After eight years of connecting WILPF members and hosting knowledgeable and perceptive featured speakers, some of whom were truly outstanding, the ONE WILPF Calls series has concluded. However, you can still –
Listen To Women…. For A CHANGE!
Ongoing Monthly Jane Addams Branch Events
To continue to connect with WILPF members and hear presentations and announcements about WILPF topics, watch for eAlerts about the monthly Jane Addams Branch events. These third-Wednesday virtual gatherings are open to all WILPF members and allies!
The Jane Addams Branch is a virtual WILPF branch, and the Jane Addams Branch events welcome all WILPF members to help us connect and collaborate across the country. The monthly virtual meetings feature special announcements, guest speakers, WILPF US leaders (Board members, International Reps, issue committee and ad hoc committee chairs, and branch chairs). All attendees can participate with comments and discussion.
Archived Audio Recordings and Notes
Click here to see the 2020 recordings.
Click here to see the 2019 recordings.
Click here to see the 2018 recordings.
Click here to see the 2017 recordings.
Click here to see the 2016 recordings.
2023 Audio Recordings and Notes
June 8, 2023
Left: Vijay Prashad Right: Dilma Roussef
WORLD BANK VS. BRICS BANK
Addressing International Poverty & Debt with Vijay Prashad
How is “development” at the World Bank and IMF tied to oppressive debt, resource theft and profiteering in the Global South and Carribean? How does this result in diminishing respect for the US in BRICS countries and the growing influence of Russia and China? How will the BRICS Bank offer more practical assistance without inflicting crushing debt? In this national organizing zoom, journalist and historian Vijay Prashad compared the philosophies behind the recent appointment of the new World Bank Head, Ajay Benga from the corporate world, and the New Development Bank’s (BRICS Bank) new Chair Dilma Rousseff. He included a broad history of big western banks profiteering through colonization.
We also heard updates on WILPF Committee Actions and plans for actions throughout the summer, including a report on the March 2023 UN Practicum for Advocacy in NYC, the DISARM Committee calls to action, The Middle East Peace & Justice Action Committee and an update from the Women, Money & Democracy team. More announcements too.
NEXT ONE WILPF CALL: Thursday, October 12, 2023 7pm ET/6pm CT/5pm MT/4pm PT
Watch the Zoom call
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March 9, 2023
SOLIDARITY ECONOMY BANKING SOLUTIONS
Meet the Banker Ladies
Coming the day after International Women’s Day, this program focused on how much women can support one another financially by being their own “banks”. For women of color banks can be dangerous places and ‘banking while Black’ has always been fraught. This woman-centered alternative gives women the power to change the dynamics in their favor.
Dr. Caroline Shenaz Hossein of University of Toronto introduced us to a centuries old form of alternative banking used by women in developing countries around the world, and by immigrants and refugees in North America. With no interest charged, this form of banking is based on doing good in small communities of women who are helping one another save money as a kind of mutual aid/solidarity economy model. Women helping women to save money for house downpayments, student tuitions, cars to get to work, and weddings or gifts for children. With bank failures announced immediately after this call, alternative models make more sense for women.
We also heard a tribute to former DISARM Chair Carol Urner who passed on January 30th, and Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. These peace icons continue to inspire us all.
Watch the Zoom call
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January 12, 2023
WOMEN. LIFE. FREEDOM: Voices of the Iranian Protest
Iranian feminist organizer Sally Rahimi discussed the bravery of Iranian Women in daring to envision and demand a future for themselves and their daughters. Included were recommendations for how American women can support their Iranian sisters.
This zoom included great information and announcements about upcoming events.
Watch the Zoom call
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2022 Recordings and Notes
October 13, 2022
Cherrill Spencer, Medea Benjamin, Charlotte Dennett
PEACE IN UKRAINE: Meaningful Action in Historical Context
On this call we heard recommendations for effective actions that could demand peace negotiations in Ukraine. Featured Guest Speaker Medea Benjamin offered the video she prepared on Ukraine, which she asks be shared widely individually and in ‘house parties’ to increase understanding about what’s really behind this conflict. Charlotte Dennett, former Middle East Correspondent and author of The Crash of Flight 3804: A Lost Spy, a Daughter’s Quest, and the Deadly Politics of the Great Game for Oil weighed in on how OPEC’s recent decision to halt oil production plays into the Ukraine conflict and will influence US elections. WILPF US’s own Cherrill Spencer offered practical recommendations and tools developed by the DISARM/End Wars Committee.
Watch the Zoom call
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July 11, 2022
Emily Levy, founder of Scrutineers.org
Defend Democracy – Protect The Vote
Emily Levy, founder and director of Scrutineers.org, explained opportunities for WILPF members and the public to take advantage of their observer and monitor trainings to discourage vote tampering, and learn how to intervene effectively afterwards, in case of close results. Scrutineers teaches volunteers how to show up effectively during vote counting and processing.
Judy Adams (Penninsula/Palo Alto CA) explained some strategies for getting out the vote in non-partisan ways, even in challenging parts of the country. There are lots of ways you can help, even if your time and mobility are limited.
And Ashley Carrington (Triangle NC Branch) unveiled and introduced the new WILPF Voting Rights Toolkit (VTR) that will be of practical use to all WILPF members and branches right through the 2024 Presidential Election. The nonpartisan toolkit focuses of get out the vote efforts, protecting voter rights for all, and particularly offers advice about connecting with BIPOC local efforts near you.
