Nonviolence Programme staff appointed

We are very pleased to announce that War Resisters' International has hired Javier Garate from Santiago, Chile as staff for our new Nonviolence Programme.

Javier, who is active with Ni Casco Ni Uniforme (Neither Helmet nor Uniform), a WRI Section, brings a variety of experiences that will help him in his new work. Some of you may have met Javier when he attended the International Conscientious Objectors' Day training and activities in Israel in 2003. He was also one of the host organisers for May 15^th in Chile in 2004. Javier will begin work in London in mid-March.

Joanne Sheehan, WRI Chair

A word from Javier

My name is Javier Gárate. To be chosen for the job at the WRI gives me great joy, and at the same time, it is a big challenge. The challenge, that together all of us who are part of WRI can develop an active campaign on nonviolence and can struggle against the war profiteers. To meet this challenge, a strong network coordination and working together with commitment and cooperation is essential.

In this same spirit I intend to draw on the different experiences that have been developed in nonviolence, to create the materials to support the existing experiences and at the same time promote them so that new experiences can emerge in the nonviolence struggle.

I will bring all my experience gained during the seven years of work in the conscientious objection group Ni Casco Ni Uniforme in Santiago Chile. I am a founding member, and part of the first group to present ourselves as CO, a right that is still not recognised in Chile.

At the same time I hope to contribute with the perspectives that my anthropology studies give me in order to promote the values of cultural diversity.

I don't have more to say other than to invite you to join us in the big challenge that a nonviolence program has in today's world.