President's Message
The month of June always signals the end of the League's program year, the time to reflect on progress we made on the priorities we established, and the beginning of a new year dedicated to making democracy work. That job is getting harder to do with each passing day, as states pass new laws restricting freedoms we once took for granted while Congress stalls on legislating to protect those rights and the Supreme Court sets aside settled law.
We fought long and hard to gain our civil rights, including voting rights and reproductive rights. Revoking these rights can rightfully be called an attack on democracy, freedom, and the right to privacy. We need to protect our right against government intervention in personal and family decisions, the scope of which is much broader than any expressly legislated right. I think we can find a much broader consensus regarding our ability to make personal, private decisions. That is the true exercise of freedom and self-determination.
Taking a Different Approach
I suggest that we change the narrative when advocating with those who most likely disagree with the League's positions on abortion, healthcare, and other issues. Disparaging tones and labels are completely counterproductive. How willing are you to listen when your beliefs and ideas are being attacked? It's worth thinking about another approach. Control the conversation by asking unbiased questions and, above all, by listening to the response. You may discover some common ground that offers an opening for a productive dialog. One possible question is, "Does my position affect only me, or does it affect you, too?" Remember, freedom means you have options to live your life as you choose as long as you are doing no harm to others.
Taking an open-minded approach is, of course, harder than ever when so much is happening that the urge to react is strong. We must position ourselves for a well-thought-out response to counterarguments, but at the same time, not defensive or accusatory ones. Let's arm ourselves not with pithy slogans that attack, but with a true understanding of what's at stake for all of us.
You can learn more about how to put this "different" approach into practice at the National Institute for Civil Discourse. It may not be your cup of tea. But I do think it is worth your consideration. It's important to have difficult conversations and to open minds, starting with our own. Your time will be well spent.
Start with the Annual Meeting and June Celebrations
As we mark the end of this League year, another key action to take is to attend the Annual Meeting! See the first page of this issue of the Voter. It contains links to everything you will need to prepare for this meeting. ALL members should attend. Whether you joined the League to advocate for voting rights, to support League positions, or simply to educate yourself on ballot issues, it's just as essential that you participate in the governance of our local League as it is that you vote for your representatives in local, state, and national government. Otherwise, we'll see another petty fiefdom take shape. Don't let it happen to us!
Finally, please remember to celebrate both LGBTQIA Pride Month and Juneteenth, celebrations that all freedom lovers must hold dear. Why do we go out of our way to honor such days? Because we all must have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and must protect those rights by fighting for them, even if we have to fight over and over again.
Now go forth and multiply an informed voter base!
Stay strong,
—Martha Y. Zavala
