Activist Appreciation: Barry Gordon
Many of us know Barry from his years at Eureka Crafts and/or as the “Spoon Man” at Plowshares Craftsfair—the crafty creator of functional utensils worthy of artistic display. Those of us at the Beyond War and Militarism Committee have also enjoyed and benefited from his equally skillful analysis of social justice issues, enlightened by his knowledge of cultural geography.
He personifies the notion of a Thinker and Doer. Often entertaining and always informative, his contributions, whether they are political, economic or climate-related, continually encourage us to “connect the dots.” As our “elder” scribe he dependably reports on our activities and his editing artistry immensely improves and advances our work. His gentle manner and regular expressions of gratitude to others lead us by example and contribute to our cooperative, supportive labors. He walks the walk, a tireless committee member and proud owner of an electric Volt that he uses to get to rallies and marches, often transporting others.
We are all enriched by his studious involvement and inspired by his role as “Deliberator-in-Chief.”
– Ron Van Norstrand
CNY Solidarity
SPC was a founder of the CNY Solidarity Coalition in November, 2016. This affiliation has been valuable for both organizations. CNYSC’s committees address a wide range of issues from federal legislation to climate justice to “Beyond War and Militarism” (a crossover project between SPC and CNYSC) to state and local legislation.
As a developing organization CNY Solidarity struggles with matters of privilege, which we are addressing vigorously. Having been organized to oppose the Trump agenda, CNYSC is integrally involved with the growing local coalition fighting Trump’s immigration policies. An energized community is committed to turning back the inhumane and racist “no tolerance” policy and the unresolved scandal of family separation. One of our early members, Dana Balter, is the Democratic candidate for the Congressional seat currently shamefully occupied by John Katko.
Our next meeting is Sunday July 29, from 3-5pm at the
– Paul Weichselbaum
Poor People’s Campaign
“Somebody’s hurtin’ my people and we won’t be silent anymore” is a theme of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call to Moral Revival. The 40 days from Mothers Day until June 23 were national days of action, learning and arts, and launching the movement around the country. “Moral fusion non-violent direct action” took place in
Follow-up meetings are set to plan the next phase locally. See CNY Poor People’s Campaign on Facebook for how you can help build “a new and unsettling force to save the soul of our nation!”
– Diane Swords and Peter Swords
The Nuclear Free World Committee is busy planning our annual Hiroshima Day memorial
procession and picnic. On Hiroshima Day, August 6, we will gather behind City Hall Commons at 11:30; the procession steps off at noon. For this to be an impactful and striking event, we need 50-60 community members to walk with us, carrying props and banners. The intent is to remember the horrors of nuclear war and disaster, while advocating for the peace and beauty that is possible.
The picnic will take place towards the end of August (date and time TBA) at
We need you—contact Michaela (michaela@peacecouncil.net).
– Hilary-Anne Coppola
Beyond War and Militarism
Much of the June activism of the Beyond War and Militarism committee focused on the Poor
People’s Campaign, with members participating in each of the six weekly events in
the June 23 rally in
enters its next phase.
“Don’t Bank on the Bomb” on June 26 was the most recent installment of the Committee’s Alternative Education series. The primary focus was divestment from financial institutions and funds that provide resources for companies that manufacture and provide service for nuclear weapons and nuclear energy production. Representatives from Hansen’s Advisory Services and Cooperative Federal discussed alternative choices for socially responsible investing (see page __).
Noted war resister Kathy Kelly’s talk on July 16, “Let Yemenis Live: Ending US Complicity in the War Against Yemen” was a powerful major event.
