Hi blog friends. I am on cloud nine right now because my Alma Mater, Butler University, has found its way into the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, which happens tonight. I was the University Mascot during my last three years at BU and reflected on my time in the Bulldog Suit in a letter to PEP members last fall. Have a read! Goooooo Bulldogs!!! and Goooooooo Peace Economy Project!
-PEP Andy-
November 25, 2009
Greetings friends – what a year it has been!
Thank you so much for supporting the Peace Economy Project! It is your gifts that make our work possible.
One of the most influential moments for me as the coordinator of this organization came from participating in a Jobs with Justice training this past summer. Among all the wonderful skills and strategies taught at this 3-day training, there was a session on fundraising (yes, you’ve guessed it: that’s where this is going, I am asking for your financial support). During this session, I was one of the people who raised their hands, saying “I don’t like to ask people for money.” But the trainers helped to change my mindset.
“Do you believe in your organization?” they asked. “Do you want your group to be able to continue doing the work it does?”
My response, of course, was “Yes,” and “Yes!”
“Well, then you have to be a cheerleader for your organization! Asking people to donate money for your cause is like getting people fired up and clapping at a ball game!”
Immediately, I flashed back to the happy days of attending cheer-camp while I was in college – I was the Butler Bulldog for three years – where I won the prestigious “Mascot-Spirit” award. I was proud then to be a goofy sports mascot, and today I’m honored to ask you to support the Peace Economy Project, an organization I am completely dedicated to.
I have the privilege of getting you excited about PEP – with or without a giant bulldog suit. I get to be the biggest cheerleader for this organization, the only military-spending-monitoring and economic-conversion-advocating organization for hundreds of miles.
Goooooooooo Peace Economy Project!!!!
While my high-fiving and dancing skills might not transfer into this workplace, a deep-seated belief in the power of hard work, teamwork, and the ability of the underdog to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds carries through to the work I do every day.
Indeed, we do face tough odds. But when the region’s political leaders from both sides of the aisle came together with union leaders and corporate executives this summer in support of the C-17 cargo plane, we were the voice of reason region being published in the St Louis Beacon.
“We don’t need more C-17s,” I wrote, “If we want jobs and job security, we need to look beyond wasteful military products and look forward to new, fiscally sound, successful production possibilities.” A similar argument was published in the Post-Dispatch around the same time.
Despite tough odds, our voice was heard. And we can only continue to do so with your support.
I believe in The Peace Economy Project. And I know that you believe in this organization too; you help fill out the team that makes this organization great. Here are some examples of the many accomplishments our team has achieved this past year:
- Following through with a coordinated letter to the editor writing campaign, as promised in our last letter
- Following though on regular EZine publications, as promised
- Taking your message directly to Congress this summer, as promised, making drops on well over 100 congressional offices and visiting with representatives of the St Louis delegation.
- Conducting a six week Academic Discussion Series through the summer
- Continuing to publish articulate messages via the mainstream media
Please take a moment to make a donation to support upcoming and ongoing programs, particularly our campus and youth engagement initiative. We are committed to supporting young activists, giving them the skills they need to work for Peace and Justice. Our program also offers these young people methods and strategies to continue using their whole lives.
Not so many years ago, it would not have been odd for me to put my furry hand to the ear of a gigantic bulldog head’s ear and jump up and down wildly to ask you to get excited about a basketball game. In a way, I’m sad those days are gone, but now I’m cheering for a new team, THE PEACE ECONOMY PROJECT.
Please send your applause in the form of cash, check, money order, or as an online donation at www.PeaceEconomyProject.org.
Thank you so much for letting me be your cheerleader and coordinator. It is a profound and humbling honor. Thank you.
Andy Heaslet
Peace Economy Project Coordinator (Now Director!)
PS: Your gifts help build a world where, instead of people making a living making weapons, their work creates things that benefit us all. That’s our vision. And your financial support keeps us working to make it a reality. Thanks!