Our wonderful former Intern and new volunteer leader, Claire Mills, wrote the email below to share with friends and family. We were so impressed, we asked to share it on our site.
We love the URL she created (tinyurl.com/whiteallyemail), the framing, the important links... all of it.
Much needed and presented with a powerful mix of humility, a clear commitment to justice, and meeting people where they are by welcoming them into a journey of self discovery.
We hope it will get widely read by those who need it most.
By Claire Mills
EMAIL TEMPLATE:
Hi all,
As a white person who grew up mostly surrounded by other white people, and goes to college at a predominately white institution, I have been free to ignore my privilege for most of my life. Moments such as these, where an innocent black person is killed and the nation erupts in protest, are the few moments where I cannot ignore my race. Instead, I must confront my privilege and ask myself: what can I do?
Whether these protests have encouraged you to ask the same question or started other conversations about protesting, violence, or race, I hope you will take this email as a chance to consider your own privilege.
This email includes information and resources to help us all do that. Here you can find an overview of the current situation, educational resources, links to organizations to support through donations, and advice for taking action. Thank you to all who have assisted me in this project and spread this email far and wide. Please send these resources on to as many people as you can.
1: Understand the Current Protests
The most recent outbreak of protests is due to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. If you have yet to see the video of his death, I urge you to watch it. As white people, we must stand witness to the atrocities our black neighbors face every day in this country. Read more about the situation here.
In response to this horrible event, protests broke out first in Minneapolis, and then across the United States. Many of these protests have been peaceful, organized by black leaders in their cities. Here are examples:
Photos of protests in Minneapolis, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Denver.
DC Protesters yelling “Stop Killing Black People.”
Protesters in Denver laying down and chanting “I Can’t Breathe.”
Genesee County Sheriff (Flint, MI) joining the protests in solidarity.
Peaceful protests in Santa Monica, CA.
An “I Can’t Breathe” lie-in in Westmoreland County, PA.
“I Can’t Breathe” Chants in Boston.
There have also been many instances of violence. But we should all be careful when discussing “riots” or violent protest. First, destruction of property should never be placed on the same level as the destruction of human life. Buildings and windows and signs can be replaced, human life cannot be. We must always keep perspective on what is truly important. Please watch this video where a protester in Minnesota beautifully speaks about recent looting and the protesters’ mission. That said, much of the violence in these recent protests have NOT been instigated by the protesters themselves. Rather, police have escalated the situation unnecessarily. In this video you can see instances of police escalation, which has been happening all over this country since the outbreak of the protests. You can see more examples from all across the country in this thread on Twitter. Further, white individuals have often instigated violence, despite black people urging them not to. Watch this video, from US Representative Ilhan Omar on destruction and looting in Minneapolis. She says “our organizers don’t put black lives at risk. Those who are exploiting our grief do.”
You can read live updates by the New York Times, CNN, the Washington Post, and NBC News. I also encourage you to look at your local news sources to find out what is happening in your city.
2: Educate Yourself
It is not the job of black people, or any person of color, to educate white people on racism. Racism is OUR problem. We create it, maintain it, benefit from it, and must work to end it. And in order to do this, we must educate OURSELVES, not ask people of color to do so.
This is a long list of educational resources that you can use to do just that! It doesn’t nearly cover everything out there. but don’t let the plethora of resources overwhelm you; let it inspire you! Pick what suits your needs and go from there.
Books to Read
- Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Davis (2016)
- How to Be Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi (2019)
- White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson (2016)
- Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge (2017)
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo (2018)
- White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo (2018)
- Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving (2014)
- Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi (2016)
- Towards the Other America: Anti-Racist Resources for White People Taking Action for Black Lives Matter by Chris Crass (2015)
- The Possessive Investment in Whiteness: How White People Profit from Identity Politics by George Lipsitz (1998; updated 2006)
- When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira Katznelson (2005)
- Women, Race, and Class by Angela Davis (1981; updated 2011)
Documentaries to Watch
- 13th (Netflix)
- Slavery By Another Name, PBS Documentary
- Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement (Youtube)
- Ferguson: A Report from Occupied Territory (Youtube)
- I Am Not Your Negro, PBS Documentary (Youtube and Rent)
Movies and Shows Based on Real Events to Watch
- Just Mercy (YouTube, Amazon)
- When They See Us (Netflix)
- Dear White People (Netflix)
- The Hate U Give (Hulu)
Podcasts to Listen To
- 1619 (New York Times)
- About Race
- Code Switch (NPR)
- Intersectionality Matters! hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw
- Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast
- Pod For The Cause (from The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights)
- Pod Save the People (Crooked Media)
- Seeing White
Articles and Other Resources to Explore
- “America’s Racial Contract Is Killing Us” by Adam Serwer | Atlantic (May 8, 2020)
- “The Intersectionality Wars” by Jane Coaston | Vox (May 28, 2019)
- “Who Gets to Be Afraid in America?” by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi | Atlantic (May 12, 2020)
- ”White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Knapsack Peggy McIntosh
- 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
- A Guide to Allyship
- Anti-Racism Project
- Jenna Arnold’s resources (books and people to follow)
- Rachel Ricketts’ anti-racism resources
- Resources for White People to Learn and Talk About Race and Racism
- “Why is this happening?” — an introduction to police brutality from 100 Year Hoodie
- Zinn Education Project’s teaching materials
- Malcolm X - The Ballot or the Bullet (1964)
- America Wasn’t a Democracy Until Black Americans Made it One - Nikole Hannah-Jones
- Don’t Criticize Black Lives Matter for Provoking Violence. The Civil Rights Movement Did Too
- The 1619 Project - Full Version (NY Times)
3: Donate
We’ve all heard the phrase: put your money where your mouth is! There are so many organizations fighting for racial justice and your donations help increase their impact tremendously.
