This year has been a big one so far for the Sacramento branch of WILPF. After a hiatus of several years regarding the atomic bombing commemorations on Aug. 6 and 9, and following the branch’s previous involvement with Sacramento’s annual August Peace Event, the branch engaged in a “Hiroshima Shadow Project” on the sidewalk outside the local federal courthouse on Aug. 6. In September, the branch held its first in-person meeting since the COVID pandemic. Additionally, with support from various local activists and especially organized by a leader from the Poor People’s Campaign, a “remix” of the Raging Grannies (and Grandpas!) made its first public appearance at the local Sun Day celebrations during the fall equinox weekend.

The “Shadow Project” was initiated from a post on the Branches Listserve by Robin Lloyd, reminding members of WILPF’s long-standing commitment to nuclear disarmament. Branch members quietly assembled in front of the enormous federal courthouse, where they chalked a message about the 80th anniversary of the bombing and traced the outlines of “the dead” on the ground. They departed—with their message in place—after building security informed them that they were “defacing federal property.” The members understood that arguing with security about how the actions of the president and Congress could also be seen as “defacing public properties” was futile.

To highlight the branch’s first in-person meeting since around 2020, the Sept. 13 meeting featured a special presentation on the Theater of the Oppressed by local playwright and homeless activist Les Light. Both current branch members and new activists attended the presentation, which focused on Augusto Boal’s theater techniques designed for education, experimentation, and practical application at actions. In addition to this presentation, the meeting briefly addressed regular branch business, including reports from members on various local actions and events, a monthly discussion of WILPF eNews articles, and updates on the branch’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility work.

WILPF’s Sacramento branch members learned about Theater of the Oppressed at a recent meeting. These theater techniques can be used for political education, experimentation, and practical application at actions.

The Sacramento branch has pursued DEI work since participating in Program Committee Chair George Friday’s DEI “train the trainers” session during the WILPF US Congress in May and June 2024. The branch included “accessibility” in the standard DEI acronym to recognize the importance of accommodations that prevent ableism from hindering participation. In addition to viewing relevant brief videos and reading and discussing short articles, the branch has researched local organizations led by BIPOC individuals. Out of these discussions, the branch decided to focus its efforts on working collaboratively with and supporting the Sacramento Poor People’s Campaign (PPC).

At the same time, Sacramento PPC activist Faye Kennedy has stepped up to convene the local Raging Grannies gaggle following the passing of long-standing organizer Joan Kelly in 2024. The branch is also mourning the loss of core member Esther Franklin, who passed away just one month before her 100th birthday.

The Sacramento branch has experienced periods of dormancy and blossoming since its founding by WILPF and Southside Cohousing member May d’Marie. Being located in the state’s capital offers significant potential for strategic lobbying with the legislature.

For now, discussions for future projects include the possibility of hosting a regional WILPF conference. Before the pandemic, every year or two, one Northern California branch would host a “cluster meeting” for the area’s five to seven other branches. However, those gatherings were only one-day events. To truly encourage regional participation, the conference would need to last at least two days, given the long drives of four to twelve hours. Finding low-cost accommodations for a weekend has so far hindered further planning.

Fortunately, the branch is experiencing a renewed influx of energy. Two of its members stepped back from leadership on the national board this year. Ellen Schwartz, the 2024 national nominating committee chair, is handling vital communications and technology tasks for the branch, while past president Darien De Lu brings ideas and information from national WILPF for local branch activities. Newer member Randy Hicks has joined the national DISARM/End Wars Issue Committee and relays information about DISARM’s work to the branch. Monthly virtual branch meetings draw core members, and future in-person gatherings will help attract additional participants.