Past BACP Activities


Peace Vigil, Saturday, December 16, 2023: End Israel's War on Gaza

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and Brainerd Lakes United Environmentalists (BLUE) will hold a peace vigil on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The vigil will be held at the intersection of Highways 210 and 371, near Kohl's. The vigil is scheduled to last from 1 to 2 p.m. Vigil participants will meet at the vigil site. Signs, flags, and banners are available for vigil participants or vigil participants may bring signs to the vigil.

The vigil will demand an immediate ceasefire. The vigil supports diplomatic efforts to end the war. The vigil demands the U.S. stop blocking diplomatic efforts to end the war. The vigil will demand an end to U.S. military assistance and aid to Israel and call for the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces assisting Israel. The vigil condemns the murder of civilians and Israel's policy of collective punishment. The vigil supports a just resolution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict based on respect for international law and human rights.

The vigil calls for the lifting of Israel's cruel blockade of Gaza, an end to settlement building in the West Bank, and the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights. The vigil condemns Israel's expulsion of Palestinians and Arab citizens of Israel from their homes, land, and communities. The vigil will call for the repeal of Israel's discriminatory laws and policies against Palestinians and Arab citizens of Israel.

The vigil supports the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The vigil calls for the repeal of anti-BDS legislation, including anti-BDS legislation in Minnesota. The vigil condemns the recent increase in Islamophobia and hate crimes against Muslims, Palestinian-Americans, and Arab-Americans, the most heinous incident being the murder of six-year-old Palestinian-American Wadea Al-Fayoume and the attempted murder of his mother Hanaan Shahin in Chicago on Saturday, October 14.

The vigil is in solidarity with peace vigils and rallies being held across the U.S. and internationally demanding an end to Israel's brutal war on Gaza.

Everyone is welcome to join the peace vigil. Please join us.

Peace Vigil in Response to the War in Gaza, October 28, 2023

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and Brainerd Lakes United Environmentalists (BLUE) cleanup volunteers decided during our Fall Adopt a Highway cleanup on Saturday, October 14 to hold a peace vigil in response to the war in Gaza. Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (BLA DSA) members said BLA DSA could co-host a peace vigil during the Tuesday, October 10 BLA DSA meeting. The following is a notice for the peace vigil:

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP), Brainerd Lakes United Environmentalists (BLUE), and Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (BLA DSA) will hold a peace vigil on Saturday, October 28, 2023. The vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd water tower. The vigil is scheduled to last from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Vigil participants will meet at the vigil site. Signs, flags, and banners are available for vigil participants or vigil participants may bring signs to the vigil.

The vigil will demand an immediate ceasefire to end the war in Gaza. The vigil supports diplomatic efforts to end the war. The vigil demands the U.S. stop blocking diplomatic efforts to end the war. The vigil will demand an end to U.S. military assistance and aid to Israel and call for the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces assisting Israel.

The vigil condemns the murder of civilians and Israel's policy of collective punishment.

The vigil supports a just resolution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict based on respect for international law and human rights.

The vigil calls for the lifting of Israel's cruel blockade of Gaza, an end to settlement building in the West Bank, and the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights. The vigil condemns Israel's expulsion of Palestinians and Arab citizens of Israel from their homes, land, and communities.

The vigil will call for the repeal of Israel's discriminatory laws and policies against Palestinians and Arab citizens of Israel.

The vigil supports the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The vigil calls for the repeal of anti-BDS legislation, including anti-BDS legislation in Minnesota.

The vigil condemns the recent increase in Islamophobia and hate crimes against Muslims, Palestinian-Americans, and Arab-Americans, the most heinous incident being the murder of six-year-old Palestinian-American Wadea Al-Fayoume and the attempted murder of his mother Hanaan Shahin in Chicago on Saturday, October 14.

The vigil is in solidarity with peace vigils and rallies being held across the U.S. and internationally demanding an end to the war in Gaza.

Everyone is welcome to join the peace vigil. Please join us.

Paul Baker Hernandez, October 23, 2023

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and Brainerd Lakes United Environmentalists (BLUE) will host a concert by Paul Baker Hernandez, an English-Nicaraguan singer, songwriter, peace activist, and environmentalist, on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 7 p.m. Paul's concert will be held in the Brainerd United Church of Christ (UCC) Fellowship Hall. The Brainerd UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near Gregory Park. The Fellowship Hall is located in the downstairs section of the Brainerd UCC.

Paul is a renowned singer and songwriter who has performed for over 50 years. Paul performs in English and Spanish. He performs original songs with a strong emphasis on peace, justice, and environmental protection.

Paul is well known for performing the songs of Victor Jara. Jara was a Chilean singer, songwriter, theater director, poet, teacher, and activist. General Augusto Pinochet's brutal regime murdered Jara on September 16, 1973. Paul strives to keep Victor Jara's work remembered by performing his songs and discussing Jara's activism.

Paul will discuss the tremendous work Nicaragua is doing to create a just society and protect the environment. Originally from England, Paul has lived in Nicaragua since 1998 and recently became a Nicaraguan citizen.

Paul's Brainerd concert is part of his tour of Minnesota. BACP hosted Paul's Brainerd concerts in 2012, 2014, and 2017. BACP and BLUE are honored to host Paul's latest Brainerd concert. Light refreshments will be offered.

Everyone is welcome to attend Paul's concert. The concert is free of charge. Donations are welcome to support Paul's work. Please join us in celebrating Paul's music and activism.

Peace Vigil outside of Camp Ripley on Sunday, September 17, 2023

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (BLA DSA) will hold a peace vigil outside of Camp Ripley on Sunday, September 17, 2023. The vigil is scheduled to last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the time Camp Ripley hosts Open House Day. Vigil participants can join all or part of the peace vigil. Signs, banners, and flags are available for vigil participants or vigil participants can bring signs to the vigil.

Camp Ripley is located at 15000 Highway 115, north of Little Falls MN. Vigil participants may park along the right-of-way.

The vigil seeks to increase public awareness of the devastation drone warfare causes by protesting against Camp Ripley's drone pilot training program. (Camp Ripley does not fly drones overseas, but the training it provides enables pilots to use killer drones.) The vigil will demand the termination of drone warfare, the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the Middle East, and a complete end to U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's brutal war on Yemen. The vigil supports a ceasefire and a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine to end the Ukraine War. The vigil opposes the U.S. arming, funding, and training the Ukrainian military as these actions prolong the Ukraine War and risk a catastrophic war between the U.S. and Russia. The vigil calls on the U.S. to support every diplomatic effort to end the Ukraine War. The vigil opposes the U.S. sanctions regime and regime change operations. The vigil supports the U.S. peacefully resolving disputes with other nations through diplomacy based on international law, the right to self-determination, and respect for national sovereignty. The vigil supports major reductions in the U.S. military budget and using the funds for human needs and environmental protection.

The vigil will be in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. The vigil supports the Black Lives Matter movement's demand to demilitarize the police force. (Camp Ripley is a major trainer of state and local police forces.) The vigil's pro-peace message will counter the pro-war propaganda Camp Ripley spreads at Open House Day, the biannual event when Camp Ripley invites the public to visit the base. The Camp Ripley peace vigil is supported by Veterans for Peace (VFP), Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), Northfield People for Peace and Goodwill, the Minnesota BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) Community, and the Democratic Socialist Caucus.

Everyone is welcome to join the Camp Ripley peace vigil. Please join us.

Brainerd Lakes Pride in the Park, Saturday, September 9, 2023

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will host a table at Brainerd Lakes Pride in the Park on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Brainerd Lakes Pride in the Park will be held at Gregory Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gregory Park is located at 511 North Fifth Street, Brainerd. Brainerd Lakes Pride, a Brainerd area LGBTQ rights organization, is hosting Brainerd Lakes Pride in the Park. Brainerd Lakes Pride in the Park is a free event open to the public.

Brainerd Lakes Pride in the Park is part of Brainerd Pride weekend lasting from Thursday, September 7 through Sunday, September 10, 2023. More details about Brainerd Pride weekend can be found on Brainerd Lakes Pride's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/brainerdlakespride.

BACP hosting a table at Brainerd Lakes Pride in the Park will give us the opportunity to share our message of peace, show our support for LGBTQ rights, and work with a progressive Brainerd area organization.

BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair, August 1 - August 5, 2023

We have been at the fair since 2003. We always enjoy our conversations with those who stop at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice. The BACP fair booth is located in Industrial Building #1. Come visit us!


Brainerd Fourth of July Parade 2023

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will be marching in the Brainerd Fourth of July parade. The Brainerd Fourth of July parade will be held on Tuesday, July 4 at 6 p.m. The Brainerd Fourth of July parade will begin in the Brainerd High School parking lot. The Brainerd High School parking lot is located at the former site of Lincoln Elementary School, across from Brainerd High School. Brainerd High School is located at 702 South Fifth Street, Brainerd.

The parade will go up Fifth Street to Laurel Street, then down East River Road before ending in the parking lot near Don Adamson (Brainerd High School) football field.

The BACP parade unit will be marching for peace, civil liberties, environmental protection, and economic justice. Signs, banners, and flags are available for parade unit participants. Brainerd Community Action, the organizer of the Brainerd Fourth of July parade, sent the following information about Brainerd Fourth of July parade unit check-in and parking:

We will be staged at the Brainerd High School BLUE LOT off South 5th St. Please enter S. 5th Street at the Quince Street Light to find the check-in location. Signs will be posted.

Check-in will begin at 3:30 p.m. You may arrive any time before 5 p.m. At 5 p.m., the roads will be closed to traffic. All floats and parade vehicles must be present BEFORE the closure of the streets at 5 p.m. to ensure a prompt starting time at 6 p.m.

Vehicles that do not need to let people on or off may travel straight through and out onto College Drive to return to the staging area. Vehicles that need a quick pit stop to let anyone on or off at the end should pull into the lower lot and continue as guided to the pit stop areas. Please follow instructions to ensure a smooth parade flow and do not stop mid lot.

Drivers – It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you stay at a steady distance from the float in front of you. There is no reason gaps should form that are longer than a few float lengths. Floats that are unable to stay with the group will not be asked to return.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. sharp. The parade route travels downhill with a fantastic finale so it should be a unique and fun experience.

Once you have checked in and have found your position in line, you may leave the staging area. Please return and be in your assigned place no later than 5 p.m.

The BACP parade unit's assigned spot is BLUE Lot D-16. The number will be written on the ground.

Parade unit participants may park on the perimeter of the Brainerd High School parking lot. Additional parking is available in a parking lot south of Pine Street or in downtown Brainerd.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP parade unit in the Brainerd Fourth of July parade. Please join us.

BACP Highway Cleanup, May 6, 2023


Adopt-a-Highway Project

The Spring, 2023, Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) Adopt-a-Highway cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 6.

Cleanup volunteers will meet at the former Knottys on 371 restaurant parking lot, located off Highway 76 north of Little Falls, at 11 a.m. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, the Spring BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup will be rescheduled for Saturday, May 20.

Everyone is welcome to join the Spring BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


May Day March, April 29, 2023

Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (BLA DSA) and Brainerd Trades and Labor will hold the third annual Brainerd May Day March on Saturday, April 29. The Brainerd May Day March begins with a rally at the Brainerd AFL-CIO office at 1 p.m. The Brainerd AFL-CIO office is located at 804 Laurel Street, Suite 103, Brainerd.

After the rally at the Brainerd AFL-CIO office, Brainerd May Day March participants will walk to Brainerd city hall. Brainerd city hall is located at 501 Laurel Street, Brainerd. A rally will be held at Brainerd city hall. After the rally, Brainerd May Day March participants will return to the Brainerd AFL-CIO office. A potluck dinner, featuring pulled pork sandwhiches prepared by Brainerd labor leader Wayne Fleischhacker, will be offered. Brainerd May Day March participants are encouraged to bring food to the potluck dinner.

The Brainerd May Day March is a pro-union march supporting workers' rights and economic justice. This year's Brainerd May Day March supports proposed legislation in the Minnesota legislature providing workers paid earned sick and safe time.

The Brainerd May Day March is endorsed by Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP), Brainerd Lakes United Environnmentalists (BLUE), the Crow Wing County Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Party, Minnesota Democratic Socialist Caucus, and the Northwoods Socialist Collective.

For more information about the Brainerd May Day March, please contact BLA DSA co-chair Julius Kapushinski at julius.kapushinski@gmail.com

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) Peace Vigil, Saturday, January 21, 2023, 2:00 pm.

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a peace vigil on Saturday, January 21. The vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd water tower. The peace vigil begins at 2 p.m. and is scheduled to last an hour. Signs, flags, and banners are available for vigil participants or vigil participants can bring signs to the peace vigil.

The vigil is in solidarity with the United National Antiwar Coalition's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week of Action (Friday, January 13-Sunday, January 22) and the Peace in Ukraine Coalition's two Weeks of Action (Friday, January 13-Friday, January 27). For more information about the Weeks of Action, please visit www.unacpeace.org and peaceinukraine.org The vigil supports a key demand of both Weeks of Action calling for a peace settlement to end the Ukraine War and an end to the U.S. providing military aid and training to the Ukrainian military. The vigil calls on the U.S. to support diplomatic efforts to peacefully end the Ukraine War. The vigil will demand the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the Middle East, an end to U.S. drone assassinations, and the termination of U.S. support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirate's brutal war on Yemen.

The vigil calls for an end to the U.S. sanctions regime and regime change operations. The vigil supports the U.S. using diplomacy which respects international law, national sovereignty, and the right to self-determination to peacefully resolve disputes with other nations. The vigil supports major reductions in the U.S. military budget and using the funds for human needs and environmental protection. Everyone is welcome to join the peace vigil. Please join us.

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) Fall Peace Vigil, Saturday, October 29, 2022, 1:00 pm.

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold our fall peace vigil on Saturday, October 29. The vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd water tower. The vigil begins at 1 p.m. and is scheduled to last an hour. Signs, flags, and banners are available for vigil participants or vigil participants may bring signs to the vigil.

The vigil supports an armistice ending the fighting in Ukraine and a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine ending the war. The vigil opposes the U.S. arming and training Ukrainian troops as these measures prolong the war and risk a war between the United States and Russia. The vigil calls on the U.S. to support every diplomatic effort to end the Ukraine War. The vigil demands the United States immediately withdraw all U.S. forces from the Middle East, cease drone assassinations, and halt all support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirate's brutal war on Yemen.

The vigil calls for an end to U.S. regime change operations and the U.S. sanctions regime. The vigil supports the U.S. peacefully resolving disputes with other nations through diplomacy which respects international law, national sovereignty, and the right to self-determination.

The vigil supports extensively cutting the extravagant U.S. military budget and using the funds for human needs and environmental protection.

The vigil is in solidarity with the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC) National Week of Action (October 15-October 22) calling for peace vigils and marches throughout the nation. Everyone is welcome to join the Fall BACP peace vigil. Please join us.

BACP Highway Cleanup, October 15, 2022

The next highway cleanup will be scheduled for Spring, 2023


Adopt-a-Highway Project

The Fall Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) Adopt-a-Highway cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, 2022. Cleanup volunteers will meet at the Knottys on 371 (formerly Cabin Fever) restaurant parking lot, located off Highway 76 north of Little Falls, at 11 a.m. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

Everyone is welcome to join the Fall BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair, August 2 - August 6, 2022

We have been at the fair since 2003. We always enjoy our conversations with those who stop at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice. The BACP fair booth is located in Industrial Building #1. Come visit us!


BACP Highway Cleanup, May 7, 2022

The next highway cleanup will be scheduled for Fall, 2022


Adopt-a-Highway Project

Cleanup volunteers will meet at the former Cabin Fever restaurant parking lot, located off Highway 76 north of Little Falls, at 11:00 a.m. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


How to Respond to War Threats on Russia, TUES. Feb 22 at 8:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm CT / 6:30 pm MT / 5:30 pm PT

- Understanding U.S. Objectives

- The Role of NATO, a U.S. Commanded Military Alliance

Please click here to register for the meeting. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_10cVDLQuQR6T3WPeAkJwtw

Please join us for this important meeting and discussion with leaders from the antiwar movement including:

(in alphabetical order)

Bahman Azad – US Peace Council

Ajamu Baraka – Black Alliance for Peace

Madea Benjamin – CodePink

Sara Flounders – International Action Center

Margaret Flowers – Popular Resistance

Bruce Gagnon – Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space

Margaret Kimberley – Black Agenda Report

Jeff Mackler – United National Antiwar Coalition

Nancy Price - Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

Susan Schnall – Veterans For Peace

David Swanson – World Beyond War

Joe Lombardo will chair. Ajamu Baraka will give an opening statement

Only a few short months after the chaotic US defeat in Afghanistan, the US is pushing a war with Russia, a major nuclear power. US officials insist that the Russians will invade Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied this.

