Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
E-newsletter & Calendar for March 3, 2011
"... the only difference between the cynics and the saints is the presence, power, and possibility
of hope. Hope is not a feeling; it is a decision. Cynicism really comes out of despair, but the
antidote to cynicism is not optimism but action. And action is finally born out of hope."
(Jim Wallace, "God's Politics")
Dear friends,
The day before Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration as president, on March 3, 1913, 8000 women from the
National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), representing every state, marched in Washington,
D.C. to call for a constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote. Jeannette Rankin was in that
parade and it drew hundreds of thousands of spectators. Back then, some of the marchers were attacked by
onlookers, but they marched on and successfully catapulted the nation’s attention to the issue of women’s
rights. In 1968, Ms. Rankin walked with 5000 others in another march – against the Vietnam War. And
around the world, we see similar events. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/world/middleeast/middle-easthub.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=thab1,
In Wisconsin, the threat to worker’s rights has drawn record crowds. And yet, Ethel’s letter last week
mentioned the dwindling numbers we have seen at our anti-war rallies here in Missoula. This dramatic
contrast with our past and our neighbors around the world who are standing up despite great odds is puzzling.
I wonder if we have lost something like our hope, or our willingness to act, or are we just seeking the next
issue or gimmick to excite us. Sometimes, we overuse a word or phrase or action until it loses its meaning
and its newness. Have we outgrown large rallies as a method of protest? And if so, what will take its place?
How can we make the decision to hope? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas…Betsy
~CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS~
All events are held in Missoula unless otherwise noted.
Thursday March 3, 7 pm, UC Theater. Peace & Justice Film Series presents Vincent Who? (USA: 2010,
40 min.), winner of the 2009 Media Award from the National Association for Multicultural Education. American
Vincent Chin was murdered in Detroit by two white autoworkers. Chin's killers, however, got off with a $3,000
fine and 3 years probation, but no jail time. Outraged by this injustice, Asian Americans around the country
united for the first time across ethnic and socioeconomic lines to form a pan-Asian identity and civil rights
movement. All of the movies in the series are thought provoking, so please stay afterwards and share your
thoughts with other members of the community. You are welcome and encouraged to come regardless of
where you find yourself on the political spectrum. Diversity of opinion leads to richer discussions and deeper
understanding. All Films are Free and Open to the Public. For a complete schedule of Winter Season films,
please see www.PeaceAndJusticeFilms.org
Friday, March 4, 9 am-4 pm, location TBA. Building Bridges Workshop, a prejudice-reduction training
by the National Coalition building Institute that allows participants to examine misinformation about race,
gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, disabilities, and other differences and develop greater awareness,
understanding and confidence to act as allies. Cost: $40 (includes lunch). Register by February 25. For more
information, contact Erin McPeck at [email protected] or at 406.541.6891
Friday March 4th 10am-3pm, the Capitol in Helena (with option to come early or stay later for
hearings). International Women’s Day event, co-hosted by Montana Women Vote, the MT League of Women
Voters, MT BPW, AAUW - MT, ICCW, MT Women’s Lobby, and US Women and Cuba Collaboration. Skill
building and issue-based workshops options will be offered at 10am and 1:30pm on topics like Legislative 101:
The Basics, Legislative 201: Hands-on Citizen Advocacy, Here Today, Gone Tomorrow: Your Reproductive
Rights, Our Montana Constitution, and the struggles of working women in Montana. Be Part of the Status of
Women in the 2011 Session Lunch! 12-1pm. Meet women legislators over lunch and learn what is happening
this session around issues important to women and families. Your participation will send a strong message that
the women of Montana are watching! Please wear purple, so we can color the halls with our presence.
For a detailed program of the day’s events or to RSVP visit http://montanawomenvote.org/IWD.html For more
info contact Alysha at 406-543-3550 X214 or [email protected]
Friday, March 4, 3 pm, Gallagher Business Building Room 123. Patrick Burkart, author of "Music and
Cyberliberties," will present a colloquium on Cyberliberties activism -- activism around online privacy, access
and free speech. For more information about the colloquium, call Lanell Curry at 406-243-4293 or e-mail
[email protected].
Friday, March 4, 3 pm, UM School of Law room 101, Laura W. Murphy, ACLU Washington Legislative
Office Director will speak on "Constitutional Struggles in our Nation's Capital."
