Left photo: Elenita Muniz and Kristin Knowles. Right photo: Pat O’Brien in back of Donna Pihl. Photos by Chris Morin

by Donna Pihl
Cape Cod Branch Convener

October 2022

Hundreds of visitors and residents flocked to the hot streets of Orleans, Massachusetts for the annual Fourth of July parade, where they were treated to a special appeal to vote for democracy presented by a bevy of “I Miss Democracy” belles.

Our bright red pick-up truck sported a large WILPF banner on the front, with smaller ones on the sides, along with peace signs and “VOTE” messages. The truck was driven by WILPF spouse and supporter Judy Fenner and carried Cape Cod WILPFers Pat O’Brien and Donna Pihl, decked out in red-white-and-blue caftans and tights and calling out “Vote for Democracy!” at the top of their lungs.  

Cape Cod WILPFers Kristin Knowles and Elenita Muñiz marched alongside WILPF US former president Chris Morin. They were appropriately sashed and gowned as the character of “I Miss Democracy,” a peace-and-justice beauty queen originated by WILPF US past president Mary Zepernick. Morin, Knowles, and Muñiz commented to parade watchers, “I miss democracy — don’t you?” as they handed out nearly 1,000 business cards urging bystanders to vote for democracy.

“We received lots of applause and affirmations,” reported branch convener Donna Pihl.  “Despite the extreme heat and dehydration, it was a great action and we had a terrific time doing it.”