Eupan Global Initiative - Good for All - www.eupan.net

Einstein on the need to Do Good

2012-02-07T06:59:00.001-06:00

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MLK on the Washington D.C. Mall

2012-01-16T14:37:00.004-06:00

I was in Washington D.C. last year and passed by the location of the MLK Memorial under construction, though I did not see it finished. I was - and am - excited to see that they were giving MLK a "place" on The Mall next to other significant memorials!

It is a historic issue that MLK stands permanently on The Mall when one considers that MLK (with others!!) challenged the powers of D.C. And now he is "enshrined" or "memorialized" there.

I think it is fantastic that next to memorials built for Presidents - this Pastor has a place - no doubt because of his pervasive and powerful prophetic voice for Peace!

That is fantastic.

And yet - I am convinced Martin Luther King, Jr. would rather we extend his social, political, and economic advocacy - birthed from his religious discernment of justice and righteousness - than that we memorialize his "image."

I am convinced that if we set MLK Jr. "in stone" - as he now stands, hands crossed, on The Mall - and we let that become MLK's "concrete" image - we will have missed so much. (And we will place "his image" as the image of the March for Jobs and Freedom - instead of the many persons and young people who were also part of the movement - for it was the people's movement!)

Every time I have been to D.C. (five times in my lifetime) - I have stood where MLK stood to deliver his "I Have a Dream" speech. Personally, I genuinely believe MLK Jr. would prefer the simple stone carving on the stairs of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial - compared to the new monument some 30 feet tall.

I genuinely beleve MLK would rather each one of us can step into the space of the place where he delivered "I Have a Dream" - so that we can, standing there, in the same place, become partners with MLK in the movement he was part of.

While MLK was hugely important in various social advocacy movements - he was but a Drum Major - not the whole Marching Band. As important as his role was (and is) - I genuinely believe MLK would prefer we stand with him in the space of his words and vision - than at the foot of a monolith of stone. As we stand with him in that space, we take on with him - the vision of a dream for a better future and a better world.

I am excited that sometime in the future I believe I will go see the new monument in D.C. I look forward to that. But for me, standing in the place of the space where the Dream was proclaimed will always be more important.

That place, is for me, a place of Encounter with the best hopes for our extended future in our world.

With MLK - and many others gathered that day - I still gather in the belief that "we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!""

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

See the full gallery on Posterous

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MLK Jr. - more than "civil" rights

2012-01-16T07:53:00.001-06:00

MLK Jr. was a person who inspired others, as much as he was inspired by others.

Though he was a charismatic, gifted, and intelligent speaker - his total ability came not from "him" - but from "them" - all of the many persons in many cities for whom MLK served as a mouth-piece for their common voice and their common struggle.

In many ways, MLK's ability to lead emerged not so from who he was - but how he connected others. The ability to connect and partner persons in a common cause - and one of non-violent integrity - is the mark of leadership strength.

“King constantly pointed out to those in the freedom movement that their refusal to respond in kind to the violence and terrorism of their opponents was increasing their own strength and unity. He reminded them and the world that their goal was not only the right to sit at the front of the bus or to vote, but to give birth to a new society based on more human values. In so doing, he not only empowered those on the front lines, but in the process developed a strategy for transforming a struggle for rights into a struggle that advances the humanity of everyone in the society and thereby brings the beloved community closer to realization. This is what true revolutions are about.”

—Grace Lee Boggs, from her article “The Beloved Community of Martin Luther King” commemorating the 75th anniversary of his birth.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks in Paris in March 1966. (photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Cited from the On Being Blog - at this link.

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Guantanamo Prison - Time Magazine Statistics

2012-01-15T10:46:00.001-06:00

Much controversy hovers around the prison - not least of which for the deplorable torture reported in numerous contexts dating back to 2004, here cited in this single reference.

The series of graphs in this image copied from the print version of Time Magazine - highlights some of the urgent continued problems of the prison, in terms of punishing a few (old, young, and without due process or evidence (!)).

This unique place of incarceration reflects the worst precedent for the hope of extending the good for the all.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

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Expanding Your Empathy

2012-01-10T19:23:00.001-06:00

A great article on how the human brain is keyed to emotion - with these great lines:

Our challenge is to enhance, fine-tune, and act upon our capacity for empathy. It's especially important to include people with whom we seem to share more differences than commonalities. I'm referring here to the level of empathy spoken about by religious leaders and prophets throughout history ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.") If we can live up to this challenge of extending our empathy beyond our immediate circumstances and self-interest we have a chance of achieving the so far elusive goal of creating an "Empathic Civilization".

Link to the Article: 'Empathic Civilization': Our Brains Were Built For Feeling Each Other's Pain

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

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What is the Eupan Global Initiative?

2012-01-08T10:49:00.001-06:00

In answer to the question, "What is the Eupan Global Initiative?"

We are an SA Group.
We Share Awareness
We Support Advocacy
We engage Solidarity in Action.
We research the best Scholarship to be Alert

The Eupan Global Initiative is not a "membership" based group. We don't have members - only interested, shared partners. We do not have a mailing list - though we do have an email distribution list we have used, only on a few occasions.

We do have persons who are more invested and involved than others - involving engagement with our events, or with other events where we partner in advocacy. And, no doubt we have had shared partners over the years who have invested their efforts elsewhere, while we also get new invested partners that show up throughout each new year.

We are not (at least currently) a 501(c)3 - not-for-profit charitable organization. We have explored all the legal options toward this - but have not pursued it at this time.

We are not (at least currently) a 501(c)4 - not-for-profit which allows for active lobby in politics. Obviously we have explored this and not pursued it, either.

We are not an organization based out of any school or specific religion or creed. Several of the early partners were (or are) connected with the Church of the Nazarene and I, Marty Michelson, am an ordained Elder in the church and a professor at a Nazarene University - but our partnerships are as broad and deep as various partners are connected and "networked" in various agencies or other groups.

Primarily we are an SA partnership. (I don't think the SA term is popular - it is simply helping me to identify where I see the Eupan Global Initiative.)

By SA I mean that we are a Shared Awareness partnership - and - a Shared Advocacy partnership - and - a Solidarity in Action partnership –and – a Scholarly Alert partnership.

What does that mean - these SA Terms?

By using these terms I am trying to highlight that we are not a lobby based or faith based or non-profit "group" or business. Rather, we partner in shared ways to help contribute to and raise awareness (education) and participation with (advocacy - literally - add-voice - adding our voice) in solidarity with deliberate actions. We educate (make people aware). We advocate. We act. We are alert.

Not all persons in the Eupan Global Initiative will choose to act in the same ways or advocate in the same ways. But, we are attempting to help be a conscious, deliberate, and attentive voice - particularly in the heart of Oklahoma and the OKC Metro to raise awareness about many issues. That does not mean that all of our events or awareness takes place in Oklahoma! Certainly we want to give focus here in Oklahoma - and highlight causes in Oklahoma - but it also means we broaden persons horizons to become informed about issues around the world.

One of our challenges - since our "good for the all" effort is so broad - would be that we might be "too diverse" or even "too diffuse" (and not effective) in the issues that we share in awareness, advocacy and action. This is true. We could be too diffuse.

But, for now - our broad based awareness, advocacy and action is appropriate as we do all that we can, for any we can, in advancing the good for the all.

In answer to the question, "What is the Eupan Global Initiative?"

We are an SA Group.
We Share Awareness
We Support Advocacy
We engage Solidarity in Action.
We research the best Scholarship to be Alert

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Christianity and The Good for the All

2011-12-24T10:08:00.003-06:00

The Eupan Global Initiative is not a specifically Christian organization, though many persons who share partnership with us embrace Christian faith.

Since I have been part of Christian faith communities for all of my life, it is important for me to think about how Christian faith shapes extended ideas about establishing the good for the all - and for bringing peace on earth.

In the season of Christmas, persons in the West - and certainly in America - are caught up in the swirl of activities that come with what is so often perceived to be central to the season. I am reminded of the the Nativity Scene - or the Creche that so many Christian persons use to decorate their home in this season. From my perspective, for many, the Nativity Scene has become an object "to collect" more so than an object to call us toward world-peace-making in establishing the good for the all. This is unfortunate because the Nativity scene itself, dates to the 13th Century, and to a Christian reformer (of sorts) who called Christian persons to a lifestyle of non-materialism and non-acquisitiveness. (See more on St. Francis of Assisi and his view of the "Poor King" here.)

What is more urgent to me - though - is the actual persons who are "at" or "in" the Creche. Magi represent foreigners, who are welcome with Jesus and Mary and Joseph. Shepherds represent the common, even poor - non-stereotypically-religious-non-elite. There are no "religious" "officials." And, angels announce "Peace on Earth."

The Creche should be a reminder - perhaps the most important reminder to Christian persons - that peace on earth comes when all persons of any nation - and all persons of any "class" can be participants together in partnering for world peace.

As a Christian, Peace on Earth is always my hope - and the Nativity Scene reminds me that partnerships toward peace can include diverse groups of people.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

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Nobel Peace Prize

2011-12-10T09:06:00.001-06:00

Through the Eupan Global Initiative we add our voice to stories of struggle - opportunities for solidarity - and extended success in peacemaking.

Delighted to read that a story we featured with our 2010 public campaign to screen "Pray the Devil to Hell" is connected to the fact that Leymah Gbowee, featured in that film, is one of three women to have received the Nobel Peace Prize!

In Gbowee's Nobel acceptance speech, she voiced:

“In the past we were silent, but after being killed, raped, dehumanized, and infected with diseases, watching our children and families destroyed, war has taught us that the future lies in saying NO to violence and YES to peace! We will not relent until peace prevails. . . ."

Particularly for persons of Christian faith - but certainly for any faith - I recommend this supplement (non Nobel speech) from Gbowee available here, Gbowee notes:

"In almost 60 years, I’ve done nothing really great or to let my light shine. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything extraordinary but to take my little light and shine it in darkness."
"The US has resources but they lack activists. . . . it’s time we do collective peace building. It’s time that we do collective experience sharing. It’s time for us to stop the hypocrisy of sending money to Africa when there’s communities here that need that money more than anything. It’s time for you Christians to stop getting on planes to Rwanda to teach children to read when down the street in Brooklyn, children cannot read."

Our part through EGI is small - sharing our voice - and yet this serves as a reminder that our efforts to share awareness and engage solidarity in action!

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

OKC Specific - With Focus on the Poor

2011-12-06T07:35:00.003-06:00

Because changes like this affect *every* customer - - and many of those customers include the urban poor or public services and charitable services operating with limited budgets to help the poor - a change based on what is proposed will have major effect if something like this passes. It seems worth noting that this issues shapes "the good for the all" which is at the heart of the Eupan Global Initiative.

The public is invited to participate in the hearings regarding whether OG&E is entitled to a rate hike. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is scheduled to begin hearings on OG&E's request for a rate increase at 10:00 a.m., December 13, 2011, in Courtroom 301 on the third floor of the Jim Thorpe Building.

OG&E is seeking an annual increase of approximately $73 million "to recover increased business costs and electric infrastructure investments the Company has made since 2009".

The $73 million increase, as proposed, would raise a residential customer's bill by 6% when compared to current rates. More than 70,000 small business customers would receive an average 2% rate increase. For industrial rate classes, the average increase would range from 1% to 7%.

The hearing will be held each business day and continue until concluded. All interested parties may appear at the hearings to make public comments. After the hearing the Commission will issue its final order and any rate changes will become effective after the final decision is issued.

UNOFFICAL NOTE in ADDENDUM: It is my understanding that the CEO of OG&E makes 5.5 million per year. Also, I have been told that the board of directors each make $100,000 a year, and if they stay on the board for ten years, they receive that sum for the rest of their lives. Also note that industrial rates may not go up at all, while all individual accounts will go up if OG&E gets their way.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

"An Ocean of Grief"

2011-12-04T19:30:00.001-06:00

It is always good to be reminded about how we use resources - and how we can be better stewards.

This four-minute trailer for a film due out in 2012 helps focuse our attention toward how we can do better "for all" including wildlife.

The MIDWAY media project is a powerful visual journey into the heart of an astonishingly symbolic environmental tragedy. On one of the remotest islands on our planet, tens of thousands of baby albatrosses lie dead on the ground, their bodies filled with plastic from the Pacific Garbage Patch. Returning to the island over several years, our team is witnessing the cycles of life and death of these birds as a multi-layered metaphor for our times. With photographer Chris Jordan as our guide, we walk through the fire of horror and grief, facing the immensity of this tragedy—and our own complicity—head on. And in this process, we find an unexpected route to a transformational experience of beauty, acceptance, and understanding.
<p>MIDWAY : trailer : a film by Chris Jordan from Midway on Vimeo.</p>
Toward eupan ~
~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Stuff, Consumption, Offsetting

2011-11-28T10:29:00.001-06:00

20 minutes is not too much time to invest in this excellent "movie" about The Story of Stuff !! Hopefully it will inspire and encourage you to think differently about how you use resources and how you spend and consume personally - so that you can make influence the scope of the world. (Several additional supplemental videos are also available under the links to "movies" at the site! Good stuff to think about effecting the Good for the All!)

Some quick reminders on how to: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Relocalise - then Offset

And, the principles and ideas imbedded in this article from The Sierra Club on Why Consumption Matters - provides keen insight to rethink patterns of life that effect the Good for the All! The article concludes with these words:

The solutions to questions of justice and equity that pertain to our consumption patterns will require a reexamination of our values, the products we buy, the layout of our communities, and ultimately global trade. As a start, we should promote fair trade, livable wages, and better city planning that mixes people of different incomes. Most importantly, valuing people for who they are and how they spend their time, rather than for what they wear, drive, or own, is a simple but important act, that will serve as the foundation of a more just society.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Iran and Nuclear Weapons: What if we had sought peace in the 1990s?

2011-11-26T11:49:00.001-06:00

The rhetoric of Israel and America with respect to Iran with respect to Nuclear weapons is intriguing in many ways. There is ample availability to read many perspectives on the situation.

It is not too late to seek better communication, that leads to more healthy perception and works toward peace!

In fact, the time for peacemaking is now!

The time was ripe, too, in the early 1990s. At that time, peace accords set in the context of the Middle East began to set trajectories for new forms of harmony and mutual inter-dependence - leading to key diplomats in the region jointly winning the Nobel Prize for Peace.

Acccording to a the owner and publisher of Israel's oldest newspaper, Haaretz ("the land") - Yitzhak Rabin addressed in 1993, the "threat" of "Iran" having nuclear weapons - but with a very different kind of appeal compared to what has recently been in the news.

Speaking in the Knesset in January 1993, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin said, "Iran is in the initial stages of an effort to acquire nonconventional capability in general, and nuclear capability in particular. Our assessment is that Iran today has the appropriate manpower and sufficient resources to acquire nuclear arms within 10 years. Together with others in the international community, we are monitoring Iran's nuclear activity. They are not concealing the fact that the possibility that Iran will possess nuclear weapons is worrisome, and this is one of the reasons that we must take advantage of the window of opportunity and advance toward peace."

Amos Schocken's full article can be read here.

