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September
4, 2007
MANISTEE – It’s about peace. It’s about working to
foster positive, proactive change toward the creation of a more
nonviolent and peaceful world. And it is a message coming to
Manistee Thursday, September 20th. The Women’s
Economic Resource Center (WERC) Women’s netWork Luncheon will
feature Linda Henderson, a Lansing attorney, who will speak
about The Peace Alliance.
The Peace Alliance is a
nonpartisan citizen action organization representing a growing
constituency for peace. A 501(c)4 organization established in
May 2004, their mission is to empower civic activism for a
culture of peace. The current focus is the campaign for a
cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace.
“There
are currently 15 executive departments at the national level,”
said Dr. Barbara Edwards, one of the organizers of the September
luncheon. “We have a Department of Defense, Homeland Security,
and Justice. The Peace Alliance offers a fresh approach to
resolving international conflict that leads to lasting peace and
security for all.”
There
is currently a bill before the U.S. House of Representatives (HR
808) to establish a United States Department of Peace. This
historic measure will augment our current problem-solving
options, providing practical, nonviolent solutions to the
problems of domestic and international conflict. The legislation
will pass from bill to law under one condition: that a wave of
citizen interest rise up from the American people and make
itself heard in the halls of Congress.
The
Peace Alliance educates and inspires thousands throughout the
country with the knowledge, skill and enthusiasm to become
powerful citizen activists on behalf of the Department of Peace
legislation. The campaign has citizen organizers working in all
50 states. Local activists are mobilizing a mighty wave of
momentum by working with their members of congress, to share and
discuss how a Department of Peace would benefit their community.
Linda
Henderson is the state coordinator of The Peace Alliance in
Michigan. There are team leaders in each of 15 districts in
Michigan. Henderson
will speak at the WERC netWork luncheon September 20th
to explain how and why the Peace Alliance was formed and how it
is empowering civic activism for a culture of peace.
“It
is appropriate that we have a speaker on this topic,” said
Vanessa Buhs, a co-founder of the Women’s netWork and
Vice-Chair of WERC. “One
of our goals is to encourage women to become politically active.
This is a nonpartisan citizen action organization for a culture
of peace. We want to work together to build the foundation and
infrastructure for more peaceful homes, schools, towns, cities
and a more peaceful nation and world.
The mission of WERC is to actively cultivate and support the
professional and political development and leadership of women
and girls in Manistee County and the surrounding area. The
mission will be accomplished through programs of WERC, such as
the Women’s netWork luncheons, the Women’s Empowerment
Giving Circle, Women’s Business Support, LUNAFEST, Career
Mentoring, and Personal Finance.
WERC will also build partnerships with other programs and
organizations that are working to provide sustainable
livelihoods, political and leadership opportunities and access
for women and girls. WERC will partner with the Manistee County
League of Women Voters this fall conducting a training program
preparing women to run for political office and to serve on
boards and commissions.
“All women are encouraged to attend the luncheon and
participate in WERC,” said Judy Crockett, chair of WERC. “We
hold our regular monthly Women’s netWork luncheons on the
third Thursday of each month. And the WERC board meetings are
held the third Tuesday of each month.”
The luncheon will be held Thursday September 20th
from 11:30-1:15 at the Tuscan Grille in downtown Manistee. The
cost is $10 payable to the Tuscan Grille at the door.
Reservations may be made by sending an email to
manisteewomen @yahoo.com . The luncheon is open to anyone
who would like to learn more about this campaign. Peace Alliance
T-shirts, bumper stickers, and pins will be for sale at the
luncheon.
The Manistee County Peace Group will also host Henderson who
will speaker Wednesday evening, September 19th at
7:30 pm at the First Congregational Church at the corner of
Fourth and Oak Street in Manistee. For more information about
that event, call 723-4395.
Learn more about the Peace Alliance at www.thepeacealliance.org
For more information about WERC, email manisteewomen@yahoo.com.
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