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Welcome New Members!
Cathy Hohl
Christina Menses
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First, I hope you and your loved ones are okay following the March storms. Personally, I was lucky. I only lost power and internet for 3 days. It wasn't until I was getting calls from friends all over the country, “Karen, are you okay?” that I realized how bad my community of Bridgeton was hit. The reason for sharing this is to show how important it is that we stay connected. We as Women's Voices Raised members are fortunate to have that connection.
Which brings me to: Have you RSVP’d for our 20 Year Anniversary Celebration, being held Saturday, April 26, from 2:00-4:00 pm at Webster Hill's Methodist Church's Christian Life Center Great Hall? We will be honoring our “founding mothers": Ruth Ann Cioci, Barbara Finch, Joanne Kelly, and Ann Ruger who had the dream and vision to form this awesome organization. All the information is on our website. I hope to see you there, and if you can, please make a donation to support us as we start our next 20 years!!!
Another ask: Do you have a plan to vote in local elections on April 8? There are municipal as well as school board elections. You know your vote is your voice -- and nothing is more local than municipal elections. If you live in St. Louis City or St. Louis County, you can vote at any polling place. If you have questions about the election, please go to my.lwv.org or VOTE 411.org.
We have two very exciting programs to complete our monthly programming for the year: in April, “Show Me the Money: St. Louis City Finances,” and in May, “Beyond the ‘Isms’ -- Countering Cultural Biases.” I hope you can attend those and as many other activities as possible. Again, all information is on our website.
Lastly, how did you answer the three questions that I asked last month?
- I joined WVR because....
- I remain a member because....
- This is what I love about WVR...
I'd love for you to share your responses. Send me an email at: president@womensvoicesraised.org and we can talk about how you can become more involved. I look forward to hearing from you as we work to support our vision: “Women working together to advance a world that values equity and justice for all, abolishes discrimination, and protects the planet.”
Enjoy the beauty of spring!!!!
Your ally,
Karen Francis
| | | WVR April Program- Show Me The Money: Saint Louis City Finances | |
Thursday, April 10, 7 p.m.
Center of Clayton
50 Gay Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63105
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Program begins at 7 p.m.
Let us know you're coming here.
If you’ve been befuddled by all the conversations about St Louis City finances, you’re not alone.
- What’s the deal with distributing funds from the Rams’ settlement?
- Who decides, and when?
- What about the mis-directed grant money?
- How will government replace the loss of revenue from eliminating the city earnings tax ?
- What about the state takeover of the police force?
- And the increase in empty office space?
- What changes might a potential new mayoral administration bring about?
- And why should residents of St Louis County even care about the City’s financial affairs?
Obviously the wellbeing of the entire region is greatly impacted – for better or for worse – by the health and vibrancy of the City core. Tourism, conventions, attracting new business investment and retaining population are just a few of the issues at stake.
Join us in April to explore what we all need to know - regardless of the municipality where we reside – and how our actions can contribute to growth and success we want to see for St Louis.
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Celebrating 20 Years of Advocacy
Saturday, April 26, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Webster Hills United Methodist Church, Christian Life Center Great Hall
1333 W. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63122
Purchase a ticket here.
Can’t attend? Make a donation in honor of our founders here.
Women’s Voices was formally organized in May, 2005, when 25 St. Louis area women gathered at the University City Library to discuss their concerns about social justice issues.
Since then, WVR has continued to advance a world that values equity and justice for all, abolishes discrimination and protects the planet.
Please join us as we celebrate 20 years of advocacy and honor our founders Ruth Ann Cioci, Barbara Finch, Joanne Kelly and Ann Ruger.
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Community Sightseeing Tour of the Jeff-Vander-Lou (JVL) Neighborhood of North City, St. Louis
Saturday, April 5
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Maximum attendees – 15
Suggested donation $25 per person
($20 Seniors 65+) to support the work of Tillies Corner.
Read more and register here.
Co-sponsored by Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice and The Ashrei Foundation.
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This north side section of the City of St. Louis, Missouri, often called “JVL,” was one of the first areas where African Americans were allowed to own real estate. However, in the second half of the 20th century, housing conditions declined. Housing activist and community developer, Mr. Macler C. Shepard (1917-2005) and the members of the JVL organization worked courageously for years to develop quality, affordable housing and make living conditions better for homeowner and renters. Today, the JVL (Whole New Area II) Neighborhood Development Association is dedicated to preserving the legacy of JVL. Their mission is redefining the neighborhood by empowering families, schools and businesses to become a thriving community.
Carpooling from Webster Groves available.
