Laywoman takes lead in anti-gambling causes

MANHEIM, Pa. (UMNS) -- After nearly 10 years of opposing the expansion of gambling in Pennsylvania, Dianne Berlin has become a central figure in an anti-gambling network that reaches across the United States and overseas to places such as England and Australia.

The gray-haired United Methodist activist uses the Internet to organize groups and study the effects of gambling upon participants, cities that host casinos, and states that sponsor lotteries. She may not be as well funded as the multinational corporations lobbying to expand their gambling empires, but she makes up for it with a passion for fighting social ills.

Undaunted by legislative setbacks and aware of the odds against her, Berlin works without pay to empower citizens to oppose gambling facilities in their communities. She spends about six hours a day, seven days a week, organizing conferences, developing resources, rallying citizens and monitoring developments. She's testified at local, state and national hearings on the issue.

Using the Internet, Berlin has developed an international network of gambling foes and researchers.

"Dianne is indefatigable in terms of energy and passion," said the Rev. Tom Grey, the United Methodist clergyman who serves as executive director of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling. Berlin is a vice chairperson of the organization.

Last updated on 02/10/2004

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