Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition http://www.gapeace.org Building the Peace Movement in Georgia Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:59:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Unions and Allies Risking Arrest Right Now to Protect 740 AT&T Union Jobs http://www.gapeace.org/2012/02/13/unions-and-allies-risking-arrest-right-now-to-protect-740-att-union-jobs/ http://www.gapeace.org/2012/02/13/unions-and-allies-risking-arrest-right-now-to-protect-740-att-union-jobs/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:58:47 +0000 ayman http://www.gapeace.org/?p=144 AT&T recently announced the “surplus” of 740 union AT&T jobs despite its revenues soaring to $126.7 billion and a CEO that made over $27 million in 2011.

Occupy Atlanta, Atlanta Jobs with Justice, Communication Workers of America, and AFSC have just entered the AT&T Atlanta headquarters and are refusing to leave until every single job cut is rescinded. Simultaneously, an occupation with tents is being set up outside of the building.

Watch the Occupation of AT&T Now at http://livestream.com/occupyAtlanta

Multinational corporations like AT&T have been undermining workers standards of living for decades. If we stand up for union jobs with AT&T we can stand up for a future where there’s enough for everyone, a future that creates space for all of us to thrive. Lift up the South, lift up this nation.

Let’s not get it twisted. There’s enough resources to go around. The crisis isn’t about resources. It’s about economic priorities. It’s time that the 99% stand up to the unprecedented wealth consolidation that has been robbing our communities. Together we can take these 740 jobs off the chopping block. Let this action be the beginning of a movement to put human need above corporate greed in a very real, tangible way.

It’s time to bring the energy from Wisconsin into the South and it’s time to unite the Occupy movement with concrete worker struggles across the country.

Call AT&T to rescind all of the 740 proposed layoffs now: 205-977-0722 Michael Matthews Vice President Southeast Labor Relations

Send a personal e-mail message about these layoffs to AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson here: randall.stephenson@att.com

Contribute to the Occupy Atlanta Legal fund to support actions like this:

https://www.wepay.com/donate/65516

]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2012/02/13/unions-and-allies-risking-arrest-right-now-to-protect-740-att-union-jobs/feed/ 0 Action Alert: Tell Chase “Don’t Foreclose on the Pittmans and the Walkers!” http://www.gapeace.org/2011/12/12/action-alert-tell-chase-dont-forecolose-on-the-pittmans-and-the-walkers/ http://www.gapeace.org/2011/12/12/action-alert-tell-chase-dont-forecolose-on-the-pittmans-and-the-walkers/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:04:10 +0000 ayman http://www.gapeace.org/?p=142 Many of you know that Tim Franzen has been trying to focus Occupy Atlanta on the issue of home evictions and foreclosures. Activists are currently occupying two Atlanta homes, and Tim thinks they can win both of them. GPJC organizers can help by getting the message below to as many people as possible. The goal is to clog the lines all week. CAN YOU HELP SPREAD THIS MESSAGE AROUND THE COUNTRY?

Together, we can keep the banks from taking our homes!

This past Tuesday Occupy Atlanta set up encampments on the lawns of two metro Atlanta Homes. Both families have complex differences in their hardships, but they also share a common problem, a problem that is sadly facing millions of Americans.

Eloise Pittman and Brigitte Walker are both being foreclosed on and face eviction this winter. The irresponsible practices of the big banks have put millions of homes at risk and are holding America’s economy hostage.

Eloise Pittman bought her home at 404 Glen Iris Dr in 1953. After working in the education system for years, she finally settled in to a life of retirement. At 62 years old, Eloise heard her church needed help. Being a woman of faith, she went to the bank to see if she could take out a loan and was approved for a $312,000 loan. This loan would have cost her a million dollars to repay. As a senior living on a fixed income she never should have been offered this loan in the first place. The bank gave her this predatory loan knowing she wouldn’t be able to pay it back.

Eloise Pittman passed away last week.  Her family is now left with a mountain of debt, and is trying to save a home that’s been in their family for over 50 years. Chase bank has been unwilling to find a solution that keeps them in their home.

Brigitte Walker is a decorated Iraq War veteran. She entered the army ri ght out of high school and served for 21 years. In 2007 she was medically discharged. As a result she is now living on a fixed income and struggling to find work.  Now she is facing eviction.  After putting her life on the line for her country, it’s time that someone step up to defend her from this injustice.

