Please note that this very successful event, Dec 15-20, 2002, has been completed.

FIVE DAY FAST TO LET IRAQ LIVE

Details of the Fast and How to Help

We are on the brink of accelerated military agression against Iraq, theoutcomes of which are unclear but most surely will include the deaths of untold numbers of innocent Iraqi civilians. As women and menof conscience, we oppose such aggression. We have pursued political means by which to voice our dissent. We have reached out and raised our voices high in a resounding cry of "No War on Iraq." Our voices have been silenced and our opposition dismissed. Our remaining options for publicly voicing opposition to such aggression are few.

It is in that spirit of impassioned opposition and in the tradition of nonviolence that we undertake a FIVE DAY FAST TO LET IRAQ LIVE. This humblest of actions is our way of attempting to share in the anguish of our sisters and brothers in Iraq, whose suffering will not begin with a Preemptive Strike but will only be exacerbated by it. In this way, we offer a small sacrifice in the hopes that it will communicate to others the severity of the situation and our sincerity in standing in opposition to such aggression and in solidarity with those who suffer as a result of our leaders, our culture, and our society of terror and death.

Beginning at sundown on Sunday, December 15th with a Vigil Ceremony and Convocation, and continuing until the Closing Ceremony at sundown on Friday, December 20th, concerned individuals from all over the South Bay will hold vigil on the steps of the Federal Building in Downtown San Jose. Throughout the five days, the Fasters and their Partners (individuals who are present throughout and act as support systems for the Fasters themselves) will be present at the site from early morning until midnight. Other community groups and organizations will take turns being present to offer additional support, energy, and encouragement. Daily press conferences will be held at high noon to provide updates on fasters' well-being and other related information.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

1) BE A FASTER OR A FAST PARTNER

A. As a Faster, you will be asked to:

• be present from morning until night each day throughout all five days (from sundown Sunday, 12/15 to sundown Friday, 12/20)
• intake only water during that time
• secure the help of one/several individuals to act as your Fast Partner(s) (see 1B below)
• be prepared to rely on the help of your Partner(s) and other fast supporters throughout the fast.

B. As a Fast Partner, you will be asked to:

• be present to your Faster throughout the process (or, in conjunction with other Partners aiding the same Faster, ensuring that the Faster has the presence of a Partner at all times)
• provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to the Faster
  throughout the five day process
• maintain your own physical, emotional, and spiritual health throughout the process so as to ensure you are providing the best support to the Faster.
• abstain from eating or drinking (except water) in the presence of the Faster.

2) VOLUNTEER TO SPEND TIME AT THE FAST SITE SOMETIME DURING THE FIVE DAYS

As a group ho volunteers to spend time at the site, you will be asked to:

• devote several consecutive hours to being present at the site
• bring as many members of your group/community as possible
• be a positive, peaceful presence who support the Fasters and Partners in whatever way possible
• understand that you may be asked to support in other ways, including acting as outreach to passers-by as well as doing logistical work as necessary
• bring your creative energy to the fast, including instruments, poetry, or anything else you would like to share
• bring as many members as possible to the Closing Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 20th.

3) COME TO THE CLOSING CEREMONY AT 5:30 P.M. ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH

As people present at the Closing Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 20th, you will be asked to be present with powerful, positive energy.

4) ENDORSE THE FAST AS A CHURCH, PARISH, ORGANIZATION, OR COMMUNITY

As endorsers of the Fast, you will be asked to:

• actively inform members of your community about the Fast and the issues it addresses and work to inform and engage others outside of your group
• bring a group to the Closing Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 20th
• volunteer to spend time at the site (see 2 above)

5) DONATE TIME OR RESOURCES TO HELP MAKE THE FAST HAPPEN.

As a donator of resources, you will be asked for:

• your time in helping to prepare for the fast
• materials to prepare visual aids (sheets or other fabric, paints, rope, other art supplies, etc.
• public address equipment, tables, paper and/or copies for handouts
• food for the Closing Ceremony

FOR INFO OR TO PARTICIPATE, email fasttoletiraqlive@yahoo.com or call Patty at 408-423-9619.