This Monthly Update is particularly important because it contains the Draft Proclamation of Principles for Reconciliation about to be unveiled and disseminated across the Mideast, as part of PeaceWorks Network's efforts to amplify the voice of the people against terror and towards concrete and constructive engagement. We will seek to gather a minimum of 10,000 signatures from Palestinians and Israelis as part of this first stage. Learn more at http://www.silentnolonger.com.
PeaceWorks Network's Steering Committee has approved the attached draft. Kindly peruse it and email me any comments you have by August 16th. We aim to disseminate the Proclamation soon thereafter.
Below is an Update on the Initiative:
* The Initiative was received very warmly in Washington DC, where Steering Committee members briefed members of the US Administration, Dignitaries, think tank leaders, USAID, scholars, and NGOs in the field. Reactions ranged from warm receptivity to exceptional enthusiasm towards this undertaking. Two Private Briefings were also held. THANKS to MJ Bear for organizing this trip, to Steering Committee Chair Mohammad Darawshe for his leadership in the effort, and to Toby Dershowitz and Kay Klass for hosting two talks.
* PwN is in the process of forming an Honorary Board of Advisors composed of foremost dignitaries, a Board of Trustees that includes global business leaders and distinguished civil executives, and a Council of Experts comprising the most highly respected scholars in the field.
* Mideast Meetings: The Steering Committee will be holding meetings with social, business, religious and political leaders, as well as with members of the media, in the Middle East from August 17-31; we aim to also unveil the proclamation during this period.
* Funding is desperately needed; every dollar we raise will help us reach more people and strengthen this movement; please make a donation on our website, encourage your friends to support this initiative, and consider hosting or helping with a Private Briefing to raise funds.
* Private Briefings Coming Up:
- Los Angeles: Sep. 11th
- Bay Area: Sep. 12th
- Mexico City: October
- NYC and Surroundings: Ongoing Briefings.
* Media Update: Bloomberg News and Fox TV aired stories on PwN; Jerusalem Report, Al Jazeera and several others interviewed PwN members and are working on a story.
* REMEMBER TO REVIEW THE DRAFT PROCLAMATION ATTACHED, AND REMEMBER TO ASSERTIVELY FORWARD the FINAL PROCLAMATION once you receive it.
