R. Scott Kennedy — December 9, 1948 - November 19, 2011 —

Memorial Service Sunday, December 11, 2011 2:00p.m. First Congregational United Church of Christ 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, California

Reception will follow at the church.

I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”

— George Bernard Shaw

Scott at the site believed to be where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, beside the Sea of Galilee, December, 2010. ing with honors in the History Major R. Scott Kennedy and Cowell College honors. He was December 9, 1948 - a conscientious objector during the November 19, 2011 Vietnam War and completed his al- ternative civilian service in Isla Vista, Activist, educator, politician, great California, where he co-founded the father and husband, Scott died in his Isla Vista Youth Project and several sleep of natural causes on November other community programs. He was a 19, 2011, at age 62. war tax resister from the Vietnam War until 2009. Scott co-founded the Resource Center for Nonviolence in 1976 and ran the Center’s Middle East Program. He engaged with a wide range of social Megan and Scott Kennedy, Allan Solomonow, movements and nonviolent cam- and Zoughbi Zoughbi in Berkeley, circa 1995. paigns, from creating a nuclear-free zone in Santa Cruz and working for a Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan nuclear-free future in Santa Cruz and Heights. He led some 40 delegations to at Diablo Canyon, to the Farmwork- the region to help Americans under- ers’ fight to unionize, and human stand U.S. foreign policy and support a rights struggles in El Salvador and just, two-state solution. Nicaragua. Scott was elected to three Scott enjoyed humor, travel and going terms on the Santa Cruz City Council to movies. He loved the and served twice as mayor, where a Giants, Van Morrison and country resolution against the first Iraq war music, and his dog, Barack, adopted the and completion of a city greenbelt, week President Obama was elected. a community soccer field and several affordable housing developments We would like to collect photos and were some of his proudest accom- videos of Scott, his work and life. Scott, 1 year, 7 months. plishments. Video testimonials or photos may be Scott’s involvement in struggles for a emailed to the Kennedys or RCNV: Scott was born in Nebraska in 1948, just resolution to the Israeli-Palestin- [email protected] or grew up in San Jose, California and ian conflict began when he traveled [email protected] went to public schools, including to the region as a freshman in college posted to Facebook: Willow Glen High School, where he in 1968 with his oldest sister Diane http://www.facebook.com/profile. met his soulmate and future wife, Kennedy Pike and her husband, the php?id=684992153 Kristin Champion. Scott grew up in late James Pike. Since then, or mailed to RCNV, 515 Broadway, Scott worked to support those Israelis Santa Cruz, CA 95060. and Palestinians committed to waging nonviolent struggle to end the Israeli We are grateful for a world of occupation of the West Bank, Gaza friends, family, and companions who walked with Scott, and who continue to walk for freedom and justice through steadfast

“The ultimate measure nonviolence and love. of a man is not — The Kennedy Family where he stands in Jr. Prom, May 6, 1966. Cheryl Thomas and Don Wnters, Kristin Champion and Scott. moments of comfort and convenience, the United Methodist Church and remained an active church member but where he stands throughout his life. Scott was a Boy at times of challenge Scout and enjoyed many sports in school, including swimming. He was and controversy.” class president in high school. — Martin Luther King Jr., Scott attended the University of “Strength to Love” 1963 California at Santa Cruz, graduat- Picking olives during the November, 2011 Inter- faith Peace Builders Olive Harvest Delegation.

- 2 - The early years...

First trip to the Middle East, 1968. Scott riding a camel as his dad Ed Scott, his mother Arlene, and his brother Jim, 1950’s. stands in front.

Kennedy kids in San Jose: back row- Jean, Dennis, Diane. Front- Jim and Scott.

Scott in his early 20’s.

1986 family portrait: Dennis, Diane, Jean, Jim, Scott Scott, Chaim Maion, Scott’s dad Ed in 1968. with their parents Ed and Arlene. Bishop James A. Pike, Diane Kennedy, an Redwood Nonviolence Community members, 1976. Imam, and Scott during Scott’s first trip to Scott is sitting in front, with Kris holding baby Peter. Israel and Palestine, Hebron, 1968.

