Fall Bulletin
September 2010
Welcome to WAND's Fall Bulletin.
This bulletin is chock-full of important information!
Take your time, and enjoy!
Table of Contents:
Nuclear Notes
Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
Federal Budget Watch
Chapter and Field News
Upcoming Chapter Events
WAND PAC News
Women Legislator's Lobby News (WiLL)
Take Action
Nuclear Notes
New START Moves Forward
On September 16th the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 14- 4 in favor of the New START Treaty. The calls, emails, and letters of WAND members helped make it happen!
Republicans Richard Lugar (IN), Bob Corker (TN), and Johnny Isakson (GA) joined 11 Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to vote in support of New START. The strong bipartisan support for the treaty in Committee provides momentum that bodes well for approval of the treaty during floor consideration by the full Senate.
To take effect, the New START Treaty must be approved in Russia and the United States. Ratification in the United States requires approval of a two-thirds super majority of the US Senate (67 U.S. Senators).
To learn more about New START and what you can do visit our New START Action page.
Georgia WAND's leadership efforts to get the support of Sen. Isakson for New START were especially impressive. See more below about their activities in the Chapter and Field section of the bulletin.
ReThink Media Webinar TrainingWAND partnered with ReThink Media on September 14th to offer a free online training on writing effective letters to the editor (LTEs). The webinar focused on New START and was a success with 16 participants, including two legislators!
Training facilitators provided helpful messaging tips about the treaty. Their helpful advice included highlighting the overwhelming bipartisan support of New START, and noting that failure to ratify the treaty would have dire consequences. ReThink also shared what NOT to say in order to stay on message and successfully convey that ratification of the treaty will make the United States and the world safer.
Participants in the training also learned valuable tips about getting their LTEs published. They were advised to keep their letters short and to choose one topic, as well as to specifically name the lawmakers that they want to influence. Barbara Davis (OH) and Rep. Karen Camper (TN), along with other women, began drafting their LTEs within hours of the training! As we move from the successful committee vote on New START to consideration of the full Senate, now is an especially important time to write letters. Let’s keep the momentum going.
Be on the lookout for more WAND training opportunities in the future!!!
Wars in Afghanistan and IraqWar in Afghanistan Debated
At the end of July, Congress approved a supplemental appropriation funding $33 billion more for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. While the funding was approved, it was notable that increasing Congressional concerns were raised about Afghanistan war policy.
The price tag for war spending in Iraq and Afghanistan has now topped over $1 trillion (now at $1.09 trillion according to National Priorities Project). While the announced August 31 withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq is welcome news, it should be noted that about 50,000 troops will stay in Iraq and we will spend more money there in the coming years. Meanwhile, the war in Afghanistan that started October 7, 2001 is already this nation’s longest war and it is escalating. Despite prior promises of a withdrawal in July 2011, the end does not now seem to be in sight. The big price tag at a time of rising deficits and a struggling economy-- paired with the length of the war with no clear exit plan-- may be leading lawmakers to raise objections. Or maybe they are listening to constituents who have been voicing these concerns for some time.
Learn More at our WAND Education Fund page on Afghanistan here.
Federal Budget Watch One Nation Campaign Invests in People, Not War
On Saturday, October 2nd a broad range of civil rights, labor, faith, youth, environmental, immigrant rights, women’s rights and progressive organizations will march on the National Mall of Washington, DC, leading a national mobilization called One Nation Working Together (ONWT). The One Nation campaign seeks to “Put America Back to Work and to Pull America Back Together” by refocusing our nation’s priorities and investing in all our people.
WAND supports the mission of ONWT and notes that funding for the Pentagon base budget (Department of Defense plus nuclear weapons) and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan equals $733 billion in Fiscal Year 2011 alone. This amounts to 58% of the federal discretionary budget, while human services remain underfunded!
To invest in real security, it’s time we move beyond nuclear weapons and the military industrial complex. Help reorder our national priorities by insisting that investments in people – affordable education, quality healthcare, jobs - must come first.
You can join the One Nation March on October 2nd by gathering with thousands of people from across America at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C from 12pm ET to 4pm ET. Demonstrate your commitment to shifting our nation’s federal budget priorities by standing in solidarity with WAND and the ONWT movement.
