Peace Talk — Summer 2006
The Quarterly Newsletter of Peace Action MaineHelen Caldicott changed my life some 20 plus years ago. I was raising a family and starting a career as a social worker, not paying attention to much else. One day I was home doing household chores when one of Caldicott’s amazing speeches about nuclear proliferation came on the radio. I sat down, hardly able to breathe, and listened to every word. My denial was crushed.
I am so grateful to Helen Caldicott. She started me on my journey as a peace activist and my 20-year connection with Peace Action Maine.
As I step down from serving as Board President, I am aware of how much PAM means to me. In many ways, I grew up and woke up at Peace Action. I became a voracious reader of the alternative press and book after book of political, social and economic analysis. I learned how to do the nitty gritty work of activism — bulk mailings; schlepping buttons and bumper stickers and card tables to events; cooking meals for hundreds of people. I marched. I lobbied. I helped plan events, and, most important of all, I slowly found my voice and overcame great anxiety in order to speak out in public.
I believe that Peace Action has helped many people find their voice. and I’m proud of the role we’ve played in building the peace and justice community in Maine. We know we’ve slowed down some in the past months since our Executive Director, Greg Field, left to take a new position, and we look forward to a new director coming on board. The interview process has started, and we have some inspiring candidates. We look forward to introducing you to a new director very soon.
Very importantly, friends and members, this is your organization. Consider volunteering. Consider serving on the Board. Transition is nerve-wracking and yet so full of possibility. With new leadership, come new ideas and perspectives. This is a great time to get involved and to be part of the changes that will take place.
Finally, I extend my gratitude and admiration to Deb Atwood and Jessica Eller, our staff, who have kept things moving along these past months. They have shown such dedication, perseverance and good humor. Thank you, also to the board and volunteers who do so much and have such passion for creating a better world.