The Declaration of Peace Homepage: July 15 to July 23, 2008
http://declarationofpeace.org/next-steps-for-the-declaration-of-peace
RECOMMIT, REGROUP, REDOUBLE
__July 2008__: Keep __Peace for Iraq__ in the forefront of the __2008__ Election Campaign.
- Question all candidates for federal offices on ending the U.S. occupation of Iraq.
- Make the public aware of the war funding voting records of your members of Congress.
- Speak out, write about, and take action for Peace in Iraq.
__Over the past five years__, the __U.S. Congress has approved__ the spending of [__more than 530 billion dollars__](http://www.nationalpriorities.org/costofwar_home) for __devastating war and military occupation in Iraq__.
__In the past couple months__, a __record number of members of Congress voted against more war funding__. On __May 22nd__, [__26 Senators voted against__](http://declarationofpeace.org/published/may-22-2008-senate-approves-iraq-supplemental) — and on __June 19th__, __[155 U.S. Representatives voted against](http://declarationofpeace.org/published/june-19-2008-senate-set-to-clear-supplemental) continuing to waste billions of dollars on an immoral occupation in Iraq__. Clearly, the __increase__ in Congress members voting against more war funding __is due to the coordinated efforts of the nationwide anti-war movement__.
However, in a final vote on __June 26, 2008__, the [__Congress approved__ an astonishing __$161.8 billion__](http://declarationofpeace.org/published/june-26-2008-senate-passes-bill-finalizing-war-fundi-0) to __continue the U.S. occupation of Iraq into the next presidential administration!__
Now that __war funding__ has been secured well into __2009__, __it is necessary for the anti-war movement to refocus our efforts__. While the “__Defund the War__” struggle is over for this year, __our work in 2008 is far from over!__
__The Declaration of Peace calls on everyone to _recommit, regroup, and redouble our efforts___ to move U.S. policy-makers to bring U.S. troops and contractors __out of Iraq__ and to work for __Peace in Iraq__.
__Read about__ and [__download the 65-page Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/comprehensive-peace-plan-for-iraq-september-4-2) and the [__6-page Talking Points__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/talking-points-for-comprehensive-peace-plan-for).
During the __August Congressional recess__ (Aug. 11 - Sept. 5, 2008), help get the [__Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/comprehensive-peace-plan-for-iraq-september-4-2) to __every member of Congress__.
__Please take the following simple, yet important action steps:__ [Download the __Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq__](http://declarationofpeace.org/files/Comprehensive_Peace_Plan_for_Iraq.doc) and the [__Congressional Declaration of Peace__](http://declarationofpeace.org/files/2007-Congressional-Declaration-of-Peace.doc).
Then __hand-deliver these documents__ to your __Senators__ and __Representatives__ in their home district offices, or at Town Hall Meetings or other forums.
__Ask them to commit to supporting a Peace Plan for Iraq__.
__Thanks to tireless local organizing__, more than [__700 “5 Years Too Many” events__](http://www.5yearstoomany.org/) took place in [__all 50 states and D.C.__](http://events.unitedforpeace.org/5yearstoomany) around __March 19, 2008__. See __reports and photos from D.C. and across the U.S.__ by clicking below.
__Thank you for your diligence and inspiring hard work!__
__Organizing Locally ~ Coordinating Nationally__
“We The People Declare Peace!”
The Declaration of Peace Homepage: July 8 to July 15, 2008
http://declarationofpeace.org/next-steps-for-the-declaration-of-peace
RECOMMIT, REGROUP, REDOUBLE
__July 2008__: Keep __Peace for Iraq__ in the forefront of the __2008__ Election Campaign.
- Question all candidates for federal offices on ending the U.S. occupation of Iraq.
- Make the public aware of the war funding voting records of your members of Congress.
- Speak out, write about, and take action for Peace in Iraq.
__Over the past five years__, the __U.S. Congress has approved__ the spending of [__more than 526 billion dollars__](http://www.nationalpriorities.org/costofwar_home) for __devastating war and military occupation in Iraq__.
