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Ten Ways to Make a Difference Wherever Veterans for Peace go, we are met by people who are happy to tell us how much they appreciate what we do, and how glad they are that we are doing it. But the most common thing we hear from the people after that is, "I wish that I could..." There is absolutely no reason why you can't! Although the majority of this country want peace, most Americans feel powerless to do anything to make it happen. This powerlessness is the desired effect of the corporacracy's propaganda campaign against the American People. They work hard to make sure that you and I are kept desperate and in the dark, that we believe we cannot do anything to affect the changes needed to repair all that they have paid so much money to destroy. Don't believe it. All we have to do is stand up and say "No MORE!" At Veterans for Peace, we work toward this goal through education, public awareness, and political action. Here are a few ways you can support and help us achieve our mission. Donate. Veterans for Peace is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations to Veterans for Peace, Chapter 72 can be mailed to: Veterans for Peace, ch. 72 PO Box 40783 Portland, OR, 97240-0783. Volunteer. With a regular slate of peace events, and maintenance of the Peace Memorial Park, VFP72 has constant volunteer opportunities. Send an email message to info@vfpchapter72.org for more information. Join. Membership with Veterans for Peace Chapter 72 can begin by attending a meeting, 7:00 PM on the second Tuesday of each month at the Multnomah Friends Meeting House at SE 43rd & Stark. You can join the national organization at http://www.veteransforpeace.org. We even have associate memberships for non-veterans. Learn. Know what you believe and why you believe it. Educate yourself. Know how your government works. Read the Constitution -- all seven articles, all 27 amendments. You should have been taught this in school, but in the United States, that probably did not happen. Seek information. Regardless of what your primary news source is now, it is not adequate alone. For full-spectrum perspective on current events, get your news from corporate, independent, and foreign sources. Vote. Voting is Citizenship 101. Even if you don't want to vote for any of the candidates, you can write-in or leave the ballot blank. A blank ballot has the effect of registering your dissatisfaction much more effectively than not casting a ballot, which is usually attributed to apathy rather than disgust. If all the non-voters were to cast empty ballots, it would make the news, and draw attention to the quality of candidates currently brought forward. Show up. The Powers That Be are engaged in a regular campaign to make all those who are concerned about where this country is headed to believe that they are alone. It is a strategy of isolation. Attending rallies and other peace events -- even just to "add to the headcount" -- makes a difference. "No single raindrop ever believes itself to be responsible for the flood". Speak out. End your silence. Talk to people: your neighbors, your friends, your family. Many of the myths perpetuated by the government and the media are able to remain alive only because there are not enough voices speaking out against them. Remember that every act of your government is committed in your name, whether you agree to it or not. Silence is assumed consent. Communicate. Write to your political representatives, from the Federal to the Local. Currently, nearly 70% of the US population opposes the war in Iraq, yet the majority of the Congress support it. They do not represent us. Each of these legislators is reacting to what they perceive will get them re-elected. Let them know that their constituency, not someone else's, are the 70%. Teach. Much of America is willfully ignorant of the world, and their government is very happy to keep them that way. When you hear someone delivering the Neo-con talking points, make the effort to correct them. Most importantly, in the words of that classic song, teach your children well. The young people in your life need education in both fact and philosophy -- they are hungry for it, in fact. If you do not give it to them, the media will. Lead. This is definitely advanced peacework -- Citizenship 655, if you will -- but it must be done. Much of today's progressive leadership is still coming from the people who were doing it in the 1960s and 70s. As they approach retirement age, most are getting ready to pass the torch of leadership. Unfortunately, all too often, there is no one there to receive it. And most importantly, don't drink the Kool-aid!

© 2006 Veterans for Peace Chapter 72