SAMPLE CHAIN LETTER TEXT

On Tuesday, October 29, 2002 I understand that 25 Congresswomen in the US House of Representatives walked out -- and refused to participate in the vote to give Bush war powers --- they were led by Barbara Lee of California and they took up residence on the White House lawn.....

They say women can change the world. Here is a chance!

I am part of a nationwide effort to unite women against war. We have drafted a statement here and ask you, if you are so moved, to send it out to as many women and women's groups as you can for endorsement. If you are not part of group/organization, you can also sign as an individual. If you feel so moved, please select and copy this message, then paste it into a new message, add your name and/or your organization's name and location at end of list, and forward on to as many people as you know. If you are the 50th, 100th,150th,200th, etc., person, please also e-mail a copy back to pramila@mindspring.com.

This is our chance to stop this war before it starts. Iraq must be dealt with diplomatically and with our allies and the United Nations.

Women are a strong constituency in this country. Please act immediately.

Women United Against War

As women embracing life and peace, we declare ourselves opposed to any military action against Iraq. As women, we have been the victims of many kinds of violence. We call on you, our Congress members, to oppose any military action. We make this demand for ourselves, our children, our parents, our brothers, husbands, partners and friends. We make this demand because we understand that warfare creates endless cycles of violence, destruction and death, impoverishing us spiritually and economically. We make this demand because warfare destroys family life, throwing whole communities into exile and turning children into orphans. We make this demand because we cannot build happy lives on a ground polluted by violence.

We believe this is a defining moment in the life of our country. We will either take our place in the family of nations as seekers of peace and justice or we will start down a terrible road to war, unleashing the fury of generations to come on our land. We call upon you to act with integrity, to show courage and remember that you are guardians of the public trust and of the world we leave to our children.

We oppose this war. We oppose all elected officials who support this war. There is no other issue greater than the cause of peace. No past stand or history can be called upon to overshadow the imperative to stand today for peace. We, as women acting to shape public life, dedicate our energy, resources, and hopes to those who establish peace.

There will be no war in our names. If you want our support and future votes, stop this war!

Signed:
1. Unreasonable Women for the Earth, Nationwide
2. Pramila Jayapal, Seattle, WA