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W A M M Members Connect Racism and Militarism
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Heather Foster, W A M M
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Over the course of two days in September, 45 members of Women Against Military Madness came together to explore the topic of anti-racism and how it connects to issues of militarism, peace, and justice. We spent sixteen hours together over the course of these two days sharing our histories and herstories, engaging in difficult conversations, enjoying exceptional food, and creating new ways to envision WAMM’s role in anti-racism work.
Some of the topics that were covered included a discussion of U.S. history and racism, a presentation on language and power, and dialogue about the ways that the peace movement is affected by racism.
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– Photo by Paulette Sankofa |
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On Saturday afternoon, small groups discussed whether WAMM should be doing anti-racism work and how it would affect our work in the community. Every group determined that they believed anti-racism is a critical part of anti-militarism. Members found that it was critical to work against racism to fulfill our mission of working in solidarity with others and empowering all women.
Brigid McDonald said that this experience reminded participants that “racism is alive and well and must be addressed within the context of WAMM’s mission. [The critical examination of the mission] really opened up and expanded what WAMM’s mission is.”
Marie Braun, a WAMM Steering Committee member stated, “We want to do things in a feminist way, but we must be equally aware of racism so that we can be anti-racist.”
As we move toward the close of September as anti-racism month, we hope that the vision created through the retreat will continue to inform our work as a strong and mature peace and justice organization.
We encourage all members of WAMM to look at the mission statement and think about all the ways that we can live out these goals: “WAMM is a nonviolent feminist organization that works in solidarity with others to create a system of social equality, self-determination and justice through education and empowerment of women. WAMM’s purpose is to dismantle systems of militarism and global oppression.” What a powerful statement for radical social change! |
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W A M M Action
Circle of Healing, Peace, and Justice: Beginning Our Journey
As a continuation of W A M M’s Anti-Racism Month in September, W A M M is planning “Circle of Healing, Peace, and Justice: Beginning Our Journey.” We hope to create a beginning place for dialogue and truth telling between people of different backgrounds and histories.
The Circle will focus on healing and building relationships and will incorporate many activities and methods. We will create space for one-on-one dialogue, drumming and music from many traditions, and table sharing. This will be a family-friendly event.
We are still in the planning process for this event and welcome all who are interested to help envision and create the Circle with us. Contact Paulette at 612-827-5364 to get involved!
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© 2003 Women Against Military Madness. All rights reserved.
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Complete October 2003 Index - click here
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