Friends from four different area meetings met in Stockport on 11 May, for a small regional gathering for NFPB members and other interested Friends. The meeting took place towards the end of the Global Days of Action on Military Spending, for which NFPB is an active member of the UK steering group.
Following a preparatory discussion some weeks earlier, the arms trade and related issue of military spending were chosen as twin themes for the event. The group worked together to share ideas and information about different aspects of these concerns – which can feel overwhelming. As a follow-up activity, we identified who was doing what – individuals, networks and groups. It was noted that collaboration between groups is an important feature of the wider peace movement, and this includes Quakers.
Other activities during the event included sharing lunch together, watching and responding to a number of short videos relating to the issues, worship, and reflection and discussion on some priorities for the future. These ranged from supporting vigils at local arms-related sites, to leafleting and public engagement, promoting alternatives to arms production, and building links to groups outside the mainstream peace movement.
Some related links:
Global Campaign on Military Spending (UK) – https://demilitarize.org.uk/
Rethinking Security – https://rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/
Quaker Roots – https://www.quaker-roots.org.uk/
Campaign Against Arms Trade – https://caat.org.uk/
Conflict Minerals Campaign – https://conflictmineralscampaign.org.uk/
Demilitarise Eduction – https://ded1.co/
Extinction Rebellion Peace – https://xrpeace.org/
Secure Scotland – https://www.securescotland.scot/