For more information about the October 2nd One Nation March, go here .
To learn more about federal budget priorities and an action you can take now to make sure cuts to military spending are considered as part of efforts to reduce the deficit, please see the Take Action section below.
Chapter and Field NewsGeorgia WAND Success! Senator Isakson Supports New START.
After months of hard work, Georgia WAND was victorious in convincing Senator Isakson to vote “yes” for the New START Treaty during the September 16 Senate Foreign Relations Committee vote. By making hundreds of calls, sending over 1,000 letters to Senator Isakson’s office, writing letters to the editor, meeting many times with the Senator and his staff, and more, Georgia WAND sent a loud message to the senator that Georgians want to see New START ratified! Their successful efforts exemplify the power of grassroots organizing. Thank you Georgia WAND for all your hard work on New START thus far!
Countdown to Zero Premieres in ArkansasIn late August, Arkansas WAND featured a free premiere of and reception for the film Countdown to Zero (CTZ) for the Little Rock community. Over 75 people attended the event, including Kathy Robinson (WAND public policy director) and Maureen Campbell (WILL senior associate). Betty Bumpers, founder of PeaceLinks and wife of former Arkansas Senator Dale Bumpers, spoke eloquently at the reception, noting the importance of the efforts of WAND and others to speak up for nuclear disarmament progress.
Countdown to Zero is a documentary which traces the history of the atomic bomb from its origins to the present state of global affairs. With nine nations currently possessing nuclear weapons capabilities and others racing to join them, the film emphasizes how the world hinges on a delicate balance that could be shattered by an act of terrorism, failed diplomacy, or a simple accident.
Combined with the CTZpremiere, AR WAND members took political action by circulating letters to the audience that urged their senators to ratify the New START Treaty. Many people signed the letters that night! Jean Gordon and Pat Youngdahl later delivered the letters to Senator Pryor’s office.
WAND has been involved in screenings of the film in other places as well, including Georgia, Colorado and Massachusetts. If you are interested in seeing the film in your community, let us know at National WAND. We may be able to help arrange a screening. You can also learn more about CTZ and how to use this film as an organizing opportunity by visiting the CTZ website.
WAND/WiLL on Iowa Radio ShowsWAND/WiLL continues to expand its media reach by participating in radio shows in Iowa to discuss New START! On August 31st, Senator Nan Orock (WiLL president) and Bernita Smith (GA WAND member) were interviewed by Iowa Representative Deborah Berry. Local organizer Megan Hart of Physicians for Social Responsibility was also on the show and shared about the work that Iowans can do to influence Senator Grassley (R-IA) to vote for the treaty. Nan and Bernita did an excellent job representing WAND and our work on nuclear non-proliferation!
On September 7th, Kathy Robinson (WAND public policy director) was also interviewed on the Iowa radio show. Along with Megan Hart, Kathy discussed the merits of the treaty and encouraged Iowans to contact Senator Grassley to ask him to ratify New START.
Way to go Nan, Bernita, and Kathy!
Ohio Field VisitIn an effort to build support for New START in Ohio, WAND organized a lunch briefing on September 9thin Columbus to discuss the treaty. The event was hosted by Councilwoman Charleta Tavares and Representative Ted Celeste and featured Lt. General Robert Gard and Lt. General Dirk Jameson, who traveled with the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. The generals both shared their expertise about New START and its crucial importance to national security. The attendees were fired up about New START and strategized together about reaching out to Senator Voinovich (R-OH) in order to urge him to vote for the treaty before he retires at the end of his term this year.
This was a meaningful first field visit for Elaina Ramsey, the new WAND field coordinator, since she is originally from Ohio. Elaina looks forward to visiting and supporting other WAND members around the country in the near future!
Elaina's next trip is planned to Georgia WAND in early October.
Susan Shaer Visits Northern Indiana WANDWAND executive director, Susan Shaer, visited the Northern Indiana WAND Chapter on September 20th! Susan and chapter members then attended a speech by Rose Gottemoeller-- lead U.S. negotiator on the New START Treaty-- at Notre Dame on September 21st. IN WAND is currently working on thanking Senator Lugar (R-IN) for his leadership and hard work in support of New START.
