November 8 General Election Information |
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November 8 is election day! Visit our website or watch your inbox for our special Keeping Connected: Election Edition for information on all things election related.
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- Election Protection
- Absentee Voting
- Polling Locations
- Photo ID Requirements
- Accessible Voting
- Redistricting
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Join Us for Giving Tuesday – the Global Day of Giving on November 29, 2022 |
Women's Voices will be participating in Giving Tuesday on November 29, 2022 and we need your help! On Giving Tuesday, people all around the world come together to tap into the power of human connection to strengthen communities and change our world. Women's Voices connects people in the St. Louis Region as a part of this movement. On Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to give generously to Women's Voices and other causes that are close to your heart.
Here is how you can get ready to give:
3. Spread the word. Encourage your friends and family to join you in creating real impact on November 29 by sharing what our mission means to you and why you support our organization.
Let’s rally together to build stronger communities.
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Mental Health: Resources for Recovery |
Thursday, November 10, 7 p.m.
In-person program at The Center of Clayton
50 Gay Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63105
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a mask will be required for entry.
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Our speakers, representing two local, community organizations, will share how chronic mental illness can be significantly impacted through psychosocial recovery practices and robust resources. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), St. Louis's Jessie Brown will ensure providers receive the latest updates on accessing valuable resources supportive of their clients and families. Jennifer Higginbotham will showcase the Independence Center's evidence-based clubhouse model of integrated mental health care and the impact on psychosocial rehabilitation. Hear first-hand narratives from those not just surviving but thriving with mental illness.
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Lunch & Learn with St. Louis Post-Dispatch executive editor, Alan Achkar |
Thursday, December 1, noon
Virtual Program
Women's Voices knows that a robust, inquisitive free press is vital to our democracy and that coverage of local and regional events is necessary to create community and enhance civic life. Today, new platforms and delivery are rapidly changing in terms of what and to what extent matters are covered. Join us for a conversation with St. Louis Post-Dispatch executive editor, Alan Achkar, when he will discuss his new role and the future of the paper.
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Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention Training
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Friday, December 2, 1-3 p.m.
Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion (7401 Delmar Blvd., 63130)
A leading cause of premature death across the lifespan, suicide claims the lives of over 1,00 Missourians each year, nearly 25% residing in the greater St. Louis area. Research and practice indicate that suicide is one of, if not the, most preventable manners of death.
Elizabeth Makulec, executive director of Kids Under Twenty One (KUTO), will train attendees to learn basic steps to identify, talk with, and encourage the safety of someone who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide or may be planning a potential attempt to end their life. Question, Persuade, Refer - QPR - Suicide Prevention training is a gatekeeper training appropriate for anyone who cares about the people they work, plan and/or live with.
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October Program Sheds a Light on Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors |
Dr. Jill Messing and Dr. Jesenia Pizzaro discussed preliminary findings of the PAIR Studies from Missouri and five other states. These studies are designed to identify and evaluate the risk factors for intimate partner homicide. Individuals who have lost a loved one are encouraged to participate in this important research to help prevent future intimate partner homicides. Contact the PAIR Studies research team at 602-543-3316 or online, here.
Wilford Pinkney, Jr. provided details about the City of St. Louis's new Office of Violence Prevention and how the office is working to address and prevent domestic violence in St. Louis.
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Women’s Voices Continues Advocacy for Medicaid Expansion |
After Missouri voters overwhelmingly voted to expand Medicaid, the Department of Social Services began enrolling those newly eligible. But it did not go well. In June 2022, the waiting time for application approval was 115 days. This (and the voices of advocates) prompted the federal government to get involved to press the State to act to reduce the Medicaid application backlog.
Today, 92% of applications are being processed in 15 days or fewer. The department’s new enrollment strategies have been extremely effective.
One of the most effective changes has been accepting assessments through the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) as determinations for eligibility. (The State had been doing a redundant separate determination.) Using the FFM determination requires less State staff time and reduces administrative costs.
The current use of FFM assessments as determinations is scheduled to end in December. WV is part of an effort to encourage the Department of Social Services to extend this policy. This will be particularly important as the state enters the open enrollment period beginning November 1. An increase in applications is expected and continued acceptance of FFM determinations at least through January is critical. Ideally the extension should be permanent.
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Advocacy Committee Focuses on Mental Health |
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As we pivot from the midterms, the Advocacy Committee has been discussing the issue of mental health and its impact on families and our community. This is even more important now, after the tragedy that St. Louis faced with the shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. Mental health is just as essential as physical health. Normalizing conversations about mental health empowers us to talk about it and how to get help. In July, a nationwide mental health hotline number was introduced (988) with the goal to change the conversation around suicide and to reduce the stigma of seeking help for mental illness. Additional local resources can be found on the St. Louis Public School's website.
We also invite you to join the Advocacy Committee at our next meeting on Monday., November 28 at 1 p.m. Contact Karen Francis for more information.
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Racial Justice Work Continues in a Busy October |
A lunch & learn, “A Place Called Home,” featured a presentation by Harper Zielonko, Director of Development Resources for St. Louis Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Zielonko spoke of Habitat’s efforts to address the issue of attainable housing and home ownership in St. Louis: what works, what doesn’t, what is currently under construction, and how members of Women’s Voices can help.
The work of the Attainable Housing Task Force continued as members attended the Kirkwood City Council meeting and sent letters to council members advocating for the inclusion of attainable housing units in developments under consideration in Kirkwood.
The Criminal Legal System Reform Task Force continued to prepare for their efforts to monitor and advocate for Clean Slate. This potential legislation would allow certain criminal records of nonviolent offenders to be cleared and would remove barriers to jobs, housing, education, and other basics for thousands of Missourians who have fulfilled the requirements of their sentencing.
The month ended with a tour of “Lest We Forget,” an exhibition at Washington University to honor Holocaust survivors, including several from St. Louis, and a Fall Festival at New Northside Missionary Church. Several Women’s Voices members attended the fall festival to pass out free gun locks and share information about the November 8 election and proposed efforts to reform Missouri’s criminal justice system.
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Women’s Voices Joins Interfaith Vigil to Save Children’s Lives |
Women’s Voices joined with other local organizations for the Interfaith Vigil to Save Children’s Lives on October 25 at Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. This gathering served as a kickoff event for an interfaith effort to end gun violence in St. Louis.
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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 editor Laura Rose.
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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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Send a check (payable to Women's Voices) to:
Women's Voices
7401 Delmar Blvd.
University City, MO 63130
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