The Official George Floyd Memorial Fund was started to aid the family of George in paying funeral and burial expenses. It has since raised large amounts of money they plan to put to good use in honoring his memory.
Black Visions Collective and Reclaim the Block promote community building and the lessening of police presence in neighborhoods with predominantly people of color.
The Bail Project, The NAACP Legal Defense Fund and your local bail/bond fund assist protesters by paying bail, helping them gain legal representation, and otherwise supporting activists in the legal system.
Finally, there are many organizations who work to support and empower activists across the country to organize their community to reform the systems which perpetuate inequality. Donate to places such as Black Lives Matter, the Dream Defenders, Dignity and Power Now, Common Justice, the Equal Justice Initiative, and the Know Your Rights Camp to support this broader mission.
4: Take Direct Action
- Critically Self-Reflect
Consider how you have contributed to the system of racism in America, even unintentionally. Reflect on how you engage with people of color and discussions of race or racism. Also, think about how you have benefited from racism, simply by being a white person.
As an example of how to begin this self analysis: Black Americans have been killed while going for a run (Ahmaud Arbery), playing with a toy gun (Tamir Rice), receiving a routine traffic ticket (Sandra Bland), and walking home with a hoodie on (Trayvon Martin). Black parents have to warn their children of how to avoid such situations from a very young age.
White privilege is being able to engage in these everyday behaviors without ever worrying about being shot. White privilege is being pulled over by police and not thinking it may lead to your death. White privilege is never having to have these difficult conversations with your children for their protection. Critical self-reflection comes with acknowledging the privilege of every situation you have been in and are in where your race does not put you in harm’s way, and what causes those situations to be so dangerous for those without such privilege.
- Engage in Hard Conversations
As white people, we have a responsibility to confront our own role in upholding racism in America, and ask other white people to do the same. Please begin these conversations with other white people in your life, particularly those who you think may disagree with you. Especially once you have educated yourself with some of the above resources, you will be well equipped to have these conversations, even if they aren’t easy. And they may not be successful. It is difficult for some white people to address their role in the system. But that is not an excuse to ignore racism from your friends and family. Start non-confrontational, open ended discussions where you seek to understand others perspectives in order to educate and expand their world view. And remember, none of us are perfect. Recognize how you have also contributed to the things you now speak against, and retain humility during these discussions.
-
Sign Petitions
- Color of Change to charge officers involved in the murder of George Floyd
- Justice for Big Floyd to charge officers involved
- Change.org to raise the degree of murder charged against Derek Chauvin
- NAACP’s “We Are Done Dying” petition for justice for George Floyd
- Protect and Serve Petition proposing a bill requiring a minimum 3 year sentence for officers who kill an unarmed person of color, as well as additional charges for police killing POC on their own property, due to mistaken identity, while POC are restrained or handcuffed, or due to officer breach of training protocol.
- Justice for Breona Taylor to call for action to be taken in another recent instance of police violence
- Color of Change to make systemic changes to policing in order to hold officers accountable and invest in tools which actually make communities of color safer, such as mental health services, education, and housing
- Hands Up Act to create a 15-year minimum sentence requirement for officers convicted of killing an unarmed individual
- Attend Protests
Of course, there are many protests happening right now. But even if you don’t join these, there will be more in the future. Take the time out of your normal life to show up in solidarity. Be aware that you are a white person entering a protest likely organized by black people, so understand your place. Follow others' lead. Do NOT engage in violence or agitate law enforcement. Often what can be most useful to protests is for allies to provide resources such as food, medical supplies, and physical support. White people are often used as a barrier between black citizens and the police, as the police are far less likely to engage in physical violence with white people.