In recent days the US and some of their allies have closed their embassies and asked their nationals to leave Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military has a force of 150,000 troops, that are U.S. trained and armed with modern US weapons, near the Russian border and the independent regions in Donbass. These independent regions have taken a stand in opposition to the right-wing, coup government in Kiev, since 2014. The Ukrainian military has started heavy shelling of the independent areas of Donbass, which have returned the fire.

Every U.S. war in our lifetime has been based on false information, repeated relentlessly by the corporate media. There is deep apprehension that the US and the Ukrainian government are preparing a “false flag” incident that could lead to a major conflict.

The US has tens of thousands of troops in Europe, it is putting troops on high alert and sending more. They are not only arming the Ukrainian military, but they are expanding NATO bases and sending additional arms and missiles to other NATO countries in the region.

It is important that the US antiwar movement come together to oppose these dangerous war moves. Please join us on Tuesday.

TUESDAY. Feb 22 at 8:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm CT / 6:30 pm MT / 5:30 pm PT

Please click here to register for the meeting. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_10cVDLQuQR6T3WPeAkJwtw


Brainerd Area Joint Democracy Meeting, Februay 16, 2022, at 7 p.m

A second Brainerd Area Joint Democracy Meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2022, after the first meeting on January 19, 2022. The Brainerd Area Joint Democracy Meeting is a meeting between Lakes Area Move to Amend (LAMTA), Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP), Brainerd Lakers United for the Environment (BLUE), Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and Brained Lakes Pride. The Brainerd Area Joint Democracy Meeting discusses how participating organizations can get the word out about their work to the Brainerd area community and possibly hold joint events in the future.

Brainerd Area Joint Democracy Meeting, January 19, 2022, at 7 p.m

The Brainerd Area Joint Democracy Meeting was a meeting between Lakes Area Move to Amend (LAMTA), Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP), Brainerd Lakers United for the Environment (BLUE), Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and Brained Lakes Pride. The Brainerd Area Joint Democracy Meeting discussed how participating organizations can get the word out about their work to the Brainerd area community and possibly hold a joint event in the future. Another meeting was scheduled for February 16, 2022.

Free Julian Assange! - Tuesday January 11, 2022

Tackling Torture at the Top, a committee of Women Against Military Madness, a non-profit organization founded nearly 40 years ago, is sponsoring a call-in to Attorney General Merrick Garland to urge the Department of Justice to drop all charges and free Julian Assange.

The date of the call-in is Tuesday January 11, 2022.

The DOJ does not provide an option to speak with a live person. It does have a comment line where you can leave a recorded message. That number is 1-202-514-2000. You can press 4 at any time to skip over the menu of options. Below is a list of suggested comments. You may also have your own reasons to free Julian. Please speak from your heart in your call:

• Free Julian Assange. He has committed no crime. He has done a public service.

• Julian Assange is charged under the Espionage Act. He is not a spy. He provided information of public interest to the whole world, not a foreign adversary.

• The prosecution of Julian Assange is a threat to press freedom everywhere. He has won journalistic awards including the Martha Gellhorn Prize. His cause is supported by pressfreedom organizations around the world including Reporters Without Borders, PENInternational, and the Committee to Protect Journalists.

• The Obama Administration recognized the threat to press freedom and declined to prosecute Assange. Obama said prosecution would present the government with a “NY Times problem”. Instead of following Obama’s lead, the Biden administration has taken up the mantle of former-President Trump.

• The wrong party is on trial. Julian Assange exposed U.S. war crimes and torture. It’s obvious to many that the party guilty of those crimes is vindictively pursuing him.

• The case against Julian Assange has collapsed. A key Icelandic witness has recanted his testimony that Assange instructed him to hack into government computers. Prosecutorial conduct has been egregious. The CIA spied on Assange, including meetings with his doctors and lawyers. In 2017, the CIA plotted to kidnap or assassinate him.

• The prosecution of Julian Assange diminishes the stature of the United States. While Secretary of State Antony Blinken proselytizes about U.S. support for independent journalism, it is simultaneously seeking to imprison the most high profile journalist of the 21st century for 175 years. Julian Assange did not “put lives at risk”. A 2013 Pentagon study could not identify a single instance of anyone killed as a result of being named in the WikiLeaks trove.

• Julian Assange wanted the documents published responsibly. He worked with traditional news outlets to redact the documents and save lives. It was only when two Guardian journalists, Luke Harding and David Leigh, recklessly published an encryption code that unredacted documents spilled into the public realm. An investigation by United Nations Special Rapporteur Nils Melzer found the entire period of Assange’s detention, including that spent in the Ecuadorian Embassy, to be arbitrary. He also called his treatment at the hands of the State parties responsible for his detention “a public mobbing”.

• Over the course of more than ten years of arbitrary detention, Julian has suffered greatly. His physical and mental health have deteriorated to the point that he has trouble concentrating and cannot properly participate in his own defense. He suffered a small stroke on October 27th during a remote court hearing. His continued imprisonment is a threat to his very life.

• Julian Assange is not an American citizen, nor was he on American soil when the alleged crimes were committed. He should not be subject to American laws like the Espionage Act. If you belong to an organization that would like to be a co-sponsor of this effort, please contact Mike Madden at .

Co-sponsors: Veterans For Peace Chapter 27 Rise Up Times World Beyond War Veterans For Peace (National) Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) Minnesota Peace Action Coalition (MPAC) Roots Action Anti-War Committee (AWC) Citizens for Global Solutions Minnesota (CGS-MN) NYC Free Assange Brainerd Area Peace Coalition Southeast Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers (SEMNAP) Amnesty Group #37 of the Twin Cities

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace Monthly Meeting, November 1, 2021

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold our monthly meeting on Monday, November 1. The BACP meeting will be held online via the Zoom website. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will last 40 minutes, the maximum amount of time Zoom provides for free meetings. A link to the BACP meeting is at the bottom of the meeting notice.

The BACP meeting will review In Search of Justice for Palestine. In Search of Justice for Palestine was an online presentation hosted by BACP and Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on Thursday, October 21. The Minnesota Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Community, a Twin Cities based organization, gave the presentation. In Search of Justice for Palestine discussed many aspects of Israel's apartheid regime, the twisted doctrine of Christian Zionism, Minnesota's unconstitutional anti-BDS laws, the support anti-Semites gave to Zionism, how people can support the BDS movement, and the advantages of a one state solution over a two state solution.

The meeting will discuss BACP possibly making donations to support various organizations. BACP made donations to the Brainerd United Church of Christ, the Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, the Radiothon to End Child Abuse, Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen, the Alliance for Global Justice, Veterans for Peace, Women Against Military Madness, and Honor the Earth in the past. Everyone is welcome to join the BACP meeting. Please join us.

In Search of Justice for Palestine, October 21, 2021 – 7 p.m. on Zoom

Update on the Struggle, BDS (The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement works to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians and pressure Israel to comply with international law.)

Action and a Path Forward

Hosted by Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

Three members of the Minnesota BDS Community, a Muslim, Jew and Christian, will update the situation in Palestine-Israel and describe action we can take for justice.

The speakers:

Mariam El-Khatib is a Palestinian-American living in Minnesota. During college, she was a member of Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Minnesota, where she helped pass divestment resolutions on campus. She is currently an active member of the Minnesota chapter of American Muslims for Palestine. Mariam is passionate about educating her community on Palestine to empower and inspire them to mobilize and work towards liberation. Mariam draws from her own experience living under Israeli occupation and seeing the challenges that her family and community face under Israeli aggression.

Karen Schraufnagel, a founding member of the Minnesota BDS Community, has been a “committed, active anti-Zionist for 20 years.” She was raised in a secular Jewish family in St. Paul. As a young girl she says. “I was very, very Zionist” and even had thoughts of joining the IDF (Israeli army) after high school. After rejecting Zionism, for several years she was a member of the International Jewish anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) and active with the Stop the JNF (Jewish National Fund) campaign, including traveling to Palestine to plant citrus trees with Palestinian farmers.

John Darlington has traveled four times to the Holy Land, most recently on fact-finding tours in the West Bank. He is a retired Methodist pastor, currently serving as volunteer chaplain to the Simpson Church family in Minneapolis.

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) table at the Brainerd Pride Picnic and Stop Line 3 Vigil

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will host a table at the Brainerd Pride Picnic on Saturday, September 18. The Brainerd Pride Picnic will be held at Gregory Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gregory Park is located at 511 North Fifth Street, Brainerd. Brainerd Lakes Pride, a Brainerd area LGBTQ rights organization, is hosting the Brainerd Pride Picnic. The Brainerd Pride Picnic is a free event open to the public.

The Brainerd Pride Picnic is part of a three day Brainerd Pride 2021 event lasting from Friday, September 17 through Sunday, September 19. More details about the three day Brainerd Pride 2021 event can be found on Brainerd Lakes Pride's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/223638086039515?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D

BACP hosting a table at the Brainerd Pride Picnic will give us the opportunity to share our message of peace, show our support for LGBTQ rights, and work with a progressive Brainerd area organization. Please visit the BACP table if you have an opportunity.

Immediately after the Brainerd Pride Picnic ends at 3 p.m., Brainerd Lakers United for the Environment (BLUE) and Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) will hold the monthly Stop Line 3 vigil. The Stop Line 3 vigil will be held at the intersections of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd water tower. The vigil is scheduled to last from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants or vigil participants can bring signs to the vigil. Everyone is welcome to join the Stop Line 3 vigil. Please join us.

Peace vigil outside of Camp Ripley on Sunday, September 19, 2021

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) will hold a peace vigil outside of Camp Ripley on Sunday, September 19. The vigil is scheduled to last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the time Camp Ripley hosts Open House Day. Vigil participants can join all or part of the peace vigil. Signs, banners, and flags are available for vigil participants or vigil participants can bring signs to the vigil.

Camp Ripley is located at 15000 Highway 115, north of Little Falls. Vigil participants may park along the right of way. The vigil seeks to increase public awareness of the devastation drone warfare causes by protesting against Camp Ripley's drone pilot training program. (Camp Ripley does not fly drones overseas, but the training it provides enables pilots to use killer drones). The vigil will demand an end to drone assassinations, the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the Middle East, and a complete end to U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's brutal war on Yemen. The vigil will oppose any plans to continue the Afghan War through drone attacks, bombings, advisors, and U.S. Special Forces raids.

The vigil opposes possible U.S. wars against Iran and Venezuela. The vigil supports peaceful resolutions of U.S. disputes with Iran and Venezuela through diplomacy. The vigil calls for an end to the U.S. sanctions regime and regime change operations. The vigil will be in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. The vigil supports the Black Lives Matter movement's demand to demilitarize the police force. (Camp Ripley is a major trainer of state and local police forces). The vigil's pro-peace message will counter the pro-war propaganda Camp Ripley spreads at Open House Day, the biannual event when Camp Ripley invites the public to visit the base.

Everyone is welcome to join the Camp Ripley peace vigil. Please join us.

BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair, August 2 - August 7, 2021

We have been at the fair since 2003. We always enjoy our conversations with those who stop at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice. The BACP fair booth is located in Industrial Building #1. Come visit us!


Monthly BACP Meeting and Peace and Environmental Justice Vigil on Monday, July 5, 2021

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and Brainerd Lakers United for the Environment (BLUE) will not march in the Brainerd Fourth of July parade this year. The parade unit's float needs repair and a truck may not be available to haul the float or a trailer. Instead of marching in the parade, BACP and BLUE will hold a peace and environmental justice vigil on Monday, July 5 before BACP's monthly meeting. The vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd water tower. The vigil is scheduled to last from 6 to nearly 7 p.m.

After the vigil ends, BACP will hold our monthly meeting in Gregory Park. Gregory Park is located at 511 North Fifth Street, Brainerd. BACP will meet at the southwest corner of Gregory Park across from the Brainerd United Church of Christ (UCC). If bad weather prevents the vigil from being held and meeting in Gregory Park, BACP will meet in the UCC upstairs library at 7 p.m. The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near Gregory Park.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP/BLUE peace and environmental justice vigil and the BACP monthly meeting. Please join us.

Palestinian Solidarity Vigil will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

The BACP and DSA vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd Water Tower. The vigil is scheduled to last from 6 to 7 p.m. Vigil participants will meet at the vigil site. Signs are available for vigil participants or vigil participants may bring signs to the vigil.

Hopefully, many fellow BACP members can join the vigil. BACP and DSA taking a strong stand in solidarity with the long-suffering Palestinian people is very important.

Please let anyone you believe may be interested in joining the vigil know about it.

Peace Vigil, Monday, May 3, 2021

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace and Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) will hold a peace vigil on Monday, May 3. The peace vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd water tower. The vigil is scheduled to last from 6 to nearly 7 p.m. Vigil participants will meet at the vigil site. Signs, flags, and banners are available for vigil participants or vigil participants can bring signs to the vigil.

The peace vigil asserts the following:

-demands an immediate end to U.S. wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan, the termination of U.S. drone assassinations, and a complete halt to all U.S. military aid to Saudi Arabia which is waging a brutal war on Yemen.

-opposes possible new U.S. wars against Iran and Venezuela.

-supports the U.S. reentering the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or nuclear energy agreement with Iran without preconditions.

-calls on the U.S. to normalize diplomatic and trade relations with Iran and Venezuela.

-rejects the U.S. sanctions regime and regime change operations.

-calls for the lifting of sanctions and an end to regime change operations.

-urges the United States to resolve disputes with other nations through diplomacy which respects international law, national sovereignty, and the right of self-determination.

-supports the U.S. working cooperatively with other nations on issues such as climate change, poverty, and the coronavirus pandemic.

-demands major cuts in the U.S. military budget and the use of the funds for human needs and environmental protection instead.

After the vigil ends shortly before 7 p.m., BACP will hold our monthly meeting at Gregory Park. Gregory Park is located at 511 North Fifth Street, Brainerd. Peace vigil and meeting participants are required to wear masks and practice social distancing.

If bad weather forces the peace vigil to be cancelled and prevents a meeting in Gregory Park, the BACP monthly meeting will be held in the Brainerd United Church of Christ (UCC) upstairs library at 7 p.m. The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP/DSA Spring peace vigil and BACP meeting. Please join us.

Saturday, October 24, 2020, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and the Brainerd United Church of Christ (UCC) will hold a vigil for refugee and immigrants' rights on Saturday, October 24. The vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd near the Sawmill Inn. The vigil is scheduled to last from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Vigil participants will meet at the vigil site. Signs, flags, and banners are available for vigil participants or vigil participants may bring signs to the vigil.

Vigil participants are required to wear masks and practice social distancing.

The refugee and immigrants' rights vigil is being held on Saturday, October 24, so it does not conflict with the Women's March on Saturday, October 17, at noon at Gregory Park. For more details about the Women's March, please visit Women's March for Democracy.

The vigil will demand an end to the Trump Administration's cruel and discriminatory refugee and immigration policies. The vigil will call for a just and humane immigration system. The vigil will demand an end to the U.S. wars, sanctions, and regime change operations which force people to flee their home nations. Everyone is welcome to join the refugee and immigrants' rights vigil. Please join us.

BACP Highway Cleanup - September 12, 2020


Adopt-a-Highway Project

The Fall 2020 BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020. Cleanup volunteers will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 1:00 pm. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup. Due to concerns about the Covid-19 virus, we will maintain social distancing and meet only to pick up trash bags and plan our routes. There will be no potluck gathering after the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


Black Lives Matter vigil, Monday, July 6, 2020

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a Black Lives Matter vigil on Monday, July 6. The BACP Black Lives Matter vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, near the Sawmill Inn. The vigil begins at 5:30 p.m.

Vigil participants will meet at the vigil site. Signs, flags, and banners are available for vigil participants or vigil participants may bring signs to the vigil. Vigil and meeting participants are required to wear masks and practice social distancing.

The BACP Black Lives Matter vigil is in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter/Justice for George Floyd vigils taking place across Minnesota, the United States, and the world. The BACP Black Lives Matter vigil will demand justice for George Floyd and all police brutality victims. The vigil will demand the demilitarization of the police force and the abolition of the federal government's 1033 program which provides military weapons, vehicles, and equipment to police departments. The vigil will demand police officers who commit police brutality be held legally accountable. The vigil supports proposed legislation in the Minnesota legislature and Congress to curb police brutality and systemic racism. The vigil will last until nearly 7 p.m. when BACP holds our monthly meeting at Gregory Park. The BACP monthly meeting will be held in the part of Gregory Park across from the Brainerd United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the BACP Black Lives Matter vigil, the BACP monthly meeting will be held in the UCC upstairs library at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Black Lives Matter vigil and monthly meeting. Please join us.

Monday, June 8, 2020, 8:46 for George Floyd, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT

Hosted by Lakes Area Activism

Administration Historic Courthouse, 326 Laurel St, Brainerd, Minnesota 56401

Join those across the nation on Monday, June 8th at 5:00 for a peaceful demonstration to show that the Brainerd Lakes Community stands in opposition to white supremacy, police brutality, and race-based violence.

