Bulletin
Board
Archive


*WAND / WOMEN TAKE ACTION! BULLETIN BOARD *
Week of July 15, 2002

Note. The next WAND Bulletin will be July 29, 2002.


NOTE: If the latest bulletin is not posted here, contact us to have an email copy sent to you.
Back issues also available.



I. FEDERAL BUDGET WATCH
Rising Costs, Sinking Revenues - Lean Times All Around
National Priorities Project Resource - Trade-offs by State
II. WOMEN'S VOICES
The Treaty for the Rights of Women - Update 7/12/02
III. PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE
Privatizing Social Security - Maybe Not Such a Great Idea
Overview of the Senate Finance Committee Mark-up of the Welfare Bill
IV. NUCLEAR NOTES
The Yucca Mountain Vote
Capitol Hill E-mail Update from WAND 7/15/02: Yucca Mountain
Article: Yucca Mountain Debate Moves to the Courts
Treaty of Moscow Scrutinized
The Nuclear Posture Review Petition Campaign - Update & Invitation
Urgent Call to End the Nuclear Danger
V. ALSO NOTE
The Bush War Against Iraq
Gorbachev: I Fear Bush and Blair War Plan (7/11)
The International Criminal Court - U.S. Roadblocks
Human Rights Activists Sentenced for Civil Disobedience at SOA

VI. STAND NEWS
Southern Girls Convention - Athens, GA (7/18-21)
Vote for America Free Training - Atlanta, GA (7/16, 17, 20)
Student Summer Training Institute - Knoxville, TN (7/31-8/4)
Chani on Trial!
Grandmas for Peace - Dorothy Vandercook Memorial Scholarships
VII. NOTABLE NATIONAL EVENTS
Indigo Girls Tour
4th Annual Peace Pilgrimage to Oak Ridge (July 13 - August 4)
Pax Christi USA National Assembly 2002 (7/26-28)
Peace Action 15th Annual National Congress (7/27-28)
CPA Southeast Regional Conference - Tunica, Mississippi (8/2-3)
SOA Watch Trainings - Detroit (7/26) & Columbus (8/11-12)
VIII. IDEAS, VISIONS AND RESOURCES FOR A BETTER WORLD
Not in Our Name Campaign
CDF Action Council Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard
Reviving Resistance: An Anti-Nuclear Organizing Packet
Ideas for Summer Camps - Hiroshima & Nagasaki Commemoration
IX. OPPORTUNITIES -- Grants and Jobs
Fund of the Sacred Circle
Great Opportunity for Twin Cities Non-profits
Shundahai Network
X. IN THE FIELD: WAND Chapter / Partner News & Events
Arkansas * Georgia * Massachusetts * Michigan * Minnesota
New York * North Carolina * Oregon * Wisconsin
XI. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, on the Senate
vote to establish a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain

I. FEDERAL BUDGET WATCH

RISING COSTS, SINKING REVENUES - Lean Times All Around

On July 12, the Bush administration announced that the federal government would run a $165 billion deficit this year. The red ink follows four years of surpluses. A weak economy, increased spending on national security, and the $1.35 trillion, 10-year tax cut pushed through Congress last year by President Bush have contributed to growing deficits.

Meanwhile, the nation’s governors gathered in Boise, Idaho for the annual meeting of the National Governors Association. 45 states reported revenue shortfalls over the last year, totaling $50 billion, caused by a drop in sales, capital gains and corporate and personal income taxes. The governors acknowledged that, given the federal deficit, they could expect little help from Washington. States are being forced to pay unexpected security costs along with soaring Medicaid costs. (NYT, 7/15/02, A1)

NYT, 7/13/02, A1. For article: membership@wand.org, or
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/13/politics/13DEFI.html

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NATIONAL PRIORITIES PROJECT RESOURCE - Trade-offs by State

Trade-off information by state re: nuclear weapons, jet fighters, missile defense, and the proposed increase in military spending, showing the cost to each state, how many head start positions it could buy, how many kids could be provided health care, how many affordable housing units it could buy and how many elementary teachers it could provide.

Available at: http://www.nationalpriorities.org/issues/military/tradeoffs.html

II. WOMEN'S VOICES

THE TREATY FOR THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN - Update 7/12/02

URGENT: It is time to take action for the Treaty for the Rights of Women!