- Speak to Your Elected Officials
Call your elected officials. Whether national, state, or local, they are paid to represent you. Engage them on these issues and demand they make progress. Often you can have the most impact on a local level. Find out your local community’s practices for racial bias and de-escalation trainings for police officers and demand progress be made if necessary. Take the time to talk to your town’s mayor, a county official, or even a police chief.
- Step in When Racism Happens
When your family member or friend makes an offhand racist comment/joke, don’t just let it slide. Speak up and stand up for what you know to be right. This also goes for bosses, coworkers, professors, instructors, ministers, and anyone in an authority position. They should not use their power to perpetuate racism, and you have the right to step in.
If you do see an incident happening between a police officer and a black person, be a witness. Whether through recording the instance from a distance or making your presence known to the officer you have the opportunity to increase accountability. If done correctly, this can de-escalate situations and quite literally save lives.
- Spread the Word
If you use social media, be vocal about your support for this movement. People are most likely to be influenced to change their perspective by those that they know and love. Your post can have a big impact. A few things to remember when you post:
- Monitor your post for comments. Try to engage with others, even if they disagree with you, but feel free to remove hate speech.
- Do not post pictures of protesters where their face is visible. This puts them at risk by making it easy for them to be targeted.
- Do not spread videos of black people being killed on social media without warnings. Place other photos to cover them in your Facebook posts, for example, so people have to intentionally click to view the video. Watching this type of content over and over again can be traumatic for black individuals.
- Instead of only posting your own thoughts/opinions, uplift black voices in your posts. Center their words and experiences when possible.
- Ask yourself: Who is this helping? Am I only posting to feel less guilt? Am I only doing this to appear as though I am not racist?
I hope this email has helped you to find concrete steps you can take right now. Please make one of those steps passing along this email to others, even if you think they might not agree with its contents immediately. If you do so, consider adding your own personal note to encourage others to follow your lead. This is about far more than an email chain: this is about white people taking ownership of our role in the systems that uphold racism, educating ourselves on how to move forward, and then taking those steps.
Personally, in addition to a renewed commitment to live anti racist practices every day, I am committing to a monthly schedule of donations to organizations listed in this email. I will also be spending my summer working through the educational resources provided here. Please join me!
Best,
(Your Name)
Thanks to bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES, https://www.charisbooksandmore.com/understanding-and-dismantling-racism-booklist-white-readers, and tinyurl.com/blmforever for some of the resources in this document. If you want to find more resources, check them out, as well as these resource pages:
- https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/10dJi_nwNcWcO0tyYSsJbzTa6hsdvrk_b9sJKPX5o7R8/mobilebasic
- https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/
Latest posts
(Please see this page for background information, resources, and action steps on Palestine / Israel)
NVI fiscally sponsors groups that work to help Gazans. Please support them.
If you want to hear news and views directly from Gaza, please check the website and social media sites of We Are Not Numbers.
US Boats to Gaza is a member of the global Freedom Flotilla Coalition. They seek to bring humanitarian aid by sea to Gaza and break the siege. Learn more about their important work below.
Here are some photos from the big recent Washington, DC event for Palestinian humanity that was part of much larger global effort.
Don't miss this important event!
In this time of enormous unnecessary suffering, it is vitally important that people of good will everywhere raise up the humanity of Palestinian people.
NVI is grateful to the co-founder of our wonderful fiscally sponsored partner, We Are Not Numbers, Ahmed Alnaouq, who brought this short moving video clip to our attention.
Don’t miss US Representative Rashida Tlaib saying the name and last words of WANN writer, Yousef Dawas.
Then take a moment to watch her powerful video here.
We Are Not Numbers is featured in this moving piece in "In These Times."
“I yearn for our voices to echo across the globe with the truth, reaching out to those who seek it.”
SHERELL BARBEE FEBRUARY 7, 2024
https://inthesetimes.com/article/letters-from-gaza-genocide-palestine-culture-
We are thrilled that Ahmed's powerful voice was included in the Washington Post.
Here is his excerpt and a link (behind a paywall) to the full article, which includes other perspectives - several not rooted in personal experience or basic human compassion for the suffering of others. When militarists are welcomed into the mainstream press, the media doesn't feel a need to provide "balance." But, for some reason, the few times that Palestinian voices are heard, they present another perspective that often negates Palestinian humanity.
