Young Women Take A STAND By Molly Cochran What’s in a name? For the young women of STAND, redefining the group’s name may have as many implications for its destiny as being Capulet or Montague did for Shakespeare’s characters. Housed within WAND, STAND is an organization of young women ages 13 to 25. At the national conference in September and their subsequent STAND retreat, the STAND women took back the “T”—as they gathered to strengthen their vision for this growing or-ganization, they declared that they are “Students Take Ac-tion for New Directions.” “Take” is a verb. With that verb, these young women claim their power to act, to be, to create, to take action for social change. We saw their energy and determination as they sang and stomped, “War: What is it good for?” They are taking steps to lead the country in a new direction. They believe in the democratic process, which gives us all a vote and a voice. If we aren’t being heard, then it’s up to us to take action. It’s time to take the microphone and cry out for justice. Time to take violence out of our homes and our world. Long past time to take nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert. No one will give women more positions in politics; we will take those seats one district at a time. It won’t be easy, but it’s time to let your light shine. So take up your pens and pencils. Pick up your checkbook, your journal, your telephone, your courage—any resource you have. Whatever your gifts are, whatever your vision, get ready to give; young women are taking a stand. Return to index