After decades of inaction, the Treaty for the Rights of Women (CEDAW) is now moving rapidly through the Senate ratification process. This Thursday, July 18, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a historic vote on this important women’s rights treaty. Even though the Treaty is expected to successfully leave the committee, it lacks the strong bipartisan support necessary for a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.

We are targeting several Republican senators in the Foreign Relations Committee, whose vote for the Treaty would send a crucial bipartisan signal of support to their colleagues. If you live in one of the following states, please contact your senator and tell him to vote for the Treaty for the Rights of Women this Thursday. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

Rhode Island: Senator Lincoln Chaffee
Tennessee: Senator Bill Frist
Indiana: Senator Richard Lugar
Kansas: Senator Sam Brownback
Oregon: Senator Gordon Smith

III. PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE

PRIVATIZING SOCIAL SECURITY - Maybe Not Such a Great Idea

Amid corporate scandals and a sagging stock market, Democrats are forcing debate on President Bush’s plan to allow workers to shift part of their Social Security payroll taxes into private investment accounts. Republicans worry that if the market does not rebound soon, the President’s ideas for privatizing Social Security will become untenable. (NYT, 7/13/02, A9)

For article: membership@wand.org, or
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/13/politics/13SOCI.html

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OVERVIEW OF SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE MARK-UP OF WELFARE BILL
From Working for Equality & Economic Liberation (WEEL)

The bi-partisan bill drafted by the Senate Finance Committee is significantly better than the disastrous plans proposed by the Administration and passed by the House, and includes provisions that represent progress over current law. In order to get final legislation that will help low-income families escape poverty, however, significant changes are needed. WEEL has prepared a 2-page overview that includes: work requirements; countable activities -- education and training & barriers; immigrants; supporting child well-being; work supports; time limits; racial equity and fair treatment.

For overview: membership@wand.org

IV.NUCLEAR NOTES

THE YUCCA MOUNTAIN VOTE

On Tuesday, July 9th, the Senate voted to approve the establishment of a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. 15 Democratic senators joined most Republicans in support of the plan to ship 77,000 tons of high-level radioactive waste to Yucca Mountain from more than 100 civilian and military nuclear reactors over the next quarter-century. Critics questioned the ability of the site to properly contain waste, as well as the danger of trans- porting waste, especially amid threats of terrorism. Supporters cited greater risk in leaving waste at temporary sites around the nation, and stressed the importance of a permanent disposal site for the future viability of the nuclear power industry.

The Department of Energy (DOE) must now apply to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a license. Thus far, DOE does not even have a design. It plans to put waste in a rust-prone area, but has little data on how its metal canisters will perform. DOE also lacks understanding of how water, which will spread the waste, moves through the mountain. It could take up to two years for DOE to prepare its license application. Once an application is filed, it will take NRC three or four years to decide about granting the license. The state of Nevada and the Natural Resources Defense Council have issued legal challenges to the plan.

(NYT, 7/10/02, A14; 7/9/02, A17)

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Capitol Hill E-mail Update from WAND 7/15/02: YUCCA MOUNTAIN

Thanks to everyone for your hard work contacting senators and asking them to vote against the Yucca Mountain proposal. While we lost the vote on July 9th, it’s not over yet. It looks like the courts will be the next battleground. (see article below)

We encourage you to send your senators a note of praise if they voted against sending nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain, or disappointment if they voted for the Yucca plan.

In response to questions about alternatives to Yucca, the Institute for Energy & Environmental Research (IEER) has proposed a plan (click on link).

For a report of how senators voted, click here.

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ARTICLE: YUCCA MOUNTAIN DEBATE MOVES TO THE COURTS

Venue Change: State Pins Last Hopes on Courts
Elected Officials Confident They Can Prevail by Exposing DOE Flaws

Las Vegas Review-Journal - July 10, 2002, by Steve Tetreault
Excerpt below. Full text: membership@wand.org, or
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2002/Jul-10-Wed-2002/news/19129858.html

The fight over nuclear waste storage in Nevada has shifted from the U.S. Capitol to the federal courthouse..."The Energy Department won't be able to hide behind its political allies in Congress when the courts begin their review of DOE's record on this project," Gov. Kenny Guinn said. "We are confident that we will prevail." ...The cases could be wrapped up by the time the Energy Department submits a construction license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission late in 2004. Or, judges could throw the project into chaos, and years of delay, by sending key portions back for more work...Since last summer, Nevada has filed five lawsuits in Washington disputing segments of the Yucca Mountain Project.

