Dear John,

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world, we're reaching out to extend our solidarity & support, and to share the resources we're developing during this unusual time. We can use our online organizing toolkit to take action digitally, so we can maintain social ~~distancing~~ solidarity amidst physical distancing.

In light of the pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, we're pleased to announce that we are now offering our upcoming War Abolition 201 online course on a sliding scale, starting at $25 USD. The 6-week course runs from April 13-May 24, 2020. War Abolition 201 will be facilitated by WBW's Education Director, Phill Gittins, along with special guest instructors: Leah Bolger, Rivera Sun, Kathy Kelly, John Reuwer, and David Swanson. The course is 100% online and interactions are not live or scheduled, so you can take part whenever works for you.

With what do we replace the war system? What truly makes us secure? What actions and strategies might we pursue in building a peace system? War Abolition 201 explores these questions and more with the goal of engaging students in learning that leads to action. Register for the course here!

Secondly, we are excited to launch our new Organizing 101 online course and make it available to the public at no cost. Organizing 101 is designed to provide participants with a basic understanding of grassroots organizing. Whether you are a prospective World BEYOND War chapter coordinator or already have an established chapter, this course will help you hone your organizing skills. We'll identify effective strategies & tactics for engaging community members and influencing decision-makers. We'll explore tips and tricks for utilizing traditional & social media. And we'll look more broadly at movement-building from the perspective of "fusion" organizing and nonviolent civil resistance. The course is FREE and is not live or scheduled. Enrollment and participation in the course are on a rolling basis. You can enroll and get started on the course here!

During this rapidly changing time, many of us are now finding ourselves working remotely, spending much more time on our devices. This is an opportunity to engage with WBW through our social media networks, to amplify our anti-war messaging. Social media can be a necessary and potentially powerful tool to get out our messaging, because the mainstream media often doesn't cover the "people's perspective" on issues. If you're on social media, be sure to follow WBW on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram and share our content. Daily, we post the latest anti-war news, petitions, and upcoming events, as well as updates and action alerts from our global partners.

Even though we can't organize in person, we can organize our thoughts on paper and write op-eds and letters-to-the-editor for our local newspapers. The coronavirus pandemic underscores the urgent need to redirect funds away from the $2 trillion/yr global war budget towards vital needs that protect human health and the planet. For inspiration and suggested talking points, check out our latest op-ed on CounterPunch. Our fact sheets also include eye-opening stats that can be used for op-eds and letters-to-the-editor. In particular, check out our fact sheets on "War Impoverishes Us" and "We Need $2 Trillion/Year for Other Things".

Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need writing, editing, or online organizing assistance. And send us your suggestions for new digital tools and resources that we can offer.

On behalf of the whole World BEYOND War team, be well & stay safe.

~Greta Zarro
Organizing Director
World BEYOND War
[email protected]

World BEYOND War is a global network of volunteers, activists, and allied organizations advocating for the abolition of the very institution of war. Our success is driven by a people-powered movement – support our work for a culture of peace.

World BEYOND War 513 E Main St #1484 Charlottesville, VA 22902 USA