Greater Philadelphia Branch at the March for Science. Courtesy Stelle Sheller.

By Tina Shelton, co-chair, Greater Philadelphia Branch

The Greater Philadelphia Branch networked with local environmental organizations 350.org, Sierra Club, and Food & Water Watch to see how we can work together on fracking issues and other environmental issues. At an event held in March at the Water Works Museum, the Branch showed a documentary filmed using WILPF mini-grant funds. The film, which showed the effects of fracking in Dimock, PA, was helpful for local activists and the public to get a first-hand view of some of the degradation and problems involved in fracking. Appreciation was given to Kay Lasker for her videography. After the film, some were able to get a tour of the Water Works Museum, which also raises awareness of environmental issues.

In April, we visited the Waging Peace Exhibit (organized by the American Friends Service Committee) on view at the African American Museum of Philadelphia; we protested Drones; and we joined with the Grannies for a Tax Day action. Our members have been attending Tuesdays with Toomey, asking for our Senator to hear the voices of all constituents.

With our new banner and renewed energy from a new administration, we joined our local March for Science Philadelphia. Despite clouds and rain, we marched and tabled, joining in a very enthusiastic rally, eager to meet others who are concerned about the direction that our country is taking, and sharing information with many about problems that WILPF has been educating about for years.