No War on Iran Rapid Response Toolkit

On June 21 Trump announced that the US carried out three bombing campaigns against Iranian nuclear sites, despite having intelligence that Iran has no nuclear weapons. CODEPINK prepared this rapid response toolkit to support our local chapters and other local anti-war activists. We need to be as organized as ever to resist the US continuing another forever war – especially one that could turn nuclear. This toolkit will help you outline your demands, suggest first steps for a response plan locally, give you tools to organize an action of your own, and give you talking points and graphics. If you are a member of a CODEPINK chapter, reach out to your regional support person directly. Otherwise, email [email protected] with any questions.

Take action online!

1. If you're in the United States, it's important for you to tell your representatives in Congress that you do not want them supporting or greenlighting another forever war. Tell them to support diplomacy!

2. One of the most critical institutions in the United States when it comes to making war possible is the mainstream media! If we look to history, we know that mainstream outlets like the New York Times and others helped manufacture consent for the US invasion and war on Iraq by parroting lies from the Bush Administration. We can learn from our mistakes and know that war is never the answer. The NYT manufactures consent for war by dehumanizing the country or people our government wants to go to war with. This time, it's Iran. Tell the New York Times to report on Israel's crimes and to not support a war on Iran!

Demands

-No War on Iran
-End US Support for Israel
-Diplomacy now!

The US is playing into and supporting Israel's attacks against Iran. Our demands are simple: We don’t want any troops or US weapons getting funneled into this war. We want Congress and the Trump Administration to prioritize diplomacy. An end to the violence has been clear since October 8, 2023: the US needs to stop the genocide by ending US support for Israel. Any US involvement such as sending troops or weapons to go to war against Iran is in direct violation of the Constitution, which requires Congress to declare war before the executive branch can take any action.

Make these demands clear in any social media posts about your action, press releases, and signs you bring to the action!

First Steps

- Review CODEPINK's principles of nonviolence!
- First look at other organizations around your area (Peace Action, World Beyond War, National Iranian American Council (NIAC), Palestinian Youth Movement, ANSWER) and if there’s already an action – attend as CODEPINK in support!
- Reach out to those organizations to see if they want to collaborate or if there’s an action in the works you can support – in case it’s not public yet.
- Get your friends and neighbors ready to take action!

Organize an Action if There’s Not One You Can Join

Choose a an actionable target such as:
- Your elected representative with the power to vote for an arms embargo against Israel and to stand against escalation in Iran
- A local weapons manufacturer profiting from war
- A local news outlet whose unfair reporting contributes to the escalation of conflict
- An office or pension plan investing in Israel bonds.
- A university career center recruiting for weapons manufacturers or a college of engineering conducting research for the war machine.
Gather a group of people - reach out to your local anti-war coalition to broaden your base
Check out our basic events checklist
Gather your signs, art, chants, and other striking visuals
Review the CODEPINK Statement of Nonviolence
Take action! Host a rally, a street teach-in, a sit-in at your representative’s office, or something even more creative. Demand no war on Iran and the end of US Support for Israel from those with the power to make change!