| What
can I do? Some Proposals for Action,
Linda Hartke, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA)
2 October
2001
What can I do?
This is a natural question in the face of a looming global conflict.
When tragedy strikes, we are shocked, angry and fearful. But as
God’s own children we are compelled to hear the words "Do
not be afraid". We are compelled to trust. We are compelled
to hope. And we are compelled to act.
Here are some simple
ideas for you, your family, your church, your friends and your community
- ways you can make a difference in the unfolding crisis that surrounds
us.
PRAY
at every opportunity for peace, for justice, and that the bounty
of God’s love for us may be seen in all that we do for our
friends, neighbors, strangers, and even our enemies. Pray for those
suffering the loss of loved ones. Exchange prayers and litanies
with others. Strengthen the ties that bind us one to another by
using worship resources from other parts of the world.
SPEAK
out and condemn as human rights violations racial profiling, violent
acts, and insulting comments directed against people who are, or
are perceived to be, of Middle Eastern, South Asian heritage, Muslim
or targeted because of their ethnic, racial, or religious background.
Participate in events in your community or at your school that involve
working against the targeting of any community because of their
ethnic, racial or religious background.
AC
in simple ways that demonstrate your care for others. Express your
thanks. Be patient in listening. Challenge intolerance by shopping
at a stall or shop owned by someone who is Middle Eastern, Arab,
Muslim or South Asian.
DISCUSS
the current crisis and your faith with neighbors, friends, classmates,
and family. Consider the root causes of violence and plan at least
one action a week that you can take to contribute to building peace
with justice.
OVERCOME
hate and oppose the violation of human rights of people who are
targeted because of their identity. Protest the public assault of
people who are of Middle Eastern or South Asian heritage and others
assaulted on the basis of religious belief, skin color, or dress
in communities throughout the world. Call on national and local
officials to take appropriate measures to prevent such attacks.
(See sample
letter opposite.)
WELCOME
the stranger. Speak out against new attempts to detain refugees
and migrants, or close borders to people who are fleeing persecution.
WRITE
an opinion piece for your church newsletter, magazine or local newspaper
drawing on "Visions for peace - Voices of faith". Send
letters to the editor in your local, church or campus media condemning
violence and assaults on individuals. Vigilantly monitor media coverage
and the statements of public officials - send compliments or complaints
as appropriate. (See sample
letter
to the editor opposite.)
STAND
for peace with justice. Plan or participate in vigils for peace
and tolerance in your community or at your school. Find out when
and where vigils are being held and take part - bring your children
and invite your friends. Make sure that religious leaders are present.
Announce these events in churches, magazines, newsletters and Sunday
bulletins.
BUILD
a relationship and work with targeted communities in your area.
Coordinate a vigil or event with your local or school Arab and Muslim
organizations.
RESPOND
to laws that are being proposed or passed, in the heat of the moment,
which could have far reaching consequences. Look at these measures
closely, their impact on social priorities, on civil liberties,
and on defense and police buildups. Exercise your citizenship.
GIVE
generously in support of relief and recovery efforts. Our brothers
and sisters in the US, Afghanistan, Pakistan and around the globe
are in need. (www.act-intnl.org)
PROMOTE
tolerance, fight scapegoating, and assure that laws regarding discrimination
and hate crimes are enforced. In his statements, US President Bush
has also strongly affirmed this. You may, however, consider sending
a letter, to your other elected officials, or law enforcement authorities,
whether at the local, state, or federal level.
SHARE the bulletin,
Behind the news: Visions for peace - Voices of faith with
friends, church members, classmates and others who are interested
in contributing to voices of peace. |
Religious
and interfaith communities, solidarity and peace groups throughout
the United States and internationally have set aside a "Triduum
of Prayer, Remembrance and Fasting for Non-violence and Peace"
on October 11, November 11, December 11
The
International Rescue Committee’s Women's Commission for Refugee
Women and Children has created a Fund
to support Afghan Women’s groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan
The
International Federation of Iranian Refugees (IFIR) calls on groups
and individuals to join their campaign
to open the borders of countries next to Afghanistan and to defend
the rights of Afghan refugees
No
more landmines in Afghanistan: In a call
to action,
Church World Service has urged people to push for a moratorium on
the use of landmines.
US
national
days of prayer and fasting
are being coordinated from 25 November - 4 December by the National
Network to End the War against Iraq.
Media
Workers against the War
have relaunched the organization that sought to consolidate opposition
to previous conflicts in which the UK has been involved.
The
International
Federation of Iranian Refugees
is organizing an International Conference from 16-18 November in
Sweden with sessions on ‘Asylum after September 11’, ‘Political
Islam’, and ‘Solidarity with Afghan refugee
In
an Action
Alert,
Church World Service urges churches to speak out to stop the bombing,
so that humanitarian assistance can be delivered in safety.
Sojourners
reports
that their invitation to Christians, Jews and people of faith and
good will to act in solidarity with Muslims by fasting for Ramadan
has received an international groundswell of response. They also
offer suggestions
on fasting, daily prayers and daily prayer eadings
A
number of organizations are promoting the Declaration on Women’s
Rights in Afghanistan which calls on any post-Taliban government
to recognize minimum ights. Suggested
actions.
In
the United States, groups
are organizing
to support the "Access for Afghan Women Act" presently
under discussion in the US Congress.
| Sample
letter to
local, provincial or national officials to prevent attacks
on individuals because of their identity
Dear [official]:
As a Christian, I write to express my deep concern for
the well-being of Muslims, Arabs, Middle Easterners and
South Asians and any others who may be singled out for harassment
and abuse following the September 11 attacks on the US.
As President Bush noted in his September 20 address to the
American people, "We're in a fight for our principles,
and our first responsibility is to live by them. No one
should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words
because of their ethnic background or religious faith."
The world has changed, and fear is palpable. As we move
forward in the weeks and months ahead, I ask that you provide
strong leadership and make every effort to reach out to
communities which may be targeted, to speak out against
blaming innocent people and harassment, to do your part
to see that the laws are enforced and respected, and to
work to assure that criminal conduct is prosecuted.
Thank you for your attention to my concerns. |
| Sample
letter to the editor
The purpose of this letter is to respond to articles in
your local paper about hate-crimes or related incidents.
Please use the letter primarily as a guideline and personalize
the language to make the letter your own. Original letters
are also encouraged.
To the
Editor:
The horrific attacks in New York and Washington represent
the gravest violation of the most basic human rights. The
victims and their families deserve support and compassion
as we all struggle through this event.
But victimizing
individuals or communities based on their ethnicity, race,
or religion will achieve nothing (ex. insert the story you
are responding to here.) The senseless violence directed
against Muslims, Arabs, Middle Easterners and South Asians
and others who are being blamed for the attacks on September
11 is degrading to our common humanity and the memory of
those who have lost their lives so cruelly.
Our police and other authorities must refrain from the detention
and arrest of individuals solely based on race, ethnicity,
religion or appearance, whether actual or perceived. Federal
and state authorities should continue to provide protection
to ensure that communities, places of worship, schools and
businesses are safe from attacks. And neighbors, in word
and deed, should respect and care for one another.
"Let justice roll down like mighty waters"...not
the hatred and violence of vengeance in our streets and
in our world. |
|
