2011 Janice Kelley Volunteer Award Winners

Debbie Goolsby (second from the left) stands with the Arkansas WAND delegation at the 2011 WAND/WILL National Conference

At the 2011 WAND/WiLL national conference, “Women at the Table of Power,” Debbie Goolsby and Annie Laura Howard Stephens received the Janice Kelley Volunteer Award. The award was established in honor of Janice Kelley who worked with WAND during the 1980s and served as a role model for women working tirelessly to make a difference. We recognize WAND members who demonstrate Kelley’s inspiring spirit through their persistence in the face of obstacles, commitment to going beyond the call of duty and positive contribution to their community.

Debbie Goolsby is a member of the Arkansas WAND chapter and has demonstrated leadership and community involvement throughout her life. Goolsby had a long career as a violinist and music teacher. She founded a private Suzuki School, served on university faculties, and played in symphonies wherever she lived. Since retiring, Goolsby has remained active in her community by volunteering at the local homeless shelter, with the Orchestra and You program, and in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Little Rock.

After joining Arkansas WAND two years ago, Goolsby immediately became an active member and contributor. She helped organize the visit of Gila Svirsky, a peace activist from Israel, to speak in Little Rock for a week of public events. Goolsby became treasurer of ARWAND and has been involved in all of the chapter’s activities, including chairing the Mother’s Day for Peace Luncheon on multiple occasions. Through her positive energy and caring acceptance, Goolsby motivates the chapter and provides invaluable contributions to the work of WAND. She says, "WAND is one way that I feel I can make a small contribution to trying to better the world and to stay positive.” She has certainly been an inspiration for us and we are thrilled to recognize her commitment to WAND.

Annie Laura Stephens (far left) expresses surprise upon being announced as a 2011 Janice Kelley Volunteer Award recipient

Annie Laura Howard Stephens has been a member of the Georgia WAND chapter since 2006 and has contributed significantly to the chapter’s growth and the development of the environmental justice program. Stephens has been a resilient voice opposing Georgia Power’s existing nuclear reactors and the construction of two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. Stephens has brought public attention to the negative environmental, health, and community impact of the reactors and says she has learned that, “Radiation knows no color, does not recognize state boundaries, and that we are all one people, united in our struggle to save humanity.” Stephens was instrumental in sharing the story of Shell Bluff after Southern Company was awarded $8.3 billion in federal loan guarantees to help subsidize the reactors at Plant Vogtle. She hosted a CNN news crew reporting on the Shell Bluff story and volunteered her time for countless radio, television, and phone interviews, becoming an active public voice on the dangers of nuclear power and nuclear waste.

Stephens has inspired the Georgia WAND chapter and expanded its membership by introducing new community members to the mission of WAND. We are pleased to recognize Stephens for demonstrating the power of perseverance and the importance of speaking out against injustices.

Debbie Goolsby and Annie Laura Stephens exemplify the values of Janice Kelley and her inspiring legacy of activism. We are fortunate to have both of these women as part of the WAND family!

Written by Ellen Freedman (DC intern)