Spring Newsletter
Spring, 2011                    SPRING FORUMS/ACTION  MEETINGS                               Volume  13 Number 2

All programs are free.   The theme for this year’s programs is corporations versus democracy.  Forums and Action Meetings will be
held at the Friends Meeting House, 931 N. 5th Ave. (leave curb space free North of Meeting House when parking).  Check www.
wilpftucson.org for updates.

January 15, 2-4PM, “Silent Scream, The Impact of U.S. Drone Attacks”.  A discussion will follow the showing of this documentary
film on the impact of drones on civilian populations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan and the “cut and paste” formula for expanding
militarism, with Iran as its next target.

February 19, 2-4PM, “Islamophobia.”   Dr. George Dardess, former teacher of literature at Tufts University, has published widely on
Muslim-Christian relations.  Dr. Dardess reads the Qur’an in Arabic and knows the inside story of the controversial proposal for a
Muslim Community Center in NYC based on the model of Jewish Community Centers.  He has given talks and workshops around the U.
S. on Islam and Islamophobia.

March 19, 2-4PM,  “If You Work for Peace, Why Pay for War?”  Nancy Graham will lead a discussion on how to engage in tax
resistance.  Felice and Jack Cohen-Japa and others who have done tax resistance will speak.

April 21, 6PM-8:30PM, Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson, 4831 E. 22nd Street, Potluck Supper, "Water, Pepsi, and the People,"
featuring Michael Bradley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona, speaking about
corporate encroachment on this essential resource.  Bring a dish to share.

RECENT WILPF ACTIONS

“Seven Jewish Children”—The WILPF players (Dina Afek, Paul Afek, Alma Berkowitz, Carole Edelsky, Nancy Graham, Catherine
Mullaugh, Jenise Porter, Betts Putnam-Hidalgo, Michael Tamarack) performed this provocative 11-minute play, written by British
playwright Caryl Churchill, at The Most Holy Trinity Church in late September for its largest audience.  Donations were collected for
Medical Aid for Palestinians. There is an on-going search for new actors and venues.  

Mini-Grant Proposal Update—WILPF’s mini-grant committee advised us that the funds for 2010-2011 have been encumbered.  At
the committee’s behest we resubmitted our grant proposal to the Jane Addams Peace Association Joan Patchen Fund for projects that
combine peace and art.

“Keep Space for Peace”—WILPF’s first action meeting was held at Himmel Park Library, featuring movies and a presentation by
Russell Lowes.  Those attending wrote post-cards to Congress and the White House opposing military uses of space.

Jane Addams Puppet Makes Her Debut—WILPF’s 10 ft. tall Jane Addams puppet (pictures) made her debut appearance at the All
Souls Procession on November 7, 2010.  Creation of the puppet received invaluable assistance from Eric Wagner of Tucson Puppet
Works.  Carole Edelsky, Charlotte Keller, Stephanie Keenan, Margo Newhouse, Jenise Porter, and Betts Putnam-Hidalgo  were involved
in the construction of the puppet.   WILPF members walking in the  procession distributed 1,800 copies of a handout to spectators
eager to read about this puppet that elicited so much interest.  The handout detailed Addam’s accomplishments and WILPF’s mission.  
Written by Nancy Graham, it let people know that Addams was not only the founder of Hull House and WILPF but also co-founder of the
ACLU and NAACP.  She was also the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

2nd Annual Latkes for Gaza—Latkes (traditional potato latkes, sweet potato, Asian hoisin, Southwestern ‘hot’, dessert latkes, gluten-
free, veggie), homemade applesauce and lots of sour cream were eaten to the accompaniment of music on an oud (a traditional Iraqi
instrument).  WILPF—and its co-sponsors Students for Justice in Palestine, Middle East Justice Now, Jewish Voice for Peace-Tucson,
and American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee-Tucson—raised over $2200 for the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA).  That
amount will be doubled with matching funds from a generous MECA supporter.

Annual Holiday Vigils to Promote Peaceful Gifts at Toys R Us and WalMart—WILPF held its annual vigils at Toys R Us and
WalMart in December to encourage shoppers to purchase non-violent video games and toys that do not promote war and violence.  
The Jane Addams puppet joined the Toys R Us vigil on Black Friday.

