I'm thankful that at the 2007 WiLL/WAND conference, two women from the WiLL ranks announced their candidacies for U.S. Congress. They joined two other women who had already announced. What a great moment for strong, progressive women who are willing to run for higher office! Now I'm hopeful we can all rally to support them, and send them to Capitol Hill to raise their voices on important peace and security votes.

--Christina Cernansky, WiLL Washington associate

I am grateful that I get to go to work every day to make the world a better place.

We face an uphill struggle -- but it matters that we do all we can to prevent new nuclear weapons, and eliminate the existing ones.

--Marie Rietmann, WAND public policy director

At our conference in October, I was thrilled to meet so many smart and caring women from state legislatures across the country -- and from Congress, too! Our numbers are growing, and our influence is ever greater. We are making a difference! and for that, I'm so grateful. Happy Thanksgiving.

--Sen. Nan Grogan Orrock, WiLL president

When the clan sits down this year, we will thank the voters in the Senate district where my husband Jim Marzilli just won the primary! The campaign was a collaborative effort of hundreds of volunteers who care about public policy and are willing to work long hours -- phoning, holding signs, door knocking, as well as donating money. We head into the final election in December with a grin on our faces and thanks in our heart.

I'm also thankful for the activists in WAND and around the world who are trying to keep the U.S. from attacking Iran. We may be mired in a war in Iraq, but we have learned that pre-emption is also presumptuous -- and could lead to disaster.

--Susan Shaer, WAND executive director

I am thankful for my tiny kitten Dada, who brings me happiness everyday with her softness and cuteness.

--Von Diaz, Directors' Associate

I spend my days learning about heinous things and exhorting people to take action -- from an office that's dark, lonely, and cramped. Then I get these deeelightful notes from activists in the field -- with photos of rallies, parades, children, elderly women, costumes -- all working for peace.

You people rock my world. Thank you for standing up and speaking out! Even if we're heading to heck in a handbasket, I get to spend my days feeling like I'm trying to make it better. And that's all I can ask.

[Also, may I just add... Hot showers. Dark chocolate. Electricity. Snow boots. Virginia Woolf. Tina Fey. The Onion. Jon Stewart. Unions. Pumpkins. Patti Smith. etsy.com...]

--Mary Babic, WAND communications director

I'm thankful for my sweet son, and the opportunity to work with women who want him to grow up in a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

Together, we can...

--Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss, WAND faith communities organizer

I'm thankful for my new VW Beetle. And for such a supportive workplace. (And my new car.)

--Sheila Johnson, executive office manager