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As I write this, Black History Month is coming to an end, and we're now in March, which is Women's History Month. Have you ever wondered why there are these special months? Could it be because the voices, stories and contributions of Blacks and Women were often overlooked?
Women's History Month has been observed nationally since 1987. It grew out of a week-long celebration of women's contributions to culture, history and society that was organized by a school district in Sonoma, CA in 1978. Why am I mentioning this? In April, Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice will be celebrating 20 years of having our voices heard in our community!!
We want our collective voices to be heard for many more years. I ask you to reflect on why WV is special to you by answering these three questions:
(1) I joined WVR because...
(2) I remain a member because...
(3) This is what I love about WVR….
The reason I ask is because WVR needs your help. You probably know that we are back to being an all volunteer organization, as we no longer have an Executive Director or an Officer Manager. So, I am asking: Are YOU willing to help us by volunteering to be on a committee, co-chairing a committee, or helping with mailings? Will you volunteer at program meetings, recruit new members, help with fundraising, plan events, or work with our social media? Do you have even more to give to WVR? Become a member of the Board! We especially need someone to be our finance officer. Please reach out to me if you have questions about any of these opportunities.
I also want to make sure you're aware of legislation at both the state and national levels that could impact women:
* In Missouri, even though Amendment 3 passed, it is only because a Jackson County Circuit Court Judge ruled Amendment 3 superseded all the abortion laws on the books that allows MO to offer abortion care. However, in January 2026, the MO Supreme Court will hear arguments about this and make a final decision. If you have questions, please send them to: accessmissouri@gmail.com
* Nationally, many are concerned about the impact the SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) Act will have. It could make it harder for many married women to vote because voters will need, for example, to present documents such as a US Passport or birth certificate to register to vote. It's estimated that as many as 69 million women have taken their spouses’ names, but do not have matching birth certificates. Please contact your local officials and voice your concerns.
I encourage you to mark your calendar and attend our March 13 program,
“How Did DEI Become a Dirty Word?” I promise you'll want to be there to hear our dynamic speaker, Dr. Amber Benge.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or to just touch base.
I hope to see you at the Center of Clayton on March 13.
Proud to be your President of Women's Voices,
Your ally,
Karen Francis
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