Department of Peace 2011

   10 years today, a bold call for peace
 Reply |Matthew, Peace Alliance info@thepeacealliance.org to jbennet
info@thepeacealliance.org
10 Years for a Department of Peace!Write and Call Federal Leadership Today
Dear Dick,
Ten years ago today, on July 11, 2001, a bill calling for the establishment of a U.S. Department of Peace was initially introduced in the U.S. Congress.  Department of Peace legislation has been introduced in each Congress since then. It's been quite an adventure over this last decade as so many have worked in various capacities to get the idea and legislation traction!
A federal Department of Peace might not be imminent, but the dialogue about peace infrastructure and many exciting opportunities to implement significant programs, agencies and efforts for peacebuilding work and infrastructure are stronger than ever.  The legislation has provided a powerful platform to engage this debate on how we prioritize peace in our nation and world.
And, H.R. 808, the current bill calling for a U.S. Department of Peace and a strong voice in our government for nonviolent conflict resolution and proactive peacebuilding is as important as ever. On this 10th anniversary, please join us by taking a moment to call and/or write your Members of Congress and the President, urging them to support a Department of Peace.
WRITE: Click here to use our easy tool to write Congress and the President
CALL: You can reach your Representatives and Senators by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. (You can find your elected officials' names here).  Ask your Member of the House to co-sponsor H.R. 808.  Urge your Senators to introduce a bill in that chamber.   Call President Obama at (202) 456-111 and ask him to create an Department of Peace within the White House to focus on violence prevention strategies.
You can also join in other activities in support of a Department of Peace for this anniversary month (and beyond).  Download our action flyer for more details.
Much gratitude to everyone who has worked in support of this initiative over the years, from our many grassroots leaders and activists, to our elected officials who have stood in support (especially Rep. Kucinich, the initial sponsor), to our city and organizational endorsers, to our staff and boards, both past and present.  We have collectively made a difference in raising support for both this bill as well as the ideas of greater investment and infrastructure towards the work of peacebuilding.
Our work continues.  Join us as we celebrate this milestone moment and the creative possibilities ahead of us!  "A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history."  - Mahatma Gandhi
In Peace,
All of us at The Peace Alliance

The Peace Alliance
P.O. Box 27601, Washington, DC 20038 | Phone: 202-684-2553