Monday, June 25, 2018

MWLS Supports the Immigrant Community

Elizabeth Soule<bsoule@mwlegal.org>
To   
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Dear Alfred,

Several recent actions of the current Administration in Washington have caused great harm to immigrant families and children. From separating children from their parents to making it virtually impossible for victims of domestic abuse or gang violence to receive asylum on those grounds, these actions are cruel and inhumane and do not represent the morals and values of the United States.

These actions continue to increase the level of fear in the immigrant community. At MWLS we have received many calls from immigrant victims of abuse asking what the latest action of the Attorney General means for their asylum cases. We also know that children separated from their parents have already been moved off the border, and we fully expect some of those children will make their way up to Massachusetts. We have already begun preparing for this influx of now unaccompanied minors who will need our legal help.

MWLS embraces the immigrant community and is dedicated to providing quality legal assistance to those in the greatest need. MWLS is committed to providing this assistance in a welcoming and safe way. I think we can all support the fundamental tenets of due process, access to justice and a right to be treated humanely. MWLS will do all we can to advance these basic principles. 
 
How can you help?
 
There are several ways you can help these families:
  1. Support your local legal services office! The children separated from their parents at the border are going to be moved throughout the country. The local legal aid offices will be the ones on the ground providing legal services and they need your support. You can donate to MWLS by clicking here. To find your local legal services office click here.
  2. Contact your Senator and ask them to support Senate Bill 3036, The Keep Families Together Act. Simply call 202-224-3121 and the switchboard will connect you with your Senator’s office.
  3. Help Baby2Baby! Click here for the Target Registry to send essentials like diapers and wipes for immigrant children.
Thank you for your support of our work during this time of great uncertainty.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth A. Soulé, Esq.
Executive Director
 
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VFPeNews: Korea, Muslim Ban, Poor People's Campaign Veterans For Peace

Veterans For Peace<vfp@veteransforpeace.org>
To  If you'd like to view this email in a Web browser, please click here.

VFP Welcomes the Joint Statement from the US-DPRK Summit

As a peace organization of mostly U.S. veterans that have advocated for an official end to the Korean War for a long time, we are very pleased to see the positive developments for peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula this year. We are proud of the fact that, from last November, we have worked very hard, along with other U.S. peace groups, in drafting and promoting the People's Peace Treaty with North Korea, which is an open declaration of concerned American people for peace with the North Korean people. It is quite encouraging to see more than 30,000 American people have signed this online treaty so far. This clearly shows that not only Korean people but also American people want to end the Korean War now with a peace treaty.
While we pause to celebrate the Joint Statement from the Singapore summit, we know we have much more work to do in the coming months and years. We will keep our eyes on the prize, remain vigilant, and rise above partisan politics. We also urge our members and American people to call upon our government officials to take the next bold step to negotiate and sign a peace treaty to end the Korean War—the longest U.S. war—officially, as we observe the 65th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement this July.

Open Letter to Amnesty International by a Former Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience

Camilo E. Mejia, a former Amnesty International prisoner of conscience (June 2004), on account of his refusal to return to the Iraq war on conscientious objection grounds, wrote an open letter to Amnesty International in condemnation of the destabilizing role they have played in Nicaragua.

Poor People's Campaign: #40DaysofAction

This week many members of VFP will head to D.C. for the final week of actions of the 40 Days of Action with the Poor People's Campaign!
VFP Flyers for Poor People's Actions
Also are you planning on traveling to D.C. for the June 23rd mobilization?  We want to hear from you!  Please fill out this form.
ICYMI: Check out our Video of VFP Chapters participating across the country!

VFP President Gerry Condon Speaks at Poor People’s Campaign action

Veterans For Peace Board President, Gerry Condon’s spoke at the Poor People’s Campaign actionat the California State Capitol, Sacramento, June 18, 2018.
The PPC "served" the Assembly with our demands (for redress).  During the reading of the demands, the chair called for a recess.  The Assembly filed out and security started clearing the gallery.  Those who were "moral witnesses" stayed and were detained, Gerry Condon among them.
"Poor and working class people are pushed into the military by the lack of decent civilian jobs, the lack of access to higher education and job training. So it is the poor in this country who are forced to fight and die for the 1%, the billionaire class who profit from war and global exploitation. 
Too many of our hard-earned tax dollars are going to war and weapons of mass destruction. Instead of pursuing global nuclear disarmament, the U.S. is building a new generation of nuclear bombs."