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TREATY OF MOSCOW SCRUTINIZED

On July 9, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee questioned Secretary of State Powell about the treaty signed by Presidents Bush and Putin in Moscow in May, which would reduce the number of nuclear weapons from about 6,000 each to between 1,700 and 2,200 by 2012. Senators expressed concerns such as the lack of verification procedures and the fact that the treaty allows storage of excess weapons rather requiring their destruction. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) asked why the U.S. needs thousands of nuclear warheads when Russia is our friend and no other nation has more than a few dozen. Senator Lugar (R-Ind.) chided the administration for with- holding hundreds of millions of dollars allocated by Congress to finance Russian disarmament programs. (NYT, July 10, 2002, A8)

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NUCLEAR POSTURE REVIEW PETITION CAMPAIGN Update & Invitation

Tri-Valley CARE’s is sponsoring this campaign to: (a) end funding for development of new, earth-penetrating nuclear weapons, (b) reject the Bush administration's Nuclear Posture Review, & (c) bring U.S. nuclear policy into compliance with our Non-Proliferation Treaty obligation to eliminate nuclear weapons. 1,500 people have signed and returned petitions. Tri-Valley CAREs is delivering petitions to U.S. senators and representatives, President Bush, key congressional committees, & the U.N.

We are continuing to collect signatures. Please join us! The petition is posted on our web site at http://www.trivalleycares.org. Hard copies can be ordered from our office: (925) 443-7148.

Also newly posted on our web site: "More Work for the Weapons Labs, Less Security for the Nation: An Analysis of the Bush Administration's Nuclear Weapons Policy," by Dr. Robert Civiak.

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URGENT CALL TO END THE NUCLEAR DANGER

We are working to gather 1 million signatures by June 12, 2003, and 10 million by June 12, 2004. As a key strategy, we ask each signer to recruit 10 more signers, involving people individually in this grassroots campaign to gather this huge number of signatures. Join us today and share The Call with your friends.

Web site: www.UrgentCall.org

See AR WAND’s work on gaining signatures for The Call, Field Section X.

V. ALSO NOTE
THE BUSH WAR AGAINST IRAQ

"Stop the War Before it Starts"
By David Cortright, president, Fourth Freedom Forum
The Progressive, August 2002
Excerpt below. Full text:
membership@wand.org, or
http://www.progressive.org/August%202002/oren0802.html

The Bush Administration once again is gearing up for war against Iraq. It's a war that could cause a massive loss of life and could end with the use of nuclear weapons by the United States or Israel. It's a war that is unnecessary, a war we - as progressives, as peace activists - have an obligation to oppose with all nonviolent means at our disposal.

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GORBACHEV: I FEAR BUSH AND BLAIR WAR PLAN (7/11)

(Daily Mirror/UK, July 11, 2002)During a 2-day visit to Britain to appeal to world leaders for help in destroying Russia's stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, former Russian president Mikhail Gorbachev labeled George W. Bush and Tony Blair as threats to world peace. He criticized military spending and foreign policy, warning Mr. Blair that "allies of the US should be saying 'don't launch a new arms race. I am concerned at growing military budgets'." Trying to "project a certain logic" concerning weapons of mass destruction, Mr. Gorbachev continued, "We are still dealing with the consequences of the old arms race without starting a new one. Why do that when we are looking for money to cut weapons of mass destruction and to cut poverty in the world, which is often the cause of terrorism?"

Mr. Gorbachev also singled out Bush's go-it-alone policy as a threat to global security, criticizing the aggressive agenda coming from Washington regarding Iraq. "I strongly hope the US and Britain will not be fighting a war in the Middle East," he stated, urging the use of political negotiation and diplomatic measures over military action.

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THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT - U.S. Roadblocks

On July 1, the International Criminal Court (ICC) was established under the Rome Statute for the purpose of prosecuting war crimes, genocide, and heinous violations of human rights. 139 nations signed the treaty establishing the ICC (including the U.S. under the Clinton administration), and 76 nations have ratified it. The Bush administration has renounced the ICC as an invasion of U.S. national sovereignty, and recently ignited fierce criticism from other nations by refusing to renew the U.N. mandate for peacekeeping forces in Bosnia unless American peacekeepers receive blanket immunity from prosecution by the ICC. On July 12, the Security Council adopted a compromise resolution that gives American peace- keepers a year’s exemption from prosecution.

