A New York City Peace Team is forming to get people to Iraq. The
intent is to provide support, and coordinate with all the other
efforts already in the works worldwide.

This is a NATIONWIDE effort though- If you are out of the area, and
working on similar efforts, or are interested in going to Iraq or
organizing to get others over there- please get in touch!- either
with us, or another local group.

We hope to be raising funds for travel expenses, and coordinating
with other groups on the way both in the US and abroad- to get
THOUSANDS of peace activists to Iraq. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

our list for organizing is:  nyc-peaceteams@lists.riseup.net

to subscribe send email to:  nyc-peaceteams-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
if there is a problem subscribing, send an email to:  k.skvorak@verizon.net

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HELP GET AMERICANS TO IRAQ to PREVENT THE WAR!

Come Join and help support those on their way to Iraq.

An Iraq Peace Team is forming in NYC to:

1) Coordinate with other Peace Teams from across the USA and the
World that are travelling to Iraq - to share information and support.

2) Assist with visa's and travel support

3) Help coordinate fundraising

4) GET PEOPLE TO IRAQ!

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Who can stop the war on Iraq?
Actually, we all can.
By supporting the Peaceforce going to Iraq

The idea is simple, legal, and is our responsibility under
International Law. It may be the most humanitarian thing you ever do.
The world agrees that a pre-emptive war against Iraq is immoral and
illegal. The action we would take is based on preventing this illegal
war.

This pre-emptive humanitarian action has no political alliances or
affiliations assigned, but all endorsements accepted.

Yes; 100,00 or more concerned citizens from America, Western Europe
and elsewhere armed only with sleeping bags, signs, cameras, and our
will to prevent war will travel to Iraq to stand down the invasion.
Similar intentions are emerging spontaneously around the world, & we
hope to help build a coherent support structure would greatly enhance
these efforts and help address the challenges of the trip.

The working name is the "International Peace Force for Iraq" The name
really doesn't matter. As long as the message doesn't carry political
baggage or excludes any particular group. This action is an
opportunity for many groups to work together for a humanitarian
victory over militarism.

One part that assures success is this: thanks to modern
telecommunications technology available to us the whole event will be
televised live around the world.
We are talking about everyone who believes that an unarmed group in
large enough numbers can stand-down a military takeover with the
cameras on so the world can witness.

THREE THINGS WE CAN DO:

1. ENDORSEMENT
2. SPONSORSHIP & SUPPORT
3. PARTICIPATION

An endorsement is only an acknowledgment that the plan will work and
an agreement to let others know about it.

GROUP ENDORSEMENTS First we seek to obtain from as many anti-war
groups as possible the acknowledgment that this plan will work. They
can further assist by getting the word out, disseminating press
releases, suggestions and links to a support website. (on the way)
All group and individual endorsements are welcome, but please refrain
from including political statements.

FAITH BASED GROUP ENDORSEMENTS
BUSINESS ENDORSEMENTS
COMMUNITY ENDORSEMENTS
UNION ENDORSEMENTS
CITY COUNCIL ENDORSEMENTS
LEGAL SOCIETY ENDORSEMENTS
CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS
they're all possible

SPONSORSHIP & SUPPORT -- An Investment in Peace
How will financial support be solicited and how will the fund be set up?

Travel costs to Iraq from the US will be perhaps $1000 per
individual, perhaps a little less-these travel costs are all we
intend to raise funds for, and we are NOT intending to create any
other permanent organizational structure, or paid staff etc. More
details about this will be coming as we sort out wether or not a non
profit /foundation set up will be useful. Right now, travel to Iraq
is still technically a sanctions violation, though no one has been
prosecuted for travel. If any foundations want to get involved
despite this, we certainly welcome any support.

LOGISTICS and QUESTIONS
Small groups are going to Iraq now, though not yet in large enough
numbers to forestall war- we hope to be part of making the effort
more effective.

With good communication and coordination between all groups, we will
make available information on visa info, travel options and expenses,
ground transportation, maps, nonviolent training, and support on the
ground in Iraq. This war is not inevitable as long as individuals
of conscience are willing to take a stand up for peace.

We call on all groups to spread the word and get involved in the effort.

There are a lot of different efforts in the works, and people from
all over the world are headed there to set up Peace Camps and other
efforts in Baghdad- let's get some New Yorkers there to join them!

just a few of the other groups already on the way to Iraq - US and
intl efforts already moving fwd: (the term "human shield" is very
controversial- some groups adopt it, and other reject it):

UK "human shield" effort  http://www.uksociety.org/

US Human Shields
 http://www.becomethechange.org/index.htm

Voices in the Wilderness  http://iraqpeaceteam.org/

Voices UK
 http://www.viwuk.freeserve.co.uk/

Nonviolent Peaceforce Canada  http://www.npcanada.org

Nonviolent Peaceforce
 http://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org

CPT
 http://www.prairienet.org/cpt/

Friends Peace Team  http://www.quaker.org/fptp/

Michigan Peace Team
 http://www.michiganpeaceteam.org/schedule.html

Some European Anti war/sanctions groups that have sent delegations to Iraq
 http://www.endthewar.org/members/europe.htm

It is impossible to overstate how important it is to get US CITIZENS
to Iraq, - and the more of us there are, the more likely it is for
our European friends to join us!

Our group is just getting started-our next meeting is this thurs 9th in NYC

A website is on the way, and a list serve.
- for now contact:  goatwerkz@aol.com or call 212.905.2835