Welcome to the Summer 2003 newsletter. Most of this newsletter is about war and peace. We look on horrified as our leaders slide towards a war that will kill the innocent and create more hatred and fear. The economic and social systems that dominate this world are unjust and seem to foster the disastrous decision paths that lead to war and environmental destruction. What can we do except keep plugging away trying to change things in small ways, speaking out, and working to keep ourselves fair and peaceful? Thanks to all the people who helped with the newsletter – Simon, Dave, Jim. Karin, Mark, Gary and Chris. The next one will be in late autumn. Leave your stories and artwork in the pigeonhole at the Centre by the end of April.


CENTRE NEWS

Gift Shop - Op Shop: Thanks to everyone who did their Christmas shopping at the CEC - it certainly helped us over the traditionally quiet January/February period. There are some Wilderness Diaries and Calendars left - to be sold at reduced prices.

Volunteers: With Uni and TAFE starting soon, we have a few vacancies on the volunteer roster. Anyone out there who'd like to spend a 4 hour shift at the lovely Emporium?

Household Cleaners: The Emporium Bulk Food Shop now stocks environmentally friendly cleaners such as "Citron" and "Zest" (as recently profiled on ABC Radio)

GVEHO (Grant to Voluntary Environmental and Heritage Organisations): Hurrah! We've just been advised that we will again get $ 2,400 to help with administrative cost.

Annual Subscriptions: Membership fees fall due at the August AGM, but to date only about 50% of members have paid up. Payments can be made in person or by mail. And remember, donations over $ 2.00 to the CEC Gift Fund are tax deductible.

-Karin


CODE PINK: WOMEN’S PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE FOR PEACE

Code Pink is a coalition of United States womens’ organisations. The name is a play on the Government’s Code Red terrorist alert. Hospitals use Code Pink to alert staff that a baby may have been abducted. This highlights the likely danger to innocent victims in war. The phrase also signifies protection of civil liberties, the promotion of peace and the celebration of life. Protesters wear fuschia to give their actions a visual impact. Here is an excerpt from the Code Pink Statement:

"We love our country, but we will never wrap ourselves in red, white and blue. Instead we announce a Code Pink alert signifying extreme danger to all the values of nurturing, caring and compassion that women and loving men have held. We chose pink; the colour of the dawn of a new era when co-operation and negotiation prevail over force. We call on all women to join us in taking a stand now. And we call on our brothers to join with us and support us. Stand in the streets and marketplaces of your towns with banners and signs of dissent. Talk to your neighbours. Withdraw consent from the warmongers. Engage in outrageous acts of dissent. We encourage actions from public education and free speech to non-violent civil disobedience that can disrupt the movement towards war."