THE PRICE TAG FOR WAR
On Tuesday, March 25, the administration officially unveiled its $74.7 billion supplemental spending package that includes funds for (a) fighting the war ($63 billion), (b) relief efforts & immediate reconstruction ($8 billion, including $5 billion in aid for “supportive” countries affected by the war, like Pakistan, Israel, Jordan and Turkey), and (c) beefing up security at home ($4 billion).

The money covers anticipated expenses for only the next six months.

OF NOTE

• The president asked that Defense Secretary Rumsfeld be given broad latitude to allocate a $59.9 billion "Defense Emergency Response Fund” -- i.e. a discre- tionary fund that would allow Mr. Rumsfeld to move money around at will. A few Republicans joined Democrats in saying that Congress must maintain an oversight role on military spending in Iraq.

• New war costs could bring the fiscal year 2003 deficit to $400 billion.

• Lawmakers said the request would be approved within two weeks. House and Senate Appropriations committees plan to mark up the supplemental this week, and House Republican leaders have scheduled floor action on the package for late in the week.

• Two areas of debate are homeland security and the plight of U.S. airlines.

This is “the first installment of the hundreds of billions of dollars needed to finance the war in Iraq and its aftermath” -- Bob Herbert, NYT, 3/27/03

(Sources, NYT, 3/28/03, B13; 3/27/03, A25, 3/25/03, A1; CQ Midday Update 3/25/03, 3/28/03, 3/27/03)

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THE FEDERAL BUDGET PROCESS: Emerging Blueprint
On Wednesday, March 26, the Senate approved a $2.2 trillion budget resolution for fiscal year 2004, which begins Oct. 1, 2003. The bill cut the president’s proposed $726 billion tax cut to $350 billion.

The budget resolution serves as a blueprint for tax and spending legislation that Congress will consider in the months ahead as it completes the fiscal year 2004 budget.

The Senate-approved resolution now moves to a Senate-House conference committee where Bush allies will work to restore some or all of the tax cut. The House voted earlier in March to allow the full $726 billion tax cut proposal.

The National Priorities Project's Tax Day 2003 Factsheet Now available at: http://www.nationalpriorities.org/taxday2003/taxday03.html The Factsheet offers a breakdown of how the federal government spent the average household's tax dollars last year for each state/city. It also highlights the cost and consequence of President Bush's currently proposed tax cuts.

ACTION: Join local coalition members from your state or city to coordinate a local release of your Tax Day Factsheet. Go to:
http://www.fairtaxes4all.org/action/states.shtml. Sample press release & letter to the editor are available. (Source: National Priorities Project, 413-584-9556)

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GRIST FOR THE MILL, By Fern Katz, Metro Detroit WAND
If the national debt is $6.472 trillion, and the population of the United States is 292 million, then each man, woman and child in the U.S. is in debt for $22,200.

If the war in Iraq costs $200 billion, then each man, woman and child in the United States will owe approximately $685 for the war.

So, what about the $300 that was paid to each taxpayer (not every man, woman and child in the United States)? Was that supposed to keep us quiet?

http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/

Victory! Thanks to all who spoke out against efforts to weaken the Violence Against Women Office (ref. 3/14 WAND Bulletin Board). Our voices were heard!

IMPORTANT VICTORY FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) announced on March 25 that the U.S. Dept. of Justice (DOJ) will reverse its original course and make the Violence Against Women Office a free-standing entity within the Dept., rather than reducing its significance by keeping it in the Office of Justice Programs. Senator Biden, author of the original law that created the Office, received word from Attorney General John Ashcroft that the Violence Against Women Office would in fact become a separate, high-profile office within the DOJ, with a Director who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

For full text of Senator Biden's press release: membership@wand.org

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CPA News: Susan Loubet interviews Charlotte Bunch
Grassroots leader Susan Thom Loubet of the New Mexico Women's Agenda interviewed Charlotte Bunch, executive director of the Global Women's Leader- ship Institute in honor of International Women's Day. The interview examined the impact of President Bush's U.N. actions on women. To hear the interview:
http://www.kunm.org/news/

Center for Policy Alternatives, http://www.stateaction.org

What does the federal budget say about our nation’s values?

