January teach-ins

January --2008 -- January
PEACE & JUSTICE TEACH-INS
When? Wednesdays

At Westport Coffee House, 4010 Pennsylvania, First floor meeting room, 7 pmJanuary 16: Colombia, South America: KC Group Establishes Sister Community Relationship in Putumayo– Jonne Long, Bob Thatcher, Dave Davis. Kansas City Colombia Support Network (CSN) Delegation members Bob Thatch, Dave Davies, Maria Pelto, Jonne Long, and Ann Sullentrop traveled to Putumayo in December 2007 for the purpose of establishing a sister community relationship. They met for two days with over 60 representatives of three indigenous Embera-Chami communities to begin forming a working relationship based on mutual respect. In spite of the area’s 42-year history of bloody and brutal conflict, the Embera-Chamies have courageously organized themselves around principles of nonviolence, in contrast with the guerrilla movements who have chosen to engage in violent resistance. CSN seeks to give political support to local Colombian community political processes pursuing its goals: a negotiated solution to the conflict and strengthening civilian society. This work contrasts with efforts by others to strengthen armed groups (the US government supports the army and supplies mainly military equipment, thus increasing the conflict.) The delegation also traveled to Bogota to discuss its findings with Colombia’s Ministry of the Interior/Justice, Ministry of Defense, the American Embassy, and several local NGOs.

At Unity on the Plaza, Classroom D, 7:30 pm
*January 23: Justice for Rio Negro Massacres: The Story of Jesus Tecu Osorio.
Video with discussion led by Craig Lubow. Jesus Tecu Osariowas born in 1971 in Rio Negro, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala. Tecu is a social activist and advocate for the Achi Maya. In 1982, much of the population of Rio Negro was murdered. Tecu survived. He witnessed the murder of most of his family. He spent two years as a household slave to one of the perpetrators. In 1993, Tecu began legal proceedings to have the mass grave of Rio Negro exhumed, leading to the prosecution of three of the perpetrators. As of 2006, this was the only Guatemalan trial for crimes against humanity committed during the civil war. Tecu has organized four separate charitable organizations, including a legal aid clinic, for the Achi Maya people. He also heads an organization that rescues child soldiers. A discussion will follow the video, including a discussion about child soldiers.

At Rockhurst University, 7:30 pm
*January 30: "Guantanamo Bay and Its Implications for the Rule of Law" --Talk by Lt. Cmdr. Charles D. Swift (Ret.) Mabee Theater, Sedgwick Hall, Rockhurst University, 53 & Troost, KCMO. It is free and open to the public.