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The Peace Letter

JUSTICE
Fall 2011

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Washington Peace Center Building Our Movement

Vol. 48, No. 2

Y! DA

Founded in 1963

WORkInG In SOLIDARITY In DC

The DC Principles
This statement came out of a workshop at the 2010 US Social Forum in Detroit entitled "DC's Not Your Protest Playground" and hosted by the Washington Peace Center. It was expanded through the Metro DC Social Forum in 2011. It establishes a framework to working in DC towards sustained movement building in the nations capital and beyond. The District of Columbia is the nations capital and therefore a lightning rod for national organizing. It is also the home of 600,000 people who deal day-to-day with the consequences of many of the important issues that are protested downtown. There is often a great divide in DC between locally and nationally focused groups even though these groups encounter the same difficulties, require many of the same resources and often have similar goals. This leads to competition for attention, attendees, media, and support, while duplicating efforts. There are often class and race divides between local and national organizers, adding to the power dynamics and complicated relationships. We hope that national organizing can strengthen local capacity to improve social conditions, organizing and movement building in DC, rather than sapping energy and causing divisions within the movement. We think its possible to continue to support important and inspirational national protests while also empowering DC communities in order to strengthen and unify our movement as a whole.

The Reality on the Ground

Every issue being protested in the nations capital that is global, national, or local can be seen first-hand in the communities of the District of Columbia. DC organizers know our communities in a way that organizers from outside cannot. DC organizers are engaged in long-term and strategic organizing to build peace and justice in DC, which has immense inequality. DC organizers know the congressional schedule and rules better than almost any outsider. DC organizers are trained, skilled and experienced in our craft. DC organizers face massive unemployment, gentrification, and rising costs of living. DC is not a state and therefore does not have 10th amendment protections, federal voting rights, or true self-determination.

image by: DC 51 ColleCtive

DC organizers remain in DC dealing with fallout or retaliation by authorities, including the police, long after the mass mobilization moves on and protesters go home. DC has a population of over 600,000 people in the city limits and 5.4 million in the metro area, and national organizations bus in people for events that only a handful of locals show up for. Often, national mobilizations use the time, energy and resources of DC organizers, who serve as a de-facto host community, at the expense of crucial local organizing. There must be a way to utilize the organizing power and hopeful energy that goes into national mobilizations to leave the host citys peace and justice movements stronger.

Continued on page 3

The DC Principles

F.A.Q.s on Risking Arrest at the Capitol

Get Trained and Train Others

page 3

page 5

page 8

page 2
our mission
he Washington Peace Center provides education, resources and action for those working for positive social change and a world free from oppression. We strengthen the impact of the peace and justice movements by: 1) Fostering greater collaboration among activist groups 2) Bridging the gap between global, national & local issues and communities, and 3) Providing the material support to achieve these goals. Based in Washington, DC, we have been working to achieve peace and social justice since 1963. We envision a world based on respect for people and the planet that is achieved through nonviolence, peace and social justice.

From the Director:

Movement building is hard work. Were up against big enemies with lots of resources and institutional might corporations, military contractors, oftentimes our own elected leaders. But so often as activists, our energy and time is sucked into internal disputes with people who are supposed to be on our side. People who agree with us on our vision, might disagree on tactics, or may just be difficult to communicate with. Whatever the case, more often than not, disagreements within our own movement drain and discourage activists from working towards the world we know we need. At the Washington Peace Center, it is part of our mission to build collaboration and communication among activist groups, and particularly trying to bridge the gap between local and national issues and organizing. This issue of the Peace Letter is dedicated to that how to have a more productive and effective relationship between locally- and nationally-focused groups working for peace and justice in our actionpacked hometown, Washington, DC. We hope the tools, ideas and input from experienced organizers contained within these pages will make you think about new ways to work in solidarity with others, to connect your issue to both international and local struggles for justice and to think strategically about organizing a unified movement. Its what we at the Peace Center think about every day, and we know its tough work. If you have any feedback or thoughts on this issue, please let us know! Movement building may be difficult, but we know that it is the way to build the change we need for a world full of justice and free from oppression. If you agree, I hope youll use the slip on page 11 and support the important work of the Washington Peace Center. And thank you for all you do! in solidarity,

