Letter from the Chair
To Our Community of Peace:
In this, my first letter to you, I would like to talk about where we plan to go from here.
It is my privilege to follow Paul as Chair of the All Souls Peace Task Force. Paul developed the concept and the framework of the Peace Task Force and I hope to honor the purpose and the spirit with which it was founded. In this spirit, I asked Paul to help me define it further. It is an “advocacy group in progress”, he said, “much like “Unitarian Universalism is a “religion in process”.
An “advocacy group in progress” is an inspiring way to think about our mission. We do not advocate one point of view; instead we provide an environment in which an open exchange can take place. We do not believe in one answer; our purpose is to learn together, share ideas, make and accept suggestions, and thus evolve in our thinking.
It is, however, important to act. To do this, I and the steering committee will continue to get a feel for the sentiment of the group and take actions that best educate, promote the aims, and reflect our values.
My current goals are to get more people involved, to reach out to a wider circle, to continue the monthly events to the extent possible, and to increase our impact by holding more large events, more frequently, in cooperation with other groups dedicated to peace and justice-- both within and outside of All Souls Church. We will also continue to participate in marches and rallies organized by larger organizations we are comfortable endorsing. We plan to facilitate communication, and this website is a step in this direction. Our participation in Interfaith Voices, an umbrella organization in the New York area for people of all faiths is a step toward increasing our influence in the community at large.
I can accomplish this only if I get your help and participation. I would like to extend a special thanks to all those who are currently volunteering to help with our events this summer. You are giving of your time, generously and with great dedication. Our web site designer is giving freely of his time and energy. Our group is learning to improve our publicity efforts from a pro, who is giving generously of her time and knowledge. Our thanks to All Souls ministers and staff for their support and encouragement as we build this congregational effort toward public witness of our values.
I invite you to support the Peace Task Force in any way you can. Join us in our effort to understand and improve our world by working towards peace and justice, implementation of human rights, freedom from discrimination, international cooperation and access to healthcare, housing, education and employment for all.
I look forward to working with all of you.
Hanan Watson
Chair
August, 1, 2004
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