I am right now in a CSW session entitled "From Girl Child to Mature Woman: A Life-Course Approach to Gender Empowerment and a Violence-free Life." It was coordinated by Soroptimist International and includes women from Pakistan, Tunisia, Moldova and New Zealand, among other countries, representing SI, Girl Guides/Scouts and World YWCA. The content is very much like that at other sessions of CSW 57: intense narratives of how women are suffering with violence in various settings, and summaries of policies and implementation. The speeches are both moving and factual and the Q & A is well-organized and useful. One pleasant aspect of this session was the opportunity for "the audience" to post a post-it note on large sheets of paper with representations that depict women at various life stages: from infancy to senior status. We were to list an issue that we think affects women at that life stage. I really appreciated the chance to offer something, to be involved other than as a listener only.
On Wednesday night, at the CSW-NGO reception, two of our WILPF Practicum attendees and I were discussing how we enjoy presentations that are experiential and participatory. In the global women's movement, we must continue to engage younger women. We might look more at new media, music, theater--the list is endless. As one example, we saw a powerful kick-off with the "Girl Be Heard" performance on Sunday morning. I found it invigorating.
Formal speeches are absolutely necessary--they can be effective and mind-expanding. I'd just like us to mix it up more. Thank you & all best wishes!
NEWS
Our system has been overwhelmed by so many visitors. What a great "problem" to have! Some along the way have not had their password sent to them due to the website's backend being a bit overwhelmed by the increased visits. If you did not receive a password, please email me at newsletter@wilpfus.org and I will reset and send you a new one. Also, please be sure to watch our training on how to use the discussion boards to best help you navigate this section of the website.
Hope you are all enjoying, learning, and being inspired!
Theresa
Download Earth Democracy Tour Materials here:
- California Tour Fracking Brochure
- California Tour Agenda
- California Tour Flier
- Guardianship for Future Generations
- Precautionary Principle
- Lewis_Powell_Memo.pdf
- troubled_water_flyer.pdf
- sacramento_report.pdf
- santa_cruz_report.pdf
- vermont_report.pdf
- fresno_report.pdf
- Women_ClimateSummit_LetterFeb25-2.pdf
By Nancy Price, Earth Democracy Issue Committee
Inspired after attending the Women’s Congress for Future Generations in Moab, Utah last September, Randa Solick, Mathilde Rand, Jean Hays, and Nancy Price, all from California, have launched the Earth Democracy California Tour to bring the concept of Guardianship for Future Generations and Rights and Responsibilities of Present Generations to the California WILPF Branches. Guardianship for Future Generations is the framing principle we are using to bring the work of Earth Democracy’s four sub-committees together.
At present, there are confirmed dates for Fresno: March 22-23, where we start of with World Water Day, then to San Jose April 12–13 and Santa Cruz April 19–20 for the Earth Day weekend.
The East Bay, Sacramento, along with Chico north of Sacramento and East Bay Branches are finalizing their dates. We also hope to include the Southern California Branches sometime in the late Spring or, more likely, next Fall.
Take a look at the model flyer for Branch use. We invite WILPF members in California to contact us at catour@wilpus.org if you are not in a Branch, but would like to discuss having some kind of presentation or event.
Here is the workshop agenda. We will be glad to meet the needs of your Branch or member group, so don’t think that you must do a Friday–Saturday program. Just let us know what would most suit your group, community and is within your capacity. Even a few hours of reading and discussion is worthwhile.
All the materials for the workshop, including the Guardianship for Future Generations and the Precautionary Principle will be posted to the Earth Democracy section of the website and we welcome any comments and discussion that you wish to send to us at catour@wilpfus.org or care to post to the Discussion Boards. We hope these will be useful for others, where ever you are, to use in planning local community education and action. If you would like to consult with us, please email at catour@wilpfus.org we welcome your emails.
We are all grateful for a MiniGrant that has enabled us to fund this tour and to have some of the essential materials translated into Spanish. We will post these very soon.
The area where the Fresno, Santa Cruz and San Jose Branches are holding workshops is the area of the oil Monterey Shale, where fracking in the state is going to be focused and accelerated in the coming months and years—if we can’t stop it. The Monterey Shale is a huge, rich formation that many hope will bail out California’s economy; others fear a huge environmental disaster and a huge waste of precious fresh water sources and there is huge pressure on the state legislature. There are at least six bills introduced to “regulate” the industry. But as we know, “regulation” just permits a level of harm by the corporation, so environmentalists and others are hoping that someone in the Assembly or Senate will step forward and author a bill to ban fracking in California.
So the focus of our tour on Guardianship and the Precautionary Principle is fundamental to helping communities take action to prevent harm to people and nature.