__In June 2008__, the __largest number of U.S. Representatives__ (155) and __Senators__ (26) __voted against more war funding__. Clearly, the increase in Congress members voting against continuing to waste billions of dollars on an immoral occupation is due to the coordinated efforts of the nationwide anti-war movement.
However, in a final vote on __June 26, 2008__, the __Congress approved__ an astonishing __$162 billion__ to __continue the U.S. occupation of Iraq into the next presidential administration!__
Now that __war funding__ has been secured well into __2009__, __it is necessary for the anti-war movement to refocus our efforts__. While the “__Defund the War__” struggle is over for this year, __our work in 2008 is far from over!__
__The Declaration of Peace calls on everyone to _recommit, regroup, and redouble our efforts___ to move U.S. policy-makers to bring U.S. troops and contractors __out of Iraq__ and to work for __Peace in Iraq__.
__Read about__ and [__download the 65-page Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/comprehensive-peace-plan-for-iraq-september-4-2) and the [__6-page Talking Points__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/talking-points-for-comprehensive-peace-plan-for).
During the __August Congressional recess__ (Aug. 11 - Sept. 5, 2008), help get the [__Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/comprehensive-peace-plan-for-iraq-september-4-2) to __every member of Congress__.
__Please take the following simple, yet important action steps:__ [Download the __Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq__](http://declarationofpeace.org/files/Comprehensive_Peace_Plan_for_Iraq.doc) and the [__Congressional Declaration of Peace__](http://declarationofpeace.org/files/2007-Congressional-Declaration-of-Peace.doc).
Then __hand-deliver these documents__ to your __Senators__ and __Representatives__ in their home district offices, or at Town Hall Meetings or other forums.
__Ask them to commit to supporting a Peace Plan for Iraq__.
__Thanks to tireless local organizing__, more than [__700 “5 Years Too Many” events__](http://www.5yearstoomany.org/) took place in [__all 50 states and D.C.__](http://events.unitedforpeace.org/5yearstoomany) around __March 19, 2008__. See __reports and photos from D.C. and across the U.S.__ by clicking below.
__Thank you for your diligence and inspiring hard work!__
__Organizing Locally ~ Coordinating Nationally__
“We The People Declare Peace!”
The Declaration of Peace Homepage: June 1 to July 8, 2008
http://declarationofpeace.org/next-steps-for-the-declaration-of-peace
__June 2008__: As Congress is about to vote on the __largest Iraq War spending bill__ - __Your Calls and Actions are Needed!__
During the past five years, the __U.S. Congress has approved__ the spending of [__more than 526 billion dollars__](http://www.nationalpriorities.org/costofwar_home) for __devastating war and military occupation in Iraq__.
The Bush Administration is now seeking another [__$178 billion__](http://declarationofpeace.org/162-to-178-billion-dollars-for-june-2008-to-may-2009-war-funding) for funding the __U.S. occupation of Iraq__.
On __Thursday, May 15, 2008__, a __$162.5 billion war funding measure__ was [__voted down__ in the __House of Representatives!__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/may-16-2008-war-funding-voted-down-in-the-house)
However, one week later, on __Thursday, May 22__, the __U.S. Senate approved a massive spending bill__, combining __$165 billion__ in __war funding__, with money for domestic issues.
The __House of Representatives__ are now again considering __war appropriations__, with a vote expected after __June 16th__.
__It is up to all of us__ to again __compel a majority in the House to vote against more war funding.__
__The only effective way to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq and bring the troops home is to STOP PAYING FOR WAR AND OCCUPATION!__
Please CALL and E-MAIL your members of Congress and tell them to vote “NO” on any more Iraq War funding!
And __encourage others to call and write as well!__ ~ Thank You!
Congress Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Toll-free Phone Number: 1-800-828-0498
__[CLICK HERE](http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/) for contact information for all your members of Congress.__
__Read about__ and [__download the 65-page Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/comprehensive-peace-plan-for-iraq-september-4-2) and the [__6-page Talking Points__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/talking-points-for-comprehensive-peace-plan-for).