As his public memorial is being held this day in Houston, we are asking people to gather on the lawn of the Brainerd courthouse for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in silence in honor of George Floyd. This is the amount of time he had the literal knee of the state on his neck.

This is a peaceful demonstration.

Please wear your masks and practice social distancing. We strongly encourage mask wearing! It will be hot - being shade and water if you can.

January 29, 2020, Presentation by peace activist Kathy Kelly

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will host a presentation by well-known peace activist Kathy Kelly on Wednesday, January 29. The presentation will be held in the Brainerd United Church of Christ (UCC) Adult Forum Room at 7 p.m. The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near Gregory Park. The Adult Forum Room is located in the upstairs section of the UCC.

Kathy Kelly is a longtime peace activist. She is a co-coordinator for Voices for Creative Nonviolence, a national peace group.

Kelly has traveled extensively to Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza, and South Korea. She organized over 70 trips to Iraq between 1996 and 2003 to oppose U.S. sanctions on Iraq and deliver food and medicine to Iraqis suffering under the sanctions. She stayed in Iraq at the beginning of the Iraq War in March 2003 to document the suffering the war caused Iraqis.

Kelly works with Afghan Peace Volunteers in Afghanistan, an organization trying to end the Afghan War and provide education and job training for young Afghans. She protested against the construction of the U.S.-South Korean naval base on Jeju Island. Wikipedia has an extensive biography on Kathy Kelly at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Kelly#Voices_in_the_Wilderness,_1996%E2%80%932003.

Kathy Kelly spoke in Brainerd at the Brainerd public library in June 2012 at a BACP hosted presentation. She spoke at the Franciscan Sisters Convent in Little Falls in July 2015. Kelly is an excellent speaker who provides solid, first hand information about the nations she visits. Her presentations in Minnesota in late January/early February 2020 will focus on the effects of sanctions and war on Iraq, Afghanistan, and Yemen.

Kelly will discuss the danger of a U.S. war on Iran in the aftermath of the U.S. drone assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and several other people at the Baghdad International Airport on Friday, January 3. Kelly's presentation will discuss how people living in the United States can oppose U.S. wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan. There will be a question and answer session after Kelly's presentation. Free will donations are welcome to support Voices for Creative Nonviolence's peace and justice work. Everyone is welcome to join Kathy Kelly's presentation. Please join us.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Highway Cleanup Project, Saturday, September 28, 2019


Adopt-a-Highway Project

The Fall BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2019. Cleanup volunteers will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 1:00 pm. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


Sunday, September 15, 2019

Thursday, September 5, 2019

BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair, July 30 - August 3, 2019

We have been at the fair since 2003. We always enjoy our conversations with those who stop at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice. The BACP fair booth is located in Industrial Building #1. Come visit us!

Thursday, July 4, 2019 - 4th of July Parade

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace and Brainerd Lakers United for the Environment position number is 33.

1 pm – 3:15 pm– Parade Check in begins!

*Show up at Central Lakes College entrance nearest to Kiwanis park – at the turn about for check in! If there is a line, please pull into the adjacent parking lot to wait your turn for check in. Once you check in by providing who you are and your number, you will see at minimum 2 PROUD BCA CREW shirted volunteers who will help direct you to where you need to go!

After parking and getting your parade unit into its designated space you have a couple of options:

* You remain in your float, enjoy the company of local businesses and partners who are within the parade – and be geared up to leave by 3:45 – for an official start at 4pm!

* You drop off your float, leave, and ENSURE you come back by 3:15 if driving a vehicle – as the road closures will be IN PLACE by then; or if walking back by 3:30 pm!

Highway Cleanup Project, Saturday, May 4, 2019


Adopt-a-Highway Project

The Spring BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2019. Cleanup volunteers will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 1:00 pm. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


Saturday, April 27, 2019, 10:00 am

Saturday, March 30, 2019, 7:00 pm, Reception at 6:00 pm

Saturday, February 16, 2019, 1:00-2:00 pm

Friday, November 23, 2018

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Highway Cleanup, Monday, October 15, 2018

The Fall Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) Adopt-a-Highway cleanup will be held on Monday, October 15. Cleanup volunteers will meet in the parking lot of Cabin Fever restaurant at 1 p.m. Cabin Fever is located at 15331 183rd Street, Little Falls, off Highway 76. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.


Adopt-a-Highway Project

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here.

After the cleanup, there will be a meal at Little Fiesta restaurant. Little Fiesta is located at 310 12th Street NE, Little Falls, across from Coborn's Marketplace.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and meal at Little Fiesta. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


Thursday, October 4, 2018, Larry Fisk's Presentation on Venezuela

On Thursday, Oct. 4, Community Peace Activist Larry Fisk will share his observations on his recent May 2018 visit to Venezuela in two separate Cultural Thursday presentations at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The presentations will be held in the Chalberg Theater at 12 noon and in lecture hall E354 at 7 p.m. The noon presentation will also be live-streamed on the CLC YouTube channel by the CLC Videography program students.

Larry Fisk visited Venezuela for three weeks during the current economic crisis and ongoing US sanctions. As an official "acompañante electoral" he was a witness to the May 20th Presidential Election and was able to enter polling places, speak with voters, examine voting equipment and view the random selection and recount of paper ballot receipts to verify the accuracy of electronic voting machines.

For a portion of his stay, as part of an international group, he met with human rights organizations, lawyers from the Attorney General's office, a governor, a mayor and community activists working on neighborhood projects and a government food-distribution program. The international group was fortunate to be addressed by the country’s Foreign Minister and a constitutional expert. .

During his visit, Larry stayed in an opposition neighborhood, spent time with Venezuelan friends, explored Caracas, visited medical facilities and met with intellectuals and authors to discuss the past, present and future of Venezuela. Fisk shares: "I had a very interesting and informative time in Venezuela. I learned a lot, saw a lot and got to know a few friends better and meet some of their friends and family. [...] I was able to speak with human rights activists and others. I talked with a mayor and met a governor. I harvested some fruit and got bitten by ants. I paid 146,000 Bolivars for a bunch of bananas."

This promises to be an informative session on the current state of Venezuela.

BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair, July 31 - August 4, 2018

We have been at the fair since 2003. We always enjoy our conversations with those who stop at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice. The BACP fair booth is located in Industrial Building #1. Come visit us!

July 21, 2018

Brainerd 4th of July Parade, July 4, 2018

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace and Brainerd Lakers United for the Environment will be joining to take part in the Brainerd 4th of July Parade this year . The staging area is on Mississippi Parkway (behind Central Lakes College). Please enter the area from County Road 48 and go East on College Drive. You will make a right turn onto Mississippi Parkway, at the most West roundabout on College Drive. A sign will be posted. Our unit number is 40, although this number may change by parade time. The number for Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace/Brainerd Lakers United for the Environment will also be available at the check-in point. The number will be marked on the street or parking area where we are to set up.

Check in will begin at noon. We may arrive any time between noon and 3 pm. At 3 pm, the roads will be closed. The parade begins at 4 pm sharp. The parade route is approximately 1.25 miles.

Once we have checked in and have found our position, we may leave the staging area if we have an extra vehicle. Please return and be in our assigned place no later than 3:15 pm. We may park extra vehicles in the areas around the staging area.

The map here shows the staging area in pink and the parade route in red.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the parade with us. Signs and flags will be provided. Join us!

From the Ashes film June 23, 2018

Sami Rasouli, June 7, 2018

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint, Saturday, May 5, 2018

Highway Cleanup Project, Saturday, April 28, 2018


Adopt-a-Highway Project

The Spring BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2018. Cleanup volunteers will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 1:00 pm. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, April 21, 2018

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) Hands Off Venezuela Vigil, Monday, April 2, 2018

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a Hands Off Venezuela vigil on Monday, April 2, at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Vigil participants will meet at the vigil site. Signs and flags are available for vigil participants.

The Hands Off Venezuela vigil will demand an end to U.S. threats against Venezuela, the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, and the cessation of U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. The vigil opposes a possible U.S. war against Venezuela.

There will be an informal meeting at Brick House Pizza, Bread and Bagel restaurant, 302 Washington Street, Brainerd, after the vigil. This meeting will take the place of BACP's usual monthly meeting in the Brainerd United Church of Christ (UCC) upstairs library. Everyone is welcome to join the vigil and the meeting after.

March 17, 2018, CANCELLED March 31, 2018, because of snowstorm in Brainerd

Brainerd March for Our Lives, March 24, 2018

On March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets of Washington DC to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today. This will be a national day of action against gun violence. Protests demanding immediate legislative action by Congress and state legislatures will be held in Washington, D.C. and communities throughout the United States. Organized by the newly formed March for Our Lives, the protests will demand legislation prohibiting the sale of assault weapons and high capacity magazines and mandating universal background checks on all firearms sales. (For more information about March for Our Lives, please visit March for Our Lives.)

In Brainerd, a March for Our Lives protest will be held on Saturday, March 24. The protest begins at 2 p.m. with a gathering at Gregory Park. Gregory Park is located at 511 North Fifth Street, Brainerd. There will be a march from Gregory Park to Riverside Elementary School and will return to Gregory Park for a rally with speakers. The rally is scheduled to conclude at 4 p.m.

Brainerd March for Our Lives participants are encouraged to bring signs and posters to the event. The march is hosted by the Crow Wing County DFL Party, the Brainerd United Church of Christ (UCC), Moms Demand Action-MN, and Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP).

"Chasing Coral" Film Presentation, February 24, 2018

"Before the Flood" Film Presentation, January 27, 2018

Vigil, December 2, 2017

Highway Cleanup Project - October 14, 2017


Adopt-a-Highway Project

The Fall BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2017. Cleanup volunteers will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 3:00 p.m. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


September 17, 2017 - Vigil at Camp Ripley

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a peace vigil outside Camp Ripley's Main Gate on Sunday, September 17. The vigil is scheduled to last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the time Camp Ripley hosts Open House Day. Vigil participants may attend part or all of the peace vigil. Vigil participants can bring signs or use available signs.

Camp Ripley is located at 15000 Highway 115, north of Little Falls. Vigil participants may park along the right of way. See map.

The vigil seeks to increase public awareness of the devastation drone warfare causes by protesting against Camp Ripley's drone pilot training program. (Camp Ripley does not fly drones overseas, but the training it provides enables pilots to use killer drones).

The vigil will demand an end to U.S. drone assassinations, the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the Middle East and Afghanistan, and the termination of U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's brutal war on Yemen.

The vigil will be in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and support the movement's demand to demilitarize the police force. (Camp Ripley is a major trainer of state and local police forces).

The vigil's pro-peace message will counter the pro-war propaganda Camp Ripley spreads during Open House Day, the biannual event when Camp Ripley invites the public to visit the base.

After the vigil ends at 2 p.m., there will be a potluck lunch at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park). Morrison County Park is located off Highway 76, north of Little Falls.

Everyone is welcome to attend the peace vigil and potluck lunch. Please join us.

For more information, please contact BACP member Larry Fisk at (218) 839-2985 or BACP member Robin Hensel at (320) 360-3931.


August 18, 2017

Brainerd United Church of Christ (UCC) Pastor Leslie Moughty sent out the following Facebook Event Invite to encourage people to attend the Stand Against Hate event on Friday, August 18 in response to the racist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Gather with neighbors in the Brainerd Lakes community to take a firm stand against hate, against white supremacy, against racism in all its forms. This is a non-partisan, family-friendly gathering.

6:00 pm - Gather at Gregory Park near bandshell [Gregory Park is located near the Brainerd UCC at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd].

6:30 pm - Walk from Gregory Park to Historic Brainerd Water Tower

7:30 pm - Return to Gregory Park for singing, readings and candle lighting

Please bring your own light source - candles, glow-sticks, etc. Please also bring signs for displaying at the water tower.

Optional sign making will take place at First Congregational UCC from 5:00 - 5:45 pm.

In the event of rain, we will gather at First Congregational UCC (415 Juniper Street) instead of Gregory Park.

Gathering supported by Stand Up Brainerd Lakes, Brainerd Women's March, Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace, Project Rainbow, and First Congregational United Church of Christ.


BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair, August 1 - August 5, 2017

We have been at the fair since 2003. We always enjoy our conversations with those who stop at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice. The BACP fair booth is located in Industrial Building #3. Come visit us!


4th of July Parade - July 4, 2017

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace will again be in the Brainerd 4th of July Parade this year. The staging area is on Mississippi Parkway (behind Central Lakes College). Please enter the area from County Road 48 and go East on College Drive. You will make a right turn onto Mississippi Parkway, at the most West roundabout on College Drive. A sign will be posted. Currently our staging unit number is 29, but, according to Brainerd Community Action, units will continue to get registered up until the last minute, which may adjust our parade unit number. We will find out our official spot in the parade when we check in. The number will be marked on the street or parking area where we are to set up.

Check in will begin at noon. We may arrive any time between noon and 3 pm. At 3 pm, the roads will be closed. The parade begins at 4 pm sharp. The parade route is approximately 1.25 miles.

Once we have checked in and have found our position, we may leave the staging area if we have an extra vehicle. Please return and be in our assigned place no later than 3:15 pm. We may park extra vehicles in the areas around the staging area.

The map here shows the staging area in pink and the parade route in red.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the parade with us. Signs and flags will be provided. Join us!


BACP Vigil and Picnic, June 5, 2017

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a peace vigil on Monday, June 5. Vigil participants will meet outside the United Church of Christ (UCC) main entrance at 5 p.m. The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near Gregory Park. Vigil participants can walk or drive to the vigil location at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, near the Sawmill Inn. The vigil is scheduled to last from 5 to 6 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants.

The vigil will demand an immediate end to U.S. participation in the wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan, the termination of U.S. drone assassinations, and a halt to U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's brutal war on Yemen. The vigil opposes the Trump Administration's proposals to increase the U.S. military budget by $54 billion and expand the nuclear arsenal. The vigil rejects war and regime change as instruments of foreign policy. The vigil supports the use of diplomacy and international law to settle disputes between nations.

The vigil will take a strong pro-environmental stand. The vigil will condemn the Trump Administration's rollback of environmental protections, fast tracking of the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines, slashing of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget, and rejection of climate change science. The vigil advocates environmental protection, conservation, clean energy research, and basing environmental policy on science.

After the vigil, there will be a picnic and informal discussion in Gregory Park at 6 p.m. People attending the picnic can bring chairs. Some food and beverages will be provided but a dish or snack to pass would be welcome.

The BACP peace vigil, picnic, and informal discussion are being held in place of the BACP monthly meeting.

If bad weather forces the vigil, picnic, and informal discussion to be canceled, there will be a meeting in the UCC's upstairs library at 5 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend the BACP peace vigil, picnic, and informal discussion. Please join us.


April 27, 2017

Highway Cleanup Project - April 20, 2017


Adopt-a-Highway Project

The Spring BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup is scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2017. Cleanup volunteers will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 3:00 p.m. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


April 3, 2017

Counter-Inaugural Protest - January 21, 2017

Vigil, December 10, 2016

Highway Cleanup Project - October 8, 2016


Adopt-a-Highway Project

The Fall BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup will be scheduled for Saturday, October 8, 2016. Cleanup volunteers will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 1:00 p.m. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here. Included in the Adopt-a-Highway information is how to report potentially hazardous materials encountered during the cleanup, tips to avoid poison ivy and other plants which cause itching, and Lyme Disease prevention advice.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


Call for Support - Stand with Standing Rock - August 30, 2016

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been locked in a legal battle to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline from impacting it’s cultural, water, and natural resources. The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a 1,168-mile long crude oil pipeline that will transport nearly 570,000 barrels of oil each day from North Dakota to Illinois. The Army Corps of Engineers green-lighted several sections of the process without fully satisfying the National Historic Preservation Act, various environmental statutes, and its trust responsibility to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

This is another chapter in the long history of the federal government granting the construction of potentially hazardous projects near or through tribal lands, waters, and cultural places without including the tribe. The current proposed pipeline route crosses under Lake Oahe, just a half mile up from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

While the Tribe is waiting for a federal court decision on a preliminary injunction to stop the pipeline construction, the pipeline company is waiting for the Army Corps of Engineers to grant an easement to drill under Lake Oahe. The Army Corps of Engineers, the White House, and Congress must halt the easement because the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s waters and sacred places must be protected.

Find out here what you can do to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in its fight to protect its waters and sacred places.

UPDATE:

CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBE TAKES RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CLAIMS TO THE D.C. CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS March 16, 2017

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 15, 2017, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe filed an emergency motion for injunction pending appeal in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to stop the flow of oil in the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe while the appeals court considers the Tribe’s challenge pursuant to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (“RFRA”). The case in the D.C. Circuit is an appeal from the district court’s March 7, 2017 Order denying the Tribe’s motion for preliminary injunction under RFRA.

