|
Comment on this article |
View comments |
Email this Article
|
|
News :: Peace |
|
AWARE Takes Fast Action |
Current rating: 8 |
by Sandra Ahten
Email: spiritofsandra (nospam) hotmail.com (verified)
Phone: 217-367-6345 |
23 Sep 2002
|
|
300 NO WAR postcards are mailed to our Senators after a group of local activist put their heads and hands together to plan some quick action. Find out what you can do to stop the war. |
The local AWARE (Anti-War Anti Racism Effort) met as usual on Sunday night at 5:00pm at the Indy Media Center. The crowd of about thirty discussed past events and the news of the week. They discussed fundraising efforts and how to manage their email list. As the meeting was drawing to a close the group was discussing future direct-action that could be taken. The nearer the 7pm meeting ending time drew, the more desperate was the escalation and the tension in the room to figure out they could take some action this week. There was need voiced to find some action that could possibly make a difference in stopping the looming military action / escalation against Iraq.
Through a hodge podge of suggestions and offers. "I'll go get the postcards in the morning ." "I can bring a table." "I can ask Clint to make labels." A plan was born. By 7pm the following day we had 300 postcards in the mail to Senators Durbin and Fitzgerald.
It wasn't perfect. We didn't have AWARE fliers (we don't have the money to have them copied). We forgot to ask people to sign up to receive email. What we did do was to set up a table outside of Strawberry Fields from 11:30 to 1:30 and 5 to 6:30pm. Armed with Senator addressed, stamped postcards we asked patrons, "Would you like to send a message to your Senator stating your opposition to the war on Iraq." A few coldy said "no." Some were too busy. Some were undecided. An estimated 80-90% filled out a postcard taking time to write their own personal message to their congressperson. On the whole people were thankful to have an opportunity to take an action. The messages on the postcards revealed passion, desperation, and outrage.
In addition to those gathered at Strawberry Fields, forty postcards were sent from a booth set up at the Red Herring. Carol Inskeep and Al Kagan were covering the Palestinian speaking event tonight at the IDF and were bringing postcards by the Mosque during their prayer hour (by request).
WE ARE OUT OF FUNDS AND POSTCARDS
If anyone could make a donation for us to buy more postcards, please stop by Strawberry Fields tomorrow (Tuesday 9/24/02) between 11:30 and 1:30. We will be finishing this action tomorrow at 6:30 so we can get the postcards in the last mail collection on Tuesday. We understand the Senate vote will be on Friday. You are welcome to help staff the table. Click on the website if this action is passed but you would like to know more about AWARE and how you can be involved. |
See also:
http://www.anti-war.net
|
|
Wonderful! Where Do I Send A Check? |
by Peacenik
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: -1
24 Sep 2002
|
|
Your action was very important. It's a relief to know somebody is working to slow the rush to an utterly unnecessary war. Where can I send a check to support your efforts? |
