Women's International League For Peace And Freedom

                          Women's International League For Peace and Freedom

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

co Paquetta Palmer, Newsletter Editor

619 East University, A-1

Ann Arbor, MI 48104

llnformation: Lillian Zaret 663-8614

                                           Statement of Pur pose

Since its founding in 1915, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom has united countless women working for peace and freedom. Two of its founders, Jane Addams and Emily Greene Balch, were awarded Nobel Peace Prizes for their work.

WILPF has a worldwide network with sections in 26 countries on five continents and an international office in Geneva. The U.S. section alone has more than 100 branches. As an international organization with official representation in the U.N., we are committed to the United Nations as a strong force for settling disputes among nations.

Throughout its unique history, WILPF has affirmed that peace and freedom are inseparable, two sides of the same coin. WILPF continues to be a multi-issue, multi-racial organization emphasizing the connections between war and poverty, racism and economic exploitation, and sexism and violence.

WILPF stands for the equality of all people in a world free of racism and sexism, the building of a constructive peace through world disarmament, and changing U.S. government priorities to meet human needs.

Recent WILPF actions and coalition work include: August 27th March for Jobs, Peace and Freedom (to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the historic civil rights march (1983), Women's Peace Encampments (1983), Listen to Women for a Change (including the Women's Poll Project and work with the Women's Vote Project) (1983), Women's Speaking Tour on Central America (1984), Comprehensive Test Ban Campaign (1984).

                                               Meetings and Membership

April 9 is the WILPF Board meeting. Send agenda items, comments, queries to Paquetta A. Palmer, at the above address. There are approximately 120 members in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Branch. The current officers are: Coördinator, Annie Blackman, Co-Coordinator, Dee Axelrod, Treasurer, Lynn Furay, Membership, Lillian Zaret, Legislation, Ruth Graves, Literature, Bev Fish, Phone Tree, Clara Nitzberg and Betty Musgrave, Children's Books, Joan Weisman, Newsletter, Paquetta Palmer, AtLarge, Judy Duboff , State Liason, Lynn Furay.

                                                    Community Services

We have a lot of literature available on issues that concern everyone as they struggle for peace and freedom. We have art work, T-shirts, posters, buttons and books available for moderate donations. We also have many members who can speak on current issues and special topics such as U.S. policy in Central America, war tax resistance, and children's books on peace, disarmament and social justice. We are very proud of having many members who have been in the struggle a long time. We consider the experience and knowledge of WILPF members, one of WILPF's greatest assets.

                                                     Coming Events

We will elect new officers in May and hold a joint meeting with the Detroit WILPF branch. On April 26th at 6 PM, we will hold our annual WILPF banquet in the Unitarian Church basement, 1917 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. A delicious dinner will be served and we have arranged some special entertainment. Donations will help cover operating costs for 1986-87.

WILPF branches around the country are demonstrating, lobbying, and participating in nonviolent action and working with others to build a just and peaceful nuclear-free world. Listen to Women for a change...