WAMM Activist: Nikki LaSorella

by Marie Simpson, WAMM

Since reluctantly sliding off my couch and evolving from an armchair activist to a mobile, though still primarily vicarious, activist, I have been in awe of Nikki LaSorella. Sitting down to interview her for this article, I was surprised to learn that WAMM's own energetic, fiercely principled Nikki is also very modest and uncomfortable talking about herself.

Born Nicolette LaSorella, Nikki grew up in Cicero, Illinois, an area she describes as primarily Italian and definitely white. She attributes her strong belief in living in strict accordance to her principles, in part, to her maternal grandfather, an Italian socialist. Asked if there are other activists in her family, Nikki is quick to mention her sister Betty, also a WAMM member.

Nikki left Illinois as a teenager and moved to San Francisco, where she soon became involved in Vietnam War protests. She was instrumental with others in persuading the City Council at Davis to pass a resolution against the war. After moving to Minneapolis in 1973, Nikki became an advocate for developmentally disabled persons and their families. It was through that work that she met Mel Duncan, with whom she later helped form Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action.

During the mid-1970s, Nikki was active with the Women's Labor Union, a socialist, feminist organization that empowered women by providing education to women on subjects ranging from auto mechanics to politics. In the years between 1975 and 1984, Nikki worked in so many different factory settings that she recently authored a rap song recounting her numerous work experiences.

WAMM first came to Nikki's attention when she saw WAMM members engaging in freeway bannering. Nikki joined the Friday bannering group, and for years would banner, then have breakfast and a violin/flute jam session with co-activist and friend Kathy Anderson. In 1984 Nikki joined Polly Mann on staff at WAMM, first as office manager, then as co-director.

During her years on staff at WAMM, Nikki was involved in the War Toys Committee, Parents For Peaceful Play, and the Rambo Doll protest. She was also active in Central American issues. Nikki recalls her years as a member of the WAMM staff as years full of personal challenge and growth, as well as tremendous creative opportunity.

Almost immediately after leaving WAMM, Nikki helped organize and carry out the unbelievably successful rally, "Minnesota Speaks To Washington." To everyoneís amazement, including Nikki's, over 10,000 people from all over Minnesota attended this rally, held in protest of growing U.S. involvement in the Iraq/Kuwait conflict. Since 1991, Nikki has worked on issues surrounding nuclear waste storage at Prairie Island, worker organizing, and her current passion, the Manitoba Hydro Project.

Nikki's life work is to make a better place for all of earth's children, particularly those who are disregarded or exploited by the power barons of the world.