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Our Voices Support Clean Slate | |
On March 5, members of Women’s Voices traveled to the Capitol in Jefferson City for a Clean Slate Day. Karen Coulson, Karen Francis, Anne Litwin, Leslie McCormick, Nancy Price, Rochelle Kaskowitz, and Ellen Wentz went to over 50 Senators' and Representatives' offices.
They talked to the legislators or their assistants about Clean Slate generally and the current bills pending in the Missouri House and Senate. Mary Schuman provided participants with information about the legislators, and she and Michele Steinberg prepared informative flyers to distribute. Those who WVR members spoke with generally supported Clean Slate.
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A Clean Slate Act would give a second chance to individuals convicted of certain nonviolent crimes who have served their time and paid any penalties or restitution. The law would automatically expunge the convictions, giving eligible individuals an opportunity to obtain employment, find housing, and lead productive lives, rather than encountering lifelong barriers.
House Bill 953 was heard and approved by the Economic Development Committee in early March, acquired two co-sponsors, and was referred to the Administrative Rules Committee which sent it back to the Economic Development Committee for further consideration. On March 25, that committee passed HB 953 with amendments that delay implementation until 2029 and create a phase-in schedule for full implementation by 2035.
Action in the Senate has been slower.
One Senate bill, SB 19, has been heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee, and its twin, SB 435, is before that committee.
Have you called your representatives yet? Our legislators have dozens of bills to take positions on this coming month, and calls from constituents have impact. Simply say you support HB 953 or SB 19 and SB 435. It will take two minutes. Look up your legislators here.
| | | | March Program Highlights: How Did DEI Become a Dirty Word? | | |
In the January program Amber Benge, Ed.D., co-director, Missouri Equity Education Partnership, explored the evolution of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from its origins as a positive force for social change to its current status as a controversial topic.
Over the past decade the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion have gained traction in many areas of American life, prominently including education, the corporate arena and government policy. They resulted in an atmosphere of increased respect and understanding that allowed individuals to flourish in diverse settings. Such cultures value the contributions of all individuals, leading to enhanced creativity and innovation.
Unfortunately, recent attacks on DEI, generated by aggrieved members of the dominant culture, have received significant media attention and resulted in a shift of both public perceptions and policy discussions.
So what can supporters of DEI do to turn the tide? Dr. Benge suggested that our best opportunity is in individual conversations, turning negative comments about inclusion into opportunities for constructive discussion about the benefits to our entire society of valuing and accessing all the viewpoints, skills and insights that various groups bring to any effort.
Read more here.
| | | Lunch and Learn: A Hero for Our Times: The Remarkable Life of Pauli Murray | |
Women’s Voices Raised was honored to host Angela Thorpe Mason, executive director of the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice for our March Lunch & Learn. Ms. Thorpe Mason shared a fascinating and inspiring introduction to the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. Although rarely mentioned in the popular history of the Civil Rights Movement, Murray was arguably one of the most important figures in 20th Century history.
The Rev. Dr. Murray was a human rights activist, legal scholar, feminist, poet, author, Episcopal priest, labor organizer, multiracial Black, LGBTQ+ person who lived one of the most remarkable lives of the 20th century. S/he was the first Black person to earn a JSD (Doctor of the Science of Law) degree from Yale Law School, a founder of the National Organization for Women and the first Black person perceived as a woman to be ordained an Episcopal priest.
Watch the program here.
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Women's Voices Members Respond to Injustice!
Gail Wechsler, in her opinion article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, advocates for public libraries and shares what citizens can do to support them.
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Have something to submit for Loud & Clear?
Loud & Clear is the official monthly e-newsletter of Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice and is usually distributed on the first Monday or Tuesday of the month. The general deadline for article submission is the Wednesday prior to publication. Click here to contact us about the newsletter.
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Even if you can’t come to meetings or become personally involved, your membership is important…and greatly appreciated.
Benefits of Membership
When you join Women’s Voices you:
- Make our voice stronger when we advocate with elected officials.
- Provide support to the organization by adding your name to our advocacy efforts.
- Provide ideas and suggestions to help determine how to define our positions and choose our causes.
- Participate in advocacy activities in any way that you want or is possible for you.
- Take pride in your affiliation with a strong, progressive group of women working for social justice.
- Help cover our administrative and outreach costs through your dues.
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Annual Dues:
$60 (Regular Membership)
$100 (Silver Level)
$150 (Gold Level)
$20 (Student Membership)
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New members join here
Renewing members renew here or
Send a check (payable to Women's Voices) to:
Women's Voices
698 W. Lockwood Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63119
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