Please sign the petition to ban fracking in California from Food and Water Watch. Here is the Fracking Brochure that the Santa Cruz Branch created for their local use, but you can edit the “What You Can Do” section and add your own information.
Thank you for all you do for people and nature in your community.
Randa, Mathilde, Jean, and Nancy representing the CA Tour and the Earth Democracy Issue Group.
To the women of WILPF's 2013 UN practicum,
Ninety-six hours ago I met you, 72 hours ago I shared my practicum and trajectory experience with you, 48 hours ago I saw your faces in the audience as I presented (and received amazing support – thank you!), and less than 24 hours ago I was drinking, eating, laughing with, and listening to you settling into the workings of the UN CSW as we celebrated at the NGO reception. An out-of-character early morning rise and a three hour flight later, and I am back in Houston, away from it all.
And this is what it’s about.
After I write this, the rush will have ended. I do not have to put on my coat and run across the street to UN headquarters or the UN Church Center. It is not expected that I will have the opportunity to run into, let alone have coffee or wine with, an internationally influential advocate, policy maker, or scholar on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis the way I did hours ago. I don’t have my pick of lectures, protests, awareness events, marches, or rallies for a good two weeks. I will not have a debriefing guided by amazing women this evening to process what I have taken in today. I won’t go home to a like-minded or similarly-experienced roommate who is, at this shared moment, growing, learning, and trying to figure it all out with me. Tomorrow, I won’t wake up to the indescribable and unique energy of the city I love that invigorates me to continue on this narrow, thorny, winding, unbeaten path that I sometimes feel I’m barely crawling upon.
I’m back in the grit of my current reality. I’m back to daily research, reports, and experiences of issues that some consider unthinkable, disgusting, petty, senseless, or even insignificant and ridiculous. I am in my office on my computer reading about or assessing data on heroin, AIDS, human trafficking, immigration policy, conflict, and displacement – all affecting my community, Latina/os – and wondering how what I do today could ever help mi gente obtain equity in the future. I will submit my dissertation report with the usual odd feeling of knowing I will soon be one of only 4 Latina PhDs that I know. I will grade papers wondering if my students grasp that they will soon graduate and play a role in a fight that is overwhelmingly bigger than them. I will respond to emails from legislative aides thanking me for information or giving a reason why they’re against a bill. I will contact my team regarding cases to follow up on when we stand on street corners talking about broken fingers, hunger, or working at gunpoint with Latinos who thought life would be better here. I will literally and figuratively help a Latina navigate the social services she was promised as I drive her to appointments, translate brochures, call case workers, or watch and play with her baby as she tells me how proud she is of her job as a fast food cashier because what little money she makes is all hers and for her baby. This, and then some, is my routine.
Yet as I step back into my grind, I continue to process my experience at UN CSW57. On a personal level, it was great. I had interviews, meetings, networking and gave a presentation that I hadn’t before. But this year I was honored to be with all of you. Being on WILPF’s practicum oversight committee, this was a long time coming for me: It was our work, heart, struggles, and efforts coming into fruition as I saw your applications become who you are. I briefly met some of you, really got to talk and go out with others, offered to mentor a couple, but got to speak to and advise all of you. As you continue into the next half of CSW57 and then step back into your own daily grind in a few days, my advice to you remains: Be critical.
Be critical of what you hear. ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31 is the genesis of how non-governmental organizations working on human rights and women’s issues now convene for the UN CSW. For the most part, what you are listening to in these meetings and presentations is the work, agendas, goals, and thoughts of NGOs that may have to fight for resources, fundraise, have religious affiliations, possibly not have the support of their governments, etc. Listen and ask what exactly is being said. Ask whom these words are addressing. Ask to whom the voice belongs.
Be critical of what matters. You are here because what the UN, the CSW or both represent mattered to you. So is everyone else. You might feel overwhelmed by asking what the purpose is. Don’t. That’s nothing any of us are responsible for knowing right now. Ask what matters to the UN. Ask what matters to the CSW. Ask what matters to those you meet. The answers could range from involvement in an international resolution to networking to learning. None of you are expected to do all of these things. It will be what you will make of it. Ask what matters to you at this time.
Be critical of emotion – the overwhelming or lack thereof. I have learned to explore intentions and be aware of agendas, which really have nothing to do with how things seem. You will see leaders discuss unthinkable issues without batting an eye along with those who can’t speak without crying. You will hear the suffering cry in pain, anger, and joy along with those that recount the experiences matter-of-factly. You yourself will react with thoughts or feelings taken personally or empathizing along with moments of boredom or disinterest. None of these instances conclusively define who any of you are, the work you do, or things you’ve encountered. Ask what the intention of the message is in all of these instances. Ask how much space should be given to emotion and to the actual message.
