A Boston fundraiser was held to help a new branch in Sierra Leone. Front row, from left: Joan Ecklein, hostess, Pat Hynes, speaker, Eileen Kurkoski, organizer. Back row: Pauline Soloman, Virginia Pratt, Jane Brown, Sue Mirsky, Libby Gerlach, May Takayanagi. The photo was taken by a donor at the event and used by permission.

WILPF Boston held a fundraiser on April 28, 2019, for a new WILPF branch in Sierra Leone which is working to improve women’s rights and security. Boston raised over $500 for them to build branches and improve communications. The money will be matched by the Traprock Center for Peace & Justice.

While in Ghana at the WILPF Congress, Pat Hynes, chair of the board of the Traprock Center for Peace & Justice, connected with the new leader of WILPF’s Sierra Leone section, Kadie Sesay. Pat shared information with us about the country and the new section.

Pittsburgh Branch Holds Annual Tax Day Rally and Penny Poll

On April 27, 2019, the WILPF Pittsburgh Branch had its 14th annual Tax Day Rally and Penny Poll. Each year we gather in a small park beside the post office to inform the public about where our tax money goes. In addition, people are given ten pennies so that they can put them into jars indicating where they prefer tax dollars be spent.

Traditionally, we have this event on April 15 (the last day taxes can be filed). This year, we had to reschedule it because of cold, rainy, windy weather. April 27 was a beautiful sunny day although windy and a bit chilly. Nevertheless, we passed out about 200 flyers and engaged numerous people in discussions. Most people we talked to agreed that the US government spends way too much money on the military and would prefer other more humane options.

Where would you spend your pennies (taxes)?