Concerned Families of Westchester, Neighbor

CFOW was started a few days after 9/11.  We began as a discussion group.  During the war against Afghanistan, we became an antiwar group.  In the fall of 2002, as the Iraq war was approaching, we began a weekly antiwar vigil/protest in Dobbs Ferry, which continued for seven years.  We also participated in NYC and Washington, DC marches and rallies against the Iraq war, and we have frequent rallies in Hastings and Dobbs.

CFOW holds many educational events.  We have had speakers and forums on Afghanistan, Islam, Iraq, civil liberties, healthcare reform, and other topics.  We also have a film series, showing antiwar and documentary films at the Hastings library.  And we have organized more than a dozen benefit concerts/events to raise money for antiwar groups such as Iraq Veterans Against the War and Military Families Speak Out.

Our “issues” and “positions” are pretty simple.  We are for immediate withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan, no war with Iran, restoring our civil liberties, single-payer healthcare reform, and effective action to stop global warming.  We think of ourselves as an arena for open discussion and a place to organize effective action.  CFOW members have diverse views on most topics.

CFOW is linked to peace groups across the US through United for Peace and Justice (www.unitedforpeace.org).  We support actions by MoveOn, Wespac (White Plains), and other groups; and we work locally with Sustainable Hastings on environmental issues.

We govern ourselves with a monthly meeting, where we plan events and CFOW’s direction, and discuss current events.  These meetings are open to all. 

CFOW events and other antiwar activities in Westchester are listed in our email newsletter, which is sent out each week.  The newsletter also includes summaries and links to good/useful essays and articles that are relevant to our issues.

We have no “dues,” but we need money to keep going.  If you support our work, please make a contribution.  Our mailing address is PO Box 265, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706.  To get on our mailing list, or for more information, please call 478-3848.