NEWS

WILPF members gather for lunch at board retreat, at the home of board member, Dianne Blais. Used with permission.

by Darien De Lu
WILPF US President

July 2022

The inner work of deconstructing racism is important for WILPF US, our branches, and our members in order effectively do the “outer work” of challenging racist practices in the U.S. Given the growing awareness of structural and systemic racism in the U.S., WILPF US members, like the members of many progressive organizations, are re-examining our unconscious biases, the impact of internal organizational processes, and other aspects of the influence and remnants of centuries of racism on this continent. The Board encourages all branches to seek out and pursue such education and related practice (see the end of this article for pointers on finding facilitators and presenters).

The Board’s participatory session took place at the in-person board retreat in DC, in conjunction with the Poor People’s Campaign (PPC) June 18 national rally. Because racism is one of the five pillars of oppression of poor people identified by the PPC, this educational session complemented the rally’s many testimonies of poor people about their life experiences. The Board’s participation in the PPC rally, followed by the anti-racism and equity presentation by Dr. Lynch, reinforced their conviction to advance WILPF US inner and outer anti-racism work both locally and nationally. We need your help, at both levels!

Shortly after our founding in 1915, WILPF was one of the first U.S. organizations to include Black members – since then, WILPF US has repeatedly supported a variety of racial justice, anti-racism, and racism-awareness programs. Of course, no organization is perfect, and our record is mixed. Nonetheless, we continue to work toward being a “Beloved Community”, as described in a letter to the Board from the Greater Philadelphia Branch Coordinating Committee.

Again, I urge members to step up to assist with this national work. To help with a national committee to identify, develop, publicize, and coordinate inner work initiatives and resources – contact me:  President@wilpfUS.org. For outer work, the Anti-Racism Subcommittee of our Advancing Human Rights (AHR) Issue Committee is in need to revival after it went into suspension when no one – especially, no white WILPF member – stepped up to convene it. Please contact the AHR chair at ahrchair@wilpfUS.org to help revive that subcommittee. Certainly, on both the inner and outer levels, there’s work to be done!

One aspect of racism that the presentation to the board addressed is how we may lack personal awareness about our own biases, and of how something we say or do could be hurtful to another person– due to assumptions, based on our own limited life experiences. We began to interrogate this by answering the question, Who am I? – focusing our attention on the full range of our “social identities” – our sexual orientation and gender, racial and ethnic identities, profession and financial status, physical and mental abilities, religion, age, etc.

Our particular combination of these identities, along with the societal attitudes toward each of them, leads to our experience of intersectionality.  So the particular prejudices affecting, for example, a wheel-chair bound Asian woman are different from those faced by a poor white woman and again from what a highly educated, middle-aged Black man experiences.

Each of us carries all of our identities with us all the time, and many of them have profound effects on how others respond to us – and how we respond to others. And they intersect! In different contexts, one or a few of our identities will have more influence on how we’re viewed and treated.  Being conscious of these shifting and intersecting biases gives us the opportunity to be alert for how people may be treated differently.

White privilege, white fragility, and “color-blindness”

The concept of white privilege in the conversation about racism asserts the fact that white people benefit from structural racism while people of color are harmed. The entry of white privilege into wider public discourse through WILPF came via an article first published in our Peace & Freedom magazine in July/August 1989, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”, by Peggy McIntosh.

McIntosh highlighted the way that racism consists not only of “individual acts of meanness” but also of “invisible systems conferring dominance”. Examples range from as innocuous as being able to find “greeting cards, dolls, toys, and children’s magazines featuring people of my race” to as fundamental as the ability of “renting or purchasing housing in an area which I can afford and in which I want to live.”  The crux of white privilege is that white people need not think about the many options “naturally” available to them – yet denied to people of color. Moreover, as McIntosh notes, the white-supremacist culture of the U.S. avoids any discussion of white privilege, thus maintaining the myth that our society is a meritocracy.

Being conscious of white privilege can enable whites to perceive situations differently. Also, this “unearned privilege” can be used in constructive ways, such as when a white person uses the protection of white privilege to intervene in a situation in which others are acting – consciously or unconsciously – in racist ways.

U.S. culture discourages acknowledgement of white privilege, just as white fragility discourages discussions of racism.  That’s because white people in the U.S. are likely to be uncomfortable – fragile – when topics related to racism are raised. That discomfort can take many forms – from guilt and fear to anger and arguing.

Microagressions

Fragility can cause white people to be resistant to acknowledging another important aspect of racism: microaggressions. In WILPF we are united against racism, however, our individual and organizational white privilege may lead to the lack of sensitivity and lack of awareness that is usually at the core of microagressions. A microagression can be the way that a question, a comment, or even our body language becomes an insult or an invalidation (denying the person’s perceptions) – sometimes even an assault. I believe that most microaggressions in WILPF are unintended; they may even be offered as a compliment! Yet they are painful and harmful.