It is our hope that __every member of Congress receives__ the [__Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq__](http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/comprehensive-peace-plan-for-iraq-september-4-2) and __pressure from their constituents__ before the __next vote on more war funding__.
__Help make that a reality! Please take the following simple, yet important action steps:__
[Download the __Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq__](http://declarationofpeace.org/files/Comprehensive_Peace_Plan_for_Iraq.doc) and the [__Congressional Declaration of Peace__](http://declarationofpeace.org/files/2007-Congressional-Declaration-of-Peace.doc)
Then __hand-deliver these documents__ to your __Senators’__ and __Representatives’ offices__.
__Ask them to commit to supporting a Peace Plan for Iraq__.
__Thanks to tireless local organizing__, more than [__700 “5 Years Too Many” events__](http://www.5yearstoomany.org/) took place in [__all 50 states and D.C.__](http://events.unitedforpeace.org/5yearstoomany) around __March 19, 2008__. See __reports and photos from D.C. and across the U.S.__ by clicking below.
__Thank you for your diligence and inspiring hard work!__
__Organizing Locally ~ Coordinating Nationally__
“We The People Declare Peace!”
Volunteer for Declaration of Peace Working Committees and National Coordinating Body
http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/descriptions-of-declaration-of-peace-working-co
We need people to volunteer to help with the work of The Declaration of Peace Working Committees.
The Declaration of Peace is a grassroots-driven, volunteer-run national campaign.
The Declaration of Peace has eight Working Committees and a National Coordinating Body, which serve to meet the needs of the national campaign, as well as strengthen and expand the campaign.
Each committee has a convener and/ or representative(s) as well as other committee members to carry out the functions of that particular Working Committee.
Below are descriptions of the Working Committees and the name of the functioning committee convener and/ or representative.
Most of the Working Committees meet via conference call, every other week.
Each committee has a unique listserv by which committee members can discuss and carry out the work of the committee between conference calls.
If you can volunteer to put some time into the national campaign, please contact committee conveners to join a committee.
Questions about Working Committees or other aspects of The Declaration of Peace national campaign can be addressed to:
The responsibilities of the Communications Commitee are as follows:
- Develop the website and facilitate the timely posting of resources and sharing of information.
- Coordinate with the Coordinating Body to ensure a translation of overall campaign strategy into the website and organizing materials.
- Work with other committees to identify and create useful organizing resources to post to the website and distribute to the network.
- Management of the listserves and regular e-newsletters and e-blasts to the network.
- Develop mechanisms to facilitate transparent, secure and easy access to organizing information, for example Wikis and searchable databases of endorsers, organizers and pledge signers.
Convener: Andrew Sawtelle
The responsibilities of the Local Organizing Commitee are as follows:
- Communicate to the Coordinating Body input from local organizers and efforts that are under way in local communities across the country.
- Recruit potential local organizers, with attention to geographic distribution and outreach to under-represented groups.
- Orient new local organizers by clarifying responsibilities and resources available to them.
- Develop a strong sense of national unity through local organizer networking, for example national conference calls, searchable database by location and affiliation, and local organizer listserv.
- Develop local organizing tools and resources to be posted on the website to support the local organizing of the campaign.
- Update local organizer list and contact information on the website.
- Maintain communication with local organizers regarding strategic direction of the campaign, key ways for local groups to plug into the campaign, local organizing resources, etc.
- Work with Media Committee to develop sample media resources and media strategy for local organizers.
- Develop network of Speakers and Field Organizers that can travel and provide in-person support, encouragement and sharing of information.
Convener: Timothy Baer
The responsibilities of the Nonviolence Training Initiative Committee are as follows:
- Revive the nonviolence training network via renewed communication with trainers that signed on to the network and outreach to those that did not.
- Raise funds to ensure that trainers can travel and lead trainings everywhere trainings are being requested.
