Activist Hospitality

No matter where you are, activism takes some personal sacrifice. It takes time, energy, dedication, faith, money and more to devote your life to a cause. I left a comfortable job and home to come to DC and fight against the war and government abuse. Many others have done the same and more.

One thing that makes it possible to go on is the hospitality of other activists and concerned citizens. I want to address the support we activists give each other. We feed, fund raise, sit in court and outside of jails, we make posters and hand out fliers for each other.

The DC antiwar community is no different. I have slept on couches, enjoyed meals, a much needed glass of wine and gracious hospitality here in DC. I have given rides to, wiped the tears of and nursed the ills of other activists here. It's what makes the work possible. This is no utopian thing, it's a family with fighting and button pushing and the whole nine yards.

Last night, I attended the Wednesday night potluck dinner at the Code Pink activist house. There is a lovely atmosphere of welcome in the "Pink House". The Pink House is a hub of activity everyday, but on Wednesday night you can get a great meal, meet fascinating people and share a belly laugh. This kind of hospitality is the fuel that powers the movement.

Check out more about the work of Code Pink and their house at www.codepinkalert.org or codepinkdc.blogspot.com .