On October 30, 2009, the U.S. signed an agreement with Colombia for access to seven military bases. This has heightened tensions between Colombia and Venezuela, as well as other countries in the region. The bases will displace some of Colombia’s poorest residents, and they put the United States in a good position to further interfere with politics and society in Colombia.

Resources on Colombia:

• Overview of the current situation with references
• Witness for Peace’s Face the Displaced of Colombia Campaign
• Counterpunch’s recent Article on Mass Graves in Colombia
• John Lindsay-Poland’s recent Article on U.S. Strategy in Colombia

Action on Colombia:

• Contact Senator Levin: As the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Levin is a key person to contact on this issue.
  • Send a letter of your own to Senator Levin. Use this sample letter plus tips, and mail it to Senator Levin, 269 Russell Office Building, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510-2202. You can also fax it to Senator Levin at (313) 226-6948 or click the “Contact Senator Levin” link to email him a message.
• Send your message to President Obama urging him to annul the military bases agreement and change U.S. policy in Colombia!

On October 30, 2009, the U.S. signed an agreement with Colombia for access to seven military bases. This has heightened tensions between Colombia and Venezuela, as well as other countries in the region. The bases will displace some of Colombia’s poorest residents, and they put the United States in a good position to further interfere with politics and society in Colombia.

We have a duty to stop this military expansion. Join ICPJ’s Latin American Task Force for an ACTION potluck. Join us as we write letters, send faxes and make phone calls to Congress. Bring a cell phone if you have one, and a dish to pass, as we unite together to voice our dissent!

RSVP to jmjacks@umich.edu or call (734) 663-1870
DATE: Tuesday, April 6th
TIME: 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Memorial Christian Church (730 Tappan Ave., Ann Arbor)

Want to learn more about Colombia and find out how you can take action? Click here.

ICPJ members march at the 2009 SOA Vigil in Ft. Benning, GA. This April, we'll take the protest to Congress. Join us!

Each November, ICPJ’s Latin America Task Force organizes labor leaders, students, faith community members, veterans, families, and others to take a bus to Ft. Benning, Georgia, to protest the School of the Americas/ WHINSEC for the human rights abuses committed by its graduates.

This April, we’ll take our protest to Congress during the SOA Watch Lobby Days. Delegates from Michigan will carpool/fly/train to D.C. to lobby our elected officials demanding that the school be closed. You can join us for this important mission!

Agenda Overview:

• Saturday, April 17th – evening social event (optional)
• Sunday, April 18th – lobby training
• Monday, April 19th – lobby visits to Congress
• Tuesday, April 20th – possible continued lobby visits

This year, with a bill to close the school on the table (H.R. 2567 which would suspend operations at the SOA/WHINSEC for investigation of human rights abuses), we are optimistic that we have a real chance to make a difference.

Join us! Click here to download a registration form and learn more about trip logistics.

Questions: contact Grace at ICPJ (734) 663-1870 or gracek@icpj.net.

One year ago the peace movement was jubilant at the election of a new administration. One year after a new administration came to office, where does the peace movement see itself?

A panel of community leaders and peace activists from ICPJ task forces will discuss the policies and actions of the administration of the past year and the effect on the peace movement. Panelists will focus on ICPJ’s issue areas including climate change, Latin America, hunger, Israel/Palestine, war and disarmament, and racial & economic justice.

Date: Wednesday, January 20th
Time: 6:30-8:30pm. Join us for dessert and coffee/tea at 6:30pm, followed by panel speakers and discussion.
Location: Church of the Good Shepherd (2145 Independence Blvd., Ann Arbor). 

For more information, call (734) 663-1870 or email info@icpj.net.  Free and open to the public. Join us!

Download the poster to help spread the word. Continue Reading »

See "On the Line" on Thursday, October 29, 7:00 p.m. at 730 Tappan, Ann Arbor

What happens when a group of activists, priests, celebrities, and students risk arrest to protest U.S. foreign policy in Latin America?

ON THE LINE is an inside look at the people behind one of the largest nonviolent movements in America today: the movement to close the School of the Americas/WHINSEC, a U.S. Army school that trains Latin American soldiers. In a world where politics, passion, and Constitutional rights collide, protesters discuss their activism, the dark side of U.S. foreign policy, and the challenges of protesting since 9/11.

Join community members for an engaging film, insightful discussion, and opportunities for action on this important issue.

UPDATE: People attending this film showing will be eligible to save $35 on their registration for the bus trip to the vigil to close the SOA/WHINSEC. Even though the early-bird deadline has passed, you can still get the low $135 bus rate if you attend the “On the Line” showing.

FREE and open to the public.

When: Thursday, October 29. Dessert at 7:00 and the movie will follow shortly after.

Where: Located at Memorial Christian Church, 730 Tappan, Ann Arbor. Questions?

Who: www.icpj.net ~ 734-663-1870 ~ chuck@icpj.net

You can also download the flier to print, pass out, and share with friends.

THE GOAL:

To expose and close the School of the Americas/ WHINSEC and to resist the oppressive policies and systems that it represents. We will act in solidarity with our Latin American sisters and brothers and all those around the world whose lives are impacted by these policies, as one part of an international struggle for human rights and global justice. Continue Reading »