| Posted: April 18 2005,22:44 |
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PROGRESS: Has your organization seen
progress toward a culture of peace and nonviolence in your domain of
action and in your constituency during the first half of the Decade? |
Our activities are enhanced by a close intergration with the USCC Doukhobors, the VOW for Peace and other groups.
We hold peace rallies twice a year regularly and about fourteen since the invasion of Iraq.
Attendance
at these rallies have substantially increased over the past five years,
from 45/50 to over 120/150 with an early pre-invasion peak of 250.
The age range has expanded, more young people, and a broader 'class' involvement.
In
conjunction with other groups Canada wide we blocked Canada's
participation in the invasion of Iraq and involvement with the USA's
Missille Defense abrogation of the ABM treaty.
We participated with
others in an effort to outlaw the corporal punishment of children.
Together, we were able to bring a court challenge of Section 43 of the
Criminal Code to the Supreme Court.
Assisted Selkirk College in developing a peace program.
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OBSTACLES: What are the most important obstacles that have prevented progress?
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A
deeply ingrained suspicion that peace is, somehow, subversive; a
cultural myth engendered by two generations of cold war propaganda.
This couples to an apathy dispelled, somewhat, by the bellicose
unilateralism of the U.S.A.
The opposition conservative politics with corporate links to the profitable militarism of the USA.
The mindless media's attempt to portray peace activities as inimitable to the 'war on terror'.
An atavistic notion that the military can somehow defend against all threats.
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ACTIONS: What actions have been
undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?
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The abovementioned series of rallies, about 18 in all.
We
have celebrated the International Day of Peace every year for a long
time. On that day we start fundraising for a local or international
cause sending the money to UNICEF, Red Cross or other international
charity. Our past few events were for UNICEF in Darfur, War Child
Canada, UNICEF re child soldiers, HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe through the Red
Cross, land mine abolition through a Canadian group, et al.
A three
day "Convergence of the All" peace conference that attracted 600/800
attendees. This was a big event with international and Canadian keynote
speakers, local spiritual groups and environmentalists.
We were involved with political protests against joining in the invasion of Iraq and the North American Missile Defence shield.
We are involved politically to have conscientious objectors admitted to Canada as refugees.
Involvement
with the "Repeal 43 Committee" and enorsement of the "Joint Statement
on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth" produced by a coalition.
Developed
links with Aboriginal Canadians in developing perspectives on peace.
This initiative linked to the establishment of the Mir Centre at
Selkirk College.
Assisted in the organization of the annual Mother's
Day March for peace (22nd this year) linked together US citizens'
participation.
Began involvement with Vancouver City's 'World Peace Forum' set for 2006.
Involvement in AGMs of Canadian Peace Alliance, Voice of Women for Peace and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.
Part of the march starting a rally to mark the beginning of the third year of the occupation of Iraq.
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ADVICE: What advice would you like to
give to the Secretary-General and the General Assembly to promote a
culture of peace and nonviolence during the second half of the Decade? |
The value of the advice you receive will probably vary inversely with the power of the country offering the advice.
Listen carefully to the NGOs; they are us and we are the people.
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PARTNERSHIPS: What partnerships and
networks does your organization participate in, thus strengthening the
global movement for a culture of peace? |
Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (Doukhobors)
Canadian Peace Alliance
Pambazuka
Equality Now
Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International
Canadian Race relations Foundation
United Way
Oxfam
UNICEF
UNHCR
Voice of Women for Peace
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
Canadian Red Cross
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PLANS: What new engagements are
planned by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence in the second half of the Decade (2005-2010)? |
We shall continue with the International Day of Peace and hold rallies if more hostilities break out.
We will be involved politcally to agitate against any military adventures that foreign powers may try to trap Canada into.
We will continue to press for refugee status for conscientous objectors from any country.
In conjunction with our Comminty College, Selkirk College, support the building and operation the Mir Centre for Peace.
Enhance our list serves and web site.
Concentrate of activitties attractive to youth.
Have a visible United Nations presence at community celebrations.
Increase the depth and sophistication of our community involvement.
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Postal address of organization
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2600 Columbia Avenue
Castlegar, B.C.
Canada, V1N 2X6
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E-mail address of organization
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tdrop@web.ca
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Website address of organization
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http://community.netidea.com/grr/index.html
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Highest priority action domain of a culture of peace
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International peace and security especially as it relates women, children and refugees.
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Second priority action domain of a culture of peace
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Education for a culture of peace
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Highest priority country of action (or international)
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Canada
United States
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Second priority country of action (or international)
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Sudan, all regions
Israel/Palestine
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