You Are There: The Virtual UFPJ 4th General Assembly

One week ago, the 4th General Assembly of United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), the largest coalition of peace and justice groups in America, was wrapped up in Chicago. Key action plans for the beginning months of 2009 were approved by the coalition. It also approved an impressive unity statement and strategic framework, as well as electing members of its national steering committee.

The UJPF has now published all of the finalized documents on its web site. Peace communities around the country should note the call for local actions on the Iraq 6th Anniversary on March 19, 2009, focusing attention on the cost of the U.S. military occupations and wars. The anniversary actions in March will kick off a countdown to a massive national mobilization in New York City on April 9, 2009, the anniversary of MLK's "Beyond Vietnam" speech and his assassination a year after the speech.

Get your buses ready -- and lots of 'em -- for a trip to the Big Apple to send a "Peace Now!" message to the new president and the Democratic Congress.

If you were not able to attend the UFPJ national assembly last weekend, I recorded most of the speakers and two panel discussions during the three-day assembly. (I did not record the breakout sessions or delegation debates and discussions.)

Below are links to the video recordings, which can provide a virtual feeling of being there in person (without the travel expense). Also, as an added bonus, I interviewed a few activists whom I caught on the final day of the assembly. Check them out; you won't be disappointed.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

You Are There: The Virtual UFPJ 4th National Assembly

Friday, December 12, 2008

Report from the National Director Leslie Cagan

Speech by George Paz Martin, Milwaukee Coalition for a Just Peace and UFPJ Co-Chair

Panel Discussion "Yes We Can: End the War!"

Tom Hayden, Activist and Author, ENDING THE WAR IN IRAQ

William McNary, President of USAction

Antonia Juhasz, Activist and Author, THE TYRANNY OF OIL

See Friday photos here.

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Saturday, December 13, 2008

Panel Discussion "U.S. Foreign Policy: Next Steps in Building a New Internationalism:

Salam Talib of Iraq

Christine Jones of Canada (Canadian Peace Coalition)

Reiner Braun of Germany
Video is coming soon.

Ali Abunimah of Palestine

See Saturday photos here.

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Sunday, December 14, 2008

"Voices of Peace" Interviews

Leslie Cagan, UFPJ National Director

Michael McPhearson, Veterans for Peace and UFPJ Co-Chair

Steve Burns, Wisconsin Network for Peace & Justice

Medea Benjamin, CodePink

Debra Sweet, World Can't Wait

See Sunday photos here.

Interview: Peace Activist Leslie Cagan

Leslie Cagan was a co-founder and the national director of United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), America's largest peace coalition, since 2002. While she plans to stay active in the peace movement, Leslie (pictured at right) is stepping out of her national role with UFPJ. The organization has the tall order of filling her shoes and is searching for a new national director.

On the first night of the 4th General Assembly of the UFPJ in Chicago last Friday, I had camped out at a front row table hoping to get some good shots of the opening night speakers. A very nice woman, her partner, and her mother sat next to me. Then author/activist/policy analyst Phyllis Bennis and others joined the table. Later, author/activist/policy analyst Tom Hayden sat next to me. It turns out, the nice lady sitting next to me was Leslie, UFPJ national director, whom I had never met before. She, Bennis, and Hayden were some of the speakers for the evening.

Showing true love and appreciation, a number of people shared hugs with Leslie. Throughout she verbalized the notion that she was not "retiring," explaining she was moving on to new challenges. Later, the capacity crowd gave Leslie a warm standing ovation in recognition of her significant contributions to UFPJ.

On the last day of the assembly, I caught up with Leslie to get her views on the new challenges facing the peace movement in 2009, including the prospect of working with a new administration in the White House. The interview is posted below.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Standing Ovation for Leslie Cagan

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Interview with Leslie Cagan,

Out-Going National Director of UFPJ