Some of the many organizations sponsoring the March.
A large number of organizations are sponsoring a One Nation March on Washington tomorrow. We in the Network of Spiritual Progressives have been distressed at the absence of any understanding of how a spiritual transformation of values in America must be central to the struggles that the One Nation March articulates. We are unhappy at the lack of any coherent thinking that links the actual demands of this march to some larger coherent worldview. As a result it provides very little in the way of an alternative to the Right.
The NSP has nevertheless joined in support of the March, with the hope that at some point its rather sketchy demands could be contextualized within a deeper understanding of what is needed to turn America from the center of globalized capitalism, with its ethos of selfishness and materialism, to the center of a global movement for The Caring Society (see, for example, our Global Marshall Plan and our Environmental and Social Responsibility Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, neither of which are likely to even get a mention at this March).
Yet this March does stand for a set of concerns we all share, and it’s important for us to be in solidarity with these liberal movements whenever they choose to move into public political action. So we’ll be there (except those of us in the Jewish world who are Shabbat-observing and hence cannot get there).
But we also urge you to read our Spiritual Covenant with America and raise it to the liberal forces assembled tomorrow — because it presents a model of what a coherent progressive worldview could be and contrasts it with the liberal and conservative agendas (and no, you don’t have to believe in God or be religious to find the Network of Spiritual Progressives’ platform appealing and coherent with your highest values).
Here’s what the official position of the March articulates:
We all deserve a just and fair chance to achieve the American Dream. Our national identity is rooted in the ideal that all people – regardless of race, class, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, heritage or ability – should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
One Nation Working Together will chart a bold, pragmatic path toward a more unified, sustainable, prosperous future by building support for these core principles and policy ideals.
What We Stand For:
Putting America Back to Work
- Provide immediate relief for those who are currently unemployed
- Extend jobless benefits, COBRA, mortgage assistance, and other initiatives for those currently out of work
- Target help for populations and communities in the greatest need
Quality and Affordable Public Education
- Ensure that all people have access to affordable, high quality education throughout their lives, from pre-school through college
- Provide for teacher training and support necessary to continuously improve classroom practice and serve students better
Equality for All
- Refocus Our Nation’s Fiscal Priorities
- End the foreclosure epidemic and save the homes of America’s families
- Reform bankruptcy laws to protect families and working people
- Prioritize affordable housing for all
What is the One Nation March?
On Saturday, October 2, 2010, hundreds of thousands of people from across America will gather at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to demonstrate our re-commitment to change. The One Nation March will feature human and civil rights leaders, labor leaders, environmental and peace activists, faith leaders, celebrities and sports figures – all marching together to help Put America Back to Work and to Pull America Back Together. And to help reorder our national priorities so that investments in people come first.
When is the March?
Saturday, October 2, 2010. Our official program will begin at 12:00 pm and end at 4:00 pm. The event site will open for our guests at 6:00 am, and our pre-program will kick off at 11 am. We anticipate tens of thousands of people from across the country for this march. Please plan on arriving in the morning to allow sufficient time to get to the Lincoln Memorial.
Where is the March?
The March takes place on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington DC.
Is the event open to the public?
Yes, this event is open to the public. No tickets or pre-registration is required. Please note that all buses traveling to the event are required to register with March organizers. Bus organizers may register buses and request parking permits at http://action.onenationworkingtogether.org/busorganizers
What organizations are a part of One Nation Working Together? How does my organization join?
One Nation is composed of more than 150 national, local, and state organizations. Please visit our endorsing organization page for a complete listing of endorsing organizations and for more information on how your organization can endorse the march.
What happens if it rains?
The March will proceed rain or shine.
Will there be food, beverage and bathrooms available on site?
Yes there will be portable bathrooms and water on site.
Will there be cell coverage?
Cell coverage is expected to be limited at the event.
What happens if I get separated from my family or friends?
We strongly recommend you establish a meeting point for your group or family before you arrive. There will be a family reunification tent at the Washington Monument open from 11 am to 5 pm during the event.
Can I bring signs?
Yes you can bring signs that promote the values of One Nation Working Together
Sponsors include many union locals, environmental organizations, religious groups like Sojourners, the National Council of La Raza, NAACP, Green for All etc. etc. Click here for a complete list.
Amen to the “Spiritual Covenant with America.”
As long as “good” is equated with quantity rather than quality,
as long as “I/me” is MORE important than “you/other”
and as long as the “meaningful life” is measured and valued in economic terms
“change” will be nothing more than moving the same furniture around the same room.
As long as the “Spiritual Covenant with America” returns to “One Nation Under God.”
The Global Engagement for Equal Human Rights @
http://www.thepeoplesvoice.org/TPV3/Voices.php/2010/10/03/global-engagement-for-equal-human-rights
There was at least one other group with a positive vision of a better America. While the left is often weak in the spirituality department, they do seem to “get it”. This was the statement of the Socialist Contingent to the march:
http://cooperativepartyusa.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/march-for-jobs-peace-justice-and-socialism/