On Tuesday, as President Bush was asking Congress for the first installment of the hundreds of billions of dollars needed to finance the war in Iraq and its aftermath, the students and teachers at a high school within walking distance of the White House were struggling through their daily routine in a building that has no cafeteria, no gymnasium, no student lockers, not even a fully reliable source of electricity. -- Bob Herbert, The New York Times (3/27/03)

As Congress approves a $75 billion supplemental spending package for war, and writes a budget resolution for fiscal year 2004 that contains huge tax cuts, consider the following:

Proposed cut -- food stamps
Proposed cut -- child care
Proposed cut -- workfare
Proposed cut -- child nutrition / school lunch programs
Proposed cut -- health care for the poor
Proposed cut -- veterans’ programs

The House approved $265 billion in spending cuts. Three-fifths of the cuts are likely to fall on the impoverished, the disabled and the working poor according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

(Sources, NYT, 3/27/03, A24, A25)

ACTION. Find out what the $75 billion emergency supplemental spending package for the Iraq war will cost taxpayers in your state and what it could buy in local services instead: http://database.nationalpriorities.org/tradeoff. (Source: The National Priorities Project) Share this information with your community. Contact WAND for support: membership@wand.org

KEEP FIREWALL IN U.S. POLICY GOVERNING THE USE OF NUCLEAR
AS OPPOSED TO CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS.

ACTION: Urge your member of Congress to co-sign the “Rush Holt” letter to President Bush to express concern and opposition to any relaxation of the long-standing U.S. policy governing the use of nuclear weapons in Iraq , North Korea, or anywhere else. Deadline for signing: 4/7.

Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121.

The letter begins:

We are writing to convey our grave concern about public revelations that suggest your Administration considers nuclear weapons to be an extension of the continuum of conventional options open for possible use by the United States, and that your Administration may use nuclear weapons in the current military conflict in Iraq.

Full text: membership@wand.org

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NORTH KOREA NOTES
On March 28, Japan launched two military spy satellites into orbit in order to monitor North Korea, in spite of North Korea’s threat that this move could prompt it to drop a 5-year, self-imposed moratorium on long-range missile firings. (No.Korea fired a missile over Japan in 1998.) Japan may acquire missiles with enough range (650 miles) to knock out No.Korean missile sites.

There is no progress on the diplomatic front. On April 10, North Korea’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty will take effect.

(Sources, NYT, 3/28/03, A8)

WAND DC Reception: Celebrating Women's Voices in Congress (4/2)
Wednesday, 4/2/03 * 5:30-7:30pm * 2105 Rayburn House Office Building INFO/tickets: www.wand.org/events

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2003 PEACEWEB CONFERENCE & EXPO, Atlanta, GA (4/3-7)
Weaving the Future of Peacemaking, & the Network of Youth Peacemakers' conference, Peace 'N' It Together.Join STAND as we gather to learn skills, network, reflect, discover, and be entertained, while making a statement for peace, nonviolent conflict resolution, and social/restorative justice.

INFO: Cicley at stand@wand.orgor www.apeacemaker.net

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Children’s Defense Fund‘s National Conference, Washington, DC (4/8-11)
www.childrensdefense.org/
Special note: WAND Executive Director Susan Shaer will lead a workshop for college students: "Building a Movement" (April 10, 10:45 am - 12:15 am)

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"SOA Watch" April Mobilization Against Military & Economic Intervention
in Latin America and the Caribbean -- Washington, DC, April 10-15, 2003
Sunday, April 13 rally and march to the World Bank & IMF. Coordinated with movements in Latin America & the Caribbean to make this an Inter- national Day of Action. Also, the Latin America Solidarity Conference III with direct action trainings, educational workshops / strategy sessions, a lobby day to close the School of the Americas, street theatre, film screenings & more. INFO: (202) 234 3440, http://www.LASolidarity.org.

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LEARN THE PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
Community Action Training - Center for Third World Organizing (4/25-27)
Oakland, CA -- Brooklyn, NY -- Chicago, IL -- Atlanta, GA Register: www.ctwo.org/cat_reg.html or email us at ctwo@ctwo.org

CTWO's Movement Activist Apprenticeship Program (MAAP) (6/18-8/6)
Brings together motivated activists of color to learn the art of organizing. Graduates receive help in job placement. Orientation & advanced skills sessions in Oakland. Field placements in SF Bay area, New York, & LA.

Application: www.ctwo.org/maap, or 510-533-7583 x13.
MAAP applicants must attend a CAT session. Application due 4/15/03.

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MOTHER'S DAY PARADE 2003 - Mothers Acting Up (5/11/03)
On May 11 mothers and others will don costumes, walk on stilts, and publicly declare their intention to Protect Our Global Family in parades across the country. For a parade packet and information: www.mothersactingup.org.

