By Eileen Burke-Trent, LWVOR Events Chair
On February 20th I, along with others in Oregon, attended the LWVUS Zoom in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Selma protests. This seemed not as much about Selma, as how Selma may inspire us to the work we all face now: overcoming increasing and overt injustice; confronting false information and media manipulation; preventing attacks on our health; defending civil rights; fighting for economic stability; engaging in international relations; protecting our constitution; preserving the checks and balances which protect our democracy that inhibits the potential for fascist control; and so much more.
All these protections and more are being overtly and grossly attacked at this time. So many of us are frustrated but have no idea how to address issues that seem impossible to address.
I am so proud the League of Women Voters looks to become more “present” in their response to these issues of great urgency. As one of the foremost national and international leaders in demanding transparency, fairness, and truth in government, local and state Leagues can find guidance from the national League when they lend their own resolve and plans to address these issues of import and efforts at the local level.
At this Zoom event, there was a call to unify women’s groups and others concerned about the issues above - under the banner, purview, and guidelines of the League. This means local and state Leagues may be supported with information enabling us to reach out more assertively to the public at large and other organizations which may appreciate both our considered guidelines for action, and the great history of performance the League provides.
The call from the Selma and League meeting featured an inspired and serious request that we: “Call on our COURAGE.” “Be prepared to take RISKS.” Presenters stressed that just “TALKING never won a REVOLUTION.” We were asked to “CHALLENGE false information, and be prepared to LOSE friends by standing up to lies and injustice.” As the great John Lewis reminded us, “Fight injustice with LOVE.”
I am daily inspired by these calls to action, and by our progenitors, both men and women, who fought for human rights, worker’s rights, children’s rights, and women’s rights - all these and more centered on securing voting rights for women, not ratified until after decades of effort and sacrifice, August of 1920.
Our national and statewide efforts, and our 2025 Oregon State Convention, provide an opportunity to address these and other issues in our meetings through our guest speakers, our workshops, and caucuses…now in advanced planning stages.
I hope we will all work together in both the coming weeks and the coming years to answer the challenges facing us all. We shall need to step out of our comfort zones, take risks, protest, and exhibit the courage called for in these times, and may painfully need to make sacrifices while rising to the occasion.
Looking toward our local future, we need your commitment and volunteerism to work on the Oregon State Convention. Please do not hesitate to contact me, Eileen Burke-Trent, at eileen.lwv@gmail.com or by cell/text at 530-228-5557 to participate. Check out the website to register your attendance at www.lwvor.org and for forthcoming information.
I look forward to seeing ALL Oregon League members and leaders at the 2025 League of Women Voters of Oregon Convention May 2-4 in Salem, Oregon. We have a stimulating and power-packed weekend planned (with breaks for social time and getting to know each other), giving us all a great opportunity to work together to make a profound difference in our collective futures.
Stay strong. Think positive.
I will see you there!!
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