“ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
1. Celebrate Women’s suffrage with a party, real or virtual, in your Club and Community.
This year – 2020 – is the 100th Anniversary of the 19th amendment to the Constitution. “ The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
Share your celebration on social media. Learn more here : https://theconversation.com/19-facts-about-the-19th-amendment-on-its-100th-anniversary-134517
In 1848 a women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Fall, NY. Many consider this the beginning of the suffrage movement. https://www.womenshistory.org/search?sapi_full=suffrage
It was a hard won battle fought mostly by women who were determined to secure this basic right of citizenship. Bookmark this page for easy access to the Constitution and amendments:
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-110hdoc50/pdf/CDOC-110hdoc50.pdf
2. CLUB WOMEN have been agents of change for more than 100 years. DESIGNATE a Public Policy/Legislative Chair and / or Committee within YOUR Club. Send their name and contact info to Beth Lane at wrenwood@nc.rr.com and plan activities to give members an opportunity to be MORE informed about public policy issues that affect your community.
SIGN UP and READ UP to find out more about issues. https://cqrcengage.com/gfwc/home?0 Visit this GFWC page to sign up for GFWC Legislative Action Center. EVERY club member can join and get information directly! Not sure is you have signed up? Sign up again. You will not receive duplicate messages.
3. KNOW your elected officials and have them know you as a CLUBWOMAN. The CITIZENSHIP resolution of GFWC encourages us all to be active. Knowing who to contact is key to support resolutions and act on legislative alerts. Know your LOCAL, STATE and FEDERAL elected officials. “Meet” the candidates. Share issues that GFWC – NC supports that are important to your community.
Find your legislator : https://www.ncleg.gov/FindYourLegislators
Board of elections :https://www.ncsbe.gov/index.html
Web search for your COUNTY Board of Elections
GFWC 015-500 Citizenship : Amended 2019; Formerly Rights and Responsibilities of the Individual) WHEREAS, Many people decline to participate in the democratic process at any level; therefore RESOLVED, That the General Federation of Women’s Clubs: • Recognizes the obligation of all citizens to participate actively in the democratic process at some level; • Urges its member clubs to provide programs that promote civic engagement and voting.
GFWC Resolutions express actions and issues supported. Access the most recent list here.
https://www.gfwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Resolutions-June-2019-FINAL.pdf
Look for GFWC – NC resolutions here: https://gfwcnc.org/
GFWC resolutions are effective in each state federation. GFWC – NC resolutions are specific to the issues important in our state.
Are you aware of legislative issues we should advocate? Share with Beth at wrenwood@nc.rr.com.
- Celebrate passage of the 19th Amendment
- Designate a Public Policy/Legislative Affairs Chair
- Get to know your elected officials at local, state and federal level
Public Policy and Legislative Committee
Beth Lane, Chair 919-345-0658 / wrenwood@nc.rr.com