The slaughter must end
Ahmed Alnaouq: Last week, Israel bombed my family home in Gaza, killing my father, as well as two brothers, three sisters and all of their children, in an instant. One friend described their bodies as “bags of meat” — an arm here, a leg there.
I write to you in mourning. Even now, we Palestinians are not granted the luxury to grieve. Instead, we are burdened with the responsibility to talk, to communicate the extent of our suffering and the injustice wielded against us.
So, first, I must say this: We demand an immediate cease-fire. We demand a lifting of the Israeli siege of Gaza and the restoration of electricity, fuel, water and food. And we demand unimpeded humanitarian access in line with international law.
Today, the word “genocide” is being widely used. I can’t think of another word that captures the magnitude of what Israel, a nuclear-armed military power, continues to unleash on a captive population of children and refugees. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the quiet part out loud: “Gaza won’t return to what it was before,” he said. “We will eliminate everything.”
But we Palestinians already knew what Gallant had in mind. Corralled in Gaza for the past 17 years, burdened with mass unemployment and poverty — even before white phosphorus filled the skies, or before we lay crushed beneath the rubble — we could not breathe. We were held captive like prisoners who had never committed a crime or shot down when we attempted to peacefully protest our incarceration.
Our 1 million children have never traveled outside Israel’s militarized cage and know nothing but the buzz of drones in the sky tracking their every move.
In the past week, I have lost everything. But I do not seek revenge. There is no “military solution” here, only a collective responsibility to finally grant Palestinians what they have demanded for decades, what they are owed: justice, freedom and their very basic rights as human beings.
Ahmed Alnaouq is the head of We Are Not Numbers, which pairs Palestinian writers with mentors overseas.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/02/gaza-ceasefire-civilian-military-humanitarian/
Click here to donate to support NVI's fiscally sponsored partner WANN.
Ahmed was also featured in this recent New York Times piece.
After the Israeli military killed his older brother in an airstrike in Gaza in 2014, Ahmed Alnaouq says, he almost lost his will to live. “I sank into a deep depression,” he told me in a recent phone call. But an American friend convinced him to write about his brother and channel his grief into something productive. Together, they founded We Are Not Numbers, a project that trains young writers in Gaza and publishes their personal essays in English.
The name is a nod to how numbing numbers can be. The higher the death toll, the less we are inclined to care, since the scale of human suffering can feel overwhelming. Statistics don’t trigger empathy and action. Personal stories do.
“This project changed my life because for the first time, I thought that some people can care about us,” Mr. Alnaouq said, describing the response it got outside Gaza.
We Are Not Numbers began as a way to memorialize the dead, but it quickly turned into a lifeline for the living. For young people in Gaza, stuck in a political system with few rights and a blockaded economy with few jobs, it provides a vital outlet for self-expression...
“After losing my family, I did not stop believing in what I believe in,” he told me. “I don’t want other people to feel what I am feeling. Not the Israelis, not the Palestinians.”
These very painful, honest, meaningful videos feature WANN's co-founder.
Trigger / harsh reality warning.
Mubarak Awad speaks on KKFI radio about Palestine
Moussa Elbayoumy, Yara Salamed, and NVI President Mubarak Awad discuss calls for a ceasefire in the current Israel-Hamas war. Moussa is an MD and chair of the board of the Kansas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Kansas). Yara is studying Law at UMKC and is President of Students for Justice in Palestine there. Mubarak is a Palestinian born in Jerusalem in 1943, influenced by Mennonite and Quaker missionaries. He received bachelors, masters and PhD degrees from universities in the US. He became a US citizen in 1978 and returned to Jerusalem in 1983 to found the Palestinian Centre for the Study of Nonviolence. He was expelled from Palestine in 1988 during the First Intifada for organizing nonviolent protests against mistreatment of Palestinians by Israeli military and settlers. Back in the US, he founded Nonviolence International. Moussa, Yara and Mubarak are calling for a ceasefire in the current Israel-Gaza war. KKFI.ORG
Sadly, this short NVI video clip from two years ago is still relevant.
Refaat Alareer, WANN's co-founder, killing featured in major media outlets.
In this episode of Mondoweiss’s podcast Culture Editor Mohammed El-Kurd
speaks with journalist and co-founder of We Are Not Numbers Ahmad Alnaouq.
Michael Beer quoted in LA Times article on effective activism.
Please see these articles:
Writing while expecting to die “Can you kindly publish the attached stories if I die?” This is what we have been hearing from the young writers we work with from Gaza in the We Are Not Numbers project.
7 steps to end the cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine:
The path to peace requires nonviolent action not just from Israelis and Palestinians, but also Americans, the media, aid organizations and others.
