Who we are - from Silicon Valley to worldwide

 HOME

We are members of the largest and oldest women's peace organization in the world. The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom has sections in 37 countries, coordinated by an international office in Geneva. WILPF members support the work of the United Nations with consultative status and serve on several NGO (nongovermental organization) UN committees.

WILPF works for world disarmament, full rights for women, racial/economic justice, an end to all forms of violence at all levels of society, and changing government priorities to meet human needs.

There are 60 branches in the United States, which work on national campaigns selected by vote of the entire membership. The national office in Philadelphia coordinates programs on disarmament, challenging corporate power, civil liberties, LGBT rights, women's rights and women and Cuba.

There are 16 WILPF branches in California To see a listing of links to branches around California and the United States, see our National Page.
   

Dangerous women

When J. Edgar Hoover referred to Jane Addams as "the most dangerous woman in America," he set a precedent. We are proud to be considered dangerous for daring to oppose injustice.
Both of our cofounders received the Nobel Peace Prize, Jane Addams in 1931 and Emily Green Balch in 1946.

Contact us

Membership
Lois Fiedler

Raging Grannies Shirley Lin Kinoshita

Holiday Peace Fair Joan Goddard

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Jose Branch usually presents a program on the third Friday of each month at the San Jose Peace and Justice Center about people pursuing peace and justice in our communities and around the world. Check the sjpjc calendar for details.

Our major efforts have included:
  • A Save the Water program kicking off the national campaign with presentations, songs and a cheer (Take the Pledge against bottled water) at July 2005 joint meeting with OWL and NOW. Join us in planning future activities to monitor privatization efforts and to discourage use of bottled water.
  • Launching a San Jose Raging Grannies gaggle. We sang at the Save the Water program and a vigil to support Cindy Sheehan, and joined with the Peninsula Raging Grannies and others to protest torture at a rally in San Francisco and to counter military recruiters in Sunnyvale.
  • Forming of a committee to network and create a program in keeping with the national WILPF campaign Women Challenge U.S. Policy: Building Peace With Justice in the Middle East.
  • Tax Day leafleting to protest use of our tax dollars for the military and suggest ways to redirect our resources.
  • Holiday Peace Fair the first Saturday of December, an alternative gift-buying festival with international entertainment and food. Proceeds benefit peace and justice groups.
  • "No War Toys" presence at San Jose's Christmas in the Park, to encourage purchasing toys that teach peace.
  • Clothesline Project to reverse and transform the harmful effects of violence against women. We displayed the messages on T-shirts at Gavilan College.
  • Participated in End the War Now demonstrations.