Another Mother for Peace (AMP). A grass-roots, non-partisan anti-war advocacy group founded in 1967 in opposition to the U.S. war in Vietnam. The organization’s mission is “to educate women to take an active role in eliminating war as a means of solving disputes between nations, people and ideologies.” AMP quickly became a symbol of the women’s peace movement, using creative activism to mobilize citizens and influence policy. www.anothermother.org
Origins and Founding
The inspiration for Another Mother for Peace came from a gathering at Barbara Avedon’s California home in early 1967. Concerned about the Vietnam War and the possibility of sending their children to fight, Avedon and 14 other women resolved to take action. Their first initiative was a Mother’s Day card campaign, sending 1,000 cards to Congress expressing their desire for peace. The campaign resonated deeply—by May 1967, 200,000 cards had been sold, demonstrating the broad appeal and urgency of their message.
Core Activities and Impact
AMP’s activism was rooted in direct communication with elected officials and public education.
The group’s iconic logo—a sunflower with the phrase “war is not healthy for children and other living things”—became a widely recognized emblem of the peace movement.
AMP encouraged members to do “peace homework” by writing to government representatives and advocating for non-violent solutions to conflict. Profits from card and merchandise sales funded the Invest In Peace fund, supporting legislators who opposed war appropriations.
Major Campaigns and Legacy
A central campaign of Another Mother for Peace was the push for the creation of a U.S. Department and Secretary of Peace, dedicated to exploring non-military alternatives to conflict.
The group also organized annual Mother’s Day Assemblies and introduced the “Pax Materna,” a pledge of peace and solidarity among mothers worldwide.
At its height, AMP’s newsletter reached over 400,000 subscribers, and the organization’s influence extended beyond Vietnam, addressing issues like nuclear disarmament and government accountability during the Watergate era.
Cultural Significance and Enduring Message
Another Mother for Peace distinguished itself by emphasizing the moral authority of mothers and the middle class, challenging stereotypes about anti-war activists. The sunflower logo and the phrase “war is not healthy for children and other living things” remain enduring symbols of peace advocacy. AMP’s work inspired future generations of activists and continues to be referenced in discussions of women’s roles in peacemaking.