The Bosnia dispute exposed growing irritation among many U.N. members over Washington’s go-it-alone attitude.

(NYT, 7/1/02, A3; 7/11/02, A5; 7/12/02, A8; 7/13/02, A3)

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SOA - HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS SENTENCED

Photos: www.soawne.org/Photos1Trial37.html

The Columbus Federal Courthouse became the site of a spontaneous celebration of hope and resistance as a federal magistrate judge imposed sentences on 37 activists charged for nonviolent civil resistance at Ft. Benning during last November's vigil. 29 human rights activists were sentenced with prison time ranging from three to six months. Seven received six months probation. Fines ranged from $0 to $5000.

ACTION
Write to Prisoners of Conscience. Check www.soaw.org for address updates. Toni Flynn, Peter Gelderloos, Laura Mac Donald, Lisa Summer Nelson, and Jerry Zawata - Muscogee County Jail, 700 10th St., Columbus, GA 31901.

Contact your congressperson. Urge them to support HR1810, the bill to close the SOA/WHISC. http://www.soaw.org/new/article.php?id=96

Write a letter to the editor: http://www.soaw.org/new/article.php?id=421

(See “Chani on Trial,” STAND NEWS, Section VI below)

VI. STAND NEWS

SOUTHERN GIRLS CONVENTION (7/18-21)

Join STAND in this gathering of student activists! Share ideas, learn skills, and have fun as a community of Southern women. Women from across the country are invited to meet at the University of GA in Athens to discuss issues of women's empowerment and social/political issues relevant to the South. Registration is free. On-campus housing is $13.50.

Pre-registration required: http://www.southerngirlsconvention.com/,
INFO: Cicley at stand@wand.org.

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VOTE FOR AMERICA FREE TRAINING (7/16, 17, 20)

Learn to be a Democracy Fellow and encourage others to vote.
Tuesday, July 16, 6:30
Auburn Avenue Research Library
101 Auburn Ave, NE, Atlanta 30303-2503, 404.730.4001

Wednesday July 17, 6:30pm
Clayton County Library Headquarters,
865, Battlecreek Road, Jonesboro, 30236, 770-473-3850

Saturday, July 20, 10:00 am
Powder Springs Library
4262 Marietta Street, Powder Springs, GA 30127, 770- 439-3600
INFO: Cicley Gay, 404-524-5999, stand@wand.org

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STUDENT SUMMER TRAINING INSTITUTE (7/31-8/4)

University of Knoxville - Knoxville, TN
The STI includes workshops, trainings, networking, music, and other riff-raff all focused on youth/student activism.

At the STI, not only will you be motivated to shake up the system and empowered to make change, but you will be befriended, respected, loved, and listened to as well. Sponsored by the Student Environmental Action Coalition. Registration fee (which covers food and housing/camping) is $50. However, no one will be turned away for lack of funding.

Apply on-line: http://www.seac.org/sti.
Student Environmental Action Coalition, 215-222-4711
P.O. Box 31909, Philadelphia, PA 19104, www.seac.org

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CHANI ON TRIAL!

Salem STAND chapter founder Chani Geigle-Teller, showing what courage of conviction is all about, is among 37 defendants standing trial in federal court for their role in last year's School of the Americas protest at Ft. Benning, GA. According to the federal prosecutor, the government plans to seek against each defendant a $5000 fine plus 6 months incarceration in federal prison.

For Chani's daily reports from Georgia: http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org/

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DOROTHY VANDERCOOK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Grandmothers for Peace is pleased to announce the 2002 recipients of the Dorothy Vandercook Memorial Scholarship.
INFO: Leal Portis, hopione@mindsync.com, or (530) 273-6018

VII. NOTABLE NATIONAL EVENTS
INDIGO GIRLS TOUR

WAND is back on tour with the Indigo Girls in 2002! We need energetic WAND members to staff the tables at concerts in:

7/15/02 The Palladium - Los Angeles, CA
7/16/02 Orange County Fair - Costa Mesa, CA
7/18/02 Humphrey's Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA
7/19/02 Humphrey's Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA
7/21/02 KBCO Rockfest - Winter Park, CO

These shows are a great way to attract new members and meet others interested in starting something in your area. If you are interested in participating, please contact Laura Beavers at (401) 331-2660 or laura_beavers@hotmail.com * Thanks!

