2012 Peace and Global Security Workshops
Together we will explore ways that we can organize in our communities to address federal budget priorities and issues related to peace and global security. Topics will include the costs of war and the U.S. military, both budgetary and moral; foreign assistance, military aid versus development aid; Just Peacemaking, economic opportunity and economic justice; detainee treatment in a war with no end in sight, including indefinite detention and torture; and ending the war in Afghanistan responsibly and development assistance.
Workshop Coordinator: T.C. Morrow, National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Session I – Saturday, March 24, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Windows and Mirrors
The war in Afghanistan is now the longest in U.S. history, yet for many it has been rendered largely invisible. Windows and Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan, is an exhibit of forty-five panels created by international artists and US students to help people imagine the experience of Afghan civilians – from death and destruction to hopes for peace. Come and learn more about this exhibit and hear from policy experts on legislative updates and advocacy opportunities.
Speakers: Peter Lems, American Friends Service Committee; Matt Southworth, Friends Committee on National Legislation; and
David Cortright (invited), Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.
Human
Human Rights in an Era of Economic Uncertainty: Organizing During a Recession
Join the National Religious Campaign Against Torture for an interactive strategy session to discuss the challenges of organizing people of faith to respond to various human rights challenges during a time when our political system is focused on economic questions. Small groups will identify ways for individuals to help end indefinite detention, close Guantanamo,
and ensure that the all interrogations follow the “golden rule” principle, among other issues.
Facilitator: National Religious Campaign Against Torture staff.
Session II – Saturday, March 24, 2:15 – 3:45 pm
The Cost of War
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a tremendous economic and moral toll on the U.S., and particularly its soldiers. Come and hear from policy experts on the impact of war on our economy as well as the moral cost born by our soldiers faced with issues of conscience and moral injury.
Speakers: Jo Comerford, New Priorities Project; Kathy Crandall
Robinson, WAND (Women’s Actions for New Directions); Maria Santelli, Center on Conscience and War
Session III – Sunday, March 25, 11:00 am – 12:30
Just Peace
What is the importance of working for Just Peace today? What are churches doing? Come and join a discussion with ecumenical leaders on the continuing work on Just Peace and the importance for churches to become Just Peace churches today.
Speakers: Susan Hayward, U.S. Institute of Peace; Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren; and a representative of JustFaith Ministries.
Iran
Co-sponsored with Middle East Workshops
Come learn about current U.S. policy toward Iran and how it is impacted by the upcoming U.S. election. Discussion will include how to deal peaceably and effectively with Iran and the need for sustained and flexible diplomacy.
Speaker: Trita Parsi, National Iranian American Council; Stephen Miles, Win Without War; Jim Winkler, United Methodist General Board of Church and Society