Posted by Robert Weir, district leader

Fifteen people, representing eight different communities, attended our monthly meeting on July 12. Representation from such a broad geographic area of the 6th District—from the Lake Michigan shore to Kalamazoo to Mendon -- is encouraging. Thank you to all who chose to attend.

Discussion focused on tabling opportunities with reports on past events and future possibilities. Between June 17 and July 8, DoP volunteers spoke to people about the DoP at: three Kalamazoo neighborhood block parties; two global warming events, one in Kalamazoo and one in Benton Harbor; and a peace vigil.

In our monthly letter to Fred Upton, we announced that 56 new members have joined the DoP campaign in the past month. That number brings our total membership to 323, which is double the number of members four months ago. We also sent to Fred a petition, signed by 104 of his constituents, asking for him to support the Department of Peace legislation.

We reminded Congressman Upton, "Clearly, we are part of the growing number of your constituents who advocate the creation of a culture of peace and nonviolence -- both domestically and internationally." We sent copies of this letter to Senator Levin and Senator Stabenow.

The next DoP meeting—Thursday, August 9—will feature discussion of more tabling reports and opportunities, our priorities for the upcoming months, and some special projects that we are considering.

Minutes of the July 12 meeting will be forthcoming.