Member Spotlight: Diane Simmons
Welcome to our very first SOMA Action Member Spotlight! This series is designed to help us learn more about some of the outstanding volunteers that enable SOMA Action’s success.
When and why did you get involved with SOMA Action?
I joined after Trump's election. At first, I didn't know what to do. I was writing random letters to Democrats in Congress, begging them to do something. I think I was afraid that Trump would just be accepted.
After SOMA Action’s early, standing-room-only meetings, I began to feel better, that we could fight this thing together. Our successful efforts in flipping NJ Congressional districts convinced me that this was true--if we could get enough people out there.
Do you have previous experience as an activist?
In New York City, I worked with the Sierra Club, helping to organize the People's Climate March and also launching a letters-to-the editor campaign, calling on Gov. Cuomo to shut remaining coal plants.
Also, for years I have served on the PEN American Center Prison Writing Committee, where I help judge an annual nation-wide writing contest for incarcerated people.
What are some of the highlights of your work with the SOMA Action?
Traveling with others to Morristown for Frelinghuysen Fridays. People--some in Revolutionary War era costumes--marched in front of the office, asking where the Congressman was, politically and physically. Sometimes there were a hundred people and some of them were there every Friday.
And who can forget the day when I along with six other SA women, organized by Amy Higer and others, infiltrated Trump's Bedford golf course! We smuggled in T-shirts, that, when we lined up, read: "SISTERS," and when we turned: "RESIST!" A local reporter was there, put it online and we got press from all over the country. Good times.
What else would you like to let us know about you?
I live in Maplewood with my husband, Burt Kimmelman; we are parents of Jane, who attended Clinton, SOMS and Columbia.
My job as an English teacher at CUNY helps me stay in touch with the diversity of the City. I love my students, especially now when they are facing so much with such courage and resilience.
My other job is as a writer. These efforts can be seen at: dianesimmonswrites.com.
I love to travel though I worry about jet fuel. Can we really offset our travel with trees?
And I love hiking!
What are the issues of greatest concern to you as an activist?
Then: we must demand and participate in a massive effort to combat climate change; mostly we need to shift the country to renewable fuels.
Any final words to share with your fellow SOMA Action members?
Yes—Rebecca Scheer and the SOMA Action Political Action Committee has organized a get-out-the-vote (GOTV) letter-writing project that we can do right now from home. These personalized letters will be sent into swing states in October. Turnout, they say, will be everything!