2017 is a “perfect storm” year, in that everything is up for change. The days and events move at warp speed and bring Shock and Awe, a term coined to describe a 1996 military doctrine “based on the use of overwhelming power and spectacular displays of force to paralyze the enemy’s perception of the battlefield and destroy its will to fight.”
There is a groundswell of deep desire to draw the line, stand up and speak out to create a just and sustainable world for all. The January 21 world-wide marches included lots of folks from Patagonia, Sonoita, and Elgin participating in the Tucson march. Many of those same folks met on Jan. 26 to talk about “what next” to create a local movement to continue the momentum created by the success of these marches.
In response to the need to share information about developing issues and to be able to react quickly to breaking news and implement ways to influence policy decisions, a group has been formed that will hold monthly meetings. Committees focusing on specific issues, including the border, the environment, education, women’s issues, and health care, have been organized, as well.
An additional focus of this group is ‘self-care (body, mind, soul),’ vital during these times. The group is not affiliated with any political party.
At its February meeting the group chose the name Voices From the Border and added several groups to their organization. One group will be tracking local issues, another will focus on fine tuning communication within the group. The goal is to develop positive outcomes, and all points of view are welcome.
This group of local activists will meet the last Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Carolyn Shafer (JoyfullyBecomingCarolyn@gmail.com) or Liliane Papin (lylip@aol.com)