Imagine your grandma in military uniform, ready to be sent off to war. Sound strange? That's exactly what the grannies of the Granny Peace Brigade want.
Last evening, activist Nina Huizinga spoke to a small - but committed - group of students on behalf of Philadelphia's Granny Peace Brigade organization.
The group, which was formed in April of 2006, fights to end the war in Iraq.
"Instead of sending our children and grandchildren to war, send us," said Huizinga. "We've lived our long and happy lives. Let them live theirs."
Huizinga was arrested last June as she and 10 other grandmothers refused to leave the U.S. Army Recruiting building in Philadelphia. They had attempted to enlist in the Army but were rejected.
"I'm aware of the silliness of it," Huizinga said. "But there is also a serious message behind our actions that we hope to get across.
College freshman Casey Near thought it was an interesting and effective approach to activism. "It's a cute gimmick," she said, "because at first you think it's funny, but then you realize that there are deeper implications."
While growing up, Huizinga had numerous eye-opening experiences that inspired her to become an activist. "It's those moments of facing harsh reality that really push you to want to do something about it."
When it comes to the Granny Peace Brigade, Huizinga said they are very much a close support system. "Something extremely important is finding allies - finding like-minded people to work together with," she explained.
In an effort to inspire students to address issues that matter to them, Huizinga said people can't truly understand something just by reading books or watching TV.
"It's when you actually roll up your sleeves and get dirty, when you go out there and meet people, that's when you really begin to learn" she said. "There's this enormous world out there," she said, "and everything in it is connected in one way or another."
Associate fellow Deena Weisberg , who organized the event along with faculty fellow and Philosophy professor Michael Weisberg, said she loves the idea of the Granny Peace Brigade.
The event was created in an effort to making January the Month of Social Justice, following MLK Day.
