"People
are more likely to act their way into new ways of thinking
than to think their way into new ways of acting." Richard Deats
Local and global threats of economic disaster, violence and war
appear to be overwhelming.
Many people who work with RCNV, phone or visit the office ask
"WHAT CAN IDO ABOUT IT?"
Good question!!
There's a range of actions to take -- from assisting
with local peace activist operations or expanding one's knowledge
about civil liberties, federal legislation, war tax resistance,
the Mid East, local and international peace organizations and
actions, etc..
This page identifies many other things a person
can do to reduce the threat of war and to promote local and global
nonviolence.
RCNV Staff recommend a few working guidelines:
1) Work in community.
Find a group to work with who share your values. Remember
the wisdom of the labor anthem "Solidarity" -- "what
force is weaker than the feeble strength of one...union makes
us strong." Having a community of support helps motivate
learning and action. The organization of individual voices and
actions builds power. Make the RCNV, and the community network
of activists, your family.
2) One step at a time.
Start by picking just one thing --
a phone call, a workshop, a speaker, a demonstration, an organization
meeting, a web topic search, read a book -- and do it. Then pick
another and do it. Discover and follow personal interests. Avoid
getting sucked into the chaos we're combating; the opposition
counts on our getting burned out. Develop a pace you can sustain;
be constant and grow.
3) Follow passions. The
work to build personal, local and global nonviolence is difficult
and requires sustained motivation. Are you a teacher -- expand
your teaching. Love music -- make new music. Shy -- do some critical
behind-the-scenes logistic for a program, campaign, or demonstration.
Hungry for information -- study on the web, attend workshops,
hear the many fine speakers who come to this area.
4) Follow through: Read Howard Zinn's
brief, wise and practical guides for Staying
the Course In Times of Trouble.
5) Start your search-for-action
with the RCNV
CALENDAR. At the top of the page note the progressive radio,
TV, & e-mail list opportunities. There are weekly demonstrations
and special seminars. The details calendar identifies regional
actions, workshops, speakers, and other many other group gatherings.
Check the RCNV
LINKS page. This is a carefully selected collection of the
most credible and informative global and local sources of peace
& justice information and actions. Resources about Mid East
information & actions is concentrated on the MID
EAST REPORT page. Young people, and those who love them, will
want to check the DRAFT
& MILITARY ALTERNATIVE page. The YOUTH
PROGRAM page contains a special & amazing set of activist
links.
Finally, learn more about MAHATMA
GANDHI. People who work for nonviolence are always talking
about this eccentric, amazing, influential and inspiring spirit-man.
Be among those who take time to really study his work. The RCNV
Gandhi pages have links to thoughtful essays about him and a global
site where you can read his words.
Question and ideas: CONTACT
RCNV STAFF by phone, e-mail or better -- come in to the RCNV
Office and BOOKSTORE
noon-5pm weekdays. We have an unusually fine selection of children's
books.
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Please remember, RCNV is
solely supported by individuals. We need your financial help.
If you can commit to a regular donation each month (the price
of a movie, or cappuccino, or restaurant dinner), it adds up and
can make a big difference! Send support to: RCNV, 515 Broadway,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060, 831/423-1626. For more information about
contributions check the DONOR
PARTICIPANT page.
