Today through Wed., Dec. 25
Online
CPT (Community Peacemaker Teams) Advent Calendar
What: What does it mean to be "radical"? Through 2024, CPT has explored the transformative power of “Radical Love” — a love that moves beyond comfort and convention to challenge injustice and build deeper connections. As the year comes to a close, we stand proudly alongside those who reclaim the word “radical” as a call to courageous action.
Join us this Advent. Together, let us celebrate solidarity, compassion, truth, and the bold resistance that fuels them.
Where: Click here to access the calendar. Embrace the spirit of radical love and radical resistance with CPT's daily celebration from December 1st - 25th. Each day reveals diverse contributions from our CPT teams.
This Holiday season
Online
Nonviolent Gift Guide
What: From Campaign Nonviolence/ Pace e Bene: People are loving our nonviolence-themed holiday gift suggestions.
Where: Read more here.
Sat., Dec. 21
Online
“Navigating Tense Group Conversations Across the Political Divide” from Braver Angels
What: Tense conversations. Join BA co-founder and family therapist Bill Doherty as he provides strategic and practical skills for navigating high-tension group or family dynamics this holiday season.
When: 1 pm CST
Where: Sign up for Navigating Tense Group Conversations Across the Political Divide.
Sun., Dec. 22
Online
Learn how to disagree better (workshop)- From Braver Angels
What: Why do we lack such basic understanding of why people on the other political side believe as they do? Why don’t we see them as they see themselves instead of as we choose to see them? Those are just two of the core questions addressed in our Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop on December 22.
When: 1 pm CST/ 2 pm ET.
More: Come learn skills for listening carefully, looking for common ground, and sharing perspectives in ways that connect rather than create more misunderstanding.
Where: Register here.
Contact: Questions? Abe Dana at adana@braverangels.org
Tues., Jan. 28
Online
FCNL’s “Welcome the 119th Congress with Action” Event
What: FCNL’s Strategic Advocacy Team has a request: Tell FCNL about your relationships with members of Congress and local community leaders to help strengthen our collective advocacy. Please share the opportunity with your networks. Join us to learn about the top issues we will be mobilizing around. Learn how you can be an effective advocate, promote FCNL’s policy solutions, and build strong relationships.
When: 7 pm CST/ 8 pm ET
Where: Register here.
Sun., Dec. 29
Des Moines
Feast of the Holy Innocents Prayer Service for Peace
What: IPN is one of the cosponsors for this year's Feast of the Holy Innocents Prayer Service for Peace, planned by the DM Faith Committee for Peace. This service has its roots in the Christmas story recounted in the Book of Matthew, 2:16-18: “When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’”
When: 2:00 p.m.
Where: Des Moines Intentional Eucharistic Community, 3306 University Avenue, Des Moines
More: This year’s speaker will be Carmen Lampe Zeitler. Her message, and the prayers in the service, will emphasize deeply that all children need peace with justice. We will also pray to strengthen our resolve to act against war.
Mon., Dec, 30 (next opportunity)
On the radio
“Understanding Israel Palestine” at KHOI radio (streaming from Story City for Ames, IA area)
What: KHOI Community Radio airs a program on Mondays at 7:30pm called Understanding Israel Palestine. Several weeks ago Margot Patterson talked to Mideast scholar Juan Cole about last week’s dramatic escalation in the year-long cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah and how the failure of the Biden administration’s policy on Gaza is scrambling traditional alliances in the Middle East and configuring new ones. Cole is the Richard P. Mitchell collegiate professor of history at the University of Michigan. He is the author of several books on Islam and the history of the contemporary Middle East.
Where: 89.1 FM AND You can listen to past programs at https://archive.khoifm.org
Next event: Fri., Jan. 3
Online
Action Hour for a Ceasefire (Every Friday)
What: Description: Join AFSC staff every Friday at (11 am CST) 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT to hear updates from Gaza. Then, take action with us as we contact our elected officials and call for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us.
When: Every Friday at (11 am CST) 12:00 pm EST
Where: Register here
Sign up now: January 2025
Online
Book Club: World BEYOND War: Sacred Soldier: Dangers of Worshipping Warriors
What: In January 2025, World BEYOND War will be holding a weekly discussion each of four weeks of Sacred Soldier: Dangers of Worshipping Warriors, with the author Robert F. Keeler.
Where: Click here for more info, to order the book, and to register.
