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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SAN JUAN COUNTY |
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90 Years of WA Women's Political CloutBy Chris Thomas posted 02/12/2010
Williams says League membership has helped her keep up with politics over the years, because members set aside their partisan political affiliations to study the issues and take positions on them as a group. In Washington, she notes, that's not as difficult as some might assume. "The thing I noticed when I came to Washington State was that the legislature is approachable. You can call 'em up or you go to some meeting where you could meet them, or even go down to the legislature. I didn't have that feeling in New York." This year in Olympia, the League is supporting 13 bills, watching six others and opposing further cuts to the state's supplemental budget. In national politics, Williams says the most exciting election for her so far was in 1944, when Franklin Roosevelt won his fourth term as president over Republican challenger Thomas Dewey. She was just a toddler when her mother first got the right to vote in 1920. She chuckles as she describes how her father felt about it - he wasn't thrilled, she says. "He was pretty much of a free thinker, but he thought that if women got to vote, it would only mean that married men would get two votes. That was his take on women voting!" League members range in age from their 20s to a few centenarians. Williams says today's biggest challenge is getting busy young people - women or men - involved in the organization. "It's really important, because League of Women Voters requires really putting your mind to things and working at them. And whatever League can do only happens because of the volunteer efforts that go into it." Celebrating 89 Years of a Stronger DemocracyLeague of Women Voters of the SJs recognizes anniversary of the 19th Amendment August 26 marks the 89th anniversary of the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote. The nonpartisan League of Women Voters,vfounded the same year women achieved this right,vcelebrates Women's Equality Day by remembering this historic achievement, and looking forward to greater civic participation and healthy debate on the issues that matter most to our communities. "On this Women's Equality Day, we take time to recognize not only the historic 19th Amendment, but the tremendous progress we've made over the last 89 years in expanding and protecting voting rights," said national League president Mary G. Wilson. "Generation after generation, the work of League of Women Voter members across the country is a testament to the incredible legacy of the 19th Amendment. But our work is not done," Wilson continued. "As we face new and even greater challenges as a nation, the League will continue to support smart, active, local leaders who are dedicated to safeguarding democracy. These leaders are in your communities, engaging elected officials as we work together to find viable solutions." The League of Women Voters of the San Juans believes that the hands-on work of an engaged citizenry can and does lead to civic improvement at all levels of government. Women's Equality Day is a celebration of such a basic part of our democratic process, the right to vote, and the opportunities to channel that power into real, lasting change, starting at the grassroots level. The League of Women Voters of The San Juans has worked for many years to safeguard democracy through expanded civic engagement. All citizens have the opportunity to have a profound, direct and positive impact on the issues that matter most to our community, and what better day than the anniversary of the 19th Amendment to get involved? The San Juan chapter meets monthly at noon on the second Monday at the San Juan Library. For information on Women's Equality Day and upcoming events, or to learn how to become a member of the League of Women Voters visit www.lwv.org. |
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