Whatever
your definition, we had it at this conference.
We
all just returned from an inspiring conference in Washington,
DC. We used the theme "Women at the Table of Power"
-- and it rang true on so many levels. Let's just count them...
[Then you can support us through PeacePrimary.org]
Does
power mean women running for office -- and then higher office?
We had that. Of the 100 women state legislators, several were
planning a run for a higher office:
 |
State
Sen. Joan Fitz-Gerald
(CO) and Hon. Jeanne Shaheen (NH) |
Does
power mean women taking our concerns and issues directly to
the tables of power, and speaking up loud and clear?
We had that. On the last day, hundreds of women from all over
the country flooded the halls of Congress.
-
We
had dozens of meetings with our Members of Congress.
-
We
talked about the Iraq war, the military budget, plans
for new nuclear weapons, and a new study on how we can
create more jobs without adding more weapons to our obsolete
arsenal of military toys.
- We
held a luncheon on Capitol Hill, and attracted many Congresswomen
and Congressmen who wanted to meet with us and share their concerns.
-
A
few fun anecdotes:
In
the office of Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI), she shared her
popcorn and
this great quote:
"WAND is THE premier organization that trains women to
be smart about defense and security."
-
In
the office of Sen. Ted Kennedy (MA), his dog stole a cookie
from one of us.
- In
the office of Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT), State Rep. Sarah Edwards
met with him and his staff for two hours, devising strategies
for dealing with nuclear power plants.
- Congressman
Tom Udall (NM) asked US for ideas and strategies
to move the administration's attitudes about the Iraq war.
 |
The
Maine delegation with Congressman Ted Allen, candidate
for U.S. Senate. |
Does
power mean women who are educated and articulate about the
"hard" issues, like the military budget, defense,
peace and security?
We had that. We had two solid days of some of the best thinkers
in the country giving us the news: activist and actress Jane
Fonda, Marian Wright Edelman, author Ellen Bravo, Congressman
Barney Frank, Iraq war veterans, pollster Celinda Lake, and
many more.
 |
Jane
Fonda, Ellen Bravo, Carol Jenkins at a panel discussion
at the conference |
Does
power mean women who know how to present our ideas clearly
and convincingly, and use the media to get out the word?
We
had that, too. Our folks got training from some of the best
in the community on how to speak about peace and security,
how to deflect attacks, how to place op eds, how to be on
TV.
 |
TV
takes practice... |
All
of these elements added up to a surge of energy and hope about
how women can indeed take our seats at the tables of power
-- and build a better world.
But
we need help to be able to do this. Many
generous donors underwrote this conference; it was only possible
to gather so many great women with their help.
Can
you possibly pitch in? We ask you to take a moment
to contribute through the PeacePrimary,
which runs through October 31. We need your help!
WAND
is the only women's group in the PeacePrimary,
a "primary" run by Ploughshares that
encourages you to "vote" for the most promising peace
organization. We're the small fish in the big pond, but we hope
that having women combine energies will help us swim with the
big guys.
 |
Here's
the catch: It costs ten bucks to vote.
But all the money goes to WAND.
And
here's the payoff: The group that garners
the most votes will get a grant of $100,000. |
So
we need you! Each vote will bring us closer
to the $100,000 prize. The campaign runs through the
end of October. Please help with a donation of $10 - $1000,
and we're all winners!
|
Please
vote for us today! Thanks!
September 1 - October 31, 2007 | PeacePrimary.org |
|
Thank
you so much for your support! Whatever the amount, it is vital to our work,
and greatly appreciated. |