Wednesdays; next date is Wed., Jan. 8
Online
Weekly Prayer Meetings with CMEP (Churches for Middle East Peace)
What: We continue to host weekly events, with prayer meetings on Wednesdays.
When: 11:30 am to 12 pm CST/ at 12:30 - 1:00 pm EST
Where: Click here to join.
Ongoing Wednesdays; Next date: Wed., Jan. 8
Des Moines
Wednesday Witness
What: Weekly vigil
When: 8 am- 9 am every Wednesday
Where: in front of the Federal Building in Des Moines
Sponsors: At this point we don’t have organizational sponsors – it’s just folks who care and want to do something on a regular basis.
Today and Ongoing
Today and Ongoing
Online
A manifesto against for-profit health companies by Michael Moore
Where: https://www.michaelmoore.com/
Shared by: Mazin Qumsiyeh
Today and Ongoing
Online
Podcast: “Preparing Our Children with the Skills to Navigate Toxic Polarization”
What: Depolarizing in schools. Listen to Wilk (in Derate the Hate) speak with Kent Lenci, founder of Middle Ground School Solutions whose mission is to help prepare today’s students to ease tomorrow’s political polarization.
Where: Listen to Preparing Our Children With the Skills to Navigate Toxic Polarization
Today and Ongoing
Online
Podcast: “Maintaining relationships with those may have voted differently than you.
What: Maintaining our relationships. Listen to Melissa Guizzi, a Red BA alliance co-chair, talk to BA co-founder Bill Doherty about avoiding falling out with loved ones after the election.
Where: Listen to Braver Angels: Maintaining relationships with those who may have voted differently than you
Today and Ongoing
Online
Video: Col. Jacques Baud
What: Col. Jacques Baud | Russia & Iran Leaving Syria: Strategic Move or Catastrophic Defeat?
Where: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Shared by: Michael Gillespie
Today and Ongoing
Online
Photography Palestine: Shepherds’ Field: Beit Sahur and the Palestine
What: From Museum of Natural History
Shared by: Mazin Qumsiyeh
Today and Ongoing
Online
World Renowned Rust College A'Cappella Choir at the United Methodist Building in DC
What: Hosted by Church and Society, The United Methodist affiliated College Choir performed in the Simpson Memorial Chapel for the United Methodist Building’s 100th Anniversary Grand Finale.
After bringing the 100th anniversary to life, the United Methodist Building’s year-long celebration closed with a historic UMB100 Worship Service, December 4, 2024, which featured the incredible Rust College choir, known as the World Renowned A'Cappella Choir.
Led by music director Dr. Karl Twyner, the Rust College World Renowned A'Cappella Choir, has toured South Africa and five countries in Europe, including the newly renovated Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.
Where: Click here to view video of worship service and performance, and here for choir’s playlist of music selections.
Today and Ongoing
Online
New Podcast Alertfrom WOLA (Washington Office on Latin America): A Tariff Threat Foreshadows U.S.- Mexico Relations During the Second Trump Presidency
What: In WOLA's latest podcast episode, experts John Walsh and Stephanie Brewer chat with Adam Isacson about President-elect Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada unless migration and fentanyl trafficking cease entirely.
Where: Listen to the episode and read our Q&A here.
Today and Ongoing
Online
Fallon Forum includes Dr. David Drake on post-election
What: The Fallon Forum on Monday, Dec. 9 features Dr. David Drake, an IPN friend and member of the DM peace community, talking about maintaining sanity post election. David E. Drake is a practicing psychiastrist, D.O., FACN, DLFAPA, and Adjunct Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Des Moines University.
Where: http://
Today and Ongoing
Online
Keep Space for Peace Week webinar
What: Webinar Speakers were:
-Dave Webb: Space as an aid to War & Genocide (GN board convener, UK)
-Tamara Lorincz: Canada’s Role in NATO (Canadian Voice of Women for Peace)
-Peter Burt: UK's expanding space programmes in the spotlight (Space Watch UK)
-Sung-Hee Choi: NATO expansion & space industry in South Korea (Activist, Jeju Island)
These talks were followed by Q & A with the audience
Where: Click to watch webinar here
Links to all GN social media sites at https://linktr.ee/
Today and Ongoing
Online
New edition of Agape Kids Peace magazine from On Earth Peace
What: to our kids: “But what we want you to remember is that you are strong, brave, and capable. Sometimes, facing conflict is scary, intimidating, sad, and can make you really nervous or worried. But, remember that it’s hard because it’s important and the right thing to do.