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Institute for Women’s Policy Research’s 7th International Conference
"Women Working to Make a Difference" - Save the Date! 6/22-24, 2003
Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C * INFO/Registration: www.iwpr.org

The conference will address issues related to women’s economic, political, health, and social status both internationally and in the U.S.

Department of Peace -- A message from Deepak Chopra.
Dear Friends, Marianne Williamson, one of my dearest and closest colleagues, is launching major efforts with Congressman Dennis Kucinich to pass Depart- ment of Peace legislation. I am sharing this letter with you and will appreciate your involvement in any way you find practical. Love, Deepak

WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN: Lobby Washington for a Department of Peace
APRIL 6-8, Global Renaissance Alliance Conference * INFO / Registration:
www.renaissancealliance.org or (586) 754-8105

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A beautiful and inspiring site . . .
http://www.attractinggenuinelove.com/peace

Pro-peace rallies and marches abound. For information about activities in your area, go to: www.unitedforpeace.org. Please add your events to this website! Simply go to "Anti-war Related Events,” enter your state, and click "add." Then complete the form. To see all events in your state, click “view all.”

WAND Note. WAND is a member of both United for Peace & Justice and Win Without War. WAND executive director Susan Shaer co-chairs Win Without War, and Elizabeth Chesnut, WAND field director, serves on the United for Peace & Justice administrative committee.

WAND chapter and partner events are listed below.

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ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS WAND ANNOUNCES NEW WEBSITE!
Arkansas WAND is the proud owner of an extremely helpful and resourceful new website: www.arkwand.org. Please check it out!

JOIN ARKANSAS WAND'S LETTER WRITING COMMITTEE
Help AR WAND keep letters to the editors going to area newspapers everyday. INFO: Jean Gordon at jgordon@igc.org

ARKANSAS WAND MONTHLY GATHERING (4/7)
Program to be announced. Check www.arkwand.org. Location: Quapaw Quarter UMC, 16th St., between Main and Louisiana. INFO: 501 663 0659.

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CALIFORNIA

Conversations with a Peace Activist-Father Bill O'Donnell (4/2)
April 2, 2003 * 7 pm * Holy Names College Oakland
INOF: Susan Eggett, eggett@hnc.edu, (510) 436-1113 http://www.hnc.edu

BAY AREA WOMEN’S COALITION AGAINST THE WAR (BAWCAW)
PURPOSE. To respond to the crisis of U.S. foreign policy, specifically the U.S. war on Iraq, by coming together as women to raise our voices and claim a leadership role for women in the movement against war.
Latest BAWCAW action: Delegation to the Office of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Friday, March 7, to advocate for a federal budget that reflects our needs and values. INFO: chartono27@hotmail.com

PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - LOS ANGELES (4/5)
BE THE CHANGE: Building Peace & Democracy Through Nonviolent Action Workshops and Panel * Occidental College: Herrick Interfaith Center Sat., April 5, Program: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm * Ticket: $10.00 Students / Low Income $5.00 (Limited Discount spaces available)
INFO/Registration: 323-731-5400
http://www.nonviolenceworks.com/BeTheChange

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CONNECTICUT

”WHERE WILL THE MONEY COME FROM?” YALE PRESENTATION (4/12)
The Women's Campaign School at Yale University presents a special one-day training on the ABC's of fundraising. Tuition - $95, includes breakfast, lunch and materials. Sign up online at www.wcsyale.org or call 202-734-7385.

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GEORGIA

GA PEACE INFORMATION
http://www.AtlantaGrassroots.org
http://www.notinourname.net/~atlantaga/

ATLANTA WAND BENEFIT -- "HOMEBODY KABUL"
On 3/26, Horizon Theatre performed Tony Kushner’s "Homebody Kabul" to benefit Atlanta WAND and served up an incredible feast of theatre and production. "Homebody Kabul" tells the story of "homebody" in London aching to escape her staid life by walking into the adventure of pre-9/11 Afghanistan, and her daughter and husband's quest into her new world. An extremely prophetic play written in 1998.

Runs through 5/11. INFO: 404 523 1477, www.horizontheatre.com.

SPIRITUAL AWARENESS WEEK AT MOREHOUSE- 2003 (4/2-4)
All events take place in King Chapel, 830 Westview Dr., SW
Speakers include Dr. Jesse L. Jackson, Dr. Barbara Marx Hubbard.
Sponsor: Gandhi Institute for Reconciliation. INFO: 404 215 2608.

"PEACE, PRAYER, PREACHING AND PRACTICE FORUM" (4/2)
7 PM. Part of Spiritual Awareness Week. Theme: Being Peace - Universal Spirituality and Visionary Activism. INFO: MLK Jr. International Chapel, 404 215 2608 or lcarter@morehouse.edu.