Watch the Zoom call
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May 12, 2022
WILPF SOLIDARITY With the Poor People’s Campaign, June 18th
The mission of WILPF US to advocate for peace intersects with the mission of the Poor People’s Campaign, and we’ve been partners for a Moral Revival since 2018. Our Triangle NC Branch has been supporting the message of Rev. William Barber since 2004, a few years before Rev. Barber spoke powerfully at our Triennial Congress in North Carolina. This call includes
- Practical organizing details for WILPF members to adequately plan to travel to DC on June 18th.
- Inspiring reports from PPC organizers from California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
- Cherrill Spencer, Chair of the DISARM Committee presented a compelling comparison between the PPC’s Moral Budget and the trillions of dollars being hastily approved for military intervention in Ukraine.
- We heard announcements about the WILPF International virtual Congress scheduled for July, how to register and the overall schedule being planned, as well as the names of the WILPF US delegates and alternates to the International Congress.
Watch the Zoom call
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March 10, 2022
Mahmud Fitil, Qırımlı, Crimean Tatar Nation. Photo by Joshua Foo
Putting Ukraine in Context Through an Indigenous Perspective
Mahmud Fitil presented the Russian invasion of Ukraine through the lens of the the indigenous people of Crimea, displaced and terrorized by the Russians for centuries. He represented the North American Crimeans at an International Congress in 2015. Today he works with our indigenous friends at GreatPlainsAction.org. His take on what’s happening in Ukraine put the conflict into historic, regional and human rights context. He suggested an effective response for WILPF members that will surprise you.
Also, just in time for World Water Day and Earth Day, Nancy Price threaded the needle for us connecting how the peace and climate movements are coming together to expose the military carbon bootprint.
Finally we heard updates from the WILPF US Poor People’s Campaign Solidarity Action working group.
Watch the Zoom call
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February 10, 2022
Fighting for democracy in the Philippines through the power of the ballot and organizing
Sylvia Estrada Claudio, MD, PhD. Dean of the College of Social Work and Community Development at University of the Philippines presented about the efforts to protect voting rights in the Philippines under an authoritarian dictator.
And Ashley Carrington of the Triangle NC WILPF Branch presented her exciting proposal for infusing activism with the arts within WILPF US. Her project WCAC (WILPF Cultural Arts Committee) seeks artists from WILPF membership and beyond, to add more heart connections to our activism.
Watch the Zoom call
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Arts & Activism Proposal for WCAC project powerpoint:
One page summary for sharing
Indicate Interest in WCAC Project here
January 11, 2022
FINALIZING SOLIDARITY ACTIONS
Continued 2022 Planning
January’s zoom presented results of the member and branch voting for 2022 Solidarity Actions. Two Actions were chosen (Voting Rights work and Poor People’s Campaign March on Washington and to state capitals in June).
Planning committees for each action were organized. Subsequently dates for the initial meetings for each planning committee were decided.
Watch the Zoom call
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Click here to view branch vote spread chart for Solidarity Actions
2021 Recordings and Notes
December 9, 2021
LAUNCHING 2022 PLANS
Solidarity Actions & One WILPF Topics
December’s zoom focused on an inspiring review of branch and national accomplishments in 2021 and a member forum to discuss topics for 2022 One WILPF Calls and Solidarity Actions.
Planning will continue for the next few weeks and months, but initial planning started with the November call and continued this month.
WATCH the Zoom call
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November 11, 2021
Defending First Foods, Sacred Spaces, and Stolen Land
Just in time for Thanksgiving, Sikowis (Christine) Nobiss of Great Plains Action Society talked at minute 16 about the colonialist and white racist origins of Thanksgiving, and described how native ritual and ceremony has strengthened and comforted indigenous people throughout their history.
For native and indigenous peoples in North America, Thanksgiving is a colonialist affront.
At 1 hour 41 minutes, White Earth Ojibwe tribal attorney Frank Bibeau (active with HonorEarth.org) described the case he’s waging against the Enbridge Pipeline 3, in defense of the tribe’s treaty-protected crop of sacred wild rice in Minnesota. Enbridge has filed documents that disclose their plans to extract (steal) millions of gallons of precious water along the pipeline route, part of which goes through the wild rice crop. This case is one of only a handful in the country that asserts the ‘rights of nature’.
Since it’s also Armistice Day, we opened with short tributes to WILPF US members Sister Megan Rice, and Marjorie Van Cleef, tireless peace activists who passed away recently.
These One WILPF calls are open to the public, held on the second Thursday of each month. Please invite attendance.
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October 14, 2021
SUDDENLY POSSIBLE
Getting Corporate Money Out of Elections
Sponsored by the Women, Money & Democracy Committee of WILPF US
A new bipartisan bill might just get corporate money out of elections! Corporations with even a small percentage of foreign ownership would be prohibited from making contributions to US elections and candidates… from City Councils to President… thanks to a new kind of legislation to keep foreign interests from buying elections. Since 98% of America’s biggest corporations DO have foreign investors, the majority of big corporate donors might be contained.
Our guest Courtney Hostetler, senior counsel for Free Speech For People explains the strategy and how it’s succeeding across the US.
WATCH the Zoom call
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Click here to download the Zoom CHAT
September 9, 2021
CHALLENGING THE UN:
It’s not a “People’s Food Summit” when you exclude and silence the people who do the work!
Sponsored by the Women Money & Democracy and Earth Democracy Committees of WILPF. US
The latest “private/public partnership” at the UN, the Food Systems Summit on Thursday, September 23rd, is being opposed and challenged by our WILPF allies at the international Food Sovereignty Alliance.
They contend that the agenda for the summit has been shaped entirely by the Big Ag corporations trying to control our food, with the false premise that petro-chemicals and GMO-modified seeds (terminator seeds that are designed to reject natural regeneration) are the only way to ‘feed the world’. Small family farmers, organic farmers, sustainable agriculture proponents, environmentalists and farmworkers had no input into the meeting, and are being excluded and silenced. This is a familiar tactic of colonizers.
