Central Florida Green Guide

My daily reality tends to revolve around my caring for my family and my green education volunteerism.

But just like I go visit other campuses or other groups in the name of green education, sometimes I just have to take the time out to go somewhere or do something in the name of peace.

It’s all very well and good to raise my daughter in a “natural family, peaceful parenting” kind of way, but I also want to make sure her world is peaceful. Not just her home or her upbringing.

War is not green, and Codepink gives a lot of tips for being greener here.

WHAT IS CODEPINK?

I recently started getting to know and become friends with with local CODEPINK organizer, Deidra Lynch. I was thrilled to learn Orlando had a CODEPINK chapter and she’s been filling me in on local activities. The last time I had checked, Orlando hadn’t gotten a local CODEPINK yet.

If you haven’t heard of CODEPINK before, here’s the scoop:

CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education and other life-affirming activities.

CODEPINK is not exclusively women — we invite men to join us — -but we are particularly eager to see mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters, female workers, students, teachers, healers, artists, writers, singers, poets and all outraged woman rise up and oppose the war in Iraq. Women have been the guardians of life — not because we are better or purer or more innately nurturing than men, but because the men have busied themselves making war. Because of our responsibility to the next generation, because of our own love for our families and communities, it is time we women devote ourselves — wholeheartedly — to the business of making peace.

PEACE ART

Because of my daughter’s age, we don’t get to do as much local CODEPINK as I’d like to yet. But helping out on the peace art front is something we certainly can do!

She chose the art work and I coped with the computer and Xerox side of things. I have to deliver them this week:

Interested in helping take the Peace message to both the Democrat and Republican conventions this election year? Can you help paint? Got some art in mind? Willing to donate time, energy, or wishlist items?

Then get over to the parties!

PARTY INFO

If you are going to be in the downtown area this week, feel free to either one or both CODEPINK parties!

On Wednesday it’s about the art making:

CODEPINK Orlando Monthly Meeting & Art Wrap Up

Wednesday, Aug 13, 6 to 9pm

First Unitarian Church of Orlando,

Gore Hall ~ 1901 E. Robinson Street

Orlando, FL 32803

Help us get ready for the delegate Send Off party this Saturday, Aug 16, finish our banners for the conventions, create vibrant back patches for activists and share ideas for our autumn actions!

Peace Delegates Send Off party

Saturday Aug 16th, 6:00 to 9:00 pm

First Unitarian Church of Orlando,

Gore Hall ~ 1901 E. Robinson Street

Orlando, FL 32803

Help us send off our Peace Delegates and show them how proud we are them. Eugene Snowden of Umoja, the Legendary JC’s and his new collaboration, MONDO LIBERO will be playing for our Peace Delegate Send-Off party. Gene and friends will bring Brazilian styled jams, African songs, UMOJA Drum jams and some good ole soul music!

For more info or to RSVP please email. We also need volunteers to bring snacks to share.

RELATED LINKS:

The CodepinkOrlando blog gives local updates and has the mailing list link while Code Pink 4 Peace is the larger website that includes a link the Peace Room.

Are YOU ready to make peace?