Thank You - Chapters Helping ChaptersThanks to funding from chapters in Indiana and Michigan, along with foundation support, WAND was able to contract with paid callers who made constituent phone connections with Senator Isakson (R-GA)--a critical Republican member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee-- to urge him to vote for New START. The phone banks were a success with about 600 phone calls from Georgia constituents going directly into Sen. Isakson’s office on the three days preceding the Senate Foreign Relations Committee vote on September 16th. These phone calls, on top of a dedicated, sustained effort from Georgia WAND, helped us to get Sen. Isakson’s vote! As we ramp up other target states for the floor vote, National WAND hopes that other chapters will follow the lead of IN WAND and MI WAND and fund similar phone-banks in the future.
Grandmothers For Peace and Georgia WAND board members Betsey Mikelthun (center) and Betsy Rivard (also a WAND Education Fund board member) meet with Senator Isakson.
WAND Members Meet with their Senators – YOU can too!As part of the Congress Meets Community campaign, WAND members throughout the country have been busy meeting with their Senators to push for ratification of New START. GA WAND and WiLL members have met on multiple occasions with Senator Isakson (R-GA) to share their support of the treaty. Kentucky WAND member, Rev. Nancy Jo Kemper, along with WiLL members Rep. Joni Jenkins and Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, also met with Senator McConnell’s Office (R-KY –Senate Minority Leader) on September 21st to make an appeal for New START.
WAND also recently contacted a representative from the Tennessee League of Women Voters to attend a meeting with Senator Corker’s (R-TN) office on the Saturday just before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee vote on New START. Days later Senator Corker announced his intention to vote yes for the treaty in the committee vote!
Following the elections, there will be an opportunity for you to meet with your Senators and Representative at home. On November 15th, Congress is scheduled to come back to Washington. It is possible that the New START treaty will be considered by the Senate during this time in the lame-duck session, so your efforts with Senators right now are especially important. Schedule a meeting with your legislators while they are at home by contacting your nearest state office.
To learn more about the Congress Meets Community campaign and how to schedule a meeting with your Senators and Representative, click here.
For More Information on Upcoming Chapter Events Go Here!
Arkansas WAND
Arkansas WAND has produced a documentary, Woodruff: A Lesson in Non-Violence that has been selected to be shown during the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, October 15-24! The film tells the story of an inner city elementary school that came together – principal, teachers, and students – and developed their own non-violent ways of dealing with the drug and gang culture that was beginning to take hold in their neighborhood. To view the 30 minute documentary by Ron Blome, click here.
Many members of Arkansas WAND continue to campaign hard for former WiLL member and WAND board member, Joyce Elliott, as she runs for U.S. Congress. Arkansas WAND has also launched an effort to raise funds to establish a Peace Garden that will be located at the Beacon of Peace and Hope monument, built on the banks of the Arkansas River.
Georgia WAND
Through effective phone banks and letters to the editor, Georgia WAND continues to do stellar work to urge Senator Isakson (R-GA) and now also Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) to vote for New START. They are also organizing an impressive voter education effort with voter registration drives in surrounding communities!
On Wednesday, October 6 GA WAND will host a training at Georgia Tech with ReThink Media on messaging around nuclear weapons issues. Their Annual Fall Party will also take place on Sunday, October 17 and will feature great music, good food, and chapter updates galore. To learn more about this opportunity, as well as other events, check out the GA WAND website.
Oregon WAND
After recently hosting a terrific “Fashion Show for Peace,” Oregon WAND is gearing up for their fall activities. See the listings below for a full description of each event. All meetings are held at First United Methodist Church (1376 Olive St., Eugene, OR). Enjoy social hour/refreshments at 6:30pm PT. The program begins promptly at 7:00pm PT and concludes at 8:15pm PT.
September 23, 2010
A celebration of Women’s Suffrage
Election preview with panel of female candidates:
Sara Byers, Val Hoyle and Pat Riggs-Henson
October 28, 2010
The Federal Budget
Special Guest: June Chada, aide to Senator Ron Wyden
November 18, 2010
Women in Politics
Election recap
Discussion: "What is a feminist?"
