NEXT PLANNING MEETING:  Monday, February 13, 2012, 7pm at Peace House, 10916 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland (University Circle)  - email us for details

CALL TO ACTION

Save Our Communities

Books Not Bombs, Jobs Not Jails, Families Not Foreclosures

Join Us April 14 & 17, 2012
Fair Taxation! Bring War $$$ Home! Real Security! 

Things are getting worse and worse for most Americans.  Over the last decade, middle class household income has declined by 7%.  The poverty rate is at a 17-year high.  The economy is stagnant, good jobs are scarce, roads are falling apart, and safety net programs for poor people are thinner than ever. Labor rights are under attack.

Meanwhile, corporations and the wealthy are not paying their fare share of taxes and the Pentagon has escaped serious budget cuts.  Thanks to budget deficits, wars, and record low taxes for corporations and the rich, most local communities are in crisis.  We can no longer afford the status quo.

The U.S. fights and occupies abroad when we should be fighting for real “homeland security” – thriving local communities.  About 50% of the discretionary Federal budget supports the most powerful military in history. The U.S. accounts for nearly half the world’s total military spending. State and local budgets favor policing and incarceration while schools are underfunded. Young adults face steep college tuition and fewer career choices that don’t begin with military service. Basic social services are rationed, while military spending is maintained.  This kind of government spending is killing us.  It’s time to get our priorities straight. 

CALL TO ACTION:  Be part of the process to Save Our Communities.  Join us on April 14, 2012 for the Second Annual Save Our Communities Forum. Then on Tax Day, April 17, 2012, join us in Cleveland’s Public Square to Save Our Communities - Make Taxation Fair! Bring the War $$$ Home! Invest In Real Security! We need your participation to plan Save Our Communities.  Join with a diverse group of activists working to make life better in our home communities. 

Save Our Communities Survey Results (22 responses on Survey Monkey) - download

Report on 2011 Save Our Communities Events

April 15 Parade and Rally on Public Square - see video

The April 16 Community Forum was attended by over 150 activists, for an inspiring, stimulating and productive day - view photos

Below is a summary of the decisions and actions agreed to at the concluding conference plenary.

We hope you will not only participate in one or more of the planned actions and activities but contribute your ideas and time in helping organize them! Contact information for each action and activity is listed below. Please call or email ASAP to become more involved.

Agreed-to Decisions and Actions
(From April 16, 2011 Forum Plenary)

1. Support “Move the Money” New Priorities campaign for city council resolutions on stopping war spending and lowering military spending by 25%
These resolutions will:
1. Target local municipalities
2. Build the movement
3. Activate the base
4. Develop allies
5. Spur community debate
6. Be part of a national New Priorities Resolution campaign
Contacts: Nina McLellan, ninamac15@sbcglobal.net
Francis Chiappa, chiapski@aol.com

2. Support local united antiwar action in September or October (on 10th anniversary of Afghanistan war)
Contacts: Jerry Gordon, JANDB99@aol.com and Sarah Sommers, sarah@irtfcleveland.org

3. Support for a community shutdown in Cleveland in support for ending wars/occupations and for shifting budget priorities in Fall, 2011
Contacts: Sarah Sommers, sarah@irtfcleveland.org and Maria Smith, caixa@prodigy.net

4. Include US aid to Israel in agendas/calls of all antiwar/peace actions

5. Oppose cuts to Ohio budget and support increased revenues by people paying fair share of taxes and closing tax loopholes. Contact your state legislators. It’s especially important for people who have personal stories on how state programs help them to contact their legislators.
Contact: Larry Bressler, lbresler@economichumanrights.org

6. Support the elimination of speed lights/red lights in Cleveland, E. Cleveland and S. Euclid.
Contact: Art McCoy, artmckoy@blackonblackcrimeinc.org

7. Support the April 25 March for justice for Rebecca Whitby, 4:45 PM, 5 Points McDonald’s, St. Claire and E. 152nd St., Cleveland. More information: http://thealhambraincident.ning.com/
Contact: Sharon Dannon, campbelvoir@juno.com

8. Incorporate the arts into every political event possible. Local musicians, poets, dancers and other artists are available.
Contacts: Ezekiel Masierra, masierra@rocketmail.com and Al Porter, (216) 704-5036