Anti-War Committee
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Anti-War Committee (AWC) is an organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The AWC organizes many protests, educational events and other related activities. They are leading the movement to protest against the Iraq war at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota in September 2008.
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[edit] Organizational History
The Anti-War Committee began in December 1998, with 13 people who committed civil disobedience to protest the bombing of Iraq. The Anti-War Committee grew out of the Twin Cities chapter of the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES), which had been active since the early 1980s. The Anti-War Committee has organized and been involved with most of the large anti-war protests in the Twin Cities since its founding in 1998.
[edit] Mission and Focus
The mission of the Anti-War Committee is to organize a broad-based peace and social justice movement which stands in solidarity with those communities, here and abroad, who are adversely affected by U.S. foreign policies. The organization's values are manifest in its core principles of self-determination for oppressed peoples and countries, and peace through justice.
The AWC works on many issues, with a focus on US foreign policy. Its members believe that the U.S. government has no right to intervene, militarily, economically or politically, in the affairs of independent nations. As of 2006, the organization's main focus is opposing the war in Iraq.
The Anti-War Committee calls for immediate withdrawal of all coalition troops from Iraq, and has collaborated with other groups to organize many protests and other activities toward that goal. They are also opposed to U.S. military aid to Israel and to Colombia.
The Anti-War Committee was the first organization to apply for permits and announce plans to protest at the 2008 Republican National Convention, which will be held in St. Paul, Minnesota. [1]
[edit] Coalitions and Other Issues
The Anti-War Committee participates in the Iraq Peace Action Coalition (IPAC), the Coalition for Palestinian Rights (CPR) the Colombia Action Network (CAN), and is affiliated with the University of Minnesota Anti-War Organizing League (AWOL). The AWC also concerns itself with other issues, such as with the Welfare Rights Committee; supporting striking unions, such as during the Northwest Airlines Mechanics strike in 2005-2006; and participating in the Day Without Immigrants protest in 2006.
[edit] Media Coverage
- Anti-war protesters already planning for GOP convention KARE11.com (retrieved November 28, 2006)
- One year later, peace activists not giving up Minnesota Public Radio, dated March 19, 2004 (retrieved November 28, 2006)
- 25 protesters plead not guilty Minnesota Daily, dated April 4, 2003 (retrieved November 28, 2006)
- Anti-war protesters ramp up opposition Minnesota Public Radio, dated March 20, 2003 (retrieved November 28, 2006)
- Antiwar groups blast Bush and outline protests starting today (Star Tribune, March 19, 2003 - retrieved November 28, 2006)