Friday, March 4, 5-8 pm, Zootown Brew (121 W Broadway). First Friday Art Walk CAJA sponsored exhibit
features People Places Issues of the Global South. For more information, contact Rita at
[email protected]
Friday, March 4, 5-7 pm, Florence Building mezzanine (111 N. Higgins). YWCA Missoula and The
Flagship Program invite you to support Missoula’s youth and celebrate “Redress Yo’Self” Art pieces that
transform and redress alcohol and tobacco advertisements into unique expressions of individual inner beauty
will be on display at the Refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by Tobacco Free Missoula, The
Flagship Program and YWCA Missoula’s GUTS! girls leadership project. Learn more at
www.ywcaofmissoula.org.
Friday, March 4, 6-8:30 pm, MCT Center for the Performing Arts (200 N. Adams)Women’s Law Caucus
will be hosting its 14th Annual Silent Auction on to benefit the YWCA Pathways program for safe shelter, crisis
counseling and support to survivors of domestic violence. Entertainment, refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will
be provided. Admission is free. For information, contact Sarah Flemming at 459.0433 or
[email protected]
Saturday, March 5, 1-10 pm, Missoula Community Food Co-op (1500 Burns Street, next to the Burns
Street Commons housing development). Come celebrate the grand opening of the newly remodeled and
expanded Co-op food store. Enjoy local food, kids activities and live music by the Bob Wire, Broken Valley
Roadshow and Wet Jangles. The Badlander will supply beverages.
Saturday, March 5, Holiday Inn Parkside. The Western Montana Community Center Annual Black
and White Ball, the major fundraising for the Missoula GLBTIQ community, and even for much of the entire
state. Dance to the energetic music of Full Grown Men. The Riverbend restaurant will be serving scrumptious
appetizers, a no-host bar will be supplied by Brooks & Browns, and a silent auction will also help raise funds. A
professional photographer will be available to take black and white portrait photographs of couples, friends,
and loved ones. Tickets are $40.00 per person or $60.00 per couple. Tickets can be purchased by calling the
Center at (406)543-2224 or visiting us at 127 North Higgins, Suite 202 or http://www.gaymontana.org/
Monday, March 7, 3:10-4:30 pm, UM Law School Pope Room. Bhutan's Encounter with the Modern
World-- Challenges and Outcomes, presented by Jill Belsky & Steven Siebert Professors in the College of
Forestry and Conservation. For more information, please contact Albert Borgmann, 243-2792.
Monday, March 7, 5:30-7 pm, Stensrud Bldg (314 N. 1st West). MT Women Vote Half-Time Report &
International Women’s Day Reception. Appetizers and drinks provided. RSVPs not required but
appreciated! Contact Alysha: 543-3550 x 214 or [email protected]
Tuesday, March 8, noon, Missoula Courthouse. Celebrate 100 years of International Women’s Day with
the theme -- Our History is Our Strength.
Tuesday, March 8, noon-1 pm, Mansfield Center Conference Room, Mansfield Library 4th
Floor. Ian Marquand shares images and videos from Nepal, including views of street life, home life, historical,
cultural and spiritual centers. From the markets of Kath- mandu to the peaks of the Annapurna range, you’ll
see grace and chaos captured by one of Montana’s most respected storytellers. For information, contact him
at [email protected]
Tuesday, March 8, 4:45, UC. International Women’s Day Reception at the UC for the Docu-women-tary
Film Festival organized by the Women’s Resource Center at 6:00pm. We will invite all women’s organizations
to table and attend the reception.
Wednesday, March 9, noon-1 pm, Second floor of the University Center. The UM Student Assault
Resource Center will host its fourth annual "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event to support ending sexual assault
and relationship violence. Participants can register on the SARC website or from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at the UC
the day of the event. The registration fee is a $5 donation. Registration is free for student athletes, Greeks and
campus housing residents. For more information about the event or registration, call Stoney Sasser, at 406243-6429 or e-mail [email protected].
