The Washtenaw County WAND was formed in December 1984 by two women who attended a speech in Detroit by Dr. Helen Caldicott on the topic of peace and nuclear disarmament. With a core group of approximately 12 individuals, the women sought affiliation with the national WAND organization and helped to arrange a visit of Dr. Caldicott to Ann Arbor in March 1985. Two weeks later, the first formal meeting of WAND was held with 150 people in attendance.
The primary purpose of the organization was to empower women to work towards the elimination of nuclear weapons and to educate themselves and the general public about the dangers of continued weapons production. By 1986, the chapter, now fully organized, worked on many fronts: lobbying, building coalitions with other like-minded individuals and groups, and holding public events and monthly educational presentations.
In addition, the chapter organized a Mother's Day Celebration for Peace in West Park, sponsored an Art Fair booth, gathered 5,000 anti-nuclear petition signatures at the Farmers' Market, sent representatives to national meetings on peace and women's issues, lobbied as defense bills came up in Congress, trained speakers to reach out to community groups on nuclear issues, and brought informed speakers to their meetings.
From the guide to the Women's Action for Nuclear Disarmament, Washtenaw County Chapter records, 1985-1991, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)
