75 Years For A $75 Ask at the End of a Tempestuous 2023

We applaud WILPF’s contribution to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Please support our legacy of promoting peace, human rights, and justice by donating $75 or more to our end-of-year appeal as the declaration turns 75 this year!

by Development Committee
WILPF US

November 2023

Look for our appeal in your mailbox in the next couple weeks and please respond generously.

The world has changed a lot since the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights was born 75 years ago. It seems we’ve been in an on-going struggle to preserve human rights against a backdrop of hegemony, power politics, corruption, greed and even genocide. Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia, El Salvador, Panama, Cuba, Liberia, Syria, Ukraine and the ever-lasting bloodshed in Palestine all remind us of how much work lies before us to make our highest hopes for Human Rights real and potent. If waving a magic wand would work, could we find that wand?  

WILPF US has no magic wand. What we have is you, our members, who are dedicated to a common vision for peace and equity and human rights for all. For 108 years, we’ve committed to that vision and we continue to work together to bring it into reality. You are our hands and feet on the ground and you make our work real.

The last 2 years have seen a punishing economic downturn that is being felt by the poor and middle class, but not by the 1% who still manage to buy yachts and vacation homes and high fashion. These 2 years have also seen a heart-breaking reduction of charitable giving, by as much as 50% for most non-profits. WILPF US has also experienced a downturn in donations, and for us that makes it more challenging to support the work of our activist members.

Reductions in donations are difficult for even the largest and most broadly supported direct service organizations nationally and internationally, but WILPF US has never had that kind of very broad support. We’ve always been considered ‘controversial’ because of our stance on Israel, our work for peace and demilitarization, and our demands for environmental protection and guardianship for future generations. Because we are active on so many issues, our work demands great coordination and communication across the whole country. Yet, our budget is hardly more than that of a city-wide or state-wide non-profit. Shouldn’t we invest in the world we want to see, especially when so few of our fellow citizens contribute to WILPF?  

This year, as we send out our End of Year Appeal, we’re asking each of our members to honor our work 75 years ago to bring the Declaration Of Human Rights to life. We’re specifically asking for a minimum gift of $75, or more if you can afford it. If you normally give more than $75 annually, please continue your generous support.   

Look for our appeal in your mailbox in the next couple weeks or watch for our email reminders that offer a chance to donate through our secure website. Our mailed appeal will look less like a letter this year, and more like a vibrant presentation. The ask is still a powerful one, and your support is vital to help us meet our 2023 goals and prepare for our work in 2024. There will be many demands on us during this election year to measure our vision for feminist peace against that of many candidates for office, and to get that message out broadly to the public.   

Please contribute what you can to support the goals of feminist peace in the world.   

The Development Committee of WILPF US:
Martha Collins - Development Chair, Eileen Kurkoski, Nancy Price, Marybeth Gardam, Darien DeLu, Barbara Nielsen, Jane Sloane