NEW YORK PEACE NETWORK. 
		Peace Action of New York State. 
		 PEACE DEMANDS ACTION - one email, one action, five minutes a week for peace
Alert #214     View message online: http://www.panys.org/alerts/214.htm
June 30, 2009

Dear Peace Activists,

Young activists: Now is the time to sign up for the next Think Outside the Bomb National Conference taking place in Albuquerque, New Mexico this August 13-16!

For five years Think Outside the Bomb has been organizing for nuclear abolition, the implementation of sustainable energy and the demilitarization of society. TOTB conferences are uniquely organized almost entirely by youth and have proven to be life changing experiences for participants. The conference educates, organizes, and empowers a new generation of community and campus leaders for working toward a nuclear-free world. The annual conferences have created a national network of individuals and organizations that communicate, interact, and support each other.

TOTB effectively educates young activists on how to work for change through political activism. More than simply educating students on nuclear issues, TOTB aims to engage every single participant intellectually, emotionally and personally. By providing the attendees with the proper tools and resources, TOTB has created a generation of young adults who will not accept nuclear proliferation; they will not be quiet until their demands for nuclear abolition are met.

Here’s the best part: no matter what your financial situation, Think Outside the Bomb is really affordable. (Maybe even free!) If finances are an issue, just ask for one of the travel stipends when you apply for the conference. If they can’t help you, call Peace Action New York State at 646-723-1749 and we can probably make funding available. Once in Albuquerque, room and board will be provided for all participants. We know that youth and students often cannot afford the travel expenses for such conference; but you are our most important asset. Young people have been the peace movement’s strongest and most innovative voices and you deserve the opportunity to grow as activists.

TOTB attendees will learn how to advocate for effective policy changes and will be better suited to help organize successful lobbying campaigns. When they come back, they will pass on their knowledge and insight to the rest of us.

In peace,

Laura Friedman, Intern
Peace Action Fund of New York State
info@panys.org
646-723-1749

Featured Events
Monday, July 13, 6:30 p.m.
MIDTOWN WEST, NYC.
Cupcake Café, 545 9th Avenue, between 40th and 41st Streets
FAHMIDAN/UNDERSTANDING
SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL ON IRAN.

“CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS:
IRANIANS IN THE USA”
“Fahmidan” or “understanding” in Farsi is a four week film festival on life in Iran and images of Iranian culture and conflict. “Caught Between Two Worlds: Iranians in the USA” is Persheng Sadegh-Vaziri and Simin Farkondeh’s documentary about the complexities of the Iranian experience in the US for those who have made the US their home. Ms. Sadegh-Vaziri will discuss the film and answer questions after the screening.

Saturday, July 4th, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
HONOYE.
Main Street.
FINAL VIGIL OF HONEOYE’S
CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR PEACE.
After six and a half years of vigiling every week, putting up with cold, rain, snow, and the hostility of pro-war community members, the members of Honeoye Concerned Citizens for Peace have decided to end their vigil. Let’s send it out with strong final event. All are welcome. Signs are provided. To contact Concerned Citizens for Peace, please call 585-229-4963.
New York Metro Area and Long Island Events
 
