Veterans For Peace is a national anti-war organization composed of military veterans. Established in 1985, it is the largest veteran’s based anti-war organization in the country and has organized hundreds of anti-war actions.

Chapter 72 is the Portland, Oregon chapter, and participates with several community based organizations. Currently, we maintain Peace Memorial Park (the giant peace sign across the Steel Bridge), we work closely with neighborhood & community associations, PDX Peace, Iraqi Veterans Against the War, Portland Central America Solidarity Committee, and virtually the entire Portland Peace Community. We have two other chapters in Oregon, Chapter 156 in Rouge Valley, and Chapter 132 in Corvallis. In an effort to expand the capacity of our organization, and to support humanitarian and anti-war organizations, Veterans For Peace is hosting a fund raiser on Friday, December 18th, 2009, at Dante’s (1 SW 3rd Ave) in Portland, OR.

General support for the anti-war movement is very high in Portland but an inactive political force. Our plan is to revitalize the anti-war movement by building contacts with community members not currently involved in the anti-war activities through first-class entertainment while simultaneously generating revenue for existing nationwide and international organizations.

Major proceeds from this event will be given as a charitable donation to the following organizations:

Coffee Strong – A military-intervention movement with roots during the Vietnam War, the Coffee Strong coffee shop is located outside of Fort Lewis, Washington, where the staff of veterans provides free coffee and literature to those currently serving. This organization has been highly successful in undermining military indoctrination, with several active-duty soldiers utilizing the free services, and free information.

Iraqi Water Project – A coordinated project through VFP, this group on the ground in Iraq provides water filtration units, helping supply clean water for schools, hospitals, and the Iraqi people. Nearly half of the Iraqi people do not have access to safe drinking water. Diarrhea is among the leading causes of childhood illness and death in Iraq.

Save Refugees – It is estimated 15,000 people flee Iraq each month; this group assists refugees in finding safe housing, with a special focus on women and children.

Other proceeds for the event will be used as a fare reimbursement for the entertainment, and to expand and maintain the local VFP chapter.