General Questions
	What is CODEPINK?
	CODEPINK is a women-led and women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement dedicated to stopping the war in Iraq, preventing future wars and redirecting our country's resources into life-affirming activities: education, health care, veteran's benefits and social services. We began in the onset to war in Iraq in 2002, as President Bush was telling us all to be afraid: CODE ORANGE! Duct tape your windows shut! CODE YELLOW! Saran-wrap everything in your freezer! We decided we needed to open a space for women to respond with love, humor and spirit: we decided that America needed CODEPINK. We have given "PINK slips" to poor leaders, PINK badges of courage to good ones- we hold vigils and marches, we lobby Congress. We now have 250 local chapters and an e-mailing list of over 80,000 people who receive our weekly alerts. We have just published an inspiring collection of essays from peacemakers around the world, called STOP THE NEXT WAR NOW. Help us stop the war: Join CODEPINK today!
	Am I a CODEPINK Member?
	Without the regular trappings of dues, official induction or secret handshakes to learn, many people wonder how they know when they are members of CODEPINK. Just using the word member implies that there is an established organization and accepted code of behavior to which you have to pledge in order to be included as one of the privileged few. CODEPINK doesn't have members. We don't require official affiliation to speak, act, or protest with CODEPINK. People* committed to creative protest against militarism and injustice are CODEPINK. People who want to influence a shift in the focus of world society and governments from militarism to life-affirming endeavors are CODEPINK. People who are not ashamed to wear a big pink button, and thereby encourage conversation are CODEPINK. People who are not afraid to be unreasonable or to be called un-patriotic in the name of peace and social justice are CODEPINK. People who realize that you must be the change you want to see in this world are CODEPINK. *People includes all people regardless of their gender. Though initiated by women and composed primarily of women, CODEPINK does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sex, ethnicity, age, religion, or social-economic status. (This answer written by CODEPINK Orlando.)
	I'm a man. Can I still be in CODEPINK?
	Yes! There are many men in CODEPINK who are supportive and respectful of women taking on leadership roles.
	What is CODEPINK doing now? How do I find out when big national actions are planned?
	To find out what we are up to every week, you can sign up for our e-alerts by clicking here.
	If I sign up to be on the CODEPINK list, will my information be given out to other organizations, the FBI, or Walmart?
	No.
	If I make a donation to CODEPINK, how is my money used?
	Your money will fund our programs, and every little bit helps! The bulk of our funding comes from individual donors, like YOU. We are a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution will help us get the anti-war message out by unfurling pink slips, organizing marches to end the war in DC, collecting humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Iraq, rebuilding New Orleans, and working for peace.
	There isn't a CODEPINK chapter in my area, and I'd like to start one. How do I do that?
	Sign up to be a local coordinator online in the local groups section of our website- specifically the Local Group Start-Up Kit. To find out more about starting a local group, contact Rae, our local groups coordinator, at locals[@]codepinkalert.org.
	What does "Stop the Next War Now" mean?
	CODEPINK started with the intention of stopping the invasion of Iraq before it started, but during our visit to Iraq, it became clear that the war was imminent. Now, we are dedicated to creating a movement that is capable of stopping the next war, whether it is in Syria, Iran, North Korea or anywhere else. We need to educate ourselves, expose the truth to the public and create a culture of peace and compassion before we are saddled with another expensive, unjust war.
	Will CODEPINK endorse my action / group / event / general strike / dance marathon?
	Please email info[@]codepinkalert.org with questions regarding sponsorship and endorsement.
	Can Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans, or Gael Murphy (the three CODEPINK cofounders) come and speak at my event / school? How do I get a CODEPINK speaker for my event or action?
	To find out how to arrange a CODEPINK speaking engagement, please contact: nancy[@]globalexchange.org (for Medea Benjamin) dana[@]codepinkalert.org (for Jodie Evans) or email info[@]codepinkalert.org with a general inquiry.
	Is CODEPINK a feminist organization?
	CODEPINK is a women-led organization that seeks to empower women politically, creating space for women to speak out for justice and peace in their communities, the media and the halls of Congress. Women are not better or purer or more innately nurturing than men, but the men have busied themselves making war, so we are taking the lead for peace.
More FAQs coming soon! Do you have a question, or an answer to a question that you are often asked about CODEPINK? Please email thoughtful and serious questions to rae[@]codepinkalert.org