Supporting Legislation to Create A Department of Peace and Non-Violence
WHEREAS, on February 15, 2007, H.R. 808 was introduced in the United States House of Representatives to create a cabinet-level Department of Peace, which would embody a broad-based approach to peaceful, nonviolent conflict resolution at both domestic and international levels; and
WHEREAS, the bill would establish a Secretary of Peace, who would report to the President of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the bill would require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to consult with the Secretary of Peace regarding nonviolent means of conflict resolution prior to initiating any conflict between the United States and any other government or entity; and
WHEREAS, the bill is comprehensive in scope, establishing the following offices:
- Office of Peace Education and Training
- Office of Domestic Peace Activities
- Office of International Peace Activities
- Office of Technology for Peace
- Office of Arms Control and Disarmament
- Office of Peaceful Coexistence and Nonviolent Conflict Resolution
- Office of Human Rights and Economic Rights
WHEREAS, the bill would require the appropriation of two percent (2%) of the defense budget for funding the Department of Peace; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Peace would serve to promote nonviolence as an organizing principle in our society and help to create the conditions for a more peaceful world;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP expresses its strong support for enactment of federal legislation, H.R. 808, to create a United States Department of Peace and Nonviolence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all units of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People urge their Senators to introduce companion legislation in the United States Senate for the creation of a United States Department of Peace and Nonviolence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports enactment of legislation to create a United States Department of Peace and Nonviolence; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls upon all members of Congress to support enactment of this legislation.