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An alert from the US Section of the
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
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We are resending the December eNews because of a few important updates and corrections. Especially, we acknowledge the generosity of Democracy Now for sharing the new and important photo for the article, “Pope Francis attends the inauguration of a seasonal nativity scene,” which staff member, Michael Ippolito, searched for and reached out to obtain permission to use. Also because of the length of this issue, we want to give readers another opportunity to read all the timely information. At the eNews Action and Input Session last week, the final article generated lively discussion. | |
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December 2024
This month's newsletter highlights the power of collective action, community, and compassion across WILPF branches. Starting with the announcements, the Detroit Branch celebrates peace and history by donating award-winning books to inspire young readers, while the Humboldt Branch engages in local immigrant rights advocacy and community-building through scholarship events. As we step into 2025, the Peace Pentagon Virginia Branch calls for bold “Good Noise” with its Weekly Worldwide Wakeup campaign.
Meanwhile, the Jane Addams Branch invites us to its upcoming gatherings, centering on Korea Peace Now and women’s unpaid labor. We hear about urgent calls to end war—from Fridays at Fetterman’s in Philadelphia to sobering updates on Gaza and Cuba’s resilience against hurricanes and economic sanctions. Climate justice also takes center stage, as COP 29 exposes the challenges of fossil fuel dependency, while WILPF members continue ahead toward a global energy transition.
Together, these stories remind us of WILPF’s enduring commitment: from addressing domestic violence as a healthcare professional to standing against nuclear threats and honoring intergenerational legacies of peace, we unite to build a more just and peaceful world.
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- Honoring Peace: Detroit Branch Donates Award-Winning Books to Inspire Young Readers
- Building Community and Standing for Justice: Humboldt Branch in Action
- WILPF Peace Pentagon Virginia Branch: Weekly Worldwide Wakeup
- Join Us in Jan. and Feb. for the Jane Addams Branch Events – but NOT in December!
- Support Peace within WILPF – Volunteers Wanted!
- WILPF Collaboration Initiative Can Help Propel Your Branch’s Area of Interest!
- Expanding Your Perspective: You can apply to be our next WILPF International Advisory Board Member Alternate
- Mark Your Calendar! New WILPF US Website Launch!
Read more »
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“I’m not going to start wars, I’m going to stop wars,” declared Republican US presidential nominee Donald Trump in his victory speech on November 6th. An Ad Hoc committee of DISARM has written a letter to the President-elect and his senior foreign affairs staff to provide advice on how to reach a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine-Russia war and how to start building détente in Europe so it can be a peaceful region. We want you to share this letter with your Congressional reps and with your own networks, it will appear soon at the top of this webpage.
Read More »
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Pope Francis attends the inauguration of a seasonal nativity scene
Presented by Palestinian officials, the nativity features a baby Jesus lying on a keffiyeh, the traditional scarf used by Palestinians as a national symbol. Pope Francis called on believers to “remember the brothers and sisters, who, right there [in Bethlehem] and in other parts of the world, are suffering from the tragedy of war,” adding, “Enough war, enough violence!” and lamenting the existence of the commercial arms trade.
Read more »
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Cuban Resilience Despite Hurricanes and US Blockade
Cubans care for each other. Saving lives is the first priority for the government and helping each other is what the people do. Human solidarity persists even in these hard times, deliberately made as hard as possible by US economic siege warfare. On Wednesday, November 6, Hurricane Rafael hit central Cuba, and I was there. This is a contemporary account written from Marianao, Havana, four days later, while our electricity was still out.
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Tamara Lorincz and the Snow Queen
Thanks to all those who worked collaboratively on the Snow Queen “Tamara Lorincz-Inspired” painting suggestions and more actions beyond this one painting to give visibility PR assistance from our new CCS action group at WILPF US. We are fully integrating the arts into our social activism at the national level and anybody who wishes can join. JOIN CCS E-group e-list by emailing me at: Scifi200111@gmail.com
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Jane Addams Branch News
The JA branch plans meetings on the 3rd Wednesday every month except December. Our next meeting, on January 15, 2025, will feature Korea Peace Now. As always, ALL WILPF US leaders and members are allowed to share news or questions on these calls that are now open to all WILPF US members.
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Presented by Palestinian officials, the nativity features a baby Jesus lying on a keffiyeh, the traditional scarf used by Palestinians as a national symbol. Pope Francis called on believers to “remember the brothers and sisters who, right there [in Bethlehem] and in other parts of the world, are suffering from the tragedy of war.” He added, “Enough war, enough violence!” and lamented the existence of the commercial arms trade.
Read more »
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Fridays at Fetterman’s: Standing for Ceasefire and Peace in Philadelphia
The Greater Philadelphia Branch stands in solidarity with our WILPF sisters! We recently marked one year of advocating for a Gaza Ceasefire outside Sen. Fetterman’s Philadelphia office. While his entrenched stance exceeded expectations, we remain part of Philadelphia’s only weekly anti-war vigil. Though other local peace and Palestinian groups hold actions, "Fridays at Fetterman’s" is uniquely consistent in time and place.
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Recognizing, Responding, and Supporting: A Nurse’s Approach to Domestic Violence
This piece explores the critical role nurses play in addressing domestic violence within the healthcare system. Drawing on lessons from nursing school and clinical experiences, it highlights strategies for assessing abuse, supporting patient autonomy, creating safety plans, and connecting victims to vital resources—all while maintaining compassion, sensitivity, and professionalism
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Congratulations to Joan Robertson! Well Deserved.
To see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves" is the mission of Rotary International. In November 2024, the Rotary Clubs of Southeastern Wisconsin awarded the second annual Agent of Peace Award for Decades of Peace Advocacy and Education to Joan Robertson of Milwaukee, a long-standing WILPF US member and financial supporter. What better way to honor a 108-year-old woman who dedicated her life to building a better world as a peace advocate, educator, and philanthropist.
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Our War Against Children
There’s nothing unique about children being killed in war. In fact children, their mothers and other members of the civilian family invariably account for higher numbers of casualties than do combatants themselves. "The murder of children is non-debatable and non-negotiable."
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Non-Lethal Weapons
Why aren’t non-lethal weapons being used by the U.S. and its allies? Many would likely agree that minimizing harm is a worthy objective. It is speculated that the Pentagon possesses an extensive arsenal of non-lethal weapons. Why aren’t they being used? And why aren’t more being developed?
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Your support helps WILPF reach farther and be more effective. Consider a donation to WILPF today to demonstrate your solidarity with our work.
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Share your news and stay informed
Next eNews Deadline: Tuesday, January 25, 2025
The February eNews is planned to be sent out on the first of February, so please submit your articles by February 25. Be on the look-out for a form to support WILPF authors when submitting entries. We plan to be able to have the eNews go out on the first of the month throughout 2025. Thank you for your timeliness and attention to the details of what info we need for publishing.
The editor may not publish all stories submitted, including late submissions.
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© 2024 Women's International League for Peace and Freedom/US Section | | | | |