We can ask ourselves "What if we had sought peace in the 1990s?" How would the world be different now? But, we can not change what happened in the 1990s or the early 2000s.

Now, though, we can work for sustainable peace and harmony for the Middle East - and for the World - today!

Now is the time for peacemaking.

War and violence need not be the master of us all.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Compelling Portraits - Hoping for Peace

2011-11-02T21:47:00.005-05:00

There are many stories that nuance the complexity of conflict.

Peace can only come for all persons when we take time to know multiple stories.

Here are four stories that might help us better understand the complexities of conflict - in order that we might better promote peace.

A Palestinian teenager whose family is forced to give up part of their home and live under the same roof as a family of settlers. He comes of age in the face of unrelenting tension with his neighbors and unexpected cooperation with Israeli allies in his backyard.

An American-born Israeli mother who to her own surprise becomes involved in the demonstrations after her children are arrested for protesting.

A Palestinian community organizer from Sheikh Jarrah who spearheads the involvement of local women in the movement while facing the risk of losing her own home to the settlers.

A former Israeli soldier from a religious background who only several years after his combat service in the West Bank finds himself taking on a leading role in the protests.

Videos produced by: Just Vision

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

A Jewish Rabbi Reflects on 'Occupy London'

2011-10-30T17:14:00.001-05:00

There is much that is good in this blog post, published by Howard Cooper.

He writes that the groups of people at various places around the world now in the "occupy" movements - are historically extended over time. That is, these movements come and go with the ebb and flow of social impact over decades and centuries because "we can do better."

Indeed, every generation must work to compel the world to do better - to extend the good for the all!

The article ends with these words:

Those people in those tents may be gone by Christmas, by choice or by eviction; this may be an ephemeral, a transient occupation of the space around St.Paul’s. But they will be back, in one form or another, here and abroad, they will be back because they represent something eternal, something very Jewish actually, a belief, a hopefulness – what use to be called messianic hopefulness - that we can do better than this. We can build a society, brick by brick: dignity, justice, generosity, compassion, care, companionship - these are the building blocks of real community and a good, a godly, society where people are more valued than profit margins, where sharing what we have is more important than share options. We can do it better.

Link to Full Article Here.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

! Film Screening ! Israel and Palestine

2011-10-11T21:45:00.001-05:00

There is much going on in Israel and Palestine - all the time.

Palestine's historic bid for statehood with the U.N. here in October 2011 "brings to the forefront" many of the issues that have long shaped the people of this land.

The Eupan Global Initiative is partnering with visionary young leaders at Southern Nazarene University who are providing information about misconceptions and misinterpretations about the complex series of situations that frame opportunities for peace in this land.

Tuesday Night
October 18th
7:00 p.m. (1900 hours)
Located in the SNU Webster Commons
(Link to maps/pictures here: http://snu.edu/tour-webster-commons)

Additional links to the Film: With God On Our Side

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

WGOOS Flyer.pdf Download this file

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Interrupting Violence

2011-10-09T12:44:00.001-05:00

In 1995, epidemiologist Gary Slutkin decided to turn years of experience fighting infectious diseases overseas to his hometown of Chicago, that faced its own violence epidemic. He founded Ceasefire, an organization that reduces violence through behavioral change strategies. At the PopTech Chicago Salon 2010, he explains how this initiative has expanded to more than a dozen U.S. cities.

VIDEO LINK.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Public Lecture - "Naked Canaries"

2011-10-03T10:43:00.001-05:00

Hosted on the campus of Southern Nazarene University (SNU) - this week -

Dr. John Cossel will be giving a lecture on "Naked Canaries" in the Beaver Science Lecture Hall, S 102, Friday, October 7, at 1 pm. A reception will follow.

Historically, before modern air quality monitoring instruments, canaries were used to warm miners of dangerous air quality. Amphibians such as frogs are our "Naked Canaries" today warning us of polluted environmental conditions. Dr. John Cossel is a Professor of Biology at Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, Idaho.

Additionally, Dr. Cossells Photography Exhibition is currently on display, in the SNU Webster Commons, viewable from the main areas of the Commons First Floor. Alongside wonderful images, Dr. Cossell provides careful analysis and descriptions that highlight situations that shape global shifts due to human use of pesticides and other contaminants.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

See the full gallery on Posterous

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Palestine and Israel

2011-09-18T21:08:00.001-05:00

There have been many peace talks and peace efforts with respect to issues in Palestine and Israel - for decades - and yet, so little has changed to extend the good to the all in extended ways.

Palestine is making a "game changing" plan in these forthcoming days - with respect to their hopes to be recognized in new ways by the United Nations (U.N.).

May the new days - and new weeks of decisions extend the good for the all.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

9/11 Interfaith Event on Peaceful Community in Oklahoma

2011-09-10T17:39:00.001-05:00

The Institute of Interfaith Dialog cordially invites you to the Panel Forum:

Abrahamic Faiths Post 9/11: Building Peaceful Community in a Violent World

September 11th, 2011, 4 pm. – 6 pm.

Moderator: Dr. Barbara Boyd, Director of Outreach Adjunct Assistant Professor, Religious Studies, OU

Panelist: Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, President of National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership

Panelist: Rev. Mitch Randall, Senior Pastor, North Haven Church

Panelist: Dr. Imam Imad Enchassi, President of Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City

Address: Nancy O’ Brian Center for the Performing Arts @ 1809 Stubbeman Ave, Norman OK. ( Adjacent to Norman North High School)

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Joining with 350.org

2011-09-05T13:45:00.002-05:00

The Eupan Global Initiative is proud to be advocating with and for 350.org

The mission of 350.org is about:

building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. Our online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions are led from the bottom up by thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries.

and, this event coming in just a few weeks!

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Terrorism, Violence, Compassion and A Peaceable Economy

2011-09-05T12:35:00.001-05:00

In the past several days I have reviewed many popular magazines highlighting in some way, the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2011 destruction that took place in New York City, NY, USA.

One magazine highlighted the lives of 10 persons who have grown up without a parent as a result of the death and destruction that took place on that day.

As I read, I reflected on three separate issues -

(1) I wonder how many thousands of persons have lost a parent worldwide as a result of the violence that has emerged in response to the violence enacted on September 11th, 2011? If we took a toll of all the persons whose lives have been fractured by the reciprocating and repeating cycles of violence that have extended themselves to thousands of persons as retaliatory violence has been extended - I wonder how persons would we have to interview? How many magazines could be filled?

Has retribution made our world a better place?

And,

(2) I remembered an interview from a public radio brodcast, On Being. In a 2008 interview with Thich Nhat Hanh, Krista Tippett inquires about what Brother Thay thinks about terrorists.

Ms. Tippett: What would compassion look like towards a terrorist, let's say?
Brother Thây: The terrorists, they are victims of their wrong perceptions. They have wrong perceptions on themselves, and they have wrong perceptions of us. So the practice of communication, peaceful communication, can help them to remove their wrong perceptions on them and on us and the wrong perceptions we have on us and on them. This is the basic practice. This is the principle. And I hope that our political leaders understand this and take action right away to help us.

And,

(3) I recalled excellent essays by Wendell Berry - In the Presence of Fear: Three Essays for a Changed World. Including this full essay, "Thoughts in the Presence of Fear" - which culminates with these words:

XXVII. The first thing we must begin to teach our children (and learn ourselves) is that we cannot spend and consume endlessly. We have got to learn to save and conserve. We do need a “new economy”, but one that is founded on thrift and care, on saving and conserving, not on excess and waste. An economy based on waste is inherently and hopelessly violent, and war is its inevitable by-product. We need a peaceable economy.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Extending Eupan - Reflection on Personal Privilege

2011-08-22T04:25:00.001-05:00

Written while on location in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:

I have spent quite a few weeks studying to be in Cambodia – being as aware as I can be of the current situations in this country – while remaining aware of the social/political factors that have shaped its history.

In particular, I have been reflecting on the issues of Genocide that characterized the regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, particularly between 1975 to 1979. As part of our plans for shared time of peace and conflict resolution engagement in the land, we will be visiting the “museum” that commemorates the killing fields, as well as the “S-21” prison, now a museum. In these ways alone I have been prepared for the reality of death, gruesome genocide and terrible torture that has taken place in this land.

Our first day in Cambodia, having landed in Phnom Penh, we went straight to a tourist event – visiting the King’s home at the Grand Palace. Our guide told us his name was “Ritz,” and I thought as we walked through the Palace how this place looked like “the Ritz.”

From there, we headed out to a great buffet lunch, “all-u-can-eat” - noodles, meats, rice, potatoes, fruits. Our group ate and went off for another touring event – visiting the “Russian Market” – a series of interconnected booths with various wares for sale.

Not being much of a shopper, I stayed back at the lunch buffet.

I ordered a cold coke and placed my earbuds in my ear and powered my iPod.

As the sounds of soft piano played in my ears, I watched drips of water condense on my cold beverage, Phnom Penh was humid.

I looked across the room to the flat-screen TV and read the headlines listed in English, as the newsreporter shared.

“Libya’s Civil War”

“Somali Food Fight” leaving people dead.

“Syrian Siege” with a report of some 300 dead today.

As the chilled, carbonated, syrupy drink delighted my taste-buds, I realized I was listening to an album entitled “Escape.” Here I was – a rich, educated, privileged white-man – sitting in my isolated, Westernized, “escapist” head-phone reality – a cold coke to chill my body and quench my thirst,quiet music relaxing my spirit. And I was immediately existentially aware that in this same moment, in so many places in the world, people live now in the midst of trial, trouble, and tribulation.

I knew the S-21 prison was nearby – it is, after all, located in the heart of Phnom Penh. More than 17,000 persons, average persons who committed no crime and who had no secret allegiances – these people were stripped, shackled, incarcerated, and tortured for months – to death.

Just blocks from where I sat, only a few short decades ago – in my lifetime!

And in the same period of years, in my life, my country and my life has not experienced torture, genocide, civil war, food shortages, nor intrusions of conflict.

I wonder, “Do I live faithfully enough into the privilege I have been extended, to extend that privilege to other people?”

I will try to live my life in ways that are faithful and honest, kind and true, gracious and generous – in all ways extending peace.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Too much killing

2011-08-17T04:30:00.001-05:00

“At least 28 million people have been killed in more than 150 major armed conflicts fought mainly in the Third World since 1945 (IISS, 1997); another estimate puts the total at 40 million civilian and military deaths (Leitenberg, 2003). The proportion of civilian casualties rose from only 5 per cent of total casualties in the First World War, to 50 per cent by the Second World War and to 80 to 90 per cent by the end of the century, of whom the majority were women and children (Grant, 1992: 26; Collier et al., 2003). This is a reversion to older types of warfare.”

Source: Contemporary Conflict Resolution: The prevention, management and transformation of deadly conflicts. Third Edition Oliver Ramsbotham, Tom Woodhouse and Hugh Miall. (Page 85)

Let's not revert to warfare - but press forward in peacemaking!!

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Senators for Peace

2011-08-11T09:33:00.001-05:00

I attended Elementary and Secondary school in Oregon when Senator Mark O. Hatfield was one of Oregon’s U.S. Senators. He died this week.

I did not grow up in a politically active family and do not remember too many occasions in school or in my elementary and secondary schooling when we spoke about Senator Hatfield. But I do remember reading about him. My recollection is that during his term of office, he was greatly respected. Neither loved, nor hated, but respected for the integrity.

I wonder what U.S. policy and action – and U.S. International relations - would be like today if more Senators advocated as he did.

Hatfield was a Republican who disagreed with then Republican President Ronald Reagan. He, “used his chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee to denounce what he considered the ‘madness’ of excessive defense spending.”

Though a Navy Veteran who participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, he is described as “one of the Senate’s most unwavering pacifists” who “never voted for a military authorization bill.” As a “critic of extremism across the political spectrum, [he] carved a centrist path on divisive issues such as the environment.”

“If you’ve been in a war, you cannot but have your views altered,” he told the Associated Press in 1986. “The devastation, the terrible devastation, is not something one ever forgets.”

First elected to the Oregon state legislature in 1950, he was instrumental in passing measures banning racial discrimination in housing and public accommodations in his first few years in office — a decade before the government considered similar civil rights laws.

As I write this entry, only yesterday I visited the horrific memorials to the genocide of the Communist Khmer Rouge period in Cambodia, a country that was redeemed in January of 1979 by the Vietnamese. Only hours ago I ate lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant in Phnom Penh (Cambodia), before going to the Documentation Center of Cambodia to be informed about how this center is documenting the problems of genocide in this land! Prior to the years of conflict with the War in Vietnam and the problems throughout Southeast Asia, in 1966, Mr. Hatfield nearly lost his seat in the U.S. Senate as he stuck to his position, “You can’t stop communism with bullets.”

Hatfield, helped pass a ban on underground nuclear tests. He campaigned for rules to prohibit the sale of arms to undemocratic countries and countries that do not respect human rights. When he left office, he expressed, “We’re [the U.S.] still the largest arms peddler in the world,” he said in 1997, “and we infect the rest of the world with our lust for weapons.”

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

The Majority World

2011-08-03T11:28:00.001-05:00

We used to say the "First World" and "Third World" to designate the disparities between countries in their "progress."

More recently, "Developed" and "Developing" Worlds have been used to be sensitive to the priority given to "First" and "Third" categories.

While no term is perfect, I like the term I have recently read - and can not cite as I genuinely do not recall where I read it - "The Major World."

It should serve as a reminder for me (and for all too many who have the privilege to blog/free-press/freedom from war) - that I am the "Minority" in a big world that is complex and intricate. I am not the "first" nor the "developed" who brings peace - but a minority individual striving for peace for the entire World.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Non-Polluting Passive Power

2011-07-28T09:05:00.001-05:00

While much of the concern and focus of the Eupan Global Initiative includes human violence and reconciling that violence for peace – we celebrate all things that bring about the good for the all!

Issues of energy use, production and pollution – which effect all forms of life on this planet – are also within the scope of our interest!

Non-Polluting Passive Power that is sustainable and achievable sounds great.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Peacemaking and the Role of Religion

2011-07-24T09:02:00.001-05:00

In this article by Dr. Scott M. Thomas (December, 2010), Thomas notes several ways in which religion plays an active role in shaping ideology that informs foreign affairs within and between nation states. (Full PDF here.) (More about Dr. Scott M. Thomas here.)

If you are young or old - and associated with the Eupan Global Initiative and are thinking about being a peacemaker in our world - you may want to consider ways that you can become an expert on issues of religions and nations states as a means to shaping global peace - bringing the good for the all.

The final paragraph of Scott Thomas' articles reads:

Faith informs the daily struggles of millions in confronting larger political conflicts regarding democracy, human rights, and economic development. Ethnic and religious diasporas in the global South are connected to the West in ways that can create or reinvigorate collective identities, whose influence can both promote social welfare and fuel terrorism and interreligious conflict. As a result, understanding religions worldwide -- their beliefs, values, and practices and the way they influence the political goals, actions, and motivations of states and religious communities - - will be an important task for U.S. and international foreign-policy makers in the coming decades. If the United States recognizes and utilizes the worldwide religious resurgence, it can harness its power to improve international security and better the lives of millions. If the United States fails to confront the implications of this religious rise properly, however, the potential for religiously motivated violence across the globe may increase dramatically over the next century. Copyright © 2002-2010 by the Council on Foreign Relations, Inc. All rights reserved.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

A Muslim teaching about Peace from the Buddha

2011-07-23T06:42:00.001-05:00

What a privilege to spend the day with Chaiwat Satha-Anand while in Thailand.