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4th ANNUAL PEACE PILGRIMAGE TO OAK RIDGE (July 13 - August 4)

" A walking Prayer to End Nuclear Weapons "
This week's schedule:
July 15 - Tucker to Lawrenceville
July 16 - Lawrenceville to Winder
July 17 - Winder to Jefferson
July 18 - Jefferson to Homer
July 19 Rest
July 20- Homer to Demorest
Arriving in Oak Ridge from Knoxville on Friday, August 2.
OREPA nonviolence training on August 3rd.
Demonstration on Sunday, August 4th.

INFO: Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance
865-483-8202, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, http://www.topthebombs.org

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PAX CHRISTI USA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 2002 (7/26-28)

Casting out Fear, Building on Hope, Living Nonviolence
July 26-28 * University of Detroit-Mercy, Michigan
Featured Speakers: Sr. Joan Chittister, Bishop Tom Gumbleton
INFO/Registration: http://www.topthebombs.org, www.paxchristiusa.org, or (ph) 814-453-4955, ext. 228

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PEACE ACTION - 15th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONGRESS (7/27-28)

Chicago, John Marshall Law School, 315 S. Plymouth Court
The Congress will kickoff with an anti-war protest at Boeing Corporation Headquarters, and the Women's Retreat on Friday, July 26

Keynote speakers: U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich & Amber Amundsen
Register online: www.peace-action.org
Accommodations - the newly renovated Hostelling International-Chicago Hostel, 24 E Congress Parkway, a historic loft building
INFO, or to volunteer: Kavita, thakkar_kavita@excite.com or 312-371-9527

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CPA Southeast Regional Conference - Tunica, Mississippi (8/2-3)

The Center for Policy Alternatives
State legislators, grassroots leaders, and state policy organizations will review the 2002 legislative sessions, discuss innovative policy solutions and share organizing tactics and strategies for the Southeast. Panels include voting reform, K-12 education reform, unemployment insurance, prison privatization, affordable housing, women's health & more. INFO: Diallo Brooks, SE Network Director, 202-956-5150, .

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SOA WATCH TRAININGS - Detroit (7/26) & Columbus (8/11-12)

Learn creative alternatives to dealing with situations in which the possibility of violence exists. Also legislative and media workshops, tips for local organizing and fundraising, and basic consensus decision-making and facilitation skills.

Detroit, MI: July 26 (contact Tony Vento at 216-631-5632 or typcusa@prodigy.net); Columbus, GA: August 11-12 (contact Eric LeCompte at 202-234-3440 or elecompte@soaw.org)

INFO: http://www.soaw.org/new/article.php?id=311

VIII. IDEAS, VISIONS AND RESOURCES FOR A BETTER WORLD

NOT IN OUR NAME CAMPAIGN

A group of American writers, actors, academics and activists have created and signed a Statement of Conscience strongly criticizing U.S. government's policies since September 11. In the statement called “Not in Our Name,” the signatories say the government has "declared a war without limit and instituted stark new measures of repression." The statement also criticizes the media's failure to challenge the government line.

Signatories include Laurie Anderson, Eve Ensler, Barbara Kingsolver, Alice Walker, Danny Glover, Gloria Steinem and many others. Organizers hope to gather many thousands of names and to have the statement publicized in media outlets across the country. To read and sign on to the statement, visit: www.notinourname.net.

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CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND ACTION COUNCIL - Nonpartisan

Congressional Scorecard
Released July 10, 2002. To review the complete Congressional Scorecard, visit: http://www.cdfactioncouncil.org.

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REVIVING RESISTANCE: TOOLS FOR ANTI-NUCLEAR ORGANIZING IN THE AGE OF TERROR

From The War Resisters League's Disarmament Taskforce
Available at: http://www.warresisters.org/Reviving_Resistance.pdf or by calling 212-228-0450. Free. We invite you to use it for organizing, educating, mobilizing and resisting. All we ask is that you credit WRL.

