Madison Area Peace Coalition

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Madison Area Peace Coalition (MAPC) is to organize a broad-based movement to inform public opinion and promote US government policies that truly further peace, justice, and freedom in the world. These values are manifest in our three core principles:

1. Peace and justice, not war and revenge.
2. Unity and respect for diversity: stop scapegoating and harassment.
3. Protect human rights and civil liberties at home and abroad.

We employ non-violent strategies of communications, outreach, legislative initiatives, and direct action to promote our core principles and to further our goals.

Goals:

1) Build an effective organization.

Build an effective organization by increasing and diversifying membership; improving organizational structure; remaining financially self-sustaining; implementing effective group processes; improving interaction and communication among working groups; and fully utilizing talents and skills of members.

2) Legitimize dissent.

Legitimize dissent against the open-ended so-called "war on terror" and against curtailment of civil liberties. Provide support and a safe haven for those afraid to speak out against government policies.

3) Oppose the use of US force.

Oppose the use of US military, economic, or political force that violates the sovereignty or human rights of any nation or people. We oppose such force, whether direct or proxy, overt or covert. We support economic justice, self-determination, and people's democratic control and sustainable use of their own resources.

4) Protect civil liberties.

Protect civil liberties that are threatened by government actions such as military tribunals, intelligence gathering, and infiltration and disruption of political groups. We oppose racial/ethnic profiling and discrimination, whether corporate, governmental, or societal. We call for the repeal of the USA Patriot Act and other repressive legislation that violates the Bill of Rights and other civil liberties.

5) Reduce military spending.

Reduce military spending and the influence of the military industrial complex. We oppose the movement towards the militarization of society. We call for the redirecting of spending from the military to social programs that meet human needs.

6) Encourage international conflict resolution.

Encourage the just resolution of crimes against humanity and international conflicts through genuinely democratic international legal institutions instead of unilateral military action. We call upon the US government to truly abide by international law and to be subject to the same standards and laws as other countries of the world.

7) Change public consciousness.

Change public consciousness about the intent and impact of US policy, foreign and domestic. We seek to highlight the human costs of war and to affirm peaceful alternatives to war and its causes.

8) Mobilize public opinion to build a movement.

Mobilize public opinion to build a movement to change public policy in accordance with our mission and goals.

Phases:

• Build an effective organization.
• Legitimize dissent.
• Change public opinion/consciousness.
• Mobilize public opinion to build a movement.
• Change public policy.