Asking Questions
In an election year, candidates running for Congress participate in many different events. At these functions, interested and involved individuals can often engage their potential representatives on any issue whatsoever. In fact, it's very likely that candidates in your state or district will
- hold town hall meetings;
- participate in telephone conference calls; and
- appear at house parties, church socials, and other public events.
At local forums with candidates or their supporters, you can make the "War is Not the Answer" point by asking candidates what tools, other than the military, they will support to protect the United States and build real security.
FCNL has developed several questions to ask the candidates that touch on Iraq, nuclear weapons, the environment, and many other topics.
For some tips on asking questions, be sure to check out FCNL's bird-dogging guide as well.
If you're not sure what your candidates are up to, consider signing up for their email updates or check their websites for event listings; it's the best way to keep tabs on upcoming forums and events.
Don't know who the candidates are? Want to contact the candidates? Not sure where to find their websites? FCNL has up-to-date and accurate election information for every state.
Can't get to a forum? Write a letter!
Not everyone has the time or ability to get out to candidate events and ask questions about important peace and justice issues. Others aren't as comfortable asking a question at a public forum.
You can still let the candidates know how you feel. Try writing a letter based on one of FCNL's questions for candidates to the candidates in your state or district.
Again, FCNL has information on how to contact the candidates for public office in your state.
Conversations with Candidates
Suppose you've approached a candidate for Congress at a fundraiser and have started up a conversation. Noticing the "War Is Not the Answer" pin you're wearing, the candidate asks "So... What is the answer?" Do you know what you'd say?
FCNL's April newsletter article on "War Is Not the Answer" conversations can help you better engage others about peace.
A New Forum for Discussion - FCNL Contact Holds Forum for Senate Candidates
At the beginning of the 2008 primary season, Tom Munk, an FCNL Contact from Chapel Hill Meeting in North Carolina, was concerned about the issue of peace in the upcoming elections. The debate about Iraq was (and largely still is) limited to two sides, “Stay there” and “Withdraw,” with little discussion of the broader issues like diplomacy and development.
So, Tom and fellow meeting member Renee Prillaman decided to focus their efforts on a different branch of government: Congress. Their goal was to engage the three major candidates for U.S. Senate — Sen. Elizabeth Dole, state Sen. Kay Hagan, and investment banker Jim Neal — in conversations about peace, touching on issues important to their community....
Tom and Renee coordinated with 23 local organizations in sponsoring the event. The candidates all answered FCNL questions on Iraq, Iran, nuclear weapons, torture, cluster bombs, diplomacy, and development.
Learn more about the candidate forum, see pictures, and get help organizing your own event!
More on making peace an election issue
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