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.