Loud & Clear
July 2022
Welcome New Members
Susan Baber
Mary Buttice
Kimberly Cole
Andrea Gant
Teresa L. Mareschal
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Words from Our President
Our Team Prepares for Challenges Ahead
 
As the new president of Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice, I would first like to express my gratitude to our immediate past co-presidents, Ruth Ehresman and Susan Glassman, for their inspiring leadership and enduring commitment to the fight for social justice. Theirs will be large shoes to fill! I am also thrilled to be working closely with our new executive director, Bryna Williams, a bright and dynamic attorney who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position. And, as always, many thanks to our new and returning board members, committee chairs, and WVR staff, Laura Rose, for their seemingly inexhaustible energy and dedication. Along with the support of our many members and supporters, our team is prepared to address the formidable challenges that lie ahead. 
 
To many of us, the present may seem to be “the worst of times.” The recent Supreme Court decisions upend many of our constitutional rights and threaten our democracy itself. The court’s recent overruling of Roe v. Wade may be the most immediate and dangerous threat to our personal liberty. Yet, in the last few months, the court also ruled that states may not limit the carrying of guns in public, states may not exclude private religious schools from receiving state tuition funds, and a football coach at a public school has a constitutional right to pray on the field after games. In our state, Governor Mike Parsons signed into law H.B. 1878, a sweeping elections bill enacting new voter ID rules that will effectively limit access to voting for many Missourians, especially for our citizens of color, the young, and those with disabilities. 
 
Although we have our work cut out for us, we are up to the task. In this month alone, Women’s Voices members joined other advocates in a day of action to protest the reversal of Roe v. Wade; participated in the March Against Gun Violence; attended the unveiling of the Freedom Suits Memorial in downtown St. Louis (which honors the work of enslaved people who sued for their freedom); and assembled voter registration packets to reach unregistered voters before the August 2 primaries. 
 
Upcoming events include voter registration efforts and phone banking (from the comfort of your own home). Please join us! And, of course, if you aren’t a member yet, please consider joining us today. 

~Liz Sondhaus
Help Create a Culture of Voting
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].
 
Thank you to everyone who joined us in assembling packets. We had a great time! See photos here!
Fund Our Voter Engagement Activities
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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 Members March for Voting Rights
Women's Voices members joined members of Webster Groves Presbyterian Church and Churches Together for Justice, along with area organization members from Alliance for Interracial Dignity, North Webster Neighborhood Coalition, St. Louis Area Voter Protection Coalition, and the League of Women Voters in the annual Webster Groves community parade on Monday, July 4th to highlight the importance of every person's vote. See more parade photos here.
Women's Voices members Liz Sondaus, Julie Burchett, Janice Seele, Becky Clausen & Susan Scott.
Women's Voices Members Respond to Injustice!
Judy Arnold, in her letter to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, questions why thoughtful people would remain loyal to the Republican party.

Judy Arnold, in her letter to the Webster Kirkwood Times, writes that Greitens insults all Americans with his gun-toting ad.

Mary Clemons, in her letter to the Webster Kirkwood Times, expresses disappointment in the paper for printing letters that espouse debunked claims of voter fraud.

Kathleen Gund, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that we need to focus on voting for lawmakers who support sensible gun safety laws and regulations.

Barbara Harris, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that Republicans should distance themselves from Greitens, a candidate who is allegedly abusive and violent.

Ann Mandelstamm, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, praises the Missouri legislature for increasing funding for our public defenders.

Cathy Marek, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that more funding is needed so troubled children can be helped by mental health professionals.

Zuleyma Tang-Martinez, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, suggests that people who refuse to accept the reality that fewer guns will make us safer are the ones who need mental health services.
 
Ellen Wentz, in her letter to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, writes that we need to turn out and vote for candidates who will protect our voting rights and our freedom from gun violence. Ellen's letter was also published in the Eldorado Springs Sun, the Joplin Globe, News-Press Now, The St. Louis American, and the The Webster Kirkwood Times.
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