By NVI Founder, Mubarak Awad. We are pleased to announce this piece was selected as Waging Nonviolence's top story of the year! https://wagingnonviolence.org/2023/12/waging-nonviolence-top-stories-2023/
When will we learn that violence doesn’t lead to security?
To support Israelis and Palestinians is to insist on their right to equally live in peace and freedom — not help structures of state violence and cultures of militarization.
By NVI Board member, Mohammed Abu-Nimer
Solidarity with Palestinians and Jews Sign on Statement.
By Jonathan Kuttab, NVI co-founder. Cat Zavis, Jewish Civil/Women's Rights Lawyer, Mediator, and Rabbi: Beyt Tikkun. Michael Lerner, Rabbi and Editor of Tikkun magazine.
Esther Azar, Arab Jewish Trauma Activist, and Rabbi: Trauma Informed Rabbinics.
Recent attacks by Israel on Gaza and Hamas fighters on Israel are tragic and will not resolve bring peace and justice to all.
NVI believes that nonviolence is the only way to end the savagery, brutality and cycle of violence between Palestinians and Israelis.
NVI urges all parties to cease all military attacks and prevent further escalation of violence that will only harm innocent civilians on both sides.
Call for an immediate ceasefire and end to all violence, including an immediate halt to attacks towards Israel and Israeli military attacks on Gaza.
Urgent humanitarian action is needed, including the establishment of a humanitarian corridor inside and out of Gaza, for the safe movement of people and the delivery of essential supplies. This includes opening Erez and Kerem Shalom / Abu Salem crossings to allow for the movement of people and goods and remove the ban on access to the sea.
End violations of international law and impunity, including settlement expansions, forcible transfer, demolitions, settler violence, all part of ongoing and illegal de facto annexation of West Bank territory. Immediately lift all movement restrictions on Palestinian communities in the West Bank to allow the movements of goods and services.
Take action at the UN Security Council to reaffirm UN Security Council resolutions calling for a nonviolent resolution of disputes, the reversal of the annexation of Greater East Jerusalem and the preservation of the status quo at holy sites.
NVI supports nonviolent political resolution of the conflict by ending the systemic policies of oppression and discrimination of Palestinians, including the 16-year siege on Gaza and 56-year military occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including. East Jerusalem.
We hope you will find this helpful and will share it with others.
US Boats to Gaza is a fiscally sponsored partner of NVI and a member of the global Freedom Flotilla Coalition. They seek to bring humanitarian aid by sea to Gaza and break the siege. Learn more below.
In this video, Ann Wright, a leader of US Boats to Gaza, Veterans for Peace, and Code Pink interrupts the US Secretary of State to call for a Cease Fire Now. Timestamp 1:45
Check out this powerful video (from before the latest crisis), learn more about their important work, and please consider supporting this creative constructive nonviolent movement.
(Photo from The Day @thedayct - see full article here.)
The Coverage reports 5 individuals arrested and correctly notes this as a follow up to a similar action last November when 9 were arrested during a morning rush hour blockade of the plant, including Isaiah Project coordinator Paul Magno.
The Electric Boat engineering facility is working on design of the new Columbia class ballistic missile submarines to replace the current Ohio class ones. The Ohio class submarines carry 20 Trident II ballistic missiles per sub each deployed with 5 nuclear warheads. A single ballistic missile can travel 6000 miles to its Russian target and precipitate a like response, threatening the lives of millions around the globe and adding a new climate catastrophe, nuclear winter, to our current global climate threats.
The entire Trident weapon system is considered the most destructive weapon in human history and regarded as a patent violation of international treaty law to which the United States is a signatory. The Columbia successor will go into service by the end of the decade and lock humanity into that threat for the balance of the century.
Nonviolent resisters such as those arrested in Monday’s action are affiliated with a regional network in the US northeast, the Atlantic Life Community. Several of the historic Plowshares actions, including 2010’s Disarm Now Plowshares and 2018’s Kings Bay Plowshares disarmament actions have singled out Trident as an immoral and illegal first strike weapon system.
The Isaiah Project hosted the Kings Bay Plowshares support group for five years, sustaining the actors through their trial and subsequent prison sentences during the height of the covid pandemic. We have provided seed money to the No New Tridents grassroots resistance network which focuses on the advent of the Columbia class submarines at Electric Boat in New London & Groton CT and at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virgina, as well as Beyond Trident in southeast Georgia, site of Kings Bay Naval Base Atlantic port for Trident.
The call for continuing nonviolent resistance to such nuclear weapons is clear through such actions.
Besides anti-nuclear protests that are direct action (such as Plowshare actions), there are also social media & public protests that have value.
