Medea Benjamin: Growing the Peace Movement

The continued wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the conflict in the Middle East and the bloated Pentagon budget are sucking billions of taxdollars that should be spent on health, education, jobs and the environment. Yet under Obama, the peace movement has lost its steam. What strategies can be effective to rebuild the peace movement? Where can we find new allies? What are the most effective tactics we can use?

Medea Benjamin is a cofounder of both CODEPINK: Women for Peace and the international human rights organization Global Exchange. A tireless advocate for social justice for over 20 years, she has distinguished herself as an eloquent and energetic figure in the progressive movement. Internationally recognized as one of the world’s most dynamic, dedicated, knowledgeable, and effective grassroots organizers, Medea has initiated and participated in countless eye-catching and witty political actions and has led peace and justice delegations (“reality tours” ) to countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia—including Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, Iran, Palestine. In the increasingly disastrous aftermath of September 11, she has been working to promote a U.S. foreign policy that would respect human rights and gain us allies instead of contributing to violence and undermining our international reputation.

Cosponsored by CODEPINK: Women for Peace and United for Justice with Peace.