"Hooping For Peace" is a two-day event featuring, speakers, panel discussions, and of-course, hula-hooping during the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. 

Organized by Atlanta based Iranian American attorney, War on Error author, activist and hula-hooping enthusiast Melody Moezzi, "Hooping for Peace" is a celebratory call for peace employing hula-hoop diplomacy. 

For a complete schedule of events, directions, blog, contact info, press releases and more visit: www.hoopingforpeace.com

---

WHAT?
Hooping for Peace is a two-day long outdoor event (rain or shine) uniting people--across race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, culture and religion--to promote world peace, as well as to support Barack Obama's call for peace and his ultimate election as the next President of the United States of America. HFP opposes and denounces all acts of aggression that are not in imminent and genuine self-defense, including the proliferation of weapons worldwide (particularly nuclear weapons), as well as the invasion or occupation of Iran, or any other country not presenting an immediate threat inside our borders. To view HFP's extended mission statement, scroll down or click on the "Mission Statement" link to the right.

HAPPENINGS?
Apart from hula-hooping to the beats of lively and diverse tunes, HFP will also be hosting several speakers and panel discussions with leading progressive thinkers and activists, including co-founder of the Iraq Veterans’ Refugee Aid Association (IVRAA) and former Army Captain, Luis Montalvan; author, scholar and professor of Islamic studies, Dr. Liyakat Takim; CODEPINK co-founders, Jodie Evans and Medea Benjamin, and many others. See "Schedule of Events" below.

HOW TO GET THERE?
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION is your best bet on all counts--cheaper, faster, cleaner, easier. I encourage all of you to take Light Rail (RTD). Take the E, F, or H lines and get off at the University of Denver Station. Driscoll Green is only three blocks south of the station, it's bordered to the north by Asbury Ave. to the south by Evans Ave., to the west by High St. and to the east by University Blvd. See the map below.
If you're DRIVING, from Interstate 25 exiting south on University Blvd., go to the second traffic light and take a right on Asbury. At the second stop sign, you'll be at the lawn. Follow signs for HFP parking.

WHAT TO BRING?
Your head, your heart and all the other stuff holding them together. You don't need to bring anything, as we'll be providing everything for free (hoops, sustenance, etc.), BUT we would greatly appreciate it if you could bring at least one hoop (even if you keep it).
We just want to ensure we have enough hoops, no matter how many people show up. In addition, we will be donating all the remaining hoops to local schools and children, so we encourage you to donate your hoops after the event is over as well. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

TUESDAY, August 26 (8:00 am – 8:00 pm)
8:00–11:00...Welcome & Opening Statements as we begin Hooping for Peace!
11:00–1:00…Open Mic & Discussion: The Case for Peace: Why are You Here?
1:00–3:00…..Resume Hooping!
3:00–5:00…..Formal Panel Discussion, Fed Up With Fear-mongering, Eager for Education
5:00–8:00…..Last Hooping Session of the Day, Closing Remarks and Preview of Tomorrow

WEDNESDAY, August 27 (8:00 am – 8:00 pm)
8:00–11:00…Hooping for Peace Resumes & the Hooping Begins!
11:00–1:00…Formal Panel Discussion, Surviving Conflict, Fighting for Peace
1:00–3:00…..Resume Hooping!
3:00–5:00…..Prayers & Statements of Hope from varied perspectives, open to audience
5:00–8:00…..Final Hooping Session & Prepare Finale (Live Art Installation)
7:00–8:00......Peace Sign Formation composed of simultaneous hoopers, visible from the sky