Printable Version
Finding Our Voices Newsletter
| In This Issue |
| Executive Producer Statement |
| How to Participate |
| Holiday Promotion |
The
producers of Finding
Our Voices invite you to join
us in promoting participation in our Democracy
and fostering peace. Our monthly
newsletter will offer important tips on
how to find and use your voice! Together,
change is possible.
Yours in
peace,
Laurel Jensen, Holly
Stadtler & Vicki
Hughes
Statement
from
Executive
Producer
Dear
Friends:
It was a hand made
sign, held by a middle aged woman. Her
brow was furrowed, her eyes tired...she wore a
sadness on her face. Her sign simply
showed a hand painted American flag with red
drops falling from the edge of the
tapestry. Above the flag read, "I weep
for my country." It was 2004, and her
sign captured my sentiments
exactly.
In high school in
1979, I was voted "most patriotic." But
right after 9/11/2001, when I
expressed dismay that our country
would invade Iraq, I was labeled
"unpatriotic." I was the same
person but the definitions were rapidly
changing -- to the detriment of free speech and
Democracy.
As I watched the war in Iraq unfold in 2003, I struggled with what I could do to make a difference. I decided to apply my experience as a filmmaker to formulate a visual, artistic statement that articulated the feelings of millions of people across the country and worldwide. The statement would chronicle a difficult period in our nation's history through a select group of dissenters and would underscore the passion and power of individual choice. This statement would also remind us that when we speak our conscience and challenge power in the face of injustice, we can be the forces of change.
Next I assembled a dedicated and talented team for an inspiring and motivating project. Finding Our Voices takes viewers on an incredible journey of courage as eight very different individuals with varied motivations speak out against their government's ill-advised policy in Iraq. These people are heroes to me because each of them decided to take the rugged, arduous, less traveled road to peace. While their stories are at times heartbreaking, their struggles are noble and their determination steadfast. The production team and I are privileged to know these people. We are grateful for their candor and willingness to share their vulnerabilities which allowed us to paint intimate portraits of their lives. And we are proud to share their collective story with you.
As 2009 and the presidential inauguration approach, I have increased hope for our country. I trust you will watch Finding Our Voices and be inspired to "find your voice." I hope that this newsletter serves as an additional source of motivation for change that you share with your friends -- invite them to get their own free subscription. I am reminded of Margaret Mead's sentiment: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does."
Happy Holidays!
Holly Stadtler,
As I watched the war in Iraq unfold in 2003, I struggled with what I could do to make a difference. I decided to apply my experience as a filmmaker to formulate a visual, artistic statement that articulated the feelings of millions of people across the country and worldwide. The statement would chronicle a difficult period in our nation's history through a select group of dissenters and would underscore the passion and power of individual choice. This statement would also remind us that when we speak our conscience and challenge power in the face of injustice, we can be the forces of change.
Next I assembled a dedicated and talented team for an inspiring and motivating project. Finding Our Voices takes viewers on an incredible journey of courage as eight very different individuals with varied motivations speak out against their government's ill-advised policy in Iraq. These people are heroes to me because each of them decided to take the rugged, arduous, less traveled road to peace. While their stories are at times heartbreaking, their struggles are noble and their determination steadfast. The production team and I are privileged to know these people. We are grateful for their candor and willingness to share their vulnerabilities which allowed us to paint intimate portraits of their lives. And we are proud to share their collective story with you.
As 2009 and the presidential inauguration approach, I have increased hope for our country. I trust you will watch Finding Our Voices and be inspired to "find your voice." I hope that this newsletter serves as an additional source of motivation for change that you share with your friends -- invite them to get their own free subscription. I am reminded of Margaret Mead's sentiment: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does."
Happy Holidays!
Holly Stadtler,
Executive Producer
Of the
people and By the people
Activity #1:
Lame Duck Watchdog
Initiative
Here is an opportunity
to apply the principles of Finding Our
Voices. You can join the
ranks of concerned citizens - and write your
members of Congress as part of the
Lame Duck
Watchdog Initiative!
