Women's International League for Peace and Freedom St. Louis Branch
The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) brings women together to oppose war, violence and global militarization.
More than 100 years have passed since the birth of our League in 1915, and still the world is haunted by the spectre of war. We see patriarchy, militarism, and neoliberalism as three inter-related causes that push us all towards more conflict.
WILPF uses its core strengths – feminist analysis and advocacy promoted by a mobilized feminist community – to tackle the issues of patriarchy, militarism, and neoliberalism. By highlighting issues and shifting perceptions, we change policies and behaviors.
Our methods of work include analysis, awareness-raising, advocacy, activism, and building alliances. We build coalitions and partnerships, share knowledge, and convene women from all around the region. We create bridges and spaces for discussion so that women can play their rightful role in decision-making and help shape the responses that affect their lives and communities.
The St Louis Branch was one of the first in the United States (1923). Here is the current board:
Lynn Sableman, president
Margaret Foege, treasurer
Joyce Best, board member
Samia Das, board member, membership
Judy Davis, board member
Connie James, board member
Cara Jensen, board member, communications
Mary Jane Schutzius, board member, newsletter
“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.”
— John Lennon
“True peace is not merely the absence of war, it is the presence of justice.”
— Jane Addams
“If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”
— Desmond Tutu