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:
California, USA
How did you get involved with anti-war activism and World BEYOND War (WBW)?
There was a certain moment when it became clear to me that I have a spiritual obligation to take steps to end the archaic institution of war. I soon found myself signing onto the mailing lists of a number of peace organizations including World BEYOND War, at which point I began following their activities, participating in letter writing campaigns, signing petitions, and thinking about possible next steps.
What kinds of volunteer activities do you help with?
Earlier this year I helped with tabling efforts at the Rotary International Peace Conference, and soon after was asked to help start the new Southern California Chapter of World BEYOND War. I also participate in our chapter’s e-book club, which is proving to be a wonderful educational resource, a place to gain inspiration from the ideas of others, and to brainstorm about all the directional possibilities of the global peace movement.
What’s your top recommendation for someone who wants to get involved with WBW?
Do check out all the beautiful resources on the WBW website and in print—from there, you may find yourself joining (or starting!) your local chapter, meeting other like-minded people, inspiring your friends and family with your advocacy, and sending ripples outward that will ultimately create waves of change in the world.
What keeps you inspired to advocate for change?
These things never fail to keep me inspired: the overwhelming evidence that all living beings are interconnected, my deep love for the diversity of life on our planet, and the enormous creative potential of the human spirit. These give me confidence that it’s worthwhile to make a great push to end all wars and birth a new era of peaceful planetary stewardship—for the benefit of humanity and for all of Earth’s inhabitants.
How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted your activism?
Despite the physical isolation, activists are truly coming together on social media and in other digital places, to exchange and promote ideas and to reaffirm their common vision—in a sense, I actually feel more broadly socially connected during this time! Also, and I know I’m not alone in this: I’ve found more opportunities for meditation and contemplation, which has helped to slough off unnecessary mental distractions and reinforce my vision for what is possible for humanity.
Posted May 17, 2020.
