2008 ~ Year in Review   DonateNow


Dear Friends,

          These days we find ourselves on the cusp of what we hope to be monumental change and yet we all realize that in order that that change actually transpire, we must continue to work, continue to speak out and continue to fight for the changes we want to see. In 2008, as you will see in this Year in Review, WPSR members worked hard in pursuit of a healthy, peaceful and sustainable world. In 2009, it is imperative that this work not only continue, but given the changing political climate, we must increase our efforts and work harder than ever. We need your support – both financial and personal – to secure the changes we wish to see.

          In this season of hope, hope is not enough. Change takes work and many hands make for light work.

 

In peace,

 

Cherie Eichholz

Executive Director

 

Annual Dinner a Success!

This year’s annual dinner was an unforgettable evening. An audience of almost 200 WPSR members gathered together to catch up, support WPSR, and renew their commitment to creating a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable world. Ramsey Clark, Former US Attorney General under President Lyndon Johnson, was the keynote speaker this year, speaking on The Role of the People in the Quest for Peace. Ramsey Clark, an unremitting worker for peace, strongly opposed the bombing of Hanoi during the Vietnam War and opposed the invasion of Iraq, later calling for the impeachment of President Bush for war crimes. Clark reminded all of us how important it is to remain active in the quest for a more peaceful world. As Ramsey Clark said, “Thank you for what you do. I only ask you to do more!”

 

 

Protecting Children’s Health

On October 25th, a conference room at UW – Tacoma was packed for our half-day training Preventing Chemical Threats to Children’s Health: Science, Health and Policy, an In Harm’s Way training. The training focused on health impacts related to exposures to lead, PVC/DEHP, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, bisphenol A, and mercury. The training also provided an introduction to sustainable food programs for healthcare facilities, chemical policy reform in healthcare, and climate change work at healthcare facilities. WPSR will be providing condensed In Harm’s Way presentations at regional health care facilities in the coming months. Please let us know if you would like an In Harm’s Way training presented at your facility. This training was funded by a grant from US EPA Region 10 in conjunction with Oregon PSR; Health Care Without Harm and the John Merck Fund.

 

 

No More Toxic Toys!

Washington State won a vital victory for children’s health when Governor Gregoire signed the Children’s Safe Products Act into law in April. The legislation sets the strictest standards in the country in protecting children from exposures to lead, cadmium, and phthalates in children’s products. In addition to setting standards on lead, cadmium and phthalates, the bill includes requirements for state agencies to address other harmful chemicals in children’s products, and contains important right-to-know provisions for consumers.

          WPSR health professionals throughout the state played a crucial role in the landmark passage of this bill, urging action to pass this legislation and create a healthier, safer world in which our children learn, grow, and play. By working in concert with The Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition—of which WPSR is a steering committee member—WPSR brought the medical perspective to bear to make children’s health a top policy priority.

 

From Hiroshima to Hope

On August 6, 2008 over 1000 people lowered lanterns onto Green Lake at From Hiroshima to Hope, Seattle’s annual lantern lighting ceremony in remembrance of the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. WPSR was a major sponsor of this important event.

 

Creating a Carbon-Free and Nuclear-Free World

In April, WPSR brought Arjun Makhijani, PhD, a recognized authority on energy issues, to Washington State to share his research on the feasibility and the step-by-step process of creating a carbon-free and nuclear-free US economy. Up until now, doubt has been expressed by many scientists about the possibility of a C02 emissions-free economy, but no one had done the research to see if it was possible. Not only did Dr. Makhijani find that it is possible, but it can be done at a reasonable cost, without nuclear energy, and within 30 to 50 years!

          WPSR worked with Dr. Makhijani to communicate his studies to thousands in the Seattle area, through public forums, radio, and TV interviews. Realizing the crucial nature of his research,WPSR has continued to educate the public on his work. Dave Hall, MD has presented Dr. Makhijani's research at several public forums in the greater Seattle area and his presentation goes further to illustrate the significant linkages between peace and security and energy, nuclear energy and the risk of nuclear proliferation, and the enormous health problems surrounding nuclear waste (P.S. If you are interested in a WPSR speaker presenting on this topic, please contact us). 

 

 

 

Orpheus


The mud has grown a thousand eyes

With which it gazes toward the skies

 

While bits of self within appear

All flickering with sparks of fear

 

And hopes that somehow they might fly

Or join their glow and thus not die

 

Until they make an inner sun

To light the world that they’ve become.


-Dr. Sterling Bunnell

from his On the Old Back Stair

Beatitude Press, Berkeley 2005

 

Selected by Bill Witherup,
Artist in Residence

 

 

Another Voice for Human Health on Hanford Cleanup

This past summer, Karen Bowman, MN, RN, COHN-S, WPSR Board Member, was appointed to the Hanford Advisory Board as an alternate. Joining James Trombold, MD, and Charles Weems, MD, WPSR’s voice on the Board is now even stronger. “We must act now so that our children and future generations have a toxic and radioactive-free environment,” Bowman recently wrote. The HAB is comprised of a variety of citizens, representing many different interests. Its purpose is to develop consensus policy recommendations and increase public awareness concerning Hanford cleanup. WPSR’s presence on this Board is infinitely important and we are proud that another WPSR member is officially part of this work.

 

 

Building a Home for Resistance

WPSR volunteers have collaborated with the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action to help build the new Ground Zero community house, next to the Trident nuclear weapons base on Hood Canal. Ground Zero has maintained a 30-plus year presence next to Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor in order to continue a visible resistance to nearly one quarter of the US strategic nuclear arsenal.

          We broke ground in April, and the house is now roofed and door and window installations are nearing completion. When finished the house will have a 30’ x 30’ great room for large gatherings and a 1000 square foot one-bedroom apartment for a couple or small family to live in.

          Ground Zero hopes to become the visitor center for the Kitsap-Bangor Peace Park once nuclear weapons are abolished and the base is converted to peaceful uses. Volunteers and visitors are always welcome. Check out pictures of the construction at http://www.familyhealing.com/mediacenter/gzhouse.htm. Contact Dave Hall for more information at dh@familyhealing.com.

 

Coming Up Next...

  • MLK Day Vigil at Bangor, Monday, January 19 - Resist Trident and the Occupation of Iraq
    Join WPSR and Ground Zero in honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a vigil at the gates of Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor - the site of the largest concentration of nuclear weapons in the world. RSVP at 206-547-2630 or idill@wpsr.org so we can coordinate carpools to Bremerton. More details soon at www.wpsr.org and www.gzcenter.org.

  • Children’s Health Lobby Day, March 5, 2009
    Join physicians, nurses, parents and kids in Olympia on March 5 as we advocate to protect children’s health from toxic chemicals. Details available soon at www.wpsr.org

View, download or print out a pdf version of the Year in Review here.

Help us continue our work in 2009 by donating today!   DonateNow