Loud & Clear
August 2022
Welcome New Members
Archna Calfee
Jean Cavender
Alison Kraus
Rosemary Lawton
Debbie Schultz
Melinda Whittle
Judy Willett
Words from Our President
Tomorrow is Primary Elections Day in Missouri
 
Greetings, Everyone! August is almost here and what is on my mind? Voting, voting and more voting!! Although my monthly message usually includes a summary of recent Women’s Voices work and a preview of upcoming events, this month I want to focus on this single, crucial issue. Missouri’s 2022 primary election is tomorrow. Tuesday, August 2, is the day to vote – and to bring a registered but past nonvoting acquaintance to the polls with you. The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and is critical to bring about change. We must all join the fight to defend every citizen’s right to vote. As the great American abolitionist thinker and leader Frederick Douglass so eloquently put it, “The Ballot is our only safety.”

As one of St. Louis’s most active education and advocacy organizations, Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice addresses many issues--economic justice, educational equity, gun violence, racial justice, reproductive justice, to name just a few. No changes in any of these critical areas will be made unless we elect people who implement the policies we support. In a democracy, the right to vote is the foundation for actions. Therefore, we must ensure through our work that this right is available to all and unencumbered by any exclusionary legislation.


Join us in the coming months as we continue our efforts to educate and advocate on election related matters leading up to the November 8 midterm elections.

Thank you for all you do to advance our mission and vision. See you at the polls!

~Liz Sondhaus
Know Your Voting Rights!
The Missouri Voters Protection Coalition has prepared a card filled with everything a Missouri Voter needs to know to cast their ballot on election day.

Questions or problems voting? Call Election Protection at 1-888-OUR-VOTE.
Flood-Impacted Voters Can STILL VOTE!
Midterms Matter - Register Voters for the November Election
Help create a culture of voting by addressing and mailing voter registration packets. It only takes 20 stamps and your time! We supply everything else. Packets available by porch pick up in Webster Groves. Address provided at sign up. Request packets here. Contact Michele Steinberg with questions at [email protected].
Fund Our Voter Engagement Activities
The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. During the coming months, Women´s Voices will focus resources on fighting legislation that limits the access of citizens and on registering eligible voters. Our intense efforts will require staff time and expenditures on printing and postage. Please contribute to our campaign here to save our democracy.
Women’s Voices Announces Programs for 2022-2023
Starting in September, we'll be moving our monthly program meetings to The Center of Clayton, 50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO 63105, just east of the intersection of I-170 and Ladue Road.
September 8, 2022
Midterms Matter: Advocacy and Education for the November Election

October 13, 2022
Domestic Violence Prevention: Groundbreaking Efforts

November 10, 2022
Mental Health: Resources for Recovery

December 8, 2022
Gun Violence: Caring for Trauma Victims

January 12, 2023
The Big Chill: How Extremism Is Eroding Our Rights
February 9, 2023
Racism and Reparative Justice: Acknowledging Our Past​, Reshaping Our Future

March 9, 2023
Reading, Writing, and Racism: Working for Equity Education

April 13, 2023
Racial Justice: Where Do We Stand Now? 

May 11, 2023
Hungering for Justice: Solving Food Insecurity 
Advocacy Committee Offers Action Opportunities
What are you passionate about regarding social justice? Voting rights, racial justice, affordable housing, gun violence, health care, pay equity, violence against women, mental health, LGBTQIA rights, the environment? If any of these concern you, the Advocacy Committee is the place for you. We take positions on all these issues and share opportunities to put your passion into action. Please join us!

Recent expressions of Women’s Voices’ advocacy work include the voting information in this newsletter, and we will soon share information on a suicide prevention training this fall.

Our next Advocacy Committee meeting is Monday, August 22, at 1 p.m. by Zoom. Contact Advocacy Chair Karen Francis at [email protected] for details about how to join the meeting and for any information about the committee.
Women's Voices Members Respond to Injustice!
Mary Clemons, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that it is shameful that Governor Parson signed a bill criminalizing homelessness.

Ruth Ehresman, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that developers are not providing affordable housing for workers most in need.

Sherilyn Krell, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that all who allowed the Highland Park IL shooter to obtain rifles are complicit in the massacre. Also, see Sherilyn's letter in the Jewish Light.

Ann Ross, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that Missouri legislators are pretending to make voting safer by foolishly requiring that those who register voters fill out forms and be put on list.

Lynn Sableman, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that state and federal elected officials should resign if they promoted the lie that the election was stolen.

Michele Steinberg, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that misinformation and disinformation threaten our freedom to vote.

Susan Williams, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that it is disappointing that some candidates have not participated in debates.
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 editor Laura Rose.
Membership Info
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.
Annual Dues:

$60 (Regular Membership)
$100 (Silver Level)
$150 (Gold Level)
$20 (Student Membership)
Send a check (payable to Women's Voices) to: 

Women's Voices
7401 Delmar Blvd. 
University City, MO 63130