Each month, we share the stories of World BEYOND War volunteers around the world. Want to volunteer with World BEYOND War? Email greta@worldbeyondwar.org.
Location:
Philadelphia, PA, USA
How did you get involved with anti-war activism and World BEYOND War (WBW)?
I truly do not remember when I discovered WBW, but volunteered to do some research, and ended up writing a couple of articles, and collaborating on some fact sheets. Although I admire the work we do, I’m just a bit of a skeptic when it comes to the idea of eliminating all war. As a child in the 50s and 60s I was horrified by the videos and pictures of the Allied liberation of the death camps and wondered how you negotiate with a mad man intent on conquering the world? On the other hand, I also saw pictures of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and believe strongly that there must be a better way.
What kinds of volunteer activities do you help with?
At the moment, I volunteer with the Granny Peace Brigade Philadelphia (GPBP), and the Divest Philly from the War Machine, a WBW sponsored group, and Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO). I keep on keeping on because of the old adage “If not us, who? If not now, when?” Thus, my work in peace groups.
How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted your activism?
At the beginning of the pandemic and before vaccines, I looked for something I could do online and volunteered with a group of young people called Philly Socialists helping to get food and even supplies like appliances, pet food, etc. to people who were isolating. I loved the work. COVID I believe was good for me as an activist. As an introvert who recharges with quiet and peaceful time alone, I have certainly been recharged!
Posted May 26, 2022.
One Response
I admire Ms. Morrow’s commitment to peace and I KNOW it’s trite and off-topic here, but I feel bound to put it down. That name, “Grannies For Peace” is totally off-putting. I’m a grandmother (and a great-grandmother) myself, but I cringe when I see it. To label women of a certain age “grannies” is reminiscent of the old “darky” and “pickaninny” thing. “Granny” suggests a sweet little old lady reading to the adorable kiddie on her lap; she is just so cute and precious. What she isn’t is a serious opponent of the horror that can tear that little kiddie limb from limb. You can dismiss “grannies” with a sigh–she’s getting old and forgetful, our Nana–“Women Against War” maybe not so easily.