On June 6, the Rhode Island House of Representatives adopted a Back from the Brink resolution with broad support in a 50 – 19 vote. Co-sponsors of the resolution include Representatives Morales, Henries, Stewart, Batista, Cruz, Speakman, McGaw, Potter, and Ackerman. Back from the Brink congratulates all who helped with this historic effort!
Organizing efforts were led by Just Peace RI, an ad hoc coalition representative of peace, justice, and faith organizations from across the state, including Pax Christi RI, East Bay Citizens for Peace, No Endless War or Excessive Militarism, Sisters of Mercy Justice Team, Rhode Island Poor People’s Campaign, Rhode Island Anti-war Committee and FCNL – Providence Advocacy Team.
Key activists included Nancy Hood (East Bay Citizens for Peace), William Smith (Pax Christi, RI), Peter Nightengale (Poor People’s Campaign), Mary Pendergast (Sisters of Mercy), Johnathan Daly-Labelle (Just Peace, RI), and Bob Watt (Providence Monthly Meeting, Quakers).
In 2022, Just Peace RI worked to get a Back from the Brink resolution adopted by the Rhode Island Senate, bringing the total number of state legislative bodies that have adopted BftB resolutions to 8, including both houses in California and Oregon, the New Jersey Assembly and the Maine Senate. Over 75 US municipalities and counties have adopted similar resolutions.
Copies of the Rhode Island House resolution will be sent to the RI Congressional Delegation – Senators Reed and Whitehouse, and Reps Magaziner and Amo – as well as other key US officials, including the President, Senate leaders, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House.