Scott and Kris at Altamonte- Rolling Stones Concert, 1969. Scott and Kris circa 1990. - 3 - Wedding photos by Matt Fitt Matt by photos Wedding

Scott with sons Ben and Peter at a San Francisco Giants game. The Giants beat the Cardinals and won the National League Pennant, 2002.

Megan and Rahim’s “A life is not important except wedding, July, 2010.

in the impact it has on other Fitch Bob by Photo lives.” ­ — Jackie Robinson

With son Ben and daughter- in-law Tyne. Christmas 2010. Scott holds his dog Barack, adopted the week President Obama was elected, 2008.

Mayor Scott Kennedy with his wife Kris and children Peter, Ben and Megan, and ‘Angelo’ at home.

One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. — Daniel Berrigan

Kennedy family, circa 1982. “Engagement in specific and incessant struggle against death’s rule renders us human... In resistance, persons live most humanly. Redwood Nonviolence Scott, Said Chouane, Kris, Megan, Melaid and Rahim ‘No’ to death means ‘yes’ to life.” Community, circa 1976. Chouane in Algeria for Megan and Rahim’s Algerian wedding, ­ July, 2011. — , “An Ethic for Christians and Other Aliens in a Strange Land” - 4 - I wish I knew how it feels to be free

Wedding photos by Matt Fitt Matt by photos Wedding I wish I knew how It would feel to be free

I wish I could break Lake Tahoe, All the chains holding me October, 2011 I wish I could say All the things that I should say Say ‘em loud say ‘em clear For the whole round world to hear Scott and Rahim at the wedding. I wish I could share All the love that’s in my heart Remove all the bars That keep us apart

I wish you could know What it means to be me “Many persons have the wrong idea of what constitutes Then you’d see and agree true happiness... Happiness is not attained through That every man should be free self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” — Helen Keller I wish I could give All I’m longin’ to give Above: Scott and Ben I wish I could live at the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, 2007. Like I’m longin’ to live

I wish I could do Kris and Scott hold Scott’s Fellowship All the things that I can do of Reconcilation And though I’m way over due International Pfeffer I’d be starting anew Peace Prize Award, New York, 2010. Well I wish I could be Two generations: Scott and Pete, in front of the new Like a bird in the sky RCNV building at 612 Ocean St., October, 2011. They How sweet it would be proudly display a 1980 photo of the renovation of the first Resource Center building at 515 Broadway that If I found I could fly features Scott holding Peter as a baby. Oh I’d soar to the sun “Engagement in specific And look down at the sea and incessant struggle against death’s rule renders us human... Than I’d sing cos I know - yea In resistance, persons live most humanly. I’d know how it feels Scott, Said Chouane, Kris, Megan, Melaid and Rahim ‘No’ to death means ‘yes’ to life.” Chouane in Algeria for Megan and Rahim’s Algerian wedding, ­ Scott leading a meeting July, 2011. — William Stringfellow, at RCNV circa 1980. Oh I’d know how it feels to be free. “An Ethic for Christians and Other — Nina Simone Aliens in a Strange Land” - 5 - Santa Cruz City Council: elected to three terms, 1990, 1994, 2000 and two terms as mayor, 1993, 2003. “I have been challenged by Gandhi’s admoni- tion, “no principle exists without its concrete application” (my paraphrase). I rather like jumping into the fray when a situation presents itself and to test my commitment to nonviolence in Depot Park groundbreaking, Santa Cruz, active engagement with day-to-day challenges. with youth soccer players and Cynthia — Scott Kennedy, on his involvement in local politics. Mathews.

