NO MATTER WHO IS ELECTED ON NOVEMBER 4, OVER HALF OF EVERY TAX DOLLAR WILL CONTINUE TO GO FOR PAST AND CURRENT WARS. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT? COME AND FIND OUT.

The annual New England Gathering of War Tax Resisters and Supporters will be held on November 14-16, 2008, at The New School, 38 York St. (US Route One), Kennebunk, Maine. Whether you are interested in exploring war tax resistance (wtr) for the first time or already refusing to pay some or all of your federal income and phone taxes, this weekend is for you. This year’s theme is: “Telling Our Stories.”

The cost for the weekend is $5-50 (whatever you can pay, actual cost about $35-40/person), which includes meals and housing. For a brochure, registration information, or further details, contact Stephen Soucy, PO Box 5510, Ellsworth, ME 04605, (207) 525-7776, sjsoucy [at] gmail [dot] com

New England Regional Gathering of War Tax Resisters and Supporters

“Telling Our Stories”

Friday-Sunday, November 14-16, 2008
at The New School, 38 York St. (US Route One) Kennebunk, Maine

INTRODUCTION

The annual New England War Regional Gatherings of War Tax Resisters, provide an opportunity to be with people who are searching for ways to noncooperate with military violence. These Gatherings are for both (potential) new and experienced war tax resisters as well as those just testing the waters. They are a time for renewal and support, a time to share and reflect n our values and reaffirm our community of resistance.

THEME OF THE GATHERING

Americans who are appalled by the belligerent militarism of the US government and who don’t want to be complicit in its destructive policies have found numerous ways to oppose military actions. One way is through war tax resistance. War tax resisters (WTRs) have withheld monetary support from the military through a variety of methods, resulting in a range of lifestyle choices and consequences. Our focus this year will be on sharing and discussing our various experiences and perspectives.

Some WTRs, for example, have been resisting all their adult lives, and some for a very short time…Some keep their taxable income under the reportable level to avoid being taxed, while some refuse to pay part of all of taxes “owed.” Some have been penalized by the IRS, some not. For some, the focus is on supporting others in the tax resistance movement.

At this year’s Gathering, the Friday evening session, which is open to those who are not planning to participate in the rest of the weekend, will feature a panel presentation by a diverse group of WTRs entitled, “Telling Our Stories: Personal Experiences with War Tax Resistance,” followed by Questions and Answers. Saturday’s session will include facilitated, small-group discussions designed to allow all of us, newcomers and “old hands” alike, to “tell our stories,” ask our questions, talk about our fears and uncertainties, and share our personal breakthroughs and rewards.

SCHEDULE

Friday Evening (panel at the meetinghouse adjoining the Woolman Hill Center)

5-7 PM: Registration and Dinner
7-7:30 PM: Welcome and logistics
7:30-9:30 PM: Panel discussion: “Telling Our Stories: Personal Experiences with War Tax Resistance,” with questions and answers following. Free and open to the public.

Saturday
8-9 AM: Breakfast
9:15-10 AM: Meet as a large group for introductions and agenda review
10-11 AM: Facilitated small group sharing of personal experiences with war tax resistance
11:15-12:15: Second round of sharing of personal experience with different groups
12:30-1:15 PM: Lunch
1:30-2:30 PM: Third round of small groups (different groups again)
2:45-3-45 PM: Meet in large group to discuss better ways of supporting each other, reaching out to others, etc.
4-5 PM: Introduction to war tax resistance (for those new to WTR), planning for next year’s gathering (separate group for those wanting to help with the next one),
5-6 PM: Free time
6-7 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM: Talent Show: Bring your instruments and voices—songs, poetry, comedy, skits, etc.

Sunday

8-9 AM: Breakfast
9-11:30 AM: Circle Dancing, regional reports of WTR, other peace and justice activities, announcements noon-1 PM: Lunch and cleanup

LOCATION/FACILITIES

The New School, 38 York St. (US Route One), Kennebunk is just south of the downtown. It is an alternative school, emphasizing independent learning and progressive values, begun by social change activists about ten years ago. It has about 50 teenage students.
The school is wheelchair accessible and has two bathrooms (no showers), one accessible. It has a large community room, a kitchen, art/dining room, and several other breakout spaces. There are several couches and floor space, but no beds. Bring a sleeping pad, pillow, sleeping bag (or other bedding) and towels. Beds will also be arranged with supporters in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport; if you need a bed, note it on the registration form. You may also arrange your own housing if you prefer. Children are most welcome, but please indicate on the registration form if you will need childcare. Please do not bring illegal drugs. Detailed directions to the site will be sent to you upon receipt of registration.

MEALS

Six vegetarian meals will be provided from Friday supper through Sunday lunch. Participants will be asked to help with meal preparation and cleanup. Please indicate on the registration form any special dietary needs or restrictions. Joanne Sheehan and Rick Gaumer of Pacifeast Catering will be cooking.

REGISTRATION

Cost for the weekend is $5-50 per adult (pay what you can, actual cost is about $35-40/person); children (12 and under) are free. Pay less if necessay, more if possible, but all are welcome, whatever amount you pay.

Mail registration form by November 8th with a deposit (you decide how much), payable to Maine WTR Resource Center to Stephen Soucy, PO Box 5510, Ellsworth, ME 04605. You may email your registration (without deposit) to Stephen at sjsoucy [at] gmail [dot] com Questions? Contact Larry Dansinger at (207) 525-7776.

For questions on details or last minute registration, contact Larry Dansinger.