Dr. Satha-Anand is Professor of Political Science – Thammasat University. Among other titles, his is the Chairperson of the Strategic Non-Violence Commission.

There were many reasons it was interesting to hear and learn from Dr. Satha-Anand – and I learned much from the depth of his “moral” and “peace” experience, teaching, research and life.

One of several interesting things that stood out to me about his story, though – had to do with his motivations and interests in studying peace. Dr. Satha-Anand was educated in Thailand in the 1970s when Thailand experienced its own levels of political turmoil, including the fact that Dr. Satha-Anand was a student at Thammasat University in 1976 when the October 6^th massacre took place. As Dr. Satha-Anand said, “This event shaped my life.” Dr. Satha-Anand went on to study at the University of Hawaii – gleaning from Dr. Glenn D. Paige from a course entitled “Non-Violent Political Alternatives” Dr. Satha-Anand stated, “I came to learn a little more about non-violence and wrote my dissertation on it.” He returned to Thammastat university where he now teaches. He quipped with a smile how, how later students told him that his dissertation on “Violence and Non-Violence in Politics” is published under "Military Studies." With a laugh he said, “What a surprise they’ll get when they read my dissertation!”

What stood out to me about Dr. Satha-Anand personally has to do with the fact that in his own country, in his own culture, in his own circumstances and in his own situations, he has had to discern how to use and apply the practices of peace in conflict based situations. For Dr. Satha-Anand, activism for peace need not be based on faith based convictions, but on reason – the moral ascendancy and higher value of peace!

Dr. Satha-Anand – a muslim, taught me about peace perspectives from the Buddha.

“Fighting for peace in a world blinded by violence, weapons of light are needed. These "weapons" include wisdom to unlock the complexity of causes which give rise to violence and to make sound judgments valuing life; space where voices of victims with their tremendous moral authority could be heard; courage in an unyielding search for nonviolent alternatives; and sustained capability in the hearts of common people to feel tenderness and compassion both for loved ones and humanity in general.” (From Chaiwat Satha-Anand – “9/11, 9/20 and Gandhi's Puzzle: Fighting Postmodern Terror/Modern Warfare with Peaceful Alternatives”)

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Entrepreneurs - Changing the Systems - with Empathy

2011-07-12T05:16:00.001-05:00

Ashoka is a citizen sector organization with some particular ideas for “how to change the world.” Social entrepreneurs address complex social problems and -- in our increasingly complex and fast-moving world -- more and more people need those same kinds of skills. Ashoka imagines and builds a world where “everyone is a changemaker.”

Sound abstract? Let’s start with an example.

Frank Hoffman is an Ashoka Fellow in Germany. Frank is a gynecologist by trade and was frustrated with Germany’s health care rules: Women could not receive preventative breast cancer mammograms until age 50. Frank knew that women needed these services much earlier. He may have been able to advocate for a legislative change, but didn’t. Instead, he taught blind women how to give mammograms. Lacking sight, these women saw the world through their hands. And these sensitive hands could detect -- as well as expensive medical equipment -- early stage breast cancer. Not only did German women receive preventative breast exams, this innovation also meant employing a group of women who would otherwise have been relegated to society’s economic margins.

Ashoka is full of these stories, working with over 2,700 social entrepreneurs in over 70 countries. Like Frank Hoffman, these social entrepreneurs address the causes of systemic disorder, rather than bandage symptoms. They’re not merely problem solvers; they’re system changers.

Written by:

Hayley Darden, a search leader at Ashoka, currently recruiting social entrepreneurs for their empathy initiative. She is a graduate of Wheaton College. Excerpted from: Duke Divinity Call & Response Blog

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Imagine Peace - Elise Boulding

2011-07-11T12:37:00.001-05:00

Elise Boulding has been an influential thinker and creative voice in peace and conflict theory. She served as the secretary-general of the International Peace Research Association(IPRA) and president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

Boulding is credited with introducing to the field of peacemaking the idea of “imaging the future.”

For Boulding, the idea of imaging the future is placed within the context of “the 200-year present.” Within this framework, we must understand that we live in a social space which reaches into the past that extends, as well, into the future. For Boulding, the “200-year present” contains within it the basis for a world culture of peace and problem solving for the world, but also, the possibility of conflict, chaos and Armageddon.

In my reading of religious persons throughout the history of the world, I believe they understood intuitively what Boulding labels with this term, “the 200-year present.”

We must live with a deep, intimate and close awareness of our history – where we have all too often plucked up and torn down opportunities and resources and communities – while also imagining the possibilities for a new future where we can plant and build something better for future generations.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Burma - Myanmar - Statelessness, Slavery, Human Trafficking

2011-07-02T13:35:00.002-05:00

Learning more about the situation(s) in Burma/Myanmar and Laos - border countries with Thailand.

More for you in your shared awareness and shared advocacy can be gleaned from this 50 minute video by John Pilger - entitled "Burma: Land of Fear"

Or, this Reith Lecture by the elected and functionally exiled leader of Burma, Aung Sun San Kyi - "Securing Freedom"

Hoping to do more to extend the good for the all!

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Thoughtful Reflection on Interdependence on USA Independence Day

2011-07-01T00:51:00.001-05:00

"We are at our best when we use our capacities freely to help one another. Freedom's purpose is to enrich the community. I move from dependency to independence to contribute to the common good, to serve others in their move out of mere dependency. Interdependence is the path toward the shining city. "

Full article at John Franklin Hay's Blog. Bikehiker

~ Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

The Eupan Global Initiative as an SA Partner

2011-06-29T07:18:00.001-05:00

In several public and a few private events recently, I have been asked "What is the Eupan Global Initiative again?"

Or, as one person asked, "You're an anti-Genocide group, right?"

So, this post is intended to clarify a few things.

We are not (at least currently) a 501(c)3 - not-for-profit charitable organization. We have explored all the legal options toward this - but have not pursued it at this time.

We are not (at least currently) a 501(c)4 - not-for-profit which allows for active lobby in politics. Obviously we have explored this and not pursued it, either.

Primarily we are an SA partnership. (I don't think the SA term is popular - it is simply helping me to identify where I see the Eupan Global Initiative.)

By SA I mean that we are a Shared Awareness partnership - and - a Shared Advocacy partnership - and - a Solidarity in Action partnership –and – a Scholarly Alert partnership.

What does that mean - these SA Terms?

But, for now - our broad based awareness, advocacy and action is appropriate as we do all that we can, for any we can, in advancing the good for the all.

In answer to the question, "What is the Eupan Global Initiative?"

We are an SA Group.
We Share Awareness
We Support Advocacy
We engage Solidarity in Action.
We research the best Scholarship to be Alert

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

John W. Burton on Violence and Peace

2011-06-22T10:16:00.002-05:00

John W. Burton, an early thinker in peace and conflict studies and the author of Conflict Resolution (among many texts) and a professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University in Virginia and a fellow at the United States Institute for Peace, created a neologism – provention.

It is a combination of engaging prevention of violence while also promoting peace.

Burton has written:

conflict provention means deducing from an adequate explanation of the phenomenon of conflict, including its human dimensions, not merely the conditions that create an environment of conflict, and the structural changes required to remove it, but more importantly, the promotion of conditions that create cooperative relationships.

May we be the kind of people who work for provention – the prevention of violence – and the promotion of peace.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Fascinating and Provocative Speech

2011-06-18T11:05:00.001-05:00

A fascinating and provocative speech by John Pilger on the occasion of accepting the Sydney (Australia) Peace Prize in 2009.

Many Australian specific comments - but a provocative agenda on peace and "PR - Public Relations."

<p>Sydney Peace Prize 2009 from John Pilger on Vimeo.</p>

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

In Celebration of Dialogue

2011-06-13T06:13:00.001-05:00

Let’s celebrate dialogue:

Dialogue is collaborative: two or more sides work together towards common understanding. Debate is oppositional: two sides oppose each other and attempt to prove each other wrong.
In dialogue finding common ground is the goal. In debate winning is the goal.
In dialogue one listens to the other side in order to understand, find meaning, and find agreement. In debate one listens to the other side in order to find flaws and to counter its arguments.
Dialogue enlarges and possibly changes a participant’s point of view. Debate affirms a participant’s own point of view.
Dialogue reveals assumptions for re- evaluation. Debate defends assumptions as truth.
Dialogue causes introspection into one’s own position. Debate causes critique of the other’s position.
Dialogue opens the possibility of reaching a better solution than any of the original solutions. Debate defends one’s own positions as the best solution and excludes other solutions.
Dialogue creates an open- minded attitude – an openness to being wrong and an openness to change. Debate creates a closed- minded attitude, a determination to be right.
Dialogue calls for temporarily suspending one’s beliefs and assumptions. Debate calls for investing wholeheartedly in one’s beliefs.
In dialogue one searches for basic agreements. In debate one searches for differences.
Dialogue involves a real concern for the other person/s and seeks neither to alienate nor to offend. Debate involves a countering of the other position without focusing on feelings or relationship and often belittles or deprecates the other person.
Dialogue assumes that many people have pieces of the answer and that together they can put them into a workable solution. Debate assumes that there is a right answer and that someone has it.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Developed from Bohm, 1996, by Frank Boulton and excerpted here from Contemporary Conflict Resolution: The prevention, management and transformation of deadly conflicts. Third Edition Oliver Ramsbotham, Tom Woodhouse and Hugh Miall.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Inter Religious Dialogue - extending good from bad

2011-05-18T22:56:00.001-05:00

Extending the good for the all must certainly include persons of various religious perspectives becoming aware of one another.

It must also include the fact of religious persons sharing with one another that we all want to overcome hardship and pain, destruction and violence - in order to extend a generic (but important) truism known as the Golden Rule - that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

Too many persons who claim to be Christian in history - and in the middle of the 20th Century in Europe - perpetuated great harm, hurt, and violence upon the Jew(s).

It was a privilege this past week to be a participant (again) in the Oklahoma City Jewish Federation's Yom HaShoah Service. (Yom HaShoah translates literally - the Day of The Calamity - is a memorial event for what most call the Holocaust - the nuance of terms is important and I believe we will shift over the forthcoming decades to the better term, Shoah, for what has been called The Holocaust. An appropriate link is HERE for explanation.)

As part of some work I have done with the Directors of and Curators of the Green Collection - I was able to be a liason between the Green Family Collection - and the local Jewish Federation of OKC - to let the Federation use a damaged Torah Scroll - burned in a Polish synagogue during the Shoah.

Remembering our shared past is an important way to move toward a better future.

This was an important Civic event - and I was delighted to be with other persons who have been connected to other Eupan Global Initiative events! In attached pictures, you can see me holding the "shield" or "breastplate" - and its damage - as I was translating for family after the event.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

http://warresisters.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/not-justice-not-victory-just-another-murder-in-the-name-of-peace/

2011-05-02T16:01:00.001-05:00

Something to think about.

Not Justice, Not Victory: Just Another Murder in the Name of Peace
May 2, 2011
by warresisters

“I keep thinking of how awful it was to hear that there were people actually celebrating on 9-11. Now I look at the TV and see the same thing.”
-Family member of a man killed in the World Trade Center of September 11, 2001.

The reported killing of Osama bin Laden by a CIA operation in Pakistan represents neither justice nor victory, and should be no cause for celebration.

It has been nearly ten years since September 11th, 2001. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been killed. More than six thousand members of the United States military have been killed. Trillions of dollars have been wasted. Tens of thousands of men, women, and children have been detained and imprisoned in the “war on terror.” Torture is now an acceptable component of U.S. foreign policy. Racism is more deeply entrenched in our culture.

Eight years to the day (May 1, 2003) after President George W. Bush declared “Mission Accomplished” aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, he called the killing of bin Laden a “victory for America.” Heads of State around the world added to a chorus of congratulations to President Barack Obama and the United States. Crowds gathered in New York City, Washington DC, and other places around the country waving American flags, singing patriotic songs, and chanting “USA, USA.”

This hateful euphoria demonstrates a nation bent on revenge, not justice.

Originally sponsored by the U.S. and now at the top of U.S. military “Most Wanted” target lists,supporters of Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda will be emboldened by these events. Our call for an end to violence applies to all sides of the so-called “Global War on Terror,” and echoes responses recently posted on independent Afghan Facebook pages.

In his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1964, Martin Luther King said: “Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace…..If this is to be achieved, man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation.”

If we are to move beyond revenge, aggression, and retaliation, we must end the wars–declared and undeclared–now being waged by the United States.

It is beyond time to bring the troops home. The White House must begin a swift withdrawal of U.S. forces abroad.

We must not celebrate the death of one accused of mass murder while justifying or ignoring the death of hundreds of thousands due to our own violence.

In the barbarism of war, what had been unthinkable at one moment becomes routine the next. We must end the cycle of violence now. (The above statement can also be accessed on WRL’s website here.)

http://warresisters.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/not-justice-not-victory-just-another-murder-in-the-name-of-peace/

As I write - Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-02T00:20:00.001-05:00

As I write - the world is abuzz with tweets and status updates noting the news from Washington D.C. - announcing the death of Osama Bin Laden.

There are so many things that could be said about the situation - and many things *are* being said about the situation.

I note a few things.

Death - especially violent, murderous, state-sanctioned death - never brings about true "good" for anyone. It might quell the desire that many have for vengeance - but in its wake comes only the need for someone else to seek an equally great (or even greater) retributive violence - and the cycle, so it seems, never ends.

Millions and millions and millions of dollars - and countless hours of persons have invested - for more than a decade - in the pursuit of this one man - and in the process - thousands have died, untold numbers of cities and places and villages have been sacked and rampaged. Of course there have been numerous other complicating factors, other persons, other agendas - yes, yes. It is not a simple single issue.

But.

What if . . . ?

What if the money and effort and investment had been made to seek peace and safety - love and construction - instead of vengance and death?

What could the world be like now - had we sought more peaceable options years ago? What if we more frequently, more routinely, more sincerely, sought the good for the all?

May persons of all nations, languages, and places do more to advance eupan.

And let it begin with me.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Legal Limits and Life As We Know It

2011-04-05T09:48:00.001-05:00

Last year included, among many, many other things, an early humanitarian crisis in Haiti as the result of the January 2010 earthquake - and then, another aquatic/biological crisis from the "Deepwater Horizon" and/or BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico (April 2010).