Tuesday, June 30.
6:15 p.m.: Welcoming Remarks and Discussion.
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.
NEW YORK CITY.
Baruch College, Newman Conference Center, 151 E 25th Street, 7th floor
WHO GETS A VOICE? IMMIGRANTS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Hosted by the World Policy Institute and Demos. The promise of American democracy is that all members of our society should have a voice in the decisions that govern their lives. Yet today, record immigration has created a population where nearly 20 million adults in the United States cannot vote. More than half of this group - or an estimated 12 million people - do not even have legal authorization to live and work in the United States. Beyond this, immigrants often stand apart from the communities in which they live and experience social exclusion. Join us for a discussion with panelists Maria Teresa Petersen of Voto Latino, Tamar Jacoby of Immigration Works USA, Gara Lamarche of Atlantic Philanthropies and Hiroshi Motomura of UCLA. Moderated by Michele Wucker of the World Policy Institute. Opening remarks by Miles Rapoport , President of Demos. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. RSVP to events@worldpolicy.org or call the events line at 212-481-5005x2.
Monday, July 13, 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
MIDTOWN CENTER.
New York Hilton Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas
COLLECT SIGNATURES FOR THE CASE OF MUMIA ABU-JAMAL
The campaign for a Civil Rights Investigation in the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal is actively collecting signatures for a letter to Attorney General Holder. (Holder will be there at the earlier time and a number of other dignitaries will be attending in the evening.)
Tuesday, July 14, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
GREENWICH VILLAGE.
Brecht Forum, 451 West Street (between Bank & Bethune Sts, near 11th St.)
CODE PINK REPORT BACK FROM GAZA AND THE WEST BANK.
Hear eye-witness accounts from members of delegations trying to break through the blockade of Gaza - some successfully and some not. Hear first hand their experiences challenging the Egyptian and Israeli governments and their experiences working with Israeli and Palestinan peace activists. Hear what is going on in Gaza and the West Bank and how Palestinians are fighting to survive.
Invited speakers:
Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK Women for Peace;
Felice Gelman, leader of New York delegation to Gaza, member WESPAC;
Phillip Weiss, journalist, MONDO WEISS blog;
Manijeh Saba, Iranian-American human rights activist, member of delegation to Israel/Gaza.
Sponsors: Adalah-NY, CODEPINK NYC, Committee for Open Discussion of Zionism, Jews Against the Occupation, Jews Say No!, Women in Black.
Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19
DOWNTOWN.
National Association of Social Workers, NYC Chapter. 10th floor, 50 Broadway (between Exhachange Pl. and Morris St.)
UNDOING RACISM WORKSHOP.
Cost is $350, which includes tuition and a light breakfast. 50% student scholarships are available. (If you have participated in an Undoing Racism workshop in the past, you can “brush up” free of charge if space is available.) To register, see www.antiracistalliance.com. For more information call Sandy Bernabei 914-522-5997. Participants are required to attend the entire workshop. To organize a workshop for your own group, contact People’s Institute Northeast at 718-918-2716.
Monday, July 27, 6:30 p.m.
MIDTOWN WEST.
Cupcake Café, 545 9th Avenue, between 40th and 41st Streets
FAHMIDAN/UNDERSTANDING – SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL ON IRAN. SCREENING: “RICK STEVE’S IRAN”
“Fahmidan” or “understanding” in Farsi is a four week film festival on life in Iran and images of Iranian culture and conflict. “Rick Steve’s Iran” follows Rick Steve as he explores the most surprising and fascinating land he’s ever visited: Iran. Discover historic monuments of Iran and experience Iranian life today in its historic capital and countryside villages. Guest speakers will include local New Yorkers who have traveled to Iran.
Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
GREENWICH VILLAGE.
Judson Memorial Church, 239 Thompson Street*
ISRAEL-PALESTINE: PRACTICAL STEPS TO PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Join Peace Action New York State in an unbiased discussion of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speakers will address non-violent resolutions, challenge our personal biases, and promote diplomatic relations. With David Wildman, Executive Secretary, Human Rights & Racial Justice, General Board of Ministries, United Methodist Church.
$10 suggested donation, no one will be turned away. *By subway from the 8th street/NYU R and W stop, the West 4th street A, C, E, F, and V stop or the Christopher Street/Sheridan Square 1 and 2 stop. For more information, call Laura at 646-723-1749.
Monday, August 3, 6:30 p.m.
MIDTOWN WEST.
Cupcake Café, 545 9th Avenue, between 40th and 41st Streets
FAHMIDAN/UNDERSTANDING – SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL ON IRAN. SCREENING: “THE CIRCLE”
“Fahmidan” or “understanding” in Farsi is a four week film festival on life in Iran and images of Iranian culture and conflict. “The Circle” connects the lives of three separate women trying to survive under a fundamentalist Iranian regime.
Thursday, August 6, 12 noon
CENTRAL PARK NORTH.
Central Park's Harlem Meer, 110th street near Lenox Ave, Manhattan, NY
PAPER CRANE MAKING AND LAUNCHING CEREMONY
Peace Action of New York State is hosting a two-part festival to commemorate the lives lost at Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the nuclear atrocities of 1945. In the first part of our festival, work with camp students on paper crane making. Personalize your cranes with messages for peace and the float them on the serene Harlem Meer in a ceremony with live musical performances.
Thursday, August 12, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location TBD
SPECIAL THEATRICAL READING OF CHIORI MIYAGAWA’S
“I HAVE BEEN TO HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR”
Peace Action of New York State is hosting a two-part festival to commemorate the lives lost at Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the nuclear atrocities of 1945. In the second part of our festival we will host a live reading of Chiori Miyagawa's renowned play I Have Been to Hiroshima Mon Amour, in which a French actress has a 24-hour affair with a Japanese architect.  Remember Hiroshima by watching three actors in their rendition of this extremely moving piece directed by Jean Wagner. For more information on I Have Been to Hiroshima Mon Amour, please visit www.hiroshimaproject.org.
I Have Been to Hiroshima Mon Amour
was produced by Voice&Vision and Crossing Jamaica Avenue and premiered at Ohio Theater in May 2009, directed by Jean Wagner.
Upstate Events
Sunday, July 12, 1:00 lunch, 1:30 meeting
GENESEO.
Omega Restaurant, 4182 Lakeville Road (Rt. 20A)
GENESEE VALLEY CITIZENS FOR PEACE MONTHLY MEETING.
All are welcome.
Thursday, July 9, 7:00 – 8:46 p.m.
DELMAR.
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue
IRAQ WAR VETERAN AND CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR JOSH STEIBER WILL SPEAK
A first-hand testimony can be heard from 21 year old, Iraq veteran Josh Stieber. Steiber was deployed to Baghdad as part of the Surge from Feb 07 to Apr 09. He spent the majority of his deployment living outside of larger military installations, working with his infantry company in converted warehouses and police stations. Spending time as a humvee driver, machine gunner, detainee guard, radio transmission operator, and a little bit of everything in between, Steiber has a broad range of firsthand experiences within the Army and of daily Iraqi life. Upon return from his deployment,  Steiber's experiences lead him to apply as a conscientious objector. Nearly a year of investigation into the sincerity of his claim was conducted until he was unanimously approved by the Department of the Army Conscientious Objection Review Board. He spent the meantime studying and preparing his cross-country trip where he hopes to share his experiences while learning about alternatives to military involvement. “Once I got out Iraq I got frustrated on a moral and a practical level by what I saw being done to the Iraqis,” said Stieber. “I thought the war was wrong and that we created more problems than we solved by fighting there.”  His cross-country hike, which he calls the Contagious Love Experiment, is inspired by his love of the writings of Mohandas Gandhi and Jack Kerouac. More Information:   518-439-1968.
Friday, July 10, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
NYACK.
Fellowship of Reconciliation, 521 North Broadway, Nyack
SCREENING OF “FLOW”
“Flow” is the next film in the Phil Greenspan film series. Irena Salina's award-winning documentary is an investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis.  You can see a trailer and reviews of the film at www.flowthefilm.com/.  After the screening, we will have a discussion, including updates on the desalinization project being promoted for Rockland County.  A panel, including Connie Coker, Chair of the Environmental Committee of the Rockland County Legislature, Laurie Seeman an artist and long-time water activist and Rachel Richardson, an activist with Food and Water Watch, will participate in the discussion. For more information, call 845-358-4601 ext. 32  
Saturday, July 25, 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
GENESEO.
Geneseo bus garage, Rt. 20 (South St.) just east of the intersection of Main and South Streets.
GIVE FREE BUMPER STICKERS TO PASSING MOTORISTS.
To sign-up for a two hour shift, please call 585-624-3673.
Wednesday, August 5, 7:30 p.m.
AVON.
Avon Traffic Circle, Routes 5 and 20.
ANNUAL HIROSHIMA/NAGASAKI CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Sponsored by Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace.
August 15-16, 2009
WOODSTOCK.
WOODSTOCK PEACE ECONOMY FORUM
A weekend of information, discussion, arts and strategy for a peace economy.

