Hello friends,
With vacations over, school in session, and the cicada’s last call, we turn to fall. Time to clean the garden beds, put away flower pots, and quit battling the squirrels for the tomatoes. We anticipate cooler weather and hot soup and are grateful that there is indeed a time for every season.
September 15 marks the 15th anniversary of the United Nation’s celebration of democracy by observing the International Day of Democracy. Has it ever been more germane? From democracy’s birth in ancient Greece, its foundation has been the ability of its people to make decisions for their nation.
Since 2020, an astounding number of tenure-level public servants have turned away from democracy, passed laws to restrict voting eligibility and access, and adopted measures that corrupt the electoral process. The mid-terms loom large, so make sure you and your family – especially in states most impacted by these measures – are properly registered, informed, and have a plan to vote. Volunteer with the Voter Services Committee. Become a poll worker. Consider a contribution to our sisters in neighboring Missouri: League of Women Voters, Missouri NAACP Sue Over Law Criminalizing Voter Engagement Efforts | League of Women Voters (lwv.org)
There have been glimmers of hope. We’re looking at you, Kansas and Alaska! Also in 2020, the presidential election turnout among people ages 18-29 reached 52-55%, significantly higher than 2016. The Inflation Reduction Act includes the largest investment in addressing climate change in US history. After the Dobbs decision, women have been leading voter registration counts in several US states. One study shows new female voters outnumbered males by at least 10 percentage points in nine US states as of mid-August. Perhaps November will be more pink than red?
Following a spirited debate and a close vote, a Transformation Roadmap was adopted at this year’s national LWV national convention. Its recommendations are based on findings from a self-assessment commissioned by LWVUS that found external stakeholders view the League as a trusted brand but don’t know what the League actually does. Internal stakeholders, while highly committed to the “compelling” work, are concerned about the distinction between local/state/national leagues and with outdated membership and administrative requirements.
Over a two-year period, the League aims to increase mission impact by strengthening the partnership between league levels, upgrading membership mechanics, and investing in state leagues. LWVUS has published a draft of League and Member Rights and Responsibilities and is seeking comments by October 11. If interested, respond directly to the US League or send comments to the lwvoprf1924@gmail.com for inclusion in the League response. All of the Roadmap reports and proposed Rights and Responsibilities can be found here.
As you celebrate Labor Day, remember the women and men who fought for decent working conditions, living wages, and the establishment of our federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration in 1970. And if you’re interested, a monument to the men convicted in the Haymarket riot was erected in 1893 at the Forest Park cemetery where they are buried.
Wishing you tender chicken and flavorful kabobs!
Joan and Jane
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