[Peace-discuss] 2005 UFPJ National Assembly

[Randall Cotton]

AWARE is a member of United for Peace and Justice, the singular nationwide
umbrella organization for peace and justice groups. UFPJ is a coalition of
over 1000 national and grassroots groups and now over 100 international
groups as well. They are conducting a second National Assembly in St. Louis
in the weekend of February 19-21. I attended the first National Assembly in
Chicago in the summer of 2003.

I think it's important to build nationwide and international coordination
between peace and justice groups in as much as possible and practical. A
strong, unified coordination infrastructure can yield a stronger national
and worldwide impact when it really counts. UFPJ, if you recall, organized
the massive February 15th, 2003 New York demonstrations against the war on a
day that saw over 10 million worldwide participate in the largest global
demonstration in history. I have often wondered whether the war could have
been avoided if there was significantly better unified coordination against
the war. If that level of coordination is to come about, the infrastructure
for it needs to be constructed in advance and on an ongoing basis (rather
than in response to events as they occur).

So I urge AWARE to participate by sending two delegates to the National
Assembly on the weekend of February 19-21. The cost will likely be quite
small. This way, we can participate democratically in how UFPJ functions and
what it's goals are. It's also a fascinating experience where you meet lots
of interesting, passionate activists from around the country =8-)

Would anyone be interested in going? I went last time (along with Robert
Dunn). I think different people should go this time.

I'm requesting this be put on the agenda for the next meeting, where I'll
provide updated info on the event's details and answer questions folks have
about UFPJ and the last National Assembly.

R



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Leslie Cagan" <lesliecagan at igc.org>
To: <ufpj at mediajumpstart.net>
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 7:46 PM
Subject: [UFPJ] location set for UFPJ assembly!!


: Update on National Assembly of United for Peace and Justice
:
: We are happy to let you know that after a great deal of work we have
: secured a great site for the National Assembly on the weekend of Feb.
: 19-21...the Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The hotel
: is easy to get to from the airport, and St. Louis is in driving distance
: from many cities. The hotel is across the street from the famous Arch on
: the Mississippi River. I visited the hotel last week and so we know it
: has all of the facilities we will need to help ensure a successful
: assembly, and we have been able to negotiate an excellent price.
:
: As Feb. 19 is about seven weeks away we encourage your group or
: organization to start the process of selecting delegates to represent
: you at the National Assembly. We are still working out financial details
: but have decided that the minimal registration fee for the assembly will
: include accommodations and food for up to two delegates from each UFPJ
: member group (local affiliates or chapters of national organizations
: that are members of UFPJ will only have one delegate). All the details
: will be worked out and emailed to you by the end of this week.
: Registration for the assembly will be available on the United for Peace
: and Justice web site next week. Travel is the responsibility of the
: member groups.
:
: During the National Assembly United for Peace and Justice will decide on
: a strategic framework, as well as specific strategy, program and
: organizing proposals. There will be speakers and small group discussions
: on the war in Iraq, and the State of the U.S. and the Anti-War Movement
: and much more. The coalition will elect a new national Steering
: Committee. Cultural and analytical presenters and some special guests as
: well as a dance party will round out the weekend.
:
: I also want to introduce the coordinator of the National Assembly, Diane
: Lent. Diane has been a volunteer with UFPJ and has worked on many of the
: mobilizations in New York. She has a long history in the peace and
: justice movement and has coordinated similar gatherings for progressive
: organizations.
:
: We'll let you know as soon as the assembly registration is set up on the
: web site and in the coming weeks you will be getting a lot more
: information about the assembly. In the meantime, if you have any
: questions please feel free to contact Diane either by phone at the
: national office (212-868-5545) or by email (greenelent at earthlink.net).
:
: peace,
:
: Leslie Cagan
: National Coordinator
:
:


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