Washington Peace Center Board and Staff at our summer planning retreat.

the Peace letter

The Washington Peace Letter is published biannually to support local, national and international struggles against oppression. It seeks to present analysis of current events, covering information not available in corporate media. Peace Letter items are copyright-free and may be reproduced. Please give us credit and send us a copy if you do use the Peace Letter! Submissions: The Peace Letter welcomes submissions of articles, announcements, letters to the editor and artwork from the progressive community. Contact us at [email protected] Coordinating board members: Pedro Cruz, Robby Diesu, Ese Ehmerhi, Jay Forth, Katherine Fuchs, Lacy MacAuley, Paul Magno, David Thurston, Marie Soveroski & Jane Zara Staff: Sonia Silbert, Director & Dany Sigwalt, Program Manager, Helga Herz Peacemaker Washington Peace Center 1525 newton St nW Washington, D.C. 20010 Phone: (202) 234-2000 [email protected] www.washingtonpeacecenter.org

ON BUILDING BRIDGES... "In a coalition, some partners can work to educate other members and get them to sign on and support an initiative. For example, we got unions to endorse proposals that dont necessarily connect to their specific mission, but nevertheless affect the members of the communities. We try to build long-term relationships between people so that they understand each others issues across organizations and across the city. We do it in small ways, like sending letters, testifying at a hearing, turning out for an action."
mackenzie baris, DC Jobs with Justice

Sonia Silbert
Sonia Silbert Director

Editor: Dany Sigwalt Layout and Design: Alice Ollstein Cover Art: Mark Perkins Centerfold Art: Elise Desiderio

page 3
As DC Organizers/Activists, we ask:
DC organizers will be consulted in the decision making process in a meaningful way before finalizing major decisions. The opinion of DC organizers will hold extra weight in informing decisions that will need to be made for actions within DC. National organizers will consult local organizers before planning events in our city. National organizers do their best to coordinate with and support local organizing in the DC area, knowing that empowering our local movement is building the movement as a whole. This includes asking local organizers the best way to support their work and including locally-organized events and actions in the calendar for out-of-town activists. National organizers will think about the consequences of their actions and decisions on the local movement and our attempts to strengthen peace and justice in the DC area. National organizers will attempt to leave the DC activist community stronger than when they came, knowing that there will always be a "next action" that will need similar resources. One measure of success of any action held in DC will be whether or not local organizing has been advanced by the action in a substantial and measurable way. When hiring organizers or trainers, such jobs be opened first to local organizers. They also have priority within the hiring pool. When DC organizers are hired or paid for work that they be paid a living wage with benefits. DC statehood be recognized by those who come here in protest of other issues. Organizers should realize that one-time events whether mobilizations or direct service opportunities have only a limited impact and sustained commitment is what is needed to make change. Given that most national activists arent able to make that sustained commitment in DC, local organizers should be asked and their opinions respected as to the best use of the time and effort of national groups. This might not always be the ideal volunteer opportunity or action that was envisioned while at home, but will have more of an impact and strengthen peace and justice work for the long-term.

THE DC PRInCIPLES
As DC Organizers/Activists, we offer:
Know-how
Knowledge and experience dealing with the many different law enforcement agencies, risking arrest in DC and the legal process. DC organizers know the congressional schedule and rules better then most any outsider. An intimate, logistical knowledge of the geography of DC that can help to maximize impact locally, nationally, and globally while minimizing cost. Knowledge and immense experience with permit applications for the myriad of jurisdictions in DC. A network of local organizers, trainers, artists, etc., who can connect with your organization, both local allies and potential ally movements. Direct access to the 5.4 million people living in the DC metro area.