My closing message to you is the same, but now a request rather than advice: Be critical of your role.
Though this can be applied internationally, I address you all as university women in the states. I have learned – through heartbreak, resignation, frustration, anger, and resistance – that there are plenty of people who will not listen to what I have to say because I am Latina. Or a woman. Or young. Or single. Or childless. Or strong-willed. Or independent. Or of a dissenting faith. Or from a disadvantaged background. Or even too critical. I am grateful that “others” who have these privileges and opportunities that I don’t saw my worth and were supportive. There was a need in many of our histories for the “others” to speak up for us. At times maybe that support of speaking up is still needed. But I do not see a need – nor do I want – to be spoken for. Intentions may be good and hearts may be in the right place but neither of these things equal being right or just. Yes, feel free to listen to the issues, be angry at the injustice, cry with the suffering, rejoice with the victorious, and be supportive of the ongoing battles. But be critical of your role in these processes. What you feel you could or should do may not be what is needed by those in the struggle – which is something that you may never really grasp, no matter how much you sympathize. I am fully aware that I am a light-skinned, American-born, educated Latina. I am aware of differences varied throughout my people, community, and culture. I am aware of the responsibilities, expectations, limitations, worth, and struggles of my position. I know that I must speak up for other Latina/os who do not have these same privileges and opportunities because I know that there are some who choose not to listen to them otherwise. We all give credence to certain voices – those we admire, respect, or are just familiar with who have our immediate attention when they speak. We all ignore some voices – those we disagree with, do not understand, or have acquired an aversion to that we turn from. We all have selective hearing and, at times, we are earless. Assess your role – not only its privileges and opportunities but its place and limitations. Whatever you conclude your role is, never – EVER – think that it is to give a voice to the voiceless. We should never acquire the ego that assumes injustice is happening because those who are suffering are silent. Be it through conflict, phenomenological trends, disparities, poverty rates, or violence – I assure you, they are screaming. Ask what they are asking for and then ask who is listening. Your role could be to give ears to the earless.
Grab all you can from this experience and take it with you. I trust that you will adhere to WILPF’s mission and bring your unique voice into its community. I hope that the ups and downs of this learning process aren’t forgotten when the energy, camaraderie, and feelings subside. Don’t be afraid to let some things go, but hold strong to what will transform you into what you are working towards or for. Be invigorated but step back into your reality with a new perspective – no matter what it may be – of what you are able and willing to do now. Either way, don’t be led by the rush or grit – life will give you too many of each for you to trust either.
My life feels like an endless commitment of meetings, appointments, deadlines, responsibilities, and – for good measure – scheduled happy hours with a select few who remain supportive and proud of what I feel seems to be so little in a world in which I want to do so much. But I love it. I chose this. It’s all I can think to do right now and I won’t give it up. I want what I have now seen is possible down this road – no matter how narrow, thorny, winding, or unbeaten. Hopefully someday another young woman will follow behind with a bit more ease.
Best wishes to you all,
Melissa I. M. Torres
by Carol Urner, DISARM!/End Wars Issue Committee
In March, we expect to hear report backs from Jackie Cabasso and other US WILPFers who attended the March 2 and 3 Oslo meetings on nuclear weapons abolition and also the UN conference for governments and civil society representatives on Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear War on March 4 and 5. Read and share widely the free on-line WILPF publication on Unspeakable Suffering: The Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons prepared for these conferences.
On March 11, DISARM/End Wars is remembering Fukushima Day. In fact, New England, Midwest, and other WILPF Branches, as well as new WILPF member Helen Caldicott, are continuing actions all month long, making it clear that nuclear power and the whole nuclear chain now make nuclear abolition imperative.
In mid-March, fact sheets and resources for April 15 Tax Day should begin to come available. The US is much the biggest military spender in the world and this year other groups around the globe will be demonstrating and holding forums in support of our own tax day actions. See Tackling the Big Beast on the British War Resisters League website. Let’s not let them down as they seek to be partners in our own efforts.
March 18–28 comes the second round of negotiations on the arms trade treaty. Our US WILPF UN Rep will be there and keep us in touch. Sign the WILPF-originated petition on prevention of gender based violence. Reaching Critical Will also reports and has extensive resources available to us. The US was not very cooperative earlier this year, but we hope for better results now that elections are over. Our actions and support are needed!
