About CCMEP: The Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace
|
Archive of CCMEP's "The Scoop" Newsletters CCMEP Statements: (March, 2001)
-
Statement Concerning the 9/11 Tragedy
(September, 2001)
-
Principles of Unity (November,
2001)
-
Anti-Semitism Statement
(May, 2002) |
History & Goals
The Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace (CCMEP) is a non-hierarchical, democratic organization formed in the Fall of 1990 in response to US build-up towards the Gulf War in the Middle East. After the war it disbanded and was resurrected in November of 1997 when the U.S. threatened Iraq with another major military campaign. The group has remained active since.
Until Sept. 11, 2001, the group had two primary goals, a) Ending the U.S.-led sanctions and bombings against Iraq (currently being revised), and b) Ending U.S. support for Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and its oppression of the Palestinian people, in accordance with international law. Read CCMEP's Middle East Statement here.
In response to Sept. 11, 2001, CCMEP issued a statement. In November of 2001, CCMEP drafted more inclusive Principles of Unity encompassing the goals outlined before Sept. 11, 2001, and new issues since then.
The economic sanctions have ravaged the Iraqi populace, especially damaging the most vulnerable, the very young and very old. The U.N. estimates sanctions are killing 5-6 thousand children under the age of five each month. The U.S.-led sanctions are nothing short of a "war against public health."- Dr. Eisenberg, Harvard Medical School.
Since September 11, CCMEP has helped organize discussions, meetings and actions with numerous people interested in working together. CCMEP is working with other communities to call for a thoughtful, educated, peaceful, legal response to the terrorist attacks and an end to local and international racism. Since September 11 we have worked to educate media and religious communities, held several large demonstrations, and have initiated a boycott of Circuit City for their racial profiling.
In December of 2001, CCMEP helped send the first of several activist delegations to Palestine. Read more here.
For reports of more CCMEP actions since 9/11/01, click here.
CCMEP has collaborated with numerous organizations including: American Friends Service Committee, Social Concerns Secretariat of the Archdioceses of Denver, Colorado Muslim Society, Colorado Council of Churches, Arab-American Youth of Denver, United Church of Christ Peace and Justice Task Force, and others.
Previous Activities
CCMEP activities since inception have included:
Organizing large rallies and demonstrations to protest US bombings and sanctions against Iraq and US support for illegal Israeli occupation, including educational materials.
Weekly vigils including prayers, silence, and leafleting to educate the public. These weekly vigils were maintained for over three years in Denver.
Collaboration with the American Friend's Service Committee (AFSC) to send 'Infant Friendship Kits' to Iraq
Organizing speaking engagements and building audiences for two distinguished speakers, who argue alternatives to current US policy. Phyllis Bennis and former the UN Humanitarian Aid Coordinator to Iraq, Denis Halliday who resigned his 34-year UN career in protest of the UN sanctions and the US bombing against Iraq. Halliday has said the UN policies against Iraq undermine the UN's very charter.
Information provided by Halliday and Bennis left members wanting to do something for the people of Iraq. CCMEP partnered with humanitarian aid organizations, Life for Relief and Development and Project CURE, to obtain $500,000 worth of medical supplies to be shipped to Iraq.
To ensure the shipment reached the intended recipients and to protest an unjust US policy, the group organized a 10- person delegation to Iraq in January 2000 that included Bruce Finley, a journalist from The Denver Post. Members of this delegation risked fines and imprisonment for not observing a US law that prohibits US citizens from traveling to Iraq. This delegation received excellent media coverage including two front-page stories in The Denver Post and lengthy segments on Channels 4 and 9. A second delegation was sent in the Spring of 2000.
Educational presentations to thousands of people through churches, schools, and community organizations regarding US policy regarding Iraq and the delegates' first-hand experience in Iraq.
Hiring a CCMEP organizer in September 2000.
February 2001 CCMEP initiated and organized the creation of a nation-wide network of over 60 organizations that oppose UN sanctions and continued US bombing, The National Network to End the War Against Iraq.
June 2001 Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC) held Lobby Days for people around the country to learn how to lobby congress in Washington DC. Three CCMEP members participated in continuing to build relationships with the Colorado Congressional representatives.
The Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace has four email lists that you may join:
CCMEP-ANNOUNCE -- For announcement of upcoming events, rallies, protests in Colorado. Occasional news items. this low-volume list (averages an email per day or fewer) will let you know what is happening.
CCMEP-DISCUSS -- NEW! Chat with others about the events. Lively discussions.
PALESTINE-DEN -- For activists concerned about Palestine. Get active! Moderated list.
IRAQ-DEN -- Join the struggle to change U.S. policy in Iraq! Moderated list.
Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace (CCMEP)
901 West 14th Avenue, Suite 7 * Denver, CO 80204 * (720) 956-0700 * ccmep_organizer@yahoo.com