WNPJ Action Alerts - Support diplomacy with Iran and more

Action Alert 1: Support diplomacy with Iran
Action Alert 2: Issue a citizen's citation of the Capitol Police Chief
Action Alert 3: Host a talk by a visiting Palestinian peace activist
Action Alert 4: Contribute to an anarcha-feminist zine
 

Action Alert 1: Support diplomacy with Iran
Background: The heated rhetoric in favor of a military "solution" to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons continues to build.  In his speech before the United Nations General Assembly this week, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu used a cartoon to claim Iran is one year away from having nuclear weapons capabilities.  U.S. Congressional committees and resolutions are calling for a more confrontational approach, downplaying the many dangers of conflict with Iran while claiming that diplomatic efforts have been ineffective -- a claim contradicted by both UN and Pentagon analyses.
Take Action: Such war-mongering hurts diplomacy and efforts -- like the Milwaukee city council's unanimous approval this week of Peace Action's "move the money" resolution -- to rollback U.S. war and military spending, in favor of community needs.  Read Physicians for Social Responsibility's talking points against war with Iran and call your members of Congress.
Contact for more info: PSR Wisconsin, 608-232-9945, info@psrwisconsin.org

Action Alert 2: Issue a citizen's citation of the Capitol Police Chief
Background: For weeks now, peaceful protesters in and around the state Capitol -- including participants in the Solidarity Sing-along, a WNPJ member group -- have been handcuffed, arrested and issued citations.  At the same time, people with no gun safety training are allowed to carry concealed handguns in the People's House.  When state Rep. Chris Taylor asked Capitol Police Chief David Erwin to clarify what behavior he was considering no longer permissible, he walked out of the meeting.
Take Action: Click here to sign onto an online citizen's citation of Capitol Police Chief Erwin and Governor Walker, expressing outrage that concealed handguns, but not signs or sing-alongs, are apparently welcome in our state Capitol.
Contact for more info: Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, 414-351-9283, wave@waveedfund.org

Action Alert 3: Host a talk by a visiting Palestinian peace activist
Background: In December and January, Palestinian peace activist Iyad Burnat will be in Wisconsin and Minnesota, as part of a larger U.S. speaking tour.  Iyad heads the Bil’in Popular Committee and is a leader in the village’s nonviolent popular resistance movement.  During his U.S. presentations, Iyad will tell the stories of Bil’in and life in the occupied West Bank, and talk about strategies for nonviolent popular resistance with a goal of peace and prosperity for all people.  His presentations are accompanied by photos and videos.
Take Action: Organize a local presentation for Iyad Burnat in your community, this December or January.
Contact for more info: Contact Jill at bakersusannah@yahoo.com for more information and to be added to Iyad's tour schedule. If you're interested in helping organize Madison events, contact the Madison-Rafah Sister-City Project at 608-238-1227 or rafahsistercity@yahoo.com

Action Alert 4: Contribute to an anarcha-feminist zine
Background: Thistle Pettersen, an anarcha-feminist living in Madison working on DIY projects such as the Grassroutes Caravan mobile bicycle villages of resistance and the Madison Infoshop, is compiling art, poetry, essays or musings on manarchy in the Midwest, to accompany a presentation at Madison Zine Fest on November 10th.  Anarcha-feminism believes each of us have a voice and a story to share in our sisterhood as we collectively fight the good fight to dismantle patriarchy in our lives and beyond.
Take Action: Email your zine entries to thistle@riseup.net.
Contact for more info: Thistle@riseup.net