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2008 Peace Conference - Break Out Sessions
Conference Schedule | Presenter Bios | Conference Main Page
#1 Friday Break out session 2:00 - 3:30 |
Leah Coakley &
Patrick Edelbacher
"The Battle for the Port"
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This interactive workshop focuses on the diverse and effective acts of resistance at the Ports of Tacoma and Olympia. After analyzing the organizing and sharing the story of the actions, the workshop will look at what worked and what challenges remain. An emphasis will be placed on the potential of meaningful large group actions and other issues relevant to the group. |
Carol Melia &
Vip Short
"Introduction to Non-violent Civil Disobedience"
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In this workshop we will examine successful nonviolent actions in history, discuss elements of nonviolence philosophy and explore where you stand regarding actions you would or would not take. You’ll learn about creating an action from conscience, forming affinity groups, nonviolent communication tools, and practical techniques for activists and organizers. |
Gary Baran
"How to Get what You Want Without Regretting it Later" |
This workshop is a brief introduction to Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a powerful process for inspiring compassionate connection and action. NVC can help prevent and resolve conflicts and facilitate communication that helps everyone get their needs met. It offers practical tools readily applicable in educational institutions, business and industry, social service agencies and politically charged situations, as well as in families and personal relationships. |
Taowhywee, (Morningstar) Agnes Baker Pilgrim
Takelma Indian Elder, Confederated Tribes of Siletz
"The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers" |
THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF THIRTEEN INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHERS, represent a global alliance of prayer, education and healing for our Mother Earth, all Her inhabitants, all the children, and for the next seven generations to come. They are deeply concerned with the unprecedented destruction of our Mother Earth and the destruction of indigenous ways of life. They believe the teachings of their ancestors will light their way through an uncertain future. They look to further their vision through the realization of projects that protect our diverse cultures: lands, medicines, language and ceremonial ways of prayer and through projects that educate and nurture our children. |
Mark Harris
"Know Justice? Know Peace! Satyagraha is Soul Power" |
Poverty is Sociostructural Violence. The Empoverishment of the Human Spirit, through divisive ignorance is a way people remain impoverished. The use of Soul Power to redress racial and other injustice, requires rediscovering connections to power that cannot be taken away unless you give that power away through fear of or belief in the power of the Oppressor. This Empowerment (Power Within), is what King referred to as Soul Power. It requires confronting the effects of violence Within, as you work for justice Without.
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#2 Friday Break out session 3:45 - 5:15 |
Lauren Regan &
Dave Fidanque
“Civil Rights & Liberties Post 9/11: Practical Steps Everyone Can Take to Restore the Constitution”
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Who we elect as our leaders makes a difference in protecting our basic constitutional freedoms, but unless a majority of Americans know what their government is doing and hold elected leaders accountable to the core American values of liberty, justice and fundamental fairness, our government will continue to sacrifice freedom for short-term political expediency. Civil rights and liberties have been under grave attack for the last several years. Panelists will illustrate the rollbacks to our civil liberties through specific cases and legislation they have worked on recently including the Green Scare, SHAC 7, the Patriot Act, Military Commissions Act, and many others. Come learn how your rights have been eroded since 9/11 and why we are no safer.
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Louis Carosio
"Peace Begins within Your Mind" |
A peaceful world is composed of peace filled individuals. Buddhist wisdom provides many methods to create a peaceful mind and heart. In this session, you will learn how a few simple truths and a meditative practice of overcoming divisiveness within your mind creates greater peacefulness and compassion, which then can be expressed outwardly in ways that transform those around you and the world at large. |
Mary Wood
“Aspiring Towards Global Peace though Nature’s Trust Principles”
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This session will talk about the global threat of climate change and its implications for world wide security. Professor Wood will present “Nature’s Trust” principles that may be used by citizens of the world seeking to hold their governments accountable for protecting the common atmosphere and other vital natural resources. Such principles characterize government as a trustee of natural assets for present and future generations, providing hope of unifying citizens globally in pursuit of natural abundance and peace. Participants will discuss the potential of these principles to engender a “planetary patriotism” transcending individual governments. |
Carmen Urbina &
John Lenssen
"Transformational Healing Through Equity & Social Justice" |
Transformational Healing through Equity and Social Justice is a journey of interruption, transition and transformation. This workshop will provide you with tools that will allow you to identify how ‘Systemic Oppression is Manifesting” so this can help us understand how it is reproducing and consequently engage in active transformation.
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Saturday Break out session 9:15 - 10:45 a.m. |
Lauren Regan
"Know Your Rights" |
Civil Rights Attorney Lauren Regan provides a one-hour workshop on how to protect and assert your rights in a post-9/11 society. Come learn how laws such as the Patriot Act have changed your rights and liberties. Ample time for questions provided. Spanish translation provided, please contact conference staff in advance to request interpretation. |
Guadalupe Quinn &
Joseph Orosco
“Immigrant Rights – Human Rights: The Struggle Continues”
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This session examines the history of the immigrant rights struggle in the United States, focusing on the history of the obstacles that immigrants have faced in obtaining their human rights. We will talk about the benefits that immigrants provide the U.S. and the potential they have to transform American society and politics. Special concentration will be paid to recent political initiatives concerning immigrant rights and the ways in which people can become part of the struggle from the grassroots.
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Lane Interfaith Alliance: Jerry Kendall,
Rev. Ed Conrad, Barbara Nixon, Ibrahim Hamide
"Spiritual Traditions & Perspectives; Are They Essential to the Prospects for Peace?" |
Religious differences have historically been responsible for untold suffering and death. If a higher power exists, has humankind lost something in the translation and the discernment of those teachings? Are the varied traditions not only capable of leading humankind out of its collective nightmare, but also essential to bringing about a lasting peace? Can these traditions ally with humanists? This interfaith panel will explore these questions, and requests that those attending engage in challenging dialogue with them. |
Dan Goldrich
"The Big Picture Behind the Iraq War" |
The Iraq War is diverting us from facing up to the major challenges confronting us and the world. Focusing first on why and how to end the US occupation and the Global War on Terror strategy-- as reflective of ineffective, counterproductive overreliance on militarism-- we explore the Big Picture: the depletion of oil and the unprecedented crisis of global warming. We offer an alternative direction, requiring global cooperation and concerted national and local action to relocalize the economy for sustainability. However demanding, this promises an inspiring life in stronger communities, realigned in harmony with nature. |
Leah Bolger &
Noah Mrowczynski
"Winter Soldier: Revelations & Reality of the Iraq War" |
Winter Soldiers, according to founding father Thomas Paine, are those who stand up for the soul of their country, even in its darkest hours. In 1971, members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War testified about the painful and untold realities of the Vietnam War. Now, over 30 years later, the Iraq Veterans Against the War are preparing to do the same, through Winter Soldier II, scheduled for 13-16 March 2008. This session will explain the history of Winter Soldier I and promote Winter Soldier II. We will also present a short primer on military counter-recruitment.
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Saturday Panel Discussion 11:00 - 12:30 |
Medea Benjamin
Bob Wing
Peter Bergel
Jessica Campbell
Katie Heald
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Focus: Organizing for Peace |
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