Advocating for Global Peace and Solidarity

Hi, I’m Gigi Peterson and I’m a Politics and Ethics & Society double major in the class of 2025. This summer I’ve been interning at a local Minneapolis, Minnesota anti-war nonprofit, Women Against Military Madness. They focus on creating a more just and peaceful community and world through supporting and creating movements and educational initiatives that advocate against excess military spending, and narratives of violence, and support conflict resolution. Created by a group of Minnesotan women in 1982 as a response to the threat of nuclear war, WAMM members continue to oppose all violence perpetrated by the United States’ military involvement, foreign policy, etc., as well as non-war-related injustice present both locally and globally. Working with an organization that connects so deeply with the community to create a sense of global solidarity has been incredibly fulfilling. I really value the passion and commitment of WAMM’s members, as well as working with those who have been involved since the very beginning.

Much of my work includes supporting the day-to-day nonprofit management efforts of the organization. Including logging donations and new members, writing thank you letters, and helping with WAMM’s social media and outreach efforts. Outside of regular office hours, I’ve attended rallies with WAMM and tabled at community events. Tabling with WAMM has been an amazing opportunity to speak with community members about the issues we care so deeply about, as well as hear their thoughts. Most often, people are excited about a new space of people with passion and commitment to anti-war, and to meet people that are fighting against injustice.

My favorite project at WAMM this summer has been creating the new F.Y. 2024 United States Military Spending Card alongside a couple of other WAMM members. This card is an annual project conducted by WAMM to highlight the excess U.S. military spending budget, often using current issues in the U.S. to display how our military budget could rather be spent in a way that supports human lives. This year, I was able to conduct much of the research for this project, as well as aid with the design of the card, which I chose to title the back page, “Divest From War! Invest in Human Needs”, accompanied by a list of what just 10% of the U.S. military budget could provide for Americans if reinvested. This includes providing 2.37 million scholarships for university students for 4 Years and providing both wind and solar power for ~220 million households in the U.S. Ending with the conclusion that the choice should be ours when it comes to how taxpayer money should be spent! This project helped me to realize more of my interest in research, as well as fuel again my passion for anti-war efforts and nonviolent activism through education.

I’m so grateful that the Whitman Internship Grant has allowed me to work for and support such a meaningful and impactful organization! I’ve learned so much about community building and organizing this summer that I will take with me throughout my career and education, especially the importance of connecting with community members for larger issues! I’m excited to use this experience to later work in human rights sectors and advocate for peace and justice throughout my community.