Archive for the ‘Peace Fairs’ Category

STOP SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE MILITARY

Monday, March 9th, 2009

The Granny Peace Brigade takes the message to the March 6 Social Change at Fair Hunter College.

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Did you know:
• Since 2002, over 66,000 women in the military have been victims of sexual abuse or rape.
• Incidents of rape and sexual assault in the military increased 73% between 2004 and 2006.
• In one VA center alone, 41% of female vets reported being the targets of sexual abuse while enlisted.
• 29% reported being victims of rape during their tour of duty.

H. Con. Res. 28 introduced by Representative Jane Harman (CA) is the first step in bringing desperately needed changes to the Department of Defense’s policies and procedures in handling cases of rape and sexual assault on women in the military. It calls for the Department Of Defense developing an effective, pro-active strategy for investigating and prosecuting cases of sexual abuse.

Rape and other acts of sexual assault against women in the U.S. Armed Forces have skyrocketed since 2002, including a staggering 73% increase in reported incidents from 2004 to 2006. These assaults are committed by U.S. military personnel, however the Department of Defense has failed to support the victims of this abuse. Investigations into reported instances have been inadequate, and prosecution and punishment almost nonexistent. Don’t stand by, stand up for the victims.

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Grass Roots Action Technical Notes:
We asked the students to call their representatives on the spot. If they didn’t know who their representatives were we helped them find out. We explained that H. CON. RES. 28 is in committee and will not will not come up for a vote any time soon. When calling about recently introduced legislation that has been referred to a committee we ask our representatives to co-sponsor the legislation — unless they already have signed on. In that case we thank them.

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Do you know who your representative is? Find and contact your elected officials via http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/

- Eva-Lee Baird and Fran Sears for the Granny Peace Brigade
Photos: Eva-Lee Baird

Posted in Grass Roots Action, Legislative, Peace Fairs, Teachings | 2 Comments »

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Five Grannies and a fella pitch ‘Opt Out Option’ at East Harlem Teen Fair.

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

August 30:  Educational and career outreach, health information, and support groups for teens and families along with food, music, face painting and fun — City Council Rep, Melissa Mark Viverito sure knows how to throw a party.  Nydia, Judy, one Joan and both Barbaras are joined by our new friend, Kevin, from Brooklyn for Peace.  Our table is set up with stacks of Opt-Out forms, Truth in Recruiting information, information about alternative opportunities to the military and candy — lifesavers and lollipops.  Turns are taken holding down the table as the others fan out to engage the young participants and their parents.

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We weave through the crowd, distributing the forms and starting conversations.  Several other organizations and their representatives are working the room, offering us opportunities for further networking including the Education Advocate from State Senator Jose Serrano’s office, the Executive Director of Peace on the Street, and representatives from the Center for Employment Opportunities, Harlem Drummers, CodePink and AmeriCorp dedicated activists who are all doing important are work with high school students on non-military educational and career options.

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The crowd is lively, responsive and receptive to our message.  One thing is very clear, in the world of  “No Child Left Behind”, all too many parents and kids are not getting the facts about the Opt Out Option.  The vast majority of people we talk to – moms, dads and even their ‘too cool’ teenage offspring – are deeply grateful for the information we give them.

A young video crew from MNN Youth Channel asks to interview us about our work and we are more than pleased to get in front of their cameras.  As soon as we get a broadcast date and time, we’ll let you all know.

To all of you folks who are so generous in your praise of the Granny Peace Brigade, who often ask us, “But what can I do?”, here is a suggestion.

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Go on our website – www.grannypeacebrigade.org – and click on the section about Counter Recruitment.  Read up on what we’ve been doing, take a look at our videos and download and print out some Opt Out forms.  Counter recruiting is something you can do on a spontaneous basis — you don’t need banners, buttons, maps, permits or anything other than a good opening line and a smile.  Grab a friend (like swimmers, counter recruiters should use the Buddy System) stake out a spot near a hub for teenagers and/or their parents — then get busy!  Prepare to be welcomed (sometimes hesitantly) and thanked (often effusively) — and when you’re done, be secure in the knowledge that you have helped build a more peaceful and just world.

Okay, get out there — and keep in touch.  We can learn so much from each other and there is much for us all to do.

Peace,
Barbara Harris & Fran Sears with Barbara Walker, Joan Pleune, Judy Lear, Nydia Leaf, Kevin (a college student working with Brooklyn for Peace)

Posted in Counter Recruitment, Grass Roots Action, Peace Fairs | No Comments »

Granny Peace Brigade at Brooklyn Peace Fair

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

On Saturday, March 26, we share a table with Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) at the bustling Brooklyn Peace Fair. Fran, Phyllis, Bob, Joan P, Bev and Caroline are up in the balcony at the GPB table along with the WILPFers, Jen and Bibienne. Barbara H is below with CodePink.

Peace groups and peaceful people are everywhere in the Schwartz Gym of Long Island U. It’s a really unique gym, with madly rococco walls and balcony betraying its past as a huge movie theater. People move among the many tables, networking and learning.

Raging Grannies at Brooklyn Peace Fair

At a certain point the program begins, and the Raging Grannies including Corinne, Mercy, Lillian P and Betty start a set which is full of smarts and passion. Corinne’s song is dedicated to and about Sean Bell, and very poignant.

We are encouraged to find so many peace and social justice organizations together here in Brooklyn and we quickly sign ourselves up to present a workshop next year.

Phyllis & Fran at the Brooklyn Peace Fair

A member of the Black Veterans for Social Justice tells us that he knows about the GPB and is so glad to see us here. We’re just as glad to see him as we engage in conversation about AFRICOM. All in all, the Brooklyn Peace Fair is a very good experience. We’re exposed to many and our work is made more visible to others. Hopefully, the work for peace has been expanded. We’ll be here next year. Will you join us?

- Phyllis Cunningham & Caroline Chinlund, photos by Caroline Chinlund

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