A new initiative is to try promote the policy of no first-use of a nuclear weapon. NVI Director Michael Beer, along with Alyn Ware of the Parliamentarians for Nuclear Disarmament, went to the 7 nuclear weapons embassies in Washington plus the White House to communicate our strong desire these state commit to a no first-use policy. Enclosed here is the letter we sent to the Embassies and the White House. Included here is a Declaration of Public Conscience: Nuclear Taboo-From Norm To Law with the no-first use pledge with prominent signatories.
Here is a previous social media protest by Isaiah Project during the Covid Crisis. Thanks to all who participated.
In this time of crisis, we celebrate the vision, commitment, and bold creative activism of our newest partner The Isaiah Project. This project supports Plowshares actions including the Kings Bay 7 who entered a naval base in Georgia two years ago.
Today, they remind us that our priorities are dangerously upside down. They rightly ask, "Why would we spend valuable resources towards building new bombs when we are completely unprepared to deal with the real threat to our security – pandemic disease?"
Enjoy the warm faces of these wonderful people and please take action with them to declare...
We need ventilators not bombs.
To take action in support of their vital work, please visit this page.
To donate, please visit this page on the NVI site.
NVI Director, Michael Beer, pled guilty to Unlawful Entry for his climate protest action in September of 2023. He faces a 4 month stay away sentence from the White House area. Here is his sentencing statement that he shared with the court.
Dear Judge, prosecutor and those who supported my climate protest.
I have pled guilty to unlawful entry for protesting the weak response from President Biden and his administration to the crisis of climate chaos. It was not my intention to get arrested. And spending about 28 hours in lock-up was not fun.
I chose not to pursue a jury trial. Although I believe my arrest was unwarranted and designed to stop a legitimate protest that was not causing any security or safety concerns to the public, I decided that my chances of persuading a Jury of my innocence was possible but not likely. I also came to the conclusion that given the strain that the current judicial system has in processing many more serious crimes, that it was almost self-indulgent for me to afford myself this opportunity. I am a fervent supporter of the jury system and I am grateful that in this country, these trials are available to people like me, even on misdemeanor charges.
My purpose in protesting, with other citizens, was to call on President Biden to declare a climate emergency. Although a declaration has risks, we need to face the crisis of carbon pollution with urgent action including building a massive electric grid here and around the world, stopping fossil fuel exports, and producing renewable energy for the globe. We are by far the world’s biggest historical polluter, and we have much to do in the form of global reparations. We of course need strong congressional action and I look forward to encouraging support for a Green New Deal..
Many of us live an extravagant lifestyle made possible by fossil fuels, and our next generations are likely to experience the damaging results. This very building is near the flood plain and could face serious flooding. But beyond the infrastructure, it is the tremendous famines, floods, heat waves, and severe weather that will cause havoc particularly among the less privileged and fortunate.
I try to limit my carbon footprint, by bicycling most places, eating a mostly vegetarian diet, and refraining from flying often. Yet I know I can do better to limit the damage that my life is having on this earth.
My life’s work as Director of Nonviolence International is to support nonviolent social mobilization and action around the world to engage mass engagement to the existential threats of our lifetimes such as nuclear war and climate chaos,. While keeping our eyes on the existential threats we need to support social justice and support human rights around the world. We need to build greater support for the rule of law as a foundation of civilization and deeper reverence for it is needed particularly for international law and governance which is vital for human survival.
Future generations will ask, what did you do to stop this profligate burning of fossil fuels? I ask all of you here to regularly ask yourselves this question?
I thank you for listening to my words and I thank you for your service to our communities. I ask that you not impose further punishment, penalties or consequences other than the stay away order to which we have agreed.
NVI Director, Michael Beer, spent the night of September 7th in the notorious DC Central Cellblock. He was arrested at the White House as part of an effort to use nonviolent direct action to urge US President Biden to declare a climate emergency. He was arrested with Kai Newkirk and Justin Blake.
Michael Beer, speaking to the crowd in front of the white house inviting them to speak up and demand a climate emergency declaration.
Protests Continue for a Climate Emergency Declaration
September 12th, inspired by our action, new activists from around the country again put a climate emergency sign on the fence and were arrested.
September 13th, another set of activists protested at the White House Fence!
September 14th, yet another wave of activists protested at the White House.
September 19th, more citizens put the sign up on the fence and were arrested again.
September 20th, four more citizens arrested including Dr. Paul Dietz, Rev. Redeem Robinson both of whom were kept overnight at the appalling DC Central Cell Block.
Here is a LINK to video of their protest!
September 22nd, more protests led by Native Americans at White House Fence
September 23rd Media Release LINK
September 28th, Kai Newkirk interrupted President Joe Biden's speech in Arizona.
