My activisim began at an early age, when I wrote a letter to the editor of The Galesburg Register Mail, opposing the development of a creek valley called Oak Run. Not long afterwards, I also joined in the campaign against the development of a mall at a junction northwest of town. Then I protested verbally and by letter against transit policies which seemed to me unfair.
Later, in college, I joined Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador. I was involved with them in a quiet way, staying as much as possible behind the scenes.
I also networked with other activists to help advance the causes of eradicating racism, sexism, torture, abuse of prisoners and dissidents. I joined Amnesty and wrote letters, cards, even made phone calls to my elected representatives, including the POTUS. I joined Sierra, Audubon, and Greenpeace at an early age, even though I sometimes only sent them a few dollars at a time. But always, I communicated to people young and old the importance of participating, of registering and using your vote.
(To be continued…)
