The Resisting Threats to Democracy project, underway since April, is seeking member feedback: Is the information we provide in the newsletter sufficient to guide you during this crisis? What additional information would you like? Please take a moment and contact Cynthia Stewart, with questions, feedback or for more information. 

Email Your Feedback

Feedback on Newsletter Ideas
At the Resisting Threats to Democracy workshop at the LWVWA Convention in June, we heard what those present would like to read in the weekly newsletter. Below is what was suggested. We'd value your feedback:

• How to participate in rallies and other events and still be nonpartisan (especially for new members)
• Guidance on partnering, co-sponsoring and collaborating with organizations like Indivisible
• Safety training for rallies and events
• Liability coverage needed for local Leagues sponsoring an event
• Appropriate messaging for demanding change while remaining nonpartisan

• Table at demonstrations and other events: Set up a civics/voter registration table and feature civics books, pocket-size Constitutions, voter registration forms, TRY brochures and other materials.
  
  
• Work with partners: Identify local partners to work with, especially expanding to include organizations with people of color. What can the LWVWA do to support you with this? (*Note the importance of maintaining our nonpartisan position while collaborating with other organizations.)
  
  
• Focus on ideas, not people.
  
  
• Use the Unite and Rise 8.5 advocacy materials, including the current Power Playbook.
  
  
• Adhere League labels to pocket Constitutions: We're seeking advice and permission from the ACLU to do this. If we can do this, it will be announced.
  
  
• Be nimble and able to respond quickly: The current administration issues new orders every day. We need to be able to respond with short notice to threats to democracy.
  
  
• Thank elected and other officials: The WA Attorney General's speech at Convention drew attention to the need for elected officials to speak out against threats and sue when necessary to preserve democracy. We should encourage and thank them when they do what's right for democracy.
  
  
• Double down on League policies and positions.
  
  
• Write an op-ed: As your local League, write an op-ed to re-introduce yourselves to the community. Explain what nonpartisanship means, and why what is happening is problematic. Focus on the rule of law and upholding the Constitution. (Attend the upcoming LWVWA workshop on this topic!)
  
  
• Have conversations across differences: Connect with organizations like Braver Angels, Urban Rural Action, and others to facilitate this. (*Note: To connect with Urban Rural Action, contact Kate Castenson.)
  
  
• Connect with people in your community who are moderates: Reach out to both elected officials and other who can be allies.
  
  
• Send physical letters to elected officials: These are often seen as more effective than electronic communication in persuading—handwritten letters and personal stories are also particularly effective.
  
  
• Use the guidelines and guidance from LWVUS: There are a number of resources available on the members-only League Management website, including resources on communication.
  
  
• Calculate the numbers needed in your community to make a difference: LWVUS notes that 3.5% of folks are needed to engage in nonviolent protest and civic activism to create meaningful change. What is 3.5% of your community? What does your local League represent relative to that number? Once you know, reach out to that many people to get more involved and engaged!
  
  
• Create signs: Use the signs at demonstrations or hold them up in high traffic areas. Set up a multi-day stand with quotes from the Constitution.
  
  
• Hold sign-painting parties: Get together and create effective signs/merch for events or to raise awareness of the League! Suggested messages and ideas are:
• • "My grandmother was an immigrant. How about yours?"
  • "We are the daughters of the witches they could not burn"
  • "Team human rights"
  • "Make USAID great again"
  • Create signs or t-shirts with Ruth Bader Ginsburg's photo
  • Create LWV stickers for signs to give the League more exposure
  • Bring extra signs to hand out at rallies
  • Bring LWV buttons and stickers to hand out at events
  • Include a QR code that directs folks to League info
  • Use "Be a Voter" buttons and stickers
• Appoint a local League point person for the LWVWA Resisting Threats to Democracy Team.
  
  
• Form affinity committees or other statewide collaborations.
  
  
• Build and establish partnerships with local media: This includes establishing a media liaison and setting up meetings with local media (Suggested messaging for the meetings: "We partner with you" in the fight for democracy.)
  
  
• Be more vocal in local media:
• • Write stories from the community;
  • Send news releases with League quotes and photos. Emphasize the issue is NOT partisan, it's about "right and wrong."
    
• Set up public webinars and programs and consider doing so monthly.
  
  
• Send postcards to voters in other parts of the country urging them to vote in upcoming elections.
  
  
• Use Constitution Day (Sept. 17): Celebrate our First Amendment rights! Identify potential partners; create a build-up with events and activities; note that immigrant rights are denied—they don't have freedom of speech now.
  
  
• Gather stories about how people are affected by the threats to democracy (especially from those who are immigrants). 
  
  
• Engage more actively with communities of color: Go to them, rather than asking them to join us. 
  
  
• Use high school contests: Create essay, poster, video, and other contests to engage students and the public.