- Devise strategies to facilitate communication between local organizers, trainers, and people seeking nonviolence training.
- Broadcast the availability of the framework for training agenda building to nonviolence trainers around the country - http://www.declarationofpeace.org/resources-for-nonviolence-trainers
Convener: Paul Frazier
The responsibilities of the Outreach Commitee are as follows:
- Outreach to potential endorsing organizations, including Students, Labor, Communities of Color, Military Related Peace Groups, Iraqis, faith-based community, artists and musicians, socially responsible professional associations, etc.
- Communicate clear goals and objectives to endorsing organizations and maintain follow-up.
- Communicate to the Coordinating Body input from endorsing organizations.
- Updating endorsing organizations list and links on the campaign’s website.
- Maintain database of endorser contact info, activities and support needs.
- Connect endorsing organizations with Media Committee, when appropriate to feature efforts and activities.
- Connect endorsing organizations with Finance Committee if groups would like to raise funds for campaign efforts.
Convener: No convener right now. Email if you are interested in joining or convening this committee.
The responsibilities of the Finance Committee are as follows:
- Create a budget for the campaign, in coordination with committee action planning.
- Develop and implement fundraising strategy.
- Consider a variety of fundraising strategies, including house-parties, online giving, in-kind contributions, major donors, foundation support, benefit events.
- Track financial status of campaign with transparent bookkeeping/reporting to the Coordinating Body.
- Provide fundraising training for local organizers and endorsing groups.
- Develop fundraising tools for posting on the website.
Convener: Timothy Baer
The responsibilities of the Legislative Committee are as follows:
- Update the Congressional Declaration of Peace, as needed.
- Keep abreast of ‘Out of Iraq’ legislation and other related legislative initiatives, and share this information with the DoP network.
- Work with others doing similar work in other networks and campaigns (i.e.: UFPJ Legislative Working Group and Voices for Creative Nonviolence) to share information, resources, and ideas related to legislative work.
- Support or establish national coordinated advocacy days (phone-ins, e-mail surges, postcard campaigns, etc.).
Representative: Ken Butigan
The responsibilities of the Education & Reframing Committee are as follows:
- Flesh out and promote the Goal of The Declaration of Peace: the framework for the 9-point Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq.
- Reframe the messaging about the war. The United States of America is the initiator of hostilities in Iraq and is an active participant in the ongoing war there. The U.S. military is not stemming the violence of the civil war. It is, in fact, through its presence, exacerbating the animosity between warring parties/ sects within Iraq, and through its military operations, causing great harm to Iraqi civilians. The U.S. military and contractors must leave Iraq immediately to create an opportunity for a genuine Peace process to work. An Iraqi-led Peace process is key to resolving the conflict in Iraq.
- Help educate the anti-war/ Peace movement and the American public about this reframed messaging. The Declaration of Peace seeks to provide a deeper analysis of the situation in Iraq, and a greater understanding of U.S. policy on Iraq and the agendas that drive this policy.
Convener: Christine Glaser
The responsibilities of the Media Committee are as follows:
- Develop a national media strategy.
- Develop resources for local organizers to connect with local media outlets.
- Arrange for photo and video documentation of national actions.
- Coordinate national media training for local organizers.
- Track media coverage of campaign activities.
- Raise funds to hire professional media consulting services.
The National Coordinating Body is made up of conveners and representatives of the Working Committees.
The responsibilities of the National Coordinating Body are as follows:
- Develop the strategic direction of the campaign, based on input from representatives from each committee as well as the current reality and scope of the campaign.
- Develop and implement an organizing plan to meet the objectives of the campaign.
- Communicate vision, objectives, and strategy to the Working Committees.
- Identify resources needed to be developed by committees, including web-based tools and information, media kits, training resources, and overall organizing needs.
New! - 2007 Congressional Declaration of Peace
http://declarationofpeace.org/campaign-updates/new-2007-congressional-declaration-of-peace
To Take Action for a New Course in Iraq
As a duly elected member of Congress, I _______________________ commit to publicly support the establishment of a comprehensive plan for a rapid end to the U.S. war and occupation in Iraq.
