Inspiration to Act Now
June 12, is an historic date. It marks the time 40 years ago in 1982 when at least one million people marched and rallied in NYC demanding an end to nuclear weapons and nuclear war. A great on-line program, from 12:00-4:00 pm EST with wonderful speakers and important topics has been lined up. Do register now.
Other related online and in-person events and actions are planned for today and the next couple of weeks - more will be added. Please take a look here.
We have been actively planning the June 22 webinar described below. You can register now! World Can't Wait, along with NYC War Resisters League, CODEPINK, NYC Metro Raging Grannies, Pax Christi NYS, Brooklyn for Peace and Extinction Rebellion Peace are cosponsors.
Did you know? “Blockade the Bombmakers!” was the call that inspired more than 3,500 people – 1,700 of whom were arrested - from 34 states and 10 countries to come to New York City on June 14, 1982, in order to nonviolently shut down the UN missions of the world’s seven nuclear-armed countries.
Did you know? Closely following on the million-person June 12 antinuclear rally in Central Park, these determined activists took their demands directly to the nations threatening the world with their nuclear weapons. Of the 1,700 arrests more than 1,000 were at the U.S. Mission alone with the balance scattered among the missions of the Soviet Union, France, Britain, China, Israel and South Africa. Only South Africa subsequently heeded the disarmament call by dismantling their nuclear weapons.
Today, 40 years later, we are inspired by that historic mass direct action to continue our demand for unilateral nuclear disarmament! This one-hour webinar will feature War Resisters League organizers of that momentous 1982 action telling a few stories of those arrested that day. We’ll hear about the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Conference, bringing delegates from around the world to the UN this August, and about our protest plans. A NYC Extinction Rebellion activist will introduce their nonviolent direct action trainings to save our planet.
Did you know? In 1982, the “Doomsday Clock” stood at four minutes to midnight. Today it stands at 100 seconds to midnight. The dire situation among Russia, Ukraine, and NATO countries, with nuclear saber rattling, prompts us -- a coalition of peace, antinuclear, and environmental groups -- to come together to take action at this historic time.
RiseUp4AbortionRights has issued a call to come to the Supreme Court in Washington DC on Monday, June 13, 2022 and stay. Find out more sign up here.
The highest court in the world's most powerful country stands poised to rip from women their fundamental right to control their bodies, their reproduction and their destinies. We refuse to be bystanders as the state shatters women's lives.Imagine: Every day, more and more people pouring into the capital. Amassing at the Supreme Court. All night vigils. Protests. Hunger strikes. People by the thousands and tens of thousands returning day after day. The Green Bandana of abortion rights worn and waved everywhere. On Mondays, when the Supreme Court typically releases decisions, the Capitol and Court become so surrounded by masses of women, men, people of all genders and nationalities and backgrounds that it becomes clear to all in power that we will sooner bring the gears of society to a grinding halt through mass nonviolent resistance than allow the right to abortion to be taken away. Those behind this assault are counting on our silence. We must not give it to them.
For a recent example of people taking to the streets in visible non-violent action, read this June 1 article published by World Beyond War.
Hundreds of people have blocked access to the opening of CANSEC, North America’s largest weapons and “defense industry” convention at the EY Centre in Ottawa. 40 foot banners saying “Blood On Your Hands,” “Stop Profiting From War,” and “Arms Dealers Not Welcome” obstructed driveways and pedestrian entrances as attendees attempted to register for and enter the convention centre immediately before Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand was slated to give the opening keynote address.