The Lakota people of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe believe that the presence of this crude oil pipeline—the Black Snake—under the sacred waters of Lake Oahe will render the waters ritually impure for use in essential Lakota religious sacraments. Dakota Access, LLC has stated in court filings that oil could flow as soon as Monday, March 20, 2017. The Tribe’s motion asks the Circuit Court to issue a ruling before Monday. A briefing schedule on the merits of the appeal has not yet been set.

CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBAL CHAIRMAN HAROLD FRAZIER EXPLAINED THE TRIBE’S DECISION TO FIGHT THE LOWER COURT’S DECISION ON APPEAL: “THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN TRYING TO DESTROY OUR WAY OF LIFE FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS. THE FACT THAT THE LAKOTA PEOPLE ARE HERE TODAY IS BECAUSE OUR ANCESTORS NEVER GAVE UP. THEY ALWAYS FOUGHT FOR US AND FOR OUR FUTURE. WE OWE IT TO THEM AND TO OUR GRANDCHILDREN TO STAND UP AND FIGHT NOW. LIKE THE ONES WHO CAME BEFORE US, WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP.”

The Tribe’s religious freedom appeal, however, is just a piece of a much broader ongoing legal fight the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has brought along with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other members of the Great Sioux Nation. In a separate set of motions, the Tribes have challenged the pipeline because it threatens the Tribes’ drinking water and the environment in violation of the United States treaty and trust responsibility to the Tribes and in violation of numerous federal statutes. The district court will be considering those issues in the near future.

“The fight against the DAPL is far from over. The court still has to consider our treaty and trust arguments, which we think are very strong. And we are ready to fight whatever other threats to our rights and resources may come our way, whether it’s the Keystone XL Pipeline, nuclear waste, or something else. We’re sick and tired of the government helping private parties get rich at the expense of tribal resources. If the government won’t live up to its trust responsibility to us, then we will see them in court,” Chairman Frazier further explained.

BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair, August 2 - August 6, 2016

We have been at the fair since 2003. We always enjoy our conversations with those who stop at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice. The BACP fair booth is located in Industrial Building #3. Come visit us!

4th of July Parade - July 4, 2016

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace will again be in the Brainerd 4th of July Parade this year. The staging area is on Mississippi Parkway (behind Central Lakes College). Please enter the area from County Road 48 and go East on College Drive. You will make a right turn onto Mississippi Parkway. Our parade unit number is 62. You will need this number in order to enter the staging area, and the number will be marked on the street or parking area where we are to set up.
The parade will begin at 4:00 PM. Try to arrive by 3:30 PM. The map here shows the staging area in pink and the parade route in red. Signs and flags will be provided, and participants unable to walk the parade can ride our trailer.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the parade with us. Signs and flags will be provided. Join us!

Brainerd Peace Fair, June 18, 2016

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) is hosting the Brainerd Peace Fair. The Fair will be held on Saturday, June 18, at Lum Park's Pavilion #2. Lum Park is located at 1619 NE Washington Street, Brainerd, off Highway 210.

The Fair is scheduled to last from 11 a.m. to at least 5 p.m. Attendees can attend part or all of the event.

The Brainerd Peace Fair is the Fifth Annual Central Minnesota Peace Fair. Previous Peace Fairs took place in Little Falls (2012), Brainerd (2013 and 2015), and Grand Rapids (2014). The Fair gives peace activists from many Minnesota communities an opportunity to meet each other, discuss peace activism in their communities, and plan future peace actions.

The Peace Fair begins with an informal assembly at 11 a.m., followed by a peace walk and vigil. Peace walk and vigil participants will march from Lum Park's Pavilion #2 to the entrance of Lum Park. Rides are available for individuals in need of assistance. A potluck lunch follows the peace walk and vigil. Food and beverages provided. Attendees are welcome to bring food and beverages to share.

The Fair features speakers, music, and open mic times. This year's featured speakers are retired U.S. Army Major Todd Pierce and Central Lakes College (CLC) sociology professor Gary Payne.

Todd Pierce is a former defense attorney at Guantanamo Bay prison. He is an outspoken opponent of indefinite detention, kidnapping, torture, military commissions, drone assassinations, and aggressive wars. A Veterans for Peace member, Todd Pierce is a strong advocate of peace and civil liberties.

Gary Payne is a BACP member and longtime peace, social justice, and environmental activist. He plans to give a presentation on the history of U.S. imperialism and war, particularly in Latin America.

Additional featured speakers may be added to the program.

Musicians performing at the Brainerd Peace Fair include Kristen Blann and Bob Gatts and Hans Blix and the Weapons Inspectors. More musicians are welcome to perform.

There will be open mic sessions giving individuals and groups a chance to express their views and talk about their work on peace, civil liberties, civil rights, economic justice, and environmental issues.

Artists are welcome to bring artwork promoting peace and justice. Artists will have an opportunity to discuss their artwork. There may be games and activities, such as letter writing or petition signing.

The Fair concludes with a ceremony remembering people hurt and killed by war and reflecting on the harm war causes societies and the environment.

The Brainerd Peace Fair is a free event open to the public. Please join us.

"The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code" - Film presentation, June 7, 2016

The Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace are co-sponsoring a film presentation of "The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code" on Tuesday, June 7 in the Brainerd public library's large conference room. Following the film presentation, there will be a discussion with "The Doctrine of Discovery" co-producer and director Sheldon Wolfchild, a member and former Tribal Chairman of the Lower Sioux Indian Community.

The Brainerd public library is located at 416 South 5th Street, Brainerd, near Brainerd High School and across from Mickey's Pizza and Subs restaurant. The film presentation and discussion are scheduled to last from 6 to 8 p.m.

"The Doctrine of Discovery" explores the role the "discovery doctrine" plays in current U.S. Indian law and policy and the harms it brought to American Indian nations. The "discovery doctrine" is based on 15th Century Papal Bulls (orders) claiming dominion, in perpetuity, over non-Christian lands and their inhabitants. Western governments could lay claim to Indigenous lands by virtue of "discovering" them and seizing the lands from their Indigenous inhabitants.

The U.S. Supreme Court cited the "discovery doctrine" in Johnson v. M'Intosh (1823). The Court held American Indians only had a "mere right of occupancy" to their lands. The federal government could lay claim to Indian land anytime it wanted.(The Court also held only the federal government could purchase Indian land). Johnson v. M'Intosh still stands today and influences current U.S. Indian law and policy.

"The Doctrine of Discovery" discusses Indigenous resistance to the "discovery doctrine" and the role Indigenous spirituality plays in the resistance.

"The Doctrine of Discovery" was co-produced by Shawnee-Lenape author Steven Newcomb and narrated by renowned Cree singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie. The film is based on Steven Newcomb's 2008 book "Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Discovery."

Free-will donations to support Sheldon Wolfchild's documentary work are welcome. "The Doctrine of Discovery" DVDs will be available for purchase.

"The Doctrine of Discovery" film presentation and discussion is a free event open to the public.

More information about "The Doctrine of Discovery" film and other Sheldon Wolfchild documentaries is available at www.38plus2productions.com

Highway Cleanup, Saturday, May 7, 2016


Adopt-a-Highway Project

Our next cleanup is scheduled for May 7, 2016. We will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 1:00 p.m. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


April 7, 2016

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein will give a presentation on the Muslim and immigrant experience in Minnesota in the United Church of Christ (UCC) Fellowship Hall on Thursday, April 7. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park. The Fellowship Hall is located in the downstairs section of the UCC.

CAIR is the nation's largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group. CAIR advocates better understanding of Islam, interfaith dialogue, protecting civil liberties, empowering American Muslims, and building coalitions to promote justice and mutual understanding.

Jaylani Hussein is a Somali-American civil rights leader. Jaylani's presentation aims to reduce prejudice against and misconceptions about Muslims and immigrants by discussing the positive contributions Muslims and immigrants make to their communities, workplaces, and schools. His presentation will explore the rise in Islamophobia in recent years and how people of good will can counter Islamophobia. A question and answer session follows the presentation.

Jaylani spoke in April 2014 at the Little Falls Community Discussion on Tolerance and the Fear of Islam and at the Brainerd Peace Fair in June 2015. He is an excellent speaker. Jaylani strongly believes in peace, cultural understanding, and protecting civil liberties.

Jaylani's UCC presentation is a free event open to the public. Snacks and beverages provided.

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and CAIR-MN are hosting Jaylani's UCC presentation.

Jaylani will also speak at Central Lakes College (CLC) on Thursday, April 7. His CLC presentation will be held in Room E471, near Chalberg Theatre. Jaylani's CLC presentation begins at noon. Jaylani's CLC presentation is part of CLC's Cultural Thursday series. The CLC presentation is a free event open to the public. CLC is located at 501 West College Drive, Brainerd.

Please encourage anyone who may be interested to attend either of Jaylani's presentations.

March 19, 2016

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a Palestinian Solidarity Vigil on Saturday, March 19. Vigil participants will meet at the side entrance to the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park. Vigil participants will march from the UCC to the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets. The vigil is scheduled to last from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants.

The BACP vigil is in solidarity with the National March on Washington, D.C. to Support Palestine being held on Sunday, March 20. The National March to Support Palestine is co-sponsored by Al-Awda: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition and the ANSWER Coalition and endorsed by many peace groups, including Veterans for Peace and the United National Antiwar Coalition.

The BACP vigil supports the National March's demands to end the Israeli government's and Israeli settlers' violations of Palestinians' human rights, stop the evictions of Palestinians from their land in Israel and the West Bank, and dismantle the Separation Barrier, often referred to as the Apartheid Wall, which cuts across Palestinian villages and farms in the West Bank and de facto annexes large swaths of West Bank land to Israel. The vigil supports the National March's call for Palestinian self-determination and the right of Palestinian refugees to return home.

The BACP vigil will also demand an end to the U.S. bombing of Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, advocate the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from these nations, oppose drone assassinations, and call for the U.S. to stop supporting Saudi Arabia's war on Yemen. The vigil supports peaceful resolutions to the civil wars in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

In the event of bad weather, an informal discussion will be held in the UCC Fellowship Hall at 1 p.m. The Fellowship Hall is located in the downstairs section of the UCC.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Palestinian Solidarity Vigil. Please join us.

March 3, 2016

Central Lakes College (CLC) sociology professor Gary Payne will give two "Secrets of St. Kitts" presentations on Thursday, March 3. "The Secrets of St. Kitts" presentations will be given in CLC's Room E354. The first presentation will be at noon and the second presentation at 7 p.m. CLC is located at 501 West College Drive, Brainerd.

"The Secrets of St. Kitts" presentations will focus on the people, culture, history, and natural environment of St. Kitts and the nearby island of Nevis. Located in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis is the smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere. St. Kitts and Nevis are popular tourist destinations, but the nation's people and environment suffer exploitation and environmental degradation from large Western multinationals.

If time permits, Professor Payne will also discuss the history of U.S. imperialism in the Caribbean Basin area, which includes the Caribbean islands and the Latin American nations bordering the Caribbean.

"The Secrets of St. Kitts" presentations are part of CLC's Cultural Thursday series. "The Secrets of St. Kitts" presentations are free and open to the public. If you come to the noon presentation, come early to be sure of getting a seat.

February 3, 2016 - Presentation on Venezuela, Democracy, and the Future of Latin American Integration

St. Francis Hall at the St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, 116 8th Ave. SE, Little Falls, Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 p.m.

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) member Larry Fisk will give a presentation on Venezuela, democracy, and the future of Latin American integration.

Larry visited Venezuela from December 2-22, 2015. He went to observe the Venezuelan parliamentary elections held on December 6. The conservative opposition unexpectedly won the elections and gained control of the National Assembly. This happened during a time of economic struggle for Venezuela, when the price of Venezuelan oil dropped below $30 a barrel.

Larry's presentation will discuss the Venezuelan government's ambitious efforts to improve the lives of poor and working class Venezuelans by providing affordable housing, free universal health care, and free university education. Since the Venezuelan government began these programs in 1999 under the late President Hugo Chavez, the living standards of poor and working class Venezuelans have improved tremendously. The Venezuelan government's social programs earned international praise.

Larry will discuss the 1999 Venezuelan Constitution and explore Venezuela's leadership role in promoting Latin American and Caribbean cooperation and integration and the uncertain political and economic future Venezuela faces.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

Jan. 18, 2016 - Martin Luther King Day and Black Lives Matter Vigil at Bank Square, Little Falls

We will meet at Bank Square, downtown Little Falls, intersection of Hwy 27 (Broadway Ave.) and First Street (where we met all years past) at 1 pm-2 pm with your signs, chair if you like and dressed so you are warm for one hour outdoors. Afterwards we can gather for coffee or a bite to eat at the Black and White restaurant that's close by. Bring a friend.

January 14, 2016 -Presentation on Venezuela, Democracy, and the Future of Latin American Integration

Central Lakes College's Chalberg Theatre, Thursday, January 14, 2016, 12 p.m.

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) member Larry Fisk will give a presentation on Venezuela, democracy, and the future of Latin American integration. Larry's presentation is part of Central Lakes College's Cultural Thursday series. Central Lakes College is located at 501 West College Drive, Brainerd.

Larry visited Venezuela from December 2-22, 2015. He went to observe the Venezuelan parliamentary elections held on December 6. The conservative opposition unexpectedly won the elections and gained control of the National Assembly. This happened during a time of economic struggle for Venezuela, when the price of Venezuelan oil dropped below $30 a barrel.

Larry's presentation will discuss the Venezuelan government's ambitious efforts to improve the lives of poor and working class Venezuelans by providing affordable housing, free universal health care, and free university education. Since the Venezuelan government began these programs in 1999 under the late President Hugo Chavez, the living standards of poor and working class Venezuelans have improved tremendously. The Venezuelan government's social programs earned international praise.

Larry will discuss the 1999 Venezuelan Constitution and explore Venezuela's leadership role in promoting Latin American and Caribbean cooperation and integration and the uncertain political and economic future Venezuela faces.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

Vigil - October 31, 2015

Highway Cleanup, Saturday, October 3, 2015


Adopt-a-Highway Project

Our next cleanup is scheduled for October 3, 2015. We will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 1:00 p.m. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


Camp Ripley Peace Vigil - Drone Protest, September 20, 2015

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and Occupy Little Falls will hold a peace vigil outside Camp Ripley's main gate on Sunday, September 20. The peace vigil is scheduled to last from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vigil participants are welcome to arrive early or stay after the main vigil because a continuous vigil will be held outside Camp Ripley's main gate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the time Camp Ripley hosts Open House Day. Signs are available for vigil participants.

Camp Ripley is located at 15000 Highway 115, north of Little Falls. Vigil participants can park along the right of way.

The peace vigil seeks to increase public awareness about Camp Ripley's drone facility and the devastation drone warfare causes. The vigil's pro-peace message will counter the pro-war propaganda Camp Ripley spreads at Open House Day. The peace vigil will demand an end to drone bombings, the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Afghanistan and Iraq, and an end to the U.S. bombing of Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. The vigil will call for an end to the U.S. backed Saudi war on Yemen. The vigil supports peaceful resolutions to the civil wars in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The vigil supports the international agreement regulating Iran's nuclear energy program.

A potluck lunch will be held at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park) after the peace vigil. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 76, north of Little Falls. See map. Everyone is welcome to attend the peace vigil and potluck lunch. Please join us.

Love Water Not Oil Tour, August 27, 2015

We invite the public to join us in August for our 3rd Annual Love Water Not Oil Tour. The Enbridge Sandpiper line, the Enbridge Clipper pipeline, and the Keystone XL Pipeline threaten our children, our community, our land. We cannot allow these pipelines to cross our land. Our battle against these pipelines is heating up and we are building our resistance. Together we will stop them.

Honor the Earth presents Manoominike Giizis, Feast of the Wild Rice Moon, a traditional indigenous feast by The Sioux Chef in honor and celebration of the wild rice harvest of Northern Minnesota’s clean and bountiful lakes.

Join Honor the Earth Executive Director, Winona LaDuke, and special guests, August 27th at 6:00 PM, Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, MN Tickets are $40, discounts for groups of 8.

BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair, August 4 - August 8, 2015

We have been at the fair since 2003. We always enjoy our conversations with those who stop at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice. Come visit us!


July 4, 2015 - Brainerd 4th of July Parade


Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace will again be in the Brainerd 4th of July Parade this year. The staging area is on Mississippi Parkway (behind Central Lakes College). Please enter the area from County Road 48 and go East on College Drive. You will make a right turn onto Mississippi Parkway. Our parade unit number is 62. You will need this number in order to enter the staging area, and the number will be painted on the street where we are to set up.
The parade will begin at 4:00 PM. Try to arrive by 3:30 PM. The map here shows the access route in yellow, the staging area in green, and the parade route in red. Signs and flags will be provided, and participants unable to walk the parade can ride our trailer.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the parade with us. Signs and flags will be provided. Join us!

