SANE

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SANE, A Citizens' Organization for a Sane World is based in Washington, D.C. and was formed in 1957 as the National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy. It is now known as Peace Action.

About

The organization's original goal was to promote causes such as a disarmament in general. Headed initially by Saturday Review editor Norman Cousins, SANE launched a series of advertisements in the New York Times. Local groups then spontaneously formed around the country to buy space in other newspapers for SANE ads. These small groups, composed mainly of professionals such as businessmen, educators, and clergymen, served as the bases for local SANE chapters.[1]

SANE cooperates directly with the World Peace Council, co-sponsoring two Capitol Hill appearances by WPC activists in 1981. SANE and the CNFMP cooperated in compiling a joint computerized mailing list by Congressional districts, and in a media task force against the Reagan defense budget.[2]

Activities

SANE's major 1982 project, co-sponsored with Congress Watch and FRAC, is the Fair Budget Action program, which was intended to apply pressure in congressional districts for diverting the defense budget to social programs. The Zill report noted that SANE's 30,000-name mailing list, FRAC's big budget and Congress Watch's 100,000 members should ensure major attention.

SANE played a leading role in a 1975 Chicago National Conference to Slash Military Spending organized by the CPUSA's then head of WPC U.S. activities, Pauline Royce Rosen. The organization formed from that conference, the National Center to Slash Military Spending, joined CNFMP; but dissolved in 1980 and was superseded by the U.S. Peace Council.[2]

History

In 1959, SANE staged its first demonstrations, leading to a rally of 20,000 in New York City the following year.

In 1962 the Greater Philadelphia Council Executive Board was formed to coordinate regional activities. SANE also entered Philadelphia electoral politics in this year. Activity in opposition to the Vietnam War, from 1964 on, led SANE to develop a broader "grass-roots" base, in such groups as the People's Coalition for Peace and Justice, while continuing its electoral, lobbying, and publicity functions, and its concern with the arms race.

At the conclusion of the Vietnam War, as the peace movement declined, the Philadelphia staff increasingly devoted its efforts to producing mass media material such as radio programs. When the Greater Philadelphia Council disbanded in 1976, much of its staff continued as the SANE Educational Fund, which operated as a national organization based in Philadelphia.[1]

Branches

Washington D.C. area SANE

Newsletter of June 1967: Key names and activities:

"Maryland Members Lobbying on Hill See Need for More Letters to Congressmen"

"Matinee Benefit A Success" "On Sunday, May 28, (1967), one hundred SANE members and friends enjoyed the hilarious review, 'Son of Spread Eagle' and socialized over a buffet dinner at the Washington Theater Club. Also on view and for sale in the lobby were paintings by Joe Shannon, Gladys Buch, Philip Tipperman and ceramics by Judith Simmons."

"The benefit was arranged by Vice Chairman Edith Cohen. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Somlyo arranged and served supper, made of foods prepared by members. As a result of the enthusiasm of those who took part, a similar benefit is contemplated for the 1967-68 season."

Other names and notices of importance in this issue:

For further information on the organization, call Mrs. Alice Arshack, 434-9051. [[Arshack will later show up in the local Washington Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam and similar protest groups, along with her teenaged daughter.

Call Ann Relyea; Ruth Auslander or the WSP.

Notes on the Spring Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam.

"The D.C. Spring Mobilization Committee, with headquarters at the Church of St. Stephen and the Incarnation, 16th and Newton Streets, NW, has elected a 30-member steering committee. -Steering Committee-

[NB: Two radical churches in D.C. served the communist, radical and far-left/liberal community, that of [St. Stephen]] and All-Souls Unitarian Church All-Souls, the latter being the meeting place of the Washington Mobe during 1968-69, and led by several far-left, Unitarian clergymen (one being named Eaton).[6]

Personnel

As at March, 1982, SANE's executive director was David Cortright, a founder of the U.S. Peace Council, former GI organizer at Fort Bliss, IPS protégé of Marcus Raskin, and staffer of the Center for National Security Studies. Cortright has hired Chad Dobson of the Campaign to Stop the MX and moved him from Salt Lake City to the East Coast to help organize the June 12 demonstration with the June 12 Disarmament Coalition.[2]

1963 Personnel

As at June 7, 1963, the following worked for the organization:[7]

Honorary Speakers

Sponsors

Board of Directors

Staff

Board of Directors

As of May 1978, the SANE Board of Directors consisted of:[8]

As at March, 1982, the following served on the Board of Directors:[2]


1988 Fundraising Letter and Letterhead

A fundraising letter apparently sent out in later 1988 by David Cortright, Executive Director of SANE, listed the following people as members of the Advisory Council and the Board of Directors.

ADVISORY COUNCIL:

(Council in formation)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Those with an asterisk next to their name were members of the "Executive Committee"

Executive Director:

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Temple University Libraries: SANE, Greater Philadelphia Council
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 The War Called Peace: Glossary, published 1982
  3. ↑ Guide to Subversive Organizations and Publications and Appendixes, citing on p. 165, Internal Security Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Handbook for Americans, S. Doc. 117, April 23, 1956, p. 96.
  4. ↑ Communist Legal Subversion: The Role of the Communist Lawyer, Report, House Committee on Un-American Activities HCUA, February 16, 1959, p. 57, details.
  5. ↑ Communist Origins and Manipulation of Vietnam Week, April 8-15, 1967, Report, House Committee on Un-American Activities HCUA, March 31, 1967.
  6. ↑ [[Extent of Subversion in Campus Disorders: Testimony of Max P. Friedman, Part 1]], August 16, 1969, [[Sen. Internal Security Subcommittee SISS.
  7. ↑ SANE: National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy, Inc., letterhead on a letter from Homer A. Jack, Executive Director, SANE, to Hon. Tom Mboya, African American Students Foundation, dated June 7, 1963
  8. ↑ SANE letterhead May, 1978
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