Women Facing Tough Competition in 2010
Despite what you may have heard about the “Year of the Woman” or Mama Grizzlies, 2010 is shaping up to be a bad year for women members of Congress. According to the Los Angeles Times, for the first time since 1978, the number of women serving in Congress is poised to drop.
While all of WAND PAC’s endorsed candidates have been successful in their primaries, many will face tough races come November. In the Missouri Senate race, Robin Carnahan faces serious opposition as Republicans with access to deep fundraising fight hard to keep the seat. Heather Beaven, a former Navy veteran uniquely qualified to represent us in issues related to homeland security, is running to unseat an incumbent in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. And though Ann McLane Kuster won her NH-02 primary by a landslide, the general election promises to be challenging. Other strong progressive candidates like Terri Sewell, Suzan DelBene, and Joyce Elliott face competition in their Congressional races. Among our endorsed incumbents, the races aren’t much easier. Though we are thrilled to report that Carolyn Maloney (NY-14) was successful in her tough primary, familiar names like Betsy Markey, Carol Shea-Porter, Niki Tsongas, and Mary Jo Kilroy are at risk in the turning tide.
There is no question that Congress would benefit from having more women in its chambers. Be sure to watch these races and do your part to help bring more extraordinary women to the table of power. Election Day is November 2!
The Latest From WiLL
It’s been a busy summer for WiLL as we work to raise awareness about the New START Treaty!
In July, WiLL President, Senator Nan Orrock, and Georgia WiLL members visited Senator Johnny Isakson’s office to express their support for the treaty. They also delivered a letter signed by fifty Georgia state legislators requesting Senator Isakson’s vote for treaty ratification. Senator Orrock also visited the Massachusetts state house to reconnect with longtime members, recruit new members, and gather signatures for our legislator letter in support of New START. In late July, Senator Orrock and Maureen Campbell traveled to the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Legislative Summit in Louisville, Kentucky. Two long-time WiLL members, Representatives Joni Jenkins and Mary Lou Marzian, generously hosted a riverfront reception for us in their home state.
In August, Maureen had the chance to travel to Arkansas to meet with WiLL members and join our Arkansas chapter for their Little Rock screening of Countdown to Zero. At the end of August and the beginning of September, Senator Orrock and other WAND representatives spoke about New START on Iowa Representative Deb Berry’s radio program in Waterloo, Iowa. This fall we will continue to rally our members to meet with their U.S. Senators and raise awareness about the critical importance of New START.
We are also delighted to report that we’ve had members publish letters to the editor in Utah, Maine, Kentucky, and Georgia!
Lastly, we are delighted to announce that Adzi Vokhiwa has joined our Atlanta office to serve as the WiLL President’s Associate. You can reach her at avokhiwa@wand.org.
For the most up to date information on WiLL, check out the website: www.willwand.org
What Can You Do?
The Deficit and Military Spending
While we welcome the beginning of withdrawal from Iraq, we note that continued war in Afghanistan and our record military spending budget continue to drive up record budget deficits. Please help to put cuts in excessive Pentagon spending on the table as Congress considers ways to reduce the federal government deficit. Bipartisan Representatives including Democrat Barney Frank (MA) and Republican Ron Paul (TX) -- have presented a Sustainable Defense Task Report with specific recommendations for cutting almost $1 trillion from the Pentagon’s budget over the next ten years.
Now Reps. Frank and Paul are asking congressional colleagues to sign a letter calling on President Obama’s deficit commission to put cuts in excessive military spending on the table. The letter will be open for members of Congress to sign only for a short time since Congress leaves for the campaign trail this Thursday, September 30. Please urge your Representative to sign the Frank- Paul deficit reduction letter today.
Learn More and Take Action by visiting WAND's Take Action Center.
New START
On Thursday, September 16th the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to send the New START Treaty to a full vote on the Senate Floor. It is the hope of those of us here at WAND that the treaty will be voted on before the November elections. In order to help speed this process along, WAND is asking everyone to contact their Senators TODAY to ask them to vote yes! on ratifying New START.
Take action by visiting WAND's Take Action Center.
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