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Dear Women’s Voices Raised members, supporters and friends,
WE DID IT!! With the generous support from many of you, Women’s Voices met the $5,000 matching gift challenge! Thank you to all of our amazing donors, especially to the person who presented us with the challenge. We will spend that money to continue our efforts to educate, inspire and advocate for others. Given the current threats to social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, your ongoing support for and involvement in Women’s Voices Raised is critical to help us act on our mission. Tuesday, December 2 is Giving Tuesday. Please include Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice in your year-end giving.
“We” is a small, but very powerful word. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the “we“ in “We the People”, which are the words that begin the Preamble to the United States Constitution. Those words assert that the U.S. government exists to serve and be accountable to “We”, its citizens. Consider how formidable “we” can be; more than just “you” or “I” alone. When we stand together at No Kings protests; call our legislators
about upcoming bills; become involved with organizations that support the rights of all
people; or sign petitions to protect voters’ rights, to stop illegal gerrymandering or to demand that politicians don’t override the decisions of “We” the voters, our voices become amplified. If you feel frustrated that our government is not promoting the welfare of or being accountable to We the People, don’t get angry or disillusioned, get loud and involved. Stand up for those who are discriminated against, marginalized,
ignored, or are unable to advocate for themselves.
How can I make a difference, you may wonder? First, vote in every local, state and national election. This is your super power. Encourage others to do so as well. Next, sign petitions or help gather signatures for causes that are important to you. You can also contact your elected officials at all levels of government to express your opinion. Furthermore, be an active member of Women’s Voices. Come to our monthly programs, become a Lock It for Love volunteer by helping to bundle and/or distribute gun locks, attend the films and tours organized by the Racial Justice Committee, join our lobbying trips to Jefferson City, explore WVR’s website and social media to find information about activities through which you can meet other members, contact the chairwoman of a
committee that ignites your passion, or explore becoming a member of the Board.
Women’s Voices is a welcoming and supportive group who holds a passionate belief in the power of “We.” Please contact me with any questions, complaints, suggestions and brainstorm ideas at president@womensvoicesraised.org.
Alone, my voice seems small and faint, but when we put our voices together, we ROAR!
Your ally,
Your ally,
Jean Calandrino
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