Recently, The Huffington Post, The Rachel Maddow Show, The Nation magazine, and others have discussed the potential dangers of the lame duck Bush administration quietly initiating highly politicized policies before Barack Obama's inauguration as President on January 20th. The production team of Finding Our Voices are dedicated to good government from the bottom up and view these dangers as an excellent opportunity to energize concerned Americans.
We are encouraging everyone to send e-mails to their Congressmen, demanding continuous oversight of the Bush administration. This is the first of many initiatives envisioned by the film's producers who support the "change" and "empowerment" messages espoused by Barack Obama throughout his presidential campaign. Click here
Recently, The Huffington Post, The Rachel Maddow Show, The Nation magazine, and others have discussed the potential dangers of the lame duck Bush administration quietly initiating highly politicized policies before Barack Obama's inauguration as President on January 20th. The production team of Finding Our Voices are dedicated to good government from the bottom up and view these dangers as an excellent opportunity to energize concerned Americans.
We are encouraging everyone to send e-mails to their Congressmen, demanding continuous oversight of the Bush administration. This is the first of many initiatives envisioned by the film's producers who support the "change" and "empowerment" messages espoused by Barack Obama throughout his presidential campaign. Click here
Spread the Word!
An important way to
carry out the mission of Finding Our
Voices is to
share information with the like-minded
members of your family and friends and with
socially minded organizations. Here are 3 ways
you can help; we
appreciate your efforts to spread the
word.
1) Spread the Word to Friends and Family. Encourage friends to sign up for our newsletter and to visit our website http://www.findingourvoices.com
2) Spread the Word to Organizations - and help them raise money. You can also help us promote peace and first amendment rights. Invite your organization to become an affiliate with us which includes a fundraising effort that will benefit their mission.
An important way to
carry out the mission of Finding Our
Voices is to
share information with the like-minded
members of your family and friends and with
socially minded organizations. Here are 3 ways
you can help; 1) Spread the Word to Friends and Family. Encourage friends to sign up for our newsletter and to visit our website http://www.findingourvoices.com
2) Spread the Word to Organizations - and help them raise money. You can also help us promote peace and first amendment rights. Invite your organization to become an affiliate with us which includes a fundraising effort that will benefit their mission.
3) Help us use the
internet to spread the word about the
project. Help us Leverage Social
Networking Sites.
Add us to your
facebook, & myspace friends (docmakerdcf@hotmail.com). Help us reach folks using Digg,
Twitter, Eons and other cyber communication
tools. If you're internet savvy, we would
appreciate your help!!!!
There are many
other ways to help spread the word about
Finding Our
Voices...
Check out the
Finding Our
Voices clips on youtube and rate
them. And
COMING SOON.....
you will be able to
write a review or comment about the film on our
website.
Give the gift of Democracy for
the holidays!
Special
edition DVD of Finding Our Voices
includes feature length film
plus 50 minutes of bonus materials including
interviews with the director, Cindy Sheehan,
Ann Wright, significant moments of protest,
plus CDRom discussion materials for only $24.00
(plus S&H)!!!
"Special
Democracy Gift Package"
Includes DVD, T-shirt and the film's original
musical soundtrack for only $50.00 (plus
S&H)
Quantity Discounts: Special savings also available for purchasing 3 or more copies of the DVD.
Quantity Discounts: Special savings also available for purchasing 3 or more copies of the DVD.
Thank you friends of peace.
We applaud your efforts to participate in your
democracy, to speak your conscience and to work
for a more peaceful
world.
Sincerely,
Holly
Stadtler, Laurel Jensen, &
Vicki Hughes
Dream Catcher Films, Inc. producers
Dream Catcher Films, Inc. producers
Quick
Links...
Website: http://www.findingourvoices.com/
E-mail: dreamcat@gmavt.net