Stop Torture
Talking About Torture: How can we learn to speak about the unspeakable?
All day conference September 20th
Morning Sessions:
The morning event will consist of a panel of leaders from multiple areas of our civic life. They will discuss behaviors and practices that perpetuate an acceptance of torture and behaviors and practices that promote an attitude of resistance and questioning.
The panel will be followed by five simultaneous workshops led by the panelists. The purpose of the workshops is to offer participants an opportunity to more fully explore one area of interest.
Topics to be addressed in the panel and workshops:
How can we talk about torture in our religious communities?
Representatives from different religious traditions will discuss language and teachings relevant to discussion of torture in their communities.
How do we help the media to talk about torture? A prominent media person will discuss torture in the media and how to increase awareness and analytical skills of news media in addressing this issue.
How do we talk to our children about different issues, such as torture? A child development person will speak on the spiritual development of children and experiences that shape children to accept or resist violence against others.
How do we get our legislators and candidates to take a stand against torture? A prominent political figure will address educating and motivating people in the political sphere to develop greater concern and to develop language that they can use in addressing this issue.
How do we talk about torture in our jails?
Afternoon Sessions (following lunch together):
Using the Theatre of the Oppresses as a framework Hector Aristizabal, will perform Nightwind – In this harrowing solo performance, Hector re-enacts his own arrest and torture by the US-supported military in Colombia and explores possible outcomes. Violent rage? Or a channeling of the energy into the peace movement? For more information on Hector
A “Positive Action” session will follow: to identify steps we can all take, and possible future collective actions
Information on Quaker work to stop torture go to QUIT (Quaker Initiative to End Torture) web site.
For information on AFSC work in California to address concerns about medical professionals who are engaging in torture
^ Top of page |
Email this page