Traffic Lights 4 Peace

Q. How did traffic lights 4 peace come about?

A. A professional person concerned that a clear majority were not being listened to prior to the Iraq war ( by personal experience through his patients and by generally accepted opinion polls), sought a way for everyone to easily and clearly express their view in a non-aggressive, non-disruptive, peaceful, environmentally responsible manner.

Q. What does it hope to achieve?

A.To give a voice to the silent majority and reassure that we can all make a difference in a non-violent way to strive for peace and a safer, greener, more just world. If every time we see a traffic light we are reminded of these issues, then we will not fall so easily into complacency and are more likely to act positively.

Q. Why bother?

A. Majority opinion against the Iraq war has continued to be ignored. By obeying the put up and shut up call we make future wars more likely. The majority of us that disagree with their line of justification for killing cannot afford to allow that line to go unchallenged and be forgotten as they wish.

Q. What do I do to participate?

A. Simply travel to your nearest traffic light or crossroads on the day. Observe the one minute silence and tie a ribbon around the traffic light post or nearest available post at crossroads. Ribbons placed anytime before or after the advertised date confirm support of what the lights symbolise.

Q. Can I help in anyway?

A. Yes! By spreading the information. Please do so, if you wish, to your maximum capability.

You could do this by pyramiding. This is done by informing 5 friends you feel are like minded by e-mail and telling them to open up the website and tell 5 friends to do the same, i.e. tell 5 friends and open the web-site and so on. International contacts are especially welcomed since there are traffic lights Europe-wide and even worldwide!
You could also print or copy the flyer to distribute or display (see 'Flyer' page on the web site for download instructions).

Traffic lights 4 peace works without money, to avoid its pitfalls. Financial donations are not possible, only practical help can be given.

If you feel you would like to help in any way please contact us with your e-mail address using the 'Contact us' page on the web site and we will advise you. Any help is gratefully received.

Each attendance and placement of a ribbon is a personal statement, as symbolised by the lights. Each person is individually responsible for their own actions.

Organisations that have similar or linked ideas to the symbolism of the lights may have leaflets and joining forms available at certain lights on the advertised day.

Q. What happens on Oct. 24th 2004?

A.It is hoped that individuals of all walks of life that are unhappy with the actions over the Iraq war of the Bush led Administration and it's political allies, seize the unique opportunity to easily express those feelings in a peaceful and responsible manner. This is done by walking to the nearest traffic lights or crossroads in small communities, (routine laws of the highway to be observed for safety and courteousy), observing one minute silence for all the lives lost in the Iraq war and its consequences, followed by tying of ribbons around one of the posts. A ribbon tied that day or any other day confirms that the individual agrees with the symbolism of the lights in seeking an end to war and care for our planet.

Q. What of the long term?

A. In the future it is hoped that the lights become synonymous with the call to (red) STOP WAR, (amber) CHANGE TO (green) A GREEN PLANET; so that we don't become cosy and complacent in our need to seek peace and care for our environment. Everyone is important in bringing these about. Each individual doing whatever small act to bring these about WILL make a difference. In a big world, however small and insignificant we feel, our actions ARE effective when taken together. Spread a little love, every individual's regard for their 'neighbour' or any small energy saving action collectively will make a BIG difference.

Q. Will there be information on associated local peace and environmental groups available at a specific time and place?

A. Some local groups may have information available at lights or crossroads at around
12 noon on 24th Oct. 2004. At other times groups will have links to this and their websites, but will likely be general information not local. This and some linked websites may produce a directory of possible attended lights that most likely will have information available on the day close to12 noon (or at other designated times - see websites or local press for details).

Q. Is this a benefit to peace & environmental groups?

A. Definitely! Yes! This works without money, it is non-financial. All of these groups can show events here and be linked. There is no cost, this ensures that no funds of these groups are diverted away from their essential tasks. No resources wasted.
For these groups to grow, we need to grow by more people knowing of the site.
All peace and environmental groups should use their members to offer leaflets about their group at the lights on October 24th 12 noon. At that moment your target group will be coming to you!