The 6th Anniversary of US Attack on Iraq

Dear Friends,

Now more than ever, we must be our brothers’ and our sisters’ keepers.  Because of the economy that leaves some people wanting and without, or as a result of the violence in our world, many in our human family are suffering.  We have learned this past week that suicides in the US Army exceeded combat deaths, a numbing statistic that can only hint at the pain and suffering of a whole circle of family and friends.  This month, my nephew will deploy to Afghanistan.  An acquaintance is struggling with depression.  And people I know are being laid off all over the country.  Every one of these situations must concern all of us, because we are all connected.  Perhaps a small bit of good that can come of this time is to reach outside of ourselves and embrace the idea that whether it is family in Ohio struggling to make ends meet, a soldier in Iraq suffering from PTSD, or a child in Afghanistan who can no longer go to school safely for fear of violence, it is all a part of our common experience.  We must not become immobilized by the pain, but rather empowered to make connections with those whose lives we can touch.

March 20 is the 6th anniversary of the US attack on Iraq.  Is there a way we can commemorate this occasion by building something positive in our community – something that will counter the tragedy of the day?  I’d like to invite you all to visit our blog [here] at http://www.jrpc.org/about_jrpc/blog.html [click on "comments" above this post to add your ideas] and talk together about what we as a peace community can do to go beyond ourselves and touch others – either individually or as a group.  It seems to me that our willingness to do this is the only thing that will change the world.

Waiting to hear from you,

Betsy

How Will I Change?

Dear Friends,

In a recent Sojourner’s, Jim Wallis wrote about the economic crisis and its underlying spiritual implications. He says that instead of asking, “When will this crisis be over?” we should ask instead, “How will this crisis change us? How will it change the way we think, act, and decide things, how we live, and how we do business?” His words have stayed with me. It is far too easy for us to look outside of ourselves as we try to understand and solve the problems of our society – especially when those problems are so far removed from our daily lives. But what resonates with me about Mr. Wallis’ words is the notion that no problem is truly removed from each one of us. In each issue is the power and possibility of personal transformation if we are willing to look deeply and act on what we discover.

One great, local example of this is the many opinions and comments on a Missoula County School board issue of academic freedom. It seems the teachers in question were trying to do just this – to get students to think critically about how these situations and issues can change their lives and, more importantly, what, if any, behaviors and actions they will take as a result of the information. Thankfully there have been many voices coming forward to express support for the teachers and their attempt at instilling the skill of critical thinking in our young people. But perhaps we need more than voices of support. Perhaps the situation will continue to repeat itself until we ask the question, “How will I change because of this issue”?

There are 4 seats available on the school board in the general elections in May, and one vacancy that will be replaced in the next month. Yet, the sad fact is that many reasonable people won’t consider applying for these vacancies, and many won’t vote in school board elections. If you are willing to make it personal, it may become your opportunity to be the change. Applications and more info are available on the MCPS website: http://www.mcps.k12.mt.us/. Whatever your issue, I encourage you to ask the questions and make it personal.

~Betsy

Missoula: A Fair Trade City

Dear Peace Makers,

In the dawn of a new year and a new president, positive energy is emanating through out our country. It feels as if for the first time in a long while we have a united community.   People’s willingness to participate and be present within their own communities can lead to greater strengths both locally and globally. Participating in community can be defined by many different actions, picking up liter to keep the streets clean, serving food to the homeless, participating in silent gatherings on the bridge, and making your actions go beyond the borders of your own town. It is with this idea of community that The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center and CAJA are partnering to take these actions one step further. It is our hope to establish Missoula Montana a fair trade city by 2010. We are currently looking for applicants to form a Missoula Fair Trade City Steering Committee.  The deadline to apply is February 27th. Applications can be picked up at The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center or can be downloaded at www.jrpc.org.  For more information please contact Katie at 543-3955 or kati@jrpc.org.

As Robert Alan said “The Fair Trade movement is growing”. I hope we can make that a reality in Missoula… it starts with you.

With Love,

Katie Ghen Simpson

The Annual Search for Peace

Dear Friends,

Do you ponder the question, “What can I do to make a difference in the world?” After 9/11, Fr. Jim Hogan answered that question by developing a way for young people in our community to express their visions of peace. Over the years, songs, art, poems, mosaics and many other peaceful projects have been created by the youth of Missoula in the annual Search For Peace. JRPC is continuing this tradition because it answers that question about making a difference in a big way. If you have ever been to one of the award celebrations, you know the inspiration and possibility that can come from the smallest voice. The event is open to all young people from Kindergarten through University to create their expression of peace in whatever media form they choose. Cash prizes in five categories will be given: grade school, middle school, high school, university and collaborative, projects done jointly by different age groups or schools, which is really about peacemaking. Help us spread the word to young people you know — we are accepting submissions of art, poetry, essays, or other original expressions of peace anytime between now and 2-18-09. For more information and entry forms, go to http://www.jrpc.org/peacemaker_awards/searchforpeace.html.

More immediately, we have had some questions about how we can support the victims of violence between Palestine and Israel, so we plan to answer that question as a community this Saturday night as we gather from 5 to 6 pm on the Courthouse lawn in a candlelight vigil to mourn violence and publicly express our desire for peace. Please bring a candle, any songs, poems or other expressions you want to share and stand with us ­in peace, Betsy