“Resisting Systemic Evil”
by Glen Anderson
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his “Beyond Vietnam” speech on April 4, 1967, stated, “When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, militarism and economic exploitation are incapable of being conquered.” He urged people to nonviolently resist these. This will be the theme of the Western Washington FOR’s 2014 Spring Assembly April 12 in West Seattle.
Each year the Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation’s Spring Assembly brings together grassroots folks from throughout Western Washington to share ideas and network with each other to strengthen the movements for social justice, nonviolence, and peace. This year’s Spring Assembly will occur on Saturday April 12 at Fauntleroy UCC, 9140 California Ave SW, near West Seattle’s Fauntleroy ferry landing. Doors will open at 9:00 am for registration, social time, refreshments. The event starts promptly at 10:00 am and runs until 3:30 pm.
Martin Luther King, Jr., an FOR member, never called any individuals evil, but he did recognize three systemic evils (racism, poverty, and militarism). He also sharply criticized our economic system’s injustices to people. Today big business corporations also hurt our environment and climate, so if King were alive now he might include this fourth systemic evil. Fortunately, people are nonviolently resisting these four systemic evils.
Join us for Glen Anderson’s brief keynote on “Resisting Systemic Evil” in which he’ll help us connect the dots and promote nonviolent solutions. You’ll be able to choose among three workshops in the morning and three in the afternoon. The Seattle Labor Chorus will delight and activate us after our delicious catered lunch. Enjoy plenty of information and informal networking.
If possible, please pre-register before Friday April 4 to help us plan food and arrangements, but come anyway even if you have not pre-registered. We suggest a $15 donation to cover our costs, or more or less as your situation allows. See the flyer/pre-registration form and more information about workshops: https://wwfor.org/projects/spring-assembly/ Info and carpooling: (206) 789-5565 wwfor@wwfor.org or (360) 491-9093 info@olympiafor.org