We wrote this issue to give you the tools and knowledge you need to help make these situations easier.
You’ll learn what consent and boundaries are and how to practice them, what beloved community is, what conflict is, and some ideas on how to navigate them.
We hope that you can use these tools to become a peacemaker in your life!”
Where: see flipbook on heyzine here.
Today and Ongoing
Online
Podcast: addressing root causes of migration from Latin America
What: (From Maureen Myer, Vice President for Programs, WOLA- Washington Office on Latin America) “Lastly, I recently joined Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees’ Ivy O. Suriyopas for a podcast to discuss the root causes of migration in the Americas, focusing on how the United States’ history of political intervention and military occupation in Latin America destabilized the region and contributed to the factors driving migration today. Understanding this history is essential for shaping future policies - from the U.S. government and philanthropy - to address the root causes of migration and establish a rights-respecting response to regional migration.”
Where: Listen to the conversation here.
Today and Ongoing
Online
Church and Society (United Methodist Church) staff conversation video on church and state
What: (Wednesday) we heard Church and Society staff discuss specifics regarding the separation of church and state, what it means to maintain hope in the midst of heightened divisiveness, and how to be an advocate for justice beyond the ballot box.
Where: Watch a recording of this conversation on our Youtube channel at UMCJustice. Links to helpful resources mentioned by panelists and live viewers can be found in the video description. Consider viewing this episode of Justice Talks with your small group, Sunday School class, or by hosting a watch party with family and friends.
Today and Ongoing
Online
The Huberman Lab podcast episode "Using Play to Rewire Your Brain"
What: This podcast episode explores the transformative effects of play on feelings, thoughts, and actions. The episode highlights how play helps the brain test various scenarios and how low-stakes play can enhance future capabilities. It also examines how our childhood "personal play identity" influences our adult personality, offering insights on using play to boost neuroplasticity and explore new situations at any age.
Where: Listen here.
Today and Ongoing
Online
Maps for Military Bases around the world from World BEYOND War
What: At https://worldbeyondwar.org/
This online tool has been extremely popular since it was launched with only U.S. foreign military bases. While the United States dominates the sphere of foreign bases, there are 17 other nations that have relatively tiny numbers of them. We’ve now expanded our resource to include a new map for each of those other nations.
The data required for a set of maps that aims to include all foreign military bases is enormous, and we will continue to always need help from everyone possible in updating and correcting and augmenting our information. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Today and Ongoing
Online
Aiden Yoder speaks on his 141 mile walk for peace in Palestine
What: Available online at any time: Aiden Yoder, a native of Kalona, describes his 141 mile walk calling for peace in Palestine during an interview with Mary Swander. For Aiden, the reason for his walk was the relationships that he had built with Palestinians during his visit to the West Bank last summer. Aiden’s group studied Arabic from a local Palestinian woman, took history lessons about Palestine, and got to know a girl who was a member of a dance group from Gaza. Even before October 7th, she said it was difficult to visit her family in Gaza, and nearly impossible for her to return. It is unclear if this girl or her family are still alive or whether they will ever be reunited.
Where: To listen or read the entire interview, please visit:
More: Aidan Yoder grew up in Southeast Iowa, is a student in his senior year at Eastern Mennonite University double majoring in History and Political Science. He substitute teaches in his spare time.
Today and Ongoing
Online
Check out new Project 2025 resources (from Indivisible)
What: You asked for more specific resources on Project 2025, its impact, and how we need to talk about it to win in November, and we answered. Project 2025 is the most thorough blueprint we have ever seen from MAGA Republicans on how they plan to strip away our rights, protections, and freedoms if they achieve power. But as dangerous as their plan is for the American people, it is just as damaging to their electability. But only when people know about it. We have to make sure people understand just how extreme Project 2025 intends to be, and here’s your literature to do it.