Our allies are asking WILPF members and others to take to social media to decry this profiteer-driven corporatized vision of the future of food.
Des Moines WILPF member and member of the Family Farm Coalition, Patti Naylor will describe the opposition being planned and what you can do to support it. Patti and her husband George Naylor are small family organic farmers in Iowa. She’s been on the leadership team for the Food Sovereignty Alliance in North America and was a panelist on one of the most successful workshops at our WILPF Congress in August. She’ll recap that session for those who couldn’t be there, and focus on planning that supports regenerative sustainable ag in the US and globally.
Click here for the Facebook post to use Sept 13-23. Please post and share frequently during that time.
Read the report from UN Rapporteur on Right to Food:
Read article summarizing ally resistance.
WATCH the Zoom call
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Click here to download the Zoom CHAT
July 8, 2021
KEEPING BIDEN’S PROMISE TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH CUBA.
Sponsored by the Cuban & Bolivarian Alliance Committee of WILPF US
Hear about the devastating impact of the US blockade and hear about exciting ways YOU and your branch can help us change US foreign policy towards Cuba.
Featured speakers are Elena Freyre, Miami-based Cuban-American president of the Foundation For Normalization of US/Cuba Relations. And CoChairs Cindy Domingo and Leni Villagomez Reeves of WILPF’s national Cuba and Bolivarian Alliance Committee.
WATCH the featured presentation
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Click here to download the Zoom CHAT
June 10, 2021
No Return to Normal
CARING WAGES FOR CARING WORKERS
Value essential workers by PAYING them equitably.
Sponsored by the National Women, Money & Democracy Committee of WILPF US
Facilitated by Martha Collins, W$D Committee. National Political Director for Feeding America.
Danielle Atkinson — Founder and National Director for MOTHERING JUSTICE. Danielle has extensive experience as a church-based, electoral, and community organizer. She has worked with organizations such as America Votes, State Voices, Population Connection and ACORN. In 2012, Atkinson founded Mothering Justice, a leadership development and advocacy organization. Atkinson has led organizing efforts to raise the minimum wage in both Florida and Michigan. Mothering Justice also led the fight to get earned paid sick time in Michigan. Her work organizing mothers won her the 2013 Michigan Organizer of the Year Award. Atkinson received bachelor’s degrees in political science and sociology from Pfeiffer University and lives in Royal Oak, Michigan, with her husband Frank and their six children.
Truth Freemyn — Leadership Development & Training Manager for 9To5 was the Principal Consultant of PBF Leadership Consultants for more than 20 years and Associate Consultant of Venture Concept Consultants. She has been involved in leadership development for more than two decades, with proven professional expertise in fundraising, management, human resources, and the personal growth and development fields, working with staff, volunteers, managers, boards, and funders. Truth formerly served as National Workplace Anti-Discrimination Project Director for 9to5, NAWW for five years. In that capacity she oversaw the national welfare work and directed the Wisconsin-based 9to5 Poverty Network Initiative.
Plus urgent Announcements to inform individual and solidarity actions for peace and planet.
Watch the featured presentations "CARIING WAGES FOR CARING WORKERS"
Click here to download the Interactive TextPad.
Click here to download the Zoom CHAT
May 13, 2021
THE OILY DOLLAR
The deadly quest for middle east pipelines and how oil has created a US economy built on debt that finances war.
RICKEY GARD DIAMOND, author of SCREWNOMICS: How Our Economy Works Against Women And Real Ways To Make Lasting Change and founder of WILPF US partner An Economy of Our Own.
CHARLOTTE DENNETT, middle eastern correspondent and author of the book THE FLIGHT OF 3804: A Lost Spy, A Daughter's Quest, And The Deadly Politics of The Great Game For Oil are our featured speakers.
Plus urgent Announcements to inform individual and solidarity actions for peace and planet.
Watch the featured presentations "THE OILY DOLLAR"
Click here to download the Interactive TextPad.
Click here to download the Zoom CHAT
April 8, 2021
THE AMERICAN RECOVERY ACT & MOVE THE MONEY
A Rare Window of Opportunity for Meaningful Change
Two wonderful speakers offered insight and practical action plans to redirect short term and longer term public funding towards the public good.
Rev. Paul Dordal of Pittsburgh Move The Money covers the long term: MOVE THE MONEY — A CAMPAIGN TO CUT DEFENSE SPENDING describing the growing coalition of organizations and individuals to pass local resolutions for a reduction in the bloated military budget as a way to assist the millions of fellow citizens in dire need. They are working with Reps. Barbara Lee and Mark Pocan, who have established the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus in the US House of Representatives. These efforts are spreading to communities around the country.
WILPF’s own Nancy Price reports on the shorter term: THE AMERICAN RECOVERY ACT – AN OPPORTUNITY TO INFLUENCE THE DIALOGUE
Activists around the country need to act NOW to influence decisions that will be made about how the moneys that your city and county receive will be spent. Who needs to be part of that process and how could it work in your community?
Practical advice about HOW to monitor and influence distribution policies locally within the next few weeks.
The March-April Congressional Recess is a major opportunity for our communities to mobilize in their home districts and make our voices heard for supporting a bold and aggressive people-centered agenda.
The Frontline, an alliance of indigenous, black, Latino, labor and frontline action organizers, want folks to contact DEMOCRATIC members who are either already supporting the President's recovery program or who are neutral, leaning left. They ask that when we contact these members we ask them to support the "Thrive Agenda", which has been put forward by the Democratic Party and endorsed by a long list of national organizations, including WILPF US (through the W$D Committee's recommendation).