Wednesday, March 9, 7 pm, North Urey Underground Lecture Hall UM EVST, CAJA & Missoula
Women for Peace-WILPF presents Hondurans in Resistance and the US Role. Speakers Vic and Barby Ulmer
co-founded and co-direct our developing world (odw), a non profit tax exempt all volunteer educational
project. http://www.magiclink.net/~odw/ Their program will try to bring closer what is going on, the courage
and diversity of the resistance, what US tax dollars are paying for and what US policy is and has been in the
country. What can we do? Discussion will follow and will include the foreign policy toward Haiti as well, as an
example. For more information, contact Rita at
[email protected]
Thursday March 10, 7 pm, UC Theater. Students for Peace & Justice present The Cove (USA: 2009, 92
min.), winner of a 2009 Academy Award: Best Feature Documentary. The Cove follows an elite team of
activists, filmmakers and freedivers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden
cove in Taiji, Japan, shining a light on a dark and deadly secret. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, including
hidden microphones and cameras in fake rocks, the team uncovers how this small seaside village serves as a
horrifying microcosm of massive ecological crimes happening worldwide. The result is a provocative mix of
investigative journalism, eco-adventure and arresting imagery, adding up to an unforgettable story that has
inspired audiences worldwide to action. All of the movies in the series are thought provoking, so please stay
afterwards and share your thoughts with other members of the community. You are welcome and encouraged
to come regardless of where you find yourself on the political spectrum. Diversity of opinion leads to richer
discussions and deeper understanding. All Films are Free and Open to the Public. For a complete schedule of
Winter Season films, please see www.PeaceAndJusticeFilms.org
Saturday, March 12, 6:30 pm, Florence Hotel Governor’s Room. WORD Celebrates 25 Years of
Service to Missoula with their annual event Many Faces of Women, Dinner and Art Auction. A great
chance to meet and greet the new WORD ED, Stacy Rye. Register at www.manyfacesofwomen.com or
contact Thea Rae Delamater at 543-3550, ext. 238 or [email protected]
Saturday, March 12, 7 pm, JRPC. Rethink Afghanistan is asking people across the US to host a meet-up to
discuss the war in Afghanistan and it’s impact and what we can do.
Sunday-Monday, March 13-14, Helena. The Montana Abolition coalition will hold its annual conference.
For information or to register, go to http://www.mtabolitionco.org/register.php
Tuesday, March 15, 7 pm, Chapel of Christian Life Center (3801 South Russell). Liberty in North Korea
(LiNK) provides a special film screening of “Hiding”, a 45-minute film documenting the North Korean
humanitarian and refugee crisis. With up to 300,000 North Korean refugees hiding in the border region of
China and North Korea, LiNK tells the story of a group of refugees attempting to find freedom in a modern day
underground railroad, or face being caught and sent back to punishment through hard labor and even
execution. The public is invited. Call 542.0353 ex 23 for more information, or check out the film trailer at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FngGo1C7Za8
Wednesday, March 16, 6 pm, The Wilma. Lunafest, a nationally touring film festival that showcases
short films by, for and about women, announces 10 unique films selected for the Missoula showing. Tickets
are $10 or $5 for students and can be purchased by calling 543-6691. Proceeds benefit the YWCA's GUTS!
girls leadership program and Lunafest's national partner, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Visit
www.ywcaofmissoula.org
Wednesday, March 16, 7 pm, UM Gallagher Business Building - Room 123. Liberty in North Korea
(LiNK) provides a special film screening of “Hiding”, a 45-minute film documenting the North Korean
humanitarian and refugee crisis. With up to 300,000 North Korean refugees hiding in the border region of
China and North Korea, LiNK tells the story of a group of refugees attempting to find freedom in a modern day
underground railroad, or face being caught and sent back to punishment through hard labor and even
execution. The public is invited. Call 542.0353 ex 23 for more information, or check out the film trailer at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FngGo1C7Za8
Friday-Saturday, March 18-19, Unitarian Universalist Church, Spokane, WA. Peace and Economic
Justice Action Conference sponsored by the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane, Boundary County
Peace Group, Yakima Valley Peace Advocates Network, NextUp Spokane, Unitarian Universalist Church,
Spokane Progressive Democrats of America, and Spokane Vets for Peace. Please contact 509-838-7870 or
[email protected] with any questions.
Tuesdays, beginning March 22, 1 pm, JRPC Library. Creating “Functional Peace” Clare Urban leads
1000 Hands Buddha Qi Gong: a superior healing Qi Gong method which originates in Buddhist philosophy.
This is a seated movement form using ancient hand postures (known as ‘mudras’) used to connect to our
heart. It was handed down through a current Chinese family lineage of Qi Gong healing Masters. No prior
experience is necessary. Routine attendance is not required, but very beneficial. Clare hopes to provide this
experience to a minimum of 500 people. This way 1000 hands will be possible to participate at Ewam’s
Garden of 1000 Buddhas this fall as a gift to the future of peace in our community and world. Please join us!
Call Clare at 721-8224 if questions.
Saturday-Sunday, March 26-27, 9 am-5:30 pm, UM Business School Democracy for America, Missoula
County Democrats, UM College Democrats and Missoula Area Central Labor Council invite you to a Democracy
For America training. For information, registration and training specifics, visit
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/34807-dfa-campaign-academy-in-missoula
Saturday, April 9, San Francisco and NY. The United Anti-War Committee is planning a march and rally
to Bring the Troops Home Now! www.UNACpeace.org
Wednesday, April 13, 7 pm, UC Room 332. The University Center at UM will host "International Coffee
Hour" featuring North India's Rhythms this month. The student group will offer short presentations about
their culture and hold a discussion afterward. The events are free and open to the public. Coffee, tea and
cookies will be provided.
