With Congress appropriating funds for new and upgraded nuclear weapons and delivery systems, the need to counter these misguided policies has become acute. The 2022 Conference will follow the general pattern of previous conferences, but with increased emphasis on coordinating efforts of advocates, and expanding outreach to organizations and constituencies outside the world of nuclear disarmament advocates.  Register to attend.

Agenda:

[2:00 pm] Welcome – Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas, MIT Chaplain to the Institute

[2:05 pm] Background and Tasks of this Conference- Prof. Jonathan King

[2:10 pm] Dangers and Costs: Chair – Susan Mirsky:

• Prohibiting First Use of Nuclear Weapons – Elaine Scarry
• Resisting a New Cold War with China – Joseph Gerson
• How the Nuclear Weapons Manufacturers Influence Policy – William Hartung
• A Moral Fusion Movement to Change the Political Landscape- Shailly Gupta Barnes

[3:10 pm] Paths Forward:  Chair –  Jean Athey:

• Barriers to Policy Change – Phyllis Bennis
• Prospects for Changing U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policies – Joe Cirincione
• Role of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in Promoting Nuclear Disarmament – Larry Cohen

[4:00 pm] Break

[4:10 pm] Breakout rooms (listed below)

[5:15 pm] Moving Outward: Chair – Jodie Evans:

• Prospects for Change in the US House – Representative Barbara Lee
• Prospects for Change in the US Senate –Senator Jeff Merkley
• Moving our Ideas into Political Action  – Medea Benjamin.

[6:00 pm] Adjourn.

Breakouts, to be held earlier 4:15 – 5:00 pm: These are focused working groups planning for 2022. Reporters to provide summary of proposals  from the Breakout for circulation to Registrants and co-sponsoring organizations.

A. Growing in New Congressional Districts

B. Promoting Nuclear Disarmament in Rotary Clubs

C. Promoting Nuclear Disarmament within Communities of Faith

D. Advancing the Back From the Brink Resolution

E. Advancing No First Use Legislation

F. Cutting the Budget for New Nuclear Weapons

G. Resisting a New Cold War and Promoting International Treaties

H. Fund Healthcare Not Warfare; Recruiting in the Public Health Community

I. Recruiting on Campuses

J. No Wars, No Warming

K. Mobilizing Cultural Workers, Musicians and Artists

L. Working with Our Revolution Chapters

M. Working with Poor People’s Campaign Chapters

N. Designing Direct Actions including Divestment

O. Working with State Legislators

Co-Sponsors: Campaign for Peace, Disarmament and Common Security; CodePINK;  Institute for People’s Engagement; Massachusetts Peace Action; MIT Radius; MIT Faculty Newsletter; Nuclear Weapons Education Campaign; Nuclear Disarmament Coordinating Committee

Thanks to the Amy Rugel Giving Fund and Norris Rugel Giving Fund for financial support.