Dear Members and Friends,

Dianna Wynn, President of LWVUS put out this message last evening:

As we reflect on the election, we hold multiple truths.

It was a fair, secure election marked by integrity, transparency, and high turnout. This is thanks to the dedication of election workers and civic volunteers nationwide; and
Women's future is unclear.

Given the sexist, racist rhetoric heard throughout this season, we are deeply concerned about the challenges women, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, and other communities will face in the next administration.

Like you, we are still processing. Yet as we move forward, we are holding on to two more truths:

1. We're thankful for the people who empowered millions of voters to make their voices heard, including League members nationwide; and

2. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for both women and our democracy.

For more, read my statement with LWV's CEO Celina Stewart, Esq..

We don't know exactly what will come next, but the League stands strong and ready to speak out against authoritarianism and defend democracy.

We are ready to face the future with your partnership.

In League,

Dianna Wynn

I had a conversation with Dianna the day before the election on the concerns of many about the harmful rhetoric and the need to call it out. I am pleased to see this stance.

I also believe we are uniquely positioned as a Non-partisan organization to be the bridge builders. A Democracy cannot survive if we all believe there is a chasm that cannot be crossed. There are various tools available to assist in breaking down political toxicity to foster collaboration across differences to find solutions…. Is that not what a healthy democracy is!

Here are some resources that may be helpful for navigating this moment in time.

“Your candidate won — or lost. Now what?” Jonathan Stray of Better Conflict Bulletin shares his thoughts on “How To Win and Lose an Election.”

Can we see each other? On a podcast, David Brooks argues that “seeing each other can combat polarization.” Listen now.

Anxiety about violence? Many Americans have concerns about the potential for political violence. Read Op-ed in The Hill

“Don’t destroy what you want to inherit.” Jacopo DeMarinis, a student in Peace and Conflict Studies, asks how we can build “a more united, peaceful country for our children to inherit?” Read his piece.

At times we must face the elephant in the room, seeing our own part in contributing to an issue. The starry sky early Wednesday morning reminded me that despite what I might think is unraveling before me, there is the possibility of something new being woven together in the interconnected web of life.

As always, I am available for your questions and concerns.

Kate