Before elections, on Election Day, and between elections WILPF member action can help voters stand up against systemic racism, poverty, and the war economy and militarism. From linking to organizations facilitating GOTV to letter-writing campaigns to elected representatives, find information and ideas to support the voices of voters for peace and justice.
Click here to enter the Freedom to Vote webpage with the Voting Rights Resources.
Return to Freedom to Vote overview page
Jarring and unprecedented attacks on U.S. democracy have only increased since 2016. With its 2022 Voting Rights Solidarity Action, WILPF joins others in protecting the rights of every citizen to participate in the freedom to vote.
WILPF’s nationwide Solidarity Actions connect WILPF members and branches. Additionally, we connect in time. We hope these branch and member projects will build on the legacy created by our foremothers, raising awareness and supporting voting rights. Just as voting rights activists before us, through this Solidarity Action we continue to protect our democracy and the right and freedom to vote for all people.
Return to Freedom to Vote overview page
I Miss Democracy!
An Idea for WILPF Solidarity Actions around Voting Rights
At left, former U.S.WILPF president Mary Zepernick, in one of her favorite incarnations: as I Miss Democracy in the local 4th of July parades.
Of course, this idea doesn't require a parade. You could do it as a stand-out or at a tabling event or a voter registration drive.
All you need is "beauty queen" fashion, some handouts, and some answers about why we miss democracy!
Fashion
Thrift stores are a great source for gowns, whether colorful caftans like Mary's or the full Cinderella look or a really lovely nightgown or robe. The sash is what makes it work!
Add accessories like long white gloves, a tiara, and of course, your "I Miss Democracy" sash. These can be easily made from wide ribbon and stick-on letters from the craft store. (Mary's letters do have "diamonds" on them, but that's optional.)
Note: Especially for a parade, make sure your shoes are comfortable! Feel free to sacrifice fashion for this most important accessory.
Handouts
Depending on your location's voter registration rules, you can hand out a list of upcoming voting dates, voter registration deadlines, how to sign up for mail-in ballots, phone numbers to call for rides to the polls, important issues to pay attention to, dates for candidates' forums, etc.
If you work with an ally group like the NAACP or League of Women Voters or Poor People's Campaign, be sure their names appear along with your WILPF branch name and contact information.
Why do we Miss Democracy?
If you are in a state where repressive voting laws are in effect, name them. If you want to promote the joy and duty of voting, and cite the low numbers of turnout, do that. If you want to put a paragraph on your handout about how corporate interests seek to control election outcomes, do that. But be aware of WILPF's non-partisan limits! We can advocate for ISSUES or POSITIONS, but not for parties or candidates by name.
Always, support voter turnout. We should not become too discouraged to vote. That way, the corporate interests have won without a fight.
A note on parades
In many communities, it's pretty easy to sign up to be in a parade. Just be aware of deadlines and any limits the organizers put on the parade. Small town parades are just as important as big city ones -- maybe more so, because these are your neighbors you're talking to.
If you can get a snazzy convertible to carry a bevy of "I Miss Democracy" belles, then you can take turns getting out to walk and pass out information. If no convertible is available, a pick-up truck works just as well, as long as you can easily get in and out of the back of it.
Have one "I Miss Democracy" walk on either side of the parade route, while those in the vehicle toss out candy to the kids. When the walkers get tired, switch out with the riders and carry on. A big WILPF banner on the front or sides of the vehicle is great -- easier than needing even more people to carry your WILPF banner.
Calendar options
For these Solidarity Actions, we are suggesting the following possible options for an I Miss Democracy appearance during the "election season:"
Each of these events has its own tone and intent, so please be aware of that in the way your branch's "I Miss Democracy" carries out her mission. For events not organized or hosted by WILPF, be sure you coordinate with the organizing/host organization ahead of time.
Return to Freedom to Vote overview page
Election Information References
This information was researched and compiled by Judy Adams, Peninsula, California Branch.
1) For all sorts of information, see Ballotpedia, the self-described “encyclopedia of American politics”. Look there for links such as – Seats up for election, Candidate lists by state, Political context, and Important dates and deadlines.