Tuesday, April 26 is the 25th Chernobyl anniversary. The French anti-nuclear network Sortir du
nucleaire along with US organizations, Nukewatch and the Nuclear Resister are calling for an International
Day Of Action For A Nuclear-Free Future. http://www.chernobyl-day.org/?lang=en, or
http://www.nukewatch.com/.
For plan ahead or regularly scheduled events and a full listing of Peace & Justice events,
please follow this link to http://www.jrpc.org/calendar/calendar_section_directory.html
~ACTION OPPORTUNITIES~
To follow bills, look up legislators, and find out what is going on at the Capitol, you can visit the
Montana Legislature's website: http://leg.mt.gov/css/Default.asp and write to individual legislators
or committees at http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/62nd/legwebmessage.asp
For the latest information on megaload movements, monitoring activities and other actions,
please see www.PeaceAndJusticeFilms.org/common/megaload.html.
The MT Human Rights Network asks us to email Sheryl Olson <[email protected]>, Deputy Director Montana Department of Administration and ask her to revoke the Tea Party's variance for a rally they plan
tomorrow that gives them the right to bring guns to the capitol.
Peace Action West suggests we tell our representative and senators to cosponsor H.R. 780 and H.R. 651,
two bills that will help responsibly end the war in Afghanistan.
http://www.capwiz.com/peaceactionwest/issues/alert/?alertid=32495541&type=CO
Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation has put together a paper on 'The Revival of the
Pedestrian Mall: Successful Models for Missoula, Montana.', and would welcome your input:
http://www.strans.org/images/stories/programs/missoulamodel/pedestrian%20=
malls%20and%20missoula%20montana.pdf. Contact Bob Giordano at [email protected] or 406.880.6834
The Peace Alliance has a petition asking Congress to save the US Institute for Peace from funding cuts.
http://www.change.org/petitions/save-the-united-states-institute-of-peace-house-voted-to-cut-allfunding#?opt_new=t&opt_fb=t
Women’s Voices for the Earth has a petition asking Senators Baucus and Tester to support reforming the
Toxic Substances Control Act to protect women and children from harmful chemicals.
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2708/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=3960
Military Families Speak Out postcards are available at JRPC. Come sign one asking Congress to bring our
war dollars home. We’ll mail them in and MFSO will hand deliver them.
Peace Action West invites you to join their Stand-Up Campaign and send a message to Congress to support
peaceful alternatives.
http://act.peaceactionwest.org/peaceactionwest/issues/alert/?alertid=30110506&type=CO
Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting asks us to tell ABC that its "Made in America" series should focus
more attention on corporations like Disney that choose to rely on overseas labor in order to maximize profits.
Go to: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/MadeInAmerica/ and leave a comment in their "Share Your Thoughts on
Made in America" section on the right-hand side of the screen.
Change.org asks us to sign a petition supporting a Tennessee lesbian couple whose home was burned down
in arson and demand the insurance company honor their policy and pay them for the damages.
http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-insurance-company-pay-lesbian-arsonvictims#?opt_new=t&opt_fb=t
MoveOn.org has a petition supporting the Wisconsin 14 in their stand against Governor Walker’s attack on
workers. http://pol.moveon.org/wisconsin14/?id=26372-1513842-owpow9x&t=1
Just Seeds has a poster you can download to show support for the workers in Wisconsin.
http://www.justseeds.org/blog/2011/02/solidarity_with_workers_the_wo.html
Global Exchange wants your suggestions for their People’s Choice honoree for 2011. Nominate someone for
their human rights work at http://humanrightsaward.strutta.com/
James Twyman is collecting one million prayers for Peace to be put into a peace pole and planted in Egypt.
Add your prayer at http://www.jamestwyman.com/Sign_Up_Peace_Prayer.html
~ONGOING ACTIVITIES~
Green Our Faiths Missoula is an ecumenical group working with faith communities to provide information
and resources for conserving energy, education on sustainable practices, and advocacy for solutions to global
climate change. We encourage all interested congregations/members to meet with us the third Friday of the
month, Noon - 1:15 PM at Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, 519 S. Higgins. Next meeting is February 18. Check
us out at greenourfaithsmissoula.wordpress.com.
