Grassroots Peace Actions Guide

Grassroots Peace 

Actions: 

A Guide for Engaging 

Communities

"Don't say it can't be done."

--Pete Seeger, “Take it from Dr. King"

"Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures."

--John F. Kennedy, Speech to United Nations, Sept. 20, 1963

Here are some suggestions for extending networks of peace actions based on work done in Bergen County, NJ and elsewhere:

1. Costs of War exhibit/posters/flyers

For example: http://janbarryphotojournal.shutterfly.com/pictures/143

2. Combat Paper/Warrior Writers workshops/events

Further information: http://www.warriorwriters.org/ and http://www.combatpaper.org/

3. Film showings/guest speakers with panel discussions

i.e: http://vetsforpeace21.blogspot.com/2011/06/poster-girl-showing-draws-crowd.html

4. Billboards with peace messages

5. Peace vigils, demonstrations and related activities

For example: http://www.mfsobergencounty.org/Local_Events.html

6. Letters to editors in local newspapers

7. Meetings with members of Congress

8. “Peace Is Patriotic” contingents in Memorial Day/ July 4th/ Labor Day/ Veterans Day/ Martin Luther King Jr. Day parades

9. Poetry/music events by war veterans, families and peace supporters

10. Resolutions to bring troops and military funding home from Afghanistan and Iraq – by municipal councils, county and state legislatures

11. Networking with community/social justice groups

12. Guest speakers in school and college classes

13. Information tables/booths at festivals and other events

14. Facebook page/website/blog on local actions for peace

Compiled by:

Military Families Speak Out, Bergen County

www.mfsobergencounty.org

Veterans For Peace, Chapter 21 NJ

vetsforpeace21.blogspot.com