2) Voter registration deadlines vary by state. Consult your local registrar of elections or registrar of voters.
Click here for a convenient source for U.S. voter registration deadlines to plan GOTV campaigns. (See the table at the end for additional deadline information.) Many states also offer same-day registration and voting during the early voting period; see NCSL's webpage on Same-Day Registration for additional information.
3) What if a voter moved since they last voted? Direct them to go to this link.
Return to Freedom to Vote overview page
Organizing Your Own Phone and Text Banking
Phone and text banking can be an effective way to reach and communicate with many voters. Also, this can be a project that expands your branch! As you work to form your banking team, you’ll want to seek to involve members of your branch, other committed volunteers, or any other local WILPF program participants.
Rather than developing phone banking that is entirely your own, your team might find it easier and more effective to work with one of the organizations listed in the VRR which are seeking to Get Out The Vote (frequently referred to as GOTV). (See the Organizations for Postcard/Letter Writing and Phoning/Texting for Get Out The Vote Campaigns section.)
To get started on your phone or text banking, please read over the informative pages of helpful overview and instructions from Nonprofit VOTE, available here. Nonprofit VOTE also provides other resources that may be useful for you here.
If you have questions, you can reach out to WILPF at FreedomToVote@wilpfUS.org. (Keep in mind that it may take 3-4 days for a response.)
Return to Freedom to Vote overview page
Organizations for Postcard/Letter Writing and Phoning/Texting for Get Out The Vote Campaigns
WILPF US is a 501(c)(4) organization. As such, WILPF does not recommend participation in partisan political campaigns. If a service providing postcards/letters is partisan – that is, focuses on recipients, goals, or candidates of a specific political party – branches and individuals working as identified WILPF members should not use those services. Such use conflicts with WILPF’s tax status. As individuals, of course, one can use partisan sources, but in this document, we list only nonpartisan groups for your get-out-the vote (GOTV) branch actions
Consequently, WILPF members Sandy Thacker and Judy Adams recommend these nonpartisan organizations for your postcard/letter writing and phoning/texting projects:
Election Protection
An election information project of Common Cause:
In addition to GOTV services, they have great resources for voters on their website. Voters can check their registration status before elections, register if eligible, request an absentee ballot, find their polling place and access other useful, non-partisan information – even get an election day reminder to vote.
Common Cause is a 501(c)(4) non-partisan nonprofit funded by a combination of individual donor contributions and foundation grants.
They are a well-organized, user-friendly project that provides letter-writing opportunities to contact voters in underrepresented communities to encourage them to register and to vote.
Vote Forward is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization working to increase civic participation by making it as easy as possible for grassroots volunteers to encourage their fellow citizens to vote.
One can volunteer with them to text bank to get out the vote. Like Common Cause, they offer voting information, focusing on Latinx voters. They give info on absentee ballots, early voting and polling locations, and on how to check eligibility to vote, register, check on what’s on the ballot, gain understanding on issues, and get election reminders. The site also gives young voters (under 18) an opportunity to "pledge to register". In Spanish and English.
Voto Latino is a 501-(c)-(4) nonprofit organization focused on encouraging the young Hispanic/Latinx community to register to vote and become more politically involved.
They offer opportunities for writing postcards and phoning (you can use your computer). You use their script, but you can mention that you are a member of WILPF (just for name recognition, no conversation about WILPF itself). NO use of the person’s contact information other than to make the scripted call: no call-backs to talk about WILPF.
The Center for Common Ground is a nonpartisan voting rights organization led by, and focusing on, people of color. In the 2022 elections they are focusing on Black voters where voter suppression has occurred.
Return to Freedom to Vote overview page
Graphics to Use on Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Below are seven graphics we have created to aid in your outreach efforts. Click on any of the thumbnails below to view a larger version.
Customizing graphics
You will see on each graphic a space for information that can be customized for your WILPF branch or other WILPF needs. These are only suggestions. You may have other types of information that suit your needs better. If you are a real wiz with graphics tools, you are free to download the larger image (by right clicking) and customize yourself. For the rest, with one week we will customize for you, Please fill out this form and we will send you the graphics within one week. Due to space considerations, your customization is limited to 25 words.
