Post #3

I have discussed two steps of importance to understanding an advocacy group and its foundation. The adequate comprehension of the issue at hand is essential before you can really begin to act out on behalf of a social or political issue. However, simply understanding the problem at hand – simply understanding that the Stop the War Coalition is a strong and solid manifestation of an anti-war advocacy group – is nowhere near enough. The next step in this process is getting involved and embarking upon a course of action. In order to make a change, it is necessary to take action and make a change. Change does not happen on by itself own, and it requires the commitment of others to make a great impact on an issue’s solution.

The Stop the War Coalition boils down the ways to get involved with its activity into two major subgroups. The first way is to locate the closest “Stop the War” group, and follow its events and protests. In this way, you can decide to become affiliated and then engross yourself in all actions taken by this organization. There are a number of Stop the War groups located, mainly in England but also others scattered around the globe. Physically becoming a part of their cause is a great way to feel like you are making a true difference, so in this way the Stop the War Coalition is doing a superb job of attracting a target audience. Tangible involvement is the most straightforward method of true devotion and therefore concern about an issue.

The other proposed method of involvement is volunteer work. Volunteering to help with the organizational and promotional elements of an advocacy group is just as important as the execution. Whether it be through the Internet, helping make signs, working stalls at events, or anything else – all work is appreciated. Especially for people who may not have easy access to a local Stop the War group, this course of action may be most desirable. What is most important is that people realize that any forms of donations or volunteering are appreciated immensely. In all these ways, the values of the organization are extended throughout both people and places.

I feel a personal connection to the issues addressed by this advocacy group, becauseI attended a Quaker school from grades 1-12. Pacifism and peace were equally as important as our education. I used to partake in all sorts of marches and demonstrations around Philadelphia fighting for equality, truth, and the end to war. I found myself to be a target audience for this organization because of this particular draw toward its values. These are things that have been highlighted in importance to me since I was a kid, so learning about this specific organization's stance on the issue was relevant and essential to me. I think that their purpose is clear and indisputable, but for those who may not share the same bias toward an anti-war approach as me, the Stop the War Coalition provides a strong frame for persuasion.

Post #2

It is always important to understand the background of an organization and the values it deems as important. However, to take the understanding and conceptualization of an advocacy group to the next level, more aspects than just this must be scrutinized. Another crucial element of an advocacy group in order necessary for persuading an audience of their purpose is an analysis of who is affected, and who is to blame. The identifi

cation of these elements is what will eventually help stop the problem at hand.

The Stop the War Coalition is a group that was founded and is based in London, which speaks for itself when consider who is affected. If 9/11 is what spawned the creation of this campaign, it is evident that everyone is affected because non-Americans were motivated to form an anti-war group. The effects of 9/11 were influential on everyone in the world, not just America. America’s War on Terror clearly does not only impact America and the countries war is declared on, because people all across the globe are moved to rebel. War is a concept that affects ever

ybody and everything, despite a country’s best efforts to hone in on a specific issue. People fear and fight against war because the number of casualties is always disturbing, as so many innocent people suffer due to war. The arguments made against war are indisputable.

The Stop the War Coalition uses their constitution to explain their stance, but defends their position through all kinds of events. These demonstrations work to raise awareness among people cross-culturally about the harmfulness of war. People must open their eyes to the harsh reality of a country in wartime, and what impact that has on the world at large. The blame is easy to place in this situation; it is on the country that declares war. It is in the hands of

a president to declare war, and to end it. When Bush declared the War on Terror, he began a downward spiral of violence and horror. The Stop the War Coalition does all that is in their power to shed light on the detrimental nature of war, particularly this one, and emphasize the need for it to stop. They blame our government for these disastrous conditions and the wrath that all countries are facing as a result. The interesting quality about this particular issue is that blame can be easily identified and assigned incontrovertibly. In many campaigns, blame can be charged but not necessarily proven, but in this situation this is not the case. There is a simple beginning to this social problem’s beginning, and a surefire solution for its end. The question of the matter is—will it?

Post #1

The "Stop the War Coalition" is a thriving anti-war organization working to raise awareness about the negative effects and extreme casualties that result from war. In this blog post, I will discuss the history and background of this advocacy group, and the path it has taken to become what it is today. In this blog at large I will address the group's history and the issue at hand, the blame, and the steps toward involvement. The Stop the War Coalition was founded after the tragic incidents of 9/11 in London, England. It exists for a simple and clear purpose: to stop war. They use all kinds of events as tools at their disposal in an effort to gain members. They work to raise awareness about the misconceptions that exist about the benefits of war, and to provide alternative routes toward the goal of peace. They are pacifistic in all that they do, and use whatever methods they can to assert the necessity of peace. They effectively persuade their audience through the use of statistics of just how many innocent people die in wars, and by highlights the side effects of war that are oftentimes unnoticed.

The organization was formed based on an understood mission statement directed at the goal of stopping the United States’ War on Terror. It was formed for the basic effort of preventing the war from continuation, and gaining support against the United States’ efforts at warfare. The three main purposes that the coalition was founded on are: 1) Stopping the War on Terror, 2) Allowing all members and affiliates of the coalition to form and carry out their own opinions, 3) the formation of an elected committee in charge of all actions, 4) using peace to make a difference and influence others to support them, and 5) dedication to the cause.

The organization was also formed in an organized manner; built upon a constitution. The constitution lays out these goals and ensures commitment from all members of the coalition. Whether it be through marches, protests, or other kinds of demonstrations—members of the coalition pledge to do whatever it takes to carry out their cause. It is easy for someone to become affiliated with this group, and through assertive and clear points of purpose, people are sure to join. The campaign is directed at the public sphere, as many people living both in the US and in other parts of the world are strongly opposed to this declaration of war. This organization provides an opportunity to become involved and make a true difference.

Pacifist and anti-war groups have always existed throughout time, but a true sense of popularity has sparked since the events of 9/11. When people feel the direct impact of war, they are inclined to show genuine concern and reach out in their cause. This particular organization has expanded tremendously and developed through the time it has existed, bringing attention to the cause through newsletters, merchandise, and easy donation access. People are oftentimes looking for a group with which they can identify, and through successful and concise efforts the Stop the War Coalition is certain to attract followers.