WAMM ACTivists

by Lisa Ann Pierce, WAMM

On February 27, 2000, WAMM will celebrate the remarkable achievements of three long-time WAMM activists: Polly Mann, Marianne Hamilton, and Lu Cossins. These three women have had (and continue to have) profound influence in the formation of WAMM's social justice activism. It is a privilege and an honor to celebrate the 248 years they have been making this a better world. So, as we approach Lu Cossins' "22nd" leap year birthday, we'll take some time out for dance and celebration.

Lu Cossins, according to Lucia Wilkes, "married into the movement." Following her marriage to an activist, Lu joined in the social justice effort. Longtime WAMM members report that, after her husband's death, Lu sought to honor his memory by actively supporting WAMM with her volunteer efforts. For many years, Lu contributed her time and energy toward WAMM's financial management. Lu's somewhat less visible activism serves as a wonderful example of all the behind-the-scenes contributions of office volunteers. Their efforts are critical. After all, it is volunteers like Lu who build the movement.

The inimitable Polly Mann scarcely needs introduction to those of you who read her articles here in worldwideWAMM. Polly is well-known as a cofounder and former director of WAMM. You may have read her commentaries in the Minnesota Women's Press. You may remember that Polly ran for US Senate in 1988. But do you know that she has served on the boards of directors of more than fourteen organizations? Did you know that Polly currently serves on the WAMM Steering Committee and six other WAMM committees? In addition to all that work, Polly volunteers in the WAMM office every Wednesday.

Lu and Polly's co-conspirator, Marianne Hamilton, also helped to form WAMM and is currently active with WAMM's Yugoslavia and Asia Pacific committees. Marianne's activism began after the days of World War II, when she became president of the Minnesota chapter of the World Federalists. Her activism continued through the Vietnam era, when she was an outspoken critic of the war. In the 1970s she was invited to the Paris Peace Talks as part of an antiwar delegation. In 1982, Marianne joined with Polly and others to form WAMM. Marianne is particularly well known for her international activism, and recently received the 1999 International Citizen award, granted jointly by Hennepin County, Ramsey County, and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

These three provide us with a lot to celebrate!