This year the earthquake in Japan has lead to this news today as that catastrophe unfolds:

Reporting from Tokyo—
By Kenji Hall and Julie Makinen, Los Angeles Times
April 5, 2011, 4:39 a.m.
The operator of Japan's stricken Fukushima nuclear plant said Tuesday that it had found radioactive iodine at 7.5 million times the legal limit in a seawater sample taken near the facility, and government officials imposed a new health limit for radioactivity in fish.
The reading of iodine-131 was recorded Saturday, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said. Another sample taken Monday found the level to be 5 million times the legal limit. The Monday samples also were found to contain radioactive cesium at 1.1 million times the legal limit.
The exact source of the radiation was not immediately clear, though Tepco has said that highly contaminated water has been leaking from a pit near the No. 2 reactor. The utility initially believed that the leak was coming from a crack, but several attempts to seal the crack failed.

There are no easy answers to our continued need for consumption - alongside the natural functions of earthquakes and tectonic shifts, winds, waves, tsunamis, and the like. These things are intensely complex - involving huge facilities, international economies, national powers and more.

In the midst of it, though, we must begin to think of better ways to consume resources such that - when natural disasters normally and naturally come - we are better equipped to mitigate the large-scale, long-term, pollution and radiation that make places permanently uninhabitable.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Peace Rally in OKC

2011-04-04T13:55:00.001-05:00

Oklahoma City University Hosts Human Rights Rally

Oklahoma City University will host a rally called "Building Peace for a Just World" at 10:30 a.m. April 9 in the Quad Lawn in the center of campus to promote social justice and human rights.

The rally will include music and guest speakers and is being held in conjunction with other rallies taking place throughout the world.

Student groups from OCU are partnering with other organizations including the Peace House; Peace Education Institute; Oklahoma Center for Conscience; Church of the Open Arms, United Church of Christ; Mayflower Congregational Church, United Church of Christ; and student groups from Oklahoma City Community College.

We with the Eupan Global Initiative have requested opportunity to participate. Probably too late for us this year - but we will hope for future events and intentional connections for the future!

For more information or to participate, contact Joe Meinhart at jmeinhart@okcu.edu.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Seams - Separation - and Coexistence

2011-04-03T22:56:00.002-05:00

The Museum on the Seam - located in Jerusalem - lays claim to the "origin" of the famous "COEXIST" bumper sticker.

A Polish graphic designer, Piotr Mlodozeniec, designed the first coexist image. He created the design to participate in an art contest hosted by the Museum on the Seam for Dialogue, Understanding, and Coexistence in Israel to promote religious tolerance.

I had opportunity to visit the museum while I was in Jersusalem. Their print information notes:

The Museum on the Seam is a socio-political contemporary art museum located in Jerusalem. The Museum in its unique way, presents art as a language with no boundaries in order to raise controversial social issues for public discussion. At the center of the changing exhibitions in the Museum stand the national, ethnic and economic seam lines in their local and universal contexts.
The Museum is committed to examining the social reality within our regional conflict, to advancing dialogue in the face of discord and to encouraging social responsibility that is based on what we all have in common rather than what keeps us apart.

I recently replied to several questions from a long-time friend about a T.V. episode he had viewed involving a Television Political Talk-Show Media Figure - who was predicting future events based on both Christian and Islamic traditions. (Personally, I do not tend to watch political-characters in the news - and try to read news from across media sources from the interent, where the nuance of bias can be less flavored - though it always carries a bias.)

The conversation with my friend and his anxiety and emotion invested in "the news" he heard - caused me to be reminded of several things - only one of which I will share here.

While I am a person of Christian faith and Christian identity who believes deeply in the claims of my faith, I can live in charitable and favorable ways with persons of other religions and I do not have to - and perhaps am not even permitted to(!) demean, belittle, harass or act against other faith claims as I embody and reflect the claims of my faith.

No doubt, the world would be a better place if, instead of promoting religious intolerance and religious violence, we promoted the best peacemaking traditions of our faith as we attempt to coexist toward a better world.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Aquaponics

2011-03-23T23:48:00.001-05:00

According to sites like socialearth.org, Aquaponics is not new.

The practice of Aquaponic farming is not a new technology, it dates back to the Aztecs, but recently it has has been re-discovered. Aquaponic farming combines the techniques of Aquaculture (fish farming) and Hydroponics (plants grown in water) to create the most sustainable food production system on earth. The system works by using a type of fresh water fish (usually Tilapia or Trout) that multiply in a water tank, then plants are grown on the water’s surface. The relationship works perfectly between the fish and the plants. The fish produce waste in the water, and through natural bacterial processes, fertilize the plants, which in turn clean the water for the fish. The process is completely organic and sustainable for both parties. And the best part is that this system can be used on a small scale in your backyard, or for commercial production on large farms.

But, it is relatively new to me - and might be new to some of you.

And, I want to share about a friend of mine who is using aquaponics in unique ways to extend the good for the all!

Using the rooftop of a church building in the heart of "the Middle East" - in Jerusalem - a brilliant and gracious young friend of mine (as part of a larger research team), Tim Evans - is using a new system of aquaponics to help poor persons in places where land is hard to possess. The testing of the system by the team, it is hoped, will lead to tests in actual family homes in Palestinian territories. "The aim of this research is to see if a system that is both affordable and sustainable could be designed to produce adequate fruit and vegetable yields on household rooftops in the Middle East, in refugee camps, and poor urban areas, as well as other less fertile areas in the world."

Tim said, "This has generated a lot of interest in the wider community, and we are hopeful that this could genuinely help poorer families to improve their daily diet, as well as provide enjoyment and satisfaction in moving toward self-sufficiency," said Evans. "In a part of the world where the urban poor and refugee communities do not enjoy many freedoms, there is significance in growing your own food and exhibiting more control in day-to-day life. We are very excited about the potential and are grateful for the support of the church and our other partners."

There is much more we can do to extend the good for the all. Tim is a personal inspiration to me about thinking in new ways about extending eupan!

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

See the full gallery on Posterous

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Libya - and other issues of the good for the all

2011-02-25T17:03:00.001-06:00

In many ways, with varied interest, persons from around the world have been watching the global situations most urgently recently in Egypt - and now Libya - and along the way developments in Bahrain, Sudan and elsewhere.

In today's news, the Christian Science Monitor is reporting that Colonel Qaddafi is planning to stay in Libya - noting:

“Plan A is to live and die in Libya. Plan B is to live and die in Libya. Plan C is to live and die in Libya,” said Colonel Qaddafi’s son Saif Islam in a TV interview yesterday. Qaddafi himself, who made an appearance before cheering crowds at Tripoli's Green Square today, said on state TV that he was willing to open up his weapons caches to anyone who wants to fight on his side, and said he would set the country “aflame.”

It is a sad state of affairs when persons (or institutions) in power, in order to maintain their discredited power - turn to violence as the path for resolving their loss of power.

Today I hope for the people of Libya and the persons of the world a "Plan D" that does not include weapons, fighting, nor anyone or anything set "aflame."

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Opportunity to connect with Rotary to Extend Peace

2011-02-17T15:40:00.001-06:00

BETHANY, Okla. (February 17, 2011) - Southern Nazarene University professor, Marty Alan Michelson, Ph.D. was chosen to receive a fellowship opportunity from Rotary International.

Michelson was one of 19 recipients, from a pool of several hundred international applicants chosen for a full-ride scholarship and stipend for all expenses for 12 weeks at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, summer 2011. Fellows earn the Professional Development Certificate in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the University curriculum. International Fellows work to improve health, support education, and alleviate poverty through real-life, international field experience on issues of peace, goodwill, causes of conflict, and world understanding. Fellows will advance a culture of tolerance and peace, enhancing knowledge and skill while engaging practitioners and academics in the arena of peace and conflict resolution.

“The Rotary Peace Fellowship’s purpose is to support and advance the issues of peace, goodwill, causes of conflict and world understanding. Marty’s educational and work experience make him an ideal candidate for the Fellowship. He will not only expand his knowledge of international relations and conflict resolutions, he will bring that knowledge back to the Unites States to positively impact our world,” commented Sheila Stinson, Rotary District 5750 Rotary Peace Fellowship committee chair.

Michelson is excited about his upcoming fellowship, “I am absolutely thrilled with this opportunity. Rotary’s mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. SNU hopes to graduate students who think with clarity, act with integrity and serve with purpose. This fellowship combines the best of Rotary’s mission with SNU’s purpose to have graduates and faculty who think, act and serve. I plan to use the investment of Rotary International in faithful ways to live as a peacemaker.”

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide in humanitarian service -- has more than 1.2 million members in more than 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographic regions. For more information, visit www.rotary.org.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

House of Hope International Peace Center

2011-02-07T03:04:00.005-06:00

While traveling through Jordan, Israel, and Palestine on an educational tour I lead, I was able to meet Elias Jabbour, working with the House of Hope International Peace Center.

There is something so very real about meeting with persons who live elsewhere, hearing them share their stories.

Elias shares some of his stories in a book he has published - and he has been influential in working with numerous groups attempting to bring peace to the Israeli-Palestinian situation. His work includes working with the Center for Religious Tolerance and The Middle East Project, to name just a few of his connections. I doubt he would see them as "connections" or "networks" in anyway like modern business tries to work through connections and networks, though. I think he would see his work as a calling, and his connections and friendships. I know I felt that he wanted to genuinely be a friend to me and the group of persons with me when we met with him. The above link mentions Jabbour's work with Sulha, more can be read here.

The complexities, hopes, possibilities for conflict and peace in and with Israelis and Palestinians is complex - incredibly, individually, socially, politically, and in many other ways complex. But, "both" (there really are myriad) "sides" (sides sounds so ready for violence) could do more to extend the "olive branch" of peace in a land where olive trees can be seen from just about any vantage point.

Meet Elias!

Toward eupan !

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

The Eupan Global Initiative as an SA Group

2011-02-03T14:16:00.002-06:00

In several public and a few private events recently, I have been asked "What is the Eupan Global Initiative again?"

Or, as one person asked, "You're an anti-Genocide group, right?"

So, this post is intended to clarify a few things.

We are not (at least currently) a 501(c)3 - not-for-profit charitable organization. We have explored all the legal options toward this - but have not pursued it at this time.
We are not (at least currently) a 501(c)4 - not-for-profit which allows for active lobby in politics. Obviously we have explored this and not pursued it, either.
We are not an organization based out of any school or specific religion or creed. Several of the early partners were (or are) connected with the Church of the Nazarene and I, Marty Michelson, am an ordained Elder in the church and a professor at a Nazarene University - but our partnerships are as broad and deep as various partners are connected and "networked" in various agencies or other groups.

Primarily we are an SA partnership. (I don't think the SA term is popular - it is simply helping me to identify where I see the Eupan Global Initiative.)

By SA I mean that we are a Shared Awareness partnership - and - a Shared Advocacy partnership - and - a Solidarity in Action Partnership.

What does that mean - these SA Terms?

But, for now - our broad based awareness, advocacy and action is appropriate as we do all that we can, for any we can, in advancing the good for the all.

In answer to the question, "What is the Eupan Global Initiative?"

We are an SA Group.
We Share Awareness
We Support Advocacy
We engage Solidarity in Action.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Did you know MLK Jr. won a Grammy?

2011-01-17T09:26:00.001-06:00

A little known fact about Martin Luther King Jr. includes the fact that he won a Grammy for this speech.

This audio (at a video website) is worth 23 minutes of your life on this MLK Jr. Day 2011.

MLK Jr. was not just a "Civil Rights" Leader - but a national and international figure in several ways who worked to advance the cause of eupan - peace, justice, and reconciliation for all.

Toward eupan ~

~marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Extending Food Resources

2010-12-12T15:03:00.004-06:00

Jean-Marie Hill is a Hunger Justice Fellow – working with Bread for the World. She is also a resident of the OKC Metro and has been an advocate in advancing efforts in eupan.

She is a bright example of one of the vibrant ways we network with partners in advocacy that extend the good for the all!

After winning a selective fellowship with Bread for the World, Jean-Marie spent time this past summer in Washington DC. being equipped to lead advocacy efforts in OKC She worked with Capitol Hill policy makers, experienced organizers, and analysts to learn more about issues of hunger and poverty - in order to expand efforts at hunger awareness here in OKC. While in D.C., she worked to lobbying Congress and since returning to the OKC Metro - she has been working in community advocacy.

Jean-Marie was on the campus of Southern Nazarene University this past week sharing great news with us - regarding advocacy work she has engaged locally - and nationally.

Jean-Marie's advocacy was influential in helping to see that legislation gets passed in helping families - including key issues for children - with food. Read more HERE.

We celebrate with Jean-Marie her good work in the OKC Metro - and her work that has extended aid to hundreds of needy persons in Oklahoma!

While our efforts toward eupan are *not* partisan efforts - and while individual persons connected with the Eupan Global Initiative may have divergent views on the *best* ways to extend the good for all, we are thrilled to see efforts that advance good will, charity, kindness, and practical items of sustenance to those in need - even if it "takes an act of congress" to make it happen! =)

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

What you can do for Sudan NOW

2010-11-17T21:28:00.002-06:00

A great video -

And then this . . .

Call Secretary Clinton’s office. Tell her to immediately hire an ambassador-level diplomat for Darfur by calling 1-800-GENOCIDE – and get your friends and family to do the same. When you call 1-800-GENOCIDE, you’ll be given talking points then connected directly to Secretary Clinton’s office.

Why this call to action – why now?

* In the last 10 days alone, Sudan’s notorious “security service” has conducted a wave of arrests of human rights activists, civil society leaders, student activists, and journalists.
* The arrests, combined with reports in Darfur of aerial bombings of villages and water sources and a build up of armed forces, are disturbing reminders that without a high-level diplomat assigned to the region, Darfurians are tremendously vulnerable to human rights violations and attack.

Need more info? Go here - but know that the November 16 deadline has been extended to November 22nd.

* Find out more here: http://blogfordarfur.org/archives/6131

All it takes is a phone call. It's *that* simple.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson,ph.d.

Opinion: Let's Work to Put 'Never Again' on Par With 'Never Forget' | The Jewish Exponent

2010-10-28T10:22:00.000-05:00

A great short article by Mark Hanis, director of Genocide Intervention Network - about our need to do more in our efforts to prevent genocide.

I am hoping to get Mark to the OKC area in the forthcoming months. If you have connections that could help support that effort - that would be great! Feel free to email me personally at martymichelson (at) gmail (dot) com.

Opinion: Let's Work to Put 'Never Again' on Par With 'Never Forget' | The Jewish Exponent

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Opportunity for Civil Dicourse on Religion and Politics

2010-10-22T21:13:00.003-05:00

Coming to Oklahoma City University - National Endowment for Humanities Chairman Coming to OCU

The chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities will visit Oklahoma City University to present a lecture at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27 in the Kerr McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business. The lecture is free to the public.

Jim Leach is on a nationwide tour with his presentation titled “Civility in a Fractured Society.” Through his tour, Leach is hoping to heal religious and political divisiveness by promoting respect for the cultural gifts of people around the world.

“Today civilization is on trial as radical elements in distant parts of the world stoke differences between and within faith systems,” Leach said in a speech earlier this year on the topic. “In response to violent acts of various parties and the dislocating consequences of the global recession, a divisive rhetoric of anger has been precipitated in recent years in the West as well as the East.

“If we don’t try to understand and respect others, how can we expect them to respect us, our values and way of life?”