They are offering lots of good videos for skills training at frontline.fyi/youtube.
And their Recess Toolkit is accessible here.
Listen here for the featured speaker segment.
Click here to download the Interactive TextPad.
Download excellent organizing materials from Paul Dordal here.
March 11, 2021
PLANNING FOR MORE CAPACITY
"The 1 By 1 We Grow" Project
What peace and justice projects in your community could you do bigger or better if you had more hands on deck? That’s one of the pivotal questions underlying the new WILPF US “1 By 1 We Grow” Project that WILPF US is rolling out for effective recruiting. Two exceptionally successful recruiting strategists are helping WILPF members and branches uncover ‘new tricks’ for connecting with people and doing outreach that results in new enthusiasm and more members to support the projects that inspire and that have the potential for real change.
This ONE WILPF Call featured Francis Englert from the United Together California and Deborah Bunka from the Iowa Farmer’s Union. Both offered strategies and new ways to approach recruiting that can make all the difference. Francis is the son of long time Des Moines Iowa branch member Joan Engler, so WILPF is part of his DNA.
Whether you are an at-large member trying to enlist others to support your project, or a branch leader who needs more help to put your plans into action, you get a lot from this recording. The future depends on our ability to sustainably maintain our membership and add new members. It’s up to each of us to think mindfully about how to grow our organization.
Click here to download the Interactive TextPad.
Listen to proven Recruiting Techniques to inform your work.
February 11, 2021
East Bay WILPF member Sandy Thacker on far right with BEFORE YOU ENLIST veterans Eddie Falcon and Rosa Del Duca and therapist Roberta Stern who volunteer with the project.
BEFORE ENLISTING Program
Countering Military Recruitment in Our Schools
East Bay WILPF member Sandy Thacker on far right with BEFORE YOU ENLIST veterans Eddie Falcon and Rosa Del Duca and therapist Roberta Stern who volunteer with the project.
This call featured the BEFORE ENLISTING program, a project of the East Bay CA WILPF branch. This project seeks to share different narratives about the military other than the ones teenagers usually see, and to highlight non-military job training, and continuing education that can lead to well-paid and meaningful careers.
BEFORE ENLISTING is a counter-recruiting project that brings veterans into high schools and onto college campuses to offer a different view of what life in the military is really like, to counter the billions spent each year on military recruiting ads and outreach to high school and college students. With less jobs available, kids are more inclined than ever to choose the military, and the ads certainly play to their love of video gaming and 'a few good men/women' ethos. They are feeling military service is their only option, without fully understanding the risks. This project has broad replicability for other WILPF branches and communities. It can:
- help give students the full picture of life during and after the military so that they can make an informed decision about their future after high school.
- create positive ongoing relationships with current/new veterans in your area and high school/college teachers and students... all of whom could benefit from knowing about the work of WILPF US.
- your branch might gain some new members from the project as well.
Click here to download the Interactive TextPad.
January 14, 2021
UNITED FOR ADVOCACY in 2021
to Press for US Support for the Nuclear Ban Treaty
The DISARM Committee presented the information, materials and tools to advocate early in the Biden Administration for the US to sign on to the Nuclear Ban Treaty, which carries the force of international law starting this month. Allies, activists and non-members were invited to join WILPF’s Call For Peace in their own local communities.
Participants also heard updates about WILPF’s statement in response to the Jan. 6th insurrection at the US Capitol…the latest step Trump has taken to incite division and violence and threaten democracy.
Click here to download the Interactive TextPad.
2020 Audio Recordings and Notes
December 10, 2020
STRATEGIC ACTIVISM
Coordinating Plans for 2021
Getting all of WILPF US on the same page can be a challenge, with so many intersecting issues commanding our energy and attention. But this call prioritized planning and speaking with one voice for a cohesive approach for 2021. Input from members and branches was invited. The Program Committee’s support for its collaborative theme THE CALL FOR PEACE was presented. And national Issue Committees explained how their work will operate within that framework in 2021.
Click here to download the Interactive TextPad
November 12, 2020
Take a Break With WILPF
Self Care for Exhausted Activists
What a year the last month has been! What a decade 2020 has been! With everyone stretched to the breaking point, worried about our health and the well being of our loved ones, still watching COVID numbers on the rise and exhausted from the Oval Office tweets and tantrums this national call focused on intentionally and mindfully making space for self care and some simple skills for unwinding from the stress.
WILPF member and experienced counselor Judith Pedersen-Benn (Chattanooga TN) guided us through exercises to unpack our fears and worries, and consider together how we can support one another while we replenishing our own ‘cup’. Musician activists also helped us connect to the nourishment of self-care.
Click here to download the Interactive TextPad
October 8, 2020
The HOLD THE LINE Activist Handbook author discusses the potential for a political coup in January, and what Americans can do to prepare.
Author Kifah Shah addressed the likelihood of a political coup during the aftermath of the Presidential Election. Kifah and fellow authors Hardy Merriman, Ankur Asthana and Marium Navid, (see links below) used their experiences living and organizing in autocratic countries to project how we might best prepare for peaceful street actions across the US.
Early preparation is key, and the guide offers important organizing strategy, including agendas for local meetings, the kinds of local connections to make before the election, how to identify infiltrators, and how to keep protests and demonstrations peaceful. This is solidarity planning in the WILPF tradition, that seeks to create relationship among activists, for committed sustained peaceful dissent.
Click here to listen to featured presentation.
Click here to download the Interactive TextPad.
Click here to download the Handbook.
Click here to find out more about the HOLD THE LINE Handbook.