War Resisters League, (212) 228-0450, wrl@warresisters.org

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IDEAS FOR SUMMER CAMPS

Transcending Violence and the Future of the Planet
Commemorating the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings
http://www.humanchainreaction.com

Creative programming ideas for campers to reflect on alternatives to violence during the anniversaries of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings. Age-appropriate programs that address children’s concerns and support their development as thoughtful, creative people. If you have a child in camp, consider talking with the director about this resource.

INFO, or to contribute ideas for the site - songs, poetry, games activities, scripts: Diane Perlman, ninedots@aol.com.

IX. OPPORTUNITIES -- Grants and Jobs

FUND OF THE SACRED CIRCLE

Directed toward grassroots groups or projects in Minnesota or Wisconsin engaged in social change organizing. Native American community activists, working for social justice on a day-to-day basis, make the funding decisions for Fund of the Sacred Circle. * Application Deadline: August 1st.

INFO/Application: http://www.headwatersfund.org/grantmaking/index.html or call: 612-879-0602 ext. 10.

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GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR TWIN CITIES NON-PROFITS

The Twin Cities-based public relations Yamamoto Moss agency is accepting applications for the 2003 Community Building Program through 8/1/02.

Yamamoto Moss will select up to 3 Twin Cities non-profit organizations to receive strategy, research, editorial & design services. Each organization will be treated as a full-paying client and can receive up to $100,000 in services. Grants support mature non-profits that focus on visual and performing arts; health and well-being of children, youth, and families; or environmental conservation.

INFO/application: http://www.yamamotomoss.com/buzz/buzz_commbuild.html

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SHUNDAHAI NETWORK

Position: Executive Director
Application deadline: July 31, 2002.
Shundahai Network, is a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking the nuclear chain by building alliances with indigenous communities and environ- mental, peace & human rights movements. Send resume, references & writing sample to: Shundahai Network, PO Box 1115, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110.

INFO: www.shundahai.org, 801-359-2614, or shundahai@shundahai.org.

X. IN THE FIELD: WAND Chapter / Partner News & Events

ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS WAND NEWS
Back from the Brink director Ira Shorr visited Little Rock on June 25th. We held a public meeting on the Nuclear Posture Review at the Central Arkansas Library. Media attention was positive and one member, Nancy Dockter, had an excellent guest writer article published in the Arkansas Times, a widely read weekly newspaper. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette covered the event and ran a good article the next day.

We are scheduled to present a program about WAND at the Arkansas Democratic Women's organization in August.

We've designated October to be our membership month and are planning mailings, etc. to renew memberships and increase our roster.

Thanks to Caroline Stevenson for this report and the excellent work of our Arkansas WAND chapter.

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ARKANSAS WAND MEETS WITH REP. VIC SNYDER
Members of Arkansas WAND met with Rep. Vic Snyder to ask him to sign HJR 97, calling for an end to the threat of nuclear destruction, by Rep. Ed Markey D-MA, and to co-host a community forum on U.S. nuclear weapons policy. Rep. Snyder declined to sign HJR 97, but agreed to consider hosting a forum. Thanks to Jean Gordon and the Arkansas WAND members who attended! Keep up the great work!

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ARKANSAS WAND PULLS IN SUPPORT FOR THE URGENT CALL
Nancy Dockter and Jean Gordon of Arkansas WAND spent 5 hours at the Little Rock Farmers Market the morning of 7/13 getting people to sign the Urgent Call petition and also one to not invade Iraq. They gathered about 150 signatures on each one - and reported that they could have gotten more with a longer table (and more copies) as people had to wait to sign. Jean reported that it was a very encouraging effort, and that not only did they drum up support for nuclear disarmament, they also signed up a few more volunteers for Arkansas WAND!

Thanks and congratulations to Jean and Nancy for such a great effort!