Leach was nominated to his post by President Barack Obama in 2009 for a four-year term. He previously served 30 years representing southeastern Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives where he chaired the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and founded and co-chaired the Congressional Humanities Caucus.

After leaving Congress in 2007, Leach joined the faculty at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School, where he was the John L. Weinberg Visiting Professor of Public and International Affairs until his confirmation as NEH chairman.

Leach holds eight honorary degrees and has received numerous awards, including the Sidney R. Yates Award for Distinguished Public Service to the Humanities from the National Humanities Alliance, the Woodrow Wilson Award from The Johns Hopkins University, the Adlai Stevenson Award from the United Nations Association, the Edgar Wayburn Award from the Sierra Club, the Wayne Morse Integrity in Politics Award, the Norman Borlaug Award for Public Service and the Wesley Award for Service to Humanity.
Leach was a three-sport athlete while in college and was elected into the Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater.

For more information about Leach and the National Endowment for the Humanities, visit http://www.neh.gov/index.html.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson,ph.d.

For Your Consideration and Application!

2010-10-17T22:05:00.003-05:00

This past year has been meaningful and significant in many ways for me personally - but in large part I have grown, developed, learned, and been shaped as a Carl Wilkens Fellow through Genocide Intervention Network. I could enumerate numerous ways that I have grown through many opportunities opened up to me through this venue!

I want to encourage any persons interested in working toward eupan to consider their own opportunity to become a Carl Wilkens Fellow for 2011!

I wish I would have been more organized to have posted this information for your awareness earlier. But, alas, - it is not too late to apply!

Here is what you need to know:

The 2011 Fellowship application is live on Genocide Intervention Network’s website yesterday and will be due by Friday, November 5th. You may access the application

About the Fellowship

Launched in 2009, the Carl Wilkens Fellowship Program seeks to bridge the gap between thought and action in the anti-genocide movement. The Fellowship is selective, 12-month leadership development program that provides a diverse set of emerging citizen leaders with the tools and training to build sustained political will to end genocide.

In its first two years, the Carl Wilkens Fellowship has worked with thirty-eight (38) individuals from communities across the country and from a diversity of backgrounds - from retired corporate lawyers, to high school teachers and college professors, to computer programmers and communications specialists.

Through the Fellowship, each one of these individuals has committed to growing as a leader and taken it upon themselves to acquire the tools and resources to build sustained political will within their communities for the prevention and cessation of genocide.

Interested in More Information?

I encourage you to check out the Fellowship pages on our organization's website:

§ Overview

§ Program components:

§ Carl Wilkens Fellowship network:

§ Carl Wilkens Fellows – stories from the field:

What’s Next?
Your application!

If you are interested in applying but have questions you’d like answered before beginning the process, let me know. I’m happy to exchange substantive emails with you and/or to hop on to a phone call. I also encourage you to join one of the conference calls Jessica Reveri will be facilitating about the Fellowship between now and the November 5th deadline. Note that these are stand alone calls – no new/different information will be shared on any one.

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 (8AM ET & 8PM ET)

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 (8AM ET & 8PM ET)

Call-in information:
Number: (712)432-1601 & Code: 020909

Wishing you the best - toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

October Advocacy Work - Derek Sparks

2010-10-02T14:32:00.001-05:00

It was a great to have Derek Sparks share his insight with numerous audiences over 2 days.

His past work in D.C. with Senator Coburn, and his current work with Congresswoman Mary Fallin - along with a host of other keen insights from his life and study, made him an excellent conversationalist on many issues.

He offered critical and solid information on issues regarding Muslim relationships, key issues for discerning southeast Asia, and insight into thinking about what it means to have a Christian perspective while being involved in politics.

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Fall Activism - Insight from Derek Sparks

2010-09-28T21:03:00.002-05:00

We started work towards a Fall Event on Advocacy and Activism - toward peacemaking, with Derek Sparks. For a variety of great reasons, we are breaking up our work with Derek for now - and for a future opportunity into 2011!

While the following events are not "open to the public" as they are on-campus events at Southern Nazarene University. I am excited to report that Derek will be meeting with classes at SNU on September 29th and 30th. Events will include:

Reflecting on issues of human rights in areas of the world dominated by religious fundamentalist or extremists.

Discerning issues in southeast Asia, including discerning unique cultural and geographic features.

Other issues of multinational political and economic alliances, perhaps including problems with piracy.

Personal reflections on what it means to exist as a politician and Christian in the world today.

Presentation and conversation will be shaped by Student Questions in classes including World Religion, Physical Geography and Old Testament Theology.

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Pledge a Minute for Peace

2010-09-20T18:27:00.000-05:00

Someone might argue that more than prayer is needed for peace to become effective in the world. I might agree.

But, it certainly seems that a joint effort by persons of various faiths all aimed toward the same goal - if that goal is peace - no matter their theological differences - prayers for peace might just be the start we need - all in the same hopeful direction - to move our world toward peace!

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Official Film Trailer | Little Town of Bethlehem

2010-09-08T16:19:00.001-05:00

Coming to Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 29th.

A film exploring issues of peace among Jews, Muslims and Christians.

More details to follow.

Mark your calendars - and check out the trailer as you have opportunity! Linked here:

Official Film Trailer | Little Town of Bethlehem

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Advocacy and Diplomacy - D.C. and OKC

2010-09-07T07:14:00.004-05:00

I (Marty) will be in Washington D.C. this coming weekend, attending to the shared work I am privileged to accomplish with Genocide Intervention Network. I wish I felt I could do *more* than what I do - and I hope for a greater intervention by more persons in our world - but I am thankful too - *very* *very* thankful that I have had opportunity to partner with so many great people in and around OKC and with great Carl Wilkens Fellows with GI NET!

At the end of this month, J. Derek Sparks who has worked in offices with Senator Coburn and Mary Fallin (among others) will be a spokesperson sharing about issues of peace and diplomacy on the campus of Southern Nazarene University.

We have chosen to postpone an evening even with Derek for this Fall - anticipating other options toward Spring 2011 - but we are excited for the numerous students he will have opportunity to engage in several classroom settings on Wednesday and Thursday, September 29th and 30th. Interested in hearing what he has to share, contact me directly about when and where he will be speaking in several campus buildings each morning.

**

My scheduled meetings in the offices in D.C. are with Senator Coburn, Senator Inhofe and Congresswoman Mary Fallin in effort to raise awareness about - and support of issues connected to Genocide and the situation in Sudan. Are you an Oklahoman who wants to raise your voice to this advocacy work? Contact me at martymichelson (at) gmail (dot) com

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Travel, Oklahoma and the Power of People & Students!

2010-08-31T13:50:00.008-05:00

I (Marty) had opportunity to travel this summer. It is always interesting to read and become aware of how Americans and America is perceived in other places. It is important, I think, to hear and discern what others say about who we are - not just as Americans, but as people. If we are truly going to advance the good for the all, we must discern who we are and how we are perceived - so that we can work to better advance hospitable and charitable relationships with persons we know - and larger people groups and nations, with whom we interact.

As can be imagined, Americans are perceived well - and not so well - in places in the world. I will not try to explain or justify the myriad issues involved in this blog entry.

Rather, I want to note that I am *now* back in Oklahoma - doing the tasks that come with my work, working with students, being with persons in faith-communities, and advocating for a better world.

I get opportunity in a few days to be back in Washington D.C. where I have appointments with the 2 Senators from Oklahoma and with my Congresswoman.

I am excited too - that right now I get the opportunity to introduce efforts toward eupan with new students who become the "new generation" of advocates who work for good! I just returned from an afternoon meeting - where a student (who is not in my classes) was talking about "not being a bystander" because his Psychology professor, Dr. Noel J. Jacobs, was talking about issues of advocacy and peace-making in his class on Contemporary Social Issues!

What a delight to be with young persons who can change and shape our world!

What a delight to work with other persons on college campuses, in faith communities, in cities, that are working toward positive change in our world.

I hope with other pastors that the arc of history bends toward justice!

For a great article about MLK and this idea - Click Here! The Arc of the Universe Is Long But It Bends Towards Justice!

To all who desire to make our world a better place - you are welcome to join "our" local efforts in the Eupan Global Initiative - as we partner with others in our world!

Email us at: eupanglobal@gmail.com

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Save Darfur Coalition:

2010-08-25T14:15:00.000-05:00

Save Darfur Coalition:

Senator Inhofe and Genocide Prevention - Today's Conversation

2010-08-10T14:45:00.001-05:00

Brian ~
( Brian_Hackler@inhofe.senate.gov )

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. As I said to you personally, I know Senator Inhofe has long-standing vested commitments to what has been happening in Africa. When you and I met on March 29th, our key conversation was with regard to issues in Sudan - specifically with concerns for the possible outbreak of violence surrounding April elections.

Today I am asking specifically that Senator Inhofe support the resolution introduced by Senators Feingold and Collins, Cocurrent Resolution 71. (See attachments.)

Senator Inhofe is a key leader in setting a pattern for effective policy and legislation in Congress. His leadership is key on the Senate Foreign Relations committee and his timely support of this resolution will set an example for other members of congress.

As an Oklahoman who is concerned with how the United States works to effect peace in the world, I encourage Senator Inhofe to set an example for the Congress - and for the World - in supporting this legislation now.

While I can only speak for myself in this personal email, I personally know many Oklahomans associated with the Eupan Global Initiative and Oklahoma STAND (Student Anti-Genocide Coalition) chapters on various high-school and colleges campuses in Oklahoma. I will be inviting them to raise their voice on this issue - seeking Senator Inhofe's proactive leadership on this resolution, now.

I am CCing several key leaders in Oklahoma who share advocacy interests on this issue.

Thank you, Brian.

I look forward to meeting with either or both of your colleagues in D.C. in September - Joel Starr and/or Sarah Klotz. I have emailed Sarah about this in June and have recently followed up with her toward a specific time for September 10th.

Wishing you all the best today.

~ Marty

Marty Alan Michelson, Ph.D.
Mobile: 405.495.4488
www.eupan.net

Download now or preview on posterous

Genocide prevention resolution - as introduced on 8 5 10.pdf (28 KB)

Download now or preview on posterous

CoSponsorSConRes71.pdf (82 KB)

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Toward success in our shared advocacy with Genocide Intervention Network!

2010-08-07T14:10:00.002-05:00

Huge news! After mountains of "behind the scenes" work, Senators Feingold and Collins have just introduced a Genocide Prevention resolution on the Senate floor.

While our conflict-specific advocacy work has continued around Sudan and other areas of concern, our team has been working for months to secure bi-partisan co-sponsorship for this resolution. It's a crucial first step in our efforts to create long-term structural change in the United States's ability to prevent and stop genocide - next month, expect to see a bill in the house.

Take a moment to celebrate this moment - thank you for everything you have done to move the ball forward on this issue.

Stay tuned for more.

- - -

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Mr. FEINGOLD (for himself and Ms. COLLINS) submitted the following concur-
rent resolution;

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the United States national interest in helping
to prevent and mitigate acts of genocide and other mass
atrocities against civilians, and supporting and encour-
aging efforts to develop a whole of government approach
to prevent and mitigate such acts.

Whereas, in the aftermath of the Holocaust, the international
community vowed ‘‘never again’’ to allow systematic
killings on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, race, or reli-
gion;

Whereas a number of other genocides and mass atrocities
have occurred, both prior to and since that time;
Whereas the United States Government has undertaken
many initiatives to ensure that victims of genocide and
mass atrocities are not forgotten, and as a leader in the
international community, the United States has committed
to work with international partners to prevent
genocide and mass atrocities and to help protect civilian
populations at risk of such;

Whereas the United Nations General Assembly adopted the
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the
Crime of Genocide in 1948, which declares genocide,
whether committed in a time of peace or in a time of
war, a crime under international law, and declares that
the parties to the Convention will undertake to prevent
and to punish that crime;

Whereas the United States was the first nation to sign the
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the
Crime of Genocide, and the Senate voted to ratify the
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the
Crime of Genocide on February 11, 1986;

Whereas the Act entitled, ‘‘An Act to establish the United
States Holocaust Memorial Council’’, approved October
7, 1980 (Public Law 96–388) established the United
States Holocaust Memorial Council to commemorate the
Holocaust, establish a memorial museum to the victims,
and develop a committee to stimulate worldwide action to
prevent or stop future genocides;

Whereas the passage of the Genocide Convention Implementation
Act of 1987 (Public Law 100–606), also known as
the Proxmire Act, made genocide a crime under United
States law;

Whereas, in response to lessons learned from Rwanda and
Bosnia, President William J. Clinton established a genocide
and mass atrocities early warning system by establishing an
Atrocities Prevention Interagency Working Group, chaired by
an Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues from 1998 to 2000;

Whereas, in 2005, the United States and all other members
of the United Nations agreed that the international community has
‘‘a responsibility to use appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and
other peaceful means, in accordance with Chapter VI and VIII of
the United Nations Charter, to help protect populations from genocide,
war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity,’’
and to take direct action if national authorities are un- willing or
unable to protect their populations;

Whereas the 2006 National Security Strategy of the United
States stated, ‘‘The world needs to start honoring a principle
that many believe has lost its force in parts of the international
community in recent years: genocide must not be tolerated.
It is a moral imperative that states take action to prevent and
punish genocide.. . . We must refine United States Government
efforts—economic, diplomatic, and law-enforcement—so that
they target those individuals responsible for genocide and not the
innocent citizens they rule.’’;

Whereas the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the
American Academy of Diplomacy, and the United States
Institute of Peace convened a Genocide Prevention Task
Force, co-chaired by former Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen,
to explore how the United States Government could better
respond to threats of genocide and mass atrocities;

Whereas the final report of the Genocide Prevention Task
Force, released in December 2008, concluded that the
lack of an overarching policy framework or a standing
interagency process, as well as insufficient and uncoordinated
institutional capacities, undermines the ability of
the United States Government to help prevent genocide
or mass killings and offered recommendations for creating
a government wide strategy;

Whereas the former Director of National Intelligence, in his
annual threat assessment to Congress in February 2010,
highlighted countries at risk of genocide and mass atrocities
and stated, ‘‘Within the past 3 years, the Democratic Republic
of Congo and Sudan all suffered mass killing episodes through
violence starvation, or death in prison camps. . .Looking ahead
over the next 5 years, a number of countries in Africa and Asia
are at significant risk for a new outbreak of mass killing.’’;

Whereas the Quadrennial Defense Review, released in February 2010,
states that the Defense Department should be prepared to provide the
President with options for ‘‘preventing human suffering due to mass
atrocities or large-scale natural disasters abroad’’;

Whereas the 2010 National Security Strategy notes, ‘‘The
United States is committed to working with our allies,
and to strengthening our own internal capabilities, in
order to ensure that the United States and the international
community are proactively engaged in a strategic
effort to prevent mass atrocities and genocide. In the
event that prevention fails, the United States will work
both multilaterally and bilaterally to mobilize diplomatic,
humanitarian, financial, and – in certain instances – military
means to prevent and respond to genocide and mass
atrocities.’’;