September 10, 2020
ONE CITY'S EFFORTS TO MONITOR AND REFORM THEIR POLICE FORM
WILPF’s GISELA WILSON participated in the long term efforts in her city to re-form the local police force and protect Madisonian people of color. Hear how these efforts began, how citizens drove the reform and structured the terms. Learn how similar efforts are succeeding in other cities, as a response to violence. Madison activists REBECCA KEMBLE and AMELIA ROYKO MAURER also spoke about the threats they experienced in doing this work, and their hopes for the fu-ture.
CHERRILL SPENCER, led a team of volunteers to prepare amazing resource guides for the second segment of the SOLIDARITY OF SOLIDARITY. She presented a summary of their work to encourage actions in support of the UN Call for Global Ceasefire.
Click here to listen to the featured speaker.
Click here to download Interactive TextPad.
August 13, 2020
PREPARING FOR ELECTION 2020: “FACTS NOT FEAR”
Tactics to protect our voting rights NOW and in November.
Chris Carson, outgoing National President of the League of Women Voters, and Molly McGrath, Advocacy Director of the Wisconsin ACLU on strategies to defend the vote in the upcoming November election, including preparations their organizations are making, and how WILPF can play a role in protecting this election.
Lots of great tactics and suggestions to dismantle voter suppression and counter misinformation were suggested. In an informative Member Forum, callers raised additional ways they’re working on protecting this election amid COVID-19 worries, outrageous voter suppression tactics, worries about the US Postal Service, expected last minute shifts in voting sites and ‘what-ifs’.
We also heard reports from the Solidarity Actions for the 75th Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Aug 6 – 9, and solidarity plans for the rest of the year.
Click here to listen to presentation
Click here to listen to Interactive TextPad.
July 9, 2020
WILPF US Announces SOLIDARITY Actions for 2020.
Be part of the sisterhood and activism.
How will YOU mark the 75th Anniversary of Hiroshima attacks? How will you connect it to the UN Call for Global Ceasefire?
WILPF peace activists from across the US gathered to plan for Solidarity Actions from August 6 through September 21 (the International Day of Peace). In this critical moment, with a pandemic raging, and as our out-of-touch administration is calling for new nuclear testing and spending trillions on new nuclear weapons and weaponizing space, we heard from on-the-ground organizers putting together resources, tools and lists of actions.
Listen to hear options for small and large efforts you can launch in your community, with the tools you need to be successful.
As leaders begin to set priorities for the 2021 national budget, the time to raise alternative voices is now!
Click here to listen to the Solidarity Action Plans
June 11, 2020
Mary Bricker Jenkins, WILPF US Liaison to the Poor Peoples Campaign
Raising the WILPF Roof for Anti-Poverty, Anti-Racism:
Partnering with The Poor People's Campaign on JUNE 20th
& plans for 2 SOLIDARITY ACTIONS in 2020.
Our liaison to the Poor People’s Campaign, Mary Bricker Jenkins, set the stage for our June 20th actions for the Poor People’s Campaign VIRTUAL MARCH ON WASHINGTON, against a backdrop of massive protests against police violence against black and brown people, and the continued rise in US COVID 19. She also discussed next steps. Jan Corderman reviewed plans for promoting the virtual march.
A MEMBER FORUM reported on two SOLIDARITY ACTIONS for 2020. The first is being planned from June – August 2020 and focuses on the UN Call for Global Ceasefire and the 75th Anniversary of the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Cherrill Spencer is coordinating this effort and facilitated a breakout room to do planning. A second breakout room focused on planning for an Action between September and the November elections, under the theme of The Peoples Budget and will focus on the economic justice issues surrounding a feminist green new deal effort to transfer public money from war to the kinds of safety net and people-oriented services needed now.
Click here to listen to the featured Poor People's Campaign Presentation.
Click here to view interactive Texpad.
May 14, 2020
Cuba & Venezuela: Sanctions and willful Ignorance in a time of pandemic
Sanctions kill, and they are being weaponized against an economic system that challenges capitalism. Cindy Domingo and Leni Reeves, co-Chairs of the WILPF US Cuba & Bolivarian Alliance Issue Committee, used their expertise to provide the backstory on the US’s recent invasion of Venezuela, the economic sanctions that punish the people, and our refusal to consider a Cuban drug therapy that has been proving successful in other nations.
Voices from branches and at-large members gave depth and experience to our MEMBER FORUM, dealing with preparations for the 2020 Solidarity Actions, and moved planning forward.
Click here to listen to Cuba & Venezuela Presentation with Q&A.
April 9, 2020
Connection to the Earth and Sustainable Society in Harmony with Nature
Osprey Orielle Lake speaks for the Women’s Indigenous Climate Action Network (WECAN), an international organization that supports indigenous eco-activist women across the planet in their quest to make our world more sustainable and equitable while protecting precious resources and sacred land.
Osprey Orielle Presentation 15:55 minutes)with Q&A (total, with both, of 65:47 minutes):
March 6, 2020
75 Years of Opposing Nuclear Weapons
Holding Space for Peace in a System Based on Destruction
Marking the 75th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings may be the most important way we can raise awareness in 2020 of the dangerous ramping up of nuclear threats. Even if you or your branch have never planned an anniversary action before, it may be time to begin planning for this August.
On this ONE WILPF Call, two anti-nuclear powerhouses share their perspective on organizing in 2020 and beyond against the Administration’s shocking increase in nuclear weapons spending.
Featured Guest Speakers Marylia Kelley of Tri-Valley CARES in Livermore, CA and Jackie Cabasso of the Western States Legal Foundation and Mayors For Peace, are experts on the dangers and threats of new nuclear weapons. They offered practical ideas for how to confront the rising tide of new nukes being advanced by our government. Listen to now, while there’s still time, to plan for August 2020 events.