Tangible ResouRces
Stages, sound systems and bullhorns for a sliding scale donation. Discounted black/white and color photocopies. Arts and Activism Guide - A guide of organizations, artist collectives, regular events, and books/resources relating to arts and activism in the DC metro area. DC Permit Process - Where to go to get legal permits for your event. Events and Meeting Space - Where to find space for your event or meeting. FAQs About Risking Arrest at the Capitol - What to expect when you're resisting. Law Enforcement Agencies in DC How to identify some of the various groups of police in the city. Legal Support for Direct Action - Documents and organizations that will help you know your rights and your legal support. Mass Housing Resources- Where to find housing for your group in DC. Printers - Help finding ecofriendly and Union places to make flyers, posters and t-shirts. Outdoor Locations for Events - DC area parks for events and rallies. Sustainability - How to live greener in the DC area. Training Resources - Places to get trained and agendas for doing trainings yourself. Van Rental Companies - Find places in the DC area to rent vehicles to transport your group.

CHECk YOURSELF!
Movement work is hard. Making sure we realize the importance of diversity is key to making our movements sustainable. When doing work in DC, this understanding is magnified in light of the many race and class dynamics that residents can't escape in any facet of our lives, let alone organizing. Learning about factors that prevent successful social justice work, such as racism, classism, sexism and other systems of oppression, is key to building the world that we want to see, in DC and beyond. The Washington Peace Center has an entire page devoted to helping you expand your anti-oppression analysis: washingtonpeacecenter. netantioppresionresources

FinD theSe reSourCeS!

washingtonpeacecenter.org (202) 234-2000

page 4
On sustainable Organizing...

"We try to build long-term relationships between people so that they understand each others issues across organizations and across the city."
-Mackenzie baris, DC Jobs with Justice

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page 5

F.A.Q.s on Risking Arrest at the Capitol

Q: What should we expect when planning an action on Capitol Hill? A: Doing actions in the Capitol Building has more risks of severe charges than in Congressional office buildings. You cant touch the Supreme Court steps with any signs of protest (including buttons!). To find hearing schedules, go to www.capitolhearings.com. Q: What can you do in a Congressional hearing? A: You are legally permitted to wear a t-shirt with messaging in Congressional hearings (except those of the Judiciary Committee). You can hold up small papers with your messaging in hearings, but you may get kicked out - you can not in the House, you can in the Senate (its up to the discretion of the chairperson of the committee if he or she will let you stay). Q: We want to do a sit-in in a congressional office.Willwegetarrested? A: If you do not leave after warnings are given by Capitol Police, you will be placed under arrest for Unlawful Entry (refusal to leave after being requested by the staff-person in charge of the office). This is a misdemeanor, not a serious charge but one which will involve at least a couple of court appearances. (You cant post and forfeit a fine for unlawful entry). The congressional staff may allow people to stay in the offices--depending on whether they are friendly or not. Q: If arrested, will people be held overnight? A: In all likelihood, they will be given a citation release, and court date to return to DC Superior Court. If they are from out of town (Balt-Wash area) they MAY be held overnight, to see the judge the next day. Q: What would be the charge? A: Unlawful Entry (full information online). Since the congressional offices are public property, you can request a jury trial for this charge (which for activists can be another opportunity to publicize the issue, etc.). Even though the congressional office is a public place, if you refuse to leave after being requested by the staff-person in charge, police can place you under arrest. Q: If people want to draw attention by doing something on the Hill without getting arrested, what would you suggest? A: Many groups often use signs and rallies, or request a permit for a rally in locations such as Upper Senate Park. US Capitol Police will process the permit request. If groups rally without obtaining a permit in advance, that may constitute demonstrating without a permit on Capitol Grounds. But if you are outside, rather than inside the buildings, you may be able to have some impromptu rallies. Q:Willpeoplebeaskedtopayafine?How much? What are the consequences? A: For unlawful entry, you must come back to court: there you may be able to reach a diversion agreement with the US Attorneys office, which may include community service and a stay-away from the congressional office. If defendants successfully complete the diversion agreement, their case will be dismissed and there will be no conviction on their record. If you are in the congressional office hallways, rather than inside the offices themselves, the charge could be Unlawful Assembly or Disorderly Conduct and you may be able to post and forfeit a fine on the same day. This means you could pay out of the system and wouldnt have to see a judge or have a court date. *PLEASE NOTE: Some of this information will not pertain to being arrested by jurisdictions other than Capitol Police. Contact the Peace Center if youre not sure whose jurisdiction youd fall under, for assistance with training, or for legal support.

