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:
Saranac Lake, Adirondacks, NY, U.S.
How did you get involved with anti-war activism and World BEYOND War (WBW)?
In many ways, war and the military-industrial complex lie at the foundation of so many other broken systems that plague our society and world. I feel like the appropriate attention isn’t given to the current wars as part of all of our current problems, whether national or global. I feel a large part of what’s missing in today’s culture is an anti-war movement.
When I discovered WBW’s global movement that works through media creation, activism, and education campaigns, I felt encouraged and supported by the global network in starting a local chapter to contribute to the peace movement through these effective tactics.
What kinds of WBW activities do you work on?
Our chapter would like to foster ways to bring people from all over the community back to the table around the issue of peace activism as a catalyst for solving many other pressing problems. From fierce division in our local societies to active war in the world, what we need is solidarity and unity through dialogue to find hope to move forward. We have organized social gatherings such as open mics and public events such as peace vigils to bring attention to the urgent need to end the wars and talk about the need for peace. We plan to have film viewings and panel discussions in the future.
What’s your top recommendation for someone who wants to get involved with anti-war activism and WBW?
Anti-war activism can take many forms and doesn’t necessarily need to involve direct action on the streets. Finding people to gather with and have conversations is key to helping us all make the connections between local, national, and global issues that can be traced back to the manufacturing of and profit from war.
What keeps you inspired to advocate for change?
I feel a conviction to speak about the realities that are often overlooked in our privileged capitalist society. I believe very strongly that conversations about global wars and the genocide being committed against Palestinians are not less pressing or urgent than conversations about national politics and constitutional and democratic crises. Dialogue and participation are foundational for societies that aim for democracy and real progress for humans and all life. I am inspired by revolutionary readings such as Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States and Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of Freedom. I find hope and inspiration from joyful gatherings as resistance to war and division. We must reject the attempts to keep us divided in order to conquer us.
Posted May 20, 2025.