Whereas genocide and mass atrocities often result from and
contribute to instability and conflict, which can cross borders
and exacerbate threats to international security and
the national security of the United States;

Whereas the failure to prevent genocide and mass atrocities
can lead to significant costs resulting from regional instability,
refugee flows, peacekeeping, economic loss, and the
challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation; and

Whereas United States leadership and actions toward preventing and
mitigating future genocides and mass atrocities can save human lives
and help foster beneficial global partnerships:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
(concurring), That the Senate—

(1) recommits to honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust
as well as the victims of all past genocides and mass atrocities;

(2) affirms that it is in the national interest
and aligned with the values of the United States to
work vigorously with international partners to prevent
and mitigate future genocides and mass atrocities;

(3) supports efforts made thus far by the President,
the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the
United States Agency for International Development,
the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of
National Intelligence to improve the capacity of the
United States Government to anticipate, prevent,
and address genocide and mass atrocities, including the
establishment of an interagency policy committee
and a National Security Council position dedicated
to the prevention of genocide and other mass atrocities;

(4) urges the President—

(A) to direct relevant departments and agencies of
the United States Government to review and evaluate
existing capacities for anticipating, preventing, and
responding to genocide and other mass atrocities,
and to determine specific steps to coordinate and
enhance those capacities; and

(B) to develop and communicate a whole of
government approach and policy to anticipate,
prevent, and mitigate acts of genocide and
other mass atrocities;

(5) urges the Secretary of State, working closely with the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development—

(A) to ensure that all relevant officers of the
Foreign Service and particularly those deploying to
areas undergoing significant conflict or considered
to be at risk of significant conflict, genocide, and other
mass atrocities receive appropriate advanced training
in early warning and conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution;

(B) to determine appropriate leadership, structure, programs,
and mechanisms within the Department of State and the United States
Agency for International Development that can enhance efforts
to prevent genocide and other mass atrocities; and

(C) to include relevant recommendations for enhancing
civilian capacities to help prevent and mitigate genocide
and mass atrocities in the upcoming Quadrennial Diplomacy and
Development Review;

(6) urges the Secretary of the Treasury, working in consultation with
the Secretary of State, to review how sanctions and other financial tools
could be used against state and commercial actors found
to be directly supporting or enabling genocides and mass atrocities;

(7) recognizes the importance of flexible contingency crisis funding
to enable United States civilian agencies to respond quickly to help
prevent and mitigate crises that could lead to significant armed
conflict, genocide, and other mass atrocities;

8) urges the Secretary of Defense to conduct an analysis of the
doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership, personnel,
and facilities required to prevent and respond to genocide and mass
atrocities;

(9) encourages the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense
to work with the relevant congressional committees to ensure
that a priority goal of all United States security assistance and
training is to support legitimate, accountable security forces
committed to upholding the sovereign responsibility to protect
civilian populations from violence, especially genocide and
other mass atrocities;

(10) supports efforts by the United States Government to provide
logistical, communications, and intelligence support, as appropriate,
to assist multilateral diplomatic efforts and peace operations in
preventing mass atrocities and protecting civilians;

(11) calls on other members of the international
community to increase their support for multilateral
diplomatic efforts and peace operations to more effectively
prevent mass atrocities and protect civilians;

(12) encourages the Secretary of State to work closely
with regional and international organizations, the
United Nations Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide,
and civil society experts to develop and expand multilateral
mechanisms for early warning, information sharing, and
rapid response diplomacy for the prevention of genocide
and other mass atrocities; and

(13) commits to calling attention to areas at risk of genocide
and other mass atrocities and ensuring that the United States
Government has the tools and resources to enable its efforts
to prevent genocide and mass atrocities.

John Hay Jr. - Reflections on Freedom's Daily Cost

2010-07-03T11:18:00.001-05:00

This post is copied with permission from John Hay, Jr.: http://www.indybikehiker.com/ Direct link by CLICKING HERE.

FREEDOM'S DAILY COST
A tribute to daily actions of ordinary citizens that promote American-style freedom

GRATEFUL NOT GULLIBLE. I feel a deep gratitude for American-style freedom and for those who have thought, deliberated, lived and died to frame, preserve, and advance it. The fact that I feel, simultaneously, that certain domestic and international policies and actions are not in American freedom’s best interest does not negate my gratitude or reduce my sense of patriotism. Nor does it mean I write a blank check and cast a rubber-stamp vote for everything my government--in any of its three branches and myriad bureaus--does in the name and for the sake of America and freedom. It is one thing to be grateful and patriotic, it is another to be gullible and naïve.

FREEDOM IS BIGGER. I try to keep in mind that freedom is bigger than any Presidential administration. America is greater than a duly elected Congress. The Constitution stands above any appointed Court. The soul of America is deeper than policies conceived and implemented through layers of bureaucracy. Its spirit is broader than what can be expressed by any region, state, or local community. For this reason, and for the fact that pride and prejudice is ever present and must be grappled with in each generation, it is necessary and prudent to be vigilant against directives and decisions that appropriate the term “freedom” but do not necessarily embody and advance it for all.

WHAT IS FREEDOM’S COST? I saw this quote etched in stone at a monument in Washington, D.C.: “Freedom isn’t free.” So it isn’t. That doesn’t necessarily mean its only cost is blood and that the primary manner of preserving freedom is war, the threat of violence, preemptive attacks on rogue regimes which we suspect, or the deployment and ever-increasing funding of a bloated military at the expense of local community creativity and our most vulnerable citizens. The fact that freedom has occasionally been preserved by unavoidable war does not mean that war is the primary and celebrated cost of freedom.

THESE LIVES TESTIFY. I write this, having visited Arlington National Cemetery, where tombstones in the shape of Crosses and Stars of David line the hills as far as the eye can see—each representing a life given for American freedom. I write this, having visited the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. These lives testify to heroic efforts to preserve American freedom or to win it for those who asked for our help. But war and the death of soldiers is not the primary way freedom is preserved and promoted.

FREEDOM IS WILLED BY ORDINARY CITIZENS. Freedom is more proactive than an occasional defensive response of protection when it is truly under attack or an aggressive response of preemption when it is perceived to be threatened. The cost of freedom is a daily vigilance and active exercise of freedom by ordinary citizens. We mistakenly think that freedom is something won for us by the few who bear arms; in fact, freedom is something willed by the many who confirm its blessing and fuel its light through responsible use of its privileges and responsibilities.

VIGILANCE OF THE CITIZENRY. The vigorous and watchful exercise of such freedoms as speech, religion, and one’s vote serve to intensify freedom’s promise and buttress it against would-be detractors. It takes the vigilance of the citizenry to hold elected and appointed officials accountable to ensure there is freedom from want and freedom from fear. That “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are not repeatedly abused by the likes of either arrogant Wall Street executives or domestic abusers is far from a given. Some will always construe freedom for license and frame liberty in ways to serve themselves at the expense of others.

WILLING THE BEST FREEDOM CAN MEAN. Nothing short of an attentive, informed, and engaged citizenry willing the best that freedom can mean will prevent genuine freedom from dissipating without a shot being fired or a terrorist attack being launched. It is possible to wave flags and sing of freedom all the while speech is curtailed, civil liberties conceded, corporate monopolies on goods and services permitted, equal opportunity redefined, religion regulated, poverty increased, and personal and community security decreased. Disengagement and apathy are greater threats to American freedom than terrorism or rogue regimes.

A MONUMENT TO ORDINARY PEOPLE. When in Washington, D.C. earlier this year, I wanted to see a monument to the average American citizen. There were monuments to war heroes and esteemed Presidents and national figures. These are likely all great people and deserving of honor. But should there not be, in the city of democracy, an unmistakable message to the world that what preserves and promotes freedom and democracy is not so much “great persons” as a great people, not so much war but a vigilant peace, not only the notable actions of a few but the faithful and ordinary actions of the many who choose everyday to make freedom ring true in every community across America?

Toward Eupan and the BP / Gulf Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

2010-06-27T23:53:00.002-05:00

Several Summer "other personal and other professional" projects have captured my time in the past 30 days or so. And, with some travel for many of our leaders in the Eupan Global Initiative, our "energy" has slowed for the summer.

As that is the case, though, I am reminded today that we are just at 70 days since the Oil Spill erupted in the Gulf.

Websites like this one are tracking various forms of "death" that have resulted - and this is to say nothing of the thousands of news and government and private industry reports that have come out in the past 70 days. And, this single website of course can not track the numerous forms of microscopic organisms - comprising various food chains in the Gulf's unique hydrosphere - that are dying or suffering.

Our purpose in advancing eupan is not to castigate, point fingers, or lay blame on others - but to think about how we build and work toward a better future - that is genuinely good for all.

In that regard, I (Marty Michelson) would only say that with each day that the oil spills, I find myself more and more troubled with our dependence on forms of fuel that enable us to "live our lives" while the expenses of these forms of life bring trouble, hurt, pollution and death in catastrophic ways - even when there is no "spill" or "broken pipes."

We can do better. We need to do better - for us, for our neighbors, for the nations of the world, for the future of vibrant life.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

One Meal - One Day

2010-05-03T19:57:00.001-05:00

In an effort to extend Eupan, I would like to encourage people in OKC to consider the One Meal One Day (OMOD) youth movement to end global hunger. Compassion International and Lead 222 are partnering together to encourage teenagers to join together in an effort to dissolve hunger issues in this world. OMOD is a very simple opportunity for students across OKC to partner in a worthwhile endeavor.

More information can be accessed at www.onemealoneday.com. The main goal is to encourage students to skip to OMOD. Ambitious students will recruit 30 other people to either sponsor them or join them in skipping the meal. The $155 raised through sponsorships would feed a child for an entire year. Students who are physically unable to skip the meal due to extracurricular activities or health concerns can still participate by bringing their lunch to school and still donating the $5.

Youth directors, campus pastors and pastors should visit the website where they will find resources for leading this event at their local church. There is a three week series of teachings that can be used to lead into Wednesday, October 20, 2010. This is a worthwhile effort since most teenagers in America are blessed with enough money and resources to make this happen. Join me in extending Eupan to our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.

If you or someone you know is interested in more information, please contact either Jeremy Graham (jgraham@saokc.org) or Todd Lovelace (toddlovelace@mac.com). Todd is overseeing OMOD here in OKC and will be hosting meetings leading up to the event.
posted by Jeremy Graham

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Fall 2010 - Politics and Peacemaking - Advocacy Training

2010-04-25T22:22:00.005-05:00

Fall 2010 seems a long way off - but we are making plans that advance the good for the all!

Details will be forthcoming - but Derek Sparks - who currently works for Congresswoman Mary Fallin (she is currently campaigning for OK Governor) - will be working with us toward a Fall Education and Training event on making our political advocacy toward peace more effective.

Derek has had extensive experience with foreign affairs and human rights issues in Senator Tom Coburn’s office on Capitol Hill. His postgraduate work at the University of St Andrews in Scotland centered on Middle East and Central Asian Security Studies. Not only does he have this background academically and experientially - I found him a delightful conversationalist who could talk easily and with credibility about a variety of issues on the international scene. He has a particular interest in human rights issues and their impact upon international security.

More details to follow as we learn more about how we can make our voice in peace-making and advancing the good for all more effective.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

BlessedEarth Simulcast - Wednesday 4/21/2010

2010-04-20T22:02:00.002-05:00

Remember we'll be simulcasting the BlessedEarth event in the S.T. Religion Building on the Campus of Southern Nazarene University at 6:30 p.m. (1830 hours). (GPS Devices can be programmed to 4100 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK - and that will put you in sight range of the building with the clear label "S.T. Ludwig Religion Building.")

Come as early as 6:00 p.m. for conversation and discussion.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

White House Statement on Elections in Sudan

2010-04-20T17:10:00.002-05:00

Since we have been advocating in our partnership with GI-Net specifically about issues involving Sudan, I thought I would share the following news release from the White House Today:

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 20, 2010
Statement by the Press Secretary on Elections in Sudan

The elections held recently in Sudan were an essential step in a process laid out by Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The United States notes the initial assessment of independent electoral observers that Sudan’s elections did not meet international standards. Political rights and freedoms were circumscribed throughout the electoral process, there were reports of intimidation and threats of violence in South Sudan, ongoing conflict in Darfur did not permit an environment conducive to acceptable elections, and inadequacies in technical preparations for the vote resulted in serious irregularities. The United States regrets that Sudan’s National Elections Commission did not do more to prevent and address such problems prior to voting.

The people of Sudan are to be commended for their efforts to make Sudan’s first multi-party elections in over two decades peaceful and meaningful. In the months and years ahead it will be critical to continue pressing for progress for the civil and political rights of all of the Sudanese people. This priority will not expire with the CPA, and all parties should draw on this experience to improve preparations for future elections and referenda.

The United States also remains committed to working with the international community to support implementation of outstanding elements of the CPA and ensure that the referendum happens on time and that its results are respected. With partners in the region and beyond, we will continue to engage in the preparations necessary to support peace and stability after the 2011 referenda, and continue to promote peace, security, and accountability in Darfur.

One of the specific issues we addressed with Senators Inhofe, Coburn and Representative Fallin (or their Representatives) had to do with the need for the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement) to be made effective with specific metrics for accountability.

We are thankful that the White House is committed to supporting peace and stability and the furtherance of security and accountability.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

People Against Trafficking Humans

2010-04-19T19:39:00.006-05:00

What a delight to have been at a University Event tonight sponsored by students it is my privilege to "advise" as *they* lead and shape the future of our world!

I am and was so proud of Destry Howland, in particular, who (among many others) pulled together an event on the Campus of Southern Nazarene University highlighting the issue of human trafficking.

Speakers at the event included persons from WRATH - Women Rallying Against Trafficking Humans and All Things New Campaign - both based locally in the OKC Metro.

I certainly could list more here about the specific agencies and what they are doing - but I will let their websites address the important issues they are effectively addressing.

My main goal tonight was to (1) add our Eupan Global Initiative voice to these worthy causes and to (2) praise Student LEADERS who are making a difference so that our world is better for all persons!

Destry is pictured here in yellow and black - having raised her voice, we acknowledge her good work!

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Eupan Supported or Sponsored Events - Next Two Wednesdays!

2010-04-12T22:35:00.002-05:00

Toward learning and awareness toward eupan we support the fact that Oklahoma City University is hosting Ismael Baeh *this* week:

A Long Way Gone: A Story of Redemption and Hope at the Petree Auditorium at the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center
(N.W. 25th St and Blackwelder Ave - 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, 2010)

Then, next week, on the Campus of Southern Nazarene University - Wednesday Night at 6:30 p.m. in the S.T. Ludwig Building - the Eupan Global Initiative is partner with BlessedEarth sponsoring a time to recognize Earth Day from the distinct framework of Christian testimony! (SNU is located at 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK - and a relevant GPS location for is 4100 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK.)

The next two Wednesday Evenings - Events toward and for eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Adding Your Voice in Oklahoma to Sudan

2010-04-08T11:34:00.004-05:00

For weeks and weeks there have been reports of a failed democratic process taking place in Sudan - the location where genocide has taken place, where Omar al-Bashir is up for election, though he has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for Crimes Against Humanity.

