Adopt A Missile Silo ... If You Go ...  Planning Notes

For most people, this action will require a full day with travel time, but if the nuns can give 8 years, we can do one day. This action is part of a multi-state action calling on our government to de-alert our missiles and move toward International Law and the abolishment of nuclear weapons.

For more information, contact the Team Representatives, or Cynda at 303-499-7038, cyndaca@hotmail.com.

11:00 am: Citizen Weapon Inspection Teams bear witness in individual ways at each of the 49 missile silos.

The Teams (all sorts of informal groups and formal organizations -- doctors, neighbors, farmers, fishermen, musicians, etc) begin their action at assigned silos. Actions are planned by the individual groups within the guidelines of the purpose and principles. The interest and appeal will be in the diversity of actions. Examples are: singing, prayers, meditation, picnics, drumming, teach-in, painting, healing ceremonies, art projects, letter writing, etc. Groups are encouraged to make their actions highly visible and creative with color, flags, banners, flowers, balloons, kites. All participants wear hot pink signs taped to their back saying "Citizen Weapon Inspectors". While actions are taking place, a plane is flying over the silo field with a banner that says: " We found the WMDs - in CO!" Actions will vary in length depending on the location since it can take up to an hour to get to the larger gathering at 12:30.

All missile silos are easily accessed from public roads. Some have a gate at the entrance to the side driveway to the missile (missiles are still very visible). Others are open right up to the fence surrounding the missile. Sites can be chosen based on the type of action the group is doing. The public will be offered a "menu" of choices with directions on getting to each one. For example, go to N8 for a mass, O4 to hear the Raging Grannies, M3 for Buddhist meditation, L6 to play with Musicians for Peace, etc) While each "action" is going on, a plane will be flying overhead with a banner that says something like: WMD's -We Found Them: HERE.

Each group will be provided with hot pink signs to wear on their backs that say "CITIZEN WEAPON INSPECTOR", eviction signs and flyers to hand out with information about the missiles (killing power, international law, costs comparisons related to local needs in Colorado). At the end of each action the groups will "find" a missile (long cardboard tube decorated as missile -- being provided) and securing the missile on top of their cars (also decorated with Citizen Weapon Inspector signs) will proceed to a designated spot for a larger gathering with speakers at 12:30.

12:30-1:30 pm: The Rendezvous.

All groups gather at the Community Building in Stoneham (on Hwy 14) in all their glory - signs, props, etc. There will be singing, speakers and performances. It will end with a ceremony and symbolic disarmament of the "missiles".

Principles:

The action will be non-violent, legal and promote a peaceful, positive image. We hope to create an atmosphere indicative of how the world can be: creative, supportive, joyful, inclusive, and respectful.

Outcome/Vision:

We hope to receive local, state and national media coverage that heightens the awareness of the nuclear missiles, the US's current policies and directions, and the viability of supporting International Law as a means for a more peaceful world. We hope that the participants as well as the public will be inspired and motivated to continue to work for the abolition of nuclear weapons. This action will be included in a documentary being made about the nuns and the legal, social and moral implications of their civil resistance. The documentary will reach a broad audience through television, film and educational products. For more info on documentary, see www.littlevoice.org/n8missile.

(Overnight camping available in Pawnee National Grassland Campground on Friday, July 25th for those who wish to go up early. Materials for adopters can be picked up there if they haven't been obtained already. Group sites reserved for up to 70 people. Contact Cynda at 303 499-7038 or cyndaca@hotmail.com if interested in camping. Located just off Hwy 14 on Hwy 77 on the way to the missile silos if coming from I25)

Other particulars and updates
(As of July 11, 2003) ...

Notification of Authorities: The Air Force had contacted Weld and Logan County Sheriff Depts. before we were able to reach them. The Office of Special Investigations at Warren AFB contacted the organizers to say that the Air Force will have a presence (vehicles in the distance and helicopters) at the action but acknowledge our legal right to assembly and free speech. They have said that they will not interfere unless security is breeched. A letter is being sent to the Wing Commander informing him of the illegality of the weapons of mass destruction contained there and the reasons for our action. A copy of the letter and response will be sent to the press ahead of time. Weld and Logan County Sheriff personnel will also be present.

Soliciting Adopters: We are up to 37 adopters with more in the making. Everyone is encouraged to contact any groups they know to see if there is interest in adopting a silo. It does not have to be a formal group - just a few individuals with a theme. Have them contact Cynda cyndaca@hotmail.com, 303 499-7038, for information or to sign up

Information Packets: Packets will be given to all "adopters" with the following information:

• Purpose, Principles and Outcomes
• Signed Agreement Statement
• Maps and Directions to designated silos
• Idea Sheet for actions
• Citizen Weapon Inspector Signs
• Eviction Notices
• Information and particulars about the area
• Idea sheet on ways to be respectful and a peacemaker (You, younjackson@aol.com, 303-447-2327)
• Fact Sheet on International Law and the Missiles (Leroy Moore, leroymoore@earthlink.net)
• Fact Sheet on the Missiles/Local Costs, etc.
• Fact Sheet on legal rights
• Article giving background on the nuns
• Article on current military policy

The Rendezvous: Wendy Rochman rochman@mac.com , 303 443-6363, is coordinating the larger gathering at Stoneham. She has a few surprises in mind. The Free Range Puppets will MC as well as perform during the event. Karen Trietsch, rosie_k@comcast.net, 303 384-3819, is contacting potential speakers. Anyone with ideas or connections can contact her directly.

Media: Stephanie Tidwell is coordinating the media outreach, Stephanie.Tidwell@colorado.edu, 303 258-7067. Rich Andrews, Angela Frenier angela.fernier@achsc.edu and Karen Trietsch rosie_k@comcast.net, will also be working on media. Jim Morris jim@jimmorris.com is making t-shirts with the nuns on the front and maps of the silo field on the back. These will be made available at all the events as a fundraiser for the sisters or related need. We will be getting flyers to people soon to begin putting up.

Travel / Possible Camping: It takes 1.5-to-2 hours to reach the sites from the Denver metro area so groups need to be prepared for a major commitment of time. Two group campsites have been reserved at the Pawnee National Grassland site on the edge of the silo fields. They can hold up to 70 people and 15 cars for those groups who might want to go up ahead of time. Code Pink will hold its headquarters there. It will be hot (probably over 100) with lots of mosquitos so groups should be prepared with mosquito repellent, hats, water, shade, etc. There are not many services, restaurants, gas stations in the area but groups will be provided with info on what is there. All actions can be done perfectly legally on public land. Efforts will be made to receive cooperation and involvement of local residents. We want to involve people in polite discussion; educating and opening doors, not alienating. Non-violence is essential for all actions.

The actions on July 26th are part of a multi-state action for greater national attention including actions in Michigan (where Ardeth was Mayor), Washington (where Jackie is from). The group in Montana may also be able to make it a joint action with people from Canada.

Next Meeting: There will be a meeting at RMPJC on Wed. July 23, 2003 at 7:00. We are asking that a representative of all 49 groups come at that time for final coordination, contingency planning and a brief peacemaker training.