In our educational session, the Board viewed this short video offering a shared and familiar experience to help whites understand why these “micro” remarks and behaviors are so hurtful. With education and help – including from each other – we all can better learn to recognize them. When one of us is “called” on a microaggression, let’s listen and apologize – rather than try to make excuses or argue. This is an opportunity to gain insight.

Continuing our racial justice education

In the board’s 5 ½-hour educational session, we certainly didn’t have enough time to go into depth on all of the topics on the ambitious outline for our presentation -- which, besides items mentioned above, included the topics “Power & Privilege” and “Building Inclusive Organizations”.

For branches or other local groups that WILPF members work with, a formal and interactive presentation or a well referenced study group can both work well. Such sessions must allow a lot of time for questions, comments and discussion, as well as practical exercises and individual participation.

How do you find a good educational presentation about racism? As with many services, seek to get referrals; ask around! Especially try inquiring with groups with whom you have worked – including groups of people of color. Have some idea of what you want to cover, and consider the suggestions made by a potential presenter. Avoid presenters who advertise! Be prepared that these days, those with established skills and reputations often have waiting lists.

WILPF is an organization, because we understand that work on complex societal problems like racism requires the effort of many people. Let’s work together to confront the remnants of racism within WILPF US.

A Celebration of the life Lucy Nichol, founder of Central VT WILPF
by Robin Lloyd
Vermont WILPF 

July 2022

On Thursday, June 30, friends and loved ones held a celebration of the life of Lucy Nichol, long time organizer and founder of the Central VT branch of WILPF. Lucy was a beloved activist, teacher, gardener, and woman of peace. Every Friday at noon for years, she was part of a small group standing in front of the Montpelier Post Office holding signs protesting war or calling for nuclear disarmament. She always celebrated Hiroshima Day in early August by making and floating origami boats with candles down the Winooski River to symbolize the hope that the world would never again see such destruction. She helped found the Raging Grannies with other women in Central Vermont, and sang at many rallies and events. 

A group gathered at the Peace Park, maintained by former members of WILPF, and floated candle boats on the nearby Winooski River in honor of Lucy’s remarkable life. 

Remembering Miriam Thomspon
by Lucy Lewis
WILPF Triangle Branch

Miriam Thompson, long-time WILPF Triangle (NC) branch member, died on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022 after a brief illness. After moving from New York City to North Carolina in 2008 to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren, Miriam quickly became a pillar of our branch as well as the local peace and justice community. For several years, she was a member of the Triangle steering committee; she also created and strengthened our alliances with numerous local organizations, especially in the labor movement. Miriam deeply understood the meaning of intersectionality and the slogan No Justice, No Peace. She was passionately committed to numerous justice issues, including Palestinian and Black liberation, worker and immigrant rights, affordable health care and housing, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, environmental justice, and many others.

Miriam will be deeply missed.  But she brought an indomitable spirit, tireless energy, fierce determination, and faith in humanity that will continue to inspire us all.  And as her daughter Rinah recently wrote, “If you want to honor her, engage in the revolution.  Don’t wait.  Pick something to do - and do it with all your being.”  There will be a full remembrance of Miriam in the Fall/Winter issue of Peace and Freedom.

Honoring the legacy of Edith Bell 
by Susan Smith
Pittsburg Branch 

The death of Edith Bell on May 22, 2022, is a huge loss to WILPF and the activism community in Pittsburgh. During her time in the US, she started three WILPF branches – in Wisconsin, West Virginia, and finally Pittsburgh in 2002. In 2003, Edith co-founded the Pittsburgh Raging Grannies who sang (and sing) frequently at events, such as marches, the Occupy Movement, and sometimes on street corners. For years, Edith organized WILPF meetings, marches, made signs, and showed up at planning meetings and events of related organizations. She became an active and leading member of several groups including Stop Banking the Bomb, Black and White Reunion, Thomas Merton Center, and Remembering Hiroshima/Imagining Peace.

Edith was a Holocaust survivor from four Nazi camps. Some of her most public accomplishments included speaking to young people about the Holocaust and its lessons through the Holocaust Survivors Center and local schools. Edith was concerned about peace and justice issues all her adult life, going strong until shortly before her death at 98. She is an inspiration to us all. There will a full remembrance of Edith in the Fall/Winter issue of Peace & Freedom.  

by Martha Hart
Humboldt WILPF

July 2022

For anyone who didn’t attend the Poor People’s Campaign rally in Washington, D.C. on June 18th, 2022, it was a fantastic experience! There was a myriad of speakers: both anecdotal and inspirational. Speakers told stories of poverty, homelessness or near homelessness while the screen behind displayed the poverty statistics for the state or region that they were from. Inspirational speakers included Dr. Martin Luther King’s daughter, Dr. Bernice King; Dr. Cornell West; Rev. William Barber, of course; and former Vice President Al Gore who participated by video. Each had their own dynamic style, and it was easy to get caught up in the excitement. 

Estimates for the size of the crowd ranged from 4,000 people to as high as 10,000 people. The crowd was orderly and responsive to the speakers. The capital police were visible, but not intrusive. The only policing I heard or saw was a simple request for people to clear the fire lanes. People seemed to be enjoying each other, and crowd monitors kept foot traffic paths clear. I was handed a bottled water by one of the crowd monitors, which I took thankfully. There were many signs and posters.

