growing up, allison admired her parents. her mother was a civil rights activist. her father was a scientist. she was inspired by her parents to get into political activism. when allison was 17 years old, she joined the army. after being a soldier in the first gulf war, she realized that she did not agree with fighting wars. allison became a "conscientious objector," someone who is against war. allison lives in oakland, california, usa.