Project 2025 Explained -- An in-depth analysis of the MAGA playbook
25 Things to Know About Project 2025 -- A quick list of 25 extreme things MAGA Republicans have planned with Project 2025
Talking About Project 2025 -- Key messaging strategies for educating voters about Project 2025 and ensuring they understand the stakes
Today and Ongoing
Online
Resources on Education and Climate Change for our Youth
What: From Pace e Bene/ Campaign Nonviolence: Our Environmental Healing Coordinator, Alisha Foster, has been making strategy videos such as Environmental Activism 101 and the most recent How to Use Your School Projects for Environmental Activism. It's a powerful video for students of all ages, K-12 and university level, on how they can subvert their school assignments and use them to talk about climate justice. Check it out and share it with students, educators, and climate activists. If you want to connect with Alisha, email them at: alishafoster@paceebene.org
Today and Ongoing
Online
You're invited!- Watch the new CPT (Community Peacemaker Teams) Palestine documentary “ضو - Light”
What: Are you interested in life as a human rights observer in Al-Khalil/Hebron city amidst Israeli apartheid? Step into the shoes of the CPT-Palestine team for a day through our documentary film. Witness our accompaniment of school students through checkpoints, join our team meeting, and experience a family visit to Tel Rumeida in the H2 area and Umm Al-Khair village in the South Hebron Hills. Feel the stress, fear, and anxiety, but also the solidarity, love, and empowerment in their stories. Explore the old city's streets, buildings, and the breathtaking nature of the South Hebron Hills. This film will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired to advocate for Palestinian rights. Join us on this journey.
Where: Click here to watch or to schedule a public film screening. Donation much appreciated.
Today and Ongoing
Nationwide
A Guide for Talking About the Israel-Palestine War in Your Community
What: From Friends Committee for National Legislation: “A week after the temporary truce ended, Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has resumed and shows no signs of dissipating. FCNL has created a resource to help meetings, churches, and other groups have important but challenging conversations to find their voice during this difficult, painful moment."
Today and Ongoing
Online
Prayers for Peace email from CMEP (Churches for Middle East Peace)
What: Prayers for Peace (P4P) is CMEP's bi-monthly blog, and provides a way for Christians of diverse political and theological backgrounds to stand up for peace and unite in supplication to God with a special focus on prayers for the Holy Land. Prayers for Peace provides Jesus’ followers with the common language of prayer around which to mobilize their energy and passion for the land that gave birth to our faith. Prayers4Peace also provides us an opportunity to highlight the work of our Board member denominations and organizations.
What is P4P: Revisited?
At Churches for Middle East Peace, we understand that the work of holistic peacebuilding and advocacy is ongoing, and sometimes, the issues we faced in the past are still present with us today in a variety of ways. With Prayers4Peace: Revisited we would like to occasionally share some of our previous Prayers4Peace blogs with you that we believe are still important messages to us today. We hope that you are encouraged as you continue supporting in prayer those working towards a just peace in Israel, Palestine, and the broader Middle East.
Where: Catch up on the latest Prayers4Peace blogsusing this button or subscribe to recieve them automatically.
Today and Ongoing
Online
Nonviolent Action Coloring Pages from Campaign Nonviolence available
What: Click here for Thenew Nonviolent Action Coloring Pages and other creative ideas in their toolkit make it easy (to reach kids of all ages.) (Editor’s Note: there was a link to this in prior calendars, but it was not a good link. It is new and correct now.)
Today and Ongoing
Online
Free database of peace and nonviolence resources
What: World BEYOND War's Technology Director Marc Eliot Stein, working with the rest of our staff, has created an online database, easy to use and available to all.
Where: at https://
Today and Ongoing
page: https://
Free Jessica Reznicek email add <freejessicareznicek@gmail.com
Free Jessica Reznicek FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.
Write:
Jessica Reznicek # 19293-030
FCI Waseca
PO Box 1731
Waseca, MN 56093
Today and Ongoing
Online
Help Us Build Our Network! From NIAC- Iowa (National Iranian American Council)
What: The first step YOU can take to help build power for the Iranian American community is to become a member of a local NIAC chapter near you!
Where: Share this link to folks in your local area so they sign up, receive updates, and get involved with the local Iranian American community.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION
1.)(From NIRS- Nuclear Information and Resource Service) We must urge Representative Tom Cole to take action on RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act) as part of the year-end budget bills. Rep. Cole is chair of the Appropriations Committee, which means he has significant influence over two of these bills and has previously voiced his support for RECA.
Please take a few minutes to call Rep. Cole’s office at his Washington, DC number below (unless you’re calling from Oklahoma). Here’s sample language to guide your message:
Rep. Tom Cole's DC office number: (202) 225-6165
Sample call/voicemail language:
Hi,
My name is [your name] and I'm calling about the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. I'm a supporter of RECA's renewal and expansion from [your city, state, and if applicable, a member of X tribe]. I want to first thank Chairman Cole for his recent statements in support of RECA.