4th Annual Central Minnesota Peace Fair, June 20, 2015


Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will host the Brainerd Peace Fair on Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m. to at least 5 p.m. The Peace Fair will be held in Lum Park's Pavilion #2. Lum Park is located at 1619 N.E. Washington Street, Brainerd, off Highway 210.

The Brainerd Peace Fair is the Fourth Annual Central Minnesota Peace Fair. It continues the tradition started in Little Falls in 2012 with the Central Minnesota Peace and Diversity Fair. Peace Fairs took place in Brainerd in 2013 and Grand Rapids in 2014.

The Brainerd Peace Fair will give peace activists from many Minnesota communities an opportunity to meet each other, discuss peace activism in their communities, and plan future peace actions.

The Brainerd Peace Fair begins at 11 a.m. with an informal assembly in Lum Park's Pavilion #2. Following the informal assembly, there will be a peace walk and vigil. Participants will walk from Lum Park's Pavilion #2 to the entrance of Lum Park, where the peace vigil will be held. Rides are available for individuals in need of assistance. Lunch in Lum Park's Pavilion #2 follows the peace vigil. Fairgoers are welcome to bring food. The Fair will feature three outstanding speakers: environmentalist, 2002 Green Party candidate for Minnesota governor, and founder of the Ecology Democracy Network, Ken Pentel; retired FBI agent, whistleblower, and Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) peace activist Coleen Rowley; and retired U.S. Army Major and JAG (Judge Advocate General's Corps) attorney Todd Pierce, who defended alleged terrorist suspects at Guantanamo Bay prison and is a strong opponent of torture, indefinite detention, military commissions, and drone assassinations.

There will be music at the Fair, including the anti-war songs of BACP member Larry Fisk.

An open mic segment will give peace groups an opportunity to discus their future events and individuals a chance to share their thoughts on peace and justice issues. Artists are encouraged to bring pro-peace artwork. Artists will have an opportunity to discuss their artwork.

The Brainerd Peace Fair will conclude with a moment of reflection to contemplate the harm war does to societies and the environment and remember people hurt and killed by war. In the event of bad weather, the Brainerd Peace Fair will be held in the United Church of Christ (UCC) Fellowship Hall.

The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park. The Fellowship Hall is located in the downstairs section of the UCC. The Brainerd Peace Fair is a free event open to the public. Fairgoers can attend part or all of the Brainerd Peace Fair. Please join us.

People attending the Brainerd Peace Fair are encouraged to visit the Brainerd Pride Picnic, an annual gay and lesbian rights event, being held in Lum Park's Pavilion #1. Pavilion #1 is located across from Pavilion #2. The Brainerd Pride Picnic is scheduled to last from 2 to 5 p.m.

Sami Rasouli, May 12, 2015

Highway Cleanup, Saturday, April 25, 2015


Adopt-a-Highway Project

Our next cleanup is scheduled for April 25, 2015. We will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park - map) at 1:00 p.m. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


Peace Vigil Saturday, March 21, 2015

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a peace vigil on Saturday, March 21, 2015, 1:00-3:00 PM. The vigil will be held on the sidewalk near Lum Park's entrance. Lum Park is located at 1619 NE Washington Street, Brainerd, off Highway 210.

Vigil participants will march from Lum Park's Pavilion #2, located near the main parking lot, to the sidewalk near Lum Park's entrance. (Vigil participants can also park at Petro Plus gas station, located outside Lum Park). Signs are available for vigil participants. The vigil will demand an immediate end to the U.S. bombing of Iraq and Syria, the withdrawal of all U.S. military advisers from Iraq, and an end to U.S. military aid to the Iraqi government, Kurdish regional government, and the Syrian rebels. The vigil supports peaceful resolutions to the sectarian conflicts in Iraq and Syria.

The vigil opposes President Obama's proposed Authorization to Use Military Force for the Iraq/Syria War and advocates repealing the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations to Use Military Force. The vigil will demand an end to drone bombing and the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Afghanistan. The vigil supports a peaceful resolution to the dispute over Iran's nuclear energy program.

The BACP vigil is in solidarity with the Spring Rising peace mobilization. Spring Rising is a series of national events, including peace vigils, teach-ins, conferences, and lobbying, taking place between Wednesday, March 18 and Saturday, March 21. Spring Rising will conclude with a march on Washington, D.C. on March 21. For more information about Spring Rising, please visit www.springrising.org. Everyone is welcome to attend the peace vigil. Please join us.

For people who are in the Twin Cities on March 21, Minnesota Peace Action Coalition will hold a Spring Rising solidarity event. The event begins with a gathering at Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue, Minneapolis at 1:00 p.m., with a march at 1:30 p.m., and a program at Walker Community Church, located at 3104 16th Avenue, Minneapolis, at 2:00 p.m. For more information about the Minnesota Peace Action Coalition event, please call (612) 827-5364 or (612) 275-2720.

Human Rights Vigil - January 19, 2015

A human rights vigil will be held on Monday, January 19 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). The vigil will be held in Bank Square in downtown Little Falls. Bank Square is located at the intersection of Highway 27, First Street, and Broadway Ave.

The vigil is scheduled to last from 1 to 2 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants.

The vigil will promote human rights and honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who dedicated his life to working for civil rights, peace, and economic justice.

The vigil will support the growing movement against police brutality. The vigil will condemn human rights abuses, including those recently revealed by the Senate report on CIA torture. The vigil will demand police officers who commit police brutality and U.S. government officials responsible for torture be held legally accountable. Vigil participants are welcome to enjoy a meal and informal discussion at Little Fiesta restaurant following the vigil.

For more information about the vigil, please call Robin Hensel at (320) 360-3931.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Please join us.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a vigil against police brutality on Saturday, December 13. The vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets in Brainerd. Participants will meet at the corner of Sixth and Washington. The vigil is scheduled to last from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Signs are available for participants.

The BACP vigil against police brutality is in solidarity with national protests against police brutality, including a major demonstration planned in Washington, D.C. for Saturday, December 13.

The vigil will demand an end to police brutality and racial profiling and will demand that police officers who commit police brutality be held legally accountable. The vigil will oppose the militarization of the police force and will protest disparities in justice based on class, race, and ethnicity.

The vigil will support strong reforms to the criminal justice system against police brutality, racial profiling, harsh prison sentences for non-violent offenses, solitary confinement, and institutional bias in the justice system based on class, race, and ethnicity. The vigil supports justice for police brutality victims.

Everyone is welcome to attend the BACP vigil against police brutality. Please join us.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a peace vigil on Sunday, October 26. The vigil begins outside the side entrance to the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park. Vigil participants will march from the UCC to the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets. The peace vigil is scheduled to last from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants.

In the spirit of Halloween, vigil participants can wear costumes to express their opposition to war.

The vigil will demand an immediate end to the U.S. bombing of Iraq and Syria, the withdrawal of all U.S. military advisers from Iraq, and a halt to U.S. military aid to the Iraqi government, Syrian rebels, and Kurdish regional government.

The vigil will support peaceful resolutions to the sectarian conflicts in Iraq and Syria.

The vigil will call for an end to drone bombing and the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Afghanistan.

Following the vigil, there will be an informal discussion and potluck in the UCC Fellowship Hall. The UCC Fellowship Hall is located in the downstairs section of the UCC. Food and beverages will be provided.

In the event of bad weather, the informal discussion and potluck will be held in the UCC Fellowship Hall at 1:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend the peace vigil, informal discussion, and potluck. Please join us.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a peace vigil on Monday, October 6. The vigil begins outside the side entrance to the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park. Vigil participants will march from the UCC to the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets.

The peace vigil is scheduled to last from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants.

The vigil will demand an immediate end to the U.S. bombing of Iraq and Syria, the withdrawal of all U.S. military advisers from Iraq, and a halt to U.S. military aid to the Iraqi government, Syrian rebels, and Kurdish regional government. The vigil will support peaceful resolutions to the sectarian conflicts in Iraq and Syria. The BACP vigil is in solidarity with protests held around the United States against the Iraq/Syria War.

Following the vigil, BACP will hold our monthly meeting in the UCC upstairs library. Everyone is welcome to attend the peace vigil and the BACP monthly meeting. Please join us.

BACP Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup, Wednesday, September 17, 2014


Adopt-a-Highway Project

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will pick up litter on our Adopt-a-Highway section on Wednesday, September 17, 2014.

The BACP Adopt-a-Highway section is located off Highway 371, between mile markers 2.5 and 4, North of Little Falls.

Volunteers for the Adopt-a Highway cleaning project will meet at Morrison County Park (Belle Prairie Park) at 1 p.m. Morrison County Park is located off Highway 371 north of Little Falls. A short assembly will be held to plan the cleanup.

The vests and garbage bags required by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN DOT) for Adopt-a-Highway cleanups will be provided to volunteers. Volunteers can bring work gloves and sticks to pick up litter for the cleanup.

Volunteers are encouraged to read the Adopt-a-Highway information posted here.

After the cleanup, there will be a potluck dinner at Morrison County Park. Snacks and beverages provided.

In the event bad weather forces cancellation of the cleanup, a new date will be set.

Everyone is welcome to join the BACP Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and potluck. The project will be a great way to help the environment and share our message of peace. Please join us.


BACP Peace Vigil Monday, August 4

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a peace vigil on Monday, August 4. The vigil begins outside the side entrance to the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park. Vigil participants will march from the UCC to the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets. The peace vigil is scheduled to last from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants.

The vigil will demand an immediate end to the Gaza War, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the end of Israel's blockade of Gaza. The vigil will oppose U.S. military aid to Israel.

The vigil will call for an end to Israel's occupation of the West Bank and construction of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The vigil supports peace for Israel/Palestine based on justice and respect for human rights.

The BACP vigil is in solidarity with protests throughout the world demanding an end to the Gaza War.

Following the vigil, BACP will hold our monthly meeting in the UCC upstairs library. Everyone is welcome to attend the peace vigil and BACP monthly meeting. Please join us.

July 29 - August 2, 2014

BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair


July 4, 2014

We have received our unit number for the 4th of July Parade in Brainerd. Our number is 56. You will need this number to enter the staging area, which is indicated in orange on the map below. The staging area is on Mississippi Parkway (behind the College). Please enter the area from County Road 48 coming East on College Drive. You will make a right turn onto Mississippi Parkway.
Everyone is welcome to take part in the parade with us. Please arrive by 3:45 PM. Signs and flags will be provided. Join us!

BACP Peace Vigil on Sunday, June 29, 2014

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a peace vigil on Sunday, June 29. The vigil will be held at the intersection of Highways 210 and 371, near Kohl's, and is scheduled to last from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants.
The vigil will oppose U.S. military involvement in Iraq's civil war and will demand the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. military advisers from Iraq and reject any U.S. bombing campaign. The vigil will support a peaceful resolution to the sectarian fighting in Iraq.
Following the vigil, an informal discussion and potluck lunch will be held in the United Church of Christ (UCC) Fellowship Hall. The Fellowship Hall is located in the downstairs section of the UCC. The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, Brainerd, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
In the event of bad weather, the informal discussion and potluck lunch will be held in the UCC Fellowship Hall at 1 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend the peace vigil, informal discussion, and potluck. Please join us.

June 14, 2014



April 29, 2014



April 26, 2014



December 8, 2013



October 27, 2013



September 15, 2013


Directions:
Camp Ripley is located on MN Hwy 115 about 1.2 miles West of MN Hwy 371. Access is from MN Hwy 371 between Little Falls and Brainerd. The map below shows highways from other parts of Minnesota. The red rectangle shows the location of the main gate of Camp Ripley and also indicates the area of the map enlargement below. The enlarged map also shows the location of Belle Prairie County Park, where we will gather afterwards for potluck. To get to the park from Camp Ripley, head back towards Hwy 371, but take a right turn on County Hwy 76 just before you get to Hwy 371. Go about 2.7 miles South on Hwy 76 and look for the sign for Belle Prairie Park and turn right. Follow the road in the park to the pavilion, where we will be gathering.





September 7, 2013

Nationwide, September 7: 'Hands Off Syria'

Nationwide 'Hands Off Syria!' Protests

President Obama asked the Congress to delay a vote on the use of force in Syria while he pursues a diplomatic solution. This represents a significant victory for the peace and social justice movement! ...we've witnessed and participated in something amazing and inspiring: people all across the United States saying they are tired of war and speaking up to oppose yet another military intervention. And remarkably, this mobilization was so sudden and so powerful that members of Congress actually listened to the concerns of their constituents.

These developments pressured President Obama to go to Congress, slowing down the process long enough for the Russian proposal to emerge as something positive to explore, rather than an insincere initiative to be dismissed.

But this Syrian crisis is far from over. At any moment, the proposed deal could fall apart, and the Obama Administration may go back to drawing more 'red lines.' The administration, despite Russia's demand, is not yet willing to eliminate the threat of a military attack.

We need to ramp up the pressure even more. It is vitally important that our mobilizations continue and that we continue to send a clear message to the White House and to Congress:

- A military strike by the United States will not resolve the problem of chemical weapons, will violate international law, and will risk igniting a wider war.

- Any Congressional resolution that authorizes the use of military force by the President as a response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria is unacceptable, no matter how many qualifiers or conditions are tacked on.

- No more 'red lines.' Support Russia's plan in the UN Security Council for Syria to relinquish its chemical weapon stocks to international control and join the Chemical Weapons Convention, without imposing arbitrary or artificial deadlines.

- Work to convene an international conference of all interested parties (including Iran) to seek a political solution to the civil war in Syria. ---unitedforpeace.org

Now is the time for us to step up pressure on Congress and demand that they vote NO to any resolution authorizing a military attack on Syria. Use the link below or the contact list below the map.

http://mn.gov/portal/government/federal/congress/minnesota-delegation.jsp



Contact Info for Minnesota's Congressional Delegation

Website for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
http://klobuchar.senate.gov/

Website for U.S. Senator Al Franken
http://www.franken.senate.gov/

Website for U.S. Congressman Tim Walz, MN 1st Congressional District
http://walz.house.gov/

Website for U.S. Congressman John Kline, MN 2nd Congressional District
http://kline.house.gov/

Website for U.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen, MN 3rd Congressional District
http://paulsen.house.gov/

Website for U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum, MN 4th Congressional District
http://www.mccollum.house.gov/

Website for U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison, MN 5th Congressional District
http://ellison.house.gov/

Website for U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann MN 6th Congressional District
http://bachmann.house.gov/

Website for U.S. Congressman Collin Peterson, MN 7th Congressional District
http://collinpeterson.house.gov/

Website for U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan, MN 8th Congressional District
http://nolan.house.gov/


September 2, 2013 - VIGIL TO PROTEST POSSIBLE ATTACK ON SYRIA

In place of our regular monthly meeting (which would normally be on September 2 at 7:00 PM at UCC Church), BACP will hold a vigil in response to a possible attack on Syria. Even if there is no attack, our peace vigil will express our opposition to any possible war against Syria. The vigil will be at the intersection of Highways 210 and 371 near Kohl's in Baxter and will last from 6 pm until dark (around 8 pm). Everyone is invited to participate. Signs will be provided.


July 30-August 3, 2013 -

BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair

We have been at the fair for eleven years now. We always enjoy our conversations with those who stop at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice!


July 4, 2013 - Brainerd 4th of July Parade

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace will again be in the Brainerd 4th of July Parade this year (our 10th anniversary of being in the parade). The staging area is on Mississippi Parkway (behind Central Lakes College). Please enter the area from County Road 48 and go East on College Drive. You will make a right turn onto Mississippi Parkway. Our parade unit number is 43. You will need this number in order to enter the staging area, and the number will be painted on the street where we are to set up.
The parade will begin at 4:00 PM. Try to arrive by 3:30 PM. The map below shows the access route in yellow, the staging area in green, and the parade route in red. Signs and flags will be provided, and participants unable to walk the parade can ride our trailer. The weather promises to be pleasant, so come join us!





June 22, 2013 - Peace in the Park (2nd Annual Central Minnesota Peace Fair)
Kiwanis Park, Brainerd MN, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM



Directions to the Peace Fair:

From the North - US Hwy 371 or Cty Rd 3
From the East - US Hwy 210 or MN Hwy 18
From the South - US Hwy 371 or MN Hwy 25
From the West - US Hwy 210
Use the map of Brainerd and the Kiwanis Park area enlarged map below to find the park.




BACP Vigil Saturday, April 20, 2013, 1:00 P.M. Intersection of Highways 210 and 371 (Near Kohl's)

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a vigil on Saturday, April 20 at the intersection of Highways 210 and 371, near Kohl's. The vigil will last from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants.

