Peace groups gather in N.Y.

Tom Joyce — December 1984

NEW YORK — Members of the Cruise Missile Conversion Project recently attended the 1985 Strategy and Planning Conference of the Mobilization for Survival (MfS) in New York City. Known as “the Mobe” in movement circles, MfS is a United States multi-issue network composed of 160 affiliates with a national office in New York City.

The Coalition is based on three clear platforms of zero nuclear weapons, ban” nuclear power and meet human needs and is in the process of formalizing its anti-intervention work with-a no military intervention plank.

The coalition contains a diversity of groups, ranging from the directaction oriented Livermore Action Group in California to strong multi-issue Mobes in New York and Boston to a section of the Florida nuclear freeze group.

CMCP, because of its interest in regional networking with likeminded groups in upstate New York (and more recently, Michigan), wanted to learn first-hand how the movement is planning to organize after the re-election of Ronald Reagan. In addition, they want to support MfS’ proposals for continued organizing of weapons facilities and for international communication and cooperation among disarmament groups.

There was one day of advanced organizing workshops and network meetings (weapons facilities, feminist, direct actioh, etc). This was followed by two days of discussion and decision-making regarding Mobe’s 1985 programme priorities.

The first level priorities are to continue the campaign against first strike nuclear weapons and to strengthen and intensify efforts against US intervention in Central America. MfS plans to become a part of the rapidly forming network which is planning direct actions in the case of significant escalations in Central America.

“Second level priorities are to concentrate on the Rainbow Coalition, the April mobilization in Washington, the connections between nuclear and conventional weaponry, the 40th anniversary of the Hiroshima/Nagasaki bombings, changing US policy on the Middle East, anti-apartheid work, international dis:ussion about the Soviet Union, and building Mobe affiliates.

The Peace Calendar

Canadian Disarmament Information Service, 1983-1984

Peace groups gather in N.Y.