We are seriously seeking someone to represent WILPF and DISARM!/End Wars in Geneva at the NPT April 22–May 3 and/or special events before and after. It would also be great if someone working passionately for nuclear abolition could go to the Abolition 2000 meetings in Edinburgh Sco
For information or help on this or any other item here contact Carol Urner at carol.disarm@gmail.com and/
Image credit: Commemorating A-bomb victims in Hiroshima [© Getty Images]
A Huge Achievement or Just the Next Step? It depends on US!
by Marybeth Gardam, Chair Corporations v Democracy Issue Committee
On Monday, February 11, the "We the People" amendment was introduced in Congress, thanks to the efforts of US Representatives Rick Nolan (D-MN) and Mark Pocan (D-WI). The amendment is viewable at www.WeThePeopleAmendment.org, but essentially it addresses three major issues that have threatened democracy for a long time.
The rights of the Constitution are intended for human persons only, not for any artificial entities; corporations have no constitutional rights.
Money is NOT free speech and must be regulated by federal, state, and local government in order to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, have access to the political process.
Section 2 also includes language about transparency and disclosure. This is the press conference at which the Amendment was introduced.
This is big news; but how big it is depends on YOU.
Click here to read more about WILPF’s historic work on corporate personhood and ideas for moving this work forward once more.
Click here to find out how you can HELP PROMOTE THIS AMENDMENT and USE IT to further your own goals. What’s in it for YOUR branch and how you can use this Amendment to advance YOUR most closely held causes and those specific to your community?
Click here to find which WILPF member issues are connected by the glue of corporate power.
by Marjorie Van Cleef, DISARM!/End Wars
Friends in WILPF and other organizations, we invite you and your colleagues to consider participating in a campaign to challenge US development and use of “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” more commonly known as drones, for military and surveillance purposes.
Network to Oppose Drone Surveillance and Warfare: Founded Dec. 15, 2012 in New York City by representatives of various US peace groups. “April Days of Action” will focus on three key components of US drone work: Drone Manufacturers, Drone Bases in the US, and Drone Research.
Drone Research facilities within the United States
Actions and events are scheduled to take place April 16-18, 2013
Rationale: Given the fact that drones are now the primary weapons of warfare used by the US, and for surveillance both domestic and abroad, the research and development of this warfare is growing rapidly at academic institutions, in our towns and neighborhoods. Drones are the perfect instrument for endless war that kills civilians, even as they target “militants” in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
Academic institutions often receive large grants from the US Dept. of Defense, enabling them to build labs within schools of engineering, for instance. We are well aware that without this research in robotics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and the accompanying accessories, these drone warfare projects would probably not take place. So there is an interdependent relationship between the universities and the US government and or its Department of Defense and CIA. (CIA drones are used in countries with which the U.S. is not “at war”, ie Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan, Mali, and others.)
While universities tend to publicize some information on their respective websites regarding the drone work, it is most often said to be for non-military purposes. And there are students working in the labs who are convinced that all the research is for humanitarian purposes, however history has told us that non-military can quickly and easily become military. Moreover research has shown drones make mistakes on recognizing their targets.
We are therefore asking organizations and individuals, nationwide, to explore any drone research that might be going on at their local university. We are calling for local actions between April 16 and 18, 2013. (Suggested actions are listed below.) Our limited research into University and Academic UAV programs indicates that a research center is operating in your area: we are sending in an attachment the list of programs that we have found thus far.
Before those dates in April we will need to know what information you have acquired about the research and what actions and events your group is planning.This will be shared among groups in the Network. You can send this information to us at notodrone@gmail.com.
We will have a press committee that will receive your press release and any articles you are able to publish before or after the event.
This project will complement other outreach, education and action projects that will be launched in April, focusing on drone bases, April 27–28 and drone manufacturers, April 4–6.
Suggested actions:
- Learn what research (here are some research tips) is being done by searching on a university website. Look especially at the Engineering Dept. We are enclosing an attachment with a national list of research facilities.
- Organize a forum, preferably on campus, with speakers and discussion. Be sure to publicize in campus newspapers, and possibly include a professor as one of the speakers. Also include local activists.
- Plan a small meeting with the appropriate persons in the department working on drone research, both professors and students.
- Hold vigils and leaflet on or close to the campus, as well as in town.
- Let us know if you need further tools for your research.
Thanks in advance for your reply. We recommend that you write to notodrone@gmail.com or call one of us with contact information listed below.
For more information about nationwide actions and to post your own planned actions for April please email notodrone@gmail.com.
With all good wishes,
Marge Van Cleef, WILPF, Phila. mvc@igc.org, 267-763-1644
Leila Zand, For USA, lzand@forusa.org 518-831-9005
Kathy Kelly co-coordinator, Voices for Creative Nonviolence, kathy@vcnv.org 773-878-3815
Image credit: An unmanned U.S. Predator drone flies over Kandahar Air Field, southern Afghanistan, on a moon-lit night. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