The vigil will demand the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and the end of the drone bombing campaigns in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia. The vigil will support peaceful resolutions to the dispute over Iran's nuclear energy program and the Syrian Civil War.

The vigil will advocate direct talks between the United States and North Korea to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula, normalize relations, and sign a peace treaty officially ending the Korean War.

The vigil will stand in solidarity with courageous whistleblower Private First Class Bradley Manning. Manning's leaks exposed human rights abuses and corruption committed or condoned by the U.S. government. Manning provided crucial information about the Afghan and Iraq Wars. The vigil will demand the U.S. government drop all charges against Manning and free him.

The vigil will demand the closure of Guantanamo Bay prison and due process rights for terrorist suspects. The vigil will call for the repeal of repressive legislation, such as the PATRIOT ACT, the Military Commissions Act, and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2012.

After the vigil, an informal discussion and potluck will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the United Church of Christ (UCC). The Fellowship Hall is located in the downstairs section of the UCC. The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

In the event of bad weather, the informal discussion and potluck will be held in the UCC Fellowship Hall at 1 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend the vigil, informal discussion, and potluck. Please join us.



Human Rights Day Vigil - December 8, 2012

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a vigil on Saturday, December 8. The vigil begins at 1 p.m. at the entrance of Gregory Park. Vigil participants will march from Gregory Park to the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets. The vigil will last until 2 p.m. Signs are available. The vigil will honor Human Rights Day. Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10 to commemorate the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines fundamental human rights, including cultural, economic, and political rights, into international law. Most nations ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human Rights Day encourages activism and education to make the rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights a reality throughout the world.

The vigil will be in solidarity with the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers who will petition the United Nations on Human Rights Day to broker a cease fire in Afghanistan among all warring parties. The Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers work towards building an Afghan society based on the principles of equality, national unity, non-violence, and self-reliance.

The vigil supports the struggles of people everywhere for human rights, but rejects the use of war, covert actions, and sanctions to effect "regime change." The vigil supports a just and lasting peace, based on respect for human rights, to end the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

The vigil will demand the United States government respect human rights and civil liberties by calling for an end to the drone assassination program; full due process rights for terrorist suspects; the repeal of repressive legislation, such as the PATRIOT ACT, the Military Commissions Act, and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2012; an end to the crackdown on whistleblowers; full respect for the right of peaceful dissent; and an end to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) harassment of airline passengers.

After the vigil, an informal discussion and potluck will take place in the Fellowship Hall of the United Church of Christ (UCC). The Fellowship Hall is located in the downstairs section of the UCC. The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park.

In the event of bad weather, the informal discussion and potluck will be held in the UCC Fellowship Hall at 1 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend the vigil, informal discussion, and potluck. Please join us.




Vigil in Brainerd - October 28, 2012


Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a vigil to observe the 11th anniversary of the Afghan War on Sunday, October 28. The vigil begins at the entrance of Gregory Park at 1 p.m. Vigil participants will march from Gregory Park to the Armed Forces Recruiting Center, located on Washington Street near the Westgate Mall. The vigil will last from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Signs are available for vigil participants.

The vigil will demand the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and an end to the drone bombing campaigns in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia. The vigil will call for peaceful resolutions to the dispute over Iran's nuclear energy program and the Syrian Civil War.

After the vigil, an informal discussion will be held at the United Church of Christ (UCC) Adult Forum Room. The Adult Forum Room is located upstairs, near the church library. The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park. Snacks and beverages will be provided. In the event of bad weather, the informal discussion in the Adult Forum Room will take place at 1 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend the vigil and the informal discussion. Please join us.


September 21, 2012

Vigil at Camp Ripley

Little Falls Partners for Peace and Occupy Little Falls will hold a vigil outside Camp Ripley's main gate, located at 15000 Highway 115, on Friday, September 21. The vigil will last from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Vigil participants may park along the right of way or in the parking lot near Clark gas station.

The vigil will demand the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the end of the drone bombing campaigns in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia, and peaceful resolutions to the Syrian civil war and the dispute over Iran's nuclear energy program.

The vigil seeks to increase public awareness of the use of drones for war and surveillance in response to Camp Ripley's construction of an unmanned aerial systems (drone) facility.

FBI whistleblower and peace activist Coleen Rowley will speak at the vigil. The vigil supports the International Day of Peace, held every year on September 21. The International Day of Peace, established in 1981, is recognized by every member state of the United Nations. The International Day of Peace encourages efforts to peacefully resolve armed conflicts and disputes between nations. There will be an informal strategy session at 10 a.m. before the vigil starts. The informal strategy session, held outside of Camp Ripley's main gate, will discuss how to respond to pro-war counter-protesters.

After the vigil, a potluck will be held at Belle Prairie Park, located north of Little Falls near Highway 371. In the event of bad weather, the potluck will take place in the Little Falls Carnegie Library's large meeting room. (The Little Falls Carnegie Library is located at 108 3rd Street NE).

Everyone is welcome to attend the vigil and potluck. Please join us.


August 27, 2012

Little Falls Partners for Peace and Occupy Little Falls will hold a vigil outside Camp Ripley's main gate, located at 15000 Highway 115, on Monday, August 27. The vigil will last from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Vigil participants may park along the right of way or in the parking lot near Clark gas station.

The vigil will demand the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the end of the drone bombing campaigns in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia, and peaceful resolutions to the Syrian civil war and the dispute over Iran's nuclear energy program.

The vigil seeks to increase public awareness of the use of drones for war and surveillance in response to Camp Ripley's construction of an unmanned aerial systems (drone) facility.

The vigil will honor U.S. Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg's attempt to outlaw war through the Kellogg-Briand Pact, signed on August 27, 1928.

After the vigil, a potluck dinner will be held at Belle Prairie Park, located north of Little Falls near Highway 371. In the event of bad weather, the potluck will take place in the Little Falls Carnegie Library's large meeting room. (The Little Falls Carnegie Library is located at 108 3rd Street NE).

Everyone is welcome to attend the vigil and potluck. Please join us.


July 31-August 4, 2012

- BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair

Thank you to all who stopped at our booth and are helping us spread the word about peace and justice!


July 4, 2012

BACP will again be participating in the Brainerd 4th of July Parade. Note that the parade route and staging area have changed this year due to road construction. Our unit number is 49. You will need this number in order to enter the staging area and find our space. The space will be identified with the number 49 painted on the street. You may park your vehicle in the designated areas around the parade route. They include: Johnson Buildings, The Arboretum, Panache Spa or the lot at the corner of Golf Course Road and Clearwater Drive. According to the Brainerd Community Action website, there will be a $5.00 charge for parking at these locations.

Hope to see you there!



Updated Parade Route Map:



June 23, 2012



June 13, 2012



April 4, 2012



March 30, 2012

Little Falls Partners for Peace and Occupy Little Falls will hold a vigil on Friday, March 30 from 1 to 3 pm. The vigil will take place at the corner of Coborn's (1101 2nd Ave. NE) and Walgreens (1023 1st Ave. NE) near Highway 27.

The vigil will support peace, economic justice, and respect for the environment. The vigil will demand an end to the Afghan War, no war against Iran or Syria, increasing the minimum wage, and curbing Monsanto's environmental abuses.

Refreshments will be served. Signs are available.

Several peace and justice organizations support the vigil, including Alexandria Peaceline, Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP), Central Lakes Senior Caucus, St. Cloud Alternatives to War Committee, Veterans for Peace Chapter 27 (Twin Cities), and Women Against Military Madness.

The vigil is in solidarity with the Occupy Movement and the start of the American Spring series of Occupy events and rallies.

Please join us.


February 11, 2012

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will hold a vigil at the intersections of Highways 210 and 371 (near Kohl's) on Saturday, February 11 at 11 am. The vigil will last until noon. The BACP vigil will call for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, an end to the U.S. drone bombing campaigns in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia, a peaceful resolution of the dispute over Iran's nuclear energy program, and no military intervention in Syria. Please join us.


Presentation on Nicaragua January 8, 2012

On Sunday, January 8, Larry Fisk and his daughter Abra will give a presentation on their trip to Nicaragua at the United Church of Christ (First Congregational Church) at 11:15 am. The presentation will last until 12 pm, with a question and answer session afterwards.

Larry and Abra visited Nicaragua in October 2011. They spent a month there. While in Nicaragua, they visited several cities and towns, talked with many people, explored scenic areas, and observed the nation's electoral process for the Presidential and legislative elections held in early November 2011.

They learned much from the people they talked with and observed improvements in the nation's housing, health care, education, and infrastructure brought about through the reforms of the Sandinista government.

The UCC is located at 415 Juniper Street, near the southwest corner of Gregory Park.
Please join us to learn more about Nicaragua.


Thursday, December 9, 2011, "America Wants to Work"

Despite the cold weather, thirty people took part in the "America Wants to Work" rally in front of Brainerd City Hall. Here is a link to photos in the Brainerd Dispatch.


Saturday, November 12, 2011, "Occupy Brainerd"

Several BACP members were included in the fifty or so participants in the "Occupy Brainerd" protest in front of Wells Fargo bank. Here is a link to photos of the event from the Brainerd Dispatch: "Occupy Brainerd" 11-12-11


Saturday, October 15, 2011

Thirteen people took part in the vigil. Several participants found out about our rally at the "Occupy Brainerd" rally on October 12. The vigil lasted a little over an hour. Afterwards, seven of the participants went to the UCC Fellowship Hall for an informal discussion. They talked about the Libyan War, President Obama's decision to send 100 U.S. troops to Uganda to fight the Lord's Resistance Army, the almost certainly false allegation that Iran plotted to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. through an incompetent former used car salesman and the Mexican mafia, and the growing protests against corporate greed. The discussion lasted an hour.




Tuesday, August 2 - August 6, 2011

BACP Booth at the Crow Wing County Fair

We have been at the fair these several years now, and many people have come to expect seeing us there. We enjoyed speaking with all who stopped at the booth. And we hope all the buttons help spread the word about peace and justice!




BACP 4th of July Parade 2011

For the first time in several years, BACP's Fourth of July parade unit received coverage in the Brainerd Dispatch. We were featured prominently on page 5A of the Tuesday, July 5 edition of the Brainerd Dispatch.

Monday, July 4, 2011

BACP in the 4th of July Parade!

Please bring your family and friends to help BACP say NO to war! This is our eighth year in the parade, and we continue to bring the message of peace to the Brainerd area. The parade begins at 4:00 PM, and, as in previous years, we will be lining up along College Drive. Plan to arrive about 3:30 PM.

Our place number for the parade is #78. You will have to provide this number in order to enter the staging area.

Join us for an enjoyable time promoting a world community of peace and justice!

See you in the street on July 4th!




Wednesday, May 4, 2011

On Wednesday, May 4, from 9-10 AM, Richard Schiller and Doug Olson, Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) members, will be interviewed by Mary Koep on her "Koeping with Government" radio program. "Koeping with Government" airs on 3Wi Radio - 95.9 FM/1270 AM. Ms. Koep plans to ask questions about BACP's history, our perspectives on American foreign policy and war, and how people can reconcile emotional attachments to their country with opposition to the U.S. government's wars. This should be a very informative session. We hope our participation on Ms. Koep's program can dispel notions of "unpatriotic" peace activists and perhaps encourage more people to oppose the wars. In any event, it should be a great opportunity for us to get our message out.

(A recording of this interview is available here or use the player below.)


Saturday, April 16, 2011



Wednesday, March 16, 2011



Saturday, October 16, 2010



Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) will present the 2009 independent documentary film Inside the Revolution: A Journey Into the Heart of Venezuela on Wednesday, September 29 at 6 pm in the large conference room of the Brainerd Public Library. After the film, which is about an hour long, there will be a discussion on recent events in Venezuela, the region and various topics covered in the documentary. Everyone is welcome to attend.



August 3-7, 2010 - Crow Wing County Fair Booth

The Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace again sponsored a booth at the Crow Wing County Fair. This booth has been a good way to personally meet people, discuss the issues of peace and justice with them, and distribute literature.


Sunday, July 4, 2010

BACP in the 4th of July Parade!

We had a great turnout for the parade this year! Thank you to all who took part in it. And Pastori the Peace Puppet added to our message.

Here are photos of the parade preparation and the parade itself.

Photo courtesy John Salmon
Photo courtesy John Salmon
Photo courtesy John Salmon
Photo courtesy John Salmon
Photo courtesy John Salmon
Photo courtesy John Salmon
Photo courtesy Jessie Borkenhagen
Photo courtesy Jessie Borkenhagen
Photo courtesy Jessie Borkenhagen
Photo courtesy Jessie Borkenhagen

BACP in the 4th of July Parade!

A new addition to our unit this year will be a very large puppet, Pastori, helping us to proclaim the message of peace!

Please bring your family and friends to help BACP say NO to war! This is our seventh year in the parade, and we continue to bring the message of peace to the Brainerd area. The parade begins at 4:00 PM, and, as in previous years, we will be lining up along College Drive. Plan to arrive about 3:30 PM.

Our place number for the parade this year is #61. You will have to provide this number in order to enter the staging area.

Join us for an enjoyable time promoting a world community of peace and justice!

See you in the street on July 4th!


Saturday, April 17, 2010

We had a good turnout for the Vigil on Saturday, April 17, 2010 - a lot of "honks for peace" and few naysayers (One response in the Brainerd Dispatch proclaimed, "I hate peace!").



Tuesday, March 23, 2010



Thursday, February 18, 2010



Monday, December 14, 2009, 3:00-4:00 PM

At the corner of Hwys 371 and 210, a group of BACP members protested the continued occupation and escalation of war in Afghanistan.


Thursday, November 19, 2009



Saturday, October 17, 2009



Saturday, July 4, 2009

JOIN THE BRAINERD AREA COALITION FOR PEACE IN THE BRAINERD 4th OF JULY PARADE!!
MARCH FOR PEACE!
END THE WARS!

Please bring your family and friends to help BACP say NO to war! This is our sixth year in the parade, and we continue to bring the message of peace to the Brainerd area.

The parade begins at 4 PM this year and we ask folks to gather at 3:30 at the Central Lakes College staging area.

Our place number for the parade this year is #72. You will have to provide this number in order to enter the staging area.



Saturday, March 21, 2009



Wednesday, December 17, 2008



Thursday and Friday, November 20 and 21, 2008



Thursday, September 25, 2008



Thursday, August 21, 2008



July 29-August 2, 2008 - Crow Wing County Fair

For the 6th year, from July 29th to August 2nd, the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace will be hosting a booth at the Crow Wing County Fair.

Come visit us. BACP members will be available to talk about peace-related issues and hand out information.


Thursday, July 17, 2008



Friday, July 4, 2008



Saturday, June 28, 2008



Monday, May 19, 2008



Thursday, April 17, 2008



Thursday, March 20, 2008



Thursday, February 21, 2008



Sunday, January 20, 2008



Thursday, January 17, 2008



Thursday, December 20, 2007



Thursday, October 18, 2007



Thursday, September 20, 2007



Saturday, September 15, 2007



Thursday, August 16, 2007



July 31-August 4, 2007
2007 Crow Wing County Fair

For the 5th year, from July 31st to August 4th, the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace will be hosting a booth at the Crow Wing County Fair.

Come visit us. BACP members will be available to talk about peace-related issues and hand out information.


Thursday, July 19, 2007



Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Current Parade Information:

Parade participants will be able to approach the staging area at Mississippi Pkwy near Central Lakes College from the South, West, or North via Hwy 371 to S. College Dr. and W. College Dr. There is a sign for College Drive on Hwy 371. Also, there is an exit for Hwy 48/Highland Scenic Drive South of the College Drive exit. This will also take you to College Drive and may be less congested. From the East, take Washington St. (Hwy 210) West to SW 4th St. and South 3 blocks to Laurel St. and turn right; this street eventually curves to the left and becomes Highland Scenic Dr./Hwy 48; take that to W. College Dr. Registration will be on the corner of Highland Scenic Drive/Hwy 48 and College Drive. Marchers will need the entry number of BACP's contingent in the parade (#68), as the street, parking lot and staging area will be closed to the public. Provide the BACP number (#68) at registration and follow instructions given to you there. You will be parking in the Central Lakes College parking lot (see map below for location of Central Lakes College - at the red star). The second map is a detail of the immediate staging and parade area.

Please arrive at the staging area by 3:30 PM. Plan for traffic! The route is about 1.5 miles long and will take about an hour.

See you in the street on July 4th!

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFO TO ALL INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS AND LISTS. THANKS!

Here are photos of the 2007 July 4th Parade in Brainerd:

Photos courtesy of John Salmon

JOIN THE BRAINERD AREA COALITION FOR PEACE IN THE BRAINERD 4th OF JULY PARADE!!
MARCH FOR PEACE!
END THE WAR!
CALL FOR AN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL OF US FORCES FROM IRAQ!

Please bring your family and friends to help BACP say NO to war! This is our fourth year in the parade, which has become a major event for the area peace movement.

