The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is an independent, federally-funded nonprofit organization dedicated to providing thorough conflict analysis and programs to prevent and stop violent conflict and promote peacebuilding. Currently, Congress is facing an immense budget deficit, and is under pressure to drastically cut federal spending. However, the proposed federal funding cuts will completely eliminate all funding to USIP. While we spend billions on fighting wars abroad, Congress is proposing to cut $42 million for conflict management and peacebuilding programs through USIP. This translates to the cost of about 3 hours of fighting in Afghanistan.
According to General David Petraeus: “USIP’s work on the informal justice system has been invaluable as we work toward improving rule of law at the provincial level. Their plans for reconciliation efforts at the community level on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border are likewise a potential key to success in the enormous challenges we face.” If you're interested in reading more about why USIP is a true investment in the sustainability of United States' foreign policy and continued peacebuilding efforts in conflicted nations, check out the Save USIP blog.
According to General David Petraeus: “USIP’s work on the informal justice system has been invaluable as we work toward improving rule of law at the provincial level. Their plans for reconciliation efforts at the community level on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border are likewise a potential key to success in the enormous challenges we face.” If you're interested in reading more about why USIP is a true investment in the sustainability of United States' foreign policy and continued peacebuilding efforts in conflicted nations, check out the Save USIP blog.
And if we've convinced you, please take a minute and send the message below to your Senators and Representatives and support nonviolence and conflict prevention.
Submit an e-mail to your Senators and Representative Now
Click here to find and e-mail your Representative:
Click here to find and e-mail your Senators:
http://www.senate.gov/general/
http://www.senate.gov/general/
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Honorable Member of Congress,
My name is [Insert Your Name] and I reside in [Insert Your City], [Insert your State]. I am writing you today to voice my strong opposition to the budget cuts proposed by the House of Representatives on Thursday, February 17, 2011.
The bill included a 42 million dollar reduction in the budget for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), which would completely defund this critical organization. The United States Institute of Peace works to prevent, manage, and resolve international conflicts. In completing this vital mission towards the national security of the United States, USIP operates on-the-ground in zones of conflict, most recently in Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, the Korean Peninsula, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Nigeria, Sudan, to name just a few. USIP develops tools to use in prevention that focus on religion and peacemaking, rule of law in fragile states, and guidelines for civilian and military interaction in hostile environments.
The Institute of Peace was set up by Congress as a non-partisan effort, during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. The United States Institute of Peace is governed by a bipartisan Board of Directors. The board is composed of twelve members from outside federal service appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The Institute has been federally funded for 27 years as anindependent organization to support the military, the State Department, successive administrations and the international community in preventing deadly violence and manage unfolding conflicts overseas, as well as to help societies move from war to peace.
I appreciate your help and ask that you please ensure that the budget for this organization is protected to allow UISP to continue its vital mission.
Thank you for your time and considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Insert Your Name]
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