Several local organizations, including the Dutchess Peace Coalition, are working on this conference. The focus will be on weapons manufactures and their role in lobbying for war, polluting the environment, and taking resources away from more productive enterprises. It is an ambitious project, targeted for the anniversary of the Woodstock Festival. Take a look at: http://www.woodstockpeaceeconomy.org/
Ongoing Local Events
Many local peace groups hold regular events, vigils, "Honk for Peace" actions, etc. 
See our list: www.panys.org/ongoing.htm

Out of State & Nationwide Events
July 10 - 12
PITTSBURGH, PA.
La Roche College
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO END THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS AND OCCUPATIONS NATIONAL MEETING
The purpose of this conference is to bring together antiwar and social justice activists from across the country to discuss and decide what we can do together to end the wars, occupations, bombing attacks, threats and interventions that are taking place in the Middle East and beyond, which the U.S. government is conducting and promoting. This will be the National Assembly's second conference. The first was held in Cleveland last June and it was attended by over 400 people, including top leaders of the antiwar movement and activists from many states. After discussion and debate, attendees voted - on the basis of one person, one vote - to urge the movement to join together for united spring actions. The National Assembly endorsed and helped build the March actions in Washington D.C., San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the April actions in New York City. For more information, please visit the National Assembly's website at www.natassembly.org, email us at natassembly@aol.com, or call 216-736-4704.
July 30 to August 11
JAPAN.

SUMMER STUDY ABROAD IN HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI
Sponsored by The Nuclear Studies Institute of American University. Live and study with Japanese and other Asian students, professors, peace activists, and policy experts. Meet with atomic bomb survivors and hear moving firsthand accounts of their experiences. Learn about Japanese aggression against other Asian peoples. Participate in a broad range of commemorative events in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Visit peace museums and relevant cultural and historical sites in Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, including the Kyoto Museum for World Peace, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation, and peace parks in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Earn three history or SIS credits (graduate or undergraduate), or participate as a non-degree seeking student. Click for PDF flier. For more information, go to www.american.edu/nsi, or contact Professor Peter Kuznick: kuznick@american.edu or 202-885-2408.
August 13-16
ALBUQUERQUE, NM.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOMB NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Inspired by the need to organize an effective movement for nuclear abolition, the implementation of sustainable and non-toxic energy production, and the demilitarization of society, we are working to educate, organize, and empower a new generation of community and campus leaders working toward a nuclear-free world. Think Outside the Bomb is a national network comprised of individuals and organizations that communicate, interact, and support each other, collecting and disseminating resources and information through the internet and our national and regional conferences. We are organizing to bring about real structural change in society, and we invite you to join us! www.thinkoutsidethebomb.org/2009/.
Going out of state? Check UFPJ's national Events Calendar:
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php.