For 110 years, WILPF has been shaped by the wisdom and dedication of its members. Each brings something unique and essential—energy, skills, experience, and their own distinctive approach to advancing peace and justice in their communities. Together, these individual contributions weave the vibrant tapestry of WILPF’s legacy. This month, Emily Ricketts shares her story of activism with WILPF.
Name: Emily S. Ricketts
City and state: Tucson, AZ
WILPF member since: 2021, though I have known about WILPF since the 70s
WILPF value most alive in my activism (values: courageous truth-telling, sisterhood & solidarity, community organizing, credible voices, inclusive feminism): Sisterhood & solidarity. Members of our Tucson chapter continue to show up at meetings and stay active even with our advanced ages and varied activism. We stay in solidarity by planning events and actions to contribute to WILPF’s organizational values.
Top issue I’m focused on right now and why: VOTING. I have been a member of the League of Women Voters for eight years. Elections are extremely important, and informed citizens need to be encouraged to study candidates and issues and vote.
My favorite memory connected to WILPF: Being a member of the team preparing Challah lunch at the UU Church in Tucson’s annual fundraiser for Palestinian children. Also, helping Gloria McMillanin (another WILPF Tucson chapter member) recruit young people on the University of Arizona’s campus to join WILPF.
One thing that brings me joy or inspiration to act for peace in these times: The Tucson WILPF chapter needs new younger members. At my age, it gives me great pleasure to meet young voices and faces willing to commit their lives and energy to peace and freedom.
