Activist Cleveland

Women Speak Out For Peace And Justice (WSO) is the Cleveland Branch of Women's International League for Peace And Freedom. WSO was formed by a group of women to combat the Viet Nam War after they had participated in the Jeanette Rankin Brigade. Soon thereafter, they joined the national group which has a history going back to World War I and the efforts to stop that conflict. In the 40 years since its founding, WSO has been involved in many social justice and peace issues. Besides the Viet Nam War, some of them include the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, integration struggles in Cleveland and the U.S., anti-corporate initiatives, healthcare reform, welfare reform, women's equality, living wage, ban land mines, end Cuba embargo, Central American issues, space for peace, ban the bomb, fair elections and many more. Currently, 2 of its members are on a national leadership team for Save the Water of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. WSO meets monthly for discussion of a topic on the 3rd Thursday of the month. At times, these meetings are pre-empted for a special occasion such as International Women's Day or Mother's Day. The first Saturday after Thanksgiving weekend, WSO holds a Holiday Peace Festival and Bazaar where they invite other peace and justice groups and local artists to sell their wares and network with other groups. The board meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Currently WSO is a member of several coalitions to maximize their effect on issues. These include NOAC, SPAN, Fair Elections, Homelessness.

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