Why We Welcome Elder Women Songwriters In Our Granny Gaggles

Our movement was founded in 1987 by a group of elder women in Victoria, British Columbia, who shared a deep concern for the future of our planet. But, as ‘little old ladies,’ they found themselves ignored, ridiculed, and voiceless. To bring attention to their message, they wrote some feisty songs, dressed up in ‘little old ladies’ clothing, and took to the streets to show the world what ‘little old ladies’ could do. They called themselves the Raging Grannies.

Now, by singing our own brave and irreverent lyrics, Raging Grannies worldwide reclaim our identity and are voiceless no more. Our audiences are surprised, and often delighted, to discover that ‘little old ladies’ (of all people!) can deliver such a powerful punch. So, we sing songs we write ourselves. We don’t need, nor do we welcome, others to write or deliver our messages for us.  We’ve found our super-strength and worthiness within ourselves, and we protect it proudly.

We welcome all newcomers (and new gaggles) who share our mission and show respect for the women on whose shoulders we stand. We follow the Granny policies that have evolved over the past 38 years, remaining non-violent and non-partisan at all times. (That means we don’t advocate for any party or candidate. We keep our tent open to any “woman of a certain age” regardless of party affiliation – or none. And, while we don’t endorse candidates, we will unflinchingly challenge any policy that threatens democracy and a sustainable planet for all.)

We love our male allies, and our younger allies, too, but we don’t welcome groups that call themselves Raging Grannies when they’re not a group of older women. (They don’t have to have grandchildren, but must identify as older women.) If they don’t fit that mold, we invite them to sing their own truth – loudly and often – under a different name of their own choosing. We welcome and applaud the emergence of every new group that sings its truth to power. After all, all successful movements for social change have been movements that sing.

We make no apologies for choosing to remain a space for older women who bring with them a sense of outrage, a sense of humor, and a commitment to non-violence. We’ll continue to welcome them with open arms into the sisterhood of the “little old ladies” we call the Raging Grannies.