Protest Professionals

United for Peace and Justice

unitedforpeace.org

On February 15, 2003, hundreds of protests took place around the world, all voicing opposition to the then-imminent war on Iraq. More than half a million people demonstrated in New York City alone. United for Peace and Justice, a national coalition based in New York, coordinated "F15"—the largest single day of protest in history. Though the coalition formed in the fall of 2002, the success of February 15 prompted UFPJ to expand and take on other issues related to their interpretation of U.S. military drive: Israel and Palestine, nuclear disarmament, military recruitment in schools. Despite the range of issues it's chosen to work on, the coalition still considers Iraq to be its core focus. UFPJ advocates immediate U.S. military withdrawal.

"Bring the troops home later is the Bush policy," says staff member Leslie Kauffman. "They say they intend to withdraw eventually, but it's unclear when that will be. There's no question that Iraq is in a horrible mess and there's risk of sectarian and ethnic violence if the U.S. withdraws. But the violence now is inspired by the presence of U.S. troops, which are an incitement to bloodshed."

With a periodic national assembly to debate UFPJ's direction and elect a new steering committee every 18 months, the group is the only national coalition of its kind with a genuinely democratic structure. An administrative committee attends to day-to-day tasks, and the coalition sends out regular surveys and materials to member groups—more than 800 around the country—for input.

Right now, United for Peace and Justice is embroiled in a struggle to gain a permit for its proposed August 29 demonstration against the Republican National Convention. This situation recalls February 15 in that the Bloomberg administration opposed that demonstration, too, ultimately denying a march permit. While there was a stationary rally that frigid day, many people could not reach it because of police barricades, resulting in more than a few skirmishes with police. Things are a little different this time around. UFPJ applied for this permit a year ago, so the lead-time is huge. No one knows yet whether the fight will move to litigation, or if an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks.

The bone of contention is Central Park. UFPJ's plan is for a "curtain-raiser" event the day before the RNC begins, starting at 23rd St. and 8th Ave., moving past Madison Square Garden, where the convention will take place, then continuing north on Central Park West and into the park at 81st St. for a rally on the Great Lawn. They're anticipating somewhere around 250,000 attendees. Though UFPJ has met five times with the NYPD (for permission to use the streets) and once with the Parks Dept. (for permission to use the Great Lawn), they haven't been granted permits. Apparently Bloomberg is worried about protestors trampling the grass.

"The Great Lawn has hosted everything from the Pope celebrating a Mass, a Paul Simon concert and the June 12, 1982 disarmament rally," says UFPJ spokesperson Bill Dobbs. "That last one is considered the largest protest in NYC history and drew a crowd in the high six figures. The parks commish had adamantly opposed allowing the rally on the lawn, but noted afterward that the area was in better shape than before the event.

"To use a park, a bond is often posted, but the Parks Dept. was not interested in talking about ways to protect the park. If the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera can use the Great Lawn, why not people who want to exercise their right to dissent?"

Kauffman adds, "Bloomberg is willing to spend millions to subsidize the RNC, but isn't willing to consider any expense related to a protest. I don't believe the rally would destroy the Great Lawn, but if there were minor damage, that strikes me as part of the cost of democracy."

With a full-time staff of seven, the organization accomplishes a great deal of work on a tiny budget. Organizing expenses are considerable and mounting. "We currently have a very strong need for donations," says Kauffman. "While it may appear that we have great resources, we are very low on funds and need as much help as possible to make the RNC protest a success." Kauffman points to another key way people can help: housing. People will be traveling from all over the U.S. and possibly beyond to come to the RNC protests, and while some will have the resources to book a hotel for a night or two, others are relying on UFPJ and other organizations. Kauffman urges New Yorkers to open their homes during the RNC protests; a housing board on the UFPJ website provides information on how to help.

UFPJ also asks that people contact the mayor and ask him to grant the necessary permits for August 29. Bloomberg's phone and fax information are available on the group's website. o