Some of the advocates involved in the campaign letter drop (from top-left to bottom-right): Bashir Elsamani, Maria Udalova, Mark Joyce, Elena Finley, Alex Pickell, and Rehema Klueg
Yesterday morning on Capitol Hill, something extraordinary happened.
A small group of committed advocates walked the halls of Congress—not as lobbyists, but as messengers of urgency, truth, and hope. The volunteers represented diverse faith communities and advocacy organizations committed to actively working toward a world free of nuclear weapons. Together, they hand-delivered packets to 100 Congressional offices, urging lawmakers to co-sponsor H. Res. 317 and take meaningful steps to prevent nuclear war.
This wasn’t a typical campaign drop. It was a direct witness to the rising danger of nuclear weapons—and to the moral imperative to act. Each folder contained a carefully prepared packet with a letter supportive of H. Res. 317 signed by over 140 national and local organizations representing hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Importantly, the drop took place on July 15—just one day before the anniversary of the Trinity test, the world’s first detonation of a nuclear weapon on July 16, 1945. That historical proximity served as a powerful reminder: while nuclear weapons began in secrecy and devastation, today’s advocates are showing up with transparency, courage, and a vision for abolition.
The volunteers who took part brought their own stories, their own conviction, and a shared commitment to justice. From the United Methodist Church and the American Friends Service Committee to the Presbyterian Church-USA and the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, to college students representing Students for Nuclear Disarmament and the Back from the Brink Washington DC local organizing Hub—their presence made it clear: nuclear abolition is not a niche concern. It’s a broadly shared moral call and a realistic goal.
Maria Udalova, a college student and member of Students for Nuclear Disarmament, shared:
“Today’s experience highlighted how simple yet impactful advocacy can be. Just by taking some time out of my morning to deliver these letters, I was able to take a meaningful step towards seeing our efforts become reality. This further reinforced my belief in the power of grassroots efforts, and in students and everyday community members like me having the power to make change.”
Elena Finley, a member of the Back from the Brink Washington DC local organizing hub, reflected:
“My main takeaway was how important letter drops and grassroots advocacy is for a functional democracy. I felt like today I advocated for a more peaceful world by dropping off letters in support of H. Res. 317. Not only is this resolution critical to protect human life around the world, it protects Americans from the ever-imminent dangers of a growing nuclear threat.”
As another participant put it, “With every letter delivered, we’re making it impossible for Congress to say they didn’t know.”
The gravity of the issue demands boldness. And yesterday, boldness showed up in sneakers, carrying folders, speaking from conviction. In every hallway and office visited, our advocates brought clarity, urgency, and dignity—reminding our elected leaders that nuclear disarmament isn’t a fringe issue. It’s a human one.
This is what democracy looks like when compassion and strategy converge. And while yesterday’s letter drop is over, the impact reverberates outward—in conversations sparked, hearts stirred, and commitments deepened.
Together, we are shifting the moral and political landscape.