Scott helped establish a Nuclear-Free Middle East... Zone in Santa Cruz in 1991. “I have attempted to amplify the voices Scott presents a Mayor’s of those Palestinians and Israelis Proclamation to Igal Ezraty of Yesh G’vul (“There is a limit !”), that are committed to nonviolence or an Israeli peace group campaigning against the occupation by backing waging nonviolent struggle to end the soldiers who refuse duties, April, 1992. Israeli Occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem... We help educate and mobilize people in the US to apply the same commitments they have demonstrated to peace and justice in the USA or elsewhere around the globe to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” — Scott Kennedy Scott at a demonstration against expan- sion of Israeli settlements, 1979. Nasser Abufarha, founder Left: Interfaith Peace-Builders Board of of the Palestine Fair Trade Directors and staff, Association, Scott, and Mike Washington, DC, Daly, 2009 IFPB delegation. Invictus February, 2009. Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, With Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the PLO, Tunis, Tunisia, August And yet the menace of the years 1987. Finds and shall find me unafraid. Above right: Azim Khamisa, It matters not how strait the gate, founder of the Tarik Khamisa Foundation; Mubarak Awad, How charged with punishments the scroll, founder of Nonviolence Interna- I am the master of my fate: tional and National Youth I am the captain of my soul. Advocates, and Scott. — Poem by Arthur Quiller-Couch, 1875. Nativity Square, Bethlehem, The title “Invictus” is Latin for “unconquered.” Palestine, 2007. - 6 - Remembering Scott and Looking Forward... A CALL TO ACTION by Anita Heckman, Resource Center for Nonviolence On behalf of the Resource Center for Nonviolence, we thank you for the outpouring of support that so many of you have offered, from all around the world. We make our way, continuing our jour- ney, grieving and remembering Scott’s life and work. We cry, we laugh, we feel at once hopeless at the prospect of life without Scott, and hopeful of continuing to realize Scott’s hopes and visions. What Can I Do to Help? Here’s a few replies Scott recently gave me: “You owe me big-time!” and RCNV Staff, 2008: Scott, Nanlouise Wolfe, Barbara Hayes, “no excuses.” We owe it to Scott to do everything in our Marciano Cruz, Sandino Gomez, Anita Heckman, Bob Fitch. Middle East... power to keep his work going, and expand it so the ripples Left photo: Deena Hurwitz, Jane Weed and her son, Scott, become waves of change. Tom Helman in front of RCNV, September, 1991. We need your help and support as we make our way forward. Remember Scott with your thoughts and prayers, but also take action. u Work and hope together: u Be inspired by Scott: go on a delegation to the region with for freedom, justice, a vital earth, human Interfaith Peace Builders. rights, peace, and the way of nonviolence. u Get involved: join us in our evaluation process and planning for u Support the Resource Center for Nonviolence and the future. First meeting: Wednesday, December 28, Scott’s family, not just now, but over the long-term. 7:00p.m. at 612 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, to begin evaluating u Give us your financial supportso we can focus on the important our Resource Center for Nonviolence program and direction. program work ahead. Realize the potential of our new building at 612 u Volunteer: offer your time, talents and connections. Ocean. Help make it a dynamic place filled with people from all corners of u Attend our programs: help us to spread the word Santa Cruz County and the world. and expand participation. u Help us to continue Scott’s vision for justice and u We invite you to join us in finding new ways to peace in the Middle East and maintain Scott’s ties locally, continue what Scott began. nationally and internationally.