Announcements
Earth Democracy Military Poisons Tour.
Women,Money & Democracy Committee.
Poor Peoples Campaign.
DISARM.
The Cuba & Bolivarian Alliance Committee.
For Burlington VT WILPF's program DVD Hibakusha Stories: Testimonies of Atomic Bomb Survivors (2 hours), while they last, contact madel51353@aol.com. Or watch it online here.
Click here for Marylia Kelley’s presentation
Click here for Jackie Cabasso’s presentation
Click here for Call Textpad with link to references
VT Branch Anti-Nuclear Resources
February 13, 2020
Planning for Discernment & Success
A Leadership Training Session for Issue Committees, Branches and At-Large Members
Important announcements from WILPF US and select issue committees:
The Poor Peoples Campaign, Women, Money & Democracy, DISARM, Earth Democracy, and President Darien DeLu on this year’s Commission on the Status of Women events in NYC in March.
Case Study: Planning for Success
Marguerite Adelman from Burlington VT WILPF provided glimpses into what makes her events so effective, well-planned, attractive to local funders, and able to connect with the local school system.
Her tips for being more organized and effective can help make your branch and your events more visible and successful. For more info contact Marguerite at madel51353@aol.com
Discerning the Way Forward for Your Projects
Good planning begins with choosing the right action for your community and setting planning timelines, budgets and goals. A SWOT Analysis can help you choose wisely and make long term plans that will expand your circle and create success.
SWOT = Strengths,Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats.
The Powerpoint presentation of this HOW-TO Training is available here.
The notes and talking points are available here.
Planning For Success CASE STUDY: Listen to Marguerite Adelman of the Burlington Branch here.
Consider reviewing this presentation with your branch and local leaders.
January 9, 2020
Planning for Activism in 2020
Featured speaker Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap of MOVE TO AMEND spoke about the upcoming (January 21st) 10th Anniversary of Citizens United and the work Move To Amend has done to advance the We The People Amendment to the US Constitution. Kaitlin cited the heavy toll dark money concentrated wealth have had on diminishing our democracy, silencing the voices of ordinary Americans, and she offered ideas for resistance and action.
A new PROGRAM PLANNING PROCESS at WILPF US was introduced.
Planning for a 2020 SOLIDARITY ACTION THEME was begun, centralizing the 100th Anniversary of SUFFRAGE and ways that WILPF could use that event to inspire activism for the 2020 Presidential Election.
Announcements included advance planning for the POOR PEOPLE’s CAMPAIGN in June, Cuba & Bolivarian Alliance Committee events in March, DISARM events in New York in April and the 75th Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing in August.
Listen to Kaitline Sopoci-Belknap's presentation
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Archived Audio Recordings and Notes
November 14, 2019
Taking care of WILPF business means using your voice as a member and branch
Important internal business was the focus for this call, including the upcoming Board Elections, new ByLaw Changes, and an online survey about a new Program Planning Process at WILPF US.
Cindy Domingo, Co-Chair of the Cuba and Bolivarian Alliance Issue Committee offered a timely update on US interference Bolivia with the ouster of Evo Morales.
Nancy Price, convener of the Earth Democracy Issue Committee reported on MILITARY POISONS tour scheduled for March 2020 in California.
A Member Forum reported on the October Treaties Solidarity Actions of our members.
October 10, 2019
Professor Susanne Zwingel. Photo courtesy of Florida International University
A Feminist Peace Honors Treaties & Cooperation
Professor Susanne Zwingel of Florida International University in Miami FL, author of Translating International Women's Rights: The CEDAW Convention in Context presented on how treaties and international cooperation are feminist values and the importance of a feminist perspective on planning for peace.
A MEMBER FORUM heard from branches planning October Solidarity Actions around the TREATIES theme. Planning and details of the Treaties Toolkit were offered.
Listen to Professor Zwingel's presentation
September 12, 2019
Fall Plans for Climate Strike & Treaty Actions
Feminist economist and environmentalist Gwendolyn Hallsmith spoke about preparations for the Sept. 20th Climate Strike actions WILPF is supporting across the US. Gwen consults with cities across the country on implementing more sustainable policies, writes frequently about the economy and our environment, and recently arranged a FLOTILLA to welcome young Greta Thunberg to New York City harbor. Gwen lives in an EcoVillage in Vermont. Her most recent article is called Show Me the Money: How Will We Pay for the Green New Deal.
Jessica Munger of Move To Amend explained how including arts and music in your planned actions increases participation, attendance and engagement.
A Member Forum dealt with continuing plans and resources for the October Treaties Keep the Peace Solidarity Action.
Resources:
For Peoples Mobilization New York City
August 8, 2019
Middle East Committee: No Way to Treat a Child
Middle East Committee member Genie Silver presented on how WILPF members and the public can support a newly reintroduced bill, proposed by Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) that promotes human rights for Palestinian children by ending abusive Israeli military detention practices.
Fact sheet on Betty McCollum legislation
July 11, 2019
Left, Fillipina Senator Risa Hontiveros. Right, Lisa Graves, Center for Media & Democracy
Media and Democracy Under Threat
On this call we compare the criminal threats against progressive leaders and independent journalists in the Phillipines with what we see as a rising threat here in the US.
Senator Risa Hontiveros from the Philippines describes the existential threats to her and other progressive Fillipino elected officials, especially females, and the serious threats of imprisonment and death threats to independent journalists.
Long time leader of media watchdog groups Lisa Graves discusses the increasing corporate control of news outlets in the US, threats to journalists and distain for the Rule of Law among the current Administration in the US. More member planning for the October Solidarity Action on TREATIES as a peacekeeping tool.
