(Re)Collection newslettter

One project arising from the September 2007 conference "Women Resisting Militarism and Creating a Culture of Life," sponsored by Women for Genuine Security and PANA Institute Civil Liberty and Faith Project.

(Re)Collection: March 2008 Newsletter

Visit genuinesecurity.org/recollection.htm to learn about the editors and the newsletter, or email recollection@genuinesecurity.org

Mission Statement:
(RE)Collection is a newsletter that illuminates the work of those committed to a culture of peace. (RE)Collection developed from the collaboration of U.S. based activists who are part of the WGS connection. WGS envisions a world of genuine security based on justice, respect for others across national boundaries, and economic planning that meets people's needs, especially women and children. WGS work toward the creation of a society free of militarism, violence, and all forms of sexual exploitation, and for the safety, well-being, and long-term sustainability of our communities.

March 2008 Newsletter:
Comprehensive version of newsletter at http://genuinesecurity.org/march2008newsletter.htm

Country Reports Mar '08
Compiled by Ellen-Rae Cachola
http://genuinesecurity.org/reportsmarch2008.htm

Country Highlight – Hawaii
10,459 Miles From the Hot War: How Hawaii Is Impacted During Militarized "Peace"
By Annie Fukushima
"A mini-survey of different Hawaii residents and their perceptions of how militarism impacts Hawaii students/people resulted in a diversity of definitions of what militarism means: it is the exploitation of one nation-state over another that includes the exploitation of the indigenous/locals, it is a part of the everyday, it impacts families, it depends on notions of "protecting" the dominant nation and occupied territories, it is an expression of imperialism, and it is an institution". Read more and special highlight of Myla's story. http://genuinesecurity.org/countryhighlightmarch2008.htm


Insight Interview: Gwyn Kirk
Interview with Maikiko James
What do you think it would take to get the general public to be aware of the effects the US military has on countries where it continues to maintain bases? What do you think it would take to get it to care? "Information, a massive public education campaign. By itself, though, information doesn't change people. Meeting people and coming to care about them does; being challenged by people who matter to us. It's important to think about yourself as a person who has every right to know what's happening on the other side of the fence. Individualism is terrible in that we think we're only responsible for our own survival. And then there are all the distractions. There's something people are hungry for, and right now, in the US, it's "satisfied" by shopping or getting thin, or whatever. Relationships, creativity, those matter."

What are the most important aspects of a genuinely secure society or world?
Everyone having access to the necessities of life; being able to develop our full human potential, using our creativity, imagination. We're hindered so much in the current system that I don't think we know what full human potential is. More than basic human security it's really about thriving.
Read more: http://genuinesecurity.org/insightmarch2008.htm

Calendar of Events Mar '08
Compiled by Aileen Suzara
Get involved, connect and build awareness with events and actions held through the WGS network and other organizations. Upcoming event highlights are UC Berkeley's annual Empowering Women of Color Conference, PANA's API Sacred Sites Pilgrimage to the Sacramento River Delta, and more.
http://genuinesecurity.org/calendarmarch2008.htm