 Refuse to Be Silenced B |
 Your Vote (vertical) |
 Voting Tips |
|
 Vote Responsibly |
 Yes to Voting |
 Your Vote (horizontal) |
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WILPF is stepping up to protect the Freedom to Vote and collaborate with the voter registration and Get Out the Vote efforts of the Poor People’s Campaign!
WILPF believes that the power of our voices shines through when we come together to uplift and protect democracy. Joining together in this multi-year WILPF Solidarity Action to protect the freedom to vote, we keep the herstory of our suffragist foremothers in mind!
Welcome to the Voting Rights Resources
The Voting Rights Resources (VRR) aids WILPF branches and members across the country in campaigns to help communities stay engaged in voting rights work. The VRR includes information and materials for social media campaigns, suggested actions to take, and additional information, including links to organizations and resources to assist with voting rights rallies, campaigns, and events. These resources supports the efforts of voter registration, increased voter turnout/participation, election-time awareness, and voter awareness.
Click on these links for specifics:
The Solidarity Actions activities suggested in the VRR can be started now and continued through Election Day 2024.
WILPF also asks members and branches to build on your use of these resources: Please, seek liaisons with local like-minded organizations already engaged in voting rights work, in order to build a network of partners with whom we can share in solidarity. Organizations such as The Poor People’s Campaign and (in North Carolina) the New North Carolina Project are examples of organizations that are already engaged in voting rights work. Such groups will be an asset to your WILPF US actions. WILPF US encourages individual members and each branch to utilize the graphics and materials.
This project for the WILPF US Solidarity Action on voting has been undertaken by the Voting Rights ad hoc Committee – with particular contributions by Ashley Carrington – who had the initial idea for a toolkit, drafted text, and compiled the graphics and some other resources; Judy Adams – who researched and wrote major portions of the VRR; and the Cape Cod Branch, for “I Miss Democracy”. The committee has proceeded with innovation and diligence, yet its work is also connected to the historical efforts of the suffragists and other voting rights activists who came before us.
This webpage will evolve over the next few years to include additional items to support our national WILPF Solidarity Actions around the Freedom to Vote. Watch for updates and additions to this page.
November 2022
WILPF US Elections: Thank You Board Candidates & Save the Date – November 10!
by Darien De Lu
WILPF US President
We are very glad to announce that two candidates are running for seats on WILPF’s national board:
Barbara Neilsen for Treasurer
George Friday for Program Committee Chair. (one of the two Program Committee Chairs)
WILPF members will receive their ballot packets in the mail in November, and must post their votes by November 28. In addition to the vote on the two Board candidates, the ballot contains a Bylaws amendment proposal that would make some language more concise, without changing any procedures or practices.
Please join us for an introduction to this year’s Board candidates and the one Bylaws amendment that will be on the same ballot on Thursday, November 10, at 5:30 pm PDT / 6:30 pm MDT / 7:30 pm CDT / 8:30 pm EDT.
For this virtual event, we’ve chosen the traditional night (the second Thursday) of the One WILPF Call (which will be resuming on about a quarterly basis in 2023). We’ll be sending out the details and an invitation link via an eAlert in early November.
Depending on how glutted the mail is with other election items, WILPF members will likely have received their official ballot in the mail by the tenth. The ballot packet directs recipients to a members-only webpage address where we’ll provide additional candidate and Bylaws amendment information, as well as the details on the Nov. 10 webinar. Members, please – among all the election emails coming your way – watch for the eAlert for more information.
For any questions, please contact Darien De Lu at President@wilpfUS.org
There’s Still Time to Get Involved in the Freedom to Vote
WILPF members Judy Adams and Ashley Carrington talked about ways branches and members can join our Solidarity Action on our July 11 ONE WILPF Call. You can view the presentations via that link and hear Ashley introduce the WILPF Voting Rights Toolkit.
That toolkit and the voting information from Judy’s research will shortly be available on our website. You can use those resources to educate voters locally and in key areas nationally about how, where, and why to register and vote.
