Peace Committee

Peace Committee has a broad agenda to bring the dangers of US military action to public awareness.  Specifically, it is working to end the invasion and occupation of Iraq and prevent widening conflict in other areas, especially the Middle East and particularly Iran. 

The Committee is reaching beyond WDRC to Democratic clubs and progressive activists in northern California and throughout the state, and it needs more people to join and help.

The Wellstone Club’s Peace Committee seeks to encourage vigorous and effective anti-war activity by Democratic clubs, particularly in more conservative parts of the greater Bay Area. In order to do this the committee spearheaded the creation of the Resolution Peace Network (www.resolutionpeace.org), a collaboration of Democratic clubs and other anti-war organizations in Alameda, Contra Costa and San Mateo Counties. Network members have crafted a statement calling for Congressional action to:

• Promptly withdraw from Iraq
• No attack on Iran without Congressional approval        
• Take good care of the troops, veterans and their families

Network members are encouraging other clubs to join the network, sign the statement, and meet with their Congressional representatives to ask them to take action toward the three goals above. The network is also researching and providing information to its members about anti-war legislation. As the network grows it will take on more projects, including media outreach and encouraging Democratic clubs in other regions of the state of create similar collaborations.

Please note our next meeting will be May 21, 7-9 PM,. Jack Kurzweil’s house.

WDRCE PEACE COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES 4/16/08

Those present: Barbara Epstein, Jack, Raymond, Linda, Ying, Ruby, Susan, Judy

Major decisions/discussion items. Who will do what in CAPS.
1. Mid East peace process. Barbara wants progressives to support a two state solution while it is still a credible option, and that window may be closing soon. Jack suggested devoting a WDRC general meeting after June 3 to this topic. Possible speakers – Mitchell Plitnik, Norman Finkelstein. The peace committee will be discussing this further.
2. Responsible plan
RAYMOND will:
Send Hayden’s questions to Responsible Plan organizers for response
Contact VICKI and ELLIS about getting the plan on the club’s and Res Peace websites
Write telephone script for calling Dem Clubs and other groups about supporting the plan
With YING, will phone clubs in Fresno area to see about meeting them at CDC meeting
3. CDC convention
RAYMOND and YING will attend.
RAYMOND will finalize postcards about Res Peace to distribute at convention
4. Barbara Lee – JUDY met with new political director, will work with her to schedule meeting.
5. Iraq Moratorium – May 16
Plan A if WDRC endorses Obama – we’ll create Obama flyer to distribute at MacArthur BART
Plan B if WDRC has not endorsed Obama – we’ll hold Linda’s signs at MacArthur BART
YING will call AFSC, find out about getting a banner.
6. Res Peace picnic – we want to get the whole network’s agreement to this idea for a potluck picnic and socializing opportunity

Notes from 12/19/07 Meeting:

Please note that our next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 23 at 7 PM, Jack’s house.

Peace Committee Meeting Notes 12/19/07

Those present: Jack, Ruby, Linda, Judy

Major decisions/discussion items. Who will do what in CAPS.

1. Ruby reported on the successful action at the SF Clinton fundraiser for serious donors – people whose names the campaign may actually pay attention to. Ruby, Susan and Carl got 26 letters signed and did some good educating. Ruby sent the letters to the Clinton campaign manager. Unfortunately we do not expect the major candidates to make more stops in California before the primary, but just in case LINDA will check on possible appearances by Clinton and Obama.

2. After the New Year ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS will get in touch with their clubs to urge them to do similar letter campaigns and bird dogging. Also now that we have a firm commitment from Tom Hayden to attend the Resolution Peace anti-war strategy forum in March, we’ll be prompting attendance when we talk to the clubs.

3. March forum

A. Tom Hayden was invited by Jack and is confirmed.
B. Leslie Cagan is a strong possibility. WDRC would pay her way.