Citizen Voices Blog

Many of you have either helped organize or participate in one of the many CJME activities over the years – possibly one of a dozen public presentations by American, Palestinian or Israeli peace advocates, a two-day conference that drew 300 people and 25 Mideast speakers, fundraising that brought in $10,000 for Hope Flowers School, and $4,000 for Gaza humanitarian relief, public protests, and legislative visits, to name a few activities.

Many of these activities have been inspired by the profound struggle for liberation from a 42-year old occupation of Palestinian territories. But we are also proud to have developed relationships with hundreds of Kansas City area residents sincerely interested in learning about the occupation and getting involved in changing US policy in the region.

During these years CJME has been active new web tools have evolved that provide unprecedented possibilities for organizations to share information and organize actions. These tools include Facebook, Twitter, Flickr (photo sharing), YouTube, MySpace, and blog sites.

These tools greatly increase the possibility of involving people – without having to attend a meeting.

I believe Mideast peace groups and CJME would benefit from using these tools for the purpose of involving more people in sharing analysis and opinion, organizing activities, sharing photos, videos, and other resources. Sharing information will enhance and spread the dialog on this most crucial issue.

Citizens for Justice in the Middle East invites you sign up for and contribute to one of these social network tools. Here’s how:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         CJME Facebook group allows individuals with a Facebook account to join the group and publish entries on the CJME wall, post links to relevant web sites or relevant topics, create events, post notes (like a blog), to name a few. CJME is looking for everyone with a Facebook account to join the group and start inviting their Facebook friends to the site. Go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6152447378 to join the group. Feel free to start updating information on the site to open the dialog. CJME is looking for one or two people to administer the Facebook group – surely there’s a Facebook nut amongst us! <!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         Follow CJME on Twitter – This exciting new social network site allows people to write 140 character messages – micro-blogging – to followers of a twitter account. Start by reading some of the CJME twitter updates (http://www.twitter.com/cjmenet). If you have a twitter account, then be sure to follow CJME! If you are especially motivated, CJME is looking for 2 or 3 individuals to update our twitter space and find followers. <!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         The Citizen Voices blog provides commentary and analysis on events in Israel and Palestine. This blog is the best place for people to share reports on their travels to the Palestine/Israel, write opinion about current news and events, as well as to write commentary about media reports and legislative bills. Go to http://citizen-voices.blogspot.com<!--[endif]--> to view past blog posts. Let me know if you are interested in publishing a story to the blog. CJME is looking for 3 or 4 individuals to post to the blog once a month (or more).