As part of this Declaration, I will:
_____ Vote “NO” on any appropriations that would continue U.S. military operations in Iraq.
_____ Co-sign resolutions and bills that call for the rapid withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq, and the closure of all U.S. military bases and installations there.
_____ Work to establish a comprehensive plan for peace in Iraq, including support for an Iraqi-led peace process.
_____ As part of efforts to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq through the rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops, I will co-sponsor resolutions and bills to stop any escalation of the war through the deployment of more U.S. troops to Iraq.
Signature: ______________________
Printed Name: ___________________
District Number and State: ______
The Declaration of Peace is a national campaign to establish a comprehensive plan for a rapid end to the U.S. war and occupation in Iraq, including:
- Voting against all funding requests to be used for U.S. military operations in Iraq.
- Safe and rapid withdrawal of all U.S. troops and coalition forces from Iraq, with no future redeployments.
- No permanent U.S. military bases or installations in Iraq.
- Support for an Iraqi-led peace process, including a peace conference to shape a post-occupation transition.
- Return control of Iraqi oil to the people of Iraq, as well as complete sovereignty in their economic and political affairs.
- Support for reparations and reconstruction to address the destruction caused by the U.S. invasion, military occupation, and 13 years of economic sanctions.
- Establish a U.S. peace dividend for job creation, health care, education, housing, and other vital social needs at home.
- Increased support for U.S. veterans of the Iraq war.
- No war against Iran or any other nation.
Call for Congress to Sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace
http://declarationofpeace.org/congressional-declaration-of-peace
Urge your Representative and Senators to Sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace!
Download the Congressional Declaration of Peace (Word document).
See current Iraq legislation
One of the first steps in the campaign is to present our demands to our U.S. Congressional Representatives and Senators. Declaration of Peace calls on local organizers to schedule visits to invite your Congressional members to demonstrate their commitment to peace through signing the Congressional Declaration of Peace. Your group may also choose to deliver the Congressional Declaration of Peace during a scheduled Candidates Forum or Town Hall Meeting.
If you can be the point person for a visit to your Representative or Senator, sign up here.
A Help Guide for the Congressional visits can be found here.
If your Congressional Representatives or Senators sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace, it is important to acknowledge and thank them for this important commitment. You may wish to express appreciation with thank you cards from your delegation and their affiliated groups or with a Letter to the Editor in your local newspaper.
If your Representatives or their staff members refuse to meet, your delegation may choose to deliver the Congressional Declaration of Peace without an appointment. We invite you to bring the Declaration to the home office of your district Representative or Senator. Your delegation may simply meet with a staff person and ask them to bring the Congressional Declaration of Peace to the attention of the member of Congress, or, this “Special Delivery” may include a variety of possible features:
- Parade and march leading to the office
- Press Announcement and Follow-up calls
- Reading of names of those that have been killed in this war
- Educational materials on the war and occupation
If your “Special Delivery” does not result in an immediate signature, consider leaving the unsigned Congressional Declaration of Peace with the Representatives or Congressional staff. Invite your Representatives to consider the consequences of their decisions on the people of Iraq and our own country. In the intervening weeks, you may wish to encourage a phone-in, email and letter-writing campaign communicating the importance of their making a commitment to peace.
Keep us updated on your plans and any response you receive from your visits with your Congressional representatives by sending an email to info@declarationofpeace.org.
As with all activities of the Declaration of Peace, we defer to the experience and wisdom of your local group as to the appropriate strategy in your District and State. We look forward to your feedback and comments.
Thank you!
Download the Congressional Declaration of Peace (Word document).
See The Occupation Project’s List of Resources, including Congressional Voting Records
Congressional Declaration of Peace - Help Guide for Congressional Visits
http://declarationofpeace.org/phase-2-2007-congressional-declaration-of-peace
Call Upon Congress to Sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace:
The purpose of this document is to assist you in securing your Congressional Representative’s signature on the Congressional Declaration of Peace to take action for a New Course in Iraq.
