About

“We all feel the need to eliminate nuclear weapons as something of a burden weighing on us. But it is also something of a gift. We all want to do something good with our lives; we want our lives to matter. Those of us living today have been given the opportunity to save the world and there is nothing better that anyone can do with his or her life.”

― Dr. Ira Helfand

While the road to nuclear disarmament may seem frustratingly long, the people of western Massachusetts are helping to chart a course toward a future free of nuclear weapons.

About Us

Starting point

According to the Federation of American Scientists, there are approximately 12,119 nuclear weapons worldwide. Even a so-called “limited” nuclear war would have devastating global consequences, including for all of us who cherish life here in the Pioneer Valley.

Working together with local organizations

We work closely with organizations like Physicians for Social Responsibility, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Pax Cristi, Mass Peace Action, and the Weapons to Windmills Coalition. It is going to take all of us to create a future free of nuclear weapons!

End result

Across Massachusetts, mayors, city council members, and state legislators have endorsed our proposals. Find out here whether your local leaders have joined the efforts.

Our Strategy

Back from the Brink Western MA is a grassroots organization that works to empower citizens to help create a future free from nuclear weapons.

Education and Outreach

We partner with student groups, faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits to educate people about the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and the concrete steps our community can take to create a safer, more peaceful future.

Advocacy

Back from the Brink supports policies that promote international collaboration around creating a future free of nuclear weapons.

I grew up near the Hanford site and later went to school near the Bangor Trident Submarine Base. A close friend had started to work on nuclear weapons abolition and his advocacy was inspiring. We were together in Spokane when Mt. Saint Helens erupted and experienced what it would be like to have ash from a nuclear explosion come our way. The more I learned, the more horrible and immoral the weapons became for me. I have worked with several abolition groups over the years, and it is even more personal now that I have three children and a grandchild. When I moved to Western Mass, I found Back from the Brink. This group will not give up until these weapons are abolished.

I am a graduate of Columbia University and University of Connecticut College of Medicine. I became board-certified in internal medicine, pediatric, and geriatric medicine. I have been a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility since 1980 and the Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts chapter of PSR since 1983. At present I am chapter treasurer. Working to prevent nuclear annihilation is at once the most global of mandates - as we are literally trying to save the world - and the most local, whatever issues we care about. To help improve public transportation or to improve working conditions for textile workers requires the prevention of nuclear war.

I’ve been a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) since 1983 and am active with both the Massachusetts and Maine chapters of PSR. Since 2017 I’ve also been active with the Back from the Brink (BftB) campaign in both Western MA and in MA, and serve on the national leadership team of this coalition. PSR (nationally and the chapters in MA and ME) have been actively engaged with BftB since its founding. I’m a retired psychiatrist and enjoy living in the Pioneer Valley. As a very engaged and loving grandfather, I believe that it is so important to volunteer some of my time to helping to create a healthier, more peaceful and nuclear weapons free world for them to live out their lives.

Our Volunteers

Henry Rosenberg

Bruce Stedman

John Ramsburgh

I grew up a Michigander, but am excited now to call Western MA home. I work in higher ed and so care about the future that this next generation will inherit. Volunteering with Back from the Brink has connected me with a great community of people who share a straightforward, if ambitious, goal: to rid our world of nuclear weapons!

Peter Wilk

Michael Moran

"As a member of Pax Christi, the international Catholic peace movement, I've long supported global abolition of nuclear weapons. I was especially pleased when Pope Francis, on his 2019 pilgrimage to Hiroshima, Japan, called even the possession of nuclear weapons immoral. I volunteer with Back from the Brink because I believe it has the most practical and realistic plan to achieve the goal of a world without nuclear weapons."

Our Staff

Ira Hefland

Marilyn Finchman

I realized that all the issues that matter to me are irrelevant in a post-nuclear world. It’s really that simple.

Hailey Ho

I am a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and also the communications intern for Back from the Brink Western Mass. Excited to bring this issue to younger generations!