The Raging Grannies of the Mother Lode: Who They Are and Why They Raise Their Voices

In March 2025, five women sat in the center of the audience at a meeting of Tuolumne County Indivisible (TCI) in the Sonora Library. Strangers at the time, the women became energized after I turned to Juli, the woman on my left, and whispered, “We should start a Raging Grannies group.” Juli asked what it was. “A singing group – it popped up on my YouTube feed this morning. It looks like fun!” I shared.

Lori, sitting to my right, overheard the conversation and said, “I’m in!” Rikki, sitting directly in front of me, took out her phone to look up Raging Grannies. At the end of the meeting, Juli announced that “We were starting a Raging Grannies group and there would be a sign-up sheet on the table for anyone interested.” Patty, sitting behind Juli, said, “I want to be part of it, too!” And thus, the Raging Grannies of Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties was born. It was meant to be.

The Raging Grannies is an international organization instigated in 1986 in Victoria, British Columbia. The United States had moved nuclear powered submarines into the harbor, and local residents were concerned that the submarines posed an environmental threat. Some older women met during the protests and formed a group to sing songs to protest the action. That group evolved into The Raging Grannies, with their signature apron and hat regalia.

The Raging Grannies of Tuolumne and Calaveras (RGTC) is a registered Gaggle of the international organization. The RGTC currently has around 40 members, and includes four ukelele players and at least ten members who play kazoos and rubber chickens. Their repertoire includes songs written by the talented RGTC members as well as those shared through the organization’s website.

Many Engage Tuolumne readers have seen the Raging Grannies perform at various TCI events, although RGTC is not connected officially to Tuolumne County Indivisible. The Raging Grannies have been invited to diverse venues in both counties, including Pride events, Calaveras County Democratic Club, the Unitarian Universalist Church in Sonora, and the weekly 4/49  protest in Angels Camp.   

Best known for their musical performances, the Raging Grannies of Tuolumne and Calaveras are otherwise active in the community. Last November, when the Trump administration, enabled by Speaker Mike Johnson, bargained with SNAP benefits to pass the Big Beautiful Bill through Congress, the Raging Grannies sponsored a local food drive. The community responded generously, and RGTC split the proceeds between the Red Church and Cal-Pride Sierra food pantries, precipitating an ongoing collaboration between those two organizations.

Last winter, the Grannies lent their capable hands at the “Stuff the Bus” event and the subsequent giveaway at Nancy’s Hope. They will host another food drive soon, since the loss of SNAP benefits continues to be felt here in the Mother Lode. Be sure to keep watch for a notification in a future newsletter.

Our community is enriched by the harmonious voices of these activist women. You can see them at various protests and assemblies in both counties, and you can enjoy their clever songs on their YouTube channel, Raging Grannies of Tuolumne and Calaveras.