Nodes in the network

If you have signed the CALL for action and wish to be part of an organic network of committed Elders and allies (including 'Elders if the future'), you may join efforts for local, national and global initiatives coherent with the CALL.  While our network will remain lean and minimally structured, some ‘nodes’ in the network are geographically- or topic-based.  To propose a node in the network, add that information when you sign the call for action.  You may also get information about World BEYOND War and STOP Re-arm Europe, to which we are affiliated.  To participate in a network node, please contact elders4peace(at)gmail.com.  

Thematic nodes proposed so far:

• Compiling and submitting to media an op-ed/ commentary on the need to be free from the scourge of militarism and set no limits to peace (on-going).

• Compiling an open letter regarding a specific conflit or issue (see subpages)

• Participating in STOP REARM EUROPE and becoming an affiliate of WorldBEYONDWar (on-going) 

• Organizing relevant international, national or local boycotts, divestment and sanction initiatives, such as: writing to the President of the UN General Assembly to suspend Apartheid Israel (as Apartheid South Africa was suspended 50 years ago) (on-going).

• Making militarism visible!  An insidious characteristic of militarism is that it is systemic and all-pervasive (hegemonic) but generally also invisible.  Among the important changes to seek is the fact of rendering it VISIBLE.  Many entry points could be used...  for instance, discussions in citizens' assemblies; side-events at conferences that do not focus on militarism but should (e.g., CBD; WHO; World Economic Forum); moot-court-type prosecutions concerning real examples (e.g., the current civil war in Sudan fueled by arm supplies from outside) with the support of university law faculties; real evidence discussed and real arguments made before the media, e.g. about arms supply to developing countries; linking commitment against militarism and imperialism with commitment for the cultures of peace, conservation of nature and territories of life, climate and biodiversity activism; valuing indigenous worldviews; openly opposing genocide!; giving testimony from a recent visit to Palestine; discussing about social justice and mental health consequences of war on women and children and families; focusing on issues related to violations of people and communities' rights.... (on-going).

• Writing relevant letters to media, politicians and professionals, writing blogs, newsletters, press articles, letters to editors, sharing our call to action in social media, etc; writing to accredited and reliable news sources, reputable outlets known for their commitment to accurate ; example here; engaging in media research tasks

• Seeking a global ban on export of weapons

• Helping relevant organizations (e.g., a specific peace organization in Finland) (on-going).

• Supporting Gen Z actions; protesting in alliance with young people and with other groups of elders 

• Responding to “State Capture” and global destruction by the US current administration; advocating for public health

• Participating in vigils every Saturday downtown in Parma (Italy)

• Protesting military bases

Geographic nodes proposed by the signatories of the call and seeking members:

• Canton Vaud/ Switzerland

• Switzerland and France

• Siena/ Florence/ Italy 

• Finland/ Eurasia

• UK, Cornwall, UK South, London, Bristol or South Glos.

• Ireland

• Germany

• Europe in general/ Western Europe

• Africa in general, West Africa

• Ottawa (Canada)/ Canada in general/Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada

• USA in general/East coast North America/NYC

• Ocala, Florida (Central Florida, including Gainesville) / Southeast U

• Colorado (USA)/ Midwestern US/ 

• Northern California/ SF Bay Area

• Jalisco, Mexico 

• Guatemala

• Melbourne Australia

• India

• Israel-Palestine

• Maryland (USA)

The 'nodes' of committed Elders are self-organized and autonomous, and develop their own communication channels.  They may, however,  have a specific page in this website (write to elders4peace(at)gmail.com for that).  The taking action page has ideas for starting points.