Expressions from Ellen

by Ellen Finkelstein, Organizer

As I procrastinate writing this column, the Air Force announces that the ICBM Minuteman III nuclear missile test scheduled for March 1 is canceled. An agreement is announced: North Korea will suspend nuclear tests and allow international inspections while the U.S. will send tons of food aid. And Act of Valor, an action film that stars real Navy SEALs “performing astonishing acts of heroism,” is number one at the box office.

What do these 3 stories have to do with WWFOR & its sustainability? They are random. Yet, activists exerted pressure to cancel the missile tests. Others advocated for a diplomatic, non-military response to North Korea (and elsewhere!). A hit movie offers an opportunity to discuss militarism, returning vets, and “real” security. 

WWFOR is a living, breathing entity that holds fast to its long-held vision while responding to changing events in the world. It lifts up active nonviolence, while making connections between military/war spending and social justice. It’s challenging to address all the issues and concerns that arise, while maintaining consistency. We need more energy and people-power to accomplish more. We need you!

Kaeley’s article highlights some of our exciting work with the Bring Our Billions Home campaign, Occupy Movement, nonviolence training, and outreach. We’ve increased our visibility at events and online, built new alliances and made new contacts.

Currently, we are also working on a regional tour with Bruce Gagnon on “Growing U.S. Militarism & Economic Collapse,” May Day events with immigrant rights allies, Tax Day efforts to link military spending & taxes, an upcoming event putting a face on the death penalty. There’s the upcoming PAT program, Spring Assembly, and Seabeck. That’s in addition to the BOBH campaign, nonviolence trainings, work with Occupy. There’s more we can and should be doing. What can you do to maximize WWFOR’s impact?