Peace Action West

Our Mission     

Peace Action West advocates for a foreign policy that embodies the best values of the American people. As a membership organization, we foster broad-based civic activism to create a strong voice for peaceful and pragmatic solutions to global problems. Our activities serve as a bridge between the public and the officials who make decisions that affect the lives of millions of people.

By mobilizing diverse constituencies though grassroots action we work to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons in the future while stopping the development, testing, spread and use of those weapons today; protect human rights around the world by controlling the global trade in lethal weapons; advance national spending priorities that meet the nation’s real security and domestic needs; and promote resolution of international conflicts through cooperation and diplomacy.

Our vision for a better world

We envision a world in which governments prioritize human needs over the production, distribution and use of weapons. A world where reliance on military might to solve international tensions gives way to diplomacy and global cooperation to resolve conflicts, and create a safer world for everyone.

Our history

For over fifty years Peace Action has made strides towards ending the nuclear threat, to create a more peaceful economy, and to support nonviolent resolutions to international conflicts. Peace Action originated in two accomplished disarmament and antiwar organizations, SANE and the Freeze, that were founded during the Cold War and merged in 1987.

From passing the treaty that ended atmospheric nuclear testing, to helping fund programs that rein in the illicit arms trade that fuels regional conflicts around the world, to blocking funding for Bush’s new nukes, our work has helped to change policies that can impact the lives of millions of people.

How We Move our Agenda

Our campaigns are designed to have a lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy. From passing the treaty that ended atmospheric nuclear testing, to helping fund programs that rein in the illicit arms trade that fuels regional conflicts around the world, to blocking funding for Bush's new nukes, our work has helped to change policies that can impact the lives of millions of people. Our coordinated campaigns blend targeted lobbying, local grassroots activism, coalition building, advertising, and media strategies.

We also serve as a legislative watchdog by tallying the votes. Every year, we grade the voting record of our members of Congress based on key votes related to nuclear weapons, arms sales, and international cooperation.

Engaging the Public

Every year we make personal contact with hundreds of thousands of people. Whether it's activating our membership base via email, phone, or knocking on their front door, or meeting with community based organizations, Peace Action West organizers engage the public in foreign policy issues like no other organization.

Framing the Debate

The stories and analysis that regularly make it into the press in large part shape public discourse on foreign policy. We make sure that coverage of our issues measures American foreign policy against the best American values of fairness and human rights, and places the national security debate within the context of our interconnected world. We pen op-eds, hold press conferences, visit editorial boards, and go straight to the public with paid advertising campaigns.

Changing the Playing Field

If we want a foreign policy based on human rights and international cooperation, we need elected officials who will be our champions. At election time we hit the streets and the airways to inform voters of the candidates' foreign policy positions, and in key races we back the pro-peace candidate with funds, paid media and grassroots action. After the votes have been tallied, our work continues as we ensure pro-peace candidates become truly pro-peace policymakers.

Where we get our strength

Peace Action West is 98 percent funded by individual donors. Our grassroots lobbying strength comes from our 50,000 supporters. Our work can't happen without the leadership, grassroots activity and funding provided by our members and supporters.