SPECIAL THAnkS TO Ann WILCOx OF THE DC nATIOnAL LAWYERS GUILD FOR COMPILInG!

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Visit www.washingtonpeacecenter.org/legal or contact the Peace Center or the National Lawyers Guild for more information: DC Chapter of the national lawyers guild:

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The Peace Center website has a Directory of over 300 local progressive organizations! Check it out to build our movement:
washingtonpeacecenter.net/activist-entries

Often available to do briefings and trainings for groups considering actions. The NLG can also provide support and legal assistance for the court process, if appropriate.

2000 P Street, NW #415 Washington, DC 20036 [email protected]

graPhiC by eliSe DeSiDerio

page 8

STREnGTHEn THE MOvEMEnT BY EMPOWERInG InDIvIDUALS

Get Trained:
DC Jobs With Justice: Washington, DC
DC-JWJ is a local social justice coalition that offers monthly trainings to local activists in collaboration with Empower DC. www.dcjwj.org ; (202) 974-8224

Train Others:
Washington Peace Center: DC
We have agendas for many different topics on our website that you can download and use, particularly for legal and media trainings. www.washingtonpeacecenter.org/training

Training for Change: Philadelphia, PA

Training for Change provides skills-based trainings that help groups stand up more effectively for justice, peace and the environment. Their website also has many great resources and agendas for leading your own trainings on a variety of topics. www.trainingforchange.org ; (215) 776-8444

Organizing for Power

An excellent collection of agendas and tools for trainings on everything related to power, strategy and organizing for social change and liberation. Created by Lisa Fithian, long-time activist, former WPC Coordinator and current WPC Advisory Council member. organizingforpower.wordpress.com

Wayside Center: Faber, VA

A vibrant center where activists, organizers and other justice-loving folks come together for education, training, socializing, rest, renewal, healing, fun and whatever else it takes to grow and be nurtured into a movement powerful enough to create the world we want to live in. www.waysidecenter.org ; (434) 263-5115

Find a trainer:
Washington Peace Center, DC:
We have a network of trainers we can reach out to in the DC Metro area. www.washingtonpeacecenter.org ; 202-234-2000 On our website we have more alternatives listed for where to get trained and resources for doing trainings yourself. Check out: www.washingtonpeacecenter.org/training

Highlander Center: New Market, TN

Highlander serves Appalachia and the South with programs designed to build strong and successful socialchange activism and community organizing led by the people who suffer most from the injustices of society. www.highlandercenter.org ; (865) 933-3443

Indiegogo & Kickstarter

RCES RAISInG RESOU FUnD

Network For Good

Project based fundraising websites that allow you to post a video about your project and solicit & process donations. Mainly for arts-based programs, but community-based organizations have also raised funds successfully. No nonprofit designation required (but is helpful to avoid taxes). www.indiegogo.com ; www.kickstarter.com

Online fundraising and e-organizing resources and training. www1.networkforgood.org

Foundation Center

Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training

A place to research grants and foundations. Also provides free and not-so free trainings at their office and online. Has a great library. www.foundationcenter.org ; (202) 331-1400

Offers lots of articles, resources and trainings on how to survive without foundations. www.grassrootsfundraising.org ; (510) 452-4520

page 9

DC'S EvEnT AnD MEETInG SPACES FOR ACTIvISTS

the true reformer building Price: Free (for nonprofits)
Public Welfare Foundation, 1200 U Street NW Neighborhood: U Street Telephone: (202) 965-1800 ext. 302 Email: [email protected]

emergence Community arts Collective Price: $20/hr

733 Euclid Street NW Neighborhood: Columbia Heights/Howard Telephone: (202) 462-2285 Email: [email protected]

First trinty lutheran Church Price: $100/hr

501 4th Street NW Neighborhood: Gallery Place Telephone: (202) 737-4859 Email: [email protected]