TAX DAY PROTEST AND VIGIL AT LENOX SQUARE (4/14)
4-9 PM. Bring signs, stand and be counted at intersections in Buckhead.
Candlelight vigil from 7-9 PM. INFO: emcnally59@yahoo.com.

Greater Atlanta Bill of Rights Defense CAMPAIGN
17 people met on March 24th and adopted a 6-month campaign to include:
* A Public Forum, Tuesday, May 6th
* A working group to draft / secure passage of a Resolution affirming civil liberties and resisting recent Federal Acts curtailing the Bill of Rights
* An Independence Day Bill of Rights Celebration and Picnic
Next meeting of the BORDC: 7:00pm, Monday, April 14, Manuel’s Tavern.
INFO: Ray Miklethun miklethun@usa.net

SAY NO TO WAR ON IRAQ! Every-Friday Rallies
April 4th will mark the 32nd consecutive week of rallies for peace.
Please join us, Noon to 1:00, 1175 Peachtree (Colony Square)
INFO: 404-524-5999.

CORNER FAITH WITNESS
Please encourage your faith community to be a part of this city-wide witness.
INFO / to add or change listings: membership@wand.org

* Central Presbyterian - Sunday, 12:15 - 1 p.m., Corner of Washington Street
and MLK(With members of The Shrine and Trinity Methodist)
* Druid Hills Presbyterian - Sunday, noon to 1, 1026 Ponce de Leon NE
* Druid Hills United Methodist - Sunday, noon to 1, Ponce de Leon and Briarcliff
* Episcopal Church of the Epiphany - Sunday, noon to 1, 2089 Ponce de Leon
* Hillside Chapel - Sunday - Following the 10:30 service, Cascade Road
* North Decatur Presbyterian - Sunday, noon to 1, No. Decatur and Scott Blvd.
* North Decatur United Methodist, 12:15-12:45, No. Decatur Road
* Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta (UUCA) - Sunday, 1-2 pm
corner of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Road.

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INDIANA

"WOMEN, COMMUNICATION & CONFLICT" AT GOSHEN COLLEGE (4/26)
9-4 PM. Features Carolyn Schrock-Shenk. Registration - $70 before 4/11, $80 after. Sponsor: Peace & Justice Collaborative. INFO: lovekaren55@msn.com

Tuesday - Elkhart 12:15 pm - Weekly Vigils. Please join us!
INFO: lovekaren55@msn.com

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KANSAS

Rally for Peace (4/2)
April 2nd 2003 * Noon-2 * University of Kansas Lawrence
South Park (Mass St) * INFO: Roger Stack, rostack@sunflower.com

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MASSACHUSETTS

EVENTS LISTING
For a comprehensive list of events in Massachusetts related to the war in Iraq, go to: www.afsc.org/pes.htm.

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GREATER NEWBURYPORT WAND MEETINGS (4/9, 5/6)
April meeting on Wed. 4/9 and a May meeting on Mon. 5/5
Location: Newburyport Public Library * 7-9 pm.

AGENDA: Planning the future of Greater Newburyport WAND, sharing leadership / tasks, creating organizational structure, becoming a group that nurtures ourselves and others without draining ourselves.

Questionnaire. Please return to: barbara.hildt@verizon.net Name:
Phone numbers:
Best days and times to meet:
Issues I'd like to have addressed:
Activities I'd like to see us do:

Thank you! Barbara Hildt, 978 388-3647

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"INTRO TO INDIA AND PAKISTAN: History, Culture & Conflict (4/8)
4-6 PM. Harvard Asia Center, 625 Mass. Ave., 2nd floor, near outbound red line Central Square T stop.

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MICHIGAN

WOMEN LEGISLATORS' LOBBY BRUNCH IN LANSING (4/2)
8:45 am. INFO: Fern Katz at jskatz@mich.com.

TAX DAY PRESS CONFERENCE IN ROYAL OAK (4/15)
3:30 PM. Roy Oak Post Office. Speakers: Fern Katz, former Michigan Rep. Pan Godchaux, and Rudy Simons. INFO: jskatz@mich.com.

"FACES OF IRAQ" PHOTO EXHIBIT OPENS IN DEARBORN (4/17)
5:30 PM. Univ. of Michigan-Dearborn, ROC Building. Reps. John Conyers and David Bonior will open the exhibit with brief speeches.
INFO: Brenda Abdelall at aaibrenda@hotmail.com or 313 584 8868

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MINNESOTA

WORRY-FREE ADVOCACY IN ST. PAUL (4/7)
9 PM- 4:15 PM. Open to the public. $30. Lobbying rules for non-profits, advocacy, tax rules. Sponsor: Alliance for Justice & National Council of Nonprofit Assoc. INFO: tholley@afj.org.

