Actions for WILPFers to Take in October to Defuse the Possibility of Nuclear War

WILPFers in the Madison, Wisconsin WILPF branch demonstrate for peace in Ukraine, September 12, 2022. Photo provided by WILPF Madison WI branch, used with their permission.

by Cherrill Spencer and Ellen Thomas
co-chairs of DISARM/END WARS Issue Committee

October 2022

Before we ask WILPFers to take action in October against nuclear weapons, we must thank the several WILPF branches who took action in mid-September to press their congressional representatives to stop authorizing more weapons for Ukraine, and urged President Biden to assist peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Now, we have a new request for WILPFers to reach out once again and ask your legislators to help lower the risk of any exchange of nuclear weapons. While the possibility of nuclear war has increased sharply this year, very few members of the House and Senate have risen to the occasion by speaking out or publicly urging measures to de-escalate tensions between nuclear powers and seriously revive negotiations for nuclear-weapons treaties and disarmament measures.

As described in the Defuse Nuclear War calendar, picket lines will be set up on Friday, October 14, outside senators’ and congresspersons’ local offices to demand they pay attention to abating the very real threat posed by nuclear weapons.

WILPF US, via our DISARM/End Wars issue committee, is a member of a coalition of anti-nuclear weapons groups called Defuse Nuclear War. Our activities from October 14 through 16, spanning the 60th anniversary of the start of the Cuban Missile Crisis, will present an opportunity for concerned individuals and groups to visibly convey their concerns. Emphasis will be on actions that the US government should take now to reduce the present-day risks of nuclear war.  This website lists the nine states where picket lines have already been organized.  You can join one, or set one up in your hometown.

WILPF branches exist in 13 states that have not yet organized an action outside a Congressional rep’s home office, so it would be good if you would organize one, in collaboration with local chapters of other members of the coalition such as CODEPINK or Veterans for Peace or Peace Action if possible.

Write to info@rootsaction.org for guidance and suggestions on how to set up a new picket line.

The website defusenuclearwar.org has talking points and sample letters to the editor for you to use around October 14 – especially if you are unable to organize a picket line near you. To find out more about an existing picket line fill in this google doc.

There are two other happenings during October– a national livestream with knowledgeable speakers on Sunday, October 2 at 2 pm EDT; we also encourage you to set up an event in your community on Sunday, October 16 to engage the public about the dangers of nuclear weapons in a way that makes most strategic sense in your area. The Roots Action team will assist you in getting “Say NO to Nukes” signs for your picket line printed at your nearest Federal Express office, for free. Write to disarmchair@wilpfus.org to find out how.

When we add WILPF’s voices to other national anti-war groups, we have a greater effect. For inspiration, you can read about the wider impact of the mid-September Peace In Ukraine actions here.

Lastly, at the end of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference we wrote another press release in collaboration with CODEPINK and Nuclear Ban US. Read it here.

Thank you from your DISARM/End Wars Committee. Send any questions to disarmchair@wilpfus.org.