During the summer of 2006, with the number of casualties continuing to increase in the Iraq war, awareness of the need for peace activism began a parallel growth in the Capital District. Groups that focused on ending this war, preventing future wars, and abolishing nuclear weapons began to spring up, in Southern Rensselaer County, Guilderland and Schenectady.  Activists from the Troy area met to form their own group, and were accepted as a branch of Upper Hudson Peace Action.  An original core of seven people has more than tripled in number since that first meeting.

    From its original broad goals, consisting of support of human rights, economic justice, and international cooperation, the group decided to begin with efforts in counter recruitment, outreach to youth, and ongoing activities such as peace vigils.  The group contacted personnel responsible for sending  “Opt-Out” letters to students at Troy High School, as part of the No Child Left Behind Act. It was decided to explore specific ways to promote awareness of students’ option not to receive recruiting information from the military. 

   As its inaugural initiative, it helped coordinate the “Eyes Wide Open” exhibit at RPI, featuring boots and shoes belonging to both Americans and Iraqis killed in the Iraq war. 

   Members reached out to churches and synagogues, offering information and support in recognition of Hiroshima Day in August.  It also considered future efforts to display literature about peace activities at local events, including the upcoming Parish Convening in Troy.

    Recent initiatives include making contact with Troy High School students that are already known to be open to peace activism, especially in terms of forming a youth group in the school itself.  The group agreed to sign on to the Declaration of Peace, and to explore a plan to organize a workshop with a speaker known for his expertise in counter recruitment. Efforts continue in the areas of peace vigils, leafleting at local schools, legislative activities, and support of specific anti-war events in the area.

   The group generally meets on the second or third Wednesday of each month, in the Troy area.  There are no admission fees, and all those interested in peace and justice are welcome.  For more information, you may write to us at meridiancomm@earthlink.net, call at 237-5624, or visit the Upper Hudson Peace Action web site at www.peaceact.net.