Various outlets covered Kai's disruption:
Democracy Now: Activist Disrupts Biden Speech, Urges Him to Declare Climate Emergency
MarketWatch: Biden interrupted by climate activist during speech, promises to meet
The Hill: Biden heckled by climate activist in Arizona during speech honoring McCain
The Independent: Biden faces down climate activist hecklers during Arizona speech
October 1st, Mehdi Hasan covered Kai's disruption and put it into conversation with the narrative in climate scientist, Michael Mann's recent book.
The climate crisis is obvious and not some far off future we must fear, but instead a current reality we must face. This effort at the White House is led by our fiscally sponsored partner For All. Together we are urging the US President to take action to end all new fossil fuel infrastructure. We also call on every country to declare a climate emergency.
You can play a key role in this work wherever you are in the world. Connect with local groups especially those led by frontline communities and young leaders who will inherit the mess we have created.
For those in the US, please join our actions and civil disobedience protests at the White House over the coming weeks. You can learn more about that here.
There is a huge end fossil fuels march in New York City at the UN on September 17, 2023. Large civil disobedience street protests will happen on September 18. Please come to New York and participate in these historic actions. There are over 400 protests around the world this week. Please join one.
To learn more about Nonviolent Tactics, please see Michael Beer’s book and NVI’s database.
NVI has been active on this issue. For those wanting to learn more or be inspired by creative youth-led action, please see:
Spotlight on NV - Jamie Margolin
Beyond Changing Light Bulbs: 21 Ways You Can Stop the Climate Crisis
Apartheid in Palestine and Israel is intensifying. Nonviolent mobilization is needed now more than ever.
In the face of increased repression and violence, our friends and allies are continuing and expanding their bold, creative, constructive nonviolent resistance. Join them in resisting the occupation and Israeli apartheid system and take action with us, NVI’s partners, and movements leading the struggle for justice in Palestine below.
Please spread the word about the reality of the situation and urge others to visit this page, learn more, and take action with you.
Action Items
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Demand accountability and action for Palestine in the US:
- Reach congress and other public figures with USCPR Action Alerts.
- Reject AIPAC! Sign on to show our political leaders, community leaders, and the public that American Jews and allies believe AIPAC has no place in our communities or in our politics. You do not have to identify as Jewish to sign.
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Support NVI’s fiscally sponsored partners
- We Are Not Numbers continues to humanize Gazan Palestinians with its youth-led media training program.
- Holy Land Trust mobilizes Palestinians, Israelis and foreigners to work together for a future based on equality. They re-build homes, engage in dialogue, and challenge the fear of the other.
- The US Advisory Committee for the Hebron International Resource Network rebuilds wells, playgrounds, schools, homes in areas threatened by land confiscation.
- The Center for Jewish Nonviolence engages in direct action and co-resistance in support of Palestinians struggling for dignity and equal rights.
- The US Boat To Gaza supports the global flotilla to challenge the blockade of Gaza this summer.
- SOUL, a project of HIRN uses the power of music to promote change in difficult circumstances.
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Engage with Palestinian leaders of NVI
- Read and share Jonathan Kuttab’s inspiring free book Beyond the Two-State Solution.
- Invite Palestinians to speak to your congregation or group. See our Speaker's Bureau.
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Get involved in a movement or organization working for justice in Palestine–please reach out if we can help guide or connect you. Here are some of the many movements and organizations we admire:
- American Muslims for Palestine (USA)
- Palestinian Youth Movement (USA)
- US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USA)
- Rebuilding Alliance (USA)
- Adalah Justice Project (USA)
- Within Our Lifetime (USA)
- IfNotNow Movement (USA)
- Jewish Voice for Peace (USA)
- Community Peacemaker Teams (USA)
- Eyewitness Palestine (USA)
- Just Peace Advocates (CA)
- Independent Jewish Voice (CA)
- Palestine Action (UK)
- Na'amod (UK)
- Sabeel (Palestine and global affiliates)
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Commit to changing the conversation towards a realistic solution. Israel’s new extreme government puts to rest any lingering debate about the viability of the Two-State Solution.
- Sign this statement.
Follow these social media accounts:
https://www.instagram.com/youthofsumud/
https://www.instagram.com/ali_awad98/
https://www.instagram.com/basilaladraa/
https://www.instagram.com/samihuraini/
https://twitter.com/YouthOfSumud
https://twitter.com/SoHebronWatch
https://twitter.com/masaferyatta
https://twitter.com/Cjnvtweets
https://twitter.com/holylandtrust
Background Information
For those wanting to learn more about the Palestinian struggle for freedom, please see these NVI resources below. Below the NVI resources are primers welcoming people who are not yet immersed in the conversation.