We agree with your position that legislation to improve RECA must be done this year. Radiation and Downwinder communities are suffering, and we cannot wait any longer for help.
As chair of Appropriations, you have a powerful role to play in making this happen: we urge you to attach our bill - S.3853 - with a spending cap to any end-of-year budget legislation controlled by the Appropriations committee. Lives are at stake, and we must pursue any opportunity to pass this legislation before the end of the session.
2.)(From FCNL- Friends Committee on National Legislation) This week, President Biden announced the designation of a new national monument honoring survivors of the United States' Indian Boarding Schools policies. As FCNL’s Rachel Overstreet wrote, this monument emphasizes “that the abuse, neglect, and kidnapping of Native children from their families is a matter of national concern.”
But this alone will not bring truth, justice, or peace to the Native communities and families that deserve it. Congress must pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (H.R. 7227, S. 1723).
https://fcnl.quorum.us/
3.)(From Progress America) As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking forward to spending time with loved ones and enjoying some well-deserved rest. But for Amazon warehouse workers, the holidays are a stressful and overwhelming time.
During the holiday rush season, Amazon workers have reported mandatory extra shifts; faster-paced, backbreaking work; and long, grueling hours.1 A recent committee report from Senator Bernie Sanders found that nearly half of Amazon warehouse workers in the U.S. sustained injuries during the Prime Day holiday week in 2019.2
In 2022, workers at Amazon’s warehouse in Staten Island voted to unionize with the Amazon Labor Union. Since then, Amazon has failed to recognize the union and refused to bargain in good faith. Now, Amazon Labor Union is preparing to strike during Amazon’s busiest season if Amazon does not come to the table by December 15.
Amazon workers deserve the right to unionize and bargain with their employer for better pay and working conditions without threat of retaliation. Add your name and tell Amazon: Stop breaking the law and come to the bargaining table.
4.)(From Common Cause) Iowa Peace Network, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch finally recused himself from a case that could benefit his Big Oil friends, after more than 38,000 Common Cause members like you demanded it! [1]
We demanded his recusal because we know what’s at stake, and that justices – in this case and every other – must rule based on the law and the facts, NOT personal or financial interests.
But the truth is, it shouldn’t take a massive public pressure campaign to get justices to do the right thing and follow their own ethical code – it should be the law.
This is a crucial win – but the only way to ensure justices recuse themselves from ALL cases where they have conflicts of interest is with a strong, enforceable Code of Conduct. Add your name to demand one today >>
5.)(From Iowa City Climate Advocates)From Eric Johnson: Please complete Rep Miller-Meeks Yes/No question about EVs (Electronic Vehicles) below so she hears that we support EVs loud and clear. I submitted a LTE to the Gazette in response to this statement also.
From Rep. Miller-Meeks: Getting Rid of the Biden-Harris Electric Vehicle Mandate
Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration’s EPA announced its overreaching and unrealistic vehicle tailpipe emissions rule, which is essentially a de facto ban on the sale of gas-powered and traditional hybrid vehicles, forcing automakers to produce and sell more electric vehicles (EVs). This tone-deaf rule was just another attempt by the Biden-Harris Administration to cater to extreme climate activists.
This weekend, President Trump announced that he would be overturning this EV mandate on day one of his administration. This is a huge victory for consumer choice in America, and I wholeheartedly support it.
What do you think?
Do you support President Trump's plan to eliminate the Biden-Harris EV mandate?
Click here to respond:
6.)(From Peace Action) There’s one more issue Peace Action is asking our members to weigh in on in the waning days of 2025: the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Peace Action and most of our members have rightfully been focused on the war in Gaza and all of the repercussions of that war in terms of humanitarian crisis and the regional escalations. We’re continuing to focus like a laser on that issue. Meanwhile, thousands are starving to death in Sudan while others are being killed in the war there.
The Biden administration has long acknowledged that gross human rights violations are happening in Sudan. After a detailed State Department investigation, Secretary Blinken made explicit findings, saying “I have determined that members of the SAF and the RSF have committed war crimes in Sudan. I have also determined that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.”
