Thursday, February 25th, 2021
We want to remind you that the WNYPC’s Executive Director job is still posted, and applications are due by March 12 (coming right up!). As Vicki Ross starts the process of stepping down from her role as Executive Director, the WNY Peace Center is inviting a highly motivated person, passionate about social justice, dedicated to working for the good of #PeopleAndThePlanet through #PrinciplesAndtheSpirit, to apply for this (part-time) job (20 hours/week). If interested, visit bit.ly/wnypeace_ed for information on the position and how to apply (listed on website).
It’s also time for applications to be a Board member. If the WNYPC’s mission (Peace Thru Justice at Home and Abroad) speaks to you, see a write-up below to check out applying for Board Membership!!
We have resumed our youth program, PeaceJam Buffalo! PeaceJam helps develop a new generation of young leaders committed to positive changes in themselves, their communities, and the world through inspiration, education, and action. If you have children or youth that you’d like to have join us in social justice, learning from Nobel Peace Laureates and from each other, sharing art and fun, please register at bit.ly/wnypeace_peacejam21. PeaceJam meets Thursdays from 4-5pm. Please see below for themes, learning goals, activities, and registration.
Don’t miss the special LASC and ROCLA presentation by Bill Jungels and Tom Potts on Weds, March 3, 7pm: Update on Chiapas (Mexico) & the Zapatistas’ Continuing Struggles. As a documentary filmmaker, longtime WNYPC/LASC member Bill recently co-produced “Maya Voices in a Smoking Mirror,” the culmination of his 15-year focus on Maya struggles in Chiapas. And stalwart WNYPC/LASC member/supporter and dentist Tom Potts founded a clinic in Chenalhó, Chiapas, with the help of a Tsotsil Maya committee. Each year, he volunteers there for 2 months. Tom will share the insights he has gained through his 25 years of volunteering in Chenalhó, and in particular the situation he found there during his recent stay. More info below.
Please see details and much more – including special and regularly scheduled events this week – plus campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)!
Peace, thanks, solidarity, and yes – love!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Sunday, February 14th, 2021
It’s stunning (yet still expected) that the unbelievable happened: Trump was acquitted of his second impeachment, for the heinous insurrection. We remind everyone that we had an impeachment rally on July 2nd, 2017, and it has been clear since then (and before) that this man is a criminal and has encouraged and enabled tremendous amounts of criminal activity. This is just part of the struggle against white supremacy, racism, patriarchy, empire and violence. (Yes, we are also thinking of our local examples.) “Nevertheless, she persisted”; we will keep right on.
We are grateful to WNYPC Treasurer and Chair of the Environmental Taskforce, Charley Bowman, who will be in Syracuse this afternoon participating in the “Love in Action” Drone Action at Hancock Field (Airforce base). In a statement that will be presented at the base, host organization Upstate Drone Action implores drone operators: “We ask you to look deeply within. Is what you are doing to survive destroying your conscience and destroying the things you love?” See details below and please keep an eye out on our YouTube channel and social media for video after the event.
We are also excited to share that our youth program, PeaceJam Buffalo, is now less than two weeks away! PeaceJam is meant to foster a new generation of young leaders committed to positive changes in themselves, their communities, and the world through inspiration, education, and action. The Nobel Peace Laureates on PeaceJam Foundation’s board are a key element as well, through curriculum and example. The upcoming series of our local program is geared towards youth ages 11-18 and will meet Thursdays from 4-5 PM beginning on 2/25. Please see below for themes, learning goals, activities, and registration.
We are disappointed by the Grand Jury’s decision to reject the charges against the two Buffalo police officers who pushed Martin Gugino this past summer. The problem is state-sponsored violence is excused; if somebody is wearing a uniform, it’s excused. (Of note, one of the officers was charged with not helping Martin up when he started to but was stopped by his commanding officer – while we believe in the Nuremberg principles that obeying an order is no excuse, this is a pretty high bar.) Our criminal Injustice system is so fraught with problems – another is the over-simplification of issues, as if we can lay the blame on a single individual for issues that are much more complicated such as the militarization of the police. Also, the systemic racism is abysmal – many black people have been brutalized, shot, and/or killed, and the police doing the deed are routinely excused without charges. As Martin, and Bob Dylan, say: “Who’s Gonna Take Away Their License to Kill?” We need transformative justice. Another way is possible and so much needed! Read more on this local/national/international news here: WBFO Buffalo News WIVB NYT
As you may have heard, there is a lot of change happening at the WNYPC. At our first membership meeting of the year, Vicki Ross announced that she will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director. We are so thankful for all of her work and dedication WNYPC over the years. The WNY Peace Center now seeks a highly motivated person who is passionate about peace and social justice issues for this (part-time) job (20 hours/week). If interested, visit bit.ly/wnypeace_ed for information on the position and how to apply.
It is also the time of year when we are seeking candidates for the WNYPC Coordinating Board, which will be voted upon at our upcoming Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 25th (SAVE THE DATE!). Please review our mission here and reach out to director@wnypeace.org if you are interested.
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Please see details and much more – including special and regularly scheduled events this week – plus campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)!
Peace, thanks, solidarity, and yes – love!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3
WNY Peace Center Executive Director Job Description
The WNY Peace Center seeks a highly motivated person who is passionate about peace and social justice issues as described in the WNYPC mission statement: “Peace Through Justice at Home and Abroad.”
The WNY Peace Center is a nonprofit, member driven organization founded in 1967. Our nine taskforces focus on particular issue areas and we stress the interconnectedness of our issues, uniting the Struggles, the Visions, and the Movement. We provide many opportunities to learn about, reflect, and act constructively to address issues of concern to our membership. As a force for progressive change, the WNY Peace Center serves as an incubator for new ideas, promotes activism, and strives to increase communication and collaboration growing the Beloved Community. We seek to defend the sacred – People and the Planet – through Unarmed Truth and Unconditional Love; Moral Integrity and Universal Solidarity.
Qualifications
- Candidates should be steeped in peace and justice principles and shared learning, with good communication and computer skills, and a cooperative spirit. Weekend and evening hours are frequent. Experience in the non-profit sector and/or community organizing is preferred.
- Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed action and initiative are important.
- Bachelors or equivalent experience required.
- Working knowledge needed of Microsoft Office, WordPress, QuickBooks, Social Media platforms.
- Working knowledge of progressive community and social justice framework(s) in WNY is also wanted.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills are crucial.
Duties include:
- Working cooperatively and communicating with the staff, board, taskforces, committees, members, interns/students, allies and the general public;
- Composing and circulating media and publicity outreach, including press releases, media advisories and follow-up;
- Overseeing/assisting – along with staff, Board members and other volunteers – in financial planning, budgeting, and management; membership; communications, personnel, board nominations;
- Planning and promoting WNYPC’s Annual Dinner (usually in November) and other fundraising endeavors;
- Participating in designing, publicizing and implementing strategic campaigns;
- Planning, publicizing and facilitating meetings, panels/speakers, fundraisers, rallies, marches, and other events;
- Fundraising through grant-writing, membership appeals and events; etc.
- Conducting research on legislation, grants, social issues and potential services;
- Assisting in outreach and collaborative work with other peace and justice organizations;
- Supervising, developing, evaluating, and assisting the staff (Office Manager, Assistant, Interns, and/or any other employees and volunteers as needed).
Approximately 20 hours/week (good room for growth!) at $20/hour.
Please submit resume and cover letter to director@wnypeace.org
Application deadline: Friday March 12th at 5pm