You and your organization(s) may use one or more of the following forums to let Congress members know you want them to sign on to the Congressional Declaration of Peace:
- Coordinated e-mail, write in and phone campaigns.
- Delegations to Congressional district offices
- Town Hall Meetings
- Public events (interfaith services; public reading of the names of U.S. and Iraqi war victims; processions; vigils).
- Confronting members of Congress at public appearances
Resource Highlights:
Iraq and Afghanistan Supplemental Spending 2008
by Jeff Leys of Voices for Creative Nonviolence
Iraq Supplemental Analysis
by By Erik Leaver of The Institute for Policy Studies (published March, 14 2007)
“A Fully Funded 6-month Withdrawal Plan”
by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (published on January 17, 2007 in the San Francisco Chronicle)
“The Way Out of War” A blueprint for leaving Iraq now
by George McGovern & William Polk (published October 2006 in Harper’s Magazine)
What is the Congressional Declaration of Peace?
The Congressional Declaration of Peace is a commitment made by your Representative and Senators to work toward the Goals of the Declaration of Peace, and to co-sponsor legislation that will create momentum that will lead to defunding the Iraq war, end the U.S. occupation of Iraq, and establish a comprehensive Peace plan for Iraq.
The Congressional Declaration of Peace specifically calls upon members of Congress to:
- __ Vote “NO” on any appropriations that would continue or escalate U.S.military operations in Iraq.
- __ Co-sign all resolutions and bills that call for the rapid withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq, and the closure of all U.S. military bases and installations there.
- __ Work to establish a comprehensive plan for peace in Iraq, including support for an Iraqi-led peace process.
- __ Co-sponsor all resolutions and bills to stop any escalation of the war through the deployment of more U.S. troops to Iraq, as part of efforts to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq through the rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Contact your Representative and Senators: Ask them to sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace.
Remember that (unless you live in Washington, D.C. or one of the U.S. territories) you have one Representative and two Senators – you need to contact all three!
If you are not sure who represents you in the House and the Senate, Project Vote Smart can help you get the details. Simply go to http://www.vote-smart.org and enter your nine-digit zip code in the “Find Your Representative” box at the upper left-hand search box at the top of the page. (If you do not know your full zip code, the website provides you with an opportunity to find it.) By clicking on the names of legislators, you will be taken to a page with their background information as well as their contact details for both their Washington, D.C. and in-district offices.
Your initial contact should be a phone call.
Call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to reach any office (House or Senate). Tell the person who answers the phone that you’re a constituent from [your town], and you’d like to make a request regarding Iraq policy. Ask to speak to the Legislative Director or the Legislative Assistant on Iraq Policy. Since this is your initial contact, keep things brief and businesslike. This is not the time to argue with the staff person (that will probably come later!)
Sample script:
Identify yourself and your organization.
I am participating in the Declaration of Peace, and have committed myself to working for a comprehensive, concrete and rapid plan to end the U.S. war and occupation in Iraq, I would like Representative/Senator X to join me in this pledge. Can I fax you a copy of the Congressional Declaration of Peace for his/her consideration?
Should I send it directly to you?
What is your fax number?
Send a fax with a copy of the Congressional Declaration of Peace.
Next, send an email with a copy of the Congressional Declaration of Peace.
This will work best as part of a coordinated email campaign – get as many similar emails to each office as possible!
What is your email address?
(Make sure you get the name and the correct email of the person you should send the email to.)
Thank you.
Sample email
The U.S. war in Iraq is an endless fire consuming lives, resources, and the fragile possibilities of peace. Every day that Congress refuses to act to end the Iraq war, an average of 2 U.S. soldiers dies, along with dozens of innocent Iraqi people. Instead of quenching this fire, the U.S. occupation intensifies it. As Lt. Gen. William E. Odom, former director of the National Security Agency, put it in a recent sharply worded article in Foreign Policy, “America must withdraw from Iraq now.”