The parade begins at 4 PM this year and we ask folks to gather at 3:30 at the CLC staging area. Our place number for the parade this year is #68. You will have to provide this number in order to enter the staging area.


Thursday, June 14, 2007



Friday, May 11, 2007



Saturday, March 17, 2007



Saturday, January 27, 2007



Friday, November 10, 2006



Tuesday, July 4, 2006

BACP in the July 4th parade, 2006

FOR THE THIRD YEAR THE BRAINERD AREA COALITION FOR PEACE (BACP) HAD A HIGH-SPIRITED CONTINGENT OF OVER 100 MARCHERS DRUMMING, CHANTING AND CARRYING SIGNS CALLING FOR AN END TO THE WAR!

IN SOME SECTIONS OF THE PARADE ROUTE GROUPS OF PEOPLE STOOD, APPLAUDED AND CHEERED US!
BY FAR OUR BEST REACTION YET!

It was not all positive, of course, we had some negative response, and Robin from Little Falls, who was riding at the end in the trailer, had a peace flag stolen from her hands by a man who took off his shirt to reveal "MARINE CORPS" on his chest and ran away. But the positive far outweighed the negative and some of us were quite touched by it. Those who experienced our first year in the parade know what a difference there is now. Thanks to everyone who showed up and helped to make our day such a success! Special thanks to those who worked to make it happen again!

"Man, you guys do it right!" ... Ken Pentel, parade participant, Green Party Gubernatorial candidate

Photos by John Salmon

JOIN THE BRAINERD AREA COALITION FOR PEACE IN THE BRAINERD 4th OF JULY PARADE!!
MARCH FOR PEACE!
END THE WAR!
CALL FOR AN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL OF US FORCES FROM IRAQ!

Please bring your family and friends to help BACP say NO to war! This is our third year in the parade, which has become a major event for the area peace movement. There will be a potluck gathering following the parade at Don Gorham's house. The parade begins at 4 PM this year and we ask folks to gather at 3:30 at the CLC staging area. Our drum group has had a great time drumming in the parade and in a major peace march in Washington DC. Anyone who wishes to drum is welcome! Drum practice will take place Wednesday, June 28, and Saturday, July 1, at the Brainerd High School parking lot at 11 AM.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFO TO ALL INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS AND LISTS. THANKS!


How did this child die? The US Military said a raid on Baquba on June 12, 2006, resulted in the "killing of seven terrorists and two children".



BACP in the July 4th parade, 2006

Current Parade Information:

Parade participants will be able to approach the staging area at Mississippi Pkwy near Central Lakes College from the South, West, or North via Hwy 371 to S. College Dr. and W. College Dr. There is a sign for College Drive on Hwy 371. Also, there is an exit for Hwy 48/Highland Scenic Drive South of the College Drive exit. This will also take you to College Drive and may be less congested. From the East, take Washington St. (Hwy 210) West to SW 4th St. and South 3 blocks to Laurel St. and turn right; this street eventually curves to the left and becomes Highland Scenic Dr./Hwy 48; take that to W. College Dr. Registration will be on the corner of Highland Scenic Drive/Hwy 48 and College Drive. Marchers will need the entry number of BACP's contingent in the parade (#53), as the street, parking lot and staging area will be closed to the public. Provide the BACP number (#53) at registration and follow instructions given to you there.

You will be parking in the Central Lakes College parking lot (see map below for location of Central Lakes College - at the red star). The second map is a detail of the immediate staging and parade area.

Please arrive at the staging area by 3:30 PM. Plan for traffic! The route is about 1.5 miles long and will take about an hour.



Saturday, June 10, 2006
CHANGE IN LOCATION FOR THE PEACE VIGIL ON JUNE 10

The PEACE VIGIL held by the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace on the 2nd Saturday of each month has been changed for Saturday, June 10th, from the usual Baxter location. It will be held near Camp Ripley (a major military training facility) which is celebrating its 75th birthday with a "fun-filled day" where kids can have their faces painted and get Hummer rides. Please join us to say No to militarism and the conditioning of future generations to accept and participate in war. Approximately 23 miles South of Brainerd take the exit to County Road 47 and MN Hwy 115. Our vigil will be near the tank that will be visible along 115 as you exit. Take a left at the tank and park along the frontage road. This is the old tank on the West side of 371, not the new one on the East side of 371 a little farther South. We will vigil from 2 PM till 4 PM. The following is Camp Ripley's promotion for the day:


75th anniversary celebration of Camp Ripley planned for Saturday, June 10

An all-day long celebration of 75 years of Camp Ripley is planned from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at the military facility located seven miles North of Little Falls and 25 miles South of Brainerd on Highway 371. The entire fun-filled day will be free except the 5K and 10K races. Activities will include:
United States Army Special Operations Command Parachute Team
5K/10K run
Military Museum: museum displays, military equipment displays, gift shop
Hummer rides, face painting, balloons, rock climbing wall, fastpitch game, HUMVEE display
Military aircraft flying overhead, crash-rescue display
Ribbon cutting ceremony with Minnesota dignitaries
34t 34th Infantry Division -- Rhythm Majors Rock Combo
Native American Social Dance
Scheduled stories for the children and adults from uniformed soldiers from past and present
Food booths

Camp Ripley is a modernized, state-of-the art training facility.
Camp Ripley trains units from all active and reserve components of the military.
Camp Ripley conducts an extensive Winter Warfare Course for units and is designated the Primary Winter Training Site in the United States.

Saturday, March 18, 2006
THREE YEARS OF WAR IN IRAQ

The BACP monthly Peace Vigil scheduled for Saturday, March 11, has been cancelled to encourage turnout for the following event:

SAY NO! TO THREE YEARS OF CRIMINAL WAR IN IRAQ!

SATURDAY, MARCH 18th, 2-4 PM
INTERSECTION OF 210 and 371 IN BAXTER

SOME REASONS TO JOIN THE BRAINERD AREA COALITION FOR PEACE (BACP) PROTEST:

Perhaps 150,000 Iraqi dead, includingluding thousands of children!

2300 American military dead, 17,000 wounded!

60,000 veterans treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)! Many will never live normal lives again.

Torture!

Lies and more lies!

$250,000,000,000 spent on death and destruction!

People around the country and the world will be demanding an end to 3 years of bloody, unprovoked war and occupation!

JOIN US!


Thursday, Dec. 22nd, 2005, from 3-5 p.m.
THIRD ANNUAL CAROLING FOR PEACE
Brainerd Post Office (Laurel Street)

We had about a dozen carolers and two peace flags and the BACP banner!








THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17th, 2005, 3-5 PM
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION!
PROTEST AT THE MILITARY RECRUITMENT OFFICE

702 W. Washington St., Brainerd
(approximately 4 blocks west of Walgreens)

The unjust war on Iraq has resulted in the military's need for more soldiers. The provisions of the NCLB Act allow for more aggressive recruiting in our schools and are enabling military recruiters as they attempt to meet their monthly and yearly goals. Many of the young people recruited this year could wind up in war zones months after graduating from high school. The NCLB Act and the increased proliferation of the JROTC combined with the public relations needs for an unjust war in Iraq has resulted in a huge increase in military presence within our nation's schools. As each day goes by and opposition grows greater for this war and other attacks on democracy, more forceful tactics and outright lies will be used to recruit the hearts, minds and bodies of our youth. It is time to say no to this harvesting of human beings.

SPONSORED BY CLC PEOPLE UNITING FOR PEACE (PUP) AND BRAINERD AREA COALITION FOR PEACE (BACP)


September 24, 2005
MARCH ON WASHINGTON ST.

In conjunction with the historic Peace March on Washington D.C., a group of about thirty BACP demonstrators marched on Washington St. in Brainerd to protest the war in Iraq. Several BACP members traveled by bus to Washington D.C. to join the protest there.

CENTRAL MINNESOTA PEACE BUS

Enthusiasm is growing among Central Minnesotans who will board a chartered bus in Brainerd and St. Cloud on Friday morning, September 23rd to travel to the historic Peace March on Washington, DC on Saturday, September 24th. The bus returns on Sunday, Sept. 25th. We will rally at the Ellipse near the White House at noon, march through downtown Washington, then rally with Cindy Sheehan for a concert at the Washington Monument. This will be a massive, exciting and important anti-war event. Consider joining us on the bus!

Bus capacity is 41 passengers. We have 23 confirmed reservations with 18 seats presently available with 11 days to go. Confirmed Peace Riders include 14 from the Brainerd area, 7 from Collegeville and 2 from St. Cloud. Some others are seriously considering the trip, and we hope there will be more confirmations soon. Help us fill the bus! We welcome participants from throughout the region. The bus will stop in Little Falls if there are passengers in that area.

Cost of the trip is $125. We plan to keep student fare at $100 through donations. Our hope is to leave no one behind for lack of ability to pay. Let us know if you want to be part of this trip but have trouble paying the cost. If you can't make the trip, please consider sponsoring a passenger or making a donation to help defray student costs. Preferred method of payment is by check payable to Northwoods Peace Initiative, the group which has contracted the bus for us. Memo the check "bus payment" to pay for a seat. If you wish to sponsor a passenger or make a smaller donation, memo "bus donation". If you wish to sponsor or donate for a specific person, note the name and the funds will be used accordingly, otherwise distributed on a needs basis. Send to the address below. An online payment option is also available here if necessary. Instructions will be provided on request.

Contact info:
Collegeville:
Megan Kuhl 563-663-2739 or 320-363-5178
St. Cloud:
Sara Williams 803-237-3322
St. Cloud State:
Courtney Warns 320-230-6568

Brainerd area and to send payments:
Larry Fisk 320-745-2243
23597 165th Ave.
Fort Ripley MN 56449

If you are unable to take the bus to Washington, consider taking part in Brainerd's "March on Washington St." sponsored by the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) starting at 2:00 on Sept. 24th at the fountain in Gregory Park with a live telephone report from bus riders in DC. St. Cloud has the noon vigil at Barnes and Noble which can be augmented for this special day. Attempt to interest the press in local/national connection between central Minnesota events, the bus and the massive gathering in the nation's Capital. Your assistance on any level is much appreciated! Be part of it!


August 2-7, 2005
2005 Crow Wing County Fair

For the 3rd year, from August 2nd to 7th, the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace participated in the Crow Wing County Fair. We had a great response from the public! BACP members and supporters distributed lots of literature, opt-out forms for high school students (to request that their personal contact infomation NOT be given to military recruiter), many hundreds of peace buttons, hundreds of origami "Peace Cranes", scores of peace sign necklaces (3 kinds), bumper stickers, 3 dozen copies of the 77 page book "Addicted to War: Why the US can't Kick Militarism", mostly to students. A number of students expressed interest in forming a peace group at Brainerd High School. Students from Crosby, Pine River, Staples, Sauk Rapids and other schools also stopped by and took anti-recruitment materials. A number of parents and other family members with loved-ones back from, in, or going to Iraq stopped and took peace buttons, necklaces and literature, including info on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some said they have already experienced or seen signs of PTSD from family members who are back from Iraq and/or Afghanistan. We had great conversations with people who saw BACP in the 4th of July Parade, some saying they would like to march with us next year. We had parade pictures at the booth. (If you didn't join our impressive contingent this year, PLEASE plan to be with us next year. You will have a great time speaking out for peace in the parade and socializing at the pot-luck afterwards!) Many folks thanked us for being at the fair and for our work for peace. Seriously hostile remarks were extremely rare.

Many thanks to all who set up, staffed and took down the booth, supplied materials, folded cranes, etc. Thanks to everyone who stopped by. See you next year!


July 4, 2005
2005 BRAINERD 4TH OF JULY PARADE

More than 100 folks turned out to march in the BACP contingent in Brainerd's annual Fourth of July Parade. This was the largest entry in the parade and shows real support for the growing peace movement. Thank you all!

PLEASE MARCH WITH US IN BRAINERD ON JULY 4th AS WE SPEAK OUT FOR PEACE! We hope that you will help us make this a successful event by bringing your family and friends to join us in the parade! We need you to stand with us!

The themes we will present are: A majority of Americans no longer support the war in Iraq; The Iraqi people want us out of their country; We support the troops by demanding that they be brought home IMMEDIATELY, ending the criminal U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq; War and violence are causes, not answers, to the world's problems; Dissent is patriotic and democratic.

We will provide signs, banners and flags consistent with our message. The parade begins at 4:00 PM. If you plan on coming, let us know if you can (letters@brainerdpeace.org); it will help us plan our contingent. If you are unable to tell us in advance (last minute decision, schedule changes, etc.), please come anyway!

Current Parade Information:

Parade participants will be able to approach the staging area at Mississippi Pkwy near Central Lakes College from the South, West, or North via Hwy 371 to S. College Dr. and W. College Dr. There is a sign for College Drive on Hwy 371. Also, there is an exit for Hwy 48/Highland Scenic Drive South of the College Drive exit. This will also take you to College Drive and may be less congested. From the East, take Washington St. (Hwy 210) West to SW 4th St. and South 3 blocks to Laurel St. and turn right; this street eventually curves to the left and becomes Highland Scenic Dr./Hwy 48; take that to W. College Dr. Registration will be on the corner of Highland Scenic Drive/Hwy 48 and College Drive. Marchers will need the entry number of BACP's contingent in the parade (# 45), as the street, parking lot and staging area will be closed to the public. Provide the BACP number (# 45) at registration and follow instructions given to you there.You will be parking in the Central Lakes College parking lot (see map below for location of Central Lakes College - at the red star). The second map is a detail of the immediate staging and parade area.

Please arrive at the staging area by 3:30 PM. Plan for traffic! The route is about 1.5 miles long and will take about an hour.

Don has invited us to his place after the parade. Bring lawn chairs, food, drinks. He has a fire pit too for the evening when the mosquitos go crazy! Don is at 419 SW 5th St., Brainerd.



March 19, 2005
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE ACTION! CENTRAL MINNESOTA SAYS NO TO WAR!
SATURDAY, MARCH 19th, 2005, 1-3 PM
CAMP RIPLEY, JUNCTION at MN HWYS 371 and 115

Thanks to the more than 75 peace-loving folks who came to Camp Ripley March 19, 2005, to join the worldwide call to end the occupation of Iraq on the second anniversary of the war! Your support for the Little Falls Partners for Peace and Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace action greatly exceeded expectations. You looked good!

Rally at Camp Ripley. The "Welcome Back" sign is the Camp's message to returning soldiers.


2ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF IRAQ, BACP-LFPP SOLIDARITY ACTION!
"CUT WAR FUNDING, NOT V.A. FUNDING! GUARD THE NATION, NOT FOREIGN OCCUPATION!"
"SUPPORT THE TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME NOW!"

Locally the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) and Little Falls Partners for Peace (LFPP) will rally near Camp Ripley, the major military installation in central Minnesota from 1-3 PM (MN Hwys 371 and 115, 6 miles N. of Little Falls, look for the tank). We will march to the Camp gates at 1:30. The Camp commander has been informed and recognizes our right to be there. All peace-loving people are invited to gather in solidarity on this important day for the international peace movement! Park along County Road 47, East off 371 just South of the tank. Please spread the word!

Major demonstrations in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Fayetteville, San Diego, around the country and the world!

Anti-war actions planned in Britain, Greece, Italy, France, Iceland, Germany, Denmark and other European cities, as well as in Brazil, Korea, Japan, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia and other countries.


December 3, 2004

Spaghetti Dinner/Dave Lippman Billboard Fundraising Event

Approximately 75 people attended and enjoyed the BACP Spaghetti Dinner/Dave Lippman billboard fundraising event at the Senior Center in Brainerd on Friday evening. Dave Lippman as George Shrub was hilarious and the serious political activist Dave Lippman put on a powerful and beautiful slide show/musical presentation focusing on the Palestinian people. Our thanks to this dedicated cultural worker for a wonderful show! And thanks to Mike Miles of Northwoods Peace Initiative in Wisconsin who has been working with Dave on this tour. Thanks to all who helped make this happen and to those who attended. We plan to have Dave back, hopefully to perform in Little Falls as well.

With the success of this event, BACP's share of ticket sales and the contributions designated for the billboard, BACP has raised about $550 of the $955 needed to fund the board. Thank you!



Friday, September 17, 2004

Candlelight Commemoration of 1000+ US Troops Killed in Iraq

Reading of Names of the Dead and Candlight March

Gather at the Fountain in Gregory Park,
6th Street North and Juniper Street, Brainerd

We will have a luminaria peace sign near the fountain. The names of US military victims of the invasion and occupation of Iraq will be read, beginning at 7:30. Candlelight march will start at 8:00 PM. Reading of names will continue during the procession. A facsimile casket draped with an American flag will be carried. When we return to the park, the reading of names will continue until all of the known US troops killed have been recognized. Bring your own candle or use those which BACP will supply.