Executive Director Michael McPhearson Testifies about Right to Boycott

VFP Executive Director Michael McPhearson testified at the Presbyterian Church General Assembly in St. Louis.  The Presbyterian GA are heard resolutions on Palestinian rights, affirming our right to boycott, calling for churches to recognize Israel as a colonial apartheid state, and more.
"My name is Michael McPhearson. I am a veteran and anti-war activist, and I urge you to vote in favor of this overture to help protect our right to boycott for Palestinian rights.
Americans have effectively used boycotts as a nonviolent tactic for change from the American Revolution to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Boycotts are constitutionally-protected free speech, as well as a basic right to decide how to spend your own money. Those rights are being threatened in an attempt to make an exception for Israel."

VFP Seattle: "Abolish Nuclear Weapons"

Veterans For Peace joined activists from Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action as they kicked off their campaign against nuclear weapons by holding banners during the morning rush hour.
The two banners read “ABOLISH NUCLEAR WEAPONS” and “RESIST TRIDENT—NO NEW NUKES.”

¡Presente!: Enrique Salas

The Baja Chapter's Communications Director USN Deported Veteran Alex Murill writes in memory of fellow veteran, Enrique Salas and other fallen deported veterans.
"At the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, a ceremony was held by Unified U.S. Deported Veterans and Veterans for Peace in Playas de Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. This service was to honor the life of Cpl. Enrique Salas USMC and also to remember the other deported veterans that have died in exile awaiting to return home to the U.S."

Request Peace is Patriotic Tabling Materials

July is coming soon and as we are all aware, public attention during this month is focused Patriotism and Freedom with an undeniable “Support our Troops” message. While we may not agree with the theme, this month brings an opportunity for us to educate our neighbors on exactly how “Peace is Patriotic.”
With many public gatherings, parades, and community events, this month also brings an opportunity to educate and participate / table at local events.
Please fill out this form to request tabling materials.

Hungering for Nuclear Disarmament - Kathy Kelly

"During vigils at the Naval Base, in front of the detention center and at the District Court House, we hold banners, one of which says “Disarm Trident, Love One Another. Steve Baggarly, one of the fasters, carries copies of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, negotiated in July 2017, by 122 nations. 
“Most of the world is tired of being held hostage by omnicidal weapons and wants nuclear disarmament,” said Steve. “The U.S. and the 8 other nuclear powers who boycotted the Treaty negotiations are the outliers.” Baggarly added that, “Our true national security lies in achieving the long overdue objective of nuclear disarmament.”
Read the whole article and click here for the latest legal updates!
In This Issue:

VFP Convention: August 22-26th

Veterans For Peace is looking forward to seeing YOU at our 33rd Annual convention, August 22-26th in St. Paul, Minnesota.
If you need convincing, check out this great video!
Our registration is now open and we have a lot of other deadlines and information available on our website, but scroll down for direct links and more information!
Registration
Registration is Now Open for the 33rd Annual Convention.  
Housing
Veterans For Peace has a special group rate at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront.  Click here for more details and for housing information.
Workshops
The deadline for workshop proposals is past.  We will update you soon on the list of workshops!
Awards
Nominate an individual for one of five awards offered by VFP National.  Visit the Awards tab for award descriptions.  Deadline to submit is June 30th
Have a chapter who is deserving of the VFP Chapter of the Year Award? Submit this form to nominate a deserving chapter.   Deadline to submit is June 30th
Tabling
Submit this form, if you're interested in tabling at the 2018 convention.  Deadline to submit is June 30th
​Poetry
Calling all poet laureate​s​!  Submit this form to read poetry the evening of Wednesday, August 22nd.  Deadline to submit is Ju​ly 5th
Program Ads
Place your ad in the program book. Click here to learn more about placing and ad in the 2018 convention program book.  ​Deadline for ad submissions is July 20th
Resolution and Bylaws
Resolution proposals are now being accepted.  Read the protocols for submitting a resolution here.  Deadline to submit is July 22nd.

All Current Members, this includes Associate Members, shall be entitled to speak to resolutions presented before the Annual Convention. All Current Members, this includes Associate Members , shall be entitled to one vote on resolutions.

Proposals can be emailed to the Resolutions Committee Chair, Bob Krzewinski, at wolverbob@gmail.com or mailed to 706 Dwight Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48198. Emailing resolutions is the preferred way of submitting resolutions. Resolutions submitted by mail must include a telephone number of the resolution maker.

We will start accepting bylaw amendments next week.  Deadline to submit is July 22nd

All Current Veteran Members are allowed to submit and vote on bylaw amendments.