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ARKANSAS WAND MEETING AND POTLUCK (7/24)
The next Arkansas WAND meeting will be a potluck at the home of Jean Gordon on July 24th. Members will view a film on nuclear waste processing and have an opportunity to write letters. Everyone welcome. Please join us! Wed., July 24, 6:30 pm * 2510 Hidden Valley, Little Rock
INFO:
jgordon@igc.org or 501 225 1323


GEORGIA

ATLANTA WAND ORGANIZES PRESS CONFERENCE ON YUCCA
Atlanta WAND, along with Physicians for Social Responsibility & the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL), held a successful press conference on July 9th with representatives from GA PIRG and the Sierra Club.Bonnie and Claude Ward of BREDL provided the mock nuclear waste cask that was the centerpiece of the press conference. Rep. Nan Grogan Orrock, WiLL President, state Sen. Vincent Fort, and others spoke in support of WAND/WiLL's position on Yucca Mountain. Four major networks and the independent press covered the event.

http://atlanta.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=6169&group=webcast

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METRO ATLANTA TASK FORCE FOR THE HOMELESS FORUM (7/18)
The Monthly Coalition Forum will focus on changes to Georgia's Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse.
Thursday, July 18. 12:00 - 2:00 pm * Cathedral of St. Philip, Suite 301 2744 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta * INFO: 404 365-1000

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GEORGIANS FOR CLEAN ENERGY (7/20)
The escalating nuclear threat and the Southeast's pivotal role Saturday, July 20th at 4 PM * Savannah's Unitarian Universalist Church in the Fellowship Hall, 307 E. Harris Street, Savannah

Join Sara Barczak, Safe Energy Director of Georgians for Clean Energy, & guest speaker Paloma Galindo, with the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance in TN, for a discussion of nuclear threats in the southeast.

INFO: Georgians for Clean Energy, (912) 201-0354
email: sara@cleanenergy.ws * web: www.cleanenergy.ws

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THE WOMEN'S VOTER INFORMATION PROJECT
2002 GA VOTER PROJECT
Our website is now fully up and functional! http://www.gawomensvip.org
And while you’re there, please sign our Social Security petition. Thanks!


MASSACHUSETTS

NORTH SHORE WAND - Letter to the Editor, Salem Evening News

I am writing to support the opinions of the Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding the potential of war with Iraq. According to them, such a war might provoke just the disaster it would try to avert. The President stated that he would pursue "all options" to prevent Saddam Hussein from using weapons of mass destruction, but surely such a pre-emptive strike runs the risk of having him do just that. Further, the US military top brass say that Hussein is fully capable of using biological and chemical weapons against our troops, and even non-military at home. If the President's concern with homeland security is real, perhaps he should listen to his generals, even if he doesn't like the message.

Jane M. Baker
Salem MA 01970


MICHIGAN

METRO DETROIT MEETING WITH SEN. LEVIN ON YUCCA
On Tuesday, July 2, Jean Prokopow and Clare Mead Rosen, of WAND Metro Detroit, met with other peace activists and Sen. Carl Levin to try to dissuade the Senator from voting for the Yucca Mountain transport. In spite of their best efforts Sen. Levin voted for the Yucca Mountain project. Sen. Debbie Stabenow voted no, and Detroit area members are urged to call or email Sen. Stabenow to thank her.

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METRO DETROIT WAND LETTERS TO EDITOR PUBLISHED
The Detroit Free Press published letters to the editor from Fern Katz, WAND national board member and president of Metro Detroit WAND, and from Jean Prokopow, a Metro Detroit WAND member. The letters, concerning Yucca Mountain, appeared in the July 5th issue along with letters from 2 leaders in the anti-nuclear waste movement, one from Nevada and the other from Michigan. This is a great way to have our voices heard!

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BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD TASK FORCE ON RACE RELATIONS (8/19)
Meeting, Monday, August 19th, 8:00 AM at the Community House


MINNESOTA

MN LEGISLATORS QUESTION FEDERAL BUDGET PRIORITIES
Women Legislators' Lobby (WiLL) members, Sen. Sandy Pappas and Rep. Phyllis Kahn, have authored a resolution calling on Congress to redirect an estimated $238 billion slated for missile defense over the next 15 to 25 years. They recommend investments in education, health care, and the environment. Minneapolis-based Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), an organization whose purpose it is to dismantle systems of militarism and global violence, calls the resolution an important first step. Thanks to WiLL!

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WAMM THIRD MONDAY MOVIE (7/15/02)
"Profit & Nothing But" provides important insight into realities of today's global economy, which tolerates deprivation and devastation. Haiti is explored as a case study in what is called "triumphant capitalism." Monday, July 15. Soup & sandwich supper ($8.00) served at 6:00 PM Video & discussion at 6:30 PM. * St. Martin's Table, 2001 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis * INFO 612 827 5364

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VETERANS FOR PEACE NATIONAL CONVENTION (8/15-18)
Featuring Robert Bowman, Institute for Space and Security Studies. Scholastica College, Duluth, MN.

