Peace Briefs

No Violent Toys!
The Christian Community “Manantial de Vida” (Spring of Life) in Margarita Island, Venezuela is working hard to rid the island of violent toys as part of their efforts to reduce violence among children and youth on the streets.  Members of the church, several of whom are recovering addicts and have been imprisoned, are now serving youth and children currently involved in drugs, assaults, etc.  So far the campaign has reached 36 schools with workshops and public service announcements aired on public television and nine radio stations in four counties on the island.

Coltan “Cell Out”Campaign
Trinity United Church of Christ (Chicago) urges support for sisters, brothers, and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo who are forced to mine columbite-tantalite or “Blood Coltan,” an ore used in the production of cell phones and other electronic devices.  The campaign takes place every Wednesday, from 12:00-1:00pm and from 7:00-8:00pm. To participate, change your cell phone greeting to tell callers you are not using your cell phone during these times in protest of coltan mining.  To watch a free online documentary about coltan, see https://goo.gl/x8kLT.

The Boycott Dance
Peacemakers in Portland, Oregon USA took the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israeli Occupation to their local grocery store.  Watch their 4-minute YouTube video of the boycott dance at https://goo.gl/tpVEL.