Opening Doors Program
Opening Doors to Democracy
In the summer of 2004, the idea of “Opening Doors to Democracy” was born. We were looking for an innovative way to reach more people in order to continue the dialogue on security and the cost of war, and to encourage people to register to vote.
This exciting community project engaged people in the democratic process, using art as a medium. At the same time it provided an opportunity for voter registration. Using trained youth facilitators and old doors from a local recycling center, people attending community festivals painted their ideas, forming a collage of issues. The many messages and pictures inspired discussion, made a wonderfully colorful display, and encouraged people to register to vote.
We have now presented the “Opening Doors to Democracy Project” at three community festivals in predominately African American areas of Pittsburgh and at two university settings.
The end result was over 30 doors covered with powerful messages reflecting people’s concerns. The doors have been displayed at a number of venues around the city, including a local art gallery, and in Philadelphia at the Friends Center.
Opening Doors to Peace
Building on last year’s success we decided in the summer of 2005 to introduce Opening Doors to Peace. We wanted to reach a large summer audience and tie it in with our counter military recruitment work. We asked the question, “What doors would you open with the money it takes to fund a war?” At the same time we have counter recruitment material available for youth, families and community leaders.
Pittsburgh was honored to host the “Bring Them Home Now Tour” as it traveled from Crawford to Washington DC in September. We set up a Camp Neil, in honor of the son of one of our local gold star families, Neil and Diane Santoriello. Cindy Sheehan joined us for the rally at Flagstaff Hill. AFSC was there with our peace doors, giving people an opportunity to express their anger, concerns, and wishes for the future.
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