Raging Grannies—WILPF’s Tucson Raging Grannies sang and raged at Centennial Hall at the UA when Admiral Mullen spoke about
bringing F-35s to Tucson, the founding event/rally for the Tucson branch of Progressive Democrats of America, a march to save Ethnic
Studies, WILPF’s “Keep Space for Peace” Action Meeting, Rally for Hispanic Early Voting, TUSD Board Meeting, Floricanto for ethnic
studies (conference “Against Hate, Censorship, and Forbidden Curricula”), Latkes for Gaza, and El Con Theatre protesting “Waiting for
Superman”.  If you want to join Tucson Raging Grannies, call Margaret Pecoraro, 885-3908, margaretspiano@aol.com.

UPCOMING WILPF EVENTS

Proposed Study Group—Our Tucson branch has suggested a 10 session study group on corporate power and democracy,
beginning Tuesday 2/15 through April 19 from 7-9PM.  The study group will use materials developed in 2006 by the U.S. section of
WILPF entitled Challenge Corporate Power: Assert the People’s Rights.  Additional materials from 2009-2010 will also be available. If
you are interested in participating in this study group please RSVP to Joyce Smith at joycesmith@aol.com.

Israel-Palestine Film Series & Discussion— 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7PM at Sonora Co-Housing (501 E. Roger Road, 3rd
driveway west of 1st Ave., north side of Roger Road).  January 12, “American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein.”  This 2009
documentary (84 minutes) chronicles Jewish-American Professor Finkelstein’s vilification in academia and the Jewish-American
community for his criticism of Israeli policy and for what he terms the “holocaust Industry.”  Check website (www.wilpftucson.org) or
contact Racheli Gai at racheli@sonoracohousing.com or 407-1432 for further dates and movie schedule. Sponsored by WILPF, Jewish
Voice for Peace, and Middle East Justice Now!.

Tucson Festival of Books March 12-13 on University of Arizona campus –Tucson WILPF will be sponsoring a booth at the
Tucson Festival of Books (funded by the hoped-for Joan Patchett grant). The Festival booth will feature JAPA award-winning children’s
books, the Jane Addams puppet and presentations done by students from Los Amigos, Holladay and Cragin Elementary schools who
have used JAPA books in classroom activities.  The books are donated as part of Tucson WILPF’s continuing commitment to promoting
the cause of peace, social justice, world community and equality of the sexes and all races through children’s literature. You can check
out this years’ award winning books at www.janeaddamspeace.org.
Focus on education—Tucson Branch will intensify its work on behalf of public education, specifically, the attack on ethnic studies and
critical literacy (AZ politicians have gone on record as resisting having students learn “ugly truths”), and the corporatocracy’s agenda to
substitute for-profit charter schools for high quality public education for all.  Check email announcements and www.wilpftucson.org for
information and calls to action.
Save the Date—June 1-5, 2011, National WILPF’s 31st U.S. Triennial Congress.  “WILPF Working for Women: Local to Global” at
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill will feature plenary discussions, tours, and a leadership institute.  Check www.wilpf.org for more
information.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Monday Evening Film-Discussion Series.  The Monday Night Film Series at 7PM at the UA AME auditorium (NE corner of Speedway
and Mountain), sponsored by Voices of Opposition, begins March 7 and continues on Mondays through March and April except for
March 14 (UA Spring Break).  The focus this Spring semester will be primarily Latin America, in collaboration with the Center for Latin
American Studies.  The film on March 21 will mark the opening of a week on migration organized by the UA College of Social and
Behavioral Sciences.
Check www.voicesofopposition.com or call 622-6419 for updated details on the schedule.

MLK Parade—January 17, beginning at UA’s Main Gate at 8AM, ending at Reid Park for a rally, music, food.  A favorite place to jump
in is at Safeway’s at Broadway and Campbell.

Charlie King/Karen Brandow Fundraising Concert on February 5 will be followed by school workshops.  Ted Warmbrand’s
Itzaboutime will offer “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round,” a musical power point-scripted history of the Civil Rights movement to
middle and high schools.  Tucson WILPF and Tucson Raging Grannies made donations to help schools pay the cost of participating in
the workshop.

Help Fight the Cholera Outbreak in Haiti
Partners in Health, based in Boston is accepting donations for its ongoing work with earthquake and cholera victims in Haiti.  Donations
can be made directly by going to the website at www.pih.org.

Want to Air a Burning Issue on YouTube? Consolidate your thoughts into a commentary of no more than 10 minutes but 4 to 6
minutes is better and contact Carolyn Brown to videotape “My Commentary”  at: cwbrn70@comcast.net.

Are you Tuned in to “Democracy Now!” on radio (KXCI 91.3FM at 12 noon) or cable (channel 99 on Cox) or satellite TV (channel
9415 on Dish Network)?  Check the schedules at www.democracynow.org.  Also, check out Free Speech TV on satellite TV (Laura
Flanders on Grit TV and Thom Hartmann are noteworthy).