Scott was adamant that we continue our work for and popular uprising throughout the world. Study and practice nonviolence. Speak up when nonviolence. He was so excited about the possi- We were looking to the future: in the last few you see injustice. Love others and yourself. Ask bilities for the future of the Resource Center with months we started a process of evaluating and for what you need. Don’t do it alone: remember our new building on 612 Ocean Street. In a recent discerning the Resource Center’s program and the value of family, friends, community and Good Times article about the new building, Scott direction. Scott said: “The steering committee teamwork. Listen. Stand up for what is right. said: “We came to the conviction that there was and staff are going through a process to really great value in establishing a physical place in the reexamine the work that we do and how we do it. Call yourself and others to accountability. community that people could come to rely on. We’ve been here for three decades and this is a Imagine. Take the work seriously, but keep a Buildings are important and this is a really big chance to reinvent or regenerate the Resource sense of humor. Touch. Remember and learn change and improvement for the Center, but the Center for Nonviolence.” from the past and look to the future. Be generous most important thing is the people. A building Passing the torch to the next generation: with your time and money. Write. Look at the is just a tool or avenue for us that hopefully will “We are very aware that we need to set the stage big picture. Plan. Take care of yourself. Prepare. help support and sustain people’s work.” if not pass the ball to the next generation of Reach out to a friend in need, and be a true Scott was busy planning a whole calendar of activists.” We were and are struggling for ways to friend. Reflect. Search for creative alternatives. events and speakers for the new building’s inau- help the next generation of activists commit to Laugh. Stretch yourself- move beyond the com- gural year. He was passionate about his work for this work for the long haul. Scott was constantly fortable. Cry. Express your appreciation and be nonviolence in Palestine and Israel. He was en- searching for new ways to reach out to people willing to acknowledge your mistakes. Motivate. couraged by the current moment of Arab Spring and truly mobilize the movement for nonviolent Be a mentor and leader. Be willing to change. and the growing movement for nonviolent change social change. He didn’t have any illusions that he Engage. Follow your passions and be relentless could realize all he wanted from in the pursuit of your goals. Don’t give up. his life or his work during his life- Scott said: “During times of crisis, the time, but that didn’t stop him from RCNV’s role switches from low key and quiet to trying to do as much as he could. a vital place that people can count on.” We are And it obligates us to continue. counting on you to get involved now. We plan to Our lives have been touched brashly “charge on” and do our best to find new and changed in so many ways by ways forward. We challenge you to join us as we our connections to Scott. He taught “go for it!” “No excuses.” u us so much and we will continue to RCNV staff with Cesar Chavez, 1985: Doug Rand, Betsy be inspired and learn from his life. www.rcnv.org, 831-423-1626 Fairbanks, Sandy Sweitzer, Scott. Front: Jeannine Viljoen, Anita Heckman, Cesar, Shelly D’Amour. - 7 - “No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There’s too much work to do.” — Dorothy Day

Peter Klotz-Chamberlin, co-founder and chair of the Resource Center for Nonviolence Steering Committee; Zoughbi Gathering at the Resource Center for Nonviolence’s Zoughbi, former director new building, 612 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, October 2011. of Middle East Witness Photo by Matt Fitt Matt by Photo in Palestine 1989-1993 and founder and director Memorial Contributions (in lieu of flowers) of “Wi’am,” the Palestin- to continue Scott’s peacebuilding work are appreciated. ian Conflict Resolution Center, Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine; Donations will be split between the and Carol Fuller, local Scott Democratic Party activist - Resource Center for Nonviolence - and Lee in Santa Cruz. IFPB Swenson delegation led by Scott, at Barrios - New Profile - Bethlehem, December, Unidos, an Israeli feminist anti-militarization movement, and 2010. Bob Fitch by Photo 2008. - Wi’am- the Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center - which works within the Palestinian community for human equality and basic rights. Please note that your donation is in memory of Scott, and indicate which organization you would like to support, if you have a preference. Donations may be made via paypal at Dedication of the Kepler Libary on www.rcnv.org or make checks payable to “RCNV” Nonviolence, 1986. The majority of RCNV’s book collection came from Roy and mail to the Resource Center for Nonviolence, Kepler, founder of Kepler’s Books in 515 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Palo Alto, and from Ira Sandperl. Clark For more information, call 831-423-1626. Kepler, Scott, Melody Kepler with Landis, Sam Tyson of the Modesto Peace Life Center, and Ira Sandperl. Only you and I can help the sun rise Anita Heckman and Mel Nunes walk to each coming morning. If we don’t, the RCNV’s new building, Oct. 2011. it may drench itself out in sorrow. Below: Lynn MacMichael, Danilo

Photo by Matt Fitt Matt by Photo Dolci- the Sicilian Gandhi, Scott, 1992. You— special, miraculous, unrepeatable, fragile, fearful, tender, lost, sparkling ruby emerald jewel, rainbow splendor person. It’s up to you.

— Joan Baez, (Daybreak, page 159)

The Kennedy family thanks you so much Front page top photos: Scott in the West Bank, circa 1987. for all your blessings and support. Right: Scott hugs Ben and Peter, Oct. 1980.

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