PROGRESSIVES' PICNIC
Aug. 15, 2004, 2 p.m.-?, Lum Park in Brainerd, Pavilion #2

Bring something to grill and a dish to share. Iced tea, water and eating utensils will be provided.

MUSIC

SPEAKERS

COMEDY LEFT

OPEN MIC

VOLLEYBALL

FRISBIE GOLF

KIDS' ACTIVITIES (including jewelry-making)

GREAT FOOD

PROGRESSIVE PEOPLE

NOTE: Alcohol is NOT allowed in the park!


Crow Wing County Fair - Aug. 3-8, 2004

Come visit us at our booth at the Crow Wing County Fair. BACP members will be available to talk about peace-related issues and hand out information.

The BACP booth at the fair was very successful! We distributed over 750 copies of the IRAQ WAR QUIZ, hundreds of pieces of other literature, 500 peace buttons, hundreds of peace necklaces and over 50 copies of the 70 page comic format book about US militarism, ADDICTED TO WAR, mostly to Middle School, High School and College students. We talked with hundreds of people, including many who have been to Iraq, are going, or have sons, daughters, siblings or other relatives or friends in Iraq. Overwhelmingly, these folks wanted the troops brought home now! One couple said their son is being deployed to Iraq for a third time! Another said they just talked to their son who had recently been in Najaf. They said he sounded depressed and that morale in his unit is terrible. Of course, there were exceptions to our generally positive reception, but there has been a major change in attitudes since last year's fair. At least two young people who were planning on enlisting are rethinking their decision after talking with us, reading our literature and watching the video list of soldiers killed in Iraq. We had many people thank us for our efforts, saying they cheered for us during the parade, etc. 85 signed up on our contact list. It was great! PEACE!


July 21st, 2004

The League of Minnesota Cities in partnership with the Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government will present a public symposium:

THE RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH IN THE 21ST CENTURY UNDER THE UNITED STATES AND MINNESOTA CONSTITUTIONS.

Chalberg Theater, Central Lakes College, 501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN

The theatre holds up to 286 people.

5:30 Reception ~ 6-8:30 Symposium

Registration is NOT required.

City Officials and the public are invited to attend this free event.

DIRECTIONS:
North on HWY 371 (do not take the Brainerd business exit; stay on the 371 bypass).Turn right (East) on County Road 48 (the first road after the Mississippi Bridge) to W. College Drive and turn East or, from the North, take College Drive directly off Hwy 371.
Here is a map of Brainerd/Baxter area. The red star on the map marks Central Lakes College.

The symposium is a part of a settlement agreement between Brainerd Community Action, the City of Brainerd and the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace, which was barred from marching in the City's 2003 Fourth of July parade.

TIME

SPEAKER

SUBJECT

5:30 - 6

n/a

Social hour. Pass out question cards.

6pm - 6:05

Tom Grundhoefer, General Counsel, League of Minnesota Cities General Counsel

Welcome everyone on behalf of the League and introduce Justice Simonett

6:05 - 6:10

Retired Justice John Simonett

Talk about practicing in Little Falls and Justice Rosenmeier and introduce Sam Hanson 

 

6:10 - 6:15

Justice Sam Hanson of the Minnesota Supreme Court 651-297-7676. Fax 651-268-1719. sam.hanson@courts.state.mn.us.

Introduce speakers.  Will explain that the audience may present questions or comments via question cards or orally.  If individuals have oral comments or questions, they are limited to one minute in order to permit broad participation.  Will also explain that questions will be permitted at the end of each segment, if we are on schedule, and for 30 minutes at the end of the program.   

 

6:15

Professor Marie Failinger, Hamline University School of Law.  1536 Hewitt Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104-1236. 651-523-2124; mfailinger@gw.hamline.edu. Fax (651) 523-2236

Will orient the audience with basic information about the topic and then discuss how the Supreme Court has handled public dissent in wartime and in crowd situations, and why a robust free speech regime in those circumstances is important.  If we are on schedule, can ask the speaker some audience questions at the end of his or her segment.  

 

6:45

Desyl Peterson, City Attorney for Minnetonka, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345, 952-939-8266. Fax: 952-939-8248.  dpeterson@eminnetonka.com

Will discuss when a city may deny access to city property (parks, streets, sidewalks, buildings) or deny participation in city forums (council meetings, bulletin boards, web sites).  If we are on schedule, can ask the speaker some audience questions at the end of his or her segment.   

7:15

Professor Dale Carpenter, U of M Law School, 612-625-5537, dalecarp@umn.edu, fax 612-625-2011

Will discuss the anti-paternalism principle.   If we are on schedule, can ask the speaker some audience questions at the end of his or her segment.    

7:45

Bryan Brown, City Attorney for Duluth. (218) 730-5490. bbrown@ci.duluth.mn.us

Will discuss establishment clause issues - religious symbols in government setting.   If we are on schedule, can ask the speaker some audience questions at the end of his or her segment.     

 

8:15-8: 45 

Justice Hanson

Will permit remaining audience questions during question and answer session for 30 minutes. 

 


July 4, 2004
"THEY'RE PLAYING BUCKETS!!"
PEACE MARCHERS ARE LARGEST PARADE ENTRY!

4th of July Parade 2004

...veterans for peace, remembering the war dead, the signs, the flags, the crowd of marchers of various ages, colors and demeanors, and, to top it off, "THEY'RE PLAYING BUCKETS!!".

All of this was BACP in the Brainerd 2004 4th of July Parade.

After we were barred from participating in last year's parade and after a negotiated settlement with the City of Brainerd and Brainerd Community Action, BACP carried a message of peace to parade-goers this year, some perhaps taken aback by it all, but perhaps inspired to think about it today, or tomorrow.

The Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace wishes to thank all those who joined with BACP to make a powerful statement for peace in the Brainerd 4th of July parade, some traveling long distances to show support! We started with over a hundred, and with latecomers and those who spontaneously left the crowd to march with us, we estimate that over 125 participated. Our spirits were high and our message strong.

The contingent began with Army Veteran Hal Kimball in dress uniform carrying an American flag. He was followed by three peace flags, the BACP banner and the Little Falls Partners for Peace banner.Then came the pickup with "Support the Troops, Bring Them Home" signs pulling the float, which consisted of a large "WAGE PEACE" sign, signs with totals of Iraqi civilian and US military dead in Iraq and floral arrangements. The float was followed by scores of enthusiastic peace-loving citizens carrying a variety of colorful signs. Then came a dozen adult and children drummers with improvised, but effective, plastic bucket drums. The drumming paused periodically for chants of "BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW!" and "WAGE PEACE, NOT WAR!" At the rear of our procession was another row of peace flags. It was splendid!

4th of July Parade 2004 - drummers

(more photos)

BACP TO MARCH IN 2004 BRAINERD 4TH OF JULY PARADE!

As you may know, the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP) was barred from participating in last year's July 4th parade in Brainerd. We were told that the 2003 parade was a "celebration of the military" and the city claimed to be unable to guarantee the safety of peace marchers!

After obtaining legal representation from the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union and months of effort, BACP reached a negotiated settlement with the City of Brainerd and Brainerd Community Action which acknowledges the right of citizens to enter the parade regardless of the content of their speech, a victory not just for our membership and supporters, but for the free-speech rights of all citizens (also see the joint news release).

PLEASE MARCH WITH US IN BRAINERD ON JULY 4th AS WE SPEAK OUT FOR PEACE!

The barring of BACP from last year's parade and subsequent BACP/MCLU actions in support of free-speech rights got considerable media attention. We believe that participation in this year's parade will be newsworthy and that a good turnout could make this a powerful statement against war. We hope that you will help us make this a successful event by bringing your family and friends to join us in the parade! We have spoken out for you, now we need you to stand with us!

The themes we will present are: We support the troops by demanding that they be brought home IMMEDIATELY, ending the criminal U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq; War and violence are causes, not answers, to the world's problems; Dissent is patriotic and democratic. (See the article in the Brainerd Daily Dispatch concerning BACP's participation in the parade this year.)

BACP has decided to avoid being overtly political in the parade and to refrain from directly attacking the Bush administration or endorsing candidates. We will provide the signs, banners and flags consistent with our message. The parade begins at 5:00 PM. We will be sending subsequent messages with more detail about BACP's parade plans, time and place to gather, parade route, etc. If you plan on coming, let us know if you can (letters@brainerdpeace.org); it will help us plan our contingent. If you are unable to tell us in advance (last minute decision, schedule changes, etc.), please come anyway!

Current Parade Information:

Parade participants will be able to approach the staging area at Mississippi Pkwy near Central Lakes College from the South, West, or North via Hwy 371 to S. College Dr. and W. College Dr. There is a sign for College Drive on Hwy 371. Also, there is an exit for Hwy 48/Highland Scenic Drive South of the College Drive exit. This will also take you to College Drive and may be less congested. From the East, take Washington St. (Hwy 210) West to SW 4th St. and South 3 blocks to Laurel St. and turn right; this street eventually curves to the left and becomes Highland Scenic Dr./Hwy 48; take that to W. College Dr. Registration will be on the corner of Highland Scenic Drive/Hwy 48 and College Drive. Marchers will need the entry number of BACP's contingent in the parade, which is #65, as the street, parking lot and staging area will be closed to the public. Provide the BACP number (#65) at registration and follow instructions given to you there.

You will be parking in the Central Lakes College parking lot (see map below for location of Central Lakes College - at the red star). The second map is a detail of the immediate staging and parade area.

Please arrive at the staging area by 4:30 PM. Plan for traffic! The route is about 1.5 miles long and will take about an hour.



April 5, 2004 - Mediated Settlement of Denial of BACP's Application to March in the 2003 Brainerd Fourth of July Parade

On April 5, 2004, the Brainerd City Council accepted a proposed settlement agreement between the City, Brainerd Community Action (BCA) and the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace (BACP).

The mediated settlement agreement and joint news release is in response to the denial of BACP's application to march in the 2003 Brainerd Fourth of July Parade.

Thanks to all of you who helped with the settlement to preserve our right to free speech.


March 20, 2004 - WORLDWIDE DAY OF PROTEST

BACP will join peace-loving people around the globe on the worldwide day of protest, March 20th, 2004, to mark the anniversary of the illegal, unprovoked U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Iraqis and 515 American soldiers. Please plan on joining us in solidarity on this important day.

Join millions of people around the world protesting the unprovoked war and one year of occupation that:

  • has cost tens of thousands of lives and destroyed families
  • created chaos in Iraq and destabilized the Middle East
  • defied International Law and fostered anti-American sentiment
  • wasted over $100 Billion, with no end in sight
  • contaminated Iraq, indefinitely, with tons of depleted uranium

The plans for March 20th are:

  • 1:00 Gather at the Veterans Memorial by the Brainerd Post Office on Laurel Street between 4th and 5th Streets, where names of Iraqi and American war dead will be read.
  • 1:30 March and Demonstration along Washington Street. END THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ! BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW
  • 3:00 Gather at the Brainerd Senior Citizens' Center at 803 Kingwood (1 block north of Washington) for speakers, snacks and music. There will be a short sing-a-long followed by a BACP statement and the following speakers:
Pastor Deb Celley of UCC Church on the "Just War Theory"
Hal Kimball, Veterans for Peace
Father Seamus Walsh

The day's activities will conclude with Musicians for Peace, followed by an informal session open to all.

Snacks and beverages provided by BACP


Thursday, February 12, 2004

BACP will sponsor a "Peace in the Precincts" presentation by Phil Steger of Friends for a Non-Violent World with music and rope tricks by Pop Wagner on Thursday, February 12th, at 7pm at the First United Congregationalist Church, 415 Juniper (SW corner of Gregory Park), in Brainerd.

Peace in the Precincts is a program to promote a peace-oriented platform at Minnesota political caucuses on March 2nd and on into the electoral process. The event will be hosted by the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace and co-sponsored by the Little Falls Partners for Peace. The program runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes with discussion to follow.

Visit Peace in the Precincts to learn about this project. We hope to see you all there. PEACE!


Saturday, July 19, 2003

Is the war over? Bush declared it over some time ago but we have our doubts. The vigil continues. Today we will have watermelon for all our loyal standers.


Wednesday, July 16, 2003

Kristen Blann and Ed Shaw will discuss the Fourth of July Parade situation on KAXE at 8:10 in the morning.


Wednesday, July 16, 2003

BACP video and discussion -- Beyond Vietnam: Lessons Unlearned

7PM Brainerd Public Library


Mar 31, 2003

The Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace Video Series presents the award-winning Afghan Massacre? Convoy of Death, a documentary by Irish filmmaker Jamie Doran exploring war crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan by America's Northern Alliance allies and US forces.

Monday, March 31, 7 PM, at the Brainerd Public Library.

A Coalition meeting will precede the video at 6 PM.


March 3, 2003

Contributions have been adequate to put up a second billboard on Business 371 in Baxter. This one has slightly larger lettering for "War is Not the Answer". Also it includes the address of this website.

If and when an attack on Iraq by American forces begins, the current response is a vigil the day of the attacks (or the following day if the attacks are at night) at 5 p.m. at the intersection of highways 210 and 371, in Baxter, MN.

February 15, 2003, has been declared by the European peace movement as a day of major antiwar actions, and American organizations are starting to organize around this date as well. You may be certain that BACP will be scheduling activities for that day. Return here soon for details.

We are in concert with the national and international movement for events during the period of Feb 13-21, 2003.


BACP EVENTS

  • Feb 13, 2003 (noon?) -- Meeting with Dayton aide at Brainerd City Hall

  • Feb 15, 2003, mock funeral procession with 4 caskets (War will bury the Children of Iraq along with the Truth, International Law and Hope for the Future) at 1:30 PM starting from the south end of the Brainerd Public Library parking lot returning to the library to hear Hal Kimball speak at 3:00 on depleted uranium and the Gulf War.

  • Feb. 20, 2003, Thursday -- BACP initiated debate on war with Iraq sponsored by the League of Women Voters (and the Dispatch?). Show up at 6:15 if you can help with chairs and stuff and to get a good seat. Questions from the audience will be submitted on index cards (5x7, I think) If you come with a good question pre-written, you'll be all ready. 7pm at the cafeteria of Central Lakes College.

  • All events are still in the planning stages and more details will be forthcoming. Please let Larry (fisksen@brainerd.net) know if you can help with phone calling and leafletting for the 15th, and/or would like to be part of the delegation meeting with Dayton's aide at at Brainerd City Hall, etc.

February 20, 2003, 7:00 pm

Please join the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace at the Brainerd Public Library for the next film in our series, Paying the Price, by British journalist John Pilger, documenting the human cost of the UN sanctions and US/British bombing of Iraq. Stay tuned; this one may be rescheduled.


February 3, 2003

Watch this space for the minutes of the regular business meeting of BACP. They will appear when I get them typed up, hopefully in the next couple of days.


January 31, 2003

A spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Afghanistan reconstruction efforts was held at 6:00 pm, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 418 8th Ave NE. The event was very successful, raising more than $700 for Afghan relief. The speaker, Barry Rieseh from Veteran's for Peace made us even more aware of how extensive the damage was to the Iraqi infrastructure during the gulf war, (I don't want to call it the 1st gulf war, that would imply a 2nd). He reported, with slides, on the efforts of Veterans for Peace to successfully restore a water treatment plant.


Week of January 27, 2003

Our billboard went up at the intersection of E. Washington and 13th St SE. Looks good!



January 18, 2003

An international rally for peace was held in major cities around the world. Washington, D.C. saw buses from across the country, (including 25 individuals from the Brainerd area), coming to show opposition to the increasing war efforts of the US government. The turn-out on October 26, 2002, declared 'International Day of Action', was approximately 150,000 - 200,000 in Washington, D.C. This Jan 18 action was substantially larger, reflecting the growing opposition in this country to the policies of the Bush administration. In contrast to reports in the media of "tens of thousands" of participants, a more realistic estimate is in the 100's of thousands, perhaps as much as 500,000. San Francisco saw around 200,000. These demonstrations were organized by ANSWER.

In Brainerd, close to a hundred people joined BACP members in a show of support for peace efforts on January 18. We met at Gregory Park and marched west across a very cold and windy Washington Avenue bridge, and back to the War Memorial near the courthouse and thence to the UCC church fellowship hall for speeches, refreshments and music.


November 18 - 19, 2002 - Guest speakers

Meg Novak and Kristin (Flo) Razowski presented personal accounts on their recent visits to Iraq and Palestine. Meg represents Babylon Art and Cultural Center in Minneapolis, MN, (opening February, 2003) and is currently involved with setting up a national tour of art works for the summer of 2003.


October 26, 2002

An international action to show support against military action by USA in Iraq, BACP held a march along Washington Avenue in Brainerd, MN. Open speeches were held at Gregory Park, and the turn-out for our small community was fairly impressive - approximately 80 people chose to participate.