Global Vision Action List

We have listed the goals mentioned in the Vision Statement by topic to make it easier to find ways to raise our awareness and take action.
Some lend themselves for personal action, others for social approaches.

PEACEMAKING AND NONVIOLENCE
Among past actions, we have helped refugees from El Salvador, sheltered conscientious objectors, marched against war, written letters for Amnesty International, taken classes on nonviolence, and worked at the Lafayette Hill of Crosses.

Now we would like also to:

• continue to practice nonviolence in our own lives
• involve our youth in nonviolent approaches to life
• help Oakland end its cycle of violence in cooperation with
      Oakland Community Organizations and others
• strengthen the role of diplomacy and negotiation in
           world affairs
      - support and encourage our current administration in this
        effort with e-mails, letters, phone calls and personal
        witness transforming the image of the USA from
        war maker to peacemaker
      - strengthen the role of the UN and other organizations
         working for peace
• promote more study tours and exchanges

ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Among past actions, we have held an informational Water Fair and encouraged changing light bulbs, exchanging mercury thermometers for digital ones, buying fuel efficient cars and appliances. We continue to carpool and recycle.

Now we would like to find new ways to:

• use less and less carbon based material
• switch to renewable energy where possible
• protect and increase access to clean, affordable water
• support local economies such as farmers’ markets
• support and encourage our government in expediting
     climate change legislation and reversing global warming

ECONOMY AND ECONOMIC WELL BEING
Among past actions, we have taught a class on how to simplify our lives, and helped earthquake and Katrina victims. We continue to provide food to schoolchildren.

• become more frugal and less consumerist ourselves
• help end poverty by supporting projects like the
       Oikocredit Project
• support a worldwide sustainable green economy such as
       fair trade coffee
• strive for a sustainable social community worldwide through        projects such as the Global Marshall Plan

HUMAN RIGHTS
Among past actions, we have written letters in support of human rights, visited offices of legislators (regarding torture), supported the Women in Black, advocated for gay/lesbian ordination, and taken study tours to foreign countries.

• promote The Universal Declaration of Human Rights to:
  - raise awareness of everyone’s right to life, liberty and security
  - encourage safety, healthcare and education for all
  - support everyone’s right to safe drinking water
• build connections with other local churches, possibly an
      African American church

SPIRITUALITY, RELIGION AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Among past activities, we have participated in Sunday celebrations, dramas and classes that reminded us of the need for discipleship. Through the Faith Trio projects we have worked together with Muslim and Jewish congregations in harvest dinners, a poetry reading, and discussions. We have supported actions and study tours in countries like Bolivia, Thailand, Israel/Palestine, and Indonesia.

Now we would like to:
      • seek better information and cooperation, both at the presbytery and national level, in regard to the work of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Doris Herrick 9/13/09

Page last updated 4/14/10