Jonathan Kuttab's Book - Beyond the Two-State Solution
David Hart's invitation to Jewish Americans
Normalization and Co-Resistance, Jonathan Kuttab
Safety Isn’t Demolishing a School, Tess Greenwood
The Many Faces of Nonviolence - A Taste of Palestine
Gaza: Cruelty Without Consequences
Important Update: Nonviolence International Stands in Solidarity with Al-Haq
Raising Up Impressive Group Challenging GBV in Palestine
Music is the Healing Force of the Universe!
Our Partner's Powerful Piece in the Forward.
The Many Faces of Nonviolence - Rachel Corrie
Expand our Compassion to Include Palestinians
The Many Faces of Nonviolence - Ann Wright
NVI Videos
Beyond The Two-State Solution, by Jonathan Kuttab. Interactive webinar.
Co-Resistance and Solidarity with Palestine - Webinar
Writer from Gaza Reflects on the Two State Solution
Spotlight on Nonviolence - Huwaida Arraf
A Video Featuring Ahmed Alnaouq, founder of WANN
A Jew Asks Questions of Two Palestinians in a Time of War
Holy Land Trust's Founder Sami Awad's Wonderful Take on Active Nonviolence - Webinar
Courage Along The Divide - Produced and Directed by Victor Schonfeld 1986
Resources from Other Groups
The Popular University of the Palestinian Youth Movement Presents - OUR HISTORY OF POPULAR RESISTANCE: PALESTINE READING LIST
Palestine-Israel Primer - MERIP
Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU)
Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories
A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution | HRW
Not a "vibrant democracy". This is apartheid. | B'Tselem
Visualizing Apartheid through interactive maps | B'Tselem
For those interested in learning more about state by state US legislation, please see this impressive map from Palestine Legal. They tell us, "The right to stand for justice is under attack. Politicians are pushing unconstitutional laws to stop the movement for Palestinian freedom and shield Israel from criticism."
Your Guide to Difficult Conversations About Israel/Palestine
Israel-Palestine animated introduction
Primer on the Arab-Israeli Conflict - TeachMideast
The Israel Apartheid Report Database
Do you have suggestions for other high quality introductory material we should consider including?
If so, please contact us.
And, of course, please help spread the word. Ask people to visit this page, learn, and take action.
(Art Credit - Kayla Ginsburg - from CJNV)
The brutal occupation of Palestine is likely to get even more repressive. The coalition government in Israel includes unrepentant haters and racists. They have wasted no time showing their true colors. The impacts will be immediate, widespread, and as usual those harmed the most will be Palestinians.
People who have been paying attention know that the occupation has been supported by successive governments of all parties. And still we recognize we are entering a new and dangerous moment. We will work to make sure that this is also a time with the potential for real and lasting positive change.
During this time, we will see suffering increase and we must urge people to open their eyes to the reality of the situation. We must find ways to make the power of active nonviolence relevant to this struggle. NVI co-founder Jonathan Kuttab wrote,
"Successive Israeli governments have pursued these goals steadfastly, while pretending that their aim was security and that their aspirations were for peace with Palestinians, not domination over them. The new Israeli government abandons all such pretense, rips off the mask, and dares the world to do something about it.
Acknowledging that reality is the first necessary step towards addressing it. When Israel determined it wanted to be a Jewish state, and further that it wanted to keep all the land of historic Palestine, the results were inevitable. The only two options Israel allows for are ethnic cleansing or apartheid. Calls for democracy and equality (where democracy includes giving Palestinians [50% of the population] the vote and a stake in running the country) are totally rejected.
The good news is that with this new government, the mask is off, and many people can see the reality. This includes a majority of the Jewish people in the United states and their supporters, who have always been liberal, democratic, and in favor of progressive values. Facing the reality of Israel may be painful for many of them, but it is an important first step towards seeking a new solution based on equality and human dignity, and which would also bring healing and peace."
Tallie Ben-Daniel, the managing director of Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP), said the new Israeli government has openly embraced apartheid.
“The horrifying actions of this new government, only five days in, prove exactly what Palestinians have been saying all along: Israel is an apartheid state, where Palestinians are treated as inferior. The dangerous escalations by the new Israeli government make clear that now is the time for action.”
US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib wrote,
“Not even one week into 2023, the new far-right apartheid government is moving to ethnically cleanse entire communities—which would displace more than 1,000 Palestinian residents, including 500 children. All with American backing, bulldozers, and bullets. #SaveMasaferYatta”