We are a local chapter of Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), an international federation conceived in 1999, composed of 80 non-governmental member organizations. NP uses the methods of Mahatma Gandhi, and works, by invitation, with local and international agencies to restore and maintain peace in areas of crisis around the world. What to say YES to when you say NO to war. NP website: www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org, (612) 871-0005.
Our LOGO, above, displays an odd number of birds of different colors, symbolizing the diversity of nationality, spirituality, language and ability which exists among our members. The birds represent NP members who fly over the BLUE GLOBE of our EARTH in a spirit of NONPARTISANSHIP, with love and respect for all concerned parties. M. Gandhi demanded these virtues of his followers, and they are required of all NP representatives.
Nonviolent Peaceforce San Diego (NPSD) exists for the purpose of supporting Nonviolent Peaceforce, and to inform our fellow San Diegans about current NP work in the U.S., Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Guatemala. In April 2007, a Rapid Response Team of four deployed to Guatemala, where they gave 24/7 protective accompaniment to a small team of Guatemalan Human Rights Defenders who had been receiving death threats. Other teams followed, rotating in three-month stints. With a positive change in the Guatemalan political scene, having successfully completed their work of protection, NP teams left Guatemala in late April 2008. For over 1 & 1/2 years, plans have progressed for also sending our professional, unarmed, civilian NP Field Teams (FTMs) to Colombia and Uganda in 2008.
Nonviolent Peaceforce policy states that no new deployments will take place until at least one year's funding is in the bank, in order to cover ALL existing and pending projects. From the beginning, NP has depended on the generosity of individuals and groups who have recognized the value and feasibility of Third Party Nonviolent Conflict Intervention, which is one of NP's main approaches to peacekeeping, deterring violence and protecting human rights. Every recruitment for NP field Team Members has drawn 15 or more applications for each opening. NP growth has been phenomenal and must be supported by equally phenomenal publicity and funding.
NPSD supports Nonviolent Peaceforce International by:
•Selling NP Peace Bonds (Beautiful, meaningful gifts suitable for framing @ $10, $25, $50, $100, $250, $500)
Contact for Peace Bond Purchase: Debby Park , rayandeb@gmail.com, (858)270-5978
*+*+*+*+*+* DURING THIS SEASON OF MANY HOLIDAYS and gift-giving, consider giving the GIFT OF PEACE, a beautiful NP PEACE BOND +*+*+*+*+*+*
●Conducting Trainings for Nonviolent Conflict Intervention(NCI) -
When 1: Saturday, May 24, 2008
Where 1: St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 - 6th Avenue, San Diego CA 92103
When 2: Saturday June 21, 2008
Where 2: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4190 Front Street, San Diego CA 92103
What: NPSD Trainers will demonstrate and teach techniques of Nonviolent Conflict Intervention, methods used successfully by NP Field Team Members in dangerous international crises. These techniques can be used to intervene in community, workplace, organization, and family conflicts, and will also increase personal communication skills of participants. Trainers are local NP San Diego volunteers who have been trained by professional NP trainers.
Cost: Sliding Scale = $25.00 - $85.00 (1 day, includes on-site breakfast & lunch). Money received in excess of actual costs will be a donation to Nonviolent Peaceforce NCI Training Fund.
Contact for Training: Carroll Boone, carrollboone@yahoo.com, (619) 697-3223 or Debby Park, rayandeb@gmail.com, (858) 270-5978 or Anita Wucinic-Turner, aewt2005@yahoo.com, (619) 254-2620
• Producing Informational and/or Fundraising Events, both public & invitational gatherings
• Writing Articles, placing Advertisements in publications
• Posting NP information on selected List Servers
• Tabling at Peace & Sustainability rallies, and at receptive sites such as OB Co-op Market
• Seeking new venues, such as radio, newspaper, or TV interviews, group presentations
●● BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR LOCAL NP CHAPTER - - JOIN US IN ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT NONVIOLENT PEACEFORCE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD!
All members will receive invitations to public and private NPSD INFORMATIONAL and FUNDRAISING events held in San Diego. Our national newsletter RUMORS OF PEACE will arrive free of charge by regular mail or email (as you choose), three times per year. ANNUAL DUES ARE REASONABLE AND ADJUSTABLE, BASED ON A SLIDING SCALE. Dues will pay for local operational expenses. All are welcome to attend NPSD meetings: once/month, 1st Saturdays, 1:15 pm-3:00 pm, but regular attendance at meetings is not required. Members receive and contribute to our local chapter newsletter. New members are always welcome.
Contact us -
MEMBERSHIP: Anita Wucinic-Turner, aewt12005@yahoo.com, (619) 254-2620
GENERAL INFORMATION: Gloria Joyce, gloria@NPSanD.org, (619) 276-5232
Visit our international NONVIOLENT PEACEFORCE website: www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org, or call (612) 871-0005