At the same time it is well known that it is the United Arab Emirates, a U.S. “ally”, fuels the atrocities in Sudan by providing direct military support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary force. But despite this, the U.S. is providing weapons to the UAE. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Sarah Jacobs (D-CA) have introduced legislation to block US arms sales to the UAE until the United States can certify that the UAE is not arming the RSF in Sudan.
7.)(From Demand Progress) TELL CONGRESS: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump that Israel must “complete its victory” as Netanyahu approved the expansion of Israeli settlements and the Gaza death toll exceeds 45,000. There’s no end in sight to this conflict with Netanyahu in charge unless our leaders act. Sign the petition: Urge Congress to end support for Netanyahu’s war on Gaza.
8.)(From Corporate Accountability) Recently, we told you about H.R. 9454, a bill in the U.S. House that would give the Treasury Secretary the power to strip the tax-exempt status from any nonprofit that they claim supports terrorist organizations. We asked you to take a stand against the bill, and you delivered.
While the bill passed out of the House, your action, together with tens of thousands of others who spoke out, swayed 34 Members of Congress to switch from voting for the bill to voting against the bill.
Unfortunately, because the bill passed, it could still come up for a vote in the Senate. Will you take action right now and write to your Senators and urge them to oppose this dangerous bill?
9.)(From Moveon.org) A group of bipartisan lawmakers has called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to increase its scrutiny and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools used by Medicare Advantage insurers to make decisions about health care.1
These tools lack transparency, and the decisions they output can often contradict the recommendations of health care professionals. In some cases, low-income, elderly, and extremely sick Americans are left in dangerous positions, unable to afford treatment for lifesaving care.2
The increasing use of AI to deny necessary health care is deeply alarming, and it must stop. Add your name to our petition telling the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to increase its oversight of AI tools. Sign the petition.
Sources:
1. "Stop allowing MA plans to use AI to deny care without review, lawmakers urge CMS," Stat News, June 25, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/
2. Ibid.
10.)(From Franciscan Peace Center) TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress to Keep Guns Out of the Hands of Children
Ethan’s Law (H.R. 660) would require secure firearm storage and protect kids from preventable tragedies like the one at Abundant Life Christian School this week. 76% of all school shootings, 80% of all child suicides, and 76% of all accidental shootings are committed with guns found by kids in their homes. To curb the epidemic of gun violence that takes so many of our children’s lives, gun owners need to start being held responsible for the deadly weapons they treat so recklessly. Civic Shout urges us to tell Congress to pass Ethan’s Law. TAKE ACTION
https://civicshout.com/p/tell-
11.)(From Peace Action) Call your Senators at 1-202-224-3121 now to demand they vote NO on the bloated - almost $1 Trillion - Pentagon budget. Bloated Penatagon budgets are something our members are all too familiar with.
This latest Pentagon spending bill – close to $900 Billion – is going to be voted on in the Senate in the next couple of days.
Can you call your Senators' offices today and ask that they vote against this bill and its wrongheaded priorities?
1) Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121
2) Ask to be connected to the first of your two Senators
3) Once patched through, give them this message (in as much of your own words as possible):
Hello, my name is (your name) and I am a voting constituent from (your city). I am calling to urge Senator ______ to oppose the National Defense Authorization Act.
I oppose increases to already bloated spending on the Pentagon and costly weapons systems while we underfund investments in healthcare, affordable housing, and education programs. Those human needs are a critical part of real national security. The main threats to our true security, like climate change, won’t be addressed by throwing money at the military.
I look forward to hearing what the Senator's position is on this important issue.
4) When complete with your first Senator, ask the switchboard operator to then connect you with your other Senator's office and repeat.
That’s it. Like I said, you know the drill when it comes to Pentagon spending. We need to keep the pressure on our elected officials to tell them there are smarter priorities regarding federal spending. Please make these calls today if you can.
Thank you for your activism on this crucial issue.
9.)(From DM Catholic Worker) Beg List - See new Autumn beg list in PDF attachment.
DM Catholic Worker Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/
1976-2023 via pacis archives
https://viapacis.wordpress.
F Cordaro's Writings and Archives by year 1976 - 2024
https://frankcordaro.
FC's FB page
https://www.facebook.com/
SAVE THE DATE
Next dates: Fri., Feb. 14- Wed., Feb. 26
Around the world
Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT) delegations
What: We have just announced new delegation dates for 2025 and would love it if you could join us. Check them out, and let us know if you have any questions. Come find out what this experiment on non-violence is all about.
