Dear Fellow Leaguer:
Early in 2010 Leagues will participate in National Program Planning. Some are recommending a study of a Department of Peace.
"The LWV Columbia/Boone County (MO) proposes the adoption of a national study by the LWVUS at the National Convention in 2010 on the establishment of a cabinet level Department of Peace."
Rationale: "This study would support and expand LWVUS positions on: Violence Prevention in the U.S.; International Relations; US Relations with Developing Countries; the United Nations; and Arms Control. By doing this at the Cabinet level the approach of peace and nonviolence would be included in the consideration of all problems from the outset.
Responsibilities: The Department of Peace will develop and manage programs which A) reduce the levels of violence in the U.S., and B) increase the chance of peaceful resolutions of conflicts internationally.
A current bill in congress addressing this issue is HR 808. As with most major programs it is likely to take several years and many modifications before a bill is passed.
If you have any interest, email us and we will put you in touch with the coordinators from the LWV C/BC (MO) Peace Committee.
