The assembly is the first major anti-war gathering since the reelection of George W. Bush, whose foreign policy towards Iraq sparked UFPJ's formation. At least 400 people from around the country are expected to attend. A broad array of groups will be represented including Military Families Speak Out, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Black Voices for Peace, American Friends Service Committee, Peace Action, and St. Louis-based Instead of War.

The two-and-a-half day St. Louis gathering will be a working meeting; delegates will determine strategies and campaigns for the anti-war movement in the coming period. "There's a renewed determination in the peace movement to bring the troops home, and antiwar activists will be focusing sharply on the Bush administration's vulnerabilities," said Leslie Cagan, UFPJ's National Coordinator. Delegates will also elect a new national steering committee.

The conference will highlight the continued vitality of peace and justice organizing at a time when polls show a majority of Americans disapprove of Bush's handling of the war. "Building a strong anti-war movement in the world's one, unchecked, superpower is critical, said Danny Glover. "That's why I'll be in St. Louis." Longtime social justice activist Tom Hayden will also join the conference.

UFPJ has sparked hundreds of demonstrations including the two biggest U.S. protests against the Iraq war, in February and March 2003. UFPJ demonstrated outside the Democratic Convention in Boston and led a half-million people marching under the banner, "The World Says No to the Bush Agenda," at the Republican Convention in New York.

Further conference information is online at: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=2675.

For information about media access to the conference, contact Bill Dobbs, UFPJ Media Coordinator.

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