St. Stephens Church Price: Sliding Fee

all Souls Church, unitarian Price: from $65/hr

the arc theater Price: $100/hr

1901 Mississippi Ave SE Neighborhood: Shirpley Terrace Telephone: (202) 889-5901 Email: [email protected]

Newton and 16th Street NW Neighborhood: Columbia Heights Telephone: (202) 232-0900 Email: [email protected]

1500 Harvard Street NW Neighborhood: Columbia Heights Telephone: (202) 332-5266 ext. 109 Email: [email protected]

Potters house Price: Sliding Fee

1658 Columbia Road NW Neighborhood: Adams Morgan Telephone: (202) 232-5483 Email: [email protected]

Festival Center (at the Church of the Savior) Price: $65/hr

1640 Columbia Road NW Neighborhood: Adams Morgan Telephone: (202) 328-0072

Josephine butler Center Price: $150/hr

2437 15th Street NW Neighborhood: Columbia Heights Telephone: (202) 462-7275 Email: [email protected]

Sankofa video and bookstore Price: $20/hr

2714 Georgia Ave NW Neighborhood: Howard/Shaw Telephone: (202) 234-4755 Email: [email protected]

metropolitan Community Church Price: $75/hr

474 Ridge Street NW Neighborhood: Mt. Vernon Telephone: (202) 638-7373 Email: [email protected]

busboys and Poets Price: $200/hr

2021 14th Street NW Neighborhood: U Street Telephone: (202) 332-6432 Email: [email protected]

For a full listing with more details, go to www.washingtonpeacecenter.org/spaces

WASHInGTOn PEACE CEnTER

The Washington Peace center provides strategic resources for activist organizations and individuals (that means YOU!) including: sound systems for activist events ($25-100 sliding scale) stages: two 2x4x8 platforms ($25-100 sliding scale) bullhorns and small portable speaker (donation requested) we can send out your press release to our media lists political movies to borrow for activist events fiscal sponsorship for projects and start-up organizations To use these resources, contact us at (202) 234-2000 or [email protected].

reSourCeS For you!

on our WebSite

organization guide: Information on over 300 DC-area activist organizations. activist alert Calendar: The most comprehensive calendar of progressive events in the DC area. activist alert email: Sign up to receive highlights from the upcoming week's calendar along with articles and online activities. online resource guide: With details on topics covered in this paper and more!

"If youre actually talking about building solidarity between communities, its important to hear more than one person talk about it, and engaging on the priorities of the community versus the national objectives and how they relate."

Anna Duncan, DC organizer

page 10

DC STATEHOOD: A PRIMER FOR ACTIvISTS

"From apartheid to the MLK holiday, Washingtonians have made these issues a big part of their lives. We breathe the same air as those ambassadors in those embassies, so the more resources we have the better." Parisa norouzi, empower DC

ne of the deepest ironies of the United States democratic system is that its capital is swarmed with activists seeking to access the power of the seat of the federal government which DC residents have no access to. Heres a short breakdown of DCs unrepresented status:

The District of Columbia is the only capital city in the world in which residents lack national level voting rights. DC residents are required to pay both DC income tax and federal income tax, without receiving the same federal representation that other US citizens are entitled to. In the case of a federal government shut down (an increasingly real threat in these times), DCs city-run and funded services would also be required to shut down (like trash collection). As a state, DC could bring in more than 2 billion dollars a year in additional revenue, allowing the local government to cut taxes, fully fund schools, and improve Medicaid services. Free from Congressional oversight, the DC government could also become more effective and more efficient. Prominent legal scholars, including Peter Raven-Hansen, from George Washington University, and Jason Newman, from Georgetown, agree that Congress has the power to make DC a state. In facing these challenges, DC has moved to gain more autonomy over the years; in 1960 residents gained a voice in presidential elections.

n 1973 the Home Rule Act was passed, which allowed DC residents to elect their own Mayor and City Council. However, all legislation that the city council passes must be approved by Congress. Lacking the self-determination that is key to the democratic system, here are a few examples of legislation Congress refused to allow DC government to pass:

Needle exchange programs (DC now has the highest rate of HIV in the US). Funding abortions for low-income women using city tax revenue (as a rider in the national budget agreement). A city-wide ban on handguns.

istorically, DCs systematic disenfranchisement comes out of a history of racism and segregation. As a predominantly African-American city, the establishment was unwilling to grant the DC residents full citizenship even years after the Civil Rights Act of 1963. DCs lack of federal representation is marred in a history of racism and bigotry. For these reasons, both historical and current, Washingtonians ask that visitors learn about the reality of DCs status as an unrepresented district. When utilizing the resources of organizers and activists in DC, also realize that Statehood is a constant fight, and one that requires allies solidarity to win.

As a sign of solidarity, please speak to your elected representative and educate your allies about the issue of DC Statehood.

page 11
Why do the DC Principles Matter?

organizers speak out

"A lot of national groups come to DC without making good use of local resources. Collaboration would be so much better for everyone. Somehow, though, you just end up missing each other like ships in the night."
- matt leonard, tar Sands action

WPC Update:
Providing All the Tools We need to Change the World!
As Occupations have swept the nation this fall, the Washington Peace center was poised to play an important role of providing resources, experience and organizational support to build power on a grassroots level at OccupyDC. We have helped train hundreds of people in facilitation, consensus-building, nonviolent direct action and more, contributing to a movement that is strengthening a new generation of activists. To mark the tenth year of the US occupation of Afghanistan, we collaborated with many groups to host War Voices, a unique forum discussing the impacts of ten years of the war on terror on Afghanistan and the US. We also held coordinating meetings between the organizers of Stop the Program Manager Dany Sigwalt, Director Sonia Silbert and volunteer Sam Meisenberg War Machine at Freedom Plaza and local organizers to at the Freedom Plaza Occupation. facilitate logistics and communication. Our sound systems, stages and bullhorns have been used almost two dozen times so far this fall for a variety of important actions, including the Tar Sands actions at the White House, protesting the proposed oil pipeline from the Canadian Tar Sands to the Gulf Coast; the Troy Davis protests and rallies, as well as the day of remembrance after he was killed; press conferences about the Secure Communities legislation in DC; and much more. Internally, we are pleased to welcome on Dany Sigwalt as our Program Manager and Helga Herz Peacemaker. We also completed a strategic planning process this summer, clarifying our mission and laying out our goals to guide our work for peace and justice over the next three years. Through it all, we kept our online calendar updated with dozens of new events a week and served as a resource to many activists organizing mobilizations in the DC area. We strive to provide all the tools we need to change the world, and the world seems to be changing. Please join us and help make the difference!

"By connecting local and national issues you expose the fact that the systems run really deep. Theres an intrinsic connection between national issues, such as military spending, and the fact that we dont have enough money to provide food for single mothers."
robby Diesu, DC organizer

"DC symbolically is important as the seat of government. People feel ownership over DC that they dont over other cities. Theres a lot of pressure on these local organizers to take on these national issues, and theres not the same level of expectation from organizers in other cities because you dont have every day being exposed to such intense political activity."
anna Duncan, DC organizer

We Thank ou For Your Support!

"Local groups should be saying, 'Yes, we want national groups to come here. We want to participate in that. We want a seat at the table, but here's the rules we also want to play by. This document should never be dead. It should always be living."
-geoff millard, iraq veterans against the War, DC Chapter

The Peace Letter

Washington Peace Center
Fall 2011 Vol. 48, No. 2 Founded in 1963

Washington Peace Center 1525 Newton St NW Washington, D.C. 20010 (202) 234-2000 address correction requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Washington, D.C. Permit NO. 9613

BUILDInG OUR MOvEMEnT

visit us at www.washingtonpeacecenter.org

Working in Solidarity with DC

Working for peace ce and justi

the DC Principles voices from the Struggle the Permit Process DC Statehood Primer know your rights & legal advice Fundraising & training resources meeting Places, Printers, & WPC resources anD more!

Inside!

Have a look at www.washingtonpeacecenter.org for our online calendar of DC progressive events