses consciousness raising about this issue that could be used as a tool for small groups, and post it on the web.
- Create a simple message that explains how a non-violent approach is practical.
- Create an educational campaign on non-violence, and non-violent strategies.
- Make informational materials available for groups to discuss, especially the Small Christian Communities.
- Create a new peace language, using new words new images.
- One-on-one talking about peace and non-violence.
Political Influence:
- Communicate with elected officials, perhaps a large letter writing campaign.
- Meet with Congress people, as individuals and/or as a community.
- Invite Congress people to St. Joan of Arc.
- Communicate with the media, especially television stations.
- Hire a lobbyist.
- Publish addresses and phone numbers of congress people, make available on the website.
Direct Actions:
- Create ways to pursue non-violent strategies.
- Support Barbara Lee - the only person in Congress to vote against the war on terrorism.
- Peace Conference at SJA, April 19 & 20, 2001.
- Peace march.
- Billboard on peace.
- Hunger strike.
Networking:
- Work with other churches, using an ecumenical approach, perhaps Council of Churches.
- Connect with other peace groups and organizations locally.
- Connect with Middle Easterners and Muslims in the Metro area.
Arts:
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| Peter Eichten is SJA's Parish Administrator and an organizer of the Conversations on Peace. |
- Create a concrete peace symbol.
- Involve the arts in creating a way to put forth ideas and thoughts on non-violence.
- Meditation.
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