Monday 25 September 2006

Something else ... after the demo and Peace One Day

Not able to join the “Time to go” demonstration or Quaker vigils in Manchester, I had a look forward reports after the event. On Indymedia, one writer writes:

"Overall, the demonstration was a fantastic reflection of true public opinion, organised and executed without a (noticeable) hitch. I came away feeling empowered, yet knowing I can do more, and inspired to become more active. I imagine the tens of thousands of people who took the time to stand up and be counted, from all walks of life, cultures, religions and backgrounds, also feel the same as me."
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Urging people to become more active is also the flavour of a powerful short video of Gill Hicks, survivor of the July 2005 bomb attacks in London, produced for Peace Direct. In it she says: “Everyone can find that power in themselves. Harness it to do some really difficult things. Find someone whose view you oppose and listen until you understand them. It’s about listening, talking, discussing, understanding.”

Other interesting items from Peace Direct include information about the work they’re supporting in Sudan, a quest to find new images for peace (doves don’t do it anymore, apparently) and their own new blog “Life on the Line” at http://www.peacedirectblog.typepad.com/

And people doing peace work on behalf of British Quakers write about their work in journal letters. If you’ve not yet seen them, find a selection here.

Tuesday 19 September 2006

Demonstrating on Saturday - doing it the Quaker way

Even our own Bolton News seems to have noticed the big Stop the War / CND / British Muslim Initiative demo that's to take place in Manchester this Saturday. One local activist is quoted as saying it'll be the biggest demonstration in Manchester in 160 years. In the middle of the planned march route is Manchester Quaker Meeting House and from 12.00-1.00pm there will be a silent vigil for peace for any who wish to join that before the demo itself at 1.00pm. Don't know how easy it will be to get to the Meeting House at that time, with police, crowds etc in the are, so if it's important for you to be there, plan to get there earlier rather than later.

Peace one Day

What's in a day? There are plenty of special days and weeks this autumn, as I've noticed whilst updating the calendar on the NFPB website . One of the more prominent ones from our perspective is Peace one Day on 21 September, and I was pleased to see their updated website. If you do nothing else for that day, why not have a look at the list of suggested actions for that day and think about the one or two peace peaces you might do over the coming months, or even plan ahead for Peace One Day on 21 September 2007.