Please also check out the Convention FAQ for other inquries!

SCOTUS Decision on Muslim Ban Expected Soon

As another decision day has passed with no announcement – tomorrow (Friday 6/22) has been added as a potential decision day. The Supreme Court will decide whether the latest iteration of the #MuslimBan -- which permanently bans nationals from 6 Muslim-majority countries -- violates federal law because it's an overreach of a president's authority and our constitution and discriminates against a particular religious group.
Check out this FAQ to see what we can expect from a decision.
Here is how you can take action today:
  • Speak out on social media – Use Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to say #NoMuslimBanEver and #WeWillNotBeBanned. Use our hashtag #VetsSpeakOut to make your veteran (or ally) voice heard and be a part of this very critical conversation.
  • If you are in D.C. – Attend an action outside the Supreme Court at 12pm ET on decision day (click that you’re “Going” or “Interested” on the Facebook event page) and sign up for a text alert.
  • Find an event near you –  #StandWithMuslims as allies in support of all those who are impacted by the Trump administration’s xenophobic, Islamophobic, and white nationalist agenda.
  • Stay updated by following us on Facebook  and Twitter
Let your voice be heard. Stand up for the values of tolerance, respect, and love for all people and all faiths.

Calling All Artists!

Veterans for Peace Chapter 27 would like to invite convention registrants to display 2D or 3D art during the convention.  Seeking artistic creations embracing the theme:   IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT WAR!
We live in challenging times; it is easy to focus on the negative.  Some metaphysical theorists argue that thoughts precede action; we must be able to visualize and sense something in our mind and body before it can manifest physically.  The first step in creating a new reality is imagining it.  
Installed in the registration/main gathering area, using color, texture, abstract or figurative art, our art exhibit strives to imbue the convention with beauty, light, positive thought and optimism. Something we can strive FOR vs. fight against.
Questions  email Mary McNellis at vfpsoaw@yahoo.com    Subject line:  Art Exhibit

VFP Member Mike Madden Found Not Guilty

"At first glance, this gross-misdemeanor trial, which involved a year and a half of delays, numerous court filings and tens of thousands of dollars in prosecutorial, defense, judicial and staff costs, should have never gone to trial. On second glance, it may just have been as important a case on principle as any argued or tried last week in the Twin Cities."
“You know, the way First Amendment rights have been eroding, this jury at least believes that the government has been too restrictive with speech,” he added. The state “did not prove that I refused to leave. I believe that they (the jury) felt that my First Amendment rights outweighed the order to leave.”

Last Call for Chapter Reports

Please submit Chapter Reports as soon as possible!
Please keep to a 200-word limit and submit high resolution photos. Any chapters involved with the Poor People's Campaign in a significant way may either highlight that in their chapter report, or submit an additional 100 words focusing just on that, as we plan to feature the campaign in this upcoming issue.
Please email Chapter Reports:editor@veteransforpeace.org
June 24-July 1 - Action Week Against Air Base Ramstein, Germany
July 9-10 - NO to NATO Counter Summit, Brussels, Belgium
July 10-18 - International Action Camp Against Nuclear Weapons in Germany, Buchel, Germany
Aug 23-26 - 2018 VFP National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota
Sept 19-21 - 2nd Annual Conference in Havana, Cuba on "Realities and Challenges of Being a Zone of Peace in Latin America and the Caribbean"
Nov 11 - Armistice Day

Veterans For Peace, 1404 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102

Veterans For Peace appreciates your tax-exempt donations.
We also encourage you to join our ranks.


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June 23 -We're on the National Mall right now! The Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival

The Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival<info@poorpeoplescampaign.org>
To   
Alfred,
As you read this, thousands of us from California to the Carolinas are gathered on the National Mall, preparing to march on the U.S. Capitol to deliver letters to Congress demanding an immediate end to the policy violence that hurts poor children and families of every color and creed.
We are faith leaders of numerous religious affiliations, advocates and poor and disenfranchised people who are directly affected by the policies being pushed by the Trump administration and Congress.
We are the “new and unsettling force” that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King called for in starting the Poor People’s Campaign along with so many others 50 years ago.
And people are watching us.
This campaign isn’t just on the ground. Even from home, you can take part in the event by amplifying it on Facebook and Twitter.
Click the graphic below to share a Facebook post linking to our livestream. And get the word out on Twitter with the hashtag #poorpeoplescampaign.
This is the moment we’ve been building toward, the start of a new phase in our movement to organize and build power to end policy violence against the poor once and for all. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
Sincerely,
The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
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