Action And Worth Reading On… Violence

Peace Pledge Union
Dick Sheppard House
6 Endsleigh Street
London WC1H 0DX
Tel: 01-387 5501

AIMS

To create a clearer and deeper understanding of the forces within our societies which make the killing of children,women and men acceptable. To help translate such awareness into practical action for social change. To show that individuals have the ‘power’ to change the world around them.

METHODS

Through local, national and international campaigning we aim to bring certain issues to the attention of a wider audience and invite people to participate with us in our work; particularly we encourage people to develop local campaigning and educational programs.

We produce a wide range of material for campaigning and educational work - material which ranges from leaflets, through pamphlets, magazines, wallcharts, study packs to exhibitions.

A part of our campaigning work finds focus in the CAMPAIGN AGAINST MILITARISM which provides the widest opportunity for people's involvement and brings our work into close contact with the wider public.

The PEACE EDUCATION PROJECT, the PPU’s educational wing, is concerned primarily with work with teachers and pupils within the formal educational system.

SUCCESSES

For 50 years the PPU has maintained a steady witness for radical and often unpopular pacifist views. During these fifty years the PPU has started or helped to start a variety of projects, many of which now continue independently.

FAILURES

Since the PPU’s founding over 80 million people have died through wars. For a movement dedicated to the elimination of war this is an uncomfortable fact. Our work, we realise, is long-term but there is an urgency about it.

FUTURE PLANS

This year, in addition to our normal work we are organising a tour of Britain arranging meetings, workshops and exhibitions; we are holding a major exhibition in central London; we are promoting co-operative games to introduce the idea of cooperation to the young and those who work with them; we will, if we can find the money, launch a major project on Northern Ireland.

HELP NEEDED

Peoples’ active support. Join us now!

Guatemala Working Group
1 AmweII Street
London ECi
Tel: 01-278 2829

AIMS

To promote interest and understanding of Guatemala in Britain and to encourage links between the two countries.

To support the struggle against poverty and repression in Guatemala.

METHODS

The group produces a quarterly ‘Guatemala Update’ which aims to give an analytical approach to events taking place in Guatemala. A monthly briefing sheet is also available.

Fund raising by voluntary donation and sale of books, posters etc.

Organising public meetings.

Acting as hosts for delegations from Guatemala.

SUCCESSES

The publication of a booklet entitled ‘Guatemala - the Eternal Struggle’, an introduction to the situation in Guatemala. It is about the long struggle of the Guatemalan people against the system of injustice and oppression in which they exist

In November 1982 the group coordinated a visit of a Guatemalan Justice and Peace Committee delegation. Public meetings were organised, with two Guatemalan catechists (unordained religious workers) giving eyewitness reports of the atrocities committed against the Indian people of Guatemala.

The organising of a series of seminars to provide information about the background and current situation in Guatemala.

FAILURES

We are a small group with limited funds and are therefore unable to inform as many people in Britain as we would like of the plight of the people of Guatemala.

We are unable to send representatives to as many meetings and discussions as we would like.

FUTURE PLANS

To continue to publicise the situation in Guatemala as best we can and expand the activities of the group to reach a wider audience.

HELP NEEDED

We need help in the production of our ‘Updates’ and other publications.

New members and subscribers are also needed, and people with printing/designing skills/equipment We also need help with the coordination of the group’s activities - people in the London area with plenty of time to put in on a voluntary basis would be a great help.

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
1 Rue de Varembe
1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
British Section:
17 Victoria Park Square,
London E2
Tel: 01-980 1030

AIMS

To bring together women united in their

determination to study, make known and help to abolish the political, social and economic causes of war and to work for total disarmament, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the strengthening of the United Nations.

METHODS

Founded in 1915 by women from both sides of the conflict, the WILPF has spread to every continent. An International Congress is held every third year, hosted by National Sections in rotation. The WILPF publishes an international quarterly in English, Pax et Libertas, in addition to each Section’s Peace & Freedom; produces material on disarmament and related subjects and writes reasoned letters on a wide range of topics to the Government, individual politicians and the press.

SUCCESSES

Pioneered the recognition of peace as an area in which women play a vital role. Two International WILPF Presidents were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Has helped to make peace a talking point and an election issue everywhere it has sections. Has been given Consultative Status with the United Nations agencies. Recently initiated the STAR (Stop the Arms Race) Campaign, focussed on preventing the deployment of new missiles in Europe and urging serious negotiations by NATO and Warsaw Pact powers to reduce the present level of armaments.

FAILURES

We have failed to convince as many women as we would have liked that they can make a positive contribution in the solving of conflicts.

FUTURE PLANS

Continuation of the STAR Campaign, with another event planned for International Women’s day in 1985.

HELP NEEDED

More members to carry on our work. More publicity for our work.