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MONTANA

MONTANA CALENDARS OF EVENTS FOR PEACE

Montana Peace Seakers
http://www.montanapeaceseekers.org/common/pages/calendar.php

helenapeaceseekers@yahoo.com, 406-443-0843
Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
http://www.jrpc.org/Calendar/calendar.html

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NORTH CAROLINA

Community For Peace MEDIA FORUM: "What's YOUR Story Is there
a bias in the media" (4/1)
Tuesday, April 1 * 6:30 to 8:30 pm * Reynolda Manor Branch Library
Fairlawn Drive, Winston-Salem. Panel discussion and open microphone.
Free. Directions: Reynolda Road, one light past Polo Road, left on Fairlawn across from Reynolda Manor Shopping Center. INFO: mischi@infionline.net

BISHOP DESMOND TUTU TO SPEAK AT ELON UNIV. (4/2)
Nobel Peace Prize winner from South Africa to speak. $10. INFO: Elon Cultural Programs, 336 278 5610 or cassebau@elon.edu.

ANNUAL Black/Latino/Allies Liberation Breakfast, Raleigh (4/12)
10 AM - 1 PM. Media Center, Chavis Community Center. 505 Martin Luther King Blvd. Sponsor: NC Hunger Network, with Western Blvd. Presbyterian Church and El Centro Hispano. INFO: 919 821 5300. Registration required.

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OHIO

VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN IN CLEVELAND
A coalition of 100 groups is organizing to create the largest voter-registration drive in years. To get involved, contact Marcia McCoy at 216 881 7200.

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OREGON

RITE AID FEELS THE POWER OF THE MINUTE WOMEN IN EUGENE!
Congratulations to the Minute Women of Lane County WAND who succeeded in pulling Easter baskets with toy weapons and grenades from the shelves of Rite Aid! After LCW Minute Women sent over 200 postcards and contacted the media, including the Eugene Register Guard, the manager of Rite Aid pulled the baskets before attending a meeting requested by the Minute Women! To speak to the organizers, contact Susan Cundiff, rcundiff@rio.com.

News reports:
http://www.lionlamb.org/whatsnew.html
http://www.registerguard.com/news/2003/03/23/c1.cr.bigevent.0323.html

March for Oregon's Future (4/5)
Saturday, April 5th, 12:00pm * Salem Peace Plaza * 555 Liberty St. SE Make your voice heard to state legislators & the governor. Oregon needs a stable & fair tax system to raise adequate revenue for essential public services. Bus departing from Eugene at 10:30 am; call Wayne at the SEIU office to reserve seat or for information. Phone: 342-1055.

USE YOUR $$ TO PROTEST IMPERIALISM!
From Lane County WAND in Eugene: "Don't Cut the Cheese. Boycott Kraft!" INFO: rcundiff@rio.com, or http://www.bethecause.org;boycott/index.shtml

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RHODE ISLAND

Children of War: The Face of Conflict in Iraq (4/1)
Tues., 4/1, 7:30 pm * Beneficent Ch, 300 Weybosset St., downtown Providence (up from the Providence Performing Arts Center) An evening of theater, politics and music to highlight the plight of the children of Iraq and the humanitarian cost of war.

Featuring Woody Harrelson, Tony Kushner, Oskar Eustis, Barbara Lubin of the Middle East Children’s Alliance, Prof. Neta Crawford of Brown's Watson Institute, and an excerpt from Tony Kushner’s new play on the children of Iraq, "Only We Who Guard the Mystery Shall be Unhappy," starring academy award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden and Trinity Rep's Anne Scurria.

Plus musical performances from acclaimed West African musicians and dancers Seydou Coulibaly, Issa Coulibaly and Abdoulaye Diallo; and roots-rocksters Ry Cavanaugh and Jennifer Kimball of Boston’s urban country sensation, Maybe Baby.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. First come, first seated. Suggested donation $10

The WAND / Women Take Action! Bulletin Board is an announcement service of the WAND National Field Office. The purpose of the Bulletin Board is to share news and ideas, and to offer the strength and support that comes from belonging to a national network of active WAND / WTA women. To add or remove names from the Bulletin Board, please email your request along with your city (to assist us in finding your address) to membership@wand.org.

Thank you.

WAND

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