In most recent news, former President Jimmy Carter has arrived in Sudan to help monitor the situation:

Please consider adding your voice here in Oklahoma to the situations developing in Sudan:

1. Contact your Senators with the below message, feel free to make it personal:
Senator Inhofe: Email or call him at (405) 608-4381
Senator Coburn: Email or call him at (405) 231-4941

Message (please feel free to personalize your message for greater impact):

"As your constituent and as an American, I am deeply concerned about the current situation in Sudan. The benchmarks required by US Sudan policy for free and fair elections have not been met. Polling begins in only a few days and I feel that the vote will not reflect the will of the people since so many have not been able to register or have publicly boycotted the elections. Please contact President Obama and Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson and ask them to remain vigilant during polling and to measure accurately measure the credibility of these elections using standards set forth in the US Sudan policy. Thank you."

2. Ask Congress for stronger leadership and oversight of the US Sudan Policy. Sign this petition to Senators Kerry and Lugar and Representatives Ros-Lehtinen and Berman.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Blessed Earth simulcast: a greater green good for all

2010-04-07T22:57:00.001-05:00

I often joke with friends that my personal torture would consist of being forced to watch recyclable items be thrown away all day. That "green" motivation is in me - I've caught the bug, and I am proud to say that I have had the bug for some time now.

For me, living a sustainable life is not only a series of physical actions that could be considered working towards a greater good for all, but rather it is a spiritual practice. Whether you identify with a faith tradition or not, practicing sustainability is a commitment towards re-shaping habits and attitudes.

Blessed Earth is a faith-based partner in the quest for a greater green good for all. They, along with many other organizations such as Asbury Theological Seminary and Zondervan Publishing, will be hosting a live simulcast on April 21st that we, the Eupan Global Initiative, will be participating in. Below is some information taken from their website's simulcast FAQ and a video introducing the simulcast:

------------------------------------------------

What is the Blessed Earth simulcast?

Blessed Earth is hosting a live, national simulcast event that will include special guests and music, an exclusive look at a new creation care video series, and an interactive discussion with leaders and groups across the country. A simulcast enables a program to be seen at various locations (colleges, churches, organizations, and homes) at the same time by a large audience.

------------------------------------------------

If you are in the Oklahoma City area and would like to participate in the simulcast with EGI, please let us know in the comments, or email us at eupanglobal AT gmail DOT com. Our simulcast with Blessed Earth will take place on Wednesday, April 21st - at 6:30 p.m. (1830 hours) - with doors opening and initial set up to start as early as 6:00 p.m. We will be hosting this in the S.T. Ludwig Religion Building on the Campus of Southern Nazarene University. (If you use a GPS device to find the location, program 4100 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK in your GPS address finder.)

Towards eupan!

~ stephen vandervort

Dr. Coburn announced, "Well Said!"

2010-03-31T20:02:00.000-05:00

United States Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. has been criticized specifically for stopping and saying "No!" to several pieces of legislation in various reviews. While any and every Senator is criticized by some members of their constitutency, because of the multiple "holds" that Dr. Coburn puts on bills in Congress in order to address issues of spending, he has earned the moniker, "Dr. No."

It was nice, then, that at the conclusion of our personal meeting with Dr. Coburn today to hear Dr. Coburn say to me, "Well said!"

Dr. Coburn has several Town Hall meetings taking place in and around Oklahoma in these few days of his Easter Break. I attended his meeting in OKC today - with perhaps 400 in attendance, many of whom where vying for an opportunity to ask him questions, but less than 15 got the microphone for even a few minutes.

In view of this, it was a particular delight to have had a personal meeting with Dr. Coburn in his office where he gave 25 minutes to our advocacy and efforts in a personal way.

We met with Dr. Coburn in our advocacy towards peace and harmony in our world - in specific connection with our efforts toward the current situation(s) in Sudan. This has grown out of our commitment to shared partnership with the Carl Wilkens Fellowship from Genocide Intervention Network.

At the conclusion of our 25 minute meeting I said something along these lines, which I had prepared.

"Dr Coburn. We want to thank you for your time today. As we conclude our time, I want to share with you a story that is narrated by Daoud Hari in the book, The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur. Daoud is himself a survivor of the atrocities that have taken place in the region of Darfur in Sudan. Daoud tells the story of how his mother was on one occasion surrounded by a circle of lions who wanted to attack their cattle and sheep. Daoud says that his mother, "for a long day, a long night, and the next morning saved their flock using only the power of her voice and the banging of sticks." We want to be advocates - to add our voice - to fend off the lions of our world who want to cause carnage and harm. Please see us as partners toward this effort with you as we raise our voice."

And Dr. Coburn announced, "Well said!"

Thanks to you who are partnering with us toward eupan. Please contact us personally if you want to know about how you can use the power of your voice with us! Email us at eupanglobal@gmail.com.

On a personal note - in the middle of an already long week (I met personally with field representatives for U.S. Senator James Inhofe and Representative Mary Fallin earlier in the week) - I want to note how exciting it is to be a partner with others toward effecting and establishing a better world. We can and should live into a more peaceable future - establishing the good for the all!

Committed to peacemaking, committed to adding our voice, and committed to eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Stewards of Creation

2010-03-30T10:50:00.001-05:00

Download now or preview on posterous

Stewards of Creation - Haiti.pdf (198 KB)

In this article, I (Levi Jones) discuss our role as stewards over creation. Along with that idea, I discuss a recent mission trip in Haiti in which I participated. Several of the challenges that face Haiti could potentially face us if we are not careful to preserve the gift that we have been given. As such, it is imperative that we look carefully at the long-term consequences of our actions, rather than simply counting the short-term benefits. Posted by Levi Jones.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Public Note - Adding YOUR voice

2010-03-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

As you know, we have been advocating toward efforts regarding Sustainability issues locally (in OKC Metro and OK) and about Genocide Intervention internationally. (And, of course, those of us involved in EGI stay aware of many other issues where we might advocate toward eupan!)

Because we have recently met with and will meet again this week with Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., I want to share the following:

Dr. Coburn is hosting a free, public town hall meeting next week.

Wednesday, March 31
2 – 3 p.m.
Metro Technology Center
Springlake Campus Auditorium
1900 Springlake Dr.
(NW of 36th and Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Oklahoma City, OK

Additionally, as a way of sharing I will add here:

Our showing of the film PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library was a "success" for those who came out. I personally had a good conversation with several persons after the film concluded. Thank you to those who helped organize and welcome (again) to those who we met!

I met earlier today with representatives from Senator James Inhofe's office, Brian J.Hackler and Chris J. Stover. I meet later today with J. Derek Sparks in Representative Mary Fallin's office. Delightful meetings thus far and looking forward to a delightful afternoon in advocacy toward eupan efforts.

I look forward to how we - and *you* - will add our voice toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Pause with your lights out?

2010-03-27T09:58:00.001-05:00

As a member of the Eupan Global Initiative I can not speak for all of us, but I think most of us in the Eupan Global Initiative are not necessarily committed to "the earth" but we are certainly and deliberately mindful of how we live on and with creation toward advancing the good for the all! Personally, I believe anything that causes us "pause" in life to rethink how we individually contribute to the pain of others - or the peace for others, is worthy of serious consideration.

Consider your part in our life's larger systems - would you? From the Earth Hour website:

Mission, History & Earth Hour 2010

On Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people, organizations, corporations and governments around the world will come together to make a bold statement about their concern for climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. In the U.S. where we are already feeling the impacts of climate change, Earth Hour sends a clear message that Americans care about this issue and want to turn the lights out on dirty air, dangerous dependency on foreign oil and costly climate change impacts, and make the switch to cleaner air, a strong economic future and a more secure nation.

Participation is easy. By flipping off your lights on March 27th at 8:30 p.m. local time you will be making the switch to a cleaner, more secure nation and prosperous America. View the toolkits, to find out what else you can do to get involved including leading the Earth Hour movement in your community.

Set Your Clock

On Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. local time, Earth Hour will once again cascade around the globe, from New Zealand to Hawaii.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Downtown Library Tonight! Film Showing!

2010-03-24T11:42:00.001-05:00

So many great things going on in our shared efforts and work toward eupan!

Don't forget about our 6:00 p.m. showing of Pray the Devil Back to Hell at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library - tonight.

Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library
300 Park Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 231- 8650

The library has been advertising this on our behalf - and any and all are welcome for the free showing, underwritten by the generosity of partners toward eupan.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Moving ahead in advocacy

2010-03-23T14:26:00.001-05:00

Several of us in Oklahoma City working toward eupan goals specifically connected to anti-genocide and awareness intervention, met last week with Dr. Coburn's Field Rep. Craig Smith. We had a delightful meeting with a very kind person who took the time to listen to our concerns and issues.

This coming Monday, March 29th, I (Marty) have meetings with Representative Mary Fallin's office and separately with a representative in Senator Inhofe's office on Monday the 29th.

In our shared work toward advocacy and raising awareness, I am excited to report that as a result of last week's meeting with Senator Coburn's Field Rep - I have just today been called and invited me to a personal time with Senator Tom Coburn after a "town hall" presentation that Dr. Coburn will have on Wednesday the 31st.

I have no illusion that I'll be the only invited personal to follow up with the personal meetings after the town hall meeting . . . but I did get a personal phone call and a personal invitation to be with Coburn.

I am thankful to the participation and assistance and training that has come for me out of the Carl Wilken's Fellowship - and thankful for lessons in diplomacy and advocacy that I am experiencing - and lessons that I want to share with all committed toward efforts that advance the good for the all!

If you are local in the OKC area and want to partner with me in the meetings I have planned - to the extent you are welcome from the perspective of the field reps, I welcome your shared participation and shared voice in adding your voice to our shared efforts -in this case, specifically about Genocide awareness in Sudan - but not forgetting Congo and Burma! Please email me personally at either martymichelson@gmail.com or eupanglobal@gmail.com if you have interest in partnering with us in these issues.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Eco-Festival in OKC April 16-18, 2010

2010-03-23T12:04:00.001-05:00

Live Earth Oklahoma will hit Oklahoma City on April 16-18, 2010 in the city's Adventure District. This district features attractions such as the Oklahoma City Zoo, Remington Park, the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum, and a handful of other places to visit. However, these venues will take a back seat during Live Earth Oklahoma's two day eco-festival to all of the activities helping people become more aware of issues of sustainability.

One issue in particular that the Live Earth Oklahoma Eco-Festival will promote is water conservation and opportunities to help provide clean drinking water around the world.

The Eco-Festival will include a 6k "Run for Water" an Eco-Village, live music, educational seminars and much much more. For more information go here. For more information about the "6k Run for Water" or to register go here.

Eli Pagel

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Thanks to Senator Tom Coburn and his State Representative

2010-03-17T11:46:00.001-05:00

Several from the Eupan Global Initiative had the opportunity to meet today with Mr. Craig J. Smith, Field Representative for Senator Tom Coburn's office.

Mr. Smith is one of six representatives who serves as the "eyes and ears" for Dr. Coburn, as both Coburn and Smith serve unique roles in representing the voice(s) of Oklahoman(s) in our U.S. Federal System of Government.

Mr. Smith was kind and gracious and offered a clear and discerning perspective to Dr. Coburn's intentions and role as a policy-maker.

Our conversation with Mr. Smith emerged specifically out of the work we have been doing for the past number of months since we agreed in 2009 to focus on issues of Genocide. Our work has been emboldened by our partnership role with GI-Net and the Carl Wilkens Fellowship.

As we met, we pressed Mr. Smith to advise Dr. Coburn that we are concerned for the free and open elections forthcoming in Sudan (April 11.) While we are hopeful for the process that is underway, we expressed our concern that "the good is available to the all" as Sudan moves into the future. Sudan has been a troubled area and has had a history of recent violence, making it a flashpoint for future violence (see footnote in this entry).

Our eupan hope includes President Obama's expressed action already underway. We specifically requested that Dr. Coburn will partner with Senate leadership before and after April 11 to work toward achieving peace and stability for the persons of Sudan, for the country of Sudan, and for the good enhanced for world diplomacy if the former can be achieved.

Our thanks to Mr. Smith for his time today - and to Dr. Coburn's work.

Included is a picture of those who were present, an small representation of the emerging and growing leadership in our EGI efforts toward eupan through the Eupan Global Initiative.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

footnote: An excellent essay that explores the causes/theories of Genocide can be found at this link: Theories of Genocide: The Case of Rwanda. In the article, Howard Adelman challenges the positions of a scholar and friend I have worked with in the past, James Waller. While Dr. Waller is the person I have worked with personally, what is important for consideration here is how both scholars offer important practical and theoretical work that can serve as a foundation for better understanding "evil" so that we can better advance the good!

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

City of Oklahoma City | Public Information & Marketing

2010-03-13T12:10:00.001-06:00

SPRING 2010

Thanks to the Houston-based Apache Foundation and the Tree Bank Foundation, over 3,000 free trees have been made available to households in Oklahoma City. At this time, plans are underway to initiate a fourth “Great OKC Tree Give-Away,” with over 500 trees scheduled for distribution in April. Registration will open on March 19, 2010, and trees will be available for pick-up on April 24. For general program information, you may call 604-0041.

TREE FAQ’s:

How can I get a tree?
Citizens who want a free tree must register for one via our online registration system or by phone. Registration is now closed, but will open at 9:00 a.m. on March 19, 2010. Registration will remain open until all trees are reserved.

www.treesafterthestorm.org
www.treelink.org

via okc.gov

Posted via web from Recent Reading & Reflections: Collecting Random Thoughts In No Particular Order

Oklahoma City University : Distinguished Speakers Series

2010-03-11T12:44:00.001-06:00

2009-10 SPEAKERS

Ishmael Beah
A Long Way Gone: A Story of Redemption and Hope
Petree Auditorium
Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center
N.W. 25th St and Blackwelder Ave
7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Perhaps all that need be said about Beah’s skill as a storyteller is that while we know how he made it out–the book in our hands is proof of that–we are glued to every page by the very real possibility that this story is not going to end happily…Read his memoir and you will be haunted…It’s a high price to pay, but it’s worth it.
Newsweek

Ishmael Beah was born in Sierra Leone on November 23, 1980. When he was eleven, Ishmael’s life, along with the lives of millions of other Sierra Leoneans, was derailed by the outbreak of a brutal civil war. After his parents and two brothers were killed, Ishmael was recruited to fight as a child soldier. He was thirteen. He fought for over two years before he was removed from the army by UNICEF and placed in a rehabilitation home in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. After completing rehabilitation in late 1996, Ishmael won a competition to attend a conference at the United Nations to talk about the devastating effects of war on children in his country. It was there that he met his new mother, Laura Simms, a professional storyteller who lives in New York. Ishmael returned to Sierra Leone and continued speaking about his experiences to help bring international attention to the issue of child soldiering and war affected children.
In 1998, Ishmael came to live with his American family in New York City. He completed high school at the United Nations International School, and subsequently went on to Oberlin College in Ohio. Throughout his high school and undergraduate education, Ishmael continued his advocacy work to bring attention to the plight of child soldiers and children affected by war around the world, speaking on numerous occasions on behalf of UNICEF, Human Rights Watch, United Nations Secretary General’s Office for Children and Armed Conflict, at the United Nations General Assembly, serving on a UN panel with Secretary General Kofi Annan, and discussing the issue with dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton. He is a member of the Human Rights Watch Children’s Rights Division Committee.
In A Long Way Gone, Beah, now twenty-six years old, tells a riveting story. At the age of twelve, he fled attacking rebels and wandered a land rendered unrecognizable by violence. By thirteen, he’d been picked up by the government army, and Beah, at heart a gentle boy, found that he was capable of truly terrible acts. Eventually released by the army and sent to a UNICEF rehabilitation center, he struggled to regain his humanity and to reenter the world of civilians, who viewed him with fear and suspicion. This is, at last, a story of redemption and hope.
Free and open to the public
Seating limited.
For more information, call 405.208.4956

via okcu.edu

Sounds like a great event for those of us interested in the stories of others, as we work toward eupan!

