It started as a "picnic for peace". Many of us had felt
frustrated with our government's unwillingness to try other
forms of diplomacy before going to war with Iraq. Many of us
felt the need to do something, but were not sure what else to
do other than to put an "American for Peace" sign in our front
yards. I was personally inspired also by our South Austin
Neighbors for Peace and Women in Black who had organized their
groups, were building community, and were talking about ways to
speak out for peace. We call our group "Act for Peace".
|
|
Neil Foley and Angela Hinz with the American for
Peace sign at a Sunday community potluck picnic. Some
of the group in attendance: Caitriona Lyon,
Brigid Shea, Kit Belgum, Forrest Novy, Lisa Wade,
Ben & Jane Schotz, Joan Petserson, Ron Rafferty,
Martina Hass, Peter Ravella and Judith Massengale.
|
On Sunday, April 13 we had a speaker (Jim
Harrington, director of the Texas Civil Rights Project)
come to talk to us about the Patriot Acts. The Sunday after
Easter (April 27th), we will have Jackie Goodman
speak to our group. Each week we hope to have a
new speaker about various issues to help keep us informed. We
have also connected with the South Austin Neighbors for Peace
and Women in Black, who have discussed ways we could link our
groups in building a larger community.
|
Jimmy Lohman (a new member of our Hyde Park neighborhood)
entertains us with his guitar and satirical songs every Sunday.
Last week we heard the popular Simon and Garfunkel tune, "I am
Iraq. I am Rhode Island".
We have a list serve which you are welcome to join for regular
updates regarding our Act for Peace group, but it is also an
interactive forum for sharing sites, information, and personal
views about issues. Please subscribe by sending a blank email to:
act4peace2003-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To unsubscribe to our
group, send your blank email to:
act4peace2003-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
|
|
Jim Harrington, director of the Texas Civil Rights Project,
spoke about the Patriot Acts I & II.
|
For now we meet every Sunday (12:30 to 3:30pm) on the grounds
of the Elisabet Ney Museum. It is a pot-luck picnic, so bring
something to share and come and meet your neighbors. We sit
around on blankets, toss frisbees and play badminton, enjoy
delicious food and the peaceful surroundings of the Elisabet Ney,
listen to a speaker, and exchange ideas. Invite your friends.
This has been the closest thing to the Fire Station Festival in
trying to bring our community members together regularly.
Hope to see you next Sunday!
|