On Sunday, there was a WILPF US board meeting and a luncheon at a WILPFer’s gracious home in Fairfax, Virginia, which included a song of blessing by Darien de Lu. Very fitting. The meal included all forms of salad and a Pakistani bean dish that I would love to get the recipe for. The meeting was very impressive—it was great to see how our board works. They welcomed visitors. 

One of the things that impressed me was that so many people were willing to travel in the interest of those in economic poverty, and against the widening wage gap in the U.S.

On July 5th, 2022, there was a zoom meeting for WILPF members and others interested in the Poor People’s Campaign rally. One of the subjects discussed were the 7 steps we can take before the midterms. 

The one that stands out to me is to get people voting. In Humboldt, we are looking at how we can support the homeless members of our community become registered to vote. Helping people register to vote and get to the polls lets them know their voice counts and helps us as people to not be victimized by an unjust system. 

If you couldn’t make it to the rally, please watch the video here.

By Nancy Price
Earth Democracy Chair

July 2022

The timely theme for the 33rd WILPF International Congress, to be held virtually July 16-24, 2022, is Making Connections: Environment, Social Justice and Demilitarization for Feminist Peace. 

Throughout the week of Monday, July 18 through Friday, July 22, WILPF International will host panels, workshops and films on a variety of topics. Don’t miss the Earth Democracy panels—read on for more info! 

Secure your ticket now at this link. 

The Congress is hosted through Canapii, an excellent and easy to use conference system. You can review the Congress Plenary and Workshop and Exchange Sessions here.

NOTE: The Congress website posts the time for all events in CEST (Central European Summer Time). Be sure to convert that time to your US time zone, so you tune in at the proper time in Geneva, where the WILPF International office is located. 

Click here to register and get your ticket for the WILPF International Congress! 

Towards Environmental Peace and Justice – A Space for Learning and Exchange
Monday, July 18
10:00 – 11:30 pm CEST / 4:00 – 5:30 pm EDT / 1:00 – 2:30 pm PDT

Nancy Price will make a short presentation on PFAS from the point of view of the impact of militarism on the Human Right to Health (see www.militarypoisons.org for more info). This is part of WILPF International’s Environmental Working Group’s Exchange and Learning Session to dive into the gravest impacts of the ecological crisis and its intersections with gender and peace, seen from WILPF members’ perspective. We will listen to lived experiences and collaboratively find approaches and solutions to these destructive environmental and climate impacts. Discussions will include Indigenous perspectives, grassroots mitigation and adaptation, disarmament and degrowth. 

Can Sanctions Ever be Just – Let Alone Effective? A Feminist Perspective, Patricia Hynes
Wednesday, July 20
7:00 – 8:30 pm CEST / 1:00 - 2:30 EDT / 10:00 – 11:30 am PDT

This program will discuss whether sanctions – such as trade, divestment and boycotts -- can hold the potential to be just and effective, or if they are too often corrupted by masculinist power politics and serve mainly as another form of punitive war. Our goal is to develop a set of conditions and qualities that characterize just sanctions and contexts for their optimal use. Pat asks, “How do we help ensure that sanctions are both just and more likely to be effective in sustaining justice?  She concludes by describing some very interesting and revealing case studies in Africa. 

Read Pat’s April 14, 2022 article, Can sanctions ever be just – let alone effective, here.

Pat’s new book, Hope, But Demand Justice was just published and reviewed in the recent Peace & Freedom Magazine. She was director of the Traprock Peace and Justice Center in Western Massachusetts from 2010-2021. Since the WILPF 2018 Congress in Ghana, she has partnered with WILPF Sierra Leone and WILPF Cameroon on projects. 

Climate Justice+Women+Peace, Cindy Piester and Nancy Price
Friday, July 22
6:00 – 7:30  pm CEST / 12:00 – 1:30 pm EDT / 9:00 – 10:30 am PDT

This panel will discuss ways for WILPF Sections to collaborate on the call for nations to Move the Money from militarism and war to climate mitigation and adaptation, particularly for frontline nations and the Global South; to prioritize diplomacy, negotiations, and peace above militarism and war, to divest from fossil fuels, and to denuclearize. 

Cindy Piester will begin with a 20-minute illustrated talk, “Fighting the Militarism of Extinction and Annihilation – A Feminist Perspective” on the climate emergency and threat of nuclear war. This will be followed by discussion among WILPF Section members from Norway, Italy, Canada and Afghanistan on ways to collaborate and build an inclusive, intersectional and transformative peace movement.

Cindy is a lifetime peace activist and former alternative media cable access television producer/host. She has been giving presentations on climate disruption and U.S. militarism since 2018. She is on the steering committee of the Veterans for Peace’s Climate Crisis and Militarism Campaign, and on the board of the Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community. 

Nancy is Co-chair with Randa Solick of the Earth Democracy Committee and a member along with Cindy of WILPF International’s Environmental Working Committee.