Where: Click here to see dates for delegations to Colombia, Lesvos, Palestine, and more. (read more about CPT here too.)
Regular Events
Sundays 2p.m.
Cedar Rapids
Peace Vigil
What: Members of local peace groups gather to demonstrate for peace.
Where: 1st Ave. and 1st St. NE, Cedar Rapids. (across from the old Federal Building at the Tree of Five Seasons)
------------------------------
Sundays with SURJ
All meetings are 6-8pm in-person at Mainframe Studios and online via Zoom.
Check SURJ facebook page or email DSMSURJ@gmail.com for more information.
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Mondays during Iowa Legislature
Des Moines and Online
Moral Mondays IOWA (in person and virtual)
What: Join Moral Mondays IOWA on Zoom or Facebook on the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa or Moral Mondays IOWA pages at noon. Moral Mondays IOWA is a collaborative project designed to highlight the progress at work in the Iowa legislature. As a coalition of over 30 progressive Iowa organizations, including MFSA, Moral Mondays IOWA proactively supports the moral good sought through policies that span a range of progressive issues and works for the advancement of Iowa values like equality, fairness, and justice.
When: 12-12:45 pm
Where: Iowa Statehouse, Room 305*, and online: https://www.facebook.
______________________________
Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Des Moines
Des Moines Meditation and Mindfulness Group
What: Teacher Fred Nelson leads the group.
Beginning and experienced meditators are all welcome. Universal breath mediation and Buddhist philosophy as compatible with all religions. You may use any silent technique you prefer. Our group was founded in 1994 by Charles Day to enable anyone to learn and practice meditation and mindfulness to benefit their health, clarity of thinking, self-esteem, peacefulness, and spirituality. Mats, cushions, and chairs are provided. Attend regularly or occasionally. We encourage you to attend all the segments listed above to maximize benefits, but you are welcome to attend any or all of them
When: Starting at 7:30 pm (see schedule below)
Where: Friends Meeting House, 4211 Grand Ave.
More: Schedule:
7:30-8:00pm: First Meditation sitting with instruction
8:00-8:20: Presentation about meditation, Buddhism, spirituality
8:20-8:30: Second mediation sitting
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Tuesdays (online)
Online
Centering Prayer
What: Please join the Emmaus House Spirituality Center on Tuesday mornings, when we gather to pray. The first half hour will consist of Centering Prayer and time for intentions, both personal and for the most affected in our world. For those interested in staying for the second half hour, we will read an excerpt from a book on Centering Prayer.
When: 7:30 am
More: No prior experience with Centering Prayer s necessary. If interested in attending, please RSVP so that they can email you the link to the online gathering.
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Ongoing Wednesdays
Des Moines
Wednesday Witness
What: Weekly vigil
When: 8 am- 9 am every Wednesday
Where: in front of the Federal Building in Des Moines- Parking is free til 9 am!
Sponsors: At this point we don’t have organizational sponsors – it’s just folks who care and want to do something on a regular basis.
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Thursdays 11:45 am - 12:15 p.m.
Des Moines
Peace Vigil
What: Members of local peace groups gather to demonstrate for peace.
Where: In front of the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.
More: Taking a break; until later this spring
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Thursdays 5:15-- 5:45pm
Burlington
Peace Vigil
What: Weekly Vigil for Peace, Healing, and Community
Where: Port of Burlington by the Statue of Liberty
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3rd Thursday each Month, Sept-May
Des Moines
WILPF-DSM
What: Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
Where: Central Senior Center, corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Forest Avenue. Our first meeting is September 28th,
(most other meetings will be conducted on the 3rd Thursday of the month. The International Day of Peace falls on Sept. 21st. Begin time is 6:30pm.
More: "Like" them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WILPFDSM
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Fridays, 4:30- 5:30 pm (NEW TIME)
Iowa City
Peace Rally
What: This is a pivotal time for our nation. Will we move toward lasting peace, or will we double down on the foreign policy failures of the past 20+ years? Please join us as we rally for peace and a new way forward. Even if you can stay only 15 minutes, your presence and voice are important.
When: Every Friday, 4:30 – 5:30 PM, rain or shine
Where: East side of the UI Pentacrest
More: Bring a sign, a lawn chair, and an umbrella if you wish. Signs and handouts will be available. PLEASE WEAR A MASK.
Sponsored by: Veterans For Peace #161 and PEACE Iowa
