February eNews: People's Marches, Nukewatch updates, solidarity with Cuba, and more!

An alert from the US Section of the

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

February 2024

WILPF US members hit the ground running in the new year. From participating in People's Marches to celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., members across the country continue to work for peace and justice in their communities. This month, the Women, Money & Democracy Committee wants to hear which issues are important to you. Learn about a new coalition working to shut down the Monticello nuclear reactor, the upcoming World Water Day, and the recent Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal. You can also read about why working for Cuba's freedom is essential to peace everywhere. Additionally, find out how to sponsor WILPF delegates at this year's UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meetings–and how you can help improve WILPF US's new website.

Your Watchful Eyes Wanted for Our New Website!

You can help us improve our new website by helping spot "bugs" and errors.

WILPF US Stands With Peoples’ Marches in January

Hundreds of thousands of our friends and neighbors made history during January’s Women’s March, which became the People’s March. WILPF US members and branches stood with them in solidarity, showing up for each other and united in the fight for women’s rights, communities, freedoms, and the future of democracy. Read more about WILPF members’ participation in People’s Marches across the country.

WILPFers Join People’s March to Show the Power of the People in Mountain View, CA

People’s Marches happened all over the US several days before the inauguration of the new US president. Cherrill Spencer and Judy Adams of the Peninsula/Palo Alto WILPF branch joined about 300 other activists to stand for their beliefs and show the power of the people during the People’s March in Mountain View, CA on January 18. Read more about the march’s impact and WILPF member’s experience at the event.

Making Life-Changing International Connections: Invitation for You to Sponsor Women for UN CSW!

Learn more about how to support women's leadership and peace advocacy by sponsoring WILPF delegates at this year's UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meetings in New York City. Your sponsorship makes a meaningful difference for this year's delegates as they deepen their peer-to-peer learning while engaging in international relations and advocacy work.

W$D Committee Seeks Member Input for 2025-26 Priorities and Goals

The Women, Money & Democracy Committee of WILPF US works on issues of economic justice and lifts up solutions or remedies to the rigged system that punishes our most vulnerable neighbors. As a feminist organization, we particularly emphasize issues that impact women and families. Share YOUR suggestions for the most pressing economic justice issues with the W$D Committee.

New Coalition Vows to Shut Down Monticello Nuclear Reactor

“Xcel: Tainted water released from hose at Monticello nuclear plant” topped the news stories in the January 20 edition of the Monticello Times in Minnesota. The headline was an infuriating reminder of the 829,000 gallons of water containing radioactive tritium that leaked two years ago, eventually creeping into the Mississippi River–the drinking water source for 20 million people downstream. Read about how to get involved in the fight against nuclear contamination in the Mississippi River.

Participate in World Water Day on March 22 to Protect Our Glaciers

World Water Day is Saturday, March 22. The theme is “Glacier Preservation.” Learn how your WILPF branch can participate in this year’s World Water Day to protect glaciers and our environment.

WILPF San Jose Sponsors Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration

WILPF San Jose co-sponsored the 96th birthday commemoration for Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 18, 2025, at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in San Jose. Read about WILPF's participation in the event, including a reading of Dr. King's "Beyond Vietnam" speech by WILPF members.

Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal and What We Can Do Next

The Merchants of Death Tribunal issued its final report, verdicts, and recommendations for actions on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday (January 15). This three-year investigation and judgment, organized by movement activists Kathy Kelly, Nick Mottern, and Brad Wolf, charged four weapons companies–Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and General Atomics–with War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity. You can watch the recording of a press conference discussing the report here. Read more for a summary and reflections by DISARM/End Wars Committee members.

Cuba Was Off the List of "State Sponsors of Terrorism"–For Six Days

President Biden removed Cuba from the “State Sponsors of Terrorism” (SSOT) list at the end of his presidency, but this positive step was undone in the first days of the Trump administration. Trump’s actions have devastating impacts for the people of Cuba. Read more about Cuba’s history, including its history on the SSOT list, and why supporting Cuba’s sovereignty is important peace and justice work.

Your support helps WILPF reach farther and be more effective. Consider a donation to WILPF today to demonstrate your solidarity with our work.

Share your news and stay informed

Next eNews Deadline: Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Please submit your articles by February 19 to ensure they can be included in the March eNews. Be sure to review the guidelines before submitting (guidelines will be sent with reminder emails). We plan to send the eNews on the first of the month throughout 2025. Thank you for your timeliness and attention to detail regarding what information is needed to publish your article. Please send submissions to Emily Franko, eNews editor, at emily.wilpfeditor@gmail.com.

The editor may not publish all stories submitted, including late submissions.

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom/US Section

PO Box 13075 | Des Moines, IA 50310 | 617-266-0999 | www.wilpfus.org

2023 Women's International League for Peace and Freedom/US Section

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