Are You on the WILPF E-List?  If not, contact Jenise Porter at jenisep@gmail.com for our frequent reminders of meetings, action
alerts and legislation that need our participation.

Take Part in these Ongoing Protests: (for details, time changes, where to park, see Tucson Peace Calendar www.peacecalendar.
org). We are struggling to save our Constitution & future from a complete disaster. Our best course is to be out in the streets. Are you
with us?  Please show your convictions and join these several protests. WE NEED YOU!  

Every Wednesday 8:00 to 9:00 am, Recruitment Center, 2302 E. Speedway. Oppose our militaristic society.
Every Thursday, 5 to 6 pm, Federal Bldg., 300 W. Congress; Oppose U.S. Intervention everywhere.
Every Friday, 5 to 6 pm, Speedway & Euclid; Women in Black; Oppose Middle East occupations.
Third Thursday, 6:30-7:30 pm, Monthly, Raytheon Missiles Corp.   Hermans Rd. entrance.
Monthly Davis Monthan Air Force Base  Early morning,  Craycroft & Golf Links , Irregular schedule.
Border: Samaritan Patrol 850-9459;  Border Action Network 623-4944;  Derechos Humanos 770-1373;  
No More Deaths  647-9697.

            CONTACT CONGRESS & THE WHITE HOUSE….OFTEN!!!
President Barack Obama   Phone (pay): 202-456-1111;  Email:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Congress: TOLL-FREE: 1-866-220-0044  (remember time change for D.C.)
Senator Jon Kyl: local ph.: 575-8633; E-mail: www.kyl.senate.gov  click on “Message to Senator Kyl”.
Senator John McCain: local ph.: 670-6334; E-mail: www.mccain.senate.gov  click on “E-mail Senator”
Rep. Raul Grijalva: local ph.: 622-6788; E-mail: http://grijalva.house.gov  (Dist. 7) click on “E-mail Raul”
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords: local ph.: 881-3588; E-mail: (via) www.giffords.house.gov(Dist. 8)  “contact”

To check on federal legislation:  Bring bill number or subject to:  www.thomas.gov    Read bill content, check to see if our Arizona
senators or representatives have co-sponsored, find equivalent bill in House or Senate.

Arizona State Legislature: toll free #:  1-800-352-8404
Governor Jan Brewer: toll-free #: 1-800-253-0883; E-mail: www.governor.state.az.us

OBTAIN CITIZEN’S DIRECTORY OF ELECTED OFFICIALS for City Council, County Board of Supervisors &  lots more, from League of
Women Voters of Greater Tucson  327-7652  lwvgt@aol.com   www.lwvgt.org

Contact these Tucson Branch leaders with your ideas or questions:
Co-Chairs: Carole Edelsky     881-0980    Jenise Porter   881-1070      Treasurer:  Deb Livingston  882-4376    
Membership: Nancy Graham  908-9252      Raging Grannies: Margaret Pecoraro    885-3908
Legislative contact: Pat Birnie    661-9671 Web Administrator:  Karen Thompson   906-5005         

Tucson Branch WILPF Steering Committee meets 9:30 am, 1st Thursday of each month.  All are welcome to come and share
ideas. Confirm location at 881-1070.  

Tucson WILPF and U.S. WILPF—U.S. WILPF and Tucson WILPF are not connected financially.  U.S. WILPF does not send money to
local branches. That means Tucson WILPF has no organizational source of support for sending out newsletters, hosting forums and
action meetings, and other activities. There are no membership dues for Tucson WILPF. Your separate donations are its source of
support. Strictly speaking there is no membership in Tucson WILPF.  When you write a check to Tucson WILPF, that does not include
membership in WILPF.  At the same time, we need to be sure that WILPF, our parent organization, the national organization that has
NGO status at the UN, conducts campaigns on peace and justice issues, and much more (check www.wilpf.org), remains healthy.  
Please keep your membership current in WILPF (see insert) so it can continue its work, and please remember to support our local
branch as well.

WILPF DUES ARE DUE!  Dues for the following calendar year (Jan-Dec) are due by October 31 of the current year.  Dues support our
national organization and include a subscription to Peace & Freedom. Individual, $35; Household, $40; Student, low income, $15.  
Please Use attached invoice.  Make check out to WILPF, note “membership,” and send to Deb Livingston, 5901 E. Lester Drive, Tucson
AZ 85712.  Your additional donation of $10 (separate check) will help us locally.  We need your active participation and financial
support!