Now in its 39th year, Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment continues to lead and inspire community activism.
Last Sunday June 3rd, we held our Annual Meeting at Belmont-Watertown United Methodist Church. Nearly 70 members filled Fellowship Hall to enjoy potluck supper and hear a panel of young activists ranging from middle schoolers to post graduates. The fresh voices of Alex Thuene, Shivani Sharma, Kimia Tabatabaei, Yara Akkeh, Brenton Stoddart, Caitlin Forbes and Ari Stern were heard loud and clear. Moderator Tod Gross probed deeply into their motivations and accomplishments. The breadth of the issues on which these young panelists are working includes refugee crises, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, gun violence, racial justice and environmental protection – mirroring many of the activities in which Watertown Citizens has been active for nearly four decades.
Each member of the panel spoke eloquently about their inspiration. Privilege and oppression are not abstract concepts for them; rather, these are real, operational terms. Some told of personal journeys growing up, in which they witnessed brutal conditions encountered by others less fortunate. They credit their families with values they learned, including being caring, accountable, informed, patient, and not afraid to stand up for oneself.
While reaching high, they have also learned to count small victories along the way. One panelist cited, with wisdom beyond her years, that even when victories are elusive, just surviving repeated losses can in itself represent a kind of victory.
On the subject of role models, there were clear appreciations of parents and siblings for helping them learn the value of finding common ground and respecting other points of view. Also mentioned were local adult mentors, as well as heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Florynce Rae “Flo” Kennedy (1916 – 2000), an inspiring African American lawyer, feminist, civil rights advocate, lecturer and activist.
Asked to describe the qualities in themselves that are important to their successful organizing, the audience heard “Being stubborn,” yet as the same time, “Being flexible”; “Being open-minded”; and “Not being afraid of attacks on your beliefs.” Clearly these young people already have the resiliency and resourcefulness necessary to fulfill their goal of making the world a better place.
The Annual Meeting raises funds to support all of the activities of Watertown Citizens. Member dues cover speaker fees, flyers, informational pamphlets, materials and publicity expenses. The year is already filled with meetings and activities planned by members at monthly meetings, as well as at meetings of the five current working groups: Friends of Bees, Watertown Citizens Refugee Support Group, Watertown for Black Lives, Watertown Faces Climate Change, and the Life-Friendly Garden Tour.
If you would like to contribute please follow this link…https://watertowncitizens.org/donate/ or join us athttps://watertowncitizens.org/membership/membership-sign-up/.
