ACTION ALERT ON COLOMBIA
SEMANA POR LA PAZ –
THE WEEK FOR PEACE IN
COLOMBIA SEPT. 11-18, 2005
BEHIND PEACE…IS YOUR VOICE, AND WITH YOUR VOICE….THE DEFENSE OF LIFE AND DIGNITY
IF YOU WANT PEACE, WORK FOR JUSTICE
Dear Friends,
We are celebrating the week for peace in Colombia – Semana por la paz , Sept. 11-18 with a national day of reflection and action for peace on Sept. 15!
BACKGROUND
The injustice of forty years of war and the impoverishment, violence and hopelessness it has inflicted upon the nation of Colombia has led many people to creatively support a new vision for peace. Communities throughout Colombia have said “no” to the violence of war, and “yes” to celebrating the peace that is held today and the peace that is yet to come. Semana Por La Paz is our chance to join in that celebration.
Since 1987, Semana Por La Paz (the Week for Peace) has been celebrated annually in churches, communities and individual households throughout Colombia , with art, music, prayer, advocacy and conversation about the many representations of peace in daily life, and shared visions for peace for the nation of Colombia and the world.
September 11-18 our Colombian brothers and sisters invite us to join them in dedicating ourselves to reflection and action that promotes peace in Colombia , in our own lives, and throughout the world. Organizations, churches and others supporting the work for peace in Colombia have chosen Thursday September 15 as the national day to join together for reflection and action for peace in Colombia .
Thursday September 15 we will all join together to reflect upon and advocate for peace.
REFLECT - Offer your prayers for peace in Colombia . (bulletin insert attached with sample prayer)
ADVOCATE - Call your senators and representative through the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 or look them up at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov.
Introduce yourself, say what city you are from, and ask to speak with the foreign policy advisor. Share with the person on the phone or over voicemail:
“My call today is in recognition of the people of Colombia who are striving for peace in their homes and in our world. This week churches and communities throughout Colombia are participating in a celebration of peace that is held in the present and the peace that Colombia aspires to attain. I ask that your office do all in your power to support these Colombian peacemakers by protecting human rights, defending the victims of war, and promoting social and economic development in Colombia.”
BRING IT ALL TOGETHER
Share the results of your calls with LWR by e-mailing us at kanderson@lwr.org or calling 202.626.7947.
LWR staff will follow up the advocacy you did with your congressional offices by visiting them and sharing more information on the various ways that communities are coming together for peace, and most importantly, how this work for peace can be supported by the U.S. Congress.
CELEBRATING PEACE IS A GREAT PARTY – INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN ON SEPT 15TH
- Ask your congregation to include a prayer for Semana por la paz during Sunday worship. Use the attached bulletin insert as a way of inviting your congregation to participate in the week for peace.
- Gather with friends or family for a Semana por la paz lunch or coffee. Make calls to Congress from your cell phones at your gathering.
- Ask your friends and family across the U.S. to join you at a named hour of the day for shared (long-distance) reflection and action for peace. Talk later about your experiences.
- Use sidewalk chalk to display information on Semana por la paz around your campus or neighborhood
SIGN WITH PEACE - DURING THE WEEK FOR PEACE USE THIS E-MAIL SIGNATURE:
“Today I pray with my brothers and sisters in Colombia for a true and lasting peace, a peace that defends the dignity of every person. Join me in celebrating Semana por la paz , the week for peace in Colombia , go to www.lwr.org to find out more.”
CONTINUE THE WORK FOR PEACE WITH LWR AND OUR PARTNERS IN COLOMBIA:
- Visit www.lwr.org/colombia for prayers, activities and other ideas on how you can participate in Semana por la paz and more information on Colombia , advocacy and making a difference together for peace!
- Join the LWR advocacy network for Colombia by sending your name and e-mail address to kanderson@lwr.org. You will receive updates and e-mails when we have opportunities to join our partners in working for peace through shared prayer and solidarity, sharing the story of Colombia with our communities and the media, and advocating for measures to promote a sustainable peace to the US Congress and other national leaders.
WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.
Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.
For more information, please contact Kirsten Anderson-Stembridge by email: kanderson@lwr.org or by phone: 202-626-7947.
Join LWR's Colombia Advocacy email network.
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