Release: Youth Organize for World Without War March 15

Submitted by kelly on Thu, 02/21/2008 - 12:51pm.
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For Immediate Release
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Contacts:
Kelly Campbell, American Friends Service Committee
503-230-9427, kcampbell@afsc.org

Rachel Larson, Physicians for Social Responsibility
503-274-2720, rachel@oregonpsr.org

NEWS ADVISORY

March 15 World Without War: A Day of Resistance and Hope
Youth and Students Organize to “Stop the War, Bring the Troops Home Now!”

(PORTLAND) After five years of war in Iraq, the PDX Peace coalition and numerous other groups and individuals are organizing “World Without War: a Day of Resistance and Hope” to be held on Saturday, March 15th at the South Park Blocks.  

An integral part of this day of action are the many youth organizations and students involved in the planning process. Below are quotes of engaging students who are giving their time and energy to build a stronger, multigenerational peace movement. New youth and student groups are forming all over Portland and want their voices to be heard. Together, they are sponsoring a tent at the March 15 action camp entitled “PDX Youth M.O.V.E (mobilize, organize, vocalize, empower)” in order to educate, inspire and mentor more youth in our community with their message of peace. These students are available for interviews.

I work for peace because I don't want my children or grandchildren to suffer like the millions of people do today.  -Rachel A. Carpenito
 
Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are. -Hafsat Abiola
 
Peace is freedom and liberation; it’s about unity and acceptance. Why fight it? -David Nguyun
 
I’m working for a world that is more worth living…getting rid of corrupt government war for profit crushing out civilization and cheapening all our lives is part of that- Lizo Wallace
 
500,00 to 1,000,000 dead Iraqis. I work for peace because they can’t -Marko
 
I’m working for peace because it is not only the right thing to do but an obligation for everyone to work for -Ben

I am working for peace because I believe that peace is a good way to get everyone to understand the problems that are happening on this earth. Peace is the epitome of life! -Terell
 
I work for peace because it is the right thing to do, if we don’t fight for justice and peace who will? Ellie Wiesel said “Once we bring life into this world, we most protect it” We must protect the rights and freedoms of those who don’t have voices.-Rosa Navarro
 
I work for peace because I think we all need to participate in creating the world we want to live in.-Paige
 
I work for peace because I have faith that we can change the world.-Carolina

Where: South Park Blocks (SW Park and Madison), Portland, Oregon
When: Saturday, March 15, 2008
10:00-6:00 Action Camp featuring workshops, exhibits, performances, music
2:00 Rally and March

The Action Camp will include workshops, activities and exhibits on:
•    Military Resistance and Recovery
•    Costs of War
•    Iraqi Crisis Under US Invasion
•    PDX Youth M.O.V.E
•    Stop the War on Working People at Home and Abroad
•    US out of the “Middle East”: Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran…
•    No Human Being is Illegal! Defend Human Rights for All!
•    Palestine: 40 Years of Occupation and 60 years of Dispossession
•    Visions of Peace: Building Bridges of Faith to a World Without War

Advance interviews with speakers and organizers are available.

For more information visit pdxpeace.org

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PDX Peace is a coalition of organizations and individuals in the greater Portland, Oregon area building a movement for peace and justice. Our immediate and vital goal is ending the war in Iraq and bringing US troops home. We are committed to US policies based on democratic principles, human rights, and nonviolent resolution of conflict.