Most Americans, Iraqis, and even U.S. service members agree that the U.S. military needs to get out of Iraq.
I know that you support the U.S. troops and want them to come home safely. I ask you to show your commitment to ending the war in Iraq by signing the Congressional Declaration of Peace:
[you should include the Congressional Declaration of Peace in the text of the email and as an attachment]
I will call you next week to follow up on this request.
Thank you,
Your name, email and address
Follow-up
After one week, call your contact back and ask if the Rep./Sen. has signed the Congressional Declaration of Peace, or if they plan to sign it.
If yes – thank them and ask them what pieces of legislation they will co-sponsor (if they agree to sign this pledge, they have probably already signed on to most of the legislation!) Ask them to send you a copy of the pledge. Write a letter to the editor praising this politician for courage and leadership etc.
If no – ask why not, try to get specifics. This is important so that you can address their concerns if they are just minor. If the politician supports the war, make the staff person tell you why. Don’t argue! It will be frustrating, but you will have more power if you don’t argue now. Get as much information as you can on the Congressperson’s views, so that you can gather facts to counter them.
Please share with us the answer you get, at: info@declarationofpeace.org. Send an email that includes: (1) Your name; (2) Your organization; (3) Your Representative/Senator’s name; and (4) The answer you received, and their reasons why. This will help us track action and response.
If they Refuse to Sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace:
If your Representative and/or Senators refused to sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace – design a campaign to move them one, or two, or more steps closer to opposing the war. Consider using Constituent pressure along with Public pressure.
Forms of Constituent Pressure
Write:
Send letters or postcards to the LOCAL office (find the address at http://www.vote-smart.org). Keep the letters short, to the point and polite.
Email:
Organize an e-mail campaign, but remember that these are most effective if people use their own words, and if e-mails are sent via the Rep./Sen.’s own website.
Local meetings:
Call now to make an appointment to meet with them. You will have a better chance of getting a meeting with your Representative or Senator if you organize a strong delegation to attend the meeting. Invite veterans of the Iraq war or their family members, members of the clergy, the business community, and other community leaders.
You can find local contact information for your legislators at: Project Vote Smart .
Call the office that you want to visit and explain that you would like to meet with the legislator and why. Tell the person you speak to that you are a constituent. They will probably ask you to fax in or e-mail the request.
Additionally here is some guidance for an effective meeting:
Make an Appointment:
Contact the Congressional office to set up a meeting even with Congressional staff. This shows respect for their time, and makes it more likely that you will meet with the right person(s). When you request the meeting, be sure to give the name of the organization, the purpose of the meeting, and how many people will be attending it.
Plan Your Visit Carefully:
Know where your legislator stands on the war. The delegation should meet in advance of the meeting to assign a note taker, a facilitator, and decide who will speak when and to what issue. If you have a vet or a military family member, make sure they play a major role in the meeting and are able to tell their story.
Be Prompt and Patient:
When it is time to meet, be punctual and be patient. It is not uncommon in a busy legislator’s office to have to wait because of constantly changing schedules.
Be Prepared:
Whenever possible, bring to the meeting information and materials supporting your position.
Be Concrete:
Be clear on your “demand” and ask for a commitment to sign the Congressional Declaration of Peace. If they are not ready to sign the Declaration, ask them for a commitment to co-sponsor legislation.
Follow Up:
Follow up the meeting with a thank you letter that outlines the different points covered during the meeting, and send along any additional information and materials requested. If you asked for a commitment but did not get one, repeat the request and note that you look forward to a response.
Also follow up with a letter to the editor reporting on the meeting for all the constituents who were not there!
Phase I - 2006
http://declarationofpeace.org/congressional-phase-1
[imgassist|nid=228|title=2006 Congressional Declaration of Peace Pledge|desc=|link=url,http://declarationofpeace.org/files/CongressPledge.pdf|align=right|width=502|height=640]
Phase 1 - Members of Congress who signed the Congressional Declaration of Peace