"We believe this experience of collective action against the COVID-19 threat can inspire new cooperation to address many other global challenges, including climate change and resultant large-scale disasters, growing wealth inequalities, and the threats from the use of nuclear weapons--threats worsened by the immoral doctrine of nuclear deterrence and the ongoing nuclear arms race."
Mayors for Peace, upon postponement of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference due to COVID-19
Gathering of UFPJ Members Features Work of Six Groups
The September 12 UFPJ member group gathering via Zoom featured presentations by six UFPJ member groups about their current work, and also an appearance by Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis, Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival. For a video recording of the gathering and links to additional resources, CLICK HERE
Our gathering demonstrated once again that UFPJ member groups speak with a diversity of voices and work on a diversity of issues, but we are united in our vision and determination that justice is the only path to peace. We urgently need all UFPJ member organizations to support UFPJ so that we can keep our national organizer, George Friday employed!
19 Years After 9/11: A Legacy of Illegal Actions and No Justice Forthcoming
Whoever is elected president on November 3 will occupy the White House on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Four reports from a coalition of peace, human rights, and civil liberties organizations catalogue the devastating legacy of the "War on Terror" the U.S. launched in response to the 9/11 attacks by the U.S. government -- the violations of the rule of law and international human rights standards that have made true justice impossible while causing great harm to people at home and abroad. READ MORE
Voting is Power Unleashed: An Update from the Poor People's Campaign
Join a Movement that does M.O.R.E. -- Mobilizing, Organizing, Registering and Educating People to Vote! On September 14th, 2020, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, brought together religious leaders, politicians, social justice activists, actors, and musicians for a National Moral Monday Mass Meeting and Teach-In. Millions of people watched and acquired tools on voter empowerment, engagement, registration, and protection. Watch here. Click here to get those powerful tools, and help spread the word about the importance of voting in the upcoming elections. READ MORE
"We Are Many" North American Film Premiere Extended Virtual Run!
On September 21, The UN International Day for Peace, United for Peace & Justice was pleased to co-host the gala North American premiere of "We Are Many," an inspiring film that documents how 30 million people in 800 cities throughout the world came together on February 15, 2003 to protest against the Iraq War, while also showing how this sparked other historic events. Now we're excited to report that the film team has decided to launch a virtual 8-week run of the film, starting on October 1. Read more and find out how to buy tickets that benefit UFPJ.
#WeThePeoples2020: Our United Nations for Peace, Disarmament, the Climate and COVID-19 recovery
United for Peace & Justice joined #WeThePeoples2020, an international coalition of civil society organizations to promote United Nations and UN-focused events from the International Day of Peace (Sept. 21) through the International Day for Nonviolence (Oct. 2). On September 21, UFPJ co-hosted the North American premiere of "We Are Many," an inspiring film about the worldwide February 15, 2003 protests of the Iraq War. On September 26, the UN International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, UFPJ took part in a 10-hour Nuclear-Weapon-Free World global civil society event. READ MORE Local activists took to the streets in Massachusetts to support the call for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Watch a video here.
A Plowshares Eight 40th Anniversary Virtual Gathering
Forty years ago, the first of what are now more than 100 Plowshares actions was taken at the GE plant in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, when eight people hammered Mark 12A missile nose cones, pouring their own blood over the missiles in opposition to nuclear weapons. On September 9, participants in that action and others that followed gathered virtually for a reunion. Liz McAlister, of Kings Bay Plowshares, said there is an "absolute need for continued public direct action; we have to find ways to end our dependence on weapons of mass destruction." For some inspiring reflections on the Plowshares actions, READ MORE
Keep Space for Peace Week: October 3 €“ 10, 2020
The Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space has designated October 3 - 10, 2020 "Keep Space for Peace Week," an international week of protest to defund space forces and stop to the militarization of space. Let's work together to preserve the heavens as a peaceful domain. READ MORE
Letter to the Biden and Trump campaigns calling for a real Good Neighbor policy for Latin America and the Caribbean
100 organizations, including UFPJ, signed a letter urging the presidential candidates to end the Monroe Doctrine and to establish a foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere based on the principles of non-intervention, non-interference, and mutual respect. For more on the letter and to add your name, READ MORE
Golden Rule Challenges Huge Naval War Exercise in Hawai'i!
In 1958, the sailboat Golden Rule set sail to stop atmospheric nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific. In 2014 the Golden Rule, restored by Veterans For Peace, went to sea once more to educate the public about the dangers of nuclear weapons and war. Check out the project's web site and newsletter for reports on its voyages, including its recent action challenging the RIMPAC naval exercises in Hawaii.
A discussion with CODEPINK Co-Founder Jodie Evans and the Qiao Collective about why #ChinaisNotOurEnemy
Explore the ways in which we can approach the anti-China rhetoric, disarm it, and take the offensive for peace For more information and to watch a recording of this webinar, READ MORE
How did your representative vote on legislation to cut the Pentagon budget?
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Now is the time to take action to hold our representatives accountable
for approving a $740 billion Pentagon budget during the middle of a
pandemic Do you know how your Congressperson voted? Find out, and hold your representative accountable! READ MORE
Kevin Zeese, ¡Presente!
UFPJ joins the U.S. and international peace and justice community in mourning the death of the anti-imperialist, anti-war activist, Kevin Zeese. His lifetime of committed activism, fighting oppression wherever he found it, and supporting grassroots power must inspire us all. READ MORE
The Power of the Pen
UFPJ regularly signs onto letters dealing with a broad range of important peace and justice issues. In addition to the letter calling for a Good Neighbor policy for Latin America and the Caribbean, in August UFPJ endorsed the Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative and CPT (Christian Peacemaker Teams)-Iraq's appeal to the President and Prime Minister of Iraq to initiate diplomatic efforts to end the Turkish bombing of northern Iraq that is taking innocent civilians lives, destroying their villages and livelihoods.
UFPJ is a diverse network of peace and justice organizations. If your organization is interested in joining UFPJ, please read our Unity Statement, and if it is consistent with your principles click here to join.
Please donate to help us continue sending out "UFPJ Currents" to our members and supporters. And THANK YOU for all your work for peace and justice!
