Environmental and Peace Education Center
EPEC Alerts
On Saturday, March 28 Humanists for Peace, Brevard Patriots for Peace along with peace groups around the state will hold a mass march demanding a transformation of America’s pro-war foreign policy.This statewide mass march is being held in solidarity with national protests taking place March 21 in Washington DC (ANSWER Coalition) and April 4 inNew York City (United for Peace and Justice).
The march starts at 2pm. Protestors will march from Front Street Park in Melbourne to Melbourne City Hall to hear a variety of speakers and artists from around the state.
The 3/28 protest will bring together a variety of activists and causes related to peace and social justice. Protestors will demand that the Obama administration, Florida Senators and Congresspersons
1) Bring an end to U.S. foreign wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,
2) Stop attacks inside Pakistan
3) Close U.S. operated military prisons around the world
4) Utilize diplomacy to relieve tension with Iran and Latin American nations including Cuba, Bolivia, and Venezuela; and
5) Pressure Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territory.
Drawing on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King organizers insist that theU.S. must take the lead in renouncing the viability of military solutions to the world’s current tumult. Only diplomacy, the rectification of injustice, and a commitment to ethical universality can bring peace to the world.
In 2008, U.S. forces conducted almost 30 airstrikes in Pakistan killing more than 220 people, including many civilians. In July 2008, U.S. airstrikes inAfghanistan killed 47 civilians attending a wedding, including the bride; another 90 civilians including 60 children in August; and another 40 civilians and wounding 28 others attending a wedding party in November.
Most recently, Israel backed with U.S. support and weaponry has killed more than 1,000 people including a large percentage of civilians in its assault on Gaza. While organizers mourn the deaths of the 13 Israelis killed by militants inPalestine, 10 of which were soldiers, the killing of hundreds and injuring of more than a thousand in retaliation is not justified.
The spirit of the Campaign For Change Volunteers is having an impact on Southwest Florida. In the 10 weeks since the election volunteers have gotten together to have a food drive for the Nations Association and Food Kitchen for Thanksgiving, with additional food going to the Salvation Army. Campaign volunteers became bell ringers for the Salvation Army and helped with their Family Christmas distribution . Volunteers have launched successful food drives for Harry Chapin Food Bank and Glenda Jeter's Open Door Food Bank.The first Global Family Day was held in Fort Myers and served over 150 meals to local families. Plans are in the works to visit the new Community Center for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a blood drive and other community projects. SWFL Coalition for Change will meet on Monday, January 26 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater beginning with a social gathering at 5:15 and meeting at 5:45. All are invited. Your participation is needed. The coalition will work closely with many other local groups to help advance the principals the Campaign for Change has outlined