– Barry Gordon
Honoring Young Community Activists
On June 4, the Nuclear Free World Committee presented its annual Youth Peace Award. The cash awards, generously sponsored every year by Jack Mannion, Stephanie Miner and others, are presented to local high school students who promote peace and social justice in their schools and communities. This year we awarded Grace Getman of
– Margrit Diehl
Building Support for Palestinian Rights in CNY
On May 15, the Justice for
On July 12, the Justice for Palestine Committee hosted an ice cream to benefit the Middle East Children’s
In the coming months, we are looking for CNY activists to help build support for the McCollumn bill (HR 4391), which calls for an end to
– Ursula Rozum
Thanks to Our Summer Interns
We have three wonderful individuals interning with us this summer. Hilary-Anne Coppola is an experienced activity coordinator and environmental educator, and is helping with NOON’s free literature and preparation for Hiroshima Day. Taylor Gould, a LeMoyne student, has been lending her knack for art and materials organizing to developing graphics, organizing our vast array of posters and producing the e-newsletter. Askar Salikhov, a soon-to-be graduate student at
– Michaela Czerkies
Help plan the Peace Picnic. We preparing for a Peace Picnic, to be in late August. It usually involves a variety of activities (dancing, yoga, etc.), music, craft-making and of course, food! Help make this a fun community gathering—contact Michaela (michaela@peacecouncil.net) to help.
Develop Workshops. Do you have organizing skills to offer? SPC members are always looking to learn and grow, and we welcome those with practical knowledge in grassroots organizing tactics, strategies, or best practices to connect with us.
Distribute the PNL. Help us ensure the Peace Newsletter is available all across
– Michaela Czerkies
Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival – Save the Date
It’s hot now, but in just four-an-a-half months, Plowshares will be here. It’s Saturday December 1 from 10-5pm and Sunday December 2 from 11-5pm.
Garage Sale Reminder
It’s not too late to do your spring cleaning! Reduce—get rid of unwanted stuff. Reuse—your unwanted stuff is my treasure. Recycle—down with planned obsolescence. And support SPC at the same time.
This year’s garage sale is Saturday, September 8 from 9 am-5 pm at
Donations are eagerly accepted from Wednesday-Friday, September 5th-7th between noon and 8pm each day. Items can be left outside the garage at the sale location.
Wanted: household and sporting goods, books, DVDs, games, toys, furniture, linens, tools, plants, art, jewelry, lamps, holiday items, appliances and more. Please NO clothing, old electronics, things that don’t work or other miscellaneous junk.
Helpers are especially welcome for Friday set-up. Food provided. Questions? Call Rae, 315-445-2840.
– Rae Kramer
Street Heat
It is critical to be on the streets—not only to continue to assert our rights to be there, but also to stand publicly for what we believe. Demonstrations and rallies are a key part of this. What Street Heat offers is a little different—it is a regular public presence at locations selected for their high visibility, including outside Hancock Airbase (home of the 174th Attack Wing of reaper drones). Please give it a try! Go a few times this summer and see what you think— if you’re going to the Regional Market anyhow on a Saturday, stop by Street Heat first. Make a sign of your own or use one of ours. Contact Ann or Ed, 315-478-4571.
Tuesdays: 4-5:15pm
July 24 Adams and Almond Sts. (Rt. 81 underpass)
August 7 and 21 Hancock Air Base (
August 14 and 28 South end of Northern Lights Mall in Mattydale
September 4 and 18 Hancock Air Base
September 14 and
Every Saturday 9-9:45am Regional Market main entrance (
NOON’s Educational Work Continues
Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation hosted two highly successful events this spring. On May 24 about 70 people attended a panel presentation of NOON activists and Onondaga leaders titled “How to Be an Ally to Indigenous Peoples.” Drawing on NOON’s work over the past 15+ years, the discussion only scratched the surface of this important issue. Look for followup.
On June 10, NOON organized a day-long training on conducting the Witness to Injustice workshop, an experiential educational program teaching about the history of the European invasion of the
– Andy Mager
Join the State Fair Petition Teams
The NY State Fair bursts onto the
Contact Carol (carol@peacecouncil.net) for dates and times.
– Carol Baum
Families Belong Together and Free
On June 30, over 500 people rallied in downtown
The CNY Workers’ Center did much of the heavy lifting for the rally (with significant help from the International Socialist Organization’s local branch) and almost 30 other local groups (including SPC) co-sponsored it. The rally’s demands were: remove Border Patrol agents from the
– Carol Baum
SPC Booth at Arts and Crafts Fair
At the last minute, SPC was able to get a booth at the Downtown Arts and Craftsfair, which is July 27-29. Now need to make it happen! We’ll need a lot of help—people to staff the booth, set it up and take it down, and help get the materials together. Contact Carol (carol@peaecouncil.net).
– Carol Baum
