By Gloria McMillan, DISARM/End Wars Committee and Communications, Cultures, and Sensitization Working Group member
DISARM and other WILPF US committees have discussed that our newsletters should empower members to contact their representatives more frequently. Below is a sample letter you can use to write to your congressional representatives about the importance of divesting from weapons manufacturers and investing in support for their constituents:
Dear [name of elected official],
As your constituent, I am alarmed by your investments in drone manufacturers (please mention the specific company if known, e.g., AeroVironment, Lockheed Martin, etc.) while voting on defense policy. Public service is a responsibility—not an opportunity to grow personal wealth. I urge you to divest immediately to ensure your votes reflect your constituents’ interests, not your weapons portfolio.
Drones Do Not Make Us More Secure
Militarized drones often exacerbate threats by radicalizing local populations abroad and leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable at home. To genuinely enhance US security, please divest from these companies and support sustainable peace technologies. Drones frequently harm and kill civilians and escalate regional conflicts, creating new generations of terrorists. These tactical flaws show that drones do not solve the underlying issues.
Focus on the People’s Needs at Home
Military drone development should prioritize the development of better counter-drone defenses for critical infrastructure such as power plants and energy grids. Furthermore, funding for drones diverts resources from vital services such as veterans’ healthcare, which needs stronger support. Public education, Head Start, and assistance for students with disabilities are also shamefully underfunded and deserve greater investment.
We are committed to organizing against war profiteering by members of Congress.
If a public commitment to divest from these stocks and support broader divestment policies is not made before your next election campaign, a coalition of voters in this district is prepared to initiate the following nonviolent actions:
Voters in District [district number] will actively organize in the next election cycle to support candidates who prioritize human rights and divestment from weapons manufacturing. This issue will be a primary factor in determining voter support. We have successfully mobilized voters on other issues, and we urge you to act—rather than compel us to inform the public about how their tax dollars are being used to enrich war profiteers, including elected officials in districts like ours. We believe you can do better.
Please show it.
