Are you creating a peace camp?

The following is a message from Lynn Furray, an active at-large member of WILPF in Houston.
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Houston is getting ready for its 7th Peace Camp July 17-21. We know there are other Peace Camps out there and we'd like to get some dialogue and sharing going about childhood education and peace camps. I feel this is a neglected part of our goals.

This year we are having a psychologists, who loves working with children, make a presentation (to the campers) about conflict resolution. We're hoping to pick up on her program using role playing during the week. We have done role playing but not so well planned, What are you doing????

When we began we hoped that others would follow with their own peace camps---but it doesn't seem to be happening in Houston.

For anyone who wants to talk about this, please contact Lynn Furay, lfuray33@sbcglobal.net.

Action Alert: Oppose HR4681 Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act

WILPF believes in the right of all peoples to self-determination. We support the peaceful existence of both Israel and Palestine and work to support our sister sections in those countries. We applaud our sisters in Palestine for participating in a democratic election process.

We acknowledge the difficulty some might have in accepting the Hamas victory in the elections; however, we believe it is necessary and right to continue diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority. The United States government should continue its humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people and should stop promoting diplomatic, financial, and humanitarian isolation of the Palestinian people. While we do not agree with the official Hamas party platform, we believe Hamas politicians are willing to work towards peace with their neighbors. Isolating the Palestinians because of their electoral decisions will hasten the collapse of their shaky economy and increase their desperation.

WCUSP URGES WILPF MEMBERS TO TAKE ACTION: Full and Open Debate Needed on Anti-Palestinian Legislation

April 24, 2006

TAKE ACTION: Call or fax Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and urge him to allow a full and open debate on HR4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006.

Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Phone: 202-225-0600
Fax: 202-226-1996

SAMPLE FAX
Dear Speaker Hastert,

As a member of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), I urge you to allow a full and open debate on HR4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006.

I implore you in the strongest possible terms not to recognize any Representative to offer a motion to suspend the rules on this resolution. HR4681 would impose draconian economic and diplomatic sanctions against the Palestinian people for voting; therefore, full and open debate is needed.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Sincerely,
Your Name
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The entire action alert with background information can be found here.