United for Peace & Justice : UFPJ NY

NYC United for Peace and Justice

UFPJ/NYC

Legislative Action

Counter Recruitment

NY Peace Calendar: Submit and Find Events

City-Wide Discussion: How Do We Cultivate Peace in this New Political Moment?
Wed. Nov. 19th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
UFPJ office, 630 9th Ave, Suite 215B (Bet. 44th and 45th Sts.)

It is a new day and the potential for change has just expanded exponentially! People believe that change is possible and have hope for the future! This is fundamentally different than the last eight years and we in the peace movement have helped to bring about this change.

How do we carry forth this climate of enthusiasm and optimism? How do we engage the new Obama activists? How do address the economic crisis and domestic issues while still working to end the war and prevent new wars? Join us to think through these questions! Please RSVP to ufpjnyc@unitedforpeace.org. (ID is needed to enter the building.)

Say No to Joel Klein as Education Secretary!

NYC Chancellor, Joel Klein, is on the short list for an appointment in the Obama Administration. Joel Klein continues to make it easy for the military to recruit out high school students! Sign a petition to oppose his appointment!

Klein's office has consistently refused to develop a system that will ensure that all students and parents have the opportunity to opt out of having students' contact information given to the military. This year, he has made it even easier for military recruiters to obtain student contact information by allowing the military recruiters to access the list from the Department of Education rather than having to go to each individual school. College recruiters are not being provided the same easy access.

In addition, we know from surveying students that recruiters are using class time in many schools, are roaming the halls and grounds to speak with students and are being allowed greater access to students than is given to college recruiters, all of which is in violation of No Child Left Behind. Joel Klein has done very little to ensure that principals are complying with the regulations that would protect student privacy and provide the military access to students equal only to that of college recruiters. Click here for more information on this issue.

Sign this petition and add the issue of military recruiters in the comments section!

Support Iraq Veterans Arrested at the Hofstra Debate

On Wednesday, October 15th 2008, a peaceful protest outside the third Presidential Debate at Hofstra University on Long Island was met with violence and misconduct by police.

Iraq Veterans Against the War had a clear mission that night: to ensure that the issues most important to Veterans would be at the forefront of the debate. IVAW members led a contingent of a few hundred peaceful protesters to the main gate of Hofstra University. Immediately police began arresting those who "crossed the line". They then began using horses to physically knock protesters back away from the Hofstra gates. One protester, Nick Morgan, had his face stepped on and has thousands of dollars in medical bills. Please support him by making a donation at www.ivaw.org/support.

Students or Soldiers?

The Students or Soldiers? Coalition of which NYC United for Peace and Justice is one of the founding members is working towards educating and spreading the word about aggressive military recruitment in NYC public schools. With the declining numbers of military enlistees, military recruiters can be found in even greater numbers in the hallways and classrooms of our high school students.

On Thursday, Oct. 23rd, at 56 high schools in NYC, volunteers handed out over 10,000 opt-out forms helping to protect student privacy from military recruiters!

DID YOU KNOW? Out of the 1000 students surveyed;*

35% said that military recruiters have access to multiple locations, which is in violation of DOE rules.
27% of 12^th graders report military recruiters using class time.
73% stated they did not receive a military recruitment opt-out form or did not know if they received such a form. (The opt-out form keeps student’s personal information private and away from military recruiters).

Read More about the issue

It is apparent that there is an aggressive recruitment launch on our high school students and NYC United for Peace and Justice is working to DEFEND THE STUDENTS and help make them aware of alternative opportunities!

If you are interested in helping with this effort or want to know more, please contact Stephanie Dominguez at NYC UFPJ at (212) 868-5545.

*From we want you(th)

PROTESTORS "FREEZE THE THREAT OF WAR ON IRAN!"
THURSDAY, JULY 10
GRAND CENTRAL STATION

Part of a national call to action by United for Peace and Justice

Close to 200 people gathered in Grand Central Station on Thursday, July 10, 2008 to oppose the plans of a possible American military attack on Iran. As they froze in their positions for 5 minutes at 5:30 sharp, the attendees wore “No attack on Iran” signs and shirts calling for peace. The “freezers” sent a clear message of opposition to a new war to the current administration and the forthcoming one. More than 500 fliers were handed out to people passing by.

Click here for pictures and videos of the event

Pedal for Peace 2008

Pedal for Peace everyday with a P4P t-shirt! Buy one here.

Help us reach our 2008 fundraising goal of $10,000.

On May 31st, dozens of intrepid cyclists braved the rain and participated in Pedal for Peace 2008. Despite the rain, everyone had a great time. We received many cheers, peace signs and raised fists as we rode through East Harlem and Harlem chanting "Money for Schools, not war! Fund our communities not the war!

Please help us to be able to do this work by making as generous a donation as possible!

No More Funding for the War!

Download NYC Cost of War Flier and go to any busy location to get the word out and encourage others to make the call.

NYC Cost of War Flier (English)
Que Hacer con Quince Billiones (Español)

RIVER TO RIVER:
JOIN HANDS FOR PEACE
Saturday, March 22

Thousands joined hands on March 22 for a powerful demonstration of our sorrow and our outrage.

Check out photos and video footage at:http://dianelent.com/fiveyears.htm
Matt's Blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF2df3tY46A
Channel 7 News Coverage: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/media?id=6036476

Casualties of Iraq War Fliers.A Grieving Iraqi Father. A Wounded Soldier. An Iraqi Girl. Coffins Coming Home. Boots. A Soldier who Lost his Life. Boots and Helmets. These are Word documents so you can add your own picture if you prefer.

Start a Peace Group in Your Neighborhood!
NYC-UFPJ has embarked on a Neighborhood Organizing Project to help people start very local groups in their neighborhood, school or religious institution. Neighborhood based organizations are critical in helping to build the movement because they reach people who might be opposed to the war but haven't known how to get involved. In addition, very local protests and educational events draw in new people and give them a way to meet other like-minded people in their communities.

If you are interested in starting a group in your neighborhood, give us a call and we can provide information and resources to support you in doing that. Ask for Leslie Kielson at 212-868-5545.
Click here for a Guide to Organizing a Neighborhood Based Peace and Justice Group.

Opt Out Form.doc