News about something happening in the world right now.
Let your elected officials know about your opinions on how to use our tax dollars and which services our country, state and region need. Here is the League’s guide to how to reach all your elected government officials – from President Trump to your Soil and Water Conservation District!
The Oregon 2019 Legislative session is in full swing, with committees meeting now to make decisions about state services and the Oregon 2019-2021 budget! Is there a program you want funded? A bill you think should be passed or defeated? Our 18-minute Highlights video on Lobbying the Legislature has many tips for how you can make your voice heard.
You also can learn about what’s happening in the Legislature and the Oregon League’s priorities and advocacy by clicking here and here.
By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women’s History Month. This momentum and state-by-state action was used as the rational to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March 1987 as National Women’s History Month. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.
The theme for 2019 is “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.” This year we honor women who have led efforts to end war, violence, and injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society. These Honorees embraced the fact that the means determine the ends and so developed nonviolent methods to ensure just and peaceful results.
(The National Women’s History Alliance website)
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, took place for the first time on March 8, 1911. Many countries around the world celebrate the holiday with demonstrations, educational initiatives and customs such as presenting women with gifts and flowers. The United Nations has sponsored International Women’s Day since 1975. When adopting its resolution on the observance of International Women’s Day, the United Nations General Assembly cited the following reasons: “To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.”
National Archives https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/womens-history
Exhibit Opening in 2019“Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote” commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment by looking beyond suffrage parades and protests to the often overlooked story behind this landmark moment in American history. This fuller retelling of the struggle for women’s voting rights illustrates the dynamic involvement of American women across the spectrum of race, ethnicity and class to reveal what it really takes to win the vote for one-half of the people.
It is sad that Valentine’s Day – a day dedicated to love – is also a day that symbolizes the tragedy of gun violence in our country. As students and families in Parkland, Florida, remember the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School a year ago, we call for policies that could prevent more gun-related tragedies. Gun rights come with responsibilities for keeping guns out of the hands of people – including children – who could harm themselves or others. See our Highlights video on Gun Safety and the legislation the Oregon League is supporting this year HB 2505, HB 2251 and SB 501).
On Valentine’s Day, the League of Women Voters turns 99. Help us celebrate this really big birthday! During the month of February, consider making a gift of $20 – to honor 1920, the year we began – or a gift of $99 to honor our work empowering voters and defending democracy. You can donate through Facebook. Or click on one of the Donate buttons on the right.
Please send us some birthday love. Gifts of any size will help us make democracy work right here in Multnomah County through our fiercely non-partisan, proudly grassroots action. THANK YOU!