Keep an eye on the Get Involved corner at the bottom left of our homepage. We’ll announce and post there the link to the upcoming Freedom to Vote webpage, which will be a resource through the 2024 elections.
First Zoom Meeting for New Kentucky-Indiana Branch!
by Julie Segal
Kentucky/Indiana Branch
Kentucky and Indiana WILPF members (and potential members!) are welcome to the first Zoom meeting for this new branch. This meeting will be held on Sunday, December 4, at 3-4:30 pm EST.
For more information, contact: Julie Segal, jdsegal@earthlink.net.
Speak Up at Our Day of Dialogue
by Darien De Lu
WILPF US President
One of the agenda items at the September Board meeting was a "Town Hall" for comments on the Sept. 11 Board Memo: "WILPF US and the Black Liberation Caucus." After a number of WILPF members expressed their views and concerns, the Board voted unanimously for a motion to have a Day of Dialogue for members to talk about their own experiences, views, and truths.
The Board will set the exact date for the Day of Dialogue, between Nov. 10-Dec. 10. A date in November is likely, perhaps in the week of Nov. 14-18. Read more details in the coming eAlert!
For any questions, please contact Darien De Lu at President@wilpfUS.org
New DPoW Committee Introduces Work
by Dee Murphy
Chair, DPOW Committee
The Domestic Prisoners of War (DPOW) Issue Committee was pleased to be able to introduce the work of this new issue committee to audiences on October 21, 2022. If you missed it, please find the recording of their introductory presentation here.
If you would like to join us in this very important work, please send an email to nomoredpows@wilpfus.org .
A Fridays for Future student demonstration in Hamburg, Germany, on 9/23/2022. Students took to the streets to strike and demand that their politicians act urgently to prevent further global warming. Klaus Cook / Shutterstock.
by Nancy Price, Co-chair, Earth Democracy Committee
Cindy Piester, WILPF International delegate to COP27
November 2022
The 27th annual UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties is taking place in Sharm El Sheikh, south of Cairo in Egypt, from November 6-18, 2022. WILPF US will have a presence at the meeting and we can show our support by creating or joining events here in the US!
The “COP27 Coalition” has called for a decentralized Global Day of Action on Saturday, November 12, organized in cities and towns across the globe, to help mobilize millions of people under a call for climate justice and bring movements together to build real power for systems change. They also asked civil society to organize people’s forums and other collective actions to demand effective action by their leaders and governments throughout the COP27 meetings.
How WILPF US Is Taking a Stand at COP27:
Decarbonize • END Militarization & War
Climate Justice Now for People & Planet
What COP27 Is All About
On September 15, 2022, civil society groups especially from Egypt, African countries, and the Arab world issued a call for a global mass mobilization of people everywhere to address the root cause of the climate crisis and other injustices, to take place around the world during COP27.
These groups launched the “COP27 Coalition” and invited civil society groups around the world to demand an end to climate and other injustices imposed by neo-colonialism, militarism and wars, patriarchy, global corporate capitalism, continued dependence on fossil fuels and extractivism, loss of biodiversity and more - and to demand an urgent response from governments and leaders to climate and other multiple linked crises.
As part of that invitation, they called for a decentralized Global Day of Action on Saturday, November 12th, and for other actions, to be organized in cities and towns across the globe during the COP.
The COP27 Coalition demands a “reset” of the multilateral system to address the scale of the challenge to keep global warming at or below 1.5 degrees C/2.7 degrees C as part of a wider agenda to address climate change.
Read about the COP 27 Coalition here including General Principles, Objectives and Key Areas of Work.
The COP 27 Demands Are:
Decolonize the Economy and Development
Repay Climate Debt and Deliver the Money
No False Solutions
Build Global Solidarity, Peace & Justice
Here’s the list of “thematic dialogues” during COP 27, each one on a specific day: Finance, Science, Youth & Future generations, Decarbonization, Adaptation & Agriculture, Gender, Water, Age and Civil Society, Energy, and Biodiversity.
Remember to Talk with Your Friends and Family
In the coming weeks, and all year round, remind your friends and family of the dangers and destruction caused by climate change.
As warming increases, we see these impacts:
WILPF US Section
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