On February 14, 1920, Carrie Chapman Catts addressed the 500 delegates at the opening session of the new League of Women Voters. She urged that the members adhere to a non-partisan course.
"You need to get into the party not as a 'woman's auxiliary' but to fight for more than a 'me too' by convincing the men that you have the ability to open that tightly locked door that has shut you out and lead a successful drive for what you want...The League is going to educate women for active citizenship. Democrats and Republicans must work together, to be nonpartisan. Keep the flag flying for the principles of the Constitution." (Chicago Daily Tribune and Chicago Historical Society)
If you have checked our calendar, you may have noticed that our League is not taking a break. Six forums are scheduled and we need your help to make them successful. Please volunteer below.
It would be great to pack the Village Board meeting on Monday, February 11 at 7:00pm to join with our Environment Committee and chairs, Marsha Borders and Beverly Graham, in support of the Environment and Energy Commission's initiative to eliminate single use, non-recyclable, non-compostable straws, other plastics, and polystyrene containers.
On Sunday, February 24, at 2:00pm at Maze Library, we are sponsoring a viewing of the documentary, "Dark Money". The film exposes the impact of Citizens United and how elections are bought and sold. The film uses Montana as a case study.
The Illinois Issues briefing is scheduled on Saturday, March 2, in conflict with the State of the Villages event. If you are planning to attend the Issues Briefing please let me know. You may attend only the morning session and then spend your afternoon at the SOV. I am hoping that some of the breakout sessions and plenaries will be filmed and available for us to view and discuss.
I hope you have purchased your tickets to our State of the Villages event.
This fundraiser supports our 2019-2020 programs. Please plan on attending. You will have the opportunity to chat with the candidates and hear from the Mayors/Presidents of Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest. A wonderful lunch will be served.
The Nomination Committee is looking for volunteers to fill positions in our many committees. Would you like to help organize speakers for Drinks & Dialogue or Second Tuesday? Are you interested in Children and Youth?
Please contact Kathy Balk or Fran Sampson for information about these positions and to volunteer.
Did you read about the ERA in the League Update? Sponsors in theUS House andUS Senate introduced joint resolutions to roll back the timeline on ratification for the Equal Rights Amendment. We only need one more state to reach the magic number 38. Which State will be THE one?
Looking forward to seeing you at these events.
Marge Massarello