INFO/Reservations:Jessica Poskozim at 218-723-6084


NEW YORK

BUFFALO WAND/WESTERN NEW YORK PEACE CENTER (7/23)
Next meeting of the Buffalo WAND/Western New York Peace Center will be on Tuesday, July 23rd at 7:00 pm, at the Peace Center, 2123 Bailey Avenue in Buffalo. * INFO: 716-894-2013

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BUFFALO TO BETHLEHEM (7/17)
Wed., July 17. An evening with David Selzer at First Presbyterian Church. Selzer, Episcopal clergy and Peace Center member, and his family spent three months in Israel during the Bethlehem invasion. He will share his experiences and impressions at this event. To share in a Middle Eastern supper, please make a reservation (cost is $5.00). Otherwise, the talk at 7:00 pm is free & open to the public. * First Presbyterian Church 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo * INFO: 716 884 7250

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DIRECTOR OF SOA WATCH TO SPEAK (7/21 and 7/23)
Sunday, July 21. Father Roy Bourgeouis, director of SOA Watch, will speak at each mass at St. Joseph University Roman Catholic Church (3269 Main Street, Buffalo), and will give a free talk in the Church's Community Room at 1:30 PM. * INFO: 716 894 2013

Tuesday, July 23. Father Bourgeouis will speak at the Chatauqua Institute, Hall of Philosophy. INFO: Marie Kullman, 716 832-6135.


NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA WAND MEMBER WRITES ABOUT YUCCA
The Asheville Citizen-Times published a guest commentary by Asheville WAND member Linda McLean on June 19. The article was a brilliant detailing of the local impact of radioactive waste shipments if the nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain is developed, dispelling the common belief that it "doesn't affect us personally." Linda outlined the proposed transportation routes in NC, bringing the issue close to home for readers.

Linda also summarized general arguments against the Yucca plan, warning of the dangers of "mobile Chernobyl" shipments, and the unsuitability of the proposed site in Nevada. She appealed to readers to contact their Senators and "pass the word" to others.


OREGON

LANE COUNTY WAND - July Meeting Report
Lane County WAND held its July meeting on Thursday, July 11th at the McNail/Riley House. The program, led by WAND member Dianne Lobes, was entitled "Peace as a Conscious Choice." In Dianne's words:

"Each person creates an individual world within the sphere of her/his own beliefs and thoughts, which become a powerful sorting lens. This hasn't changed since September 11th. Many of us have said in the past, "I'll believe it when I see it." It's really the other way around - you'll see it when you believe it. What if the words we speak, which are based on our beliefs, are self-fulfilling prophecy, dreams coming into manifestation? How many of us are ready and choosing to believe in our own inherent talents and greatness, and that of our community and our world? Could our world use this kind of commitment now?"

For information about Conscious Choice: Dianne Lobes, dlobes@qwest.net.
To be a part of this exciting WAND chapter: Leslie: 342-5325 or Kit: 484-6202.


WISCONSIN

NAGASAKI REMEMBRANCE (8/8-10)
A Nukewatch Peace Camp at Project ELF
Thursday through Saturday - August 8, 9 &10.

Join activists from around the country at Project ELF in northern Wisconsin to show your opposition to widening U.S. preparations for nuclear war. Rustic camping in beautiful Chequamegon National Forest. Nonviolence workshop, speakers, music, and nonviolent direct action.

Directions/INFO: (715) 472-4185; nukewatch@lakeland.ws http://www.nukewatch.com

XI. QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Senator Harry Reid of Nevada

”I don’t want to be trite by saying I’ve just begun to fight, but I’m still not tired. . .
We are going to make sure that all i’s are dotted and all t’s are crossed, which hasn’t been done with the jam job of George W. on this issue.”

- Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, after the Senate voted to establish a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain (See Section III, Nuclear Notes)

The New York Times, July 10, 2002, A14


The WAND / Women Take Action! Bulletin Board is an announcement service of the WAND National Field Office. The purpose of the Bulletin Board is to share news and ideas, and to offer the strength and support that comes from belonging to a national network of active WAND / WTA women. To add or remove names from the Bulletin Board, please email your request along with your city (to assist us in finding your address) to membership@wand.org.

Thank you.



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