May eNews: WILPFers in action, NO to NATO, reflections on WILPF’s founders, and more!

An alert from the US Section of the

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

May 2025

WILPF US members have had a busy spring so far! From nationwide “Hands Off!” protests to local community events sharing about WILPF’s founders, WILPFers are meeting the moment to bring about peace and justice. Now, we’re looking ahead: don’t miss your opportunity to say “no!” to NATO, learn about WILPF’s upcoming trip to Iran, and hear from exciting speakers at upcoming Jane Addams branch meetings! Plus, WILPFers report back on Earth Day events and their time at the Commission on the Status of Women.

WILPFers Across the Country Say “Hands Off!” on April 5

WILPF members across the US joined a national day of action on April 5 to say “Hands Off!” to the Trump administration. From Vermont to California, WILPFers made their voices heard–and took some photos along the way! Check out this photo compilation of WILPFers doing what they do best–standing up for peace together in the streets!

Reflecting on WILPF's Feminist Roots: Honoring Emily Greene Balch and Jane Addams

WILPF members Gloria McMillan and Virginia Pratt reflect on WILPF’s founders, Emily Greene Balch and Jane Addams. WILPF’s Boston branch recently held a public event to honor their legacies. Dive into WILPF’s herstory and get inspired by the lives of these two amazing women! Plus, hear lessons from the Boston branch about what made their event a success–so your branch’s next gathering is too!

WILPF says “NO!” to NATO and “No War with Iran!”

Learn more about how to participate in the global NO to NATO campaign, WILPF’s work against war in Iran, and an upcoming tour to Iran later this year–find out how to join! Plus, your branch can start planning actions to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and don’t miss this petition calling for a treaty to outlaw war!

Say “NO!” to NATO: Send Your Photos for GWUAN’s Photo Montage by May 15

Spread the message: NO to NATO! WILPFers don't need to travel to the upcoming NATO counter summit in The Hague to make their voices heard! Global Women for Peace United Against NATO (GWUAN) is asking WILPFers to send photos of members with a "NO to NATO" sign for a photo montage that will be shown at the upcoming counter summit. Read more for details about how to participate!

Join the Jane Addams Branch for Mexico's First Female President in May–and More!

Learn about the exciting schedule for upcoming Jane Addams branch meetings. From Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo's presidency in May to "Before You Enlist" in September, you won't want to miss these virtual meetings! Plus, get a recap of April's meeting about the formation of WILPF Iran and an upcoming opportunity to travel to Iran with WILPF!

Earth Day Updates–and How to Keep the Momentum Going!

WILPF's Earth Democracy Booth at Fresno, California's Earth Day celebration was a hit! Hear how they engaged with attendees to inspire action to protect our planet. Now, we can keep the momentum going from our Earth Day celebrations and actions to reduce plastic pollution and move toward renewable energy. Read more to learn how!

We've Come A Long Way, Baby! Or Have We?: Reflections on the Beijing Platform and 1325 – CEDAW

Virginia Pratt shares her reflections after attending the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in March as part of WILPF’s Local to Global Program. How have women’s rights improved–or not–in the last 30 years? What can we learn from women around the world as we stand for women’s rights, and all human rights, in this time of repression? Read Virginia’s learnings from the event!

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Next eNews Deadline: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Please submit your articles by May 20 to ensure they can be included in the May 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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