Segment featuring Philippines Senator Risa Hontiveros
June 13, 2019
Christine Ahn of Women Cross DMZ.
Working Together for Peace in Korea: WILPF & Women Cross the DMZ
On this call we heard from Christine Ahn about her inspiring work for peace on the Korean Peninsula, assembling global peace activists to bravely stand with those in the North and the South who yearn for reunification and peace. Christine offered several ways for WILPF members to engage and support her work. And WILPF US President Darien De Lu agreed that our organizations should be working more closely and we’ll find ways to do so. Moon Vazquez of our own Cuba & Bolivarian Alliance Committee reported on developments in Cuba. Teri Mattson of Code Pink updated us on the legal defense of the Venezuelan Embassy protectors in DC.
We also heard more about plans for the OCTOBER WILPF US SOLIDARITY Event on TREATIES.Ideas about how to organize and resources being prepared for your community’s action were offered with more coming in July. The time is right to start nailing down details, speakers, locations, etc.
The DECISION on a DATE provides wiggle room for branches to plan this action ANYTIME IN OCTOBER. We will be working closely to identify and promote your plans at the July 11th call.
Ellen Thomas reminded us of her Summertime ANTI NUCLEAR tour with dates and details.
Featured Presentation by Christine Ahn
Code Pink Update by Teri Mattson
President Darien De Lu Presentation
Solidarity Planning for October
May 9, 2019
This Public ONE WILPF Call covered the urgent clash at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC and the deeper meaning behind the failure of the Secret Service and Washington DC police to intervene and protect the Embassy from the protesters outside.
WILPF Cuba & Bolivarian Alliance Issue Committee Chair CINDY DOMINGO, described her observations following a fact-finding tour in Cuba and called for renewed opposition to enforcing Title 3 of the Helms Burton Act. Cindy also provided a historical and situational overview of how US Sanction in Cuba and Venezuela are devastating the economy of both countries, while the US is also actively engaging in regime change.
CODE PINK leader and WILPF member MEDEA BENJAMIN has been part of the encampment at the Venezuelan Embassy and described the clash between those occupying the embassy to keep the US from seizing it and inserting the personnel of an unelected US puppet, Guaido to privatize the oil.
Co-Chair of the WILPF DISARM Committee ELLEN THOMAS explained the hopeful blending of a Green New Deal with the anti-nuclear and peace economy vision of a new bill introduced by Eleanor Holmes Norton. The public and WILPF are asked to actively support HR2419.
Cindy Domingo presentation (edited for sharing)
Medea Benjamin presentation (edited for sharing)
Ellen Thomas presentation (edited for sharing)
Interactive Text Pad (with call notes and resources)
EARTH DAY – THE GREEN NEW DEAL – #HANDSOFFVENEZUELA
Former NY State Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins discusses how his 2004 vision of The Green New Deal compares to the new deal being proposed today, and what we can do to support it for Earth Day.
Cindy Domingo (WILPF US Cuba & Bolivarian Alliance Issue Committee) and Darien DeLu (US Section President) focus reports on What’s Happening In Venezuela, what’s true on the ground, what news sources are reliable and the long term penchant of the US to interfere in South American politics for profit and power.
Announcements from WILPF Development, Middle East Committee, the Poor People’s Campaign and the Corporations v Democracy Committee. And MEMBER FORUM on plans for Earth Day events.
Howie Hawkins Presentation (edited for sharing)
#HandsOffVenezuela (edted for sharing)
Interactive Text Pad (with call notes and resources)
March 14, 2019
This call featured a Powerpoint TRAINING for thinking out of the box to promote new events and expand your current ones.
Whether you represent a branch or are an at-large member, organizing a WILPF US action or joining in an action planned by another Peace & Justice organization requires pre-promotion, planning, logistics for the day of the event and strategic follow up. Learn the concept of LAYERING so each event and action builds momentum to promote the next. You’ll learn new tactics to appeal to and turn out busy and folks, or to simply remind you what the ingredients are for success.
BRANCHES REPORTED on their evolving plans for Spring SOLIDARITY EVENTS. And announcements rounded out the agenda.
Find Resources for your next event
February 14, 2019
The US Military is poisoning water in communities around military bases in the US and abroad. This call featured researcher/author Pat Elder who provided great insight and details into this urgent issue. Pat’s #Military Parts Per Trillion speaking tour, Feb 23-March 1, invites branch participation. He is a great resource for branches, especially those located near military bases. We also heard updates and announcements from branches planning for 2019 SOLIDARITY ACTIONS.
Audio of Pat Elder's Presentation edited for sharing
Text Pad
Find out more about Military Contamination.
Civilian Exposure and Solidarity Actions
January 10, 2019
This call featured discussions and planning for 2019 Solidarity Actions across the US. Learn about new ways to make your actions visible, attract attention, and amplify your message. A member forum was featured as we focused on strategy planning.
Text Pad
Agreed on ACTIONS: Women’s March, NATO Anniversary Protests, World Water Day, Earth Day, International Treaty event to coincide with Hiroshima Remembrance.
Planning for Solidarity Actions 2019
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Archived Audio Recordings and Notes
December 13, 2018
SCREWNOMICS as an outreach tool for inspiring action, Introduction from our new President, Darien DeLu, and SOLIDARITY ACTIONS for 2019 taking shape.
Screwnomics Powerpoint-PPT (compressed as zip file)
Screwnomics Powerpoint Audio File
November 9, 2018
Elections, Candidates & Strategies for 2019
This call featured MEMBER FORUMS to discuss reactions to the Midterm Elections. Callers also were introduced to our two WILPF US Candidates for Section President, Barbara Nielsen and Darien DeLu. And we concluded with a MEMBER FORUM to brainstorm ideas for SOLIDARITY ACTIONS in 2019. A subcommittee will take the suggestions, flesh them out before the next call and propose those with the most potential.
