Season for Nonviolence/ DoP Cosponsor Action

During the Season for Nonviolence we will focus on peacebuilding by seeking additional cosponsors of the Department of Peacebuilding Act (HR 808), which was introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) on February 25, 2013.

The Season for Nonviolence is the 64-day period from January 30th to April 4^th memorializing the dates Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., were assassinated by focusing on their legacy of nonviolence.  During the Season, the United Nations, citizen groups and churches in more than 900 cities, all 50 states and 67 countries host programs designed to increase the understanding and use of nonviolent principles to heal, transform, and empower our lives and communities.  This is a time to reflect on nonviolence and to act on peacebuilding.

We need your help. Together, we will contact all former cosponsors of HR 808 and a specific list of some additional potential cosponsors.  This also coincides with Congresswoman Lee’s 01/14 invitation to member of Congress to cosponsor.  (See DoP ‘Dear Colleague’ letter.)

The goal is to make sure the members of Congress:  1) know about HR 808 and that it was introduced on 02/25/13; 2) if that individual cosponsored Department of Peace legislation in the past, encourage him/ her to cosponsor again; 3) if that individual has not cosponsored in the past, encourage them to do that now; 4) encourage that individual to cosponsor the Youth PROMISE Act (HR 1318); 5) thank them if they already cosponsor either or both bills.

If you are interested in being a part of the SNV DoP Cosponsor team, please send your name, your e-mail address, your phone number and the name of your Congress member to Nancy at [email protected] and she will be in touch.

We’ll send you a list of Congress members to contact and we’ll provide additional information and tips on where to start and what to say.  It will likely take several contacts with each member of Congress, including e-mails, letters and phone calls. Be polite and be sure to thank the MOC and staff members for their work on behalf of peace.  Persistence is key.

During this Season of Nonviolence, let’s build peace together.

Here is a Sample DoP letter you can send to your own Member of Congress.