R&R; Collective Nonviolent Direct Action; Fr. Bissonette matched grant

(Thumbnail image credit: Kim Saira)

This week we would like to emphasize the importance of rest; of taking some time for a break to refresh. This is especially important in in the midst of the ongoing public health crisis, and also because there is a lot to prepare for in the upcoming months. This is a critically important time of overwhelming change, and the election is now less than 75 days away. Tactically speaking, the WNYPC will be focusing on fewer, larger events rather than many small events. Consequently, we are highlighting only a few items this week, all of which could be done from home.

This Sunday from 3:00 – 4:30 pm, the WNY Liberation Collective and WNYPC are offering another session of First Steps! Collective Nonviolent Direct Action. This will be a hybrid event, taking place in person at Niagara/Liberation Square with masks and physical distancing, and also streamed live on Facebook.
– Collective Nonviolent Direct action will be key to keeping and improving our democracy. These first steps are part of a series for shared learning as we plan and prepare.
– We will cover the principles and the spirit (including music, a great tool for such actions), Know Your Rights with Daire Brian Irwin, Esq., and safety info regarding protective gear from Nick of Buffalo Action Medics.
– Prepapatory videos and the full planned agenda can be found on our website. Please watch the videos so we can spend more time in discussion!

We also want to remind you that we are coming to the end (!) of the very generous matched grant from the Fr. Joe Bissonnette Fund for the WNYPC. This fund sustains our on-going work and helps prepare for strong social justice activism coming out of quarantine.
– Father Joe Bissonette (1932-1987) was known throughout WNY for his ministry in Buffalo and his advocacy for the poor and disadvantaged. Recognizing the many challenges AND opportunities of the present moment, the Fr. Joe Bissonette Fund has committed to match any donation of $100 or more made between July and August, up to $5000.
– These contributions also qualify for your choice of one of Amanda Besl’s beautiful limited-edition pieces (while supplies last) and an individual or organizational WNYPC membership with your choice of the #RESIST or #LoveIsLove lawn sign. If you would like to make a donation, please see our fundraiser page. You can purchase Amanda’s powerful art here.

As you have time, there are other vital campaigns and an employment opportunity (see below) that you can put some energy into as you can and will. Please remember to pace yourselves, as no one person can do it all. We are at a fork in the road of the future of this country, and we recognize the importance of collaborating, strategizing, and also resting when needed.

Please see details and much more below, including other special events this week, regularly scheduled events, campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)!

SUPPORT PORTLAND AND NONVIOLENT ACTION

We hope you were able to join us this afternoon at Niagara/Liberation Square for the National Day of Action to Support Portland! Get out in the streets to gather – wherever your latest town gathering place – to stand up for the people and against state violence! The state exists to serve the people, not to attack them!

On Sunday afternoon, please join us for our Nonviolent Direct Action Study, also at Niagara/Liberation Square. Come for shared learning, deepening commitment and trust, and strengthening our collective abilities to deliver nonviolent direct action and improve our nonviolence literacy. (Also see this great Ted Talk by Alia Braley.) More details – including agenda items – on our website.

Next week at MLK Park, Free the People WNY Coalition is hosting a Community Speak Out where stories will be shared on how policing in Buffalo and Erie County has affected each of us, our families, and our communities. If you can’t make it, you can submit your stories anonymously here. See more details in our events listing below.

As we continue to report, the fight for racial justice is ongoing – daily – at Niagara Square thanks to the WNY Liberation Collective. Our own Racial Justice Taskforce continues to work independently while also connecting with those at the Square and elsewhere.

We are also happy to report that the second (and final) week of our 13th annual youth summer camp, Camp Peaceprints, was another success! We are so grateful for and to all who joined us this summer and look forward to seeing you next year!

Lastly, we want to remind you that through August, contributions of $100 or more to WNYPC gets you one of Amanda Besl’s beautiful limited edition pieces (while supplies last), plus your choice of the #RESIST or #LoveIsLove lawn sign, AND will have your donation matched by the Fr. Bissonette Fund! For more information and to contribute, please visit the fundraiser page on our website. We cannot say it enough – this work can only be done with your support, for which we are so grateful!

Please see details and much more below, including other special events this week, regularly scheduled events, campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)!

REACT/RESIST/REFORM Matched Donations

We are so excited to present an amazing opportunity for those interested in supporting the continued efforts of the WNYPC. The extraordinarily talented artist Amanda Besl created a special original portfolio of linoleum prints, ‘React’, ‘Resist’, and ‘Reform’, and is offering 20 limited editions of each. Resource:Art is hosting the sale of these works, which can be purchased on ArtFare, Facebook, and Instagram. They explain that Besl created these works “as a reaction to the current social justice crisis facing our nation.” We feel especially honored that all proceeds from the sale of these prints will be donated to WNYPC. You can find Amanda’s full artist’s statement on the project here.

This incredible support comes at a time when we are accepting *MATCHED* donations to the Father Joe Bissonette Fund for the WNY Peace Center. Through August, contributions of $100 or more can get you one of Amanda’s beautiful limited edition pieces (while supplies last), plus your choice of the #RESIST or #LoveIsLove lawn sign, AND have your donation matched!!! For more information and to contribute, please visit the fundraiser page on our website. We truly cannot do this work with you and are so grateful for your support!

We are also happy to report that first week of our 13th annual youth summer camp, Camp Peaceprints, was a huge success! We were lucky to have special Poet Jillian Hanesworth,and Shawnte Wilson of (A)typical Social Work(er) join us, as well as activist and PC Board member Valentino Dixon, and Union Theological Seminary alumnus Addie Pazzynski! We also went on an amazing virtual field trip to MACHU PICCHU (PERU) – next week we will be ‘visiting’ KENYA! Registration is still open for week 2 with a sliding scale of up to $25/week (with scholarships readily available)! is 100% online this year due to the public health crisis, but we offer games, recreation/physical activities, art projects, music, and mindfulness. Please register ASAP so that we can deliver packets with snacks, art supplies, etc. for use during camp.

We also urge you to make calls: to DA John Flynn’s office (716-858-2400) to urge the dropping of Myles Carter’s charges of obstruction and disorderly conduct for peaceful protest (he was tackled by police while being interviewed); and to our senators and reps (202-224-3121) for resumption and increase in aid to Yemen, and adoption of amendments to the NDAA that would decrease the military budget by 10% (not enough of a decrease, but we’d take it!). More info on each at our website’s homepage.

The fight for racial justice continues at Niagara Square. Our own Racial Justice Taskforce continues to work independently and is also connecting with those at the Square and elsewhere. There is still daily activity at Niagara/Liberation Square thanks to the WNY Liberation Collective.

Please see details and much more below, including other special events this week, regularly scheduled events, campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)!