October 13, 2018
Back from Ghana
Reports from our US Section Delegates to the WILPF International Congress in Ghana in August 2018. Including Q&A from members.
September 3, 2018
Ultimate Civics, a partner of WILPF US’s Corporations v Democracy Issue Committee, is helping students and adults find their First Amendment Rights, and use them! RIKI OTT discusses ACTIVATE MY DEMOCRACY, a course aimed at middle and high school students, as well as adults! Learn more… listen to the recording and contact Ultimate Civics to register to learn how to present the course!
Text pad rich with resource to learn more about
Powerpoint from Ultimate Civics details the development and successes Riki Ott has been having with this course.
August 9, 2018
Two Books to Inspire
- Victor Wallis, author of the new Red-Green Revolution: The Politics & Technology of Ecosocialism, spoke about how the capitalist system has contributed to the planetary decline and climate disaster, and how movements are building to unite economic justice with climate justice, known as “eco-socialism”.
- Screwnomics: How Our Economy is Rigged Against Women and Real Solutions for Lasting Change by Rickey Gard Diamond was discussed as a way of linking economic injustice to women with awareness of how capitalism and militarism steal funding, basic
- July 12, 2018
- Africa as the Inspiration for Independence Movements
- Guest Speaker MAURICE CARNEY from Friends of the Congo. Mr. Carney provided an indepth fascinating history of the continent of Africa through the 1600s to modern times, including slave trade, colonization, theft of resources and plunder by nations and corporate players. He covered the beginnings and development of a Pan African movement and also discussed the US mobilization in Africa, the AFRI-COM military expansion since the Obama Administration, and the inspiration provided for many current US movements by young African activists. Nancy Price also introduced the First International Conference Against US/NATO Military Bases, planned November 16-18 in Dublin Ireland, where Mr. Carney is one of many scheduled speakers. www.nousnatobases.org
- June 14, 2018
- Public Call: Final Reports—Poor People’s Campaign
- Mary Bricker-Jenkins facilitated reports from branches across the country and personal statements from members who participated in the DAYS OF ACTION. Mini Training on Branch Planning Processes, featuring ideas for building long range planning into your branch’s annual schedule.
- May 10, 2018
- Here's what happened on the call:
- WILPF's final preparation for kick off of the 40 Days of Action for the POOR PEOPLE's CAMPAIGN was announced.
- The Nominating Committee announced a special call DISCOVER (Y)OUR LEADERSHIP, Thursday, May 31st at 5:30 pacific/8:30 eastern. An inspiring interactive sharing of leadership experience.
- STARTING OVER PowerPoint Training Webinar offered excellent advice for all members to do strategic and planned recruiting in branches. Practical tips and inspiration for making Recruiting a driving force in your branch. Consider using this power point and the audio recording together as a powerful training for a branch or branch leadership meeting. Definitely should be required for Recruiting Chairs.
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- Listen to the Audio of the Power Point
- Download PDF of PowerPoint
- April 24, 2018
- March 8, 2018
- Jan Ben Dor and Karen McKim
- WILPF's first PUBLIC Call celebrated International Women's Day with a PowerPoint featuring remarkable WILPF women. Then we moved on to the GRAB THEM BY THE MIDTERMS portion of the call that featured election reformers Jan BenDor of Michigan and Karen McKim of Wisconsin. There are great resources and notes available. The election integrity portion of the call begins at around 49:30. Just advance the audio cursor to that point.
- Download notes
- Listen to soap box segment following the call
- Download PDF of PowerPoint
- February, 2018
- Poor People's Campaign Committee Chair Mary Bricker-Jenkins reporting on the plans organizers are making and resources that will be available—Mini Leadership Training on Welcoming Skills to help retain new members.
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- 2017
- Archived Recordings and Call
- September 2017
- The DISARM Committee's PETITION CAMPAIGN to support the UN Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons was featured, along with two workshops from the WILPF Triennial Congress (Working Against Voter Suppression/Fraud and Re-Building The Beloved Community).
- August -- No Call
- July 2017
Featured speakers Oona Hathaway and Scott Shapiro discussed their new book THE INTERNATIONALISTS: How A Radical Plan To Outlaw War Remade The World about the Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact after WWI, and comparisons with the new UN Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons. - June 2017 -- (Recording not available) Featured Sharon Tennison of the Center for Citizen Initiatives for a hopeful perspective on peace with Russia.
- April 13, 2017 -- featured Shilpa Pandey, the new Membership Development Chair
- March 9, 2017 -- featured: Ray Acheson of REACHING CRITICAL WILL
- February 9, 2017 -- featured: Cindy Domingo of the CUBA & BOLIVARIAN ALLIANCE ISSUE COMMITTEE OF WILPF US.
- January 12, 2017 -- featured: Margaret Flowers of POPULAR RESISTANCE
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- 2016
- Archived Recordings and Call
- December 8, 2016 -- featured: Medea Benjamin of CODE PINK on Saudi Arabia & Yemen
- November 10, 2016 -- featured: Phyllis Bennis of INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES on Syria
- October 13, 2016 -- featured: reports from WORLD BEYOND WAR Conference
- September 19, 2016 -- featured: Kozue Akibayashi, President of WILPF INTERNATIONAL
- August 18, 2016 -- featured: Nancy Price of the EARTH DEMOCRACY ISSUE COMMITTEE of WILPF US
- July 13, 2016 -- featured: Branch Roundup... "Where We Are in 2016"
- June 13, 2016 -- The Initial Launch Experience
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- Questions? 1wilpfcalls@gmail.com