Thanks to the partner advocate who shared this date and information with us!

Posted via web

Advocacy as an "Added Voice" toward Eupan

2010-03-09T19:31:00.001-06:00

I am thrilled to share that friends and co-labourers committed toward advancing eupan have made a diligent effort to participate toward effecting justice - with success!

A few miles from where I sit in Bethany, for nearly two weeks - persons from around the country and several local friends and EGI advocates have been camping outside Dr. Tom Coburn's office in Oklahoma City in an effort to raise awareness about a bill he had placed a hold on.

My own part in this effort was small - sending a letter to Dr. Tom Coburn and offering food to those camping out - but many persons, working together, adding their voice (! advocacy ! ) to the issue, have won a victory on this matter.

More here: Dr. Coburn Says Yes!

What a privilege to be partner with others as each plays a different and unique role in extending the good for the all!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Pray the Devil Back to Hell - in Oklahoma City

2010-03-09T15:08:00.001-06:00

We will be screening Pray The Devil Back to Hell in Oklahoma City at the Downtown Ronald J. Norick Library.

Information from the libraries' website is available here: PRAY THE DEVIL

Many other exciting things happening in our shared efforts toward eupan.

We will be sharing more soon!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Posted via email from Eupan Global Initiative

Burma Genocide - Heroes Serving Humanity

2010-03-01T14:44:00.000-06:00

We partnered with students from Southern Nazarene University - to partner with students in STAND at Oklahoma University. The OU students and campus were exceptional hosts to many persons present - and specifically to Thomas Van Dyke with Heroes Serving Humanity.

The following notes and reflections are a guest blog entry by Destry Howland - a student at SNU that is working toward eupan. She writes:

Tuesday 23 at 7pm OU’s student group STAND, Students Against Genocide, hosted Dr. Thomas Van Dyke. Van Dyke spoke about the slow genocide in Burma, how it was being done, compared it to genocides in Darfur, and what Heroes for Humanity and the Free Burma Rangers are doing in Burma.

The military in Burma, the State Peace and Development Counsel, has had Aung San Suu Kyi, their legitimately elected Prime Minister imprisoned (mostly house arrest) for about twenty years. She is the only person to have received the Nobel Peace Prize while imprisoned. The SPDC has an army that is rather untrained and disorganized because there is quite a number of child soldiers. Some of the soldiers are kidnapped and forced to fight. The typical job of the army is to burn down villages, direct attacks on villagers force the villagers to relocate into concentration camps, force the villagers to work (often building the camps in which they must live), rape, place landmines in villages that have been burned down so that the villagers cannot return and rebuild, and destroy food supplies. These are just a few examples.

The villagers, minorities in Burma, are dying of disease as well. Once their villages have been burned down they do not have the supplies that they need such as pots and pans to boil water, so they are dying of Dysentery. They are also dying of Malaria. This is where Heroes for Humanity comes into play. They send teams of Burmese into villages to provide medical assistance as well as into the jungles. There are at any given time half a million people hiding in the jungle. Not only do the teams from Heroes for Humanity provide medicines, but also they perform amputations for people that have met a landmine and survived, have radios set up at their camp sites in order to track the movements of the armies and warn the locals to evacuate, and have extra clothes and other such supplies to give to the villagers.

So far in Burma over 350,000 villages have been burned down, and millions of Burmese have been displaced. There are only two organizations actively involved in Burma and that is the Heroes for Humanity and a Backpacking Medical Team. The aid that has been given to Burma stays with the government. Neither the US nor the UN has taken action in Burma. Right now the hope of the Heroes for Humanity is that there is a military coup and new leadership put into place. They do not ask for a military force be brought into Burma, but that safe zones can be established in the villages. Another option for the rescue of Burma is that they will get busted for their nuclear weapons program.

Obviously not a lot of options are available to the Burmese. The point is that we need to be aware of the human rights injustices that are going on in Burma, spread the word, and make our congressmen and senators aware as well. If the US recognizes that stopping the genocide in Burma is important then they might take action. Right now there is no cost to the US by inaction. Let us create a cost.

from: Destry Howland

Proud of SNU Student Joint Initiative Toward Eupan

2010-02-28T22:35:00.000-06:00

Several students committed to extend good to others are partnering with other persons from around the State and around the U.S. to encourage Tom Coburn (R-Muskogee, OK) to remove his hold on a Bill in Congress.

If Coburn will remove his hold on the bill - based on current support in the Senate - it will pass and will allow for millions of dollars for humanitarian relief and reconstruction, reconciliation, and transitional justice to aid Uganda.

Support for the measures have grown over a number of years through concentrated awareness campaigns by several agencies regarding the Child Soldiers that are largely kidnapped and forced/drugged into becoming murderers.

Read more about what local Oklahomans are doing right now.

Read more about the Bill.

Read more about a single agency Resolve Uganda or another single agency, Invisible Children, that has been working toward this issue of injustice in our world for years.

And, to the students I have had the privilege to work with - who fall within the broad range of connected Eupan Global Inititiave ideas and inspiration . . . I am very proud of you!

A solid example of long-term political advocacy and political will building in the making - and effecting good for those who need it!

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Tonight - February 23rd - and March 24th

2010-02-23T08:46:00.000-06:00

Tonight several from Bethany and NW OKC will join with the Oklahoma University STAND leadership to hear from Tom Van Dyke. Feel free to meet us on the campus of OU - or meet us at the corner of 42nd and College in Bethany to carpool together.

Last Fall in our early advocacy planning we scheduled with the Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma City toward a 2nd public viewing of the film: Pray the Devil Back to Hell. This will be shown in the Downtown Ronald J. Norick Library on the evening of March 24th.

Mark your calendars and watch for updates.

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

OU Campus Sustainability and STAND

2010-02-17T14:02:00.001-06:00

I was on the campus of OU (Oklahoma University) this past week and was delighted to see and hear testimony of efforts toward Eupan Global Initiative Goals! (Not because of our efforts, but certainly in harmony with our goals!)

As you will see highlighted in these pictures - they have specific planned goals to connect their crimson colors to green initiatives as fully functioning campus initiatives.

They also provide filtered water next to soda machines to encourage proper hydration.

And, they have (among many campus organizations) an active STAND (Student anti-genocide coalition) that has active, informed leaders advocating and educating for the common good!

We who work toward eupan should "cheer" for OU in leading the way for Oklahoma campuses in the unambiguous and clear public advocacy and participation in sustainable practices and human rights initiatives that advance the good for the all!!

"Go OU!"

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Immediate Opportunity - Guest Speaker

2010-02-12T18:38:00.001-06:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet recently with the leadership of STAND (Student Anti-Genocide Coalition) on the Campus of OU (Oklahoma University.)

If you can be free in less than two weeks - February 23rd - I am certain there will be much you can learn about Burma and the social, political, personal, *human* conflict that has been happening there - and how it connects with issues of genocide.

Tom Van Dyke works with Heroes Serving Humanity and, I trust, will be a great resource for expanding your world view and considering new ways that you might work toward advancing the good for people living in Burma.

I am not an expert on OU campus dynamics - but if I can access or provide you with more information than what is available here - I certainly will do that!

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

One Million Bones (dot) org

2010-02-06T22:11:00.000-06:00

What a delight to meet Naomi Natale today - a new friend and partner Carl Wilkens Fellow.

This great idea for artists and advocates - an idea that is (I believe) truly inspirational and TRANS-form-ational for participants and viewers, and politicians and the press!

More about her PROJECT that can involve you - at www.onemillionbones.org

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Quaker (Friends) Activism in Washington D.C.

2010-02-01T13:26:00.000-06:00

Advancing efforts toward eupan will be central to work I hope to achieve this week. This forthcoming weekend I will be working toward advocacy with the Genocide Intervention Network - but I will be traveling a few days "on my own" to build bridges and make connections with others while I am in D.C.

I will be lodging with an active group of advocating Quakers while in D.C.! A former student and trusted friend who works for Sojourners, made me aware of the William Penn House where I will lodge for a few nights - and have opportunity to share in programs and affiliations they offer! I am thrilled.

According to the William Penn House website: "We are a Quaker lodging and program center conveniently located near the US Capitol Building and historic Eastern Market. . . . The William Penn House seeks to promote peace and justice in all that we do so that visitors may become greater peacemakers when they leave our doors."

My lodging this weekend at the Hyatt - is literally within clear sight of (2 blooks) away from the U.S. Capitol Building. It is interesting to think about being that proximate to so many "seats" of "power."

** According to information provided in a documentary I watched about Washington D.C. earlier this week, I learned that the term "lobbyist" may have emerged when, Ulysses S. Grant would enjoy a cigar in the lobby of his favorite hotel, the Willard. While there, people would come to beseech his favor, so he would refer to them as the "lobbyist." (Upon review, I did learn that the term for lobbying was used prior to Grant's birth - so perhaps the term just became popularized in this way during his presidency.) I will visit The Willard while I am in town for historical perspective while I am there.

Toward eupan with Quaker-Friends, Genocide Advocates, and others that I will be privileged to meet and dialogue with.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Learning about Advocacy and Publication

2010-01-29T17:01:00.000-06:00

This letter is now a few days tardy - but, I am publishing it here.

I am committed to learning how to better advocate for causes connected toward advancing the Good for the All! And, I am learning and gathering perspective already as a Carl Wilken's Fellow. Four days ago I wrote the following letter for local news publication with the Daily Oklahoman. I submitted too close to the date for the State of the Union address by President Barack Obama, two days ago, as a result, my letter did not get published. While the State of the Union is now two days in the past - I thought I would share the letter I sent as testimony to learning how to advocate and publish in Op-Ed or Editioral pages of local or national newspapers.

Here is what I wrote:

Partial previews of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union have been released, reporting that he will appeal specifically to the middle-class alongside issues involving health-care, war, and global terror.

With his speech scheduled on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, President Obama has the unique opportunity to be the first president to commit to abolish the most egregious of crimes: genocide.

The President has support from Americans to prevent genocide. According to a December 3 survey by Pew and the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) comparing public attitudes with those of foreign policy elites, 58% of the public and 57% of CFR members support the use of force if an ethnic group in Africa were threatened by genocide.

Better than force to end genocide, prevention is easier, cheaper and constructs a more desirable future.

President Obama should make clear that efforts to prevent genocide need not be military, nor after violence erupts. The President can commit to advance diplomatic and financial efforts advancing good for all people.

President Obama should listen to his predecessors. It is reported that President Clinton’s greatest regret during his years in office involve his failure to act differently in 1994 to prevent “hundreds of thousands” of Rwandan deaths. President Bush lamented the failure to stop what his government called “genocide” in Darfur.

Now is the time for Obama to strategize a better future for the world, a future without genocide.

**

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Progress near home! Y.E.S!

2010-01-24T20:08:00.000-06:00

SNU's taking serious initiative to Go Green!

Thanks to those who have lead the charge on this - especially in years past! (We know who you are!)

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Fellowship - advancing Genocide Awareness and Political Participation

2009-12-28T12:58:00.000-06:00

In the past few months I (Marty) made application to work directly with the Genocide Inervention Network - and am wonderfully delighted that my specific application has resulted in me being named as one of 20 Carl Wilkens Fellows for 2010!

I have *no* doubt that I will be a stronger leader intervening and educating about issues of Genocided as a result of work with GI-Net! And I anticipate continued colloboration with GI-Net in our extended efforts towards eupan in the Oklahoma City area - and to any and all interested partnerships! I view this opportunity as something that is unique to me, but *for* all of us already involved in the efforts of the Eupan Global Initiative!

On a personal note, while there are several issues of this fellowship that I am enthusiastic about - I am particularly excited to be trained in training toward social change at a more direct political level, particularly discerning some of the "ins-and-outs" of working with federal policy/legislature during training in Washington D.C. (Oh, and I get to spend some time with a few former students while in the D.C. area, too! What a delight to have extended friendships with so many wonderful students from over the years! Perhaps friendships with former students are as much a reflection of "the good for the all" as any other personal issue in my life! Thanks to you all!)

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Archbishop Tutu on COP 15

2009-12-10T12:28:00.000-06:00

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is being held right now in Copenhagen. Leaders from across the world are meeting to discuss climate change. Undoubtedly, there are at least some people from all the Earth's nations have some sort of hope or dream attached to this conference, whether that would be for the conference to debunk the myth of climate change or to provide a foundation to building a more sustainable world.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu shared some words that I think bear repetition and reflection:

What do you think? How do you respond to this "call" from Tutu? Desmund Tutu invites the world to think about making peace with the planet. How do you respond to the idea of global citizenship? Comment below and tell us what you think.

Toward eupan.

~ stephen vandervort

What if ?

2009-12-09T10:35:00.000-06:00

The following image appeared in the USA Today, December 7th, 2009 - by Joel Pett.

What if ?

What if a more friendly, favorable, kind, gracious, compassionate, beneficient, stable, structured, harmonious world *is* available? Isn't it worth trying?

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Thanks Especially !

2009-12-02T09:58:00.001-06:00

Thanks *especially* to Stephen Vandervort for many things he does in helping lead and direct those of us involved in eupan!

Stephen is pictured here, beside me, at our Public Screening of Pray The Devil Back to Hall.

Toward eupan ~

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Hope to see you tonight!

2009-11-30T13:52:00.000-06:00

Oklahoma city's exclusive viewing of Pray The Devil Back To Hell.

1900 hours - doors open.
1930 hours - film begins.

Program you GPS to arrive at:

6729 NW 39th Expressway
Bethany, OK 73008

Toward eupan.

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.

Human Rights Awareness Week - @ SNU

2009-11-11T09:02:00.000-06:00

Join the efforts of campus leaders at SNU.

Details here:

Help Us Share!

2009-11-02T00:38:00.001-06:00

Our screening of Pray The Devil Back to Hell is coming soon.

If we can provide you with electronic files that you might print/share/email to your friends, colleagues, peers - we would be happy to do so! Please contact us at eupanglobal (at) gmail (dot) com or mmichelson (at) snu (dot) edu and we will get you what you need.

Also, we have access to print a limited number of flyers or postcards for those who have need!

Toward eupan!

~ marty alan michelson, ph.d.