Both mortgages are owned by Chase bank. Today, we appeal to you for help. Can you take the time to email, call, and fax the CEO of Chase Bank with one simple demand; Make the mortgages for wounded Iraq veteran Brigitte Walker(2706 South Hills, Riverdale Ga) and recently deceased Elosie Pittman(404 Glen Iris Dr., Atlanta Ga) work. Keep both families in their homes!

Contact Chase Bank Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon:
Fax- 212-270-1121
Email- Jamie.dimon@jpmchase.com
Phone- 212-270-1111

All this action takes is the commitment to send a few messages, the commitment of a few minutes of your time. That commitment could help keep two families in their homes for the winter and send a message to the big banks that we will not let them make Am ericans pay the price for their irresponsible practices. We are the 99%, and we out number bank executives.

 

]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2011/12/12/action-alert-tell-chase-dont-forecolose-on-the-pittmans-and-the-walkers/feed/ 0 Dec 30-Jan 1: Alternative New Year at Crooked Creek State Park in St. Mary’s, GA http://www.gapeace.org/2011/11/05/dec-30-jan-1-alternative-new-year-at-crooked-creek-state-park-in-st-marys-ga/ http://www.gapeace.org/2011/11/05/dec-30-jan-1-alternative-new-year-at-crooked-creek-state-park-in-st-marys-ga/#comments Sat, 05 Nov 2011 04:19:48 +0000 ayman http://www.gapeace.org/?p=140 TO ALL PEACEMAKERS:
RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW FOR OUR ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE NEW YEARS GATHERING AT CROOKED RIVER STATE PARK IN ST. MARY’S, GA (more info on Crooked River State Park at http://gastateparks.org/CrookRiv)
Directions:  Crooked River State Park is located 7 miles north of St. Mary’s GA on Spur 40.   1) Take I-95, Exit 3
        2) Take Georgia State Highway 40 towards St. Mary’s
        3)  Turn left onto Kings Bay Road (This will take you to the intersection of Kings Bay Rd & Spur 40 where the Stimson Gate and our Friday afternoon leafleting will be)
       4)  Turn left onto Spur 40
CALL OR EMAIL A COTTAGE CONTACT TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW:
  Cottage #1 - Fl Coalition for P & J — John X. Linnehan — metanoia.mx@gmail.com
    (2 Bedroom)                                                     904-504-1004
  Cottage #2 – Pax Christi NE FL — Nancy O’Byrne — obyrnen@bellsouth.net
    (3 Bedroom)                                                    904-422-3618
  Cottage #3 – War Tax Resisters — Sam Marshall — samruth@windstream.net
    (2 Bedroom)                                                     478-452-9540
  Cottage #4 – Pax Christi Tampa Bay — Anne Richter — arichter58@msn.com
    (3 Bedroom)                                                    727-796-6539
COST:  The cost of a space at a cottage is approx. $25-$35 for the 2-night stay per person, depending on how many stay in a cottage.  Please make arrangements to pay your cottage holder your share of the cost.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Each cottage is furnished either two or three bedrooms with two queen size beds each, linens, some towels, a living room, and furnished kitchens with stove, refrigerator, and some utensils.
WHAT TO BRING:  
Clothing:  Check the weather for Camden County, GA, and bring clothes appropriate, particularly if you plan to do the night vigil.
Towels:  An extra towel or two is a good idea.
Food:  We will have potluck dinners Friday and Saturday nights (O’Byrnes are bringing a turkey).  Please bring a dish or two to share.  There is a nearby grocery store.  Breakfasts and lunches are in your own cottage; once you know who is staying with you, you can plan among yourselves.  We will email out a list of cottage occupants prior to the weekend.
Things to Do in the Area:  Look at the following websites for activities and sites to see:
 St. Mary’s Convention & Visitor Bureau  http://stmaryswelcome.com
 Cumberland Island National Seashore  http://nps.gov/cuis/index.htm
 Ferry to Cumberland Island  http://stmaryswelcome.com/cumberlandferry.html
Agenda:  We have attached an Agenda for the weekend
 Please, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me at obyrnen@bellsouth.net or call at 904-461-9216.
 Looking forward to spending a meaningful, peace-filled New Year’s with all of you!!
        Peace and Blessings, Nancy O’Byrne, Co-ordinator, Pax Christi Florida
“If you want Peace, work for Justice” Pope Paul VI
  ***Please forward this information to all who may want to join us.  Thanks.
]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2011/11/05/dec-30-jan-1-alternative-new-year-at-crooked-creek-state-park-in-st-marys-ga/feed/ 0 Augusta Calls for Peace http://www.gapeace.org/2011/10/22/augusta-calls-for-peace/ http://www.gapeace.org/2011/10/22/augusta-calls-for-peace/#comments Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:32:00 +0000 ayman http://www.gapeace.org/?p=137 On October 6, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan, the CSRA Peace Alliance gathered at the Augusta Commons to call for peace. View some of the footage!

]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2011/10/22/augusta-calls-for-peace/feed/ 0 Occupy Atlanta Needs Your Help http://www.gapeace.org/2011/10/22/occupy-atlanta-needs-your-help/ http://www.gapeace.org/2011/10/22/occupy-atlanta-needs-your-help/#comments Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:23:30 +0000 ayman http://www.gapeace.org/?p=135 Occupy Atlanta needs your support! As the movement grows and changes your donations and financial contributions become increasingly crucial.

Recently, an anonymous benefactor offered to match any monetary donations Occupy Atlanta receives within the next seven days at a 1:1 ratio. That means that from October 20th to October 27th you can double the impact of your contribution to Occupy Atlanta!

You can donate to Occupy Atlanta via We Pay- https://www.wepay.com/donate/112822

If you would like to learn more about what Occupy Atlanta is about or what we’re currently working on, please check us out at: http://occupyatlanta.org/about/

Thank you so much for your donation! Your monetary contributions are as invaluable as the physical contributions of the people staying the park. Please spread the word.

Be well,
Occupy Atlanta

Here’s a schedule of actions over the next week, we could use some support ya’ll!

OCCUPY ATLANTA: OCTOBER 20th – 27th
www.occupyatlanta.org

Thursday October 20th:
- Occupy Atlanta Rolls North 12:15pm meet-up in the park
Friday October 21st:
- Occupy Peachtree and Trinity: Speak Out Against Homelessness 5:00pm march
Saturday October 22nd:
- Atlanta Hip Hop Day 1 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Sunday October 23rd:
- Atlanta Hip Hop Day 2 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Monday October 24th:
- March on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals w/ special guests 11:00am from the park
Tuesday October 25th:
- Capitulation or Levitation: Occupy Atlanta takes on the Koch Brothers 5:00pm
Wednesday October 26th:
- Occupy Atlanta visits Truly Living Well time to be decided
Thursday October 27th:
- Solidarity with Peachtree-Pine details to be announced

There will be teach-ins and workshops throughout the week. For more information check in at the welcome desk.

]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2011/10/22/occupy-atlanta-needs-your-help/feed/ 0 Eyewitness Account of Civil Disobedience in Jackson, GA http://www.gapeace.org/2011/09/23/eyewitness-account-of-civil-disobedience-in-jackson-ga/ http://www.gapeace.org/2011/09/23/eyewitness-account-of-civil-disobedience-in-jackson-ga/#comments Fri, 23 Sep 2011 23:32:31 +0000 admin http://www.gapeace.org/?p=133 Tim Franzen discusses the civil disobedience in Jackson, GA which resulted in the arrests of 9 activists. They were seeking to stop the execution of Troy Davis. The interview refers to a video and a fund to support civil disobedience.

20110923-Interview-with-Tim-Franzen 11 minutes, 13 seconds "20110923-Interview-with-Tim-Franzen"
]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2011/09/23/eyewitness-account-of-civil-disobedience-in-jackson-ga/feed/ 0 Atlanta says “Longest War in US History Must End!” http://www.gapeace.org/2011/09/22/atlanta-says-longest-war-in-us-history-must-end/ http://www.gapeace.org/2011/09/22/atlanta-says-longest-war-in-us-history-must-end/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:09:50 +0000 ayman http://www.gapeace.org/?p=127 This October marks the 10th year of the U.S. led war in Afghanistan, making it the longest war in this nation’s history. It has consumed precious resources which could be used to help millions of people at home, and resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent Afghani civilians.
The goal is to make louder those voices who oppose this aggression, by putting together events that are educational, interactive, entertaining, and thought-provoking. While it is sad that this war continues, this milestone might be used to bring an end to this tragic chapter. This war is 10 years too long!

–Monday, renowned anti-nuclear activist Dr. Helen Caldicott will give a talk followed by Q&A. She will also talk about the Afghanistan War at 7 Stages (1105 Euclid Avenue N.E.. Atlanta, GA 30307) at 7:00 pm. The 7 Stages performers will perform a comedy routine after words also. Closest MARTA station is Inman Park/Reynoldstown.

–Tuesday will feature a showing of the superb documentary Rethink Afghanistan (http://rethinkafghanistan.com/) followed by a discussion on the film. The theater is Push Push, 121 New Street Decatur, 30030 and the movie starts at 7:30 pm. Closest MARTA station is Avondale.

–Thursday a panel is planned which will include members of different groups that are adversely impacted by the war and can shed light on different forms of resistance to it. The panel will be on Georgia State University’s campus (44 Courtland Street Atlanta, 30303), starts at 7:00 pm. Closest MARTA station is Georgia State or Five Points.

–Friday morning, volunteers will begin setting up tables, tents, banners and more for a day of activism, education and awareness in Woodruff Park located at 91 Peachtree Street Atlanta, 30303. Closest MARTA station is Five Points.

Facebook event description

 

]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2011/09/22/atlanta-says-longest-war-in-us-history-must-end/feed/ 0 Legal Fund for Georgia Activism http://www.gapeace.org/2011/09/22/legal-fund-for-georgia-activism/ http://www.gapeace.org/2011/09/22/legal-fund-for-georgia-activism/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:27:29 +0000 ayman http://www.gapeace.org/?p=118 Last night was a terrible night for many of us in our comfortable homes, knowing that we failed to stop the injustice of the execution of Troy Davis. But it was worse for several Georgia activists who were arrested in Atlanta and Jackson, GA, the site of the execution. We’re still gathering details, but Tim Franzen reports that 9 people, including Tim, were arrested in Jackson, GA and charged with 11 counts of disorderly conduct. Each count resulted had bail set at $185. The total spent last night, in cash, to bail out these 9 activists was $2,035. Pictures: US Human Rights Network; Jackson, GA, courtesy of US Human Rights Network; Anton Flores-Maisonet; Video of arrests

In addition, activists in Atlanta were arrested (fund raising party tonight).

Members of the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition (GPJC) have talked about the need for a fund to support activists’ civil disobedience. While GPJC does not have the details worked out, there is an immediate need for money for the following purposes:

1) Compensate people who, from their own pockets, bailed out the activists in Jackson.
2) Compensate activists who paid for their own bail to help them sustain their activism.

GPJC is not a 501(c)3, so your donations are not tax deductible. Checks will be written directly to individuals. Not all of the transactions last night have been documented, so we won’t be able to produce a complete paper trail for reimbursement. In other words, a person might receive a check for $200 and there will be no document “proving” the person put $200 cash into the bail pot last night.

Nevertheless, we are asking for your donations for this purpose.

]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2011/09/22/legal-fund-for-georgia-activism/feed/ 2 Refugee Women’s Network Leadership Program 3-Part Training http://www.gapeace.org/2011/08/11/refugee-womens-network-leadership-program-3-part-training/ http://www.gapeace.org/2011/08/11/refugee-womens-network-leadership-program-3-part-training/#comments Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:59:58 +0000 ayman http://www.gapeace.org/?p=112 The Refugee Women’s Network Leadership Program presents Board Development and Civic Engagement: Three-Part Training for Refugee & Immigrant Women. The training dates are:

August 27

September 10

September 24

]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2011/08/11/refugee-womens-network-leadership-program-3-part-training/feed/ 0 “Deport Hate” Mural Pops Up In Little 5! http://www.gapeace.org/2011/08/10/deport-hate-mural-pops-up-in-little-5/ http://www.gapeace.org/2011/08/10/deport-hate-mural-pops-up-in-little-5/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:59:33 +0000 ayman http://www.gapeace.org/?p=110 Who’s seen the, “We Are Human” posters around the Atl? There’s been a crew of LA artist and activists traveling around the country trying to spread the love and deport the hate laced immigration legislation that has been introduced in dozens of states. Read more

]]> http://www.gapeace.org/2011/08/10/deport-hate-mural-pops-up-in-little-5/feed/ 0