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To Meetings and Friends under the weight of the present crisis:
"What can any of us do at this time?"
"How can we get help for what we are called to do?"
Where to start:First take time in spiritually guided seeking to understand your own message so that you can communicate it to others. Keep yourself open to love and to try to understand those who will not agree with you.
What to do on your own:Communicating with decision-makers: Short, informed letters and messages to decision makers on specific topics are one of the best ways to make a difference.
A phone message can be sent as soon as you hear of a pending decision. The Congressperson may not agree with or even read what you say, but messages to Congress or the President are carefully tallied and the count circulated as a guide to public opinion. To reach the President, call Comment Desk at 202-456-7639; address is The White House, Washington DC 20500. For all Congresspersons call 202-224-3121. Write Senators at "U.S. Senate" their zip is 20510; write Representatives at "U.S House of Representatives" at 20515. Also write letters to the editor of your local paper.
As a Meeting:Even a small meeting can offer a voice and a refuge for those who dissent from the main stream.
For Vigils and public witness: Your group has a constitutional right to assemble with a message, but you do not have a right to obstruct foot or road traffic. Talk with the police in advance about your plans; they should advise you how to arrange yourselves or provide a permit for any group that might affect passage. Take care that your group presents itself with order and dignity and that your signs convey to others what you are saying.
Leaflets: Informative leaflets give you a chance to explain yourselves. To avoid charges of littering, offer the leaflet to everyone, give it to the hand of each person who accepts, and pick up any which are thrown down.
Within the community — other religious organizations:The leaders of many religious organizations — Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and including Bob Edgar, director of the National Council of Churches — have signed a constructive statement. Develop your contacts with one or more local churches; join with them in bringing a speaker, holding a shared vigil, or organizing a peace center or coffee house.
The College and youth community: Keep in touch with students and professors who can offer perspectives and background as working with other neighbors with similar views. Young activists often welcome someone to listen and be mentor to them.
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting employs Laurence Sigmond as Peace and Concerns Meetings' Initiatives Coordinator to help individual Friends and local Meetings recognize and follow their leadings toward the peace and social testimonies. Laurence is eager to come to your meeting if you invite him; he is also available to talk to you in private as you seek your first steps. Contact him anytime at 215-843-8747, laurence@philapeace.org, or visit www.philapeace.org.
For information from Yearly Meeting on Friends activities and peace and social concerns, call Joan Broadfield, 215-241-7230, joanb@pym.org.
For information on grants call Carol Walz, 215-241-7201, carolw@pym.org.
The Friends Committee on National Legislation is our reliable resource in Washington. Be sure to check and use its comprehensive website:www.fcnl.org; FCNL's phone is 800-630-1330.
From the Peace and Concerns Standing Committee, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Clerk: Elizabeth Marsh, 215-848-0592
Office of PYM: 215-241-7230, 7235: 800-220-0796 ext 7230, 7235
peace@pym.org
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM