What’s the pink code?

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Code Pink is a women’s anti-war group founded in response to growing American involvement in the Middle East. While the group was founded by female activists, people of all genders, races, classes, and creeds can participate in Code Pink events. The group has become known in the United States for its high-profile and creative protests, especially in places like Congress and in front of the White House.

The organization is officially called CODEPINK: Women for Peace, although most people know it by the more casual title of “Code Pink.” The name is intended as a pun on the color-coded system used by the Department of Homeland Security to communicate the possible risk of terrorist attacks in the United States. In keeping with its name, many Code Pink activists wear pink at the organization’s events, and the color pink is a dominant theme in the group’s signage and design.

The group was founded on October 2, 2002 by several prominent activists including Medea Benjamin, Starhawk, Diane Wilson and Jodie Evans. The women started a vigil in front of the White House in November of that year and also led a march through the streets of Washington. Members of the group want to promote peace and social justice in the Middle East while preventing further wars from breaking out. Code Pink’s members range from radical activists to the grieving parents of soldiers killed in action overseas.

The group works in different ways. In addition to engaging in creative and attention-grabbing protests, members also use nonviolent direct action as a tool, leading marches, rallies, and sit-ins to bring attention to their cause. Additionally, many Code Pink members value community involvement and are active both in their own communities and in communities abroad; the organization has famously donated needed supplies to Iraqi civilians, for example.

Like any political group, Code Pink has detractors. Some soldiers and military supporters have been offended by Code Pink’s protest actions, especially outside military hospitals. Code Pink has also been involved in contentious situations outside the offices of military recruiters and some members of the government. The organization has also famously disrupted Congressional proceedings, blocked traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge, and “set the White House in pink” for International Women’s Day.

Over 250 autonomous Code Pink chapters are active around the world, organizing events and networking with other activists. Since no membership fee or official membership is required, anyone can choose to act as a member of Code Pink as long as they agree with the principles of the organization.

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