1000 Hands Buddha Qi Gong Tuesdays, beginning March 22, 1 pm, JRPC Library. Clare Urban leads
1000 Hands Buddha Qi Gong: a superior healing Qi Gong method which originates in Buddhist philosophy.
This is a seated movement form using ancient hand postures (known as ‘mudras’) used to connect to our
heart. It was handed down through a current Chinese family lineage of Qi Gong healing Masters. No prior
experience is necessary. Routine attendance is not required, but very beneficial. Clare hopes to provide this
experience to a minimum of 500 people. This way 1000 hands will be possible to participate at Ewam’s
Garden of 1000 Buddhas this fall as a gift to the future of peace in our community and world. Please join us!
Call Clare at 721-8224 if questions.
Great Freedom/Balanced View meets every Sunday, 7-8 pm, Jeannette Rankin Peace Center (back
entrance), for a Clarity Book reading of 'One Simple Change Makes Life Easy.' Reading this book and putting
its key points into practice will give you a life you never dreamt possible, no matter how good your life already
is! Sliding scale, $5-15, All are welcome regardless of ability to contribute. Contact
[email protected]. Visit www.greatfreedom.org
Living Art of Montana’s upcoming workshop Cancer, Courage & Creativity will take place on eight
Thursdays (March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 21, 28, 2011) from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Living Art Studio
at The Warehouse, 725 W. Alder, Ste. #17. It is for people who have or have had cancer. There is no charge.
More information can be found at www.livingartofmontana.org. Call to Register by March 2 549-5329 or
[email protected]
Search For Peace information is now available on our website, www.jrpc.org. Deadline for submissions is
Wednesday, April 20, 5 pm.
Knitting For Peace meets every Tuesday from 1 – 3 pm at Joseph’s Coat. We are starting a new project to
send to troops. All knitters or those who want to learn welcome. For information call 543-3955.
Women in Black stand for peace and nonviolence each Friday on the North end of the Higgins bridge from
12:15 to 12:45. All are invited to join them. For more information contact [email protected]
Polson Women in Black are standing at the corner by the courthouse in Polson, Mondays from noon to
12:30. For more information, contact Suzanne 406-883-0813 or Cheryl 406-890-6289 or
[email protected]
~Ways to help JRPC~
•
•
•
We need a working VHS player if anyone has one they don’t use anymore, we’d love to
have it for the library.
We also want to revamp our library a little and are looking for a couch and easy chairs in
good shape. Call us if you have any to share.
We are still unable to locate our collection of cloth napkins, so we’ll have to start over
collecting more. If you have any to spare, please bring them by JRPC.
•
•
We still have about $1500 to go to pay off our mortgage. Get in on the permanent place
for peace. Email [email protected]
We are looking for volunteers to work in the store and also to help us table during the
summer.
~OF INTEREST~
Chris Hedges: No Other Way Out
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/02/28-0
Pro-Peace Jewish Lobby Group Urges Obama to Seize Moment,
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/03/02-1
DNC Pressures Obama, Passes Resolution Endorsing Swift End To Afghanistan War
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/26/afghanistan_n_828710.html
The Real US National Security Budget: The Figure No One Wants You to See
http://www.truth-out.org/the-real-us-national-security-budget-the-figure-no-one-wants-you-see68127
US Warships enter Egypt's Suez Canal
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/167786.html
Reflections on the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/02/24/reflections_on_the_revolutions_in_tunisia_and_egypt
U.S. And NATO Escalate World's Deadliest War On Both Sides Of Afghan-Pakistani Border
http://www.opednews.com/articles/U-S-And-NATO-Escalate-Wor-by-Rick-Rozoff-110301-191.html
US Military Spending Marches On
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/feb/28/us-military-public-finance
Obama Puts Single payer and Public Option back on the Table
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-court/obama-puts-single-payer-a_b_829229.html
Iraq Veterans Against the War to Troops: “We Are Public Employees Too!”
http://www.ivaw.org/blog/we-are-public-employees-too
Wars, Vampires, Burned Children, and Indelicate Imbalances
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/02/24-5
How Koch Industries Makes Billions by Demanding Bailouts and Taxpayer Subsidies
http://www.truth-out.org/how-koch-industries-makes-billions-by-demanding-bailouts-and-taxpayer-subsidiespart-168141
The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center has been in Missoula over 20 years, working to build non-violence, social
justice and sustainability. Thanks for your support!! We are pleased to be a member of the Montana Shares
Network, a partnership of Montana-based nonprofit groups devoted to improving the quality of life in
communities throughout the state. Give to JRPC through your workplace. www.montanashares.org.
We are also a proud member of Legacy Montana a group of 50 nonprofit organizations working together to
inspire you to remember your favorite nonprofits in your will. http://www.legacymontana.org/
The JRPC e-newsletter is sent to our listserv each Thursday. Deadline for calendar items is noon, Wednesday.
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