2009 LTLPF Plans

On November 2, twelve committed agents of peace met to set the priorities for 2009.  We would love to do everything (and will probably try in spite of our well-intentioned priority setting), but want to make sure we put most of our time, effort, and resources into what is most important to us.

First, we formally adopted a mission statement, which you will find at the top of this page.  Then we got down to specifics.

This year's most pressing issues are:

• The economy
• The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan/Pakistan
• U.S. actions in the Americas
• Climate change / the environment / justice issues
• Palestine and Israel

And this year's program priorities are:

• Film and speaker series with two major topics:  (1) understanding economic systems and their implications for social justice; (2) understanding the other countries in the Americas, their political systems, and the actions our government has taken since the Monroe Doctrine to influence, control, or even destabilize them.
• Three Cups of Tea: beginning with a community read of the book, co-sponsored by the Charlevoix Public LIbrary, this multi-year umbrella project will involve several communities, the schools, churches, and other organizations.
• 350 Event:  to increase the awareness in our community of the number 350 (see www.350.org) and its significance, we will plan a community-wide fun event.
• LTLPF reading list / lending library:  we're going to develop a reading list for people interested in the topics that concern our group, and post it on this site.  We will also make printed copies available.
• Sixth anniversary event:  we'll recognize the sixth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq on March 21.  Details TBD.
• Mothers Day event:  we are not sure what we're doing exactly -- the same thing we've done in years past, a luncheon or dinner honoring mothers of servicemen and servicewomen, or both?

We will also be working on some other items such as this blog, the Peace Digest (or maybe an online version of it?), an informational brochure, and membership outreach.

Please share your thoughts - let us know what you would like to do, what you would like us to do, and how you think the group can best accomplish its mission.