FROM THE PRESIDENTS DESK
November 2024
This has been a long election. It has been challenging, busy, and exhausting in many respects but I must say that I am in AWE of the leadership, dedication, commitment, organizational loyalty and energy level of this organization, and I have been affiliated with many in my lifetime. Take some time out to pamper yourself and acknowledge the many positive things achieved by the League this year.
Thousands of voter registrations of “new” voters, valuable information provided in many different venues-the elderly that would not have voted but for your work, the young voters that you have introduced to and encouraged participation in our democratic process, the outreach to marginalized communities, the thousands of signatures obtained in our petition drive, all of the pamphlets, door-hangers, postcards distributed, the speeches made in behalf of democracy.
We do these things not to influence or give support to a particular candidate or party. We do all of these things because we believe that the vote is at the heart of a strong democracy. It is the voice of the people regardless of the outcome of any particular race or issue. We do these things to promote support of important issues related to getting and keeping the vote and to making sure that each vote counts and majority rules-all of which are necessary to the democratic process.
So regardless of where you may stand on candidates or parties, THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS has SUCCESSFULLY carried out its mission and we need to celebrate and be proud of our achievements. There were many firsts with the League this year. Our internship program was a resounding success and affirmed a promising young lady’s interest in democracy. We held our first annual Leadership Development Workshop, educated the public on responsible gun ownership, identifying mis and dis information, gerrymandering, sponsored candidate forums and meet-and-greet our elected officials. We updated the T.R.Y. directory and Vote 411 guide. These are but a few of our many important achievements.
We have also established a camaraderie and demonstrated that we know how to HAVE FUN-the Holiday luncheon, annual meeting and celebration of 100 years of the right of women to vote. Not so long ago, after an election, voters came together for the good of the country and put their support behind the country and its administration, working together to realize our great potential as Americans. We must remember-Presidents are chosen every four (4) years, but AMERICA is forever-so long as we have the right and ability to vote.
So, our work continues. Our major advocacy project of the year ahead will be eliminating the most UNDEMOCRATIC aspect of our democracy-the electoral college. It will be a major focus of our time and energy. So THANK YOU for all that each and every one of you do to promote and preserve democracy in the GREATEST COUNTRY in the world and we look forward to working